Search Results (891)

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is a defence-related phytohormone that triggers metabolic reprogramming in grapevines and modulates pathways associated with stress responses and secondary metabolism. However, the temporal organisation of leaf metabolic responses following MeJA elicitation remains insufficiently characterised. In this study, an untargeted metabolomic approach based on UPLC-QTOF-MS was applied to investigate the time-resolved metabolic response of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Tempranillo leaves following foliar application of 10 mM MeJA under controlled greenhouse conditions. Leaf samples were collected at 0, 3, 6, 18, 24, and 48 h post-treatment. After quality filtering, 2552 metabolite features were detected, of which 40 discriminant features met stringent statistical criteria (maximum fold change ≥ 2 and p ≤ 0.05). Putative annotation according to Metabolomics Standards Initiative guidelines (MSI levels 2–3) revealed modulation of several metabolite classes, including carbohydrate-derived conjugates, terpenoid-related metabolites, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, and flavonoid-associated compounds. Temporal profiling revealed structured and non-monotonic metabolic responses characterised by rapid early changes between 3 and 6 h, followed by delayed accumulation patterns peaking around 24 h. Early phases were mainly associated with carbohydrate-related metabolites, suggesting rapid redistribution of carbon resources after elicitor perception. These results indicate that MeJA-induced metabolic adjustment in Tempranillo leaves occurs through temporally differentiated response phases rather than a uniform metabolic shift, providing a time-resolved metabolomic framework for interpreting elicitor-driven defence responses in grapevine. Full article

This study investigates the effects of extraction technique, solvent type, and geographical origin on the recovery of bioactive compounds from Arbutus unedo L. leaves collected from two Croatian islands (Vis and Mali Lošinj) and extracted using conventional, Soxhlet, and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with green solvents (distilled water, 70% ethanol, and ethyl acetate). Extracts were purified and characterized by thin-layer chromatography, column chromatography, and FTIR spectroscopy. Total phenols, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols, condensed tannins, and antioxidant capacity were quantified spectrophotometrically. Solvent type had the greatest influence, with 70% ethanol yielding the highest levels of bioactives and antioxidant capacity. Geographical origin significantly affected total phenolics and condensed tannins, with leaves from Vis outperforming those from Mali Lošinj. UAE was slightly more efficient than conventional and Soxhlet methods, particularly for thermolabile phenolics. Machine learning algorithms were applied as exploratory tools, using total phenols as a proxy variable to estimate selected bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity based on extraction parameters. Decision Tree and Gradient Boosting models showed high goodness of fit within the experimental dataset (R² > 0.91). These results support the potential of green extraction strategies combined with data-driven screening for the valorization of A. unedo leaf extracts, while highlighting the need for further validation prior to industrial application. Full article

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) regulates plant metabolism. This study examined its effect on the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites in Baccharis conferta, a medicinal plant rich in phenolics and terpenes. Plants were elicited with 25 µM and 250 µM H₂O₂. Phenolic changes were evaluated by total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity, and LC-MS analysis of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids. Meanwhile, terpene changes were evaluated by HPTLC, total terpene content (TTC), and expression of the 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (Bco-DXS1) gene. H₂O₂ markedly modulated both pathways. Phenolic metabolism was activated, particularly under 25 µM H₂O₂, with PAL activity increasing by 52%, TPC by 42%, and TFC by 50% relative to the control. Chemical analysis revealed that five compounds, including chlorogenic acid, differed significantly across treatments. Gene expression analysis showed that 25 µM H₂O₂ upregulated Bco-DXS1 and increased TTC, whereas 250 µM H₂O₂ repressed gene expression but still enhanced terpene accumulation. Overall, these results suggest that moderate H₂O₂ levels function as a signaling molecule in B. conferta, simultaneously boosting phenolic and terpene pathways. This highlights controlled H₂O₂ elicitation as an effective biotechnological approach to increase the production of valuable metabolites in medicinal plant cultures. Full article

