Search Results (6,257)

Wound healing in cosmetological and aesthetic surgery extends beyond tissue closure to achieving rapid regeneration, minimal scarring, and restoration of functional skin architecture. However, conventional wound care strategies inadequately regulate the complex wound microenvironment required for optimal cosmetic outcomes, leading to prolonged healing times and suboptimal aesthetic results, which can negatively impact patient satisfaction and increase the risk of complications. Phytochemicals exhibit multifunctional bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pro-regenerative effects, but their clinical translation faces obstacles due to poor solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems have emerged as a critical enabling strategy to overcome these limitations. This narrative review provides an updated, mechanistically integrated synthesis of phytochemical-loaded nanotherapeutics, including polymeric nanoparticles, nanohydrogels, nanofibers, and lipid- and vesicle-based systems, with a specific focus on their roles in modulating key wound-healing pathways, such as inflammation resolution, angiogenesis, collagen remodelling, and re-epithelialization. Evidence from preclinical studies consistently demonstrates that nano-enabled phytochemicals enhance therapeutic efficacy, improve skin penetration, and contribute to superior cosmetic outcomes, particularly by reducing fibrosis and scar formation. However, critical gaps remain, including limited high-quality clinical evidence, a lack of standardized formulation design, variability in reported outcomes, and unresolved concerns regarding long-term safety and regulatory translation. Taken together, the key insight of this review is that phytochemical-loaded nanotherapeutics represent a promising but still transitional strategy, biologically compelling at the preclinical level yet clinically under-validated. Bridging this gap requires rigorously designed clinical trials, quantitative outcome reporting, and balanced regulatory frameworks. Advancing these areas will be essential to translate nano-enabled phytochemicals from experimental systems into reliable, evidence-based solutions for cosmetological wound management. Full article

Background/Objectives: In this study, we investigated the effect on antioxidant defenses of a tomato extract obtained by supercritical CO₂ extraction (sCO₂TE), evaluating whether this green extraction method preserves biological activity compared to a conventional tomato extract (CTE) and focusing on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) regulation, Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation modulation. Methods: Human glioblastoma astrocytoma U-373 cells were pre-treated with sCO₂TE or conventional tomato extract (CTE) and subsequently exposed to sodium arsenite (AsNaO₂) to induce oxidative stress, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to trigger inflammatory signaling. Cell viability was assessed by Trypan Blue and MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide]; cell toxicity by propidium iodide staining. Intracellular ROS and lipid peroxidation were measured by flow cytometry. Gene expression of NRF2, SOD1 and GPX1 was analyzed by qRT-PCR, NRF2 activation and modulation of ERK1/2 (Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2) and NF-κB (Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) were evaluated by Western blot. Results: Pre-treatment with sCO₂TE significantly reduced AsNaO₂-induced ROS production and lipid peroxidation, showing a stronger effect compared to CTE. sCO₂TE enhanced the expression of NRF2 phosphorylation and its downstream targets SOD1 and GPX1, particularly under oxidative stress conditions. In addition, sCO₂TE attenuated LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-κB p65, suggesting anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that sCO₂TE preserves the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of tomato-derived bioactives. The comparable efficacy of sCO₂TE and CTE supports the use of sCO₂ as a sustainable and solvent-free extraction method for the development of nutraceutical formulations targeting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Full article

Astaxanthin (AST) is a potent carotenoid renowned for its exceptional antioxidant properties, which has attracted considerable scientific interest due to its broad spectrum of health benefits. This review comprehensively evaluates the therapeutic potential of AST in counteracting age-related decline, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction, while also examining its beneficial effects on gut and skin health. Current evidence demonstrates that AST effectively mitigates oxidative stress and supports cellular health and longevity by neutralizing free radicals and upregulating endogenous antioxidant systems. In addition, AST modulates immune responses under conditions of immune dysfunction, thereby enhancing resilience against inflammatory disorders and infections. Emerging studies further indicate that AST promotes gut health by improving intestinal barrier integrity and maintaining a balanced gut microbiota, both of which are essential for systemic well-being. Moreover, its capacity to enhance skin elasticity and protect against ultraviolet-induced damage underscores its promising applications in cosmetic and dermatological products. This review highlights the urgent need for additional well-designed clinical trials to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms, optimal bioavailability, dosage regimens, and long-term safety of AST. By integrating findings across multiple research domains, the present work provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of AST as a promising nutraceutical for promoting health, healthy aging, and the management of chronic diseases. Full article

