Search Results (522)

Although not major crops, Cornaceae species, the dogwood family, are common in most continents and used primarily as ornamental crops, though some are used for food as well. In the present study, tocochromanol–tocopherol (T) and tocotrienol (T3)–contents were analyzed in the seeds of twenty-four Cornus species belonging to six Cornus subgenera. Given the substantial number of samples included in this study, we applied a fast extraction protocol using an ethanol and ultrasound treatment and systematically compared its performance with that of a conventional alkaline saponification method. Total tocochromanol content ranged from 0.78 to 21.63 mg 100 g⁻¹ dry weight (dw) seeds in C. kousa and C. controversa, respectively. The highest mean total tocochromanol content was (16.70 ± 5.28 mg 100 g⁻¹ dw), followed by C. nuttallii (12.96 mg 100 g⁻¹ dw) and C. sanguinea (9.10 ± 2.47 mg 100 g⁻¹ dw). The major tocochromanols in the seeds were γ-T3 (up to 93% in C. rugosa), α-T (up to 98% in C. mas) and γ-T (up to 60% in C. controversa). Tocochromanol composition was strongly subgenus-dependent. The applied sustainable solvent–ethanol and ultrasound-treatment approach for the extraction of tocochromanols demonstrated the suitability of this method for screening daily Cornus species seed samples and potential extraction. Full article

Several members of the Rutaceae (citrus) family are widely cultivated and processed. Tocopherol (T) synthesis and composition are well-documented, while tocotrienols (T3) in most plant families remain underreported. To amend this, mass screening of Rutaceae species’ seed tocochromanols were analysed. Of the 53 analysed species, seed tocochromanols were tocotrienol-dominated in 22 species, including a majority of species Zanthoxyloideae (Choisya, Dictamnus, Melicope, Ptelea, Skimmia, Tetradium, Zanthoxylum) and the Cneoroideae (Cneorum) subfamily. Total tocochromanol content ranged from 0.20–25.98 mg 100 g⁻¹ dry weight (dw) seeds. The highest tocochromanol content was observed in Murraya paniculata, Ruta graveolens seeds, the highest tocotrienol (T3) content was observed in Skimmia anquetilia and Dictamnus albus—19.80 and 19.70 mg 100 g⁻¹ dw, respectively. The major tocochromanols in the seeds were γ-T and γ-T3, while others were present in low concentration or absent. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA), principal component analysis (PCA) and non-hierarchal cluster analysis (N-HCA) identified similar tocochromanol content trends in the Rutoideae subfamily species and the Bergera and Murraya genus, while the Zanthoxyloideae subfamily species’ seed tocochromanol composition was highly variable. The efficient extractability of tocochromanols using sustainable solvent–ethanol is demonstrating suitability of this approach for daily samples screening and bioactive extraction. Full article

Excessive fluoride exposure induces developmental neurotoxicity, but effective preventive strategies are currently scarce. Melatonin (Mel), a lipophilic hormone secreted by the pineal gland, exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This study aimed to explore Mel’s protective effect and mechanism against fluoride-induced developmental brain injury. We employed a network pharmacology approach to screen the common targets of Mel and fluoride-induced brain injury and performed enrichment analysis. A total of 189 common targets were identified, and these targets were mainly enriched in the HIF-1 signaling pathway and oxidative stress-related pathways. In vivo, Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to perinatal sodium fluoride (NaF) exposure with/without Mel; in vitro, HT22 cells were subjected to NaF and/or Mel. The results showed that Mel improved cognitive impairments and alleviated structural damage to hippocampal neurons and mitochondria. Furthermore, Mel upregulated SIRT3 and downregulated HIF-1α, thereby restoring mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and ATP content. This study demonstrates that Mel alleviates fluoride-induced developmental neurotoxicity by improving mitochondrial function through regulating the SIRT3/HIF-1α signaling pathway. This not only offers a novel perspective for elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms of fluoride-induced developmental neurotoxicity but also provides a theoretical foundation for Mel as a potential protective candidate against fluoride exposure. Full article

Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and endogenous antioxidant capacity, is a key etiological factor in numerous pathologies, including neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. The limited clinical efficacy of conventional antioxidants is primarily due to their insufficient accumulation within the mitochondria, the main site of intracellular ROS generation. This article reviews the design and application of Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidants, which represent a major advance in precision medicine. The design of these compounds involves linking an antioxidant “payload” to a lipophilic cation, such as the triphenylphosphonium group. This positive charge leverages the negative electrochemical gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane to drive the antioxidant into the organelle. This mechanism allows the drug to reach concentrations over 100 times higher than non-targeted alternatives. The discussion encompasses the structure-activity analysis of the carrier, the payload (e.g., quinone derivatives), and the linker, which determine optimal subcellular partitioning and scavenging efficiency. Preclinical data highlight the therapeutic potential of this approach, showing strong neuroprotection in models of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, as well as improved outcomes in cardiovascular and ocular health. By restoring redox balance specifically within the mitochondria, these targeted therapies offer a more effective way to treat chronic oxidative damage. Full article

