Search Results (877)

Polyphenols are bioactive molecules that occur naturally in plants and exhibit a diverse array of properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects, all of which have been supported by numerous studies. They are categorized into four main groups: flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and lignans. Polyphenols demonstrate a wide range of health-promoting effects throughout human life, from the womb to old age. They can exert these effects by modulating signaling pathways, regulating gut microbiota, influencing gene expression, and regulating epigenetic pathways. This comprehensive review summarizes the evidence regarding polyphenol intake across various life stages, exploring their effects on immune function, cognitive development, cardiovascular health, and healthy aging. These findings highlight the potential role of polyphenol supplementation in supporting lifelong health. It also emphasizes the significant impact of polyphenols on mental health issues and obesity, which have become more prevalent in modern life. The review also highlights the distinct requirements for each age group, due to changes in metabolic and cellular functions, as well as the age-specific effects of polyphenols. Recent in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies were reviewed to evaluate the biological effects of polyphenols. In the current literature, there are limited studies that directly compare the effects of polyphenols specific to different life stages and comprehensively address the results. This review aims to provide a framework to guide future research by evaluating the effects of polyphenols used in early life, adulthood, and old age. Full article

Sesame meal possesses high crude protein content (40–50%), abundant methionine, and natural antioxidant components such as lignan compounds, making it a high-quality feed alternative to soybean meal in ruminant production. This study systematically evaluated the effects of completely replacing soybean meal with sesame meal in the diet on growth performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant activity, rumen fermentation parameters, and microbial composition in finishing beef cattle. The trial employed a completely randomised design, selecting 18 Angus bulls with similar initial body weights (566.7 ± 38.1 kg). Animals were randomly assigned to the SBM group (n = 9) and SSM group (n = 9), with a 7-day pre-trial period followed by a 96-day main trial period. Results indicate that replacing soybean meal with sesame meal significantly enhances the antioxidant capacity of fattening beef cattle. Catalase (CAT) activity markedly increased (p < 0.05), while glutathione peroxidase activity showed an upward trend (0.05 < p < 0.1). This improvement was accompanied by a substantial shift in rumen microbial composition, highlighted by a marked enrichment of beneficial bacteria including p_Verrucomicrobiota, p_Spirochaetota, g_CAG_352, norank_f_Lachnospiraceae, and g_Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, which collectively contributed to greater microbial complexity and stability. Regarding nitrogen metabolism, urinary nitrogen and serum urea nitrogen levels were significantly reduced in the sesame meal group (p < 0.05), indicating improved nitrogen utilization efficiency. Overall, completely replacing soybean meal with sesame meal in the diet of finishing beef cattle did not adversely affect growth and slaughter performance. It simultaneously significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity, reduced urinary nitrogen excretion, and lowered feed costs. These findings underscore the potential of sesame meal as a sustainable, nutritionally advantageous alternative for optimising beef cattle diets. Full article

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is one of the most important crops worldwide due to its nutritional and functional properties. Given the diversity of flax and its processed products, this review aimed to systematize and analyze data on their antioxidant properties, oxidative stability, and content of biologically active substances. The literature search was conducted using the following databases: Scopus and The Lens. This review examines the approaches to studying the antioxidant properties, oxidative stability, and content of biologically active substances of flax and its processed products, which are used in the food industry, highlighting the advantages and limitations of the methods employed. For the analysis of AOA and OS in flaxseeds and their processing products, the most common approach is the in vitro model. For AOA assessment, non-standardized methods such as DPPH^•, FRAP, and ABTS^•+ are most frequently used, while standard methods for determining OS (PV, AV, p-AnV, CDs, CTs, TBARSs, OSI) are employed. However, these parameters are integral and cannot fully explain the underlying processes. In our opinion, the most promising directions for further research are the standardization of methods for analyzing the antioxidant activity (AOA) of flaxseed and its processing products. Furthermore, expanding the methodological framework will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms of oxidative processes and how to inhibit them. An expanded set of AOA assessment methods will allow researchers not only to study the action of antioxidants but also to predict it. This is particularly relevant since the same antioxidant can exhibit both antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects. Full article

