Search Results (939)

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

Despite the long history of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) red heartwood research, there has been no experimental proof on the structure of the chromophores yet. For the first time, using high-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detection/multistage electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, it was evidenced that red heartwood chromophores are water/methanol solvent extractable high molecular weight (400–2200 Da) compounds, which are polymerized, transformed, and oxidized products of (epi)catechin and taxifolin. Acid soluble non-extractable polyphenols (flavonoids, tannins) were not evidenced in the cell wall structure, while alkaline soluble compounds (ferulic acid, dehydrodiferulic acid, p-coumaric acid) have been identified for the first time from the sapwood/red heartwood boundary tissues: these supposedly play a role in the structural reinforcement of the cell wall structure and in the antioxidant protection and have a lesser role in color formation. Results on the structure of chromophores and on cell wall composition may enhance color homogenization technologies and contribute to a better utilization of red-heartwooded timber in the future. Full article

Shanlan rice, a unique drought-resistant rice germplasm resource in Hainan Province, China, holds significant potential for rice genetic improvement and breeding innovation. However, its genetic diversity and significance in rice breeding remain inadequately explored. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of phenolic acid profiles and antioxidant properties in the brown rice of 84 Shanlan rice accessions. It was revealed that colored Shanlan rice accessions exhibited significantly higher total phenolic content (249.00–2408.33 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 g of rice flour (mg GAE/100 g)) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH: 680.39–809.63 micromoles of Trolox equivalent per 100 g (μmol TE/100 g); ABTS: 529.93–1917.77 μmol TE/100 g) compared to white-grained varieties. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified eight phenolic acids in the bound fractions, among which the sinapic acid (55.08 μg/g) and vanillic acid (11.72 μg/g) were predominant, accounting for over 60% of total bound phenolic acid content. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified 84 significant loci associated with these phenolic-related traits. A major quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 7 for free phenolic content, total phenolic content, flavonoids, and DPPH activity was co-located at the Rc gene locus, a key regulator of red pericarp pigmentation and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis. Haplotype analysis identified ten haplotypes in Rc, with the haplotype H002 showing the highest antioxidant capacity. Another QTL on chromosome 11 was associated with p-coumaric, vanillic, and sinapic acids, although no significant difference was observed in haplotype analysis. These results highlight Rc as a key genetic factor underlying antioxidant properties in rice, while other loci require further validation. This research provides a foundation for breeding health-benefit, drought-tolerant rice cultivars using Hainan’s unique germplasm. Full article

The inhibition mechanism and binding properties of four phenolic acids (ferulic acid (FA), p-coumaric acid (CA), gallic acid (GA), and protocatechuic acid (PA)) on xanthine oxidase (XOD) were investigated. All four phenolic acids acted via a mixed inhibition pattern, mainly influencing the hydrophobic regions and secondary conformation of XOD through hydrophobic bonding and hydrophobic association. Molecular dynamics simulations exhibited that the complexes of XOD with FA and CA revealed smaller radii of gyration (Rg) and solvent-accessible surface areas (SASA), along with lower variability in root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) and root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF), collectively indicating greater structural stability. FA, CA, and PA significantly reduced uric acid (UA) concentration in the 25–100 μM range. Although GA only reduced UA levels in cell models at 25 μM, this effect was likely due to its larger polar surface area, which limits cellular uptake. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) evaluation suggested that these phenolic acids have potential for development. Full article

The present study aimed to comprehensively characterize the physicochemical, nutritional, and functional properties of Armoracia rusticana leaves and roots, with a focus on their potential as sources of bioactive compounds. Quality parameters (color, moisture, titratable acidity, pH), macronutrient (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fibers) and micronutrient (minerals, vitamins) content were determined. Polyphenolic profiles were evaluated using HPLC-DAD in two types of extracts: methanol–water (1:1, v/v) and deionized water. Flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin), hydroxybenzoic acids (p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, caffeic), and hydroxycinnamic acids (chlorogenic, p-coumaric, rosmarinic) were identified. Freeze-drying proved effective in preserving thermolabile compounds, such as vitamin C (299.78 mg/100 g) and polyphenols (107.14 mg/100 g). Antioxidant capacity of the leaf extracts ranged between 74.52% and 76.90%, while pigment quantification revealed high levels of chlorophyll a (360.7 mg/100 g), chlorophyll b (110.03 mg/100 g), and total carotenoids (72.35 mg/100 g). FTIR spectroscopy was employed to assess molecular structures and functional group composition. Overall, the results support the valorization of A. rusticana leaves—an underutilized plant part—alongside roots, for applications in functional foods and nutraceutical development. Full article