Background/Objectives: Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) processing generates substantial quantities of rind, seeds, and residual pulp that are typically discarded despite being rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, polar lipids, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. These amphiphilic bioactives are increasingly recognized for their roles in modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and platelet activation; however, the lipid fraction of watermelon by-products remains insufficiently characterized. This study examined organic watermelon juice and its by-products to isolate, characterize, and evaluate extracts enriched in amphiphilic and lipophilic bioactives, with emphasis on their in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic properties. Methods: total lipids were extracted using a modified Bligh–Dyer method and fractionated into total amphiphilic compounds (TAC) and total lipophilic compounds (TLC) via counter-current distribution. Phenolic and carotenoid levels were quantified, and antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Anti-platelet and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated against ADP- and PAF-induced platelet aggregation. Structural characterization of polar lipids was performed using ATR–FTIR, and LC–MS was used to determine fatty acid composition and phospholipid structures. Results and Discussion: Carotenoids were primarily concentrated in the TLC fractions with high ABTS values for antioxidant activity, while phenolics mostly in the juice, the TACs of which showed the strongest total antioxidant capacity based on DPPH. TAC fractions of both samples showed also higher FRAP values of antioxidant activity, likely due to greater phenolic content. TAC extracts also exhibited notable inhibition of PAF- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation, associated with their enriched ω-3 PUFA profiles and favorable ω-6/ω-3 ratios based on their LC-MS profiles. Conclusions: Overall, watermelon products (juice) and by-products represent a valuable and sustainable source of amphiphilic bioactives with significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-platelet potential, supporting their future use in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetic applications. Full article

NMR spectroscopy enables the study of complex mixtures, including plant extracts. The interpretation of specific ranges of ¹H NMR spectra allows for the determination of polyphenolic compound, sugar, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles. The main goal of ¹H NMR analyses of plant extracts is to identify the unique “fingerprint” of the material being studied. The aim of this study was to determine the metabolomic profile and antioxidant activity of various Lavandula angustifolia (Betty’s Blue, Elizabeth, Hidcote, and Blue Mountain White) and Lavandula × intermedia cultivars (Alba, Grosso, and Gros Bleu) grown in Poland. Modern green chemistry extraction methods (supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)) were used to prepare the lipophilic and hydrophilic extracts, respectively. The secondary metabolite profiles were determined using the diagnostic signals from ¹H NMR and HPLC-DAD analyses. These metabolomic profiles were used to illustrate the differences between the different lavender and lavandin cultivars. The HPLC-DAD analysis revealed that both lavender species have similar polyphenolic profiles but different levels of individual compounds. The extracts from L. angustifolia were characterized by higher phenolic acid and flavonoid contents, while the extracts from L. × intermedia had a higher coumarin content. Diagnostic ¹H NMR signals can be used to verify the authenticity and origin of plant extracts, and identify directions for further research, providing a basis for applications such as in cosmetics. Full article

Chronic sleep deprivation (CSD) disrupts redox homeostasis and enhances neuroinflammatory activation, contributing to progressive cognitive impairment. Propyl gallate (PG), a lipophilic ester of gallic acid with established antioxidant activity, has not been investigated in the context of prolonged sleep deprivation. The current study examined whether PG alleviates CSD-induced oxidative imbalance, inflammatory activation, and associated behavioral deficits. Male ICR mice were subjected to 14 days of CSD using a rolling-drum apparatus and received oral PG (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) or Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE, 40 mg/kg). Behavioral outcomes were assessed through a battery of tests, including the open-field, novel-object recognition, step-through, and Morris water maze paradigms. Oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers were assessed in serum and hippocampus, and Western blotting quantified the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2). PG improved CSD-induced impairments in exploration, recognition memory, and spatial learning; restored antioxidant capacity; reduced lipid peroxidation; enhanced Nrf2-associated antioxidant signaling; and suppressed NF-κB-mediated inflammatory activation. These findings indicate that PG alleviates cognitive deficits induced by CSD through the modulation of redox homeostasis and neuroinflammatory responses, supporting its potential as an antioxidant derivative under chronic sleep-deprivation conditions. Full article

