Search Results (774)

Skin irritation and itching, often intense, are common consequences of mosquito bites. Interest in cosmetics formulated with natural ingredients has markedly increased among consumers, perceiving them as healthier, safer and more sustainable. We developed a natural formulation based on botanical ingredients for the treatment of mosquito bites. In this work, we tested the physicochemical and microbiological stability of this novel formulation, as well as its skin tolerance. Moreover, we performed an in vitro test to assess its soothing efficacy in comparison with an ammonia-based product. According to our findings, the natural formulation resulted in a stable oil-in-water emulsion, with an appealing texture and good skin tolerance; no cases of erythema or edema were observed in any of the volunteers with sensitive skin after product application. In addition, an in vitro test performed on a keratinocytes cell line showed that our formulation significantly reduced IL-1α levels, with a displayed efficacy comparable to the ammonia-based product. This study emphasizes the promising potential of botanical ingredients in the field of cosmetic dermatology, offering high-performance, well-tolerated skincare products suitable for the treatment of common skin irritations, such as mosquito bites. Full article

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disorder with a prevalence reported between less than 1% and 22% across populations, increasing annually. In the context of rosacea management, numerous aspects of the condition’s pathophysiology remain insufficiently understood. Despite the availability of various topical and oral treatments and laser therapies for rosacea, their limitations, common adverse effects, and high costs frequently lead to premature discontinuation, driving greater interest in plant-based formulations among both clinicians and patients. Consequently, herbal products containing natural ingredients are increasingly preferred over synthetic alternatives, owing to their multiple benefits and lower frequency and severity of side effects. This review emphasizes that a range of herbal extracts and oils, traditionally used in Anatolian medicine which is supported by literature mainly for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-erythematous effects, possess significant potential in managing rosacea. Drawing on recent preclinical and clinical studies, Our study outlines the mechanisms by which various phytochemicals alleviate the clinical symptoms of rosacea, thereby enhancing understanding of the therapeutic potential of plant-based products and guiding future researches. Full article

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), redefined from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a global health concern driving the search for dietary interventions based on natural compounds. Phloroglucinaldehyde (PGA), a primary phenolic metabolite of the widely consumed anthocyanin cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) found in berries and other fruits, has emerged as a promising candidate due to its potential higher bioavailability than its parent compound. This study investigates the protective effects of PGA against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MAFLD. Using both in vitro (LO2 cells) and in vivo (C57BL/6J mice) models, we found that PGA administration significantly attenuated body weight gain and hepatic steatosis, while reducing serum levels of TG, TC, liver transaminases (AST & ALT), and insulin resistance (p < 0.05). Further liver lipidomic profiling revealed that PGA supplementation specifically down-regulated 46 lipid species (p < 0.05), predominantly triglycerides characterized by long-chain and very-long-chain saturated fatty acids. Mechanistically, PGA enhanced the hepatic antioxidant capacity by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (p < 0.05) and decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05) and exerted anti-inflammatory effects by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF, MCP-1) (p < 0.05) and endotoxin levels (p < 0.05). Correlation analyses further linked the down-regulated lipids to improvements in oxidative stress and inflammation. Our findings underscore that PGA, a key bioactive metabolite derived from dietary anthocyanins, alleviates MAFLD through its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting its potential as a functional food ingredient or nutraceutical for metabolic health. Full article