The Northeast region in China is a major maize-producing area; however, low-temperature stress (TS) limits maize (Zea mays L.) seed germination, affecting population establishment and yield. In order to systematically explore the regulation mechanism of maize radicle which is highly sensitive to low-temperature environment response to TS, seeds of ZD958 and DMY1 were used to investigate germination responses under 15 °C (control) and 5 °C (TS) conditions. Phenotypic, physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses were conducted on the radicles after 48 h of TS treatment. TS caused reactive oxygen species (ROS) imbalance and oxidative damage in radicle cells, inhibiting growth and triggering antioxidant defenses. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that flavonoid metabolism may play a pivotal role in radicle responses to TS. Compared with the control treatment, ZD958 and DMY1 under TS treatment significantly increased (p < 0.01) the total flavonoid content, total antioxidant capacity, 4-coumarate-CoA ligase activity, and dihydroflavonol 4-reductase activity by 15.99% and 16.01%, 18.41% and 18.54%, 63.54% and 31.16%, and 5.09% and 7.68%, respectively. Despite genotypic differences, both followed a shared regulatory logic of “low-temperature signal-driven—antioxidant redirection—functional synergy.” This enabled ROS scavenging, redox balance, and antioxidant barrier formation, ensuring basal metabolism and radicle development. Full article

Continuous cropping obstacles (CCOs) lead to a decline in yield and quality under repeated cultivation in the same farmland. Notably, CCOs caused by fusarium wilt, autotoxicity, or imbalance in rhizosphere microbial communities reduce the productivity of watermelons (Citrullus lanatus). Considering the negative environmental impacts of conventional agrochemicals, it is necessary to evaluate the biocontrol efficiency of microorganisms. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the biocontrol efficiency of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain PP19 against CCOs of watermelon so as to develop alternatives to agrochemicals. The inhibitory effect of PP19 on watermelon fusarium wilt was assessed through plate confrontation assays and field trials. The degradation and utilization of autotoxins by PP19 were examined via co-culture experiments. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to analyze the impact of PP19 on the rhizosphere soil microbial community of watermelon. Specifically, we analyzed the PP19 utilization of four phenolic autotoxins secreted by watermelon roots and assessed their effects on microbial diversity in the watermelon rhizosphere. Plant growth assays showed that PP19 improved the weight and quality of watermelon fruit. Although PP19 inhibited the growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon), the growth inhibitory effect was significantly enhanced by autotoxins produced by watermelon, including mixed phenolic, cinnamic, ferulic, and p-coumaric acids. Additionally, PP19 effectively degraded and utilized the autotoxins, and the autotoxins enhanced PP19’s swimming ability and biofilm formation. Moreover, PP19 treatment significantly enhanced the microbial diversity in watermelon rhizosphere, increased the number of beneficial bacterial genera, and decreased the number of pathogenic genera. Conclusively, these results suggest that B. amyloliquefaciens strain PP19 improves the resistance of watermelon to CCOs by effectively utilizing and degrading autotoxin, altering soil microbial community structure, and inhibiting Fon17 growth, resulting in improved fruit quality. Overall, PP19 possesses potential application as a biological control agent against CCOs in commercial watermelon cultivation. Full article

Haskap berry (Lonicera caerulea L.) pomace, a by-product of juice processing, is a rich source of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of incorporating lyophilized and ground haskap berry pomace on the physicochemical properties of wheat bread. In addition, flour water absorption and dough rheological properties were assessed. The results demonstrated that the addition of pomace increased flour water absorption and dough stability. However, these improvements did not translate into enhanced bread quality. With increasing pomace levels in the formulation, reductions in bread volume and crumb porosity, as well as an increase in crumb firmness, were observed, which consequently lowered consumer acceptability. In contrast, the addition of pomace significantly increased the dietary fiber and ash contents of the enriched bread. Moreover, the enriched bread exhibited higher antioxidant activity and phenolic compound content, along with significant alterations in the phenolic profile. Enrichment resulted in elevated concentrations of chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid, and p-coumaric acid. Furthermore, the contents of flavonoid aglycones, particularly quercetin and luteolin, as well as flavonoid glycosides, especially rutin and isoquercetin, were increased. Considering the quality attributes of bread enriched with Lonicera caerulea pomace, together with the associated increase in bioactive compounds, its proportion in wheat flour should not exceed 2%. Full article

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) development depends on syncytium formation, which requires cell-wall degradation and fusion. Lignin, the main barrier in cell walls, is critical for SCN resistance. 4-Coumarate: CoA ligase (4CL) drives the phenylpropanoid pathway by converting p-coumaric acid to p-coumaroyl-CoA, supplying lignin precursors. Here, resistant cv. Huipizhiheidou accumulated more lignin than susceptible Williams 82 after SCN inoculation. SCN stress induced distinct Gm4CL-family expression profiles across cultivars; Gm4CL3 and Gm4CL4 were markedly upregulated in Huipizhiheidou. Transient expression of Gm4CL3 in tobacco thickened leaf cell walls, implying enhanced wall reinforcement against SCN. Thus, 4CLs, especially Gm4CL3, may promote lignin deposition and secondary wall thickening to strengthen soybean SCN resistance. Full article

