Search Results (16,300)

The valorization of agro-industrial by-products through sustainable extraction of bio-compounds is a key challenge within circular economy and clean-processing frameworks, as large volumes of tomato and artichoke residues are generated by the food industry. This study evaluated the impact of non-thermal technologies on the recovery of biocompounds from tomato peels and blanched artichoke bracts using single green solvents instead of solvent mixtures. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (sonication), high-pressure processing (pressurization), and dual processing (pressurization + sonication) were compared with conventional extraction. Ethanol was used for lycopene extraction, while water was employed for inulin-type fructan recovery. Lycopene, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and inulin-type fructans were quantified. Non-thermal treatments significantly influenced extraction yields (p < 0.05). The dual processing provided the highest lycopene and inulin-type fructan contents (1440.09 ± 0.71 µg/g DW and 5.17 ± 0.51 g/100 g DW, respectively) and enhanced antioxidant activity in tomato peels and blanched artichoke bracts (25.50 ± 0.20% and 66.11 ± 2.03%), and phenolic co-extraction (1783.2 ± 215.3 μg GAE/g DW and 27.68 ± 1.29 mg GAE/g DW) outperformed individual technologies and conventional extraction. Compared with the conventional process, dual processing improved the extraction yields of lycopene (20.60 ± 0.44%) and inulin (26.40 ± 13.95%). The findings prove that non-thermal processes, particularly when combined, intensify mass transfer and enable efficient extraction using green solvents, offering a sustainable strategy for recovering bioactive compounds from tomato and artichoke by-products. Full article

Honeysuckle berries (Lonicera caerulea) represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds, primarily flavonoids, and iridoids. This study compared the chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of resin-purified extracts from ripe, unripe, and unripe lactofermented honeysuckle berries. Polyphenols and iridoids were identified using UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS and quantified using HPLC-PDA. A total of 6 anthocyanins, 7 phenolic acids, 9 flavan-3-ols, 8 iridoids, 8 flavonols, 3 flavones, and 1 flavanonol were identified in the extracts. The extract from ripe fruits was characterized by a high cyanidin glycoside content (273.59 mg/g) and high iridoid content (138.30 mg/g). The amount of individual iridoids varied among the extracts, with the highest level of loganic acid detected in the unripe fruit extract (39.42 mg/g) and the highest level of sweroside in the ripe fruit extract (55.59 mg/g). Phenolic acid content was approximately twofold higher in extracts from unripe and fermented fruits compared with ripe fruit extracts, suggesting a decrease during ripening, while fermentation did not significantly affect phenolic acid content. Among flavonols, quercetin and isorhamnetin derivatives were identified, with quercetin 3-O-rutinoside being the predominant compound in all extracts. The ripe fruit extract exhibited the strongest radical scavenging activity (in ABTS and DPPH assays), ferric ion-reducing power (FRAP), and α-amylase inhibition, while all extracts exhibited comparable α-glucosidase inhibition. These findings indicate that L. caerulea extracts, especially from ripe fruits, are a rich source of biologically active compounds with potential relevance for managing oxidative stress and hyperglycemia. Full article

This study evaluates fungal-assisted extraction by solid-state fermentation (FAE-SSF) as a green alternative for recovering phenolic compounds from Moringa oleifera leaves and compares it with conventional maceration, focusing on their effects on antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. FAE-SSF was carried out using Aspergillus niger, and phenolic compounds were quantified as total polyphenols (hydrolysable and condensed tannins), followed by purification and characterization by HPLC-ESI-MS. Biological activities were assessed through antibacterial, antifungal, and DPPH assays. FAE-SSF increased total phenolic content to 20.3 ± 1.7 mg TP/g dry basis at 96 h, representing a 1.53-fold increase compared to maceration (13.3 ± 0.3 mg TP/g db at 24 h). However, maceration showed higher productivity due to shorter extraction time. FAE-SSF extracts exhibited improved antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, while no activity was observed against Shigella sp., and antifungal activity was lower compared to maceration. Antioxidant activity was also reduced in FAE-SSF extracts (39 ± 7%) compared to maceration (71 ± 4%). HPLC-ESI-MS analysis revealed that maceration preserved a greater diversity of phenolic compounds, whereas FAE-SSF induced biotransformation and reduction of key flavonoids. These results indicate that FAE-SSF enhances phenolic recovery but alters chemical composition and bioactivity, highlighting the importance of process optimization depending on the desired functional properties. Full article

