Search Results (234)

This study aims to investigate the functional and biochemical characteristics of sprouted and unsprouted red and black amaranth flours by fermentation with four probiotic strains (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MIUG BL21, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus MIUG BL24, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus MIUG BL38, and Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum MIUG BL74). Aqueous extracts from freeze-dried fermented products derived from sprouted and raw seed of two Amaranthus species (Amaranthus cruentus—red amaranth and Amaranthus hypochondriacus—black amaranth) were characterised for their acidification and phytochemical profiles by titrimetric, spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods, and their antioxidant activities by ABTS and DPPH assays. Water-soluble proteins were evaluated by SDS-PAGE analysis. Nine phenolic acids (gallic acid, protocathechic acid, syringic acid, ellagic acid, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and chlorogenic acid) and twelve flavonoids (epicatechin gallate, hesperitin, quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, naringenin, quercetin 3-glucoside, isorhamnetin, peonidin 3-O rutinoside, epicatechin, keracyanin, and rutin trihydrate) were identified in the extracts of amaranth samples. The titratable acidity ranged from 0.59 to 5.50 mL of 0.1 N NaOH. Total flavonoid content (TFC) varied from 1.09 to 4.67 mg CE/g DW; whereas, total phenolic content (TPC) fluctuated from 1.99 to 5.76 mg GAE/g DW. The spectrum of ABTS and DPPH values was from 17.49 to 56.82% and 0.60 to 35.50%, respectively. More biologically active compounds were found in red amaranth-based samples, both sprouted and unsprouted, compared to black amaranth-based samples. There was a moderate correlation between the TPC and the antioxidant activity. The fermentation of red amaranth with L. rhamnosus MIUG BL38 led to a global increase in the protein background intensity, consistent with protein hydrolysis. Overall, sprouting and probiotics fermentation improved the fermentative performance of the amaranth seeds, enabling their effective use as a nutritive food with potential health-promoting properties. Full article

This study investigated the phytochemical composition and biological activity of Cymbopogon citratus microshoot cultures and evaluated their suitability for incorporation into a cosmetic formulation. Microshoot cultures were established on Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with plant growth regulators and served as a reproducible source of biomass. Methanolic and ethanolic extracts were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Chemical composition was characterized using LC-MS/MS analysis, which revealed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids, with p-coumaric, caffeic, and ferulic acids being among the most abundant detected constituents. In biological assays, the extracts inhibited murine tyrosinase in a concentration-dependent manner and exhibited antimicrobial activity against selected oral and skin-associated microorganisms, including Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, as well as showing fungistatic and fungicidal effects against Candida albicans. Cytotoxicity analysis performed on HaCaT keratinocytes confirmed biocompatibility within the tested concentration range. To assess formulation suitability, the microshoot extract was incorporated into an oil-in-water (O/W) cream, which maintained stable pH, viscosity, and physical properties while preserving the antioxidant activity of the extract. Overall, these findings indicate that C. citratus microshoot cultures represent a reproducible source of bioactive metabolites with potential application in cosmetic formulations. Full article

Tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1) is a binuclear copper enzyme responsible for the rate-limiting steps of melanogenesis, catalyzing the hydroxylation of L-tyrosine and oxidation of L-DOPA into o-quinones that polymerize melanin. Beyond its physiological role in pigmentation, tyrosinase is also implicated in food browning and oxidative stress–related disorders, making it a key target in cosmetic, food, and biomedical industries. This systematic review, conducted following PRISMA guidelines, aimed to identify and analyze microbial metabolites with tyrosinase inhibitory potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional inhibitors such as hydroquinone and kojic acid. Literature searches in Scopus and Web of Science (March 2025) yielded 156 records; after screening and applying inclusion criteria, 11 studies were retained for analysis. The inhibitors identified include indole derivatives, phenolic acids, peptides, and triterpenoids, mainly produced by fungi (e.g., Ganoderma lucidum, Trichoderma sp.), actinobacteria (Streptomyces, Massilia), and microalgae (Spirulina, Synechococcus). Reported IC₅₀ values ranged from micromolar to milli-molar levels, with methyl lucidenate F (32.23 µM) and p-coumaric acid (52.71 mM). Mechanisms involved competitive and non-competitive inhibition, as well as gene-level regulation. However, methodological heterogeneity, the predominance of mushroom tyrosinase assays, and limited human enzyme validation constrain translational relevance. Computational modeling, site-directed mutagenesis, and molecular dynamics are proposed to overcome these limitations. Overall, microbial metabolites exhibit promising efficacy, stability, and biocompatibility, positioning them as emerging preclinical candidates for the development of safer and more sustainable tyrosinase inhibitors. Full article