Larrea cuneifolia Cav. (common name: jarilla macho) is an endemic Argentinian medicinal shrub that has traditionally been used by the Diaguita-Calchaquí communities in the Monte Desert region in northwestern Argentina. The aim of the present study was to analyze the phytochemical profile and biological activity of the aerial parts of jarilla collected in different places throughout the year, in different seasons and times of day, to determine the optimal harvesting conditions for promoting its medicinal use. The aerial parts were collected three times a day over the course of four seasons in eight L. cuneifolia populations. The total phenolic compounds (TPCs), total flavonoid (TF) content, total lignans (TL), sugars (S) and soluble protein (SP) content were quantified by using spectrophotometric methods and HPLC-DAD. Antioxidant activity was determined by using ABTS scavenging. Significant seasonal, diurnal and spatial variations in the accumulation of TPC (52.61 to 113.52 mg GAE/g), TF (3.71 to 17.92 mg QE/g), TL (283 to 582 μg NDHGAE/g); S (5.73 to 15.17 mg GE/g) and SP (36.75 to 103.10 mg BSAE/g) in aerial parts of L. cuneifolia were revealed. The highest concentrations of TPC and TF were recorded in spring mornings. Maximum accumulation of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (291.8 ± 2.8 μg NDHGAE/mg dry weight) and other lignans were also observed in spring. Heat map analyses pinpoint Ampimpa (Site 1) as a site for jarilla sustainable harvesting, balancing high metabolite content with population abundance, especially in spring, when the highest antioxidant activity (SC₅₀ = 1.560 ± 0.021 μg GAE/mL) coincides with increased phenol levels. These studies highlight the importance of integrating ecological and phytochemical data to define harvesting strategies; collecting during spring mornings optimizes the yield of bioactive compounds, simultaneously minimizing ecological pressure. This study demonstrates how seasonal bioprospecting can inform pharmacological research and local development while safeguarding the endemic plant population. Full article

Sesame seed oil is a bioactive-rich lipid source, notable for lignans, tocopherols, and unsaturated fatty acids that underpin its antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. This study optimized two innovative, non-thermal extraction techniques—pulsed electric field (PEF) and ultrasound bath-assisted extraction (UBAE)—to maximize yield and preserve oil quality for functional food applications. A blocked definitive screening design combined with response surface methodology modeled the effects of energy power (X₁, 60–100%), liquid-to-solid ratio (X₂, 10–20 mL/g), and extraction time (X₃, 10–30 min) on fat content, DPPH antiradical activity, and oxidative stability indices (Conjugated Dienes, CDs/Conjugated Trienes, CTs). UBAE achieved the highest fat yield—59.0% at low energy (60%), high X₂ (20 mL/g), and short X₃ (10 min)—while PEF maximized DPPH to 36.0 μmol TEAC/kg oil at high energy (100%), moderate X₂ (17 mL/g), and short X₃ (10 min). CDs were minimized to 19.78 mmol/kg (UBAE, 60%, 10 mL/g, 10 min) and CTs to 3.34 mmol/kg (UBAE, 60%, 12 mL/g, 10 min). Partial least squares analysis identified X₂ and X₃ as the most influential variables (VIP > 0.8), with energy–time interplay (X₁ × X₃) being critical for antioxidant capacity. Compared to cold-pressing and Soxhlet extraction, PEF and cold-pressing retained higher antioxidant activity (~19 μmol TEAC/kg) and oxidative stability (TBARS ≤ 0.30 mmol MDAE/kg), while Soxhlet—though yielding 55.65% fat—showed the poorest quality profile (Totox value > 560). Both non-thermal techniques can deliver bioactive-rich sesame oil with lower oxidative degradation, supporting their application in functional foods aimed at improving dietary antioxidant intake and mitigating lipid oxidation burden. PEF at high energy/short time and UBAE at low energy/short time present complementary, scalable options for producing high-value edible oils aligned with human health priorities. As a limitation, we did not directly quantify lignans or tocopherols in this study, and future work will address their measurement and bioaccessibility. Full article

