Search Results (2,478)

The pomegranate peel represents an important source of secondary metabolites such as hydrolysable ellagitannins, which are recognized for their antioxidant, anticancer and neuroprotective properties. In this work, the freeze-dried pomegranate peel was extracted by a combined mild maceration at room temperature and ultrasonication at 45 °C using ethanol and acetone as green solvents. The ethanol extract, with an extraction yield of 29%, and IC50 (mg/mL) 0.1067 and 0.0414 for DPPH and ABTS, respectively, was incorporated into a polymer based on dextran, using a grafting reaction, to improve its bioavailability and preserve the chemical integrity. In addition, the potential antitumor activity against breast cancer was evaluated based on the existing literature. In vitro studies have demonstrated the safety and biocompatibility of both free pomegranate peel extract (SSE2-L) and its dextran conjugate (SSPD), with no adverse effects on fibroblasts, erythrocytes, or immune cells. Both formulations inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231) in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, with SSPD consistently showing superior efficacy. This enhanced activity was corroborated by reduced clonogenic growth, G1 cell-cycle arrest, and improved stability and bioactive retention conferred by polymer conjugation. Overall, these findings highlight dextran-conjugated pomegranate polyphenols as promising candidates for next-generation nutraceuticals and phytopharmaceuticals in cancer chemoprevention and adjunctive therapy, with potential applications extending to other biomedical fields and functional foods. Full article

The Ericaceae family encompasses several berries with recognized health-promoting properties; however, Macleania rupestris, a neotropical species endemic to the Andean region, remains poorly characterized. Background/Objectives: This study aimed to identify the chemical composition of M. rupestris ethanolic extracts and evaluate their biological activities, including antitumoral, hemolytic, anti-inflammatory, and leishmanicidal effects. Methods: The M. rupestris ethanolic extracts were obtained from lyophilized fruits and analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS for phytochemical profiling. Bioactivities were assessed in vitro using tumor and non-tumor cell lines (MTT assay), erythrocyte hemolysis assays, RAW 264.7 macrophage inflammation models, and Leishmania mexicana promastigotes. Results: The chemical analysis revealed anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-glucoside, malvidin-3-glucoside, petunidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-arabinoside), flavonols (quercetin and myricetin derivatives), and coumaroyl iridoids. The extract showed modest antiproliferative activity (IC₅₀ 10.4–22.5 mg/mL) across tumor cell lines with low therapeutic indices, indicating limited selectivity. In contrast, hemolytic activity was negligible (<5% at all tested concentrations), suggesting high biocompatibility. Anti-inflammatory assays indicated a dose-dependent reduction in nitric oxide (NO) production, while no significant leishmanicidal activity was detected. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive evaluation of the previously listed M. rupestris bioactivities. While its antitumoral effects appear limited, its strong hemocompatibility and presence of antioxidant metabolites highlight its potential for biomedical and nutraceutical applications where biocompatibility is critical. Further studies are needed to optimize bioactivity and explore potential synergistic effects. Full article

In recent years, edible flowers have gained increasing attention as unconventional foods, primarily due to their richness in bioactive compounds. Within this context, Clitoria ternatea L. (Fabaceae), commonly known as butterfly pea, stands out not only for its remarkable biological properties but also for its intense blue pigmentation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the plant’s potential in the food industry, highlighting its bioactive compounds, technological applications, and associated health benefits. Recent studies have demonstrated its antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities, as well as its use as a natural colorant, functional ingredient, active packaging component, and in nutraceutical and cosmetic formulations. Despite these promising findings, most available evidence comes from preclinical studies, with limited clinical validation to date. Therefore, further human studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of the reported beneficial effects. Altogether, C. ternatea represents a promising natural resource for developing functional foods that meet the growing clean-label demand, fostering the incorporation of sustainable and natural ingredients. Full article