Eutrophication driven by excess nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) remains a pervasive global water-quality challenge, necessitating scalable nutrient recovery strategies that extend beyond conventional treatment approaches. This review synthesizes the emerging literature on algae-based systems as dual-purpose platforms for nutrient mitigation and biomass valorization. We examine systems including seaweed bioextraction, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, algal turf scrubbers, and wastewater phycoremediation, while highlighting reported nutrient removal efficiencies and operational constraints. Beyond remediation, the spectrum of valorization pathways considered ranges from biofertilizers, feed, bioenergy, and materials to nutraceuticals, cosmetics, biomedical materials, biomanufacturing, and methane-mitigating livestock additives. The review emphasizes the economic and logistical challenges linking remediation-scale biomass production to commercial markets, including the contamination risk, processing intensity, regulatory classification, and scale mismatch. We propose an integrated remediation–valorization framework to guide research, policy, and industry toward nutrient-circular, economically viable restoration strategies. Full article

Sparassis crispa (cauliflower mushroom) is an edible medicinal fungus known for its diverse array of bioactive metabolites. Despite its established nutritional and pharmacological relevance, its antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiparasitic activities remain insufficiently investigated. In the present study, extracts of the fruiting bodies of S. crispa were prepared using four solvents (water, 60% ethanol, methanol–acetone–water [3:1:1], and 1% acetic acid) and evaluated for their chemical composition and broad-spectrum biological activities. UHPLC-MS/MS profiling revealed distinct metabolite profiles among the extracts, including identification of nucleosides such as adenosine and methylthioadenosine. All extracts exhibited nematicidal activity against Rhabditis sp. nematodes in a dose-dependent manner, with the 60% ethanol extract being the most potent (LD₅₀ = 4.2 mg/mL). In antiviral assays, the water extract partially inhibited Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) replication, reducing infectious titers by approximately 2 log units, whereas none of the extracts showed a significant effect against Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Antibacterial testing demonstrated activity only for the 1% acetic acid extract, which inhibited several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at minimum inhibitory concentrations of 10–20 mg/mL. No antifungal activity against Candida spp. was observed. These findings identify Sparassis crispa as a promising edible source of bioactive compounds, exhibiting pronounced nematicidal and moderate antimicrobial activities, and support its potential application in the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals. They further justify targeted isolation and mechanistic studies to characterize the metabolites responsible for these effects and to clarify their relevance for food-based health promotion. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cervical and lumbar radiculopathy and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are common conditions that are associated with persistent pain, functional impairment, and reduced quality of life. Nutraceutical strategies targeting neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress pathways are being investigated as adjunctive approaches in pain management. This study evaluated the clinical association between supplementation with a Gastrodiae elata Blume-based nutraceutical formulation (Assonal^®) and changes in pain intensity, functional outcomes, symptom burden, and quality of life in patients with radiculopathy and CTS. Methods: A single-centre pragmatic before–after clinical study enrolled adults with cervical or lumbar radiculopathy and/or CTS. Participants received Assonal^® (two tablets daily) for two months. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included the Back Pain Functional Scale (BPFS), the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI), the EuroQol-5D-5L (EQ-5D-5L), and the Global Perceived Effect (GPE). Longitudinal within-subject changes were analysed using repeated-measures statistical tests. Results: Thirty-four participants completed the study. The observed pain intensity decreased significantly from baseline to two months (NPRS: 7.2 ± 1.3 to 3.6 ± 1.2; VAS: 7.3 ± 2.1 to 3.3 ± 1.7; p < 0.0001) and functional measures showed improvements across BPFS and BCTQ assessments, accompanied by reductions in symptom burden (NPSI). Quality of life increased significantly (EQ-5D-5L index: 0.49 ± 0.23 to 0.81 ± 0.12; p < 0.0001), and most patients reported perceived clinical improvement. Conclusions: In this exploratory real-world study, Assonal^® supplementation was associated with clinically relevant improvements in pain intensity, functional performance, and quality of life in patients with radiculopathy and CTS, suggesting the need for further investigation of these associations in future controlled clinical studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Phillygenin (PHI), a natural lignan derived from Forsythia suspensa, has garnered attention for its potential to alleviate chronic diseases, including chronic colitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and diabetes. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a global health challenge, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates and associated with a spectrum of secondary complications. In this study, we aim to investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of PHI on CKD and also identify molecular signals by using a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model and in vitro experiments. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were administered PHI at 50 mg/kg/day to assess its therapeutic effectiveness. In vitro, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were used to induce pyroptosis, also known as pyroptosis, in renal proximal tubular cells (NRK52E). Results: After PHI treatment for 14 consecutive days, the collagen deposition and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, the expression of oxidative stress response proteins (catalase, superoxide dismutase 2, NADPH oxidase 4, and thioredoxin reductase 1), pro-inflammatory markers (TNF-α and Cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), and infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages were significantly ameliorated in the UUO mice. Interestingly, the pyroptosis-related proteins (NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD/IL-1β) and cell apoptotic death were also conspicuously relieved after treatment with PHI. Furthermore, PHI administration significantly attenuated the ATP/LPS-induced NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis signal pathway in NRK52E cells. Conclusions: These results demonstrate, for the first time, that PHI treatment ameliorates inflammation and the related pyroptosis via inhibitory regulation of the NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD axis, leading to attenuated renal fibrosis and progressive CKD in UUO mice and in vitro. Our findings suggest that PHI could be a nutraceutical candidate for attenuating CKD progression. Full article