This narrative review systematically evaluates the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of Arctii Fructus lignans (from Arctium lappa L.) in managing diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. To ensure a comprehensive evidence synthesis, a systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang Data for publications between January 2000 and June 2024. Study selection was based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria focusing on lignan-specific antidiabetic effects and mechanistic insights. The accumulated evidence demonstrates that Arctii Fructus lignans exhibit multi-targeted pharmacological effects through several key mechanisms: (1) improving glucose homeostasis via α-glucosidase inhibition and AMPK/PI3K pathway activation; (2) protecting pancreatic β-cell function through anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic actions; and (3) mitigating diabetic complications by reducing oxidative stress, modulating TGF-β/VEGF signaling, and restoring autophagy balance. Notably, these lignans show particular efficacy in early-stage diabetes models, with reduced effectiveness in advanced stages featuring significant β-cell dysfunction, suggesting a critical therapeutic window for intervention. Future research should prioritize well-designed clinical trials using standardized extracts, investigations into structure–activity relationships, and exploration of synergistic effects within traditional formulations to advance the translational potential of these promising natural compounds. Full article

The fruits of Piper longum L. (long pepper), a spice and medicinal plant of the family Piperaceae, are widely used in South and Southeast Asian cuisine and traditional medicine, valued for their pungent flavor and aroma. The metabolomic profiling of P. longum using UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS provided a comprehensive chemical characterization of this traditional medicinal plant, revealing that lignans and amide alkaloids are the major classes of secondary metabolites. To further investigate its pharmacological potential, the bioactive ethyl acetate fraction was subjected to a SIRT1-targeted chemical investigation. This led to the isolation and structural elucidation of three previously undescribed compounds, a cadinene-type sesquiterpene (1) and two oxo-neolignan (2 and 5), along with four known compounds 3, 4, 6, and 7. Compounds (1–7) were evaluated for their ability to modulate p53-dependent transcriptional activity via SIRT1 activation using a luciferase reporter cell-based assay. SIRT1, a NAD⁺-dependent deacetylase, is a crucial regulator of longevity, metabolism, and cellular stress resistance, making it a key target for the treatment of age-related diseases. Compounds 2–7 exhibited significant SIRT1 activation, with compound 6 displaying particularly high efficacy, comparable to resveratrol, the most well-known natural SIRT1 activator. This study demonstrates that the discovery of novel chemical scaffolds through bioactivity-guided screening highlights the value of combining advanced metabolomics with pharmacological evaluation. The results support the traditional medicinal use of long pepper and its potential for development into functional foods or pharmaceuticals for healthy aging. Full article

Background: As a key contributor to metabolic disorders, obesity is recognized as a critical global health challenge. Adipocyte differentiation depends on the mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) phase, which is controlled by oxidative balance and transcription factors like C/EBPβ. Sesaminol, a lignan derived from Sesamum indicum, has potent antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate whether sesaminol suppresses adipogenesis by modulating ROS signaling, MCE, and the Nrf2-ARE pathway. Methods: In the early period of adipogenic induction, 3T3-L1 preadipocytes received treatment with sesaminol. Adipogenic development was evaluated through Oil Red O staining together with the assay of GPDH activity. Assays of cell proliferation and expression of cell cycle-related proteins, along with ROS measurement, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence, were performed to evaluate the effects on oxidative stress, transcriptional regulation, and AMPK-Nrf2 signaling. Results: Sesaminol significantly inhibited lipid accumulation and GPDH activity without cytotoxicity. It suppressed MCE by inhibiting DNA synthesis and reducing the expression of cyclin E1/E2 and CDK2. Sesaminol decreased C/EBPβ expression and its nuclear localization, resulting in lower levels of C/EBPα and PPARγ. It also reduced intracellular ROS, promoted nuclear translocation of Nrf2, and upregulated antioxidant genes HO-1 and GCLC. AMPK phosphorylation was concurrently enhanced. Conclusions: Sesaminol inhibits early adipogenesis by suppressing ROS-mediated MCE and activating the AMPK-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway, leading to downregulation of key adipogenic transcription factors. The present study supports the potential of sesaminol as an effective strategy for obesity prevention. Full article

