Search Results (5,163)

Drought stress significantly constrains broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) productivity by impairing growth, photosynthesis, and yield. Seed priming with ascorbic acid (AsA) has shown promise in enhancing early seedling performance; however, its effects on head development and yield under water deficit remain limited. This greenhouse pot experiment evaluated four seed treatments: non-primed control, water-primed control, 1 mg L⁻¹ AsA, and 10 mg L⁻¹ AsA under two irrigation regimes: 100% and 50% field capacity. Growth, physiological traits, biochemical responses, and yield were assessed. AsA priming significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced plant height, net photosynthesis, and chlorophyll content under both water regimes. Under 100% FC, water priming significantly increased canopy length, whereas under 50% FC, only AsA priming produced a significant increase relative to the non-primed control (p < 0.05). Biochemical responses further showed that 10 mg L⁻¹ AsA significantly (p < 0.05) increased chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b under 50% FC compared with the non-primed control. Proline accumulation was reduced by 10 mg L⁻¹ AsA, but this reduction was significant (p < 0.05) only under 100% FC. Under 100% FC, 10 mg L⁻¹ AsA significantly (p < 0.05) increased total phenolic content compared with the non-primed control. Total flavonoid content was significantly (p < 0.05) increased by 1 and 10 mg L⁻¹ AsA compared with the control, while both water priming and AsA priming significantly (p < 0.05) increased carotenoid content and reduced H₂O₂ accumulation relative to the non-primed control, irrespective of watering regime. Total yield per plant, measured on a fresh weight basis, significantly (p < 0.05) increased with increasing AsA concentration, with 10 mg L⁻¹ AsA enhancing yield by 37.8% relative to the water-primed control and by 70.5% relative to the non-primed control, independent of water regime. Percentage dry weight was unaffected by AsA treatment. Overall, AsA seed priming potentially enhanced physiological resilience and fresh yield of broccoli under water-limited conditions, indicating its potential as a low-cost strategy for drought mitigation. Full article

The valorization of agro-industrial fruit by-products as sources of natural antioxidants represents a sustainable strategy to replace synthetic additives in food preservation. This study systematically evaluated the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of extracts from thirteen underutilized Colombian fruit by-products (peels, seeds, and calyxes) and assessed their protective effect against lipid oxidation in an edible vegetable oil (EVO) model system over 15 days at 60 °C. Total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 23.1 to 2553.2 mg GAE/100 g. Orange peel (OP) and pineapple peel (PP) exhibited the highest TPC and strongest antioxidant activity, effectively inhibiting the formation of lipid hydroperoxides, hexanal, nonanal, and TBARS, and outperforming synthetic antioxidants (BHA, BHT, TBHQ) in several parameters. Multivariate analyses classified the extracts into high-efficacy, moderate-to-low efficacy, and pro-oxidant groups. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS characterization of OP and PP revealed diverse phenolic acids (gallic, caffeic, ferulic, p-coumaric, vanillic, sinapic) and flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, catechin, C-glycosylated derivatives), which are related to the antioxidant properties observed. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between TPC and oxidation inhibition (r = 0.89–0.94). These findings demonstrate that Colombian fruit by-products, particularly OP and PP, are promising sustainable sources of natural antioxidants for enhancing the oxidative stability of edible vegetable oils within a circular bioeconomy framework. Full article

Anhua Qianliang tea, a traditionally crafted dark tea, is highly prized for its unique sensory properties that develop and improve during long-term aging. To elucidate the material basis driving the quality transformation of Anhua Qianliang tea during prolonged storage, samples aged for 2 to 25 years were investigated using physicochemical analysis, untargeted metabolomics, and sensory evaluation. Prolonged storage reduced total polyphenols, free amino acids, and most catechins, whereas alkaloids remained relatively stable. Phenylpropanoids and polyketides, organic acids and derivatives, and lipids and lipid-like molecules were the main metabolite classes contributing to storage-stage discrimination, accompanied by extensive remodeling of flavonoid, phenylpropanoid, amino acid-related, and central carbon metabolism. Sensory evolution was closely associated with coordinated changes in catechins, polyphenols, phenolic acids, amino acid-related compounds, and storage-responsive metabolites. These insights significantly deepen the understanding of dark tea maturation and offer new perspectives for scientific evaluation and industrial standardization. Full article