Nowadays, it is central to generate innovations that convert agricultural by-products and food waste into valuable animal products while promoting the long-term resilience and sustainability of vulnerable animal production systems. Nutraceuticals (i.e., ‘nutrition + pharmaceutical’) are derived from foods that offer health benefits. In animal production, nutraceutical supplementation with Withania somnifera and Lepidium meyenii has shown positive effects on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems. We aimed to evaluate the possible impact of nutraceutical supplementation on rams fed a diet based on surplus feed from a highly industrialized Holstein cow production system, on corporal (live weight [LW], kg; body condition score [BCS], units), metabolic (blood glucose [GLU], mg dL⁻¹; serum protein [PRO], g 100 mL⁻¹), and sexual–testicular variables [sexual odor (ODOR, units); scrotal circumference (SC, cm); testicular volumes (TVOL, cm³); and estimated daily sperm production (EDSP, millions)]. Black Belly rams (n = 12; LW = 70.36 ± 1.2 kg; BCS = 2.96 ± 0.03 units; age = 3.8 ± 0.2 years; 25° N) were divided into 3 experimental groups: (1) WITH, supplemented with Withania somnifera (400 mg kg⁻¹ LW d⁻¹); (2) LEPI, supplemented with Lepidium meyenii (400 mg kg⁻¹ LW d⁻¹); and (3) CONT, not supplemented. The variables LW, BCS, GLU, PRO, and SC, as well as some components of TVOL, did not differ (p > 0.05) among the main effects of treatment or time; only ODOR, right transverse testicular diameter, and total testicular volume differed among treatments, generally favoring the WITH group. Furthermore, the TRT × T interaction demonstrated superior performance (p < 0.05) in the WITH group, with the largest values for LW, GLU, PRO, ODOR, SC, width of the right testicle, volume of the right testicle, total testicular volume, and EDSP. From a productive–reproductive perspective, the Robin Hood Effect—through the use of rejected dairy cattle rations as the base diet for rams—and supplemented with nutraceuticals (WITH and LEPI), emerges as a viable alternative to improve not only the productive–reproductive performance of Black Belly rams, but also other productive and socioeconomic outcomes; the latter contributing to the strengthening of producer and family well-being. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite their often-asymptomatic progression and complex therapeutic management, a substantial proportion of CVDs is preventable through early intervention and lifestyle modification. However, effective pharmacological strategies to fully reduce disease burden and associated risk factors remain limited. Polyphenols are a structurally diverse class of bioactive compounds widely distributed in plant-based foods, characterized by multiple phenolic and hydroxyl groups that confer potent redox-modulating properties. Increasing evidence indicates that dietary polyphenols exert cardioprotective effects through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and endothelial-modulating mechanisms. Experimental studies (in vitro and in vivo) have demonstrated that polyphenols regulate key molecular pathways involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular function, including PI3K/Akt/eNOS, AMPK/SIRT1, and Nrf2 signaling. In parallel, epidemiological and clinical evidence support their association with improvements in blood pressure, glycemic control, lipid profiles, and body weight, critical determinants of cardiovascular risk. Importantly, the biological response to polyphenol intake is highly variable and influenced by genetic background, metabolism, gut microbiota composition, and bioavailability constraints. This review provides an updated and integrative analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective effects of polyphenols, emphasizing their role in endothelial function and nitric oxide bioavailability. Additionally, it highlights recent advances in polyphenol-based nutraceuticals, discusses translational limitations, and outlines future perspectives for their application in cardiovascular disease prevention and management. Full article