In this study, pectin packaging films were enhanced with selected phenolic acids, including caffeic, coumaric, ferulic, gallic, protocatechuic, and sinapic acids. Edible films were created from apple pectin aqueous solutions that were plasticised with glycerol. The evaluation covered various properties, including optical, barrier, mechanical, thermal, structural, and antioxidant activity. The findings showed that phenolic acids are beneficial and compatible components for pectin films. A higher barrier against UV-VIS light and mechanical strength, as well as a more resilient structure, was observed. All the films exhibited a compact and uniform structure, along with transparency and a light colour. The addition of phenolic acids caused greater permeability to oxygen and carbon. Except for caffeic and protocatechuic acids, which resulted in lower values of permeability for both gases, the other acids improved gas transmission. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis confirmed several functional groups, including hydroxyl (−OH) and carbonyl (C=O) groups. All films containing phenolic acids demonstrated increased antioxidant activity, with variations depending on the specific compound. Full article

Five Salsola species have been studied as sources of bioactive compounds using a comprehensive, untargeted metabolomic and bioactivity assessment. Plant material was extracted using ethyl acetate (EA), water, and methanol (MeOH). S. ruthenica exhibited the highest total phenolic content (46.04 mg GAE/g, MeOH extract) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH: 47.21 mg TE/g; ABTS: 97.40 mg TE/g; CUPRAC: 141.38 mg TE/g; FRAP: 80.30 mg TE/g). Extracts of S. stenoptera and S. ruthenica showed potent cholinesterase inhibition, while S. crassa was notably active against tyrosinase. A total of 265 metabolites were annotated, revealing strong solvent- and species-specific differences in phenolic composition, as confirmed by AMOPLS analysis. Flavanols, anthocyanins, and lignans emerged as the major chemotaxonomic markers, based on PCA, contributing the most to the total variance. Strong correlations were observed between TPC and CUPRAC (r = 0.93) and between flavanols and DPPH (r = 0.70), suggesting functional relevance of these compounds in redox activity, confirming the importance of different classes of phenolic constituents. VIP markers also revealed species- and solvent-specific enrichments of metabolites. Regularized canonical correlation analysis (rCCA) further linked specific metabolites, namely Quercetin 3-O-glucosyl-xyloside and 6″-O-Acetylgenistin, the flavanone sakuranetin, the lignans Secoisolariciresinol, Anhydro-secoisolariciresinol, and Medioresinol, and p-Coumaric acid ethyl ester, with antioxidant functions. These findings underscore the pharmacological potential of Salsola species and highlight the importance of valorizing metabolic diversity in the search for new sources of health-promoting natural compounds. Furthermore, the work shows the need for a tailored solvent selection in bioactivity-guided phytochemical research. Full article

Background: Drug-induced cardiotoxicity is a primary concern in clinical practice, especially in the context of oxidative stress induced by anti-cancer, antiviral, and antidiabetic drugs. Several strategies are devised to limit cardiotoxicity, which are supportive and provide symptomatic relief. This highlights the need to develop cardioprotective agents that circumvent the oxidative stress. Bassia indica is a cardiotonic plant with antioxidant properties traditionally used in Africa, South Asia, and China. We investigated its cardioprotective effects against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC). Methods: B. indica extract (BiE) was analyzed by GC-MS and HPLC. Several antioxidant assays, including DPPH, FRAP, CUPRAC, NO, and H₂O₂ scavenging, were performed. In vivo attenuation of DIC was assessed in a rat model. Results: BiE contained several bioactive flavonoids, including 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, ferulic acid, gallic acid, kaempferol, and coumaric acid. Antioxidant assays demonstrated potent free-radical scavenging and antioxidant activity of BiE, providing mechanistic evidence for its in vivo amelioration of DIC. BiE treatment reduced myocardial oxidative stress by increasing endogenous antioxidant levels (p < 0.01), including SOD, CAT, and GSH. It upregulated Nrf2 and lowered Keap1 levels. This was also reflected in the restoration of cardiac tissue architecture and modulation of inflammatory markers, including IL-1β and TNF-α (p < 0.01). Cardiac tissue biomarkers were also improved. Conclusions: These findings conclude that BiE exerts cardiac protection by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation through modulation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway and decreasing the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α. Full article

Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander) seeds have long been used as a traditional medicine and a spice worldwide. Despite its abundant use, bioactive properties of coriander seeds, correlated with the antioxidant and phenolic data, have not been fully studied systematically. This study evaluated the phenolic data, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity of coriander seed extracts obtained using solvents of differing polarity. Higher total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity were observed in the polar extracts, while moderate and non-polar extracts possessed higher antibacterial activity. Acetone extract (Ace) had the highest antibacterial activity, with an inhibition zone diameter (IZD) of 16.2 ± 0.2 mm against B. subtilis, and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 1 and 2% (w/v), respectively. The MBC/MIC ratio between 1 and 4 was observed for the active extracts of coriander seeds, indicating their bactericidal behavior. The liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectroscopy (LC–MS/MS) system using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) targeted analysis identified 13 phenolic compounds: gallic acid, ellagic acid, gentisic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, o-coumaric acid, sinapinic acid, chlorogenic acid, salicylic acid, ferulic acid, rutin, trans-cinnamic acid, and quercetin. Quantitative differences were observed in the phenolic compounds across the different coriander seed extracts. The TPC was significantly (p ≤ 0.01) and positively correlated with cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) (r = 0.92), as well as with ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (r = 0.98); furthermore, it showed that the higher level of antioxidant capacity of the coriander seed extracts was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, gentisic acid, ferulic acid, and rutin. However, antibacterial activity and phenolic/antioxidant content were negatively correlated, suggesting that non-polar compounds may impact antibacterial activity. Full article

Color serves as a crucial visual signal for attracting pollinating insects and directly affects the fruit set rate in woody crops. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying flower color formation in macadamia. The results demonstrated that darker flower colors were associated with higher fruit set rates: the rates for purple, pink, pinkish-white, and white flowers were 2.78, 1.99, 1.35, and 1.31, respectively. High-throughput sequencing identified 1359 differentially accumulated metabolites, including benzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and isorhamnetin. Transcriptional regulators such as ERF, MYB, and WRKY were significantly up-regulated in darker flowers. KEGG analysis revealed two key metabolic pathways, in which genes including HCT (shikimate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase) and F3GalTase (flavonol 3-O-galactosyltransferase), as well as related metabolites such as p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, and myricetin, showed higher expression levels in darker flowers. Anthocyanin content was highest in pink and pinkish-purple varieties (462.79 and 446.35 μg/g, respectively), and lower in white and light pink varieties (140.52 and 167.97 μg/g). In conclusion, flower color intensity is positively correlated with both fruit set rate and anthocyanin content. Genes involved in the flavonoid and phenylpropanoid pathways, along with transcription factors such as WRKY and MYB, collectively regulate flower color formation. This study provides a theoretical basis for macadamia flower color breeding. Full article

This study deals with the influence of various oenological preparations on malolactic fermentation. The influence of chitosan, fumaric acid, a tannin-based (Estaan) oenological preparation and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) was investigated, along with a new preparation based on a combination of selected hydroxycinnamic acids and MCFAs. Growth curves were obtained using Oenococcus oeni, Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria. Experimental work was also carried out on microsamples of wine, where individual inhibitors were added to wine inoculated with O. oeni culture and an HPLC analysis was performed to measure malic acid levels. Fumaric acid had the strongest inhibitory effect on L. plantarum at a dose of 2.5 g∙L⁻¹, while chitosan had the strongest effect on O. oeni at a dose of 2.5 mg∙L⁻¹. P-coumaric acid in combination with MCFAs (0.4 g∙L⁻¹ of p-coumaric acid + 10 mg∙L⁻¹ MCFAs) and Mix (0.4 g∙L⁻¹ of p-coumaric acid + 0.4 g∙L⁻¹ of ferulic acid + 10 mg∙L⁻¹ MCFA) had the strongest inhibitory effects on O. oeni and L. brevis. Finally, MCFAs had the strongest inhibitory effect on L. brevis at a dose of 1000 mg∙L⁻¹, and Estaan had the strongest effect on L. plantarum at a dose of 25 g∙L⁻¹. Full article

Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) are widely cultivated due to their high nutritional value and bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. However, the fruiting body developmental stage significantly influences the centesimal composition and bioactive compound levels. This study examined the centesimal composition and bioactive properties of five commercial oyster mushroom species (P. citrinopileatus, P. cornucopiae, P. djamor, P. ostreatus, and P. pulmonarius) cultivated in northern Thailand at three maturation stages (young, middle, and mature). The centesimal composition; polysaccharide, ergothioneine, and phenolic compound contents; antioxidant activity; and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity were analyzed. The results showed that the centesimal composition and polysaccharide content increased as the mushrooms matured in all species. The middle stage consistently exhibited the highest levels of ergothioneine, total phenolics, and individual phenolic compounds in all five species. Twelve phenolic compounds were identified, with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, and trans-o-coumaric acid being predominant. All extracts exhibited antioxidant activity, according to the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with the highest activity found at the middle stage. This is the first paper to report the ergothioneine content and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in P. cornucopiae and P. djamor. These findings demonstrate that harvest timing can be optimized to maximize either the nutritional content (mature stage) or bioactive compound content for functional food applications (middle stage), offering a better understanding of the developmental phases at which mushrooms have the greatest health and technological potential. Furthermore, this knowledge provides practical guidance for growers seeking to target specific markets for high nutritional value foods based on consumer demand and for functional food developers aiming to maximize health-promoting properties. Full article

Background/Objectives: The therapeutic properties of edible flowers are widely used to improve human health. The phenolic compounds present in edible flowers, such as phenols and flavonoids, among others, play an important role as effective antioxidant compounds against diseases related to oxidative stress. These compounds exhibit biological activities such as anti-ulcerogenic, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of hydroethanolic extracts of four Mexican cacti flowers. Methods: A hydroethanolic extract was obtained via maceration for each cactus flower and evaluated using a model of edema induced in mouse ears by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) as a guide for the anti-inflammatory activity. Compounds in cacti flower extracts were quantified by HPLC. Results: All of the hydroalcoholic flower extracts showed an anti-inflammatory effect. The greatest effect of inhibition of auricular edema (61.2 ± 4.23%) was observed in the group of mice treated with the Cardon extract at a dose of 3 mg/ear. This effect can be attributed to the main compounds detected by HPLC in the extract such as p-coumaric acid, catechin, kaempferol, and quercetin. These compounds are involved in the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators and enzymes such as cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases. Conclusions: This preliminary evidence supports further preclinical evaluation of the Cardon flower. Full article

Objectives: Angelica sinensis is a type of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used primarily as a blood tonic. The chemical components that exert their efficacy are mainly bioactive metabolites, such as ferulic acid, flavonoids, and volatile oils. The resources of wild Angelica sinensis (WA) are very scarce, and almost all the market circulation of TCM formulations relies on cultivated Angelica sinensis (CA). Some studies have shown that WA and CA differ in morphological features and chemical composition, but the reasons and mechanisms behind the differences have not been studied deeply. Methods: Herein, metabolomics analysis (MA) and transcriptomics analysis (TA) were used to reveal the differences in bioactive metabolites and genes between WA and CA. Expression of key genes was verified by real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results: Results showed that 12,580 differential metabolites (DMs) and 1837 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between WA and CA. Fourteen DMs (e.g., cinnamic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaroylquinic acid, and phlorizin) and 27 DEGs (e.g., cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase (C4H), 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL), shikimate O-hydroxycinnamoyltransferase (HCT), caffeic acid-O-methyltransferase (COMT), cinnamyl-alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), flavonol synthase (FLS)) were screened in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis. A combined analysis of MA and TA was performed, and a network map of DMs regulated by DEGs was plotted. The results of real-time RT-qPCR showed that the transcriptome data were reliable. Conclusions: These findings provide a reference for further optimization of the development of WA cultivation and breeding of CA varieties. Full article