This study utilised Bacillus subtilis and cellulase combined with Bacillus subtilis to ferment quinoa bran. The effects of different fermentation methods on the functional components, antioxidant activity, and structural changes of quinoa bran were evaluated. Fermentation altered the functional components of quinoa bran and enhanced its antioxidant capacity. The phenolic acid and polysaccharide contents increased in BFQ (Bacillus subtilis-fermented quinoa bran) and BEFQ (bacterio-enzyme co-fermented quinoa bran), whereas the protein content decreased. After fermentation, the phenolic acid content in BEFQ increased by 81.68%, while the DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging rates increased by 43.99% and 31.44%, respectively. The antioxidant capacity in BEFQ was ranked as follows: ferulic acid > p-coumaric acid > vanillic acid > 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Thus, the antioxidant ability of quinoa bran phenolic acids was primarily dependent on hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. The polysaccharide content in BEFQ increased by 80.73%. The DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging rates increased by 52.59% and 50.48%, respectively, whereas the protein content decreased by 21.88%. Furthermore, the DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging rates increased by 76% and 75.39%, respectively. These results indicate that fermentation using cellulase combined with Bacillus subtilis has the potential to enhance the antioxidant capacity and utilisation of quinoa bran. 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

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are associated with the dysfunction of proximal tubular epithelial (PTE) cells in lifestyle diseases. Urinary stones induce cytotoxicity in PTE cells, and various medicines have been developed to mitigate or prevent their generation/accumulation. The leaves of Quercus salicina Blume/Q. stenophylla Makino—used in Japanese folk medicine—contain quercetin, hesperidin, and p-hydroxycinnamic (p-coumaric) acid, which can suppress the cytotoxicity of intra-/extracellular AGEs. This review investigated the effects of quercetin, hesperidin, and p-coumaric acid on PTE cells in terms of their metabolism following oral administration and the associated organs and bacteria. Current evidence indicates that, in PTE cells, non-metabolized quercetin and p-coumaric acid may suppress intra-/extracellular AGE-induced cytotoxicity, whereas the metabolites of quercetin and hesperidin may inhibit the generation of AGEs. However, little is known of the effects of p-coumaric acid metabolites. Quercetin, hesperidin, and p-coumaric acid may collectively suppress the cytotoxicity of intra-/extracellular AGEs in PTE cells. This review on the current paradigm of Q. salicina/Q. stenophylla extract provides a useful baseline for the design of further preclinical and clinical investigations. Full article

The increasing demand for natural, safe, and sustainable ingredients is driving innovation in cosmetic science. This study assessed the anti-aging potential of 17 petal extracts using a multidisciplinary bioanalytical approach. In vitro spectrophotometric assays evaluated anti-wrinkle (anti-elastase), anti-pigmentation (anti-tyrosinase), and antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS) activities, while cytotoxicity was tested on HaCaT keratinocytes. Chemical profiling using HPTLC and UHPLC–MS/MS identified 17 phenolic compounds. For the first time, petals from prairie rose (Rosa setigera Michx.), common peony (Paeonia officinalis L.), horse-chestnut cultivars (Aesculus hippocastanum L., Aesculus × carnea Zeyx.), lilac (Syringa vulgaris), mock-orange (Philadelphus pubescens Loisel), orange lily (Lilium bulbiferum L.), garden tulip (Tulipa gesneriana L.), ivy geranium (Pelargonium × peltatum (L.) L’Hér. ex Aiton), and wallflower (Erysimum × cheiri (L.) Crantz) were studied for their skin anti-aging properties. Prairie rose, peony, and ivy geranium extracts showed strong anti-elastase activity; rose and peony also demonstrated high antioxidant potential, while lilac exhibited significant anti-tyrosinase effects. Key phenolic constituents—caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and gallic acid—were further examined via molecular docking, which confirmed their inhibitory properties by revealing inhibition mechanisms. All extracts were confirmed to be non-toxic in zebrafish acute toxicity assays at relevant concentrations. This integrative strategy effectively links chemical composition with biological activity, offering valuable insight into the development of safe, plant-derived anti-aging agents for sustainable cosmetic applications. Full article

The genus Miconia is used in traditional medicine, but there are few studies supporting the bioactive potential of Miconia crocea. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties, bioactive compound content, and antioxidant, antimicrobial and antihaemolytic activities at four different phenological stages of M. crocea. The pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, moisture and ash content were determined. Mineral contents were determined by atomic absorption. Vitamin C, organic acids, carotenoids, chlorophylls and derivatives and phenols were determined by chromatography. Total anthocyanins were determined by spectrophotometry. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated using ABTS and DPPH assays, and the antimicrobial activity was tested against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Potassium was the predominant mineral (>1000 mg/100 g DW), while malic acid was the predominant organic acid. Lutein was the most abundant carotenoid, as among the phenolic compounds, m-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid were most abundant (>1000 mg/100 g DW). The optimal method for preparing the extract for antimicrobial and haemolytic activity, with a focus on phenols, involved using 50% ethanol, applying ultrasound for six minutes, and carrying out three extractions. The M0% extract exhibited the most potent antimicrobial activity against S. mutans (MIC: 7.8 mg/mL). Anti-haemolytic activity indicates biocompatibility. The results emphasise the bioactive and antimicrobial potential of M. crocea, suggesting its possible application in various industries. However, further research is needed in the form of in vivo studies. 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