Fresh Pleurotus pulmonarius is highly perishable during logistics because of its high water content, active respiration, and susceptibility to oxidative damage and membrane deterioration. This study optimized modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions and evaluated their effects on postharvest quality and membrane lipid stability under simulated logistics temperature fluctuations. Single-factor and orthogonal experiments were used to optimize the package gas composition, including O₂ and CO₂ concentrations, as well as the packaging film. The selected MAP treatment (5% O₂ + 20% CO₂ with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer film) was compared with the control during 3 d of simulated logistics at 25 °C followed by 2 d of cold storage at 4 °C. Compared with the control, MAP maintained higher sensory quality, reduced weight loss and browning, and preserved total phenolic and flavonoid contents. It also inhibited O₂^.− and malondialdehyde accumulation, enhanced superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase activities, and delayed ascorbic acid and glutathione depletion. Moreover, MAP reduced membrane permeability, suppressed lipase, lipoxygenase, and phospholipase D activities, delayed phospholipid degradation, and maintained higher unsaturated fatty acid levels, U/S, and IUFA. These results indicate that MAP delays postharvest deterioration of P. pulmonarius during the 5-day simulated logistics and cold storage period, partly by maintaining ROS homeostasis and membrane lipid stability. Full article

Camellia japonica L., an East Asian species with extensive ethnobotanical use, is a rich source of bioactive metabolites including polyphenols, saponins, terpenoids, sterols, and fatty acids. These compounds have attracted significant attention in cosmetic research due to increasing demand for natural, multifunctional ingredients with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, moisturizing, and skin-brightening properties. This review summarizes the major classes of Camellia metabolites, their chemical characteristics, and mechanisms of action. Terpenoids and polyphenols, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Camellia saponins serve as mild natural surfactants for gentle skin cleansing, while phytosterols, amino acids, proteins, and seed fatty acids synergistically reconstruct the epidermal barrier and maintain cutaneous hydration. This review further addresses the current applications of these Camellia-derived bioactives in ameliorating photo-aging, hyperpigmentation, skin inflammation, and barrier dysfunction. Despite significant progress, key challenges persist, including incomplete understanding of biosynthetic regulation, suboptimal extraction methods, limited study of synergistic effects, and insufficient human safety data. Future studies should employ omics technologies and green extraction approaches to elucidate biosynthetic pathways, validate efficacy, and promote sustainable utilization of Camellia resources in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and related industries. Full article

This study investigated whether salinity during cultivation of the aquatic plant Lemna minor (duckweed) influences the phytochemical composition of plant extracts and the properties of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). Duckweed was cultivated under 0, 10, and 100 mM NaCl, followed by Orbitrap metabolomic profiling, nanoparticle synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Orbitrap analysis revealed pronounced salinity-dependent changes in extract composition, including increased abundance of several flavonoids, glycosylated flavones, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives in the order 0 < 10 < 100 mM. ZnO nanoparticle formation was supported by UV–Vis spectroscopy, which showed characteristic absorption features around 360 nm, and by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), which indicated the predominance of the hexagonal wurtzite ZnO phase in all samples. SEM–EDS analysis revealed Zn- and O-rich materials consisting of micron-scale aggregates and finer submicron structures. Raman spectra were dominated by fluorescence, which increased with salinity treatment and may reflect differences in surface-associated phytochemicals rather than substantial changes in the ZnO crystal structure. Nanoparticles synthesized using extracts from salt-stressed duckweed exhibited higher total phenolic content (up to 66.79 ± 0.15 µM GAE g⁻¹), antioxidant activity (up to 55.01 ± 0.21%), and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus haemolyticus D4-2-100/1 (inhibition zone up to 1.55 ± 0.05 cm). Although the mechanisms underlying these differences remain to be fully elucidated, the results suggest that salinity-induced changes in duckweed metabolism may influence the biological properties of the resulting nanomaterials. Overall, this study highlights the potential of manipulating cultivation conditions to modulate plant extract composition and, consequently, influence the characteristics and functionality of green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles. Full article