To date, the phytochemical composition of the aerial parts of Nanophyton iliense U.P. Pratov has not been comprehensively investigated. In the present study, qualitative metabolite profiling of the methanolic extract of the aerial parts was performed using liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-QToF-MS) operating in both positive and negative electrospray ionization modes. A total of 81 metabolites were tentatively identified based on accurate mass measurements, MS/MS fragmentation patterns obtained in all-ion MS/MS mode, and comparison with previously reported literature data. The detected compounds included hydroxycinnamic acid amides, phenolic acids, flavonoids (including glycosides), amino acids, organic acids, sulfated derivatives, and nucleosides. Among them, the flavonoid narcissin (isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside) was isolated from the extract, and its structure was confirmed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy supported by COSY, HSQC, and HMBC experiments. Additionally, a compound with the molecular formula C₁₇H₁₄O₅ was detected; however, its structure could not be conclusively established based on the available spectroscopic data and is therefore reported as an unidentified metabolite. The present study provides the first systematic qualitative characterization of the metabolite profile of N. iliense and establishes a foundation for future quantitative and bioactivity-oriented investigations of this species. Full article

Onosma sintenisii Hausskn. ex Bornm. is an endemic species of Türkiye whose phytochemical composition and biological activities remain insufficiently characterized at the organ level. The present study aimed to investigate organ-specific phenolic profiles and associated antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of O. sintenisii. Ultrasonic-assisted methanolic extracts obtained from flowers, leaves, stems, and roots were analyzed using validated LC–ESI–MS/MS, and their biological potential was evaluated through multiple in vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelation) as well as enzyme inhibition tests against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. The results revealed pronounced organ-dependent variation in both phenolic composition and bioactivity. Rosmarinic acid was identified as the major phenolic compound in all organs, with the highest concentration detected in root extracts, which also exhibited the strongest antioxidant capacity and the most potent α-glucosidase inhibition. Flavonoid glycosides were predominantly accumulated in aerial parts. Correlation analysis demonstrated that hydroxycinnamic acids, particularly rosmarinic acid, are the main contributors to antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory effects. These findings indicate that O. sintenisii, especially its roots, represents a promising natural source of multifunctional phenolic compounds with potential pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl., a species native to the Western Mediterranean, is valued for its bioactive compounds and beneficial biological properties. Commonly propagated in greenhouses, it may benefit from exposure to tailored light-emitting diode (LED) light to enhance antioxidant defense and metabolite production. This study examined the effects of various spectra on two S. lavandulifolia ecotypes from southeastern Spain. Plants were propagated in vitro and grown for 30 days under white, red, blue, red/blue (70:30), white/blue, or white/red LED light, under a 16/8 h light/dark photoperiod (light intensity of 115 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹). Photosynthetic pigments, enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase and catalase), non-enzymatic antioxidants (tocopherols and polyphenols), antioxidant capacity (FRAP and DPPH^•), and lipid peroxidation (MDA) were assessed. In ecotype 1, red LED light significantly increased the content of photosynthetic pigments and non-enzymatic antioxidants while reducing enzymatic antioxidant activity. In contrast, ecotype 2 showed higher catalase and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity under white/blue light, without changes in pigment content. In both ecotypes, these treatments increased α-tocopherol and hydroxycinnamic acid derivative content, strengthening antioxidant defenses without inducing oxidative damage. Overall, the results highlight the need to customize LED light spectra for each ecotype, as genetic background may significantly influence plant responses. Full article