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs) have emerged as green and sustainable alternative solvents for extracting valuable bioactive compounds from agro-industrial by-products. NaDESs are stable, soluble, and biodegradable with low melting points and a wide range of applications. These characteristics align closely with the principles of green chemistry, making NaDESs promising for use in the food industry. Recent studies demonstrate that NaDESs can effectively extract proteins, polysaccharides, polyphenols, carotenoids, alkaloids, and other bioactives from sources such as vegetable waste, cereal by-products, and fruit pomace, often performing better than traditional solvents such as methanol and ethanol. The bioactive components of these extracts may exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, anticancer, or antimicrobial activity and can be used as functional ingredients, nutraceuticals, or preservatives. Furthermore, NaDES-derived extracts have been shown to have hypoglycemic effects by inhibiting enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and reducing oxidative stress. As a result, they may find use as functional food ingredients in diabetes management. This review presents the recent research on the extraction of bioactive compounds from agro-industrial by-products using NaDESs and an evaluation of their antidiabetic potential. Full article

Lactic acid fermentation is an effective strategy for food preservation and functional enhancement. This study evaluated the fermentation of Hericium erinaceus by-products using Lactoplantibacillus plantarum and Lactocaseibacillus rhamnosus, assessing microbial stability, physicochemical parameters, phenolic content, antioxidant activity, rheology, and biogenic amine formation over 240 h. Lp. plantarum promoted rapid acidification, reducing the pH from 6.0 to 4.65 within 72 h, while Ls. rhamnosus reached its lowest value of 3.8 at 144 h. Both strains effectively inhibited spoilage organisms: Lp. plantarum suppressed yeasts, molds, and Pseudomonas spp. by 144 h, whereas the control reached >6.0 log CFU/g of Pseudomonas at 240 h. Fermentation altered the texture, with the storage modulus (G′) decreasing from ~17 kPa to <3 kPa. Functional enrichment was also observed, with total phenolic content increasing from 32 to 48 mg GAE/100 g and antioxidant activity (DPPH) reaching 2562 µmol TE/100 g compared with 1954 µmol TE/100 g in the control. Importantly, cadaverine accumulated to 70.3 mg/kg in the control but remained below 15 mg/kg in inoculated samples, while spermidine was consistently higher in Lp. plantarum-treated mushrooms (~45 mg/kg). These results demonstrate that lactic acid fermentation can transform perishable H. erinaceus by-products into safe, stable, and bioactive ingredients, supporting their application in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and clean-label products while contributing to circular bioeconomy goals. Full article

Background: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial condition characterized by insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and abdominal obesity, which collectively increase the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle modification represents the first-line strategy in its management, whereas pharmacological interventions are complex and typically require long-term polypharmacotherapy. In this context, natural bioactive compounds with pleiotropic effects are gaining increasing attention. Among these, S-allyl cysteine (SAC), the major sulfur-containing compound derived from black garlic, has been identified as a promising candidate due to its well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: This narrative review examines the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying MetS and summarizes current evidence on the protective role of SAC against key pathological features of this condition, including oxidative stress, inflammation, glucose and lipid dysmetabolism, endothelial dysfunction, and gut microbiota alterations. Results: Preclinical studies indicate that SAC counteracts lipid accumulation, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and gut dysbiosis through multiple mechanisms, including hydrogen sulfide release, reactive oxygen species scavenging, inhibition of advanced glycation end products, and modulation of metabolic pathways. Conclusions: SAC emerges as a promising nutraceutical for the prevention and management of MetS and its complications. This underscores the broader relevance of nutraceuticals as promising tools in mitigating metabolic dysfunctions and reducing the burden of cardiometabolic diseases. Full article