Marine Aspergillus fungi, adapted to extreme marine environments (e.g., sediments, corals, mangroves), are prolific producers of structurally diverse secondary metabolites with significant bioactivities. This review comprehensively analyzes 340 novel natural products reported from 81 marine-derived Aspergillus strains over the past three years, classifying them into six major categories: alkaloids (31.2%), polyketides (29.4%), terpenoids, lignans, cyclopeptides, and others. Bioactivity assessments reveal broad therapeutic potential, including antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects. Notably, marine sediments constitute the primary source (25.9% of strains), followed by sponges and corals. The predominance of alkaloids and polyketides underscores their pharmacological relevance. These findings highlight marine Aspergillus as a critical resource for drug discovery, offering promising scaffolds for developing treatments against human diseases and agricultural pathogens. Full article

This study explored the relationship between endophytic bacterial communities and the accumulation of the bioactive lignan, magnolin, in the flower buds of three important species: Magnolia biondii, Magnolia denudata, and Magnolia liliiflora. We employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the diversity and composition of endophytic bacteria and used high-performance liquid chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) to quantify magnolin content. Our results revealed significant differences in bacterial diversity and community structure among the three host species, with Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria being the dominant phyla. Notably, the abundance of specific genera, such as Pseudomonas and Bacillus, showed a significant positive correlation with magnolin concentrations. These findings suggest a potential link between specific endophytic taxa and the biosynthesis of magnolin, providing novel insights for improving the medicinal value of Magnolia plants through microbial regulation. This research lays a foundation for future studies on harnessing endophytic microorganisms to enhance the production of valuable secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. Full article

Fungal laccases oxidize a wide range of substrates with a diverse spectrum of subsequent non-specific free radical reactions, leading to the production of unwanted byproducts. This work describes a unique recombinant alkaliphilic laccase from Paramyrothecium roridum VKM F-3565 capable of performing specific oligomerization of phenylpropanoids (precursors of natural lignin and lignans) in a neutral environment, thus preventing the reverse reaction of depolymerization which occurs in an acidic environment. The recombinant alkaliphilic laccase from P. roridum VKM F-3565 with a specific enzyme activity of about 154.0 U/mg (in the reaction with 1 mM ABTS) was obtained using a Komagataella phaffii transformant with a yield of 20 ± 1.5 mg/L. The recombinant laccase had an increased degree of N-glycosylation (MW = 97 kDa), higher pH optimum in reaction with phenylpropanoids and a decreased temperature optimum, compared to the wild-type laccase. The enzyme exhibited great resistance to surfactants and the EDTA in the neutral conditions rather than the acidic ones, whereas its tolerance to mono- and divalent-metal ions was high at acidic conditions. This work demonstrates the important role of N-glycosylation of the alkaliphilic laccase of P. roridum VKM F-3565 in its functional activity. The presence of pH-dependent reactions makes the studied laccase attractive for the phenylpropanoid oligomerization with the production of novel oligomeric phenylpropanoid derivatives for industrial and pharmacological purposes. Full article

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral infection affecting livestock. Although inactivated vaccines are commonly used, their effectiveness is limited by an immunity gap. Therefore, complementary antiviral strategies are required for effective control and prevention. Lignans, plant-derived compounds, have shown promising antiviral properties, yet their potential against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) remains underexplored. This study employed virtual screening to identify lignan compounds targeting viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (3D^pol). Six lignan compounds were selected for cytotoxicity and antiviral activity evaluation including pre-viral entry, post-viral entry, and protective effect assays. Antiviral activity assay showed that (-)-asarinin and sesamin exhibit potent inhibition effects in the post-viral entry with EC50 of 15.11 μM and 52.98 μM, respectively, using immunoperoxidase monolayer assay. Both compounds exhibited dose-dependent reduction in viral replication with significant suppression of negative-strand RNA production. Lignans’ ability to target FMDV 3D^pol was further confirmed using a cell-based FMDV minigenome assay. Among the tested lignans, (-)-asarinin demonstrated remarkable inhibition of GFP expression (IC50 value at 10.37 μM), while sesamin required a higher concentration for similar effects. In silico prediction revealed that these lignans preferentially bind to FMDV 3D^pol active site. These findings are the first to establish (-)-asarinin and sesamin as promising antiviral candidates against FMDV. Full article