Prunus spinosa L. is a shrub with nutritional potential, yet limited information is available on the composition of its stone fruit and leaves. This study aimed to investigate and compare the macro and micronutrients, fatty acid profile, and lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant compounds in fruits and leaves, as well as their potential functional properties. The results revealed that leaves contain higher crude protein (10.94%) than fruits (6.46%) but lower crude fiber (13.86% compared to 22.16%). The iron (370.37 mg/kg) and manganese (43.57 mg/kg) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in leaves than in fruits (44.87 versus 7.02 mg/kg). The fruits’ lipid profile was rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (56.8%), whereas the leaves showed higher saturated fatty acids (38.3%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (43.7%). The leaves also presented significantly higher n-3 content (25.2%) compared with fruits (1.80%). The antioxidant compounds were higher in the leaves, with total vitamin E exceeding 1268 mg/kg, primarily α-tocopherol (1214.98 mg/kg) isoform, lutein (409.38 mg/kg), and astaxanthin (3.74 mg/kg), compared with only 74.75 mg/kg total vitamin E in the fruits. The total hydroxycinnamic polyphenols in leaves were 92.63% higher in leaves than in fruits, with anthocyanins at 63.23% and flavonols at 95.82%. Although the leaves demonstrated superior antioxidant potential and mineral content compared to the fruits, making it a promising candidate for nutraceutical and functional food applications, the fruits maintained a healthier lipid profile suitable for dietary fat intake. This comparative analysis highlights the distinct nutritional and bioactive composition of Prunus spinosa co-products. Full article

Cerrado fruits are rich sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. However, it remains unclear whether the complexes of non-conventional starch with extracts from these fruits can modulate oxidative stress in human cells, under diabetic conditions. This study evaluated the effects of lobeira (Solanum lycocarpum) starch complexed with hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts of mirindiba (Buchenavia tomentosa) on redox parameters in mononuclear cells from normoglycemic and diabetic individuals. The extracts showed high phenolic (1362.70 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g) and carotenoid content (7.07 mg β-carotene/100 g) and strong antioxidant capacity (58.42–140.19 μmol Trolox/g by FRAP and DPPH). Structural analyses (Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)) confirmed complexation via hydrogen bonding and inclusion-type interactions, which partially modified the crystalline order of starch. The complexes exhibited high biocompatibility (>97% cell viability) and adaptively modulated oxidative and antioxidant responses under different metabolic and infectious conditions. Normoglycemic cells showed enhanced redox balance, with moderate superoxide generation and higher SOD activity, while cells from diabetic individuals displayed elevated oxidative stress and reduced SOD induction upon treatment. Under the E. coli challenge, the complexes modulated redox equilibrium through compensatory antioxidant responses. These findings position lobeira starch–mirindiba extract complexes as promising dietary immunomodulators against oxidative stress in metabolic and infectious contexts. Full article

A rapid and robust analytical method was validated for the simultaneous extraction and quantification of carotenoids and other lipophilic antioxidants (tocopherols, tocotrienols, retinol and coenzyme Q10) in human and animal tissues using a tandem RRLC-DAD-FLD system. Thirty-eight compounds were identified, with limits of quantification as low as 0.001 µg for astaxanthin, retinol, and coenzyme Q10. Most analytes exhibited high recoveries (85–94%) and good precision (coefficient of variation < 10%), except for Co-Q10, which showed moderate variability. The method was applied to seven human tissue types and their corresponding animal tissues, demonstrating high versatility and analytical reliability. Several isomers of colourless carotenoids were identified in human tissues for the first time, reinforcing their emerging relevance in photoprotection and health. This method provides a valuable analytical tool for investigating the tissue distribution, bioavailability, functionality and nutritional significance of lipophilic antioxidants, thereby supporting future research on antioxidant status and health-related actions. Full article

This study aimed to develop a sustainable approach for isolating bioactive lipophilic components from Taraxacum officinale flowers using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SFE-CO₂) and to assess the effect of adding 5% ethanol (EtOH) as a co-solvent on extraction yield, in vitro antioxidant capacity in CUPRAC and ABTS assays (TEAC_CUPRAC and TEAC_ABTS), total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content, β-carotene concentration, and photoprotective potential, expressed as the sun protection factor (SPF). SFE-CO₂ at 35 MPa and 40 °C resulted in 50% of the total yield within 15 min, with equilibrium reached after 120 min (final yield of 4.6 g/100 g flowers). Co-solvent addition increased yield by ~50% and shortened extraction time. The EtOH-modified extract exhibited markedly higher antioxidant activity, with a 2-fold increase in TEAC_CUPRAC (167 mg TE/g E), an 11-fold increase in TEAC_ABTS (194 mg TE/g E), and a 3-fold increase in TPC (91 mg GAE/g E), along with improved recovery of flavonoids and β-carotene. Volatile profiling revealed monoterpenoids, aldehydes, and esters as dominant groups, with carvone (14.0–16.5%) and dill ether (4.2–5.8%) as major contributors to aroma. The SFE-CO₂ + 5% EtOH extract achieved the highest SPF value (49.5 at 1 mg/mL; SPF > 6 at >0.1 mg/mL), indicating strong photoprotective potential and potential suitability for natural antioxidant and cosmetic applications. Full article

