Search Results (155)

The performance of drug-loaded electrospun nanofibres is governed not only by drug content but also by the spatial distribution of the drug within the fibre matrix, which determines release kinetics and biological response. Here, we demonstrate that dose-dependent surface crystallisation of dexamethasone (DEX) in electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL)/gelatin nanofibres controls drug release behaviour and subsequent macrophage-mediated inflammation. Nanofibre mats containing 0, 1, and 2 wt% DEX (PG0, PG1, PG2) were fabricated and systematically characterised. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a change from homogeneous fibres (PG0) to surface-decorated crystalline domains with increasing drug loading, which indicates a supersaturation-driven phase separation during electrospinning. This morphological evolution directly governs the transport behaviour: PG2 exhibits a pronounced burst release due to surface-localised drug, whereas PG1 shows a balanced release profile with both surface-accessible and matrix-embedded drug fractions. Release characteristics result in different biological outcomes. PG1 and PG2 strongly inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in LPS-stimulated macrophages (~70–75% reduction), confirming retained drug bioactivity. However, higher drug loading (PG2) leads to lower fibroblast viability and compromised mechanical integrity. Importantly, PG1 shows a desirable balance of controlled drug release, cytocompatibility (>90% viability) and mechanical performance (~8 MPa) with effective anti-inflammatory activity. Degradation studies also show controlled structural evolution without destabilisation upon pH change, demonstrating suitability for wound environments. These results reveal surface crystallisation as an important design parameter for electrospun drug delivery systems and demonstrate that optimal therapeutic performance is controlled by intermediate drug loading, not maximum loading, providing a mechanistic framework for the rational design of immunomodulatory wound dressings. Full article

Crackers and cookies have become the most widely consumed snacks due to their low production costs, long shelf life, and ability to deliver essential nutrients. Increasing consumer health consciousness has shifted preferences toward foods perceived as natural and beneficial. This shift elevates demand for cracker formulations with novel, health-promoting natural ingredients. This study examined the effects of incorporating freeze-dried olive leaf powder (FDOLP) into crackers on their physicochemical properties, phenolic and volatile compound profiles, antioxidant capacity, and sensory acceptability. Total polyphenol content of crackers was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, while antioxidant capacity was evaluated by FRAP and DPPH assays. The UHPLC-ESI-HRMS analysis evaluated olive-derived compounds, including tyrosol, oleuropein derivatives, and pinoresinol 4-O-glucoside, present in olive leaf-enriched crackers. The characterisation of volatile compounds in crackers was performed using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). A darker colour was observed in the enriched crackers compared to the control samples. Results demonstrated that increasing the proportion of FDOLP led to enhanced phenolic composition and antioxidant activity, as well as changes in the volatile profile of the crackers. Sensory analyses indicated that crackers enriched with moderate levels of FDOLP maintained acceptable overall sensory scores, suggesting a potential for the development of functional snacks. These findings demonstrate that olive leaves can be effectively utilised as a natural functional ingredient in cracker formulations to enhance their nutritional value and bioactive properties. Full article

This study investigated the dynamic changes and bioaccessibility of free and bound phenolics in rice bean (Vigna umbellata) during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. A total of 34 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified across oral, gastric, and intestinal phases by UPLC-MS/MS detected. Gastric digestion was identified as the critical stage for phenolic release, with multiple flavonoids increasing 2–3-fold, including rutin (205%), isoquercitrin (226%), and procyanidin B1 (134%). In contrast, in the intestinal phase, flavonoids including procyanidin B1, epicatechin, and quercetin became undetectable after extensive degradation, while phenolic acids such as p-hydroxybenzoic acid (157%) and trans-cinnamic acid (200%) accumulated gradually. Phloroglucinol showed a progressive accumulation increased continuously during digestion (10 to 36 mg/kg DW). Most bound phenolics remained remarkably stable, with over 85% retained throughout upper gastrointestinal transit, except for bound p-coumaric acid and phloroglucinol, which were gradually released. Notably, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid was detected only in the bound form across all phases. These findings reveal the dual fates of rice bean phenolics, especially the bound fraction, and underscore the importance of their release and transformation during digestion when evaluating the bioactivity of rice bean polyphenols. Full article