The valorization of agri-food by-products aligns with circular economy principles and offers sustainable sources of bioactive compounds. This study investigated the peels of the purple-fleshed Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Vitelotte Noire (VN), cultivated in Sardinia, as a potential resource for nutraceutical antioxidants. Extracts were obtained using solvents of different polarities (water, 80% and 96% ethanol) and characterized. Phytochemical screening revealed high concentrations of total phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, with the 96% ethanolic extract showing superior anthocyanin content. Antioxidant capacity, assessed via ORAC-PYR, TEAC-ABTS, and DPPH assays, was highest in the alcoholic extracts. Furthermore, all extracts showed protective effects in an in vitro model of AAPH-induced oxidative DNA damage, as indicated by the preservation of plasmid supercoiling. Untargeted LC-QTOF-MS analysis detailed a rich metabolomic profile, including organic acids, amino acids, and vitamins. The findings confirm VN peel as a potent, sustainable source of antioxidants, supporting its valorization for developing high-added-value nutraceutical and functional food ingredients, while reducing waste disposal costs and environmental impact. Full article

Background/Objectives: Coffea canephora (robusta) and Coffea liberica var. dewevrei (excelsa) cultivated in the Comoros islands represent understudied coffee varieties grown in a unique volcanic terroir. Despite their agricultural significance and potential bioactive value, no comprehensive biochemical or nutritional characterization of these Comorian coffees had previously been conducted. This study therefore aimed to provide the first integrated biochemical and nutritional characterization of both varieties and to evaluate the influence of the islands’ specific edaphoclimatic conditions on their chemical composition. Methods: An integrated analytical approach was employed, combining UV-Vis spectrophotometry, HPLC, ionomics, and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy to quantify polyphenols, flavonoids, caffeine, soluble sugars, antioxidant activity, mineral profiles, and macromolecular composition of green coffee beans from both species. Results: Robusta exhibited significantly higher levels of total polyphenols (121.79 ± 2.73 mg GAE/g), total flavonoids (29.43 ± 2.20 mg QE/g), caffeine (1.52% w/w), total soluble sugars (60.47 ± 3.37 mg GE/g), and antioxidant activity (64.97 ± 6.25 mM Trolox eq/g). Conversely, excelsa demonstrated a distinct mineral profile, with significantly higher concentrations of magnesium, calcium, sodium, zinc, and copper. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed distinct vibrational fingerprints between the two species, particularly in lipid and carbohydrate signatures. Conclusions: These findings position Comorian robusta as a potent source of antioxidants and stimulants, while excelsa offers a nutritionally balanced profile with nutraceutical potential, providing a scientific basis for valorizing both varieties as high-value niche products and contributing to the preservation of coffee agro-biodiversity. Full article

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are increasing in young athletes and many are related to non-contact, spontaneous mechanical fatigue-related ruptures. The objective of this narrative review is to identify and synthesize the anatomical, histological, physiological, and biomechanical basis of extracellular matrix (ECM) factors that contribute to ACL injuries and suggest ways to decrease their occurrence. Methods: The primary investigator searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar database titles and abstracts using search phrases with Boolean operators: “anterior cruciate ligament” OR “ACL”, OR “cranial cruciate ligament” AND “disease”; “anterior cruciate ligament” OR “ACL”, OR “cranial cruciate ligament” AND “spontaneous rupture” OR “non-contact injury”; and “anterior cruciate ligament” OR ACL, OR cranial cruciate ligament” AND “crosslink”, “collagen” OR “extracellular matrix”; and “anterior cruciate ligament” OR “ACL”, OR “cranial cruciate ligament” AND “microtrauma”, OR “sudden” OR “fatigue failure”. The primary investigator and a sports orthopedic surgeon reviewed titles and abstracts of diverse evidence sources. From these identified sources, the study team performed full text reviews, selected contributing articles, performed Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) grading, and synthesized the following themes: A Hostile Environment, ACL Strain, and Poor Nutrient Delivery; Accumulative ACL Microtrauma and Mechanical Failure; The ACL Differs From Other Ligaments; Collagen, the ECM, and ACL Mechanobiology; Crimps and ACL ECM Stretch; Crosslinks Improve ECM Mechanical Properties; The Delicate Collagen Synthesis and Degradation Balance; Exercise Training and the ACL; Can Nutraceuticals Help Restore the Balance?; Training Induced ACL Hypoxia; Estrogen and the Female Athlete; Counting Pitches or Counting Collagen Fiber Ruptures; and Restoring A Positive Anabolic–Catabolic Collagen Balance. Results: Regular exercise training within a physiologically safe loading range is vital to ACL ECM health. However, low or moderate evidence suggested that poor blood supply, slow metabolism, and a hypoxic environment may unbalance anabolic and catabolic homeostasis. Active rest and recovery concepts that prevent youth baseball shoulder and elbow injuries may help prevent non-contact ACL injuries. Conclusions: More prescriptive active rest and recovery intervals and neuromuscular control training may restore the anabolic–catabolic balance that increases mature crosslink density and improves ACL ECM strength. Confirmatory studies are needed to better establish therapeutic intervention mode(s), timing, dosage, and frequency optimization. Full article