Oxidative stress is a major contributor to skin aging and related disorders. This study comparatively evaluated the bioefficacy of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi leaf extracts prepared using three extraction techniques: conventional extraction (CE), accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), and pulsed electric field (PEF) extraction, with 50% (v/v) ethanol and water as green solvents. Among all tested conditions, the CE-derived extract (C-4), obtained with 50% (v/v) ethanol for 120 min, exhibited the highest extraction yield (29.7%). It also showed the highest total phenolic (668.56 ± 11.52 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry material (DM)) and flavonoid content (2629.92 ± 112.61 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/100 g DM), and potent antioxidant activity against 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical (12,645.50 ± 60.31 µmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/g DM) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay (ORAC: 7180.27 ± 101.79 µM TE/100 g DM). Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis revealed a diverse phytochemical profile rich in polyphenols, including gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and epicatechin. Cellular assays in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced HaCaT keratinocytes demonstrated that C-4 extract significantly enhanced cell viability and upregulated endogenous antioxidant genes (superoxide dismutase (SOD1), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX)), with effects comparable to established antioxidants such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and ascorbic acid. These findings highlight the influence of extraction parameters on phytochemical yield and biological activity, supporting the potential application of CE-derived S. terebinthifolius extracts as effective, sustainable ingredients for cosmeceutical formulations targeting oxidative stress-mediated skin aging. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pyrostegia venusta (Cipó-de-São-João), a native Brazilian Cerrado plant, is rich antioxidant phytochemicals. The efficacy of herbal extracts, particularly their phenolic content and antioxidant potential, is influenced by the extraction method used. This study investigated the effects of two drying methods, hot-air oven drying and freeze-drying, on the antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and molecular interactions of aqueous extracts from the flowers and leaves of P. venusta. Methods: antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH, FRAP, and Folin–Ciocalteu assays; phenolic profiles were characterized by UHPLC; and cytotoxicity was evaluated via the MTT assay in HaCaT human keratinocyte cells. Additionally, in silico ADMET predictions were conducted to assess pharmacokinetics and potential toxicity, followed by molecular docking to evaluate interactions with the proliferation markers Ki-67 and PCNA. Results: freeze-dried extracts, particularly from the flowers, contained higher concentrations of phenolic compounds and exhibited superior antioxidant activity compared to hot-air oven-dried extracts. UHPLC analysis identified a range of bioactive phenolics including caffeic, chlorogenic, gallic, ferulic, and p-coumaric acids, quercetin, and anthocyanidins such as pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside and peonidin-3-O-glucoside, with distinct compositional differences between leaves and flowers. ADMET analysis revealed generally favorable pharmacokinetic properties for most compounds. Docking simulations indicated that multiple phenolics showed synergistic interactions with Ki-67 and PCNA. Conclusions: our findings highlight freeze-drying as the optimal method for preserving bioactive compounds in P. venusta and support the therapeutic potential of its flower extracts. The evidence supports the notion that the biological effects of P. venusta are driven by synergism among multiple constituents rather than isolated compounds. Full article

Background and Objectives: Kumazasa extract (KZExt) is a food product obtained by steam extraction of Kumazasa (Sasa senanensis and Sasa kurilensis) leaves under high temperature and pressure. It contains abundant polyphenols, including trans-p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid, as well as xylooligosaccharides. In this study, we investigated the antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory effects of KZExt in vitro and in vivo. Materials and Methods: The anti-oxidant, antibacterial, and anti-viral effects of KZExt were assessed in vitro. Anti-oxidant activity was evaluated based on the scavenging of •OH, •O₂⁻ and ¹O₂. Antibacterial effects were assessed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using a microdilution method. Anti-influenza activity was measured via plaque formation in MDCK cells. Anti-inflammatory effects were assessed by measuring interleukin (IL)-1β inhibition in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In vivo, KZExt was administered once (30 min before) in a formalin-induced inflammation model to evaluate pain-related behavior. In the LPS-induced inflammation model, KZExt was administered for five days before LPS injection. Behavioral changes and cytokine levels were assessed 24 h later via the open field test and cytokine quantification. Results: In vitro, KZExt showed antibacterial, anti-influenza, and anti-oxidant effects, and suppressed LPS-induced IL-1β production. In vivo, it significantly reduced the second phase of formalin-induced pain behavior. In the LPS model, although behavioral changes were unaffected, KZExt suppressed IL-6 and interferon-γ production. Conclusions: The antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory effects of KZExt were confirmed in vitro and in vivo. Notably, the anti-inflammatory effect suggests potential immunomodulatory activity. These findings indicate that KZExt may help suppress smoldering inflammation and inflammation associated with various diseases through its combined antibacterial, anti-viral, and immunomodulatory actions. Full article