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), the causal agent of black rot, has a significant impact on cabbage production worldwide. The goal of this research was to evaluate the effect of preventive foliar treatments with Bacillus velezensis strain RD-FC 88 on the primary and secondary metabolism of Xcc-infected cabbage cv. Futoški plants. Special attention was given to measuring metabolites’ changes, aiming to determine the influence of the applied biocontrol treatment on the development of plant immune response and resistance to pathogen. This study reports the first comprehensive biochemical and physiological analysis of the interaction between host plant, biocontrol strain and pathogen, thus providing novel insight into black rot management. Pathogen inoculation caused a significant decrease in the majority of measured metabolites, including most free amino acids (Gln, Ala, BCAA), phenolics, and glucosinolates. Preventive application of B. velezensis strain in Xcc-infected plants restored the levels of aromatic amino acids, Asp, Glu, Leu, Val, and Ala to control values. A similar pattern was observed in aliphatic glucosinolates sinigrin and glucoiberin, as well as for the indolic glucosinolate 4-methoxy-glucobrassicin. Additionally, increased accumulation of hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and kaempferol derivatives was also observed in the plants treated with the biocontrol strain and subsequently infected with Xcc, compared to plants solely infected with Xcc. The obtained results imply that the RD-FC 88 strain holds potential as an efficient priming agent, capable of stimulating cabbage cv. Futoški defense responses and enhancing its resistance to Xcc. Full article

With rising global temperatures, biostimulants might be a promising tool to alleviate plant stress and support adaptation. The potential of fresh (FBP) and lyophilized (LBP) banana peel aqueous extracts as biostimulants for protecting broccoli from high temperature (HT) stress was analyzed. Spectrophotometric and statistical analyses revealed that BP affected broccoli phytochemistry in a temperature-dependent manner. Under room temperature (RT), FBP and LBP decreased glucosinolates (−15% and −25%, respectively). Conversely, FBP increased flavonols and proanthocyanidins (141% and 202%, respectively). Under RT, LBP decreased sugars in broccoli (−27%). FBP had stronger effects at HT than at RT, further boosting phenolics (70%), flavonoids (89%), tannins (31%), and hydroxycinnamic acids (64%), and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) (10%). LBP also increased flavonoids (39%), flavonols (95%), and hydroxycinnamic acids (45%) under HT. Both FBP and LBP increased glucosinolates (47% and 46%, respectively) in HT-grown broccoli. HT significantly affected glucosinolates, decreased them in control plants, and increased them in BP-treated plants. All HT-grown plants had higher soluble sugars and lower hydrogen peroxide than RT-grown plants. Principal component analysis confirmed greater biochemical diversity under HT. Temperature–BP interaction significantly affected flavonoids and glucosinolates, highlighting the central role of environmental temperature in determining biostimulant outcomes. These findings suggest that global warming may markedly alter biostimulant efficacy and should be considered in their development. Full article

In line with sustainability goals, biological alternatives to chemical fumigants are increasingly in demand to support intensive baby leaf lettuce cultivation systems. This study evaluated the combined effects of soil disinfestation strategies and foliar biostimulants on crop performance and nutritional quality. With the aim of evaluating the interactive effects of biofumigation and the application of Trichoderma spp., Ascophyllum nodosum extract, and vegetable protein hydrolysate, an experiment was conducted under controlled growing conditions, integrating microbial and foliar treatments on two lettuce cycles. Soil microbial load, plant biometric traits, ionic profiles, antioxidant activity, and polyphenolic compounds were quantified. Biofumigation induced a marked recovery of bacterial populations, while both soil treatments resulted in sustained fungal suppression and the absence of detectable Fusarium spp. Biofumigation consistently increased fresh and dry biomass, highlighting its dual sanitizing and fertilizing role. Foliar biostimulants, particularly vegetable protein hydrolysate, significantly enhanced dry matter accumulation, reduced nitrate concentration, and improved cation uptake. Antioxidant activity and phenolic metabolism were strongly stimulated by Trichoderma spp. and protein hydrolysate, with significant synergistic effects on key hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids. These findings indicate that integrating biological soil disinfestation with foliar biostimulation improves yield stability and nutritional quality, supporting a sustainable framework for high-value baby leaf lettuce production. Full article