The jalapeño pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a crop of great economic and nutritional importance worldwide; however, increasing yield and quality under conditions of reduced synthetic inputs remains a significant challenge, mainly due to restrictions in plant nutrition and stress response capacity; in this context, plant-based biostimulants, such as Ricinus communis extracts, are of particular interest due to their potential to modulate plant metabolism, promote growth, and favor the accumulation of bioactive compounds. In this study, the effect of a foliar-applied biostimulant derived from a methanolic extract of Ricinus communis L. on the physiological, agronomic, and biochemical parameters of jalapeño peppers was evaluated under open field conditions. A randomized complete design with five treatments was established: three extract concentrations (T50: 50 mg L⁻¹, T75: 75 mg L⁻¹, and T100: 100 mg L⁻¹), a commercial biostimulant (Pepton 85/16 ^®), and an absolute control. Significant differences (α ≤ 0.05) were observed between treatments T50, T75, and T100 with the application of castor bean and the absolute control in stem diameter, fruit number, yield, and polar and equatorial fruit diameter, as well as phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH). The application of R. communis extract (T50, T75, and T100) significantly improved plant performance compared to the control, particularly in yield (up to 270%), fruit number (73%), shoot biomass (up to 38%), and root development (up to 32%). Furthermore, increases in chlorophyll content and in antioxidant-related compounds were observed, including phenols, flavonoids, ABTS, and DPPH (up to 17%). Spearman correlation analysis revealed strong associations between structural and metabolic variables, highlighting the relationship between stem diameter, fruit traits, and bioactive compound accumulation, as well as the link between chlorophyll content and reproductive performance. The ¹H NMR analysis indicated the presence of secondary metabolites such as ricin, unsaturated fatty acids, and phenolic compounds; however, their isolation and relationship with the biostimulant activity of the extract require further specific studies. Overall, foliar application of R. communis extract improved the growth, productivity, and biochemical attributes of jalapeño pepper, highlighting its potential as a sustainable alternative for crop management. Full article

Volatile compounds contribute to wine aroma and can interact with polyphenols, polysaccharides (PS), and proteins. This work evaluated the effects of adding different PS extracts obtained from winery by-products, must and wine on the volatile composition and sensory attributes of young red wines. These results highlight the effect of the wine matrix on the impact of PS on the volatile composition. The highest concentrations of volatile compounds were reached in wines with higher phenolic content and mainly those treated with PS extracts contained higher proportions of low-molecular-weight PS (55–68%). These PS extracts maintained high concentrations of compounds related to fruity and floral aromas, such as ethyl esters of fatty acids (8–23%), alcohol acetates (9–23%), and terpenes (11–43%). In addition, the PS extracts from winery by-products and wines improved taste sensations in young red wines, mainly those with high acidity, by reducing acidity, bitterness and astringency. Therefore, PS extracts obtained from by-products have the capacity to modulate the volatile composition and mouthfeel of red wines with high phenolic content, excess acidity or astringency. Full article

Hydrochar has emerged as a promising carbonaceous amendment to enhance soil quality, yet its short-term effects on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics and microbial functioning remain poorly understood. Here, a 77-day greenhouse pot experiment was conducted using a Cambisol cultivated with sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under two irrigation regimes simulating well-irrigated (WI) and water-deficit (WD) scenarios. Two doses of chicken-manure-derived hydrochar (3.25 and 6.5 t ha⁻¹, corresponding to 2.35 and 4.69 g kg⁻¹ of dry soil, respectively) and mineral fertilizer (MF) treatments providing equivalent N inputs were evaluated. Hydrochar promoted microbial growth and enhanced enzymatic and respiratory activities despite its low apparent C and nutrient input. After 77 days under WI, the addition of 6.5 t ha⁻¹ hydrochar enhanced the activity of phenol oxidase (POA) and acid phosphomonesterase (AcPA). Concomitantly, the availability of soluble C and N increased, whereas total organic C (TOC) and N decreased relative to the initial values. These responses may suggest enhanced mineralization potentially related to early-stage priming processes. The increase in POA relative to β-glucosidase is in line with a functional shift from a predominant degradation of labile compounds towards an increased oxidation of more complex structures. This interpretation is supported by solid-state ¹³C NMR data, revealing a higher degradation index of the soil organic matter. Under WD, the overall effects of hydrochar were attenuated or suppressed, particularly those related to C and N dynamics, emphasizing the interactive influence of moisture and amendment dose. Overall, our results show that hydrochar can modulate short-term soil biochemical processes, partly through enhanced microbial responses. Full article

Artichoke by-products (ABP) represent valuable sources of bioactive compounds with relevant health benefits. In this study, a green extraction strategy based on pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) was optimized to enhance the recovery of phenolic and flavonoid compounds from ABP using a response surface methodology. Extraction temperature and solvent composition were identified as the key factors driving extraction performance. Optimal conditions using a mixture of ethyl acetate and ethanol (90/10, v/v) at 180 °C significantly enhanced extraction yield, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activities, as measured by ORAC and DPPH assays. Chemical characterization via HPLC-C18-Q-TOF-MS/MS revealed a diverse profile of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, including caffeoylquinic acid derivatives and related transformation products. The neuroprotective potential of the optimized extract was further evaluated through in vitro inhibition assays targeting acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and lipoxygenase (LOX), alongside a permeability assessment using an in vitro blood–brain barrier (BBB) model. Molecular docking simulations were performed to explore the interactions of apigenin—the most representative flavonoid in the optimal extract—with the three target enzymes. Overall, these findings support the valorization of ABP as a source of bioactive compounds and highlight