In this study, a comprehensive approach to the taxonomy and the distribution areas of Cornus mas (commonly known as cornelian cherry) is presented, considering the superior valorization of bioactive compounds through co-microencapsulation in a unique matrix combination, together with probiotic bacteria. According to the phytochemical profile, the whole plant of cornelian cherry includes 101 chemical compounds, classified as follows: polyphenols, terpenoids, carotenoids, vitamins, carbohydrates, acids, and hydrocarbons. In general, the bioactive compounds are highly sensitive to digestion and external factors, such as oxygen, pH, temperature, etc. In order to improve the bioaccesibility and the storage stability of the polyphenols, a solid–liquid ultrasound assisted method was applied to deliver an anthocyanin-enriched extract, which was microencapsulated together with Lacticaseibacillus casei (L. casei) by freeze-drying in a unique combination of whey protein isolate (WPI) and maltodextrin (MD) as wall materials. Two powders were obtained, with and without the probiotic bacteria. The data obtained in this study showed a high encapsulation efficiency (82.16–88.95%) of anthocyanins, whereas for L. casei, the microencapsulation efficiency reached 80%. The co-microencapsulated powder showed a viable cell count of 3.80·10⁹ CFU/g dry matter (D.M.). The microencapsulated powders showed a significant amount of total polyphenols (8.30–13.00 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram D.M.). Furthermore, the in vitro digestibility of the anthocyanins highlighted the protective effect of the microencapsulation matrix in the stomach, whereas a slow release was observed in the simulated intestinal conditions. Furthermore, after 21 days of storage, the lactic acid bacteria viability was high (2.53 × 10⁹ CFU/g dry matter), which confirmed the functionality and the nutraceutical value of the co-microencapsulated powder. Full article

The Sapotaceae family includes various fruit species of ecological, economic, and nutritional importance, among which Pouteria sapota (mamey sapote), Manilkara zapota (zapote chico), Pouteria campechiana (canistel), and Pouteria viridis (zapote verde) stand out, widely distributed throughout Mesoamerica. These species have traditionally been used as a source of food, natural medicine, and other products of cultural value. In recent decades, there has been growing scientific interest in studying their phytochemical composition, which has led to the identification of important secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, carotenoids, flavonoids, and triterpenes, associated with beneficial health effects. This article summarizes and analyzes the available information on their diversity, traditional use, chemical composition, and biological activities. It also highlights research opportunities aimed at the development of functional products, therapeutic applications, and nutraceuticals, as well as the sustainable use of these species. Full article

This study aims to enhance the oxidative stability of fish oil through encapsulation in pullulan/sodium caseinate (PUL/NaCAS) nanofibers. Electrospinning was employed to produce three formulations: control (0% fish oil) and samples with 5% and 10% fish oil. Characterization of the emulsions showed that increasing oil content led to larger droplet size and reduced viscosity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed surface imperfections and a gradual increase in fiber diameter with higher oil loading. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed molecular interactions, and fibers with 10% fish oil showed a shift toward a more amorphous structure. Fish oil incorporation also enhanced hydrophobicity and thermal stability, as indicated by thermal and wettability measurements. Antioxidant assays include 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and total phenolic content (TPC), which showed the highest bioactivity at 5% fish oil, with a slight decrease at 10%, likely due to structural saturation. Encapsulation at 5% fish oil significantly reduced lipid oxidation during storage (hydroperoxide values decreased from 8.6 to 4.8 mM at 60 °C/15 days), demonstrating the protective effect of the nanofiber matrix. Docking and density functional theory (DFT) analyses confirmed stable DHA/EPA–caseinate interactions and increased electronic stability, supporting the experimental results. Compared with conventional carriers such as spray-dried or maltodextrin-based systems, PUL/NaCAS nanofibers offered superior oxidative stability, bioactivity, and a biodegradable matrix. Overall, the 80PUL:20NaCAS:5% fish oil formulation represents a versatile platform for stabilizing omega-3 oils, with potential applications in food preservation, nutraceutical delivery, and functional packaging. Full article