Among the most important species of Ficus L. genus are F. deltoidea, F. exasperata, F. sycomorus, F. religiosa, F. microcarpa, F. hirta Vahl., F. benghalensis, F. racemosa, F. elastica, and F. carica. The genus has more than 30 traditional ethnomedicinal uses, attributed to the combination of different bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, (flavanols, flavones, flavonols, isoflavones, chalcones, anthocyanins), phenolic acids (hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids), terpenes (triterpenes, tetraterpenes, diterpenes, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes), phytosterols, coumarins, hydroxybenzoates, phenylpropanoids, chlorins, pheophytins, megastigmans, chitinases, organic acids, fatty acids, amino acids, alkaloids, and glycosides. With this in mind, the objective of this manuscript was to conduct a scientific search in the main electronic databases (PubMed, SciELO, Latindex, Redalyc, BiologyBrowser, ScienceResearch, ScienceDirect, World Wide Science, Web of Science, Academic Journals, Etnobotany, Scopus, and Google Scholar) to gather information on published research regarding the genoprotective potential of the Ficus L. genus. Unlike most scientific articles, which primarily describe the individual characteristics and properties of each species, this document compiles the largest number of studies (in vitro and in vivo) on Ficus plants described by different authors. Thus, we aim to promote more detailed scientific research and expand studies on the protective capacity of these angiosperm plants to the genetic material. Full article

Drought stress severely compromises the physiological integrity and secondary metabolism of medicinal plants. This study integrated physiological, biochemical, and ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analyses to investigate the effects of exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on drought-stressed Ilex rotunda seedlings. Drought reduced relative water content by 29% and chlorophyll by >50%, while elevating H₂O₂ (76%) and malondialdehyde (120%). MeJA application mitigated these impairments, reducing oxidative markers by 25% and enhancing non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity, as shown by a 74% increase in DPPH radical scavenging activity and a 141% rise in total phenolic content. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and pathway mapping confirmed a significant reprogramming of the phenolic metabolome, particularly within phenylpropanoid and benzoate biosynthesis pathways. Drought + MeJA-treated plants exhibited a distinct and enriched profile compared to both well-watered control and drought-stressed groups. This reprogramming specifically elevated key hydroxycinnamates, including verbascoside and neochlorogenic acid (increased by 50% and 52%, respectively), while suppressing alternative phenolic branches. These findings demonstrate that MeJA orchestrates a shift from enzymatic scavenging to a potent metabolite-based antioxidant system, positioning it as an effective elicitor for enhancing drought resilience and enriching the high-value phytochemicals in I. rotunda. Full article

Orange processing generates large amounts of waste orange peels (WOPs), which are a valuable source of bioactive polyphenols. This study investigated the use of mild (urea) and strong (sodium hydroxide) alkaline catalysts to enhance polyphenol extraction via an ethanol-based organosolv process. First, the two catalysts were evaluated in terms of process performance, extraction kinetics, and treatment severity. Subsequently, response surface methodology was applied to optimize the conditions, and the obtained extracts were characterized for their polyphenolic profile and antioxidant activity. The sodium hydroxide (SoHy)-catalyzed treatment, using 70% ethanol as solvent, was the most effective, yielding 33.4 ± 1.7 mg of total polyphenols (as gallic acid equivalents) per gram of dry mass. For both catalysts tested, the yield followed a severity-dependent linear model. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry of extracts produced under optimized conditions showed that hesperidin was the predominant polyphenolic constituent, but the SoHy-catalyzed treatment resulted in the generation of three novel compounds, tentatively identified as ethyl esters of p-coumaric, ferulic and sinapic acids. Such an effect was not observed in the extracts produced with the urea (Ur)-catalyzed treatment. This compositional modification was reflected on both the antiradical activity and ferric-reducing power, which were found to be significantly enhanced in the extracts produced via the SoHy-catalyzed treatment. These findings highlight how treatment conditions can be tuned to modify the polyphenolic composition of WOP extracts and reinforce antioxidant activity. Such insights could support the development of WOP valorization strategies within integrated biorefineries. Full article