The homeostasis balance of copper, as an essential trace element for life activities, is crucial for maintaining the normal function of cells. Cuproptosis, discovered in recent years, is a novel type of programmed cell death triggered by the accumulation of excessive copper ions in mitochondria. The core mechanism lies in that copper ions, after being reduced by ferridoxin (FDX1), directly target and induce the oligomerization of the acylated tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzyme, thereby triggering fatal protein toxic stress. This distinctive mechanism operates independently of other recognized pathways of cell death, offering a novel perspective for elucidating the pathological processes underlying various diseases. A review of pertinent research conducted over the past four years reveals that cuproptosis is not only significantly implicated in the onset, progression, and treatment resistance of tumors but is also intricately associated with diverse pathological processes, including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and immune abnormalities. This article conducts a multi-level summary from molecular mechanisms to physiological and pathological significance; deeply explores the interaction between cuproptosis and various subcellular structures, as well as their complex signal regulatory network; and systematically expounds the cutting-edge strategies for treating cuproptosis, including traditional copper chelating agents, ion carriers, and copper-based nanomedicines, with a particular focus on the latest progress in the field of natural product research. This review has systematically summarized the therapeutic potential demonstrated by numerous natural active ingredients when precisely regulating the cuproptosis pathway to provide a theoretical reference for future research in this field. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable and clean-label foods has intensified the search for natural preservatives that are capable of replacing synthetic additives. In this study, an exploratory assessment of two distinct spruce needle aqueous extracts were conducted—an aqueous extract of Picea pungens (NWE-1) and an aqueous extract of Picea abies obtained after prior supercritical CO₂ treatment (NWE-2)—and both were investigated as potential bioactive ingredients for plant-based meat analogues. Using UPLC–MS, both extracts were comprehensively characterized, revealing a diverse array of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and glycosides. Even though NWE-2 contained a broader range of bioactive compounds, NWE-1 exhibited superior antibacterial performance (total microbial count (TMC)—4.94 log CFU/g), effectively limiting microbial contamination and ensuring product stability for up to 16 days of storage below the typical spoilage threshold (6.0–7.0 log CFU/g). Sensory analysis indicated that the model plant-based meat analogue matrix tolerated up to 3% (w/w) inclusion of NWE-1 and 5% (w/w) inclusion of NWE-2 before significant degradation of flavor and overall acceptability occurred. By utilizing conifer needles as an underexploited side-stream biomass, this work offers an approach for the valorization of conifer needle material through combined green extraction and food application, contributing to circular and resource-efficient processing concepts. The study provides an exploratory perspective on the potential role of forest-derived resources in the development of natural preservatives and their possible contribution to more sustainable food preservation strategies within a circular bioeconomy framework. Full article

In Europe, due to reduced availability and efficacy of active ingredients, strategies against grapevine pests based on alternative tools to synthetic pesticides need to be developed. So far, attention has been mainly focused on biological control (arthropod natural enemies and entomopathogens) and mating disruption, but other means can also help keep pests below economic injury levels. This paper aims to review information on the direct effects of farmers’ choices on grapevine pest populations, ranging from vineyard design (e.g., growing habitat, grapevine cultivar, and training system) to annual agronomic practices (e.g., fertilization, irrigation, and pruning), and specific cultural and physical methods. Information was based on the CABI Digital Library, websites and books on grapevine pests. The data presentation is based on control strategies rather than pests, as it was considered more important to focus on the mode of action of different practices and to know which pests they affect simultaneously. The widespread availability of insecticides has long led to the neglect of the potential of cultural practices, which can effectively integrate other pest control tools. Full article

Syringic acid (SA) is a natural derivative of syringaldehyde (SD), derived from lignin depolymerization. Its application in the food industry focuses on the properties of natural functional ingredients; it is mainly used as a food antioxidant and food preservative, but can also be used as an ingredient to enhance food flavor and functional foods. This compound exhibits a remarkable spectrum of biological activities, including potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, detoxifying, and anti-cancer effects, positioning it as a highly promising candidate for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. In this study, suitable sites were first screened through homologous sequence alignment, and a variant of aryl-alcohol oxidase (CgAAO) with high efficiency in catalyzing the conversion of SD to SA was obtained via site-directed mutagenesis. A deep eutectic solvent (DES) system based on choline chloride/urea (ChCl/UR) in water was developed to enhance SA production. Additionally, key parameters of the biological reaction were optimized, including temperature, pH, metal ions, as well as the type and dosage of DES. The optimal performance was achieved using recombinant E. coli pRSFDuet-CgAAO-Y335F whole-cell biocatalysts, yielding 75% and producing 0.75 g/L SA in 100 mM KPB buffer (pH 7.0) containing 5 wt% ChCl/UR and 1 mM Fe³⁺. This study established a novel biosynthetic pathway for SA that was efficient, mild, green, and environmentally friendly. Full article

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) is a medicinal and nutritional plant widely recognized for its rich phytochemical composition and diverse health-promoting properties. The fruit, leaves, and flowers contain significant amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids, flavonols, phenolic acids and dye compounds with antioxidant properties that contribute to its strong antioxidant capacity. Numerous studies have demonstrated hawthorn’s beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, including regulation of blood pressure, lipid metabolism, and cardiac function. Additionally, hawthorn exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, and antidiabetic properties, supporting its role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Its potential as a functional food ingredient and natural health supplement is increasingly recognized. However, further clinical trials and standardization of bioactive components are needed to confirm its efficacy, safety, and optimal dosage. Overall, hawthorn represents a valuable natural resource for promoting human health and well-being through diet and phytotherapy. Therefore, the aim of this study is to present—based on the scientific literature—the antioxidant properties of hawthorn and to assess the possibility of using this plant as a functional ingredient. Full article