Background: Glioma remains an intractable and highly aggressive brain tumor, mainly due to the daunting obstacle presented by the blood–brain barrier (BBB). To overcome this challenge and enhance therapeutic efficacy, a dual-drug delivery system was engineered. This system co-encapsulated curcumin, a nutraceutical with multitargeted anticancer potential, with atorvastatin calcium, a repurposed anticancer agent, within lipidic nanocapsules (LNCs). Methods: LNCs were prepared via the phase inversion temperature method and optimized using a Box–Behnken design. The optimized LNCs were subsequently functionalized with folic acid (FA) to enable active targeting. FA-LNCs were characterized using XPS, TEM, in vitro release, and MTT cytotoxicity assays. Atorvastatin and curcumin were radiolabeled separately with iodine-131 to evaluate the in vivo pharmacokinetics in a glioma-bearing mouse model. Results: The optimized LNCs and FA-LNCs displayed a mean particle size of 97.98 ± 2.27 nm and 181.60 ± 2.83 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.32 ± 0.07 and 0.40 ± 0.02, and a zeta potential of −15.85 ± 1.35 mV and −11.90 ± 2.80, respectively. XPS and FTIR analyses verified FA conjugation. Both LNCs and FA-LNCs enhanced the in vitro cytotoxicity compared to free drugs; however, the most pronounced effect of FA functionalization was observed in vivo. Most significantly, FA-LNCs achieved markedly greater glioma accumulation than non-functionalized LNCs, with AUC values 2.0-fold higher for atorvastatin and 2.6-fold higher for curcumin. When compared to the free drug solutions, this efficiency was even more pronounced, with atorvastatin and curcumin showing enhancements of 8.2 and 12.4 times, respectively. Conclusions: FA-LNCs markedly improved glioma targeting efficiency and reduced systemic clearance, which underscores the therapeutic potential of integrating nutraceuticals with repurposed agents to achieve effective glioma therapy. Full article

The growing need for sustainable protein and functional food ingredients has made edible insects stand out as a flexible source of bioactives. Black Soldier Fly larva (BSFL) bioactives, such as chitooligosaccharides (COSs) and peptides, present potential benefits for gut health; nevertheless, their molecular pathways, clinical validation, and commercial scalability have yet to be thoroughly investigated. This study systematically analyzes current progress in BSFL bioactive extraction and characterization, emphasizing enzymatic and thermal processing, controlled enzyme development, and integrated supercritical fluid enzymatic pipelines. We assess preclinical and animal research that illustrates prebiotic modulation of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Faecalibacterium populations; antimicrobial peptide-mediated immune signaling; and antioxidant activity. Multi-omics frameworks that connect the microbial metabolism of COS to gut health help us understand how these processes function. A comparison of the regulatory environments for food and feed applications in the EU, North America, and Asia shows that there are gaps in human safety trials, harmonized standards, and techno-economic assessments. Finally, we suggest some next steps: randomized controlled human trials in groups with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and metabolic syndrome; standardized data integration pipelines for multi-omics; and life cycle and cost–benefit analyses of modular, vertically integrated BSFL biorefineries with AI-driven reactors, digital twins, and blockchain traceability. Addressing these issues will hasten the conversion of BSFL bioactives into safe, effective, and sustainable functional meals and nutraceuticals. Full article

The revalorization of agro-industrial by-products is a key strategy for promoting sustainability and the circular economy. This study assessed the photoprotective potential of underutilized carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) fractions, including unripe and mature pods, leaves, and seed tissues, through chemical characterization, in vitro assays, and in vivo validation. Extracts showed high polyphenol contents (up to 4.8 g GAE/100 g) and strong antioxidant activity (up to 45 g TE/100 g). Photoprotective properties were confirmed by a solar protection factor of up to 17 and erythema transmission values of 3–6, indicating efficient UV absorption and anti-inflammatory potential, which together support overall skin protection. To validate these effects under physiological conditions, Caenorhabditis elegans was used as an in vivo model under three exposure modalities: complete exposure (contact and ingestion), the barrier effect (UV shielding by the medium), and the physiological effect (systemic protection after ingestion). Seed episperm and unripe pods showed the highest efficacy. Notably, complete exposure reduced UV-induced lethality from 98% to below 50%, mainly due to the barrier effect. This is the first report demonstrating the photoprotective activity of carob by-products in C. elegans, supporting their potential as natural ingredients for cosmetic and nutraceutical applications, and contributing to the sustainable revalorization of local agricultural residues. Full article

Oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis are critical factors in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. This study investigated the synergistic neuroprotective effects of anthocyanin-enriched Morus alba L. extract combined with vitamin C (MAC) against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells. Exposure to H₂O₂ triggered excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis, whereas treatment with MAC markedly alleviated these effects. Biochemical analyses revealed that MAC significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), thereby contributing to improved redox balance. Furthermore, MAC modulated apoptosis-related signaling by upregulating extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and the anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), while downregulating the pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2-associated X (BAX) and cleaved caspase-3. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that MAC acts synergistically as a promising nutraceutical ingredient, supporting the development of functional foods for the prevention or mitigation of oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative disorders. Full article

Carrot pomace is the solid residue left after juice extraction from carrots. Carrot pomace, typically seen as waste, is gaining recognition for its sustainability and potential to mitigate food waste while offering essential nutrients (phenolics, carotenoids, and β-carotene), which are recognized for their nutraceutical effects and health benefits. A study was conducted to develop a process for creating an innovative product, specifically a carp roe salad with added value, by incorporating carrot pomace. The innovative aspect is represented by using different proportions of carrot powder, 6% and 12%, when creating new varieties of roe salad. The study assesses the impact of carrot pomace powder on the salad’s antioxidant content, physicochemical properties, color, texture, rheological characteristics, and sensory qualities. The value-added products thus obtained are differentiated by superior phytochemical and nutritional characteristics, especially levels of carotenoids (84.01 ± 3.39–111.01 ± 1.68 mg/100 g DW), and the antioxidant activity (550.66 ± 9.25–588.32 ± 9.41 μM TE/g DW) of the developed salad. The obtained products displayed an improved color and texture profile. The sensory evaluation reveals that the carp roe salad with 12% carrot powder was favorably received by consumers, who valued the nuanced changes in flavor and the improved coloration of the product. Rich in antioxidants, fibers, and natural colorants, carrot pomace enhances the product’s value by increasing antioxidant activity and positively influencing sensory properties such as color and aroma. This research highlights the potential of using food by-products to create innovative, value-added products with improved health benefits. Full article

Marine macroalgae (seaweed) are a rich source of bioactive polysaccharides such as agar, carrageenan, and alginate. These three compounds are classified as food additive ingredients, widely used as gelling, thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agents in the food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. However, the growing concern for a safer world has sparked renewed interest in their safety evaluation. Unlike synthetic compounds with specified structures, seaweed polysaccharides exhibit substantial structural heterogeneity due to variations in species, habitat, and processing, affecting bioactivity, digestibility, and interactions within the gastrointestinal tract. Although the safety of these compounds is generally accepted, there are still significant gaps in our understanding of their physicochemical behaviour. This highlights the need to develop a standardized digestion model to ensure their safety and evaluate their potential long-term health effects. Most of these compounds are only partially absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract, where they are fermented into metabolites with varying health effects. The safety of carrageenan, in particular, remains a subject of debate due to ambiguous results reported by various researchers’ groups. This review highlights the importance of adopting standardized digestion assays, integrated analytical tools, and multidisciplinary approaches. These are crucial for thoroughly evaluating the molecular integrity, metabolism, and biological impact of seaweed polysaccharides, which will ultimately support evidence-based regulatory frameworks and ensure their safe use in human nutrition. This critical analysis focuses on food safety and security, with a methodology that can be applied to other foods or compounds. Full article