Background: Perilla seed oil (PSO) is a high-nutritional-value oil and widely used in functional foods, and derives from the mature seeds of Perilla frutescens. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the nutritional characteristics and safety of PSO, as well as to investigate its lipid-modulating effects and the underlying changes in gut microbiota in hyperlipidemic conditions. Methods: The nutritional characteristics of PSO (prepared via seed cleaning, cold-pressing, filtration, and solvent extraction) were evaluated by comparing it with 15 representative vegetable oils, focusing on fatty acid composition, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, metal elements, and physicochemical indices. The safety of PSO was assessed through acute oral toxicity testing in Kunming mice (doses: 2.5, 5, 10 g/kg) with general observations, histopathological examination, and serum biochemical analysis. Additionally, a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemic Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model was established to explore PSO’s lipid-modulating effects and its regulatory role in gut microbiota, using serum biochemical detection, liver pathology examination, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis. Results: PSO possessed the highest α-linolenic acid (ALA) content among the tested oils, along with a favorable unsaturated fatty acid ratio. Notably, PSO was rich in zinc and free of toxic elements. In HFD-fed rats, 10 g/kg PSO significantly reduced serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and alleviated hepatic damage. Moreover, PSO modulated gut microbiota by enriching probiotic populations and elevating intestinal production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly propionate and butyrate. Conclusions: PSO is a nutritionally rich and safe edible oil with notable lipid-modulating properties, highlighting its potential as a dietary intervention for preventing lipid metabolism disorders. Full article

This study aimed to develop an efficient micropropagation protocol for Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng, evaluate the genetic fidelity of in vitro-regenerated plants using RAPD molecular markers, and perform a biochemical assessment of micropropagated material compared with acclimatized plants. For the initiation of in vitro cultures, explants (uninodal fragments) were inoculated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium without plant growth regulators (PGRs). Various plant growth regulator treatments were tested to evaluate the in vitro regenerative potential of the explants. The highest multiplication rate (3.43 ± 0.21 shoots per explant) was obtained on MS basal medium supplemented with 3 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 3 mg/L gibberellic acid (GA₃), while the greatest shoot length (3.22 ± 0.22 cm) was achieved on MS medium containing 1 mg/L BAP and 3 mg/L GA₃. Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (0.5 mg/L), applied alone or in combination with GA₃ (3 mg/L), was the most effective treatment for inducing a well-developed root system, facilitating successful acclimatization of regenerated plants (100% survival rate). In vivo rooting of shoots simultaneously with acclimatization was also tested. The best results (100% rooting rate) were obtained using perlite or Jiffy peat pellets as the rooting substrate, and the shoots were treated with Radi Stim. Molecular analyses confirmed the genetic fidelity of the micropropagated plants. Biochemical analyses revealed higher levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in in vitro-cultured plants than in acclimatized plants. These results validate the micropropagation protocol morphologically, genetically, and biochemically, and highlight in vitro culture as an efficient approach for producing high-quality P. amboinicus plant material and for the sustainable production of valuable bioactive compounds. Full article

Background: Glucose and lipid metabolism disorders are characterized by hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hepatic oxidative stress, lipid accumulation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis, all of which contribute to progressive metabolic dysfunction and tissue injury. As a plant extract mixture derived from mulberry leaves, lotus leaves, and Eucommia leaves, MELHAC (Mulberry–Eucommia–Lotus Herbal Aqueous Complex) was developed as a medicinal and edible formula with potential multi-component metabolic regulatory activity. In the present study, we systematically evaluated the effects of MELHAC on glucose and lipid metabolic abnormalities in high-fat diet (HFD) plus alloxan-induced mice. Methods: The phytochemical profile of MELHAC was characterized using untargeted LC–MS and network pharmacology. Its metabolic effects were evaluated in HFD plus alloxan-induced mice by measuring fasting blood glucose, serum lipid parameters, glucose tolerance, hepatic oxidative stress markers, histopathological changes, hepatic lipid accumulation, gut microbiota composition, and preliminary safety indices. Results: Chemical characterization revealed that MELHAC contains abundant bioactive constituents dominated by flavonoids, phenolic acids and alkaloids. In vivo experiments demonstrated that MELHAC lowered fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while ameliorating glucose intolerance and pathological damage in the liver, kidney and pancreas. MELHAC also improved liver-related biochemical abnormalities, increased hepatic superoxide dismutase, decreased malondialdehyde, and reduced hepatic lipid accumulation, indicating protective effects against oxidative stress and steatosis associated with metabolic dysfunction. In addition, MELHAC modulated gut microbial community structure and differential taxa linked to metabolic homeostasis. Short-term high-dose administration did not cause obvious abnormalities in serum biochemical, hematological, or histopathological indices. Conclusions: These findings suggest that MELHAC has potential as a plant-derived functional ingredient for improving glucose and lipid metabolic disorders and may provide an experimental basis for the future development of functional foods targeting metabolic health. Full article