The demand for clean-label functional foods has increased interest in natural polysaccharides with health benefits. Acemannan, an O-acetylated glucomannan from Aloe vera, possesses antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and prebiotic activities, but its performance in fat-based systems is not well understood. This study examined the incorporation of acemannan into dark chocolate at 1% and 5% (w/w) and its effects on physicochemical, rheological, antioxidant, and sensory properties. Particle size distribution remained within acceptable limits, though the 5% sample showed a larger mean size and broader span. Rheological tests confirmed shear-thinning behavior, with the higher concentration increasing viscosity at low shear and reducing it at high shear. Antioxidant activity measured by the DPPH assay showed modest improvement in enriched samples. Consumer tests with 30 panelists indicated a strong preference (89%) for the 1% formulation, which maintained a smooth mouthfeel and balanced sensory characteristics, while the 5% sample displayed more fruity and earthy notes with lower acceptance. GC–MS analysis revealed altered volatile profiles, and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed acemannan stability in the chocolate matrix. These findings demonstrate that acemannan can be incorporated into dark chocolate up to 1% as a multifunctional, structurally stable polysaccharide ingredient without compromising product quality. Full article

The cosmetics industry is experiencing dynamic growth, which poses significant environmental challenges, primarily due to the accumulation of cosmetic ingredients in aquatic and soil ecosystems. In response, sustainable solutions aligned with the principles of the circular economy and the concept of “clean beauty” are increasingly sought. One promising approach is the use of bioferments obtained through the fermentation of plant raw materials from the Asteraceae family as alternatives to conventional extracts in cosmetic formulations. This literature review provides up-to-date insights into the biotechnological transformation of Asteraceae plants into cosmetic bioferments, with particular emphasis on fermentation processes enabling enzymatic hydrolysis of glycosylated flavonoids into aglycones, followed by their conversion into low-molecular-weight phenolic acids. These compounds exhibit improved local skin penetration (i.e., higher local bioavailability within the epidermal barrier) compared to their parent glycosides, thereby enhancing antioxidant activity. The analysis includes evidence-based data on the enzymatic hydrolysis of glycosidic flavonoids into free aglycones and their subsequent conversion into low-molecular-weight phenolic acids, which exhibit improved antioxidant potential compared to unfermented extracts. Furthermore, this narrative review highlights the role of lactic acid bacteria and yeast in producing bioferments enriched with bioactive metabolites, including lactic acid (acting as a natural moisturizing factor and preservative), while emphasizing their biodegradability and contribution to minimizing the environmental impact of cosmetics. This review aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the technological, dermatological, and environmental aspects of Asteraceae-based bioferments, outlining their potential as sustainable and functional ingredients in modern cosmetics. Full article

This study aimed to identify novel angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptides from royal jelly proteins (RJPs) by integrating in silico digestion, virtual screening, and in vitro evaluation. Three major royal jelly proteins (MRJP1-3) were subjected to in silico digestion using 16 enzymatic systems, yielding 1411 unique peptides. Virtual screening based on predicted bioactivity, toxicity, water solubility, and ADMET profiles resulted in the selection of 27 candidate peptides. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities for these peptides compared with the positive control captopril, among which PYPDWSFAK and RPYPDWSF exhibited potent ACE-inhibitory activity, with IC₅₀ values of 110 ± 1.02 μmol/L and 204 ± 0.61 μmol/L, respectively. Kinetic analysis indicated that PYPDWSFAK acts as a mixed-type ACE inhibitor. Docking visualization demonstrated that PYPDWSFAK forms multiple hydrogen bonds with key residues in the ACE active pocket and directly coordinates with the catalytic Zn²⁺ ion. Cellular assays showed that PYPDWSFAK was non-cytotoxic, suppressed Ang II–induced endothelial cell migration, restored NO and ET-1 balance, and enhanced SOD and GSH-Px activities. Overall, this study enriches the repertoire of ACE-inhibitory peptides derived from royal jelly proteins. Furthermore, PYPDWSFAK is identified as a promising ACE-inhibitory peptide with potential for incorporation into natural antihypertensive ingredients or functional foods. Full article