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality, frequently arising from chronic inflammatory states such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and cirrhosis. While extensive epidemiological data demonstrate a strong, dose-dependent inverse association between habitual coffee consumption and HCC incidence, the underlying molecular causality remains incompletely understood. In this comprehensive review, we elucidate the “Coffee Paradox” through the lens of nutriepigenomics. We demonstrate how coffee-derived bioactives—specifically chlorogenic acids, diterpenes, and microbially derived short-chain fatty acids—function as a coordinated epigenetic defense system. These compounds actively inhibit DNA methyltransferases, serve as endogenous histone deacetylase inhibitors via the gut–liver axis, and induce post-transcriptional, tumor-suppressive microRNA networks to halt oncogenic progression. However, to provide a critical and balanced perspective, we also address significant translational challenges. We evaluate conflicting null associations from recent Mendelian randomization studies and highlight the profound variability introduced by specific brewing methods, roasting profiles, and individual pharmacogenomics (e.g., CYP1A2 polymorphisms). Finally, we outline the future of precision hepatology, emphasizing the critical transition from observational epidemiology to clinical application via the utilization of circulating exosomal microRNAs as dynamic liquid biopsies and the development of standardized epi-nutraceuticals. Ultimately, this multi-layered epigenetic framework provides a robust foundation for integrating targeted dietary interventions into the primary prevention of HCC. Full article

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, antibacterial activity, and mineral content of Trigonella foenum-graecum, Linum usitatissimum, and Panicum miliaceum extracts obtained using aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic solvents. An integrated analytical strategy combining LC–MS/MS-based metabolite profiling, mineral analysis, and multivariate statistical tools (PCA) was applied to investigate the relationships between chemical composition and biological activities. The ethanolic extract of P. miliaceum showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC: 157.438 ± 0.521 µg GAE/mg extract), whereas L. usitatissimum exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ ≈ 65 µg/mL). Trigonella foenum-graecum displayed the most significant antibacterial activity, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 62.5 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus. LC–MS/MS analysis allowed the identification and structural characterization of more than twenty bioactive compounds through multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins. Principal Component Analysis indicated that sample discrimination was mainly driven by solvent polarity rather than plant species, underlining the critical influence of extraction conditions on phytochemical profiles and associated bioactivities. These findings highlight the relevance of combining analytical and statistical approaches to better understand the interplay between plant origin, extraction conditions, and biological properties, and support the potential of these species as promising sources of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical compounds. Full article

Secondary plant metabolites such as polyphenols (flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and lignans) are valued for their numerous benefits and commonly associated with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic effects. Comprehensive profiling facilitates their identification and quantification, with metabolomics emerging as an increasingly valuable tool. This current work provides an overview of recent application of metabolomics for investigating polyphenols with nutraceutical potential. It also highlights the influence of plant species and environmental stressors (both biotics and abiotic) inducing metabolic shifts that promote the production and accumulation of these bioactive compounds (BACs). While various analytical tools including mass spectrometry (MS) coupled with liquid chromatography (LC-MS) or gas chromatography (GC-MS), as well as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy have been utilized to identify the diverse group of polyphenol metabolites, LC-MS has been predominantly used due to its superior sensitivity and wider metabolite coverage, with flavonoids being the main compounds identified. The integration of bioinformatic tools and pathway enrichment analysis in metabolomics is providing expansive insight into the pool of polyphenols, and their bio-functional interpretation and metabolic variations beyond the narrow scope of chromatographic separation alone. This overview also identifies limitations of current methods and suggests directions for future research, aimed at facilitating the development of nutraceuticals. Full article