Andean crops can be efficiently incorporated into food industrialization after the characterization of their components. This study evaluated tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) flours from three ecotypes: PNTF (punto negro), WTF (white), and MTF (moro), with a particle size of 125 µm, analyzing their color, proximate composition, amino acid profile, bioactive compounds, and spectroscopic, thermal, and microstructural properties. Significant differences among ecotypes were determined at p < 0.05. The white ecotype showed greater accumulation in Dx (50), while black point exhibited the highest Dx (90), indicating a higher proportion of large particles. Regarding color, WTF presented the highest lightness and whiteness index, PNTF intermediate values, and MTF the darkest coloration, with greenish tones in black point and reddish tones in moro. The MTF ecotype showed the highest protein content (56.28%) and higher levels of essential amino acids, with methionine being the limiting amino acid. It also contained phenolic compounds ranging from 29.97 to 35.49 mg GAE/100 g, flavonoids from 9.36 to 10.8 mg quercetin/100 g, and antioxidant capacity measured by DPPH ranging from 25.79 to 55.30 mg TE/100 g, particularly notable in MTF. PNTF stood out for its dietary fiber (5.93%) and carbohydrate (17.22%) content. Infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed a similar macromolecular fingerprint among the samples. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) indicated greater thermal stability in MTF. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed greater compaction of irregular particles in MTF and greater dispersion in PNTF. These results support the differentiated valorization of tarwi ecotypes as complementary raw materials for the development of high-value-added foods in the current food industry. Full article

One of the most pressing challenges facing healthcare today is the rise of biofilm infections and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which demand entirely new therapeutic strategies beyond conventional antibiotic reliance. A biofilm is a structured community of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, which confers resistance to host immune defenses and antimicrobial agents. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that plant-derived secondary metabolites—including flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, terpenoids, and alkaloids—exert potent antibacterial and antibiofilm activities through diverse mechanisms of action. These natural compounds inhibit biofilm formation by disrupting bacterial adhesion, suppressing quorum sensing, degrading the EPS matrix, and impairing bacterial motility. Beyond independent bioactivity, phytochemicals demonstrate significant synergistic potential when combined with conventional antibiotics, revitalizing antimicrobial efficacy against drug-resistant pathogens. Nanoformulation and biogenic carrier technologies further enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic potency of these compounds. Despite these advances, critical challenges persist, including poor bioavailability, physicochemical instability, dose-dependent toxicity, and the risk of resistance development. This review presents a critical and integrative analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of plant secondary metabolites, with particular emphasis on their role in combating biofilm-associated infections and antibiotic resistance, and discusses translational opportunities including structure–activity relationship (SAR)-guided optimization, high-throughput screening platforms, and advanced drug delivery systems. Collectively, plant secondary metabolites represent a scientifically compelling and clinically relevant pipeline for the development of next-generation antimicrobial and antibiofilm therapeutics. Full article

This study investigates the optimization of extraction conditions, phytochemical contents, biological activities, and cosmeceutical potential of Eurycoma longifolia Jack extracts obtained from wild and cultivated plant roots, stems, and leaves. HPLC analysis revealed that eurycomanone was predominantly accumulated in the root extracts. Among the extraction solvents, 70% ethanol exhibited the most effective extraction of bioactive compounds. Leaf extracts showed the highest total flavonoid content (255.71–269.67 mg quercetin/g sample) and total phenolic content (20.34–20.80 mg gallic acid/g sample). Furthermore, 70% ethanol leaf extracts demonstrated strong antioxidant activity with DPPH IC₅₀ values of 6.37 ± 0.74 and 7.95 ± 0.86 µg/mL for wild and cultivated samples, respectively, and potent tyrosinase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 50.71 ± 3.92 and 55.80 ± 4.75 µg/mL. The extracts also exhibited selective antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, the in silico molecular docking of biflorin against the 2QVD protein exhibited the highest binding affinity (−7.4 kcal/moL). Anti-inflammatory activity was evidenced by nitric oxide inhibition in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages without significant cytotoxicity. Overall, 70% ethanol extracts, particularly from leaves and roots, exhibited promising biological activities and may serve as potential natural ingredients for future cosmeceutical applications. However, further studies are required to confirm their efficacy and safety before practical applications can be considered. Full article