N-cinnamoyl anthranilic acids are synthesized in a single, eco-friendly step by condensing various cinnamic acids with free 2-aminobenzoic acid derivatives using the mixed carbonic anhydride method. Subsequently, converting the resulting N-cinnamoyl anthranilic acids into their corresponding mixed carbonic anhydrides rapidly and efficiently affords 2-styryl-benzo[d][1,3]oxazin-4-ones. The method employs green solvents, such as acetone and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran; does not require metal catalysts or reflux conditions; and yields the desired final products without chromatographic purification. Full article

Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) is an underutilized Mediterranean wild fruit recognized as a valuable source of bioactive phenolic compounds with potential applications in food and nutraceutical formulations. Despite growing interest in sustainable extraction approaches, systematic comparisons of green extraction technologies for blackthorn phenolic recovery remain limited, particularly for North African ecotypes. In this study, four non-conventional green extraction techniques, pressurized liquid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and Ultra-Turrax-assisted extraction, were compared for the recovery of phenolic compounds from Algerian blackthorn fruits under method-specific controlled conditions. Total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and condensed tannins were quantified, together with antioxidant capacity evaluated using multiple complementary assays. Pressurized liquid extraction yielded the highest total phenolic compound content (21.89 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight) and flavonoid content (8.18 mg catechin equivalents/g dry weight), while microwave-assisted extraction showed the highest anthocyanin recovery (3.19 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/g dry weight). Antioxidant capacity values obtained by different assays showed comparable trends for pressurized liquid extraction and microwave-assisted extraction. The extract obtained by the most effective method was further evaluated for antimicrobial activity, showing selective inhibitory effects against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Bacillus subtilis. Chemical characterization by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry revealed a profile dominated by flavonoids, mainly quercetin derivatives, and hydroxycinnamic acids. Overall, these findings highlight pressurized liquid extraction as a promising green technology for the valorization of blackthorn fruits as sources of phenolic compounds for food-related applications. Full article

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) use has increased over the past decades. However, reports concerning ART’s low efficiency continue to emerge, citing causes related to lower embryo quality and pregnancy rates compared to their in vivo counterparts. One of the setbacks of ART is oxidative stress, which can impair embryo developmental rates. Mitochondrial redox and energetic homeostasis determine both cell survival and death, so mitochondria are a key target for therapeutic intervention strategies. In the present work, our objective was to improve the quality of viable embryos by adding new mitochondria-targeted antioxidants in the embryo culture media to reduce oxidative stress. Two naturally derived antioxidants synthesized by our team, AntiOxBEN₂ and AntiOxCIN₄, based on hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic scaffolds, respectively, were studied in two different experimental protocols (here called experiments). The first experiment investigated the effects of the antioxidants on embryo development to determine their optimal concentrations. The first assay of the first experiment focused on the effects of AntiOxCIN₄ at concentrations of 1, 2.5, and 10 μM, while the second assay focused on the effects of AntiOxBEN₂ at the same concentrations. A control group without supplementation was run simultaneously. The second experiment aimed to compare the best concentrations of these antioxidant molecules in the embryo culture media and their effect on embryos’ resistance to vitrification/warming. In each experiment, the embryos were morphologically evaluated, and the total and viable cell numbers were examined. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial polarization were also evaluated using specific fluorescent dyes. In experiment 1, an increased embryo quality was identified by using 2.5 μM AntiOxCIN₄ (p = 0.03) and 2.5 μM AntiOxBEN₂ (p = 0.001). Moreover, blastocysts supplemented with 2.5 μM AntiOxCIN₄ had higher viability (p = 0.008), while those supplemented with 2.5 μM AntiOxBEN₂ presented a greater total cell number (p = 0.01). An improvement in embryo cryosurvival following the supplementation during the culture process with either antioxidant was identified in experiment 2, with superior expansion scores after vitrification/warming and culture (2.5 μM AntiOxCIN₄, p = 0.056 and 2.5 μM AntiOxBEN₂, p = 0.059). In conclusion, both AntiOxCIN₄ and AntiOxBEN₂ had a beneficial effect on embryo development and cryosurvival, suggesting a potential intervention to reduce oxidative stress in assisted reproductive technologies. Full article