Paeonia lactiflora Pall. is a perennial herbaceous plant widely renowned for its floral ornamental appeal, distinctive pleasant scent, and utilization in folk remedies. Roots and barks are traditionally used in Chinese medicine for various properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, cardiovascular, and neuroprotective effects. Considering the growing interest and demand in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields for sustainable and bioactive botanical derivatives, this study aimed to apply NADES (natural deep eutectic solvents) extraction on fresh flowers of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. The purpose was to obtain a natural, multifunctional, and ready-to-use cosmetic ingredient with concurrent antioxidant activity, antimicrobial functionalities, and olfactive properties. The eutectic systems selected in this study were composed of betaine as the hydrogen bond acceptor and glycerol and/or sorbitol as the hydrogen bond donors. These eutectic systems under microwave activation led to a rapid extraction, from peony fresh flowers, of considerable phenolic amounts (from 33.0 to 34.4 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram of fresh flowers), which confer to the whole NADES-based extract an excellent radical scavenging activity (around 87.5%, compared to Trolox) and a pleasant fragrance, due to the extraction of some characteristic volatile compounds, as confirmed by GC-MS analysis. Antimicrobial assays against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains demonstrated good inhibitory activity of the sample against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus species (MIC ranging from 0.9 to 14.5 mg/mL) and against Enterococcus species (from 28.8 to 57.8 mg/mL). Furthermore, results on different Staphylococcus aureus strains disclosed additional interesting anti-biofilm properties. Preliminary long-term studies (up to 9 months) on these combined properties highlighted the stabilizing effect of NADESs on the active metabolites, confirming their potential as natural and functional ingredients that could be directly incorporated into pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations, offering enhanced efficacy and improved stability. Full article

The pharmaceutical sector has evolved toward innovation-driven and sustainability-oriented development, driven by increasing regulatory pressure and global health challenges. In this context, cork (Quercus suber L.) has emerged as a promising bio-based resource due to its renewable nature, near-zero-waste processing chain, and growing evidence of biological activity. Cork by-products are rich in phenolic compounds, triterpenes, lignin derivatives, and other secondary metabolites exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties, with relevance for pharmaceutical and dermocosmetic applications. These bioactivities are associated with the modulation of oxidative stress, inhibition of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, and support of skin barrier function. This review provides an updated and focused overview of the chemical composition, bioactive potential, and valorization pathways of cork by-products, with particular emphasis on their translation into pharmaceutical and dermocosmetic formulations. Key challenges related to extraction standardization, bioavailability, safety, and clinical validation are critically discussed, highlighting future directions for the sustainable development of cork-derived bioactive ingredients within circular bioeconomy frameworks. Full article

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), a major metabolite of aflatoxin, is a highly toxic carcinogen. It frequently contaminates feed due to improper storage of feed ingredients such as corn and peanut meal, with the contamination risk further escalating alongside the increasing incorporation of plant-based proteins in feed formulations. Upon entering an organism, AFB₁ is metabolized into highly reactive derivatives, which trigger an oxidative stress-inflammation vicious cycle by binding to biological macromolecules, damaging cellular structures, activating apoptotic and inflammatory pathways, and inhibiting antioxidant systems. This cascade leads to stunted growth, impaired immunity, and multisystem dysfunction in animals. Long-term accumulation can also compromise reproductive function, induce carcinogenesis, and pose risks to human health through residues in the food chain. Tannins are natural polyphenolic compounds widely distributed in plants which exhibit significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and can effectively mitigate the toxicity of AFB₁. They can repair intestinal damage by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and up-regulating the gene expression of intestinal tight junction proteins, regulate the balance of intestinal flora, and improve intestinal structure. Meanwhile, tannins can activate antioxidant signaling pathways, up-regulate the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes to enhance antioxidant capacity, exert anti-inflammatory effects by regulating inflammation-related signaling pathways, further reduce DNA damage, and decrease cell apoptosis and pyroptosis through such means as down-regulating the expression of pro-apoptotic genes. This review summarizes the main harm of AFB₁ to animals and the mitigating mechanisms of tannins, aiming to provide references for the resource development of tannins and healthy animal farming. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a new alcohol-free marine mouthwash containing an algae extract, a coastal plant extract, and seawater on plaque reduction, gingivitis, and oral microbiota balance. Methods: In a single-center, prospective, randomized comparative study, 50 subjects with gingivitis were assigned to either a marine mouthwash group (Test, n = 26) or a marketed mouthwash group (Comparator, n = 24). Clinical assessments included plaque, gingivitis, halitosis, and volunteer self-evaluation at baseline (T0) and after 7 days (T7). Gingival microbiota was sampled using swabs at baseline (T0) and after 7 days (T7). Conclusions: Both groups demonstrated reductions in dental plaque, gingivitis, and halitosis at T7 compared to baseline. Improvements in halitosis were observed in both groups but did not reach statistical significance. Microbiota analysis revealed that the Test group experienced the enrichment of health-associated bacterial taxa and a reduction in disease-associated species, notably Porphyromonas endodontalis, while the Comparator group showed an increase in pathogenic taxa. The marine mouthwash was well tolerated and positively rated by participants. Combining an algae extract, a coastal plant extract, and seawater, it effectively reduces plaque and gingivitis and may contribute to oral microbiota balance. It represents a promising alternative to conventional chemical oral care products. Full article