Isabella grape pomace (IGP) the primary by-product of Colombia’s winemaking industry, represents a promising source of nutraceuticals with potential uses in the food industry. This study developed a sequential green extraction process to recover nutraceutical from IGP. The approach integrated supercritical fluid extraction with CO₂ (SFE-CO₂) to obtain lipophilic compounds, followed by SFE with ethanol/water as co-solvent (SFE-CO₂/EtOH:H₂O) for medium-polarity phenolics, and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) with EtOH:H₂O to recover the polar phenolic-rich fraction. The extraction parameters were optimized using response surface methodology, and optimal conditions were identified: SFE-CO₂ at 31.7 MPa/58.9 °C yielded 6.95% extract rich in linoleic acid (65.5%) and α-tocopherol (107.2 mg/kg); SFE-CO₂/EtOH:H₂O with 15% of co-solvent produced extracts with high phenolic content (105.35 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (0.18 mmol TE/g); while PLE at 58.91% of EtOH/107.98 °C achieved notable recovery of flavonoids (757.18 mg QE/g), anthocyanins(1508 μg MAE/g) and condensed tannins (258.39 mg ECE/g), with potent antioxidant capacity (130.40 mmol TE/g). The sequential process demonstrated synergistic effects, with a total cumulative yield of 41.08% and phenolic recovery of 349.89 mg GAE/g extract. This approach offers a sustainable biorefinery approach for transforming IGP into high-value nutraceutical ingredients. Full article

Plants are sources of compounds with important effects on health, but plant-based food industry generates substantial waste amounts, especially in oil production. This study aimed to characterize flours derived from oilseed by-products, pumpkin, sunflower, and apricot seed residues, and compare them with conventional grain flours (white and whole wheat). Nutritional composition was analyzed with emphasis on amino acid profiles performed by ion chromatography. Mineral profiles were determined by ICP-MS. Total phenolics and antioxidant activity were assessed using in vitro colorimetric microassays. Oil press cake flours showed significantly higher levels of protein and fiber compared to wheat flours (p < 0.05), while the latter contained more carbohydrates. Among the examined flours, pumpkin and apricot seed flours stood out with the highest potassium, while sunflower seed flour led in calcium content. Despite higher polyphenol content in wheat flours, apricot seed flour exhibited the greatest antioxidant activity, likely due to its diverse profile of hydrophilic and lipophilic bioactive compounds. These findings highlight oil press cakes as nutritionally valuable ingredients for protein-enriched and other innovative food products, aligning with circular economy principles and promoting resource efficiency in the agri-food sector. Full article

Gel biocomposites, with their wide range of properties, are increasingly popular in many industries, while hyaluronic acid (HA), due to its unique water-binding mechanisms, has a high application potential in these types of materials. Furcellaran-based composite hydrogels and emulsion gels with different HA additions were produced and the effect of HA concentration on physical, color, textural, mechanical, rheological, and antioxidant properties was evaluated. A polysaccharide network was observed, which—according to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) data—is stabilized by hydrogen bonding. Emulsion gels revealed denser structures. Small deformation tests confirmed elastic–solid type of all investigated gels. The opposite effect of HA on the swelling behavior of hydro- and emulgels was observed. Increasing hyaluronic acid content resulted in elasticity enhancement and hardness reduction. Antioxidant potential of composites significantly increased with HA concentration. The obtained materials have potential applications as plat-based delivery systems for hydrophilic and lipophilic bioactive components. Full article

Berberine is a plant isoquinoline alkaloid widely used in traditional medicine for the therapy of diabetes, cardiovascular and other diseases. Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death driven by lipid peroxidation, is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of various diseases associated with excessive oxidative stress. The therapeutic actions of berberine are mediated, at least in part, by its antioxidant effects. Here, we report that the lipophilic berberine derivative 13-decyl berberine (C10Berb) is a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant that exhibits superior ferroptosis inhibition compared to native berberine in H9c2 cardiomyocytes and human fibroblasts. C10Berb efficiently accumulates in mitochondria, suppressing both mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species formation, and lipofuscin accumulation at concentrations markedly lower than berberine. Mechanistic studies indicate that the anti-ferroptotic effect of C10Berb is independent of AMPK or Nrf2 activation and is primarily due to its direct antioxidant activity in mitochondria. In isolated cardiac mitochondria, C10Berb potently inhibited lipid peroxidation induced by either reactive oxygen species produced in the electron transport chain or artificial free radical initiators. These results support the hypothesis that mitochondrial lipid peroxidation is critical for ferroptosis and highlight the potential of mitochondria-targeted berberine derivatives as promising therapeutic agents for conditions associated with ferroptotic cell death. Full article