Biphasic systems able to effectively release bioactive molecules along the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are receiving growing interest. In this work, emulgels structured with citrus fiber, a digestion-resistant structuring agent, were produced using two types of edible oils (Miglyol^® 812 N and rice oil). Samples with 3% w/w of fiber were loaded with curcumin. The rheology of emulgels, reference hydrogels, and oil phases was studied. Complex modulus ($G^{*}$) and viscosity ($\eta$) increased with increasing fiber fraction, whereas the phase angle ($\delta$) was fiber fraction-independent (p < 0.05). Dynamic and flow behaviors were modeled using weak gel model and modified Cross model, respectively. Samples with rice oil were more consistent and viscous than samples with Miglyol^® 812 N because of the higher $G^{*}$ and $\eta$ of rice oil. Curcumin does not affect the rheology of oils, whereas it modifies the emulgel behavior. In emulgels, curcumin does not change (p < 0.005) both weak gel parameters. Gel strength ($A$) was 750 ± 40 Pa s^z again 760 ± 40 Pa s^z and 597 ± 2 Pa s^z again 604 ± 4 Pa s^z for the system with rice oil and Miglyol^® 812 N, respectively, and network extension ($n$) resulted to be 14.13 ± 0.03 for all samples. Curcumin slightly increases the phase angle $\delta$, 5.83 ± 0.09° again 7.0 ± 0.2° and 5.5 ± 0.1° again 7.10 ± 0.08° for the system with rice oil and Miglyol^® 812 N, respectively. This suggests a reduction in the structure of the fiber network. Curcumin has an oil-dependent influence on the zero-shear-rate viscosity (${\mu }_0$) and on the time constant ($m$), while it does not affect the shear-thinning index ($n$), which resulted to be statistically independent of all systems (p < 0.05) yielding an average value of 1.616 ± 0.007. According to in vitro release studies, the percentage of cumulative released curcumin at 24 h was 15 ± 1% for emulgel with Miglyol^® 812 N, whereas for the sample with rice oil, it was 18 ± 1%. Overall, results suggest the attractiveness of these systems for potential applications in the sustained oral release of curcumin. Full article

The design of implant surfaces that support bone integration while limiting bacterial colonization remains a central challenge in biomaterials science and engineering. In this work, zinc-doped biomimetic calcium phosphate (CaP-Zn) coatings were fabricated on Ti6Al4V through surface activation followed by deposition in supersaturated simulated body fluid (SBF). Acid and alkali–calcium treatments produced a porous, calcium-rich interface that enabled the uniform formation of apatite-like CaP layers. Zinc incorporation was achieved without suppressing the formation of CaP phases and led to systematic changes in coating microstructure and surface chemistry. Spectroscopic and structural analyses indicated Zn incorporation within the CaP matrix, consistent with partial Ca²⁺ substitution and its association with poorly crystalline domains. These features promoted controlled ionic release and localized dissolution–reprecipitation behavior. Antibacterial testing against Streptococcus mutans revealed a clear Zn-dependent reduction in bacterial viability, while cytocompatibility remained within acceptable limits at moderate Zn levels. Finally, the coatings combine intrinsic bioactivity with ion-mediated antibacterial functionality, offering a multifunctional surface strategy for advanced titanium-based implants. Full article

Modern agriculture faces significant challenges, such as population growth, the reduction in productive agricultural land, and, most importantly, climate change. To address these issues, non-thermal plasma treatment of seeds and plants has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional chemical-based methods. This advanced technology, a powerful chemical reactor in the gas phase, has various applications, from stimulating seed germination and plant growth to controlling pathogens. The effects of non-thermal plasma on seeds include morphological and chemical changes in the seed coat, increased permeability and water uptake, and the activation of some internal biochemical mechanisms. Studies have demonstrated improvements in germination, plant development, and the activation of internal biochemical mechanisms with the intensified production of secondary metabolites. Non-thermal plasma also contributes to reducing the microbial load, providing an effective and environmentally friendly method of disinfection. This review synthesises the current knowledge on non-thermal plasma sources used in plasma agricultural applications for seed treatments, emphasising that in some cases the exposure of seeds to such discharge stimulates germination and also promotes early seedling growth. In addition, it highlights reported biochemical and nutraceutical improvements, including changes in antioxidant capacity, phenolic content and other bioactive compounds which add considerable value to the resulting plants. Finally, the decontamination potential is discussed, along with results discussing the potential of NTP to decontaminate seeds, associated with an extension to the shelf-life of products and identifying key challenges and research gaps for implementing this technology in agricultural practices. The integration of this technology into modern agriculture, including vertical farms and hydroponic systems, opens up the prospect for more sustainable and productive agriculture. However, scaling up the process and optimising processing parameters remain important challenges that require further attention, research and technological development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Retinoblastoma represents the most common intraocular malignancy in childhood; however, the clinical applicability of mitomycin C (MMC) is restricted by dose-dependent ocular toxicity. Consequently, the development of pharmacological strategies that sensitize tumor cells to MMC while allowing dose reduction remains an unmet therapeutic objective. In this context, quercetin, a bioactive flavonoid with pleiotropic anticancer properties, has emerged as a potential chemosensitizing agent. Methods: Human retinoblastoma cell lines Y79 and WERI-Rb1 were exposed to MMC and quercetin, administered either individually or in fixed-ratio combinations. Cytotoxic responses were quantified through dose–response modeling and IC₅₀ determination following 24 and 48 h of treatment. Drug–drug interactions were quantitatively characterized using the Chou–Talalay combination index (CI) approach and isobologram analysis. Cell cycle distribution was assessed by propidium iodide (PI)-based flow cytometric analysis to evaluate treatment-associated alterations in cell cycle progression. Apoptotic cell death was assessed by Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry, while transcriptional modulation of genes associated with apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and oxidative stress (BAX, BCL-2, TP53, CASP3, CDKN1A, and HMOX1) was evaluated by qRT-PCR. Modulation of tumor-supportive signaling was examined by measuring VEGF and IL-6 secretion. Translational relevance was further investigated using a three-dimensional (3D) tumor spheroid model, and the functional contribution of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was interrogated through N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) rescue experiments. Results: Quercetin significantly enhanced the cytotoxic activity of MMC in both retinoblastoma cell lines, with CI values below 1 across IC₅₀–IC₉₀ effect levels, indicating a synergistic pharmacological interaction. PI–FACS analysis revealed that combined MMC and quercetin treatment induced a pronounced accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase, consistent with cell cycle arrest, with a more marked effect observed in Y79 cells compared with WERI-Rb1 cells. Combination treatment resulted in a pronounced increase in apoptotic cell populations compared with single-agent exposure and triggered a coordinated pro-apoptotic transcriptional response, characterized by increased expression of BAX, TP53, CASP3, CDKN1A, and HMOX1, alongside suppression of BCL-2 and a marked shift in the BAX/BCL-2 ratio. Concurrently, VEGF and IL-6 secretion were significantly reduced, reflecting attenuation of pro-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory signaling. Notably, synergistic cytotoxicity was maintained in 3D tumor spheroids, where combined treatment induced spheroid shrinkage, architectural disruption, and reduced viability. NAC pretreatment diminished ROS accumulation and partially restored cell viability, indicating that oxidative stress contributes to, but does not solely account for, the observed synergistic cytotoxic effect. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings indicate that quercetin appears to function as an effective chemosensitizing adjuvant to MMC in retinoblastoma models, through transcriptional changes consistent with p53-associated apoptotic signaling at the transcriptional level, G2/M cell cycle arrest, and partial involvement of ROS-related cellular stress responses, along with suppression of tumor-supportive signaling pathways. The preservation of synergistic activity in 3D tumor spheroids supports the potential preclinical relevance of this combination. However, these findings are based on transcriptional and phenotypic analyses and should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating, requiring further validation through protein-level and in vivo studies before translational application. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a bioactive metabolite of Artemisia annua, displays potent antitumor activity in multiple cancers. However, its dose-dependent transcriptional regulatory networks in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to clarify the molecular mechanisms of low- and high-dose DHA in human CRC cells and reveal the dose-dependent crosstalk among related biological processes. Methods: We integrated RNA-seq transcriptomic profiling and functional validation in HCT116 cells treated with 20 μM (low-dose) or 50 μM (high-dose) DHA. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened at FDR ≤ 0.05 and |log₂(fold change)| ≥ 1, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Results: DHA inhibited cell viability dose-dependently, with an IC₅₀ of 50 μM. We identified 280 and 678 DEGs in low-and high-dose groups, respectively. Low-dose DHA induced apoptosis via GADD45α/β and ATF4/DDIT3-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress and triggered senescence through G2/M phase arrest. High-dose DHA mainly modulated gene expression signatures associated with ferroptosis by regulating iron homeostasis and lipid peroxidation at the transcriptional level. Both doses suppressed glycolysis, lipid, and folate metabolism; high-dose DHA also inhibited MGAT5B-mediated glycosylation. DHA regulated five core signaling pathways dose-dependently, with high-dose DHA further repressing Wnt3a/16 and BMP4/6. Conclusions: This study first identifies ferroptosis-related gene networks as key transcriptional targets. It reveals dose-dependent crosstalk among cell death, senescence, metabolic reprogramming, and signaling, providing a transcriptomic framework and gene targets for optimizing DHA-based colorectal cancer therapy. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hemp protein addition on the structural, rheological, textural, color, and bioactive properties of gelatin hydrogels. Composite systems containing 0–20% hemp protein were analyzed to clarify the mechanism of interaction with the gelatin matrix and to determine whether hemp protein acts as a passive filler or an active structure-forming component. In all formulations, the gelatin concentration was kept constant at 5% (w/w), while hemp protein was added at increasing levels without replacing the gelatin phase, resulting in systems with increasing total solid content. The addition of hemp protein significantly enhanced water-holding capacity and gel strength, as confirmed by rheological measurements and texture profile analysis. Thermorheological analysis revealed a gradual transition from a classic thermoreversible gelatin gel to reinforced composite networks, with the viscoelastic response increasingly governed by the hemp protein structure at higher concentrations (15–20%). Frequency- and amplitude-sweep tests demonstrated improved mechanical stability and reduced frequency dependence. FTIR analysis indicated reorganization of hydrogen bonding and an increasing contribution of hydrophobic interactions related to the lipid fraction of hemp protein. Furthermore, the addition of hemp protein led to a marked increase in antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP) and significant changes in color parameters. These results demonstrate that hemp protein functions as an active structural and functional component in gelatin hydrogels, enabling the development of materials with tailored mechanical properties and enhanced bioactivity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dietary strategies targeting oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and cholinergic dysfunction are increasingly investigated as supportive approaches for maintaining cognitive health. Soups constitute a practical functional food matrix due to their compositional complexity and suitability for regular consumption. However, their bioactivity may be substantially altered during digestion. Methods: Previously, we created optimized mushroom, asparagus, leek, and sea buckthorn vegan lunch soups rich in cholinesterase inhibitors. This study evaluated digestion-induced changes in anticholinesterase, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities using a standardized static in vitro digestion model (INFOGEST). Results: Fresh soups contained 90.43–247.36 µg GAE/cm³ of total polyphenols, which significantly decreased during oral–intestinal digestion, followed by stabilization or partial recovery during the colonic phase. Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities showed soup-specific and digestion stage-dependent patterns, with an overall decline after bacterial incubation. Antioxidant capacity assessed by DPPH^•, ABTS^•+, and cyclic voltammetry revealed dynamic redox shifts across digestion stages, while endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GR, GPx) and COX-2 activity were differentially modulated. Cell-based assays demonstrated low cytotoxicity and moderate, concentration-dependent cytokine modulation. Conclusions: Overall, gastrointestinal digestion and microbial activity markedly reshape the bioactivity of plant-based soups, indicating that the colonic phase is critical for realistic evaluation of functional food potential and supporting digestion-aware assessment of dietary strategies relevant to cognitive and inflammatory health. Full article

Titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) have favorable biocompatibility and nanoscale morphologies, and they have been extensively explored for titanium implant surface modifications. However, they are limited by their mechanical strength and weak interfacial adhesion between the nanotube layer and the titanium substrate. This restricts their clinical applications. In this study, a two-step electrochemical anodization method is developed to achieve in situ tantalum (Ta) doping into TNT arrays to enhance their mechanical performance without altering their nanotubular structure. The surface morphology, element and crystal phase composition, surface roughness, wettability, and mechanical properties of the Ta-doped TNTs were then thoroughly characterized. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the Ta doping did not change the nanotube architecture. In addition, X-ray diffraction confirmed anatase TiO₂ formation in all the samples. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated that Ta⁵⁺ doping significantly reduced oxygen vacancies, and this was a concentration-dependent effect. Nanoindentation and scratch tests showed that the hardness, the Young’s modulus of the nanotube layer, and the adhesion strength between the nanotubes and the titanium substrate were markedly improved compared to those of the undoped TNTs. These mechanical enhancements may be attributed to lattice densification due to Ta doping. In vitro cell assays further demonstrated that the Ta-TNTs promoted rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. This was evidenced by increased alkaline phosphatase activity, enhanced mineralization, and upregulated gene expression levels. The results suggest that the Ta-doped TNTs offer a pathway for the development of mechanically robust and bioactive implant surfaces for dental and orthopedic applications. Full article

The aging population and increasing prevalence of oxidative stress-related diseases underscore the need for functional food and pharmaceutical formulations enriched with bioactive compounds. This study aimed to design sustainable emulsion systems incorporating enzymatically modified fats with enhanced functional and bioactive properties. Enzymatic interesterification was employed as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical catalysis, enabling the transformation of natural lipids without generating undesirable trans isomers. The lipid phase was formulated from blends of hemp oil, a plant-derived source rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids with documented antioxidant potential, and mutton tallow, in an effort to valorize meat industry by-products. Systematic evaluation of emulsion stability, viscosity, and textural properties was conducted using Turbiscan analysis and texture profile analysis. The results demonstrated that xanthan gum concentration was the primary determinant of structural stability, physicochemical stability, and structural integrity of the emulsion systems. Formulation no. 38 (0.8% w/w xanthan gum) was identified as the statistically most stable system based on Turbiscan Stability Index values (TSI = 1.4). Although emulsions containing 1.0% w/w xanthan gum exhibited similarly low TSI values and slightly smaller final droplet diameters, formulation E38 showed the smallest increase in droplet size during storage (<1 µm), indicating superior resistance to structural changes over time. Fat composition showed minimal influence on emulsion behavior, suggesting that lipid selection should prioritize nutritional and bioactive value. These findings indicate that emulsions based on enzymatically modified fats and stabilized with natural polysaccharides can serve as physically stable systems with potential applicability in food, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical formulations intended for bioactive compound delivery. Full article

Macroalgae are increasingly recognized as a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive compounds for animal nutrition, including for aquatic species. However, the complex structure of the macroalgal cell wall limits the accessibility of intracellular components, restricting their use in feeds. To overcome this limitation, macroalgal hydrolysis using various technological treatments has been tested, often employing a low solid-to-water ratio, which complicates downstream processing due to phase separation. In contrast, high-solids loading hydrolysis has the advantage of producing a single and consolidated fraction, simplifying subsequent processing and application. The present study assessed the effectiveness of high-solids loading water or alkaline (0.5 and 1N NaOH) autoclaving for 30 or 60 min, applied alone or followed by sequential enzymatic hydrolysis, using a xylanase-rich enzymatic complex aimed at promoting cell wall disruption and increasing the extractability of intracellular components in the red macroalga Palmaria palmata with minimal free water. The 1N NaOH treatment for 30 min decreased neutral and acid detergent fiber while increasing Folin–Ciocalteu total phenolic content (GAE) (expressed as gallic acid equivalent) and the water-soluble protein fraction and decreased crude protein, indicating enhanced extractability of these components. Microscopic examination showed relatively mild structural changes on the surface of P. palmata after high-solids loading alkaline (1N NaOH) autoclaving for 30 min. Following alkaline or water treatment, the enzymatic complex hydrolysis further increased the Folin–Ciocalteu total phenolic content (GAE), with minimal effects on NDF, ADF, or crude protein. Overall, these results showed that high-solids loading alkaline autoclaving, with or without subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis, effectively disrupts P. palmata cell walls and induces substantial modifications while simplifying processing by avoiding phase separation. Full article

Metallic implants used in orthopedics, such as titanium alloys, possess excellent mechanical strength but suffer from corrosion and poor bio-integration, often necessitating revision surgeries. Bioactive coatings, particularly hydroxyapatite, can enhance implant osteoconductivity, but high-purity synthetic hydroxyapatite is costly. This study investigates the development and characterization of a low-cost, biocompatible coating using hydroxyapatite derived from an unconventional natural source dromedary bone applied onto a titanium substrate via plasma spraying. Hydroxyapatite powder was synthesized from dromedary femurs through a thermal treatment process at 1000 °C. The resulting powder was then deposited onto a sandblasted titanium dioxide substrate using an atmospheric plasma spray technique. The physicochemical, structural, and morphological properties of both the source powder and the final coating were comprehensively analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Characterization of the powder confirmed the successful synthesis of pure, crystalline hydroxyapatite, with Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis verifying the complete removal of organic matter. The plasma-sprayed coating exhibited good adhesion and a homogenous, lamellar microstructure typical of thermal spray processes, with an average thickness of approximately 95 μm. X-ray Diffraction analysis of the coating revealed that while hydroxyapatite remained the primary phase, partial decomposition occurred during spraying, leading to the formation of secondary phases, including tricalcium phosphate and calcium oxide. Scanning Electron Microscopy imaging showed a porous surface composed of fully and partially melted particles, a feature potentially beneficial for bone integration. The findings demonstrate that dromedary bone is a viable and low-cost precursor for producing bioactive hydroxyapatite coatings for orthopedic implants. The plasma spray method successfully creates a well-adhered, porous coating, though process-induced phase changes must be considered for biomedical applications. Full article

Hair growth is orchestrated by a complex cycle comprising the anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen phases that are largely regulated by dermal papilla cells (DPCs). The disruption of oxidative balance and inflammation impairs follicle function and regeneration. Fermented yeast complex extract (FYCE) is a bioactive material derived from enzymatically hydrolyzed yeast and collagen substrates through a two-step fermentation with Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus plantarum, enriched in antioxidant amino acids such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and L-alanine. In this study, we evaluated the effect of FYCE on hair regrowth, with a focus on its modulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-treated DPCs. FYCE treatment significantly enhanced NRF2 expression (3.2-fold compared to H₂O₂-treated DPCs), a central transcription factor controlling antioxidant defense, and concomitantly suppressed NF-κB activity (0.6-fold compared to H₂O₂-treated DPCs), a key mediator of inflammation. Importantly, FYCE also attenuated the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, as evidenced by the decreased expression levels of its molecular components. Complementary studies showed that FYCE increased IGF-1 (5.4-fold compared to H₂O₂-treated DPCs), Wnt10b (1.8-fold compared to H₂O₂-treated DPCs), and Wnt3a (2.9-fold compared to H₂O₂-treated DPCs), and stabilized β-catenin (2.8-fold compared to H₂O₂-treated DPCs). FYCE also showed these changes in the shaved animal skin, which was associated with increased hair follicle number (1.6-fold compared to the water-administered control group) and the anagen phase (3.0-fold compared to the water-administered control group). Collectively, our results suggest that FYCE promotes hair regrowth through the dual modulation of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory pathways, specifically by activating NRF2, inhibiting NF-κB signaling, and downregulating the NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings support FYCE as a promising candidate for further investigation as a treatment to prevent or reverse hair loss, with in vivo and clinical studies substantiating its efficacy and safety. Full article