Helicobacter pylori infects the human stomach and causes various gastrointestinal diseases. Saucerneol D is a type of lignan, which is a polyphenol compound that exists naturally in plants, and it is abundant in flaxseed, sesame seeds, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Saucerneol D is found in Saurus chinensis extract and has been reported to exert a variety of effects, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities. However, its antibacterial effect against H. pylori has not been reported; therefore, we analyzed the effect of saucerneol D on H. pylori in the present study. Changes in the expression of pathogenic factors and gene transcription in H. pylori were observed after treatment with saucerneol D using Western blotting and RT-PCR. It was confirmed that saucerneol D suppressed the growth of H. pylori by decreasing the expression of the genes dnaN and polA, which are required for bacterial replication. Saucerneol D also reduced the secretion of the major pathogenic toxin protein, CagA, by downregulating the expression of type IV secretion system-composing proteins. Furthermore, saucerneol D reduced ammonia production by inhibiting the expression of urease proteins, which are essential for the survival of H. pylori in the acidic gastric environment. Additionally, saucerneol D decreased the expression of flaB, potentially reducing motility. Finally, it was confirmed that the expression of the sabA gene, associated with cell adhesion, was reduced. These results suggest that saucerneol D inhibits the growth of H. pylori and the expression of several pathogenic factors, indicating that saucerneol D has an antimicrobial effect against H. pylori. Full article

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (S. chinensis) is a widely used medicinal plant whose therapeutic efficacy is closely linked to its lignan content. While previous studies have focused on soil fertility and cultivar variation, the interplay among soil nutrients, rhizosphere microbiota, and lignan accumulation remains poorly understood. This study investigated S. chinensis grown across 20 cultivation sites to elucidate the relationships among soil nutrient profiles, fruit lignan composition, and rhizosphere microbial communities. Six major lignans were quantified using HPLC, soil nutrients were analyzed via standard chemical assays, and rhizosphere bacterial communities were profiled using 16S rRNA sequencing. Multivariate analyses revealed significant variation in soil properties and lignan content across sites. Notably, available phosphorus, organic matter, and total nitrogen showed strong correlations with specific lignan compounds. From the top 50 taxa ranked by relative abundance at the genus level, 18 bacterial genera associated with lignan components were identified. Among them, Mycobacterium, Arthrobacter, Haliangium, Bacillus, Sphingomonas, Rhodanobacter, Ellin6067, Bradyrhizobium, Pseudolabrys, Chujaibacter, Gemmatimonas, Bryobacter, MND1, Candidatus Sollbacter, Gaiella, Paenibacillus, RB41, and Candidatus_Udaeobacter were significantly associated with lignan levels, suggesting potential microbial involvement in lignan biosynthesis. These findings provide insights into the ecological factors shaping the medicinal quality of S. chinensis and offer a foundation for targeted cultivation and breeding strategies. Full article

Camellia oleifera, a member of the Theaceae family and belonging to the Camellia Linn species, is a plant utilized for edible oil production and medicinal value. Its fruit is abundant in various bioactive compounds, including triterpene saponins, flavonoids, lignans, fatty acids, sterols, polysaccharides, and numerous other chemical constituents. Among these, triterpene saponins and flavonoids serve as the primary active ingredients. The pharmacological effects of C. oleifera fruits are diverse, encompassing anti-tumor properties, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity, lipid-lowering capability, anti-fungal property, and neuroprotective function. In recent years, this area has garnered significant attention from scholars both domestically and internationally. This article reviews the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of C. oleifera fruits, aiming to provide a comprehensive reference for further research and development. Additionally, it offers a scientific foundation and innovative insights for clinical applications and the identification of relevant bioactive components. Full article