Clinopodium nepeta (L.) Kuntze is a medicinal and aromatic species of the Lamiaceae family, rich in phenolic compounds; however, studies regarding its in vitro culture, growth regulation properties and secondary metabolism remain limited. The present study investigated the effects of three adenine-type cytokinins: 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), meta-topolin (m-TOP), and BAP riboside (r-BAP), applied at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 or 4.0 mg L⁻¹, on shoot proliferation, biomass accumulation, phenolic profile, and antioxidant activity in C. nepeta shoot cultures. The phenolic constituents of hydromethanolic shoot extracts were subjected to qualitative profiling using UHPLC–DAD–ESI–MS, while antioxidant potential was evaluated using spectrophotometric assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP). All tested cytokinins stimulated shoot proliferation and biomass growth compared with the control; of these, m-TOP demonstrated the most pronounced positive effect, characterized by high multiplication rate and improved shoot morphology. UHPLC–DAD–ESI–MS analysis revealed the presence of numerous caffeic acid derivatives including rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acids, salvianolic acid derivatives, and flavonoid glycosides; their accumulation was strongly influenced by cytokinin type and concentration. Notably, rosmarinic acid, the dominant phenolic constituent in the treated shoots, reached 23.28 mg g⁻¹ DW under m-TOP treatment, i.e., an approximate 20-fold increase compared with the control. The extracts from shoots cultured on cytokinin-supplemented media exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity, which correlated with increased phenolic content. These relationships were confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA). Hence, C. nepeta shoot cultures represent an efficient in vitro system for biomass production and phenolic compound biosynthesis, and the selection of cytokinin type is a critical factor modulating both morphogenetic and metabolic responses. Full article

Agastache foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze, a member of the Lamiaceae family, is a phytochemically rich yet underexplored species with potential biomedical applications. This study aimed to provide an organ-specific chemical characterization of its secondary metabolites and to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of ethanolic extracts derived separately from its leaves and flowers. Using UHPLC-MS/MS, we identified a total of 54 compounds, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. In total, 35 compounds in the flower extract and 38 in the leaf extract were reported here for the first time. The antimicrobial activity of both extracts was tested against six multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical bacterial isolates (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, and Acinetobacter baumannii) using seven concentration levels (12.5–87.5%). While the leaf extract showed limited antibacterial effects, the flower extract demonstrated stronger, concentration-dependent inhibitory effects. At concentrations of 62.5% and above, it markedly reduced viable bacterial counts in all tested MDR strains. These findings highlight the importance of organ-specific phytochemical analysis in medicinal plants and suggest that A. foeniculum, particularly its flowers, may serve as a promising source of bioactive compounds for further antimicrobial research and development. Full article

Matcha tea (Camellia sinensis) contains high levels of catechins but has a near-neutral pH (6.2–6.3), which limits the stability of its bioactive compounds. Blending matcha with acidic berries may enhance phenolic stabilization, antioxidant capacity, and sensory properties. This study evaluated pure matcha (MT) and a matcha beverage blended with 7.5% strawberry and 7.5% blackberry powder (Mix), extracted at 5 °C, 70 °C, and 100 °C. Sensory evaluation using a 9-point hedonic scale (n = 50) identified 15% berry substitution (Mix) as optimal, with overall acceptability scores ranging from 8.28 to 8.32 across all extraction temperatures. Sensory evaluation using a 9-point hedonic scale (n = 50) identified 15% berry substitution (Mix) as optimal. Total phenolics (Folin–Ciocalteu), flavonoids (AlCl₃), anthocyanins (pH differential), vitamin C (HPLC), and individual phenolic compounds were analyzed. Antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS) and anti-inflammatory activity (egg albumin denaturation) were assessed, and color parameters (L*, a*, b*, chroma, hue, browning index, ΔE) were measured. Results and Discussion: The Mix exhibited significantly higher total phenolics (24.4% increase at 100 °C) and flavonoids (31.6% increase at 100 °C) compared to MT. Anthocyanins, absent in MT, reached 52.35 mg/100 g at 5 °C, and vitamin C content was 2.6-fold higher than MT under cold extraction. HPLC profiling showed increased levels of gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, and rutin in the Mix. The Mix demonstrated superior antioxidant activity with DPPH inhibition of 84.08% at 100 °C (IC₅₀ = 165.0 µg/mL) and ABTS inhibition of 83.67% at 100 °C (IC₅₀ = 105.1 µg/mL). Anti-inflammatory activity was highest at 70 °C (IC₅₀ = 72.2 µg/mL), representing a 3.5-fold improvement over MT. Color parameters were similar to MT at 5 °C and 70 °C but darkened at 100 °C. The acidic pH (~3.7) of the Mix remained stable, contributing to catechin stabilization. Conclusion: The 15% strawberry-blackberry matcha blend shows potential as a functionally enhanced beverage with improved phenolic content, vitamin C, anthocyanins, and bioactivities. Temperature selection allows customization: 100 °C for maximal antioxidant activity, 70 °C for anti-inflammatory benefits, and 5 °C for nutrient preservation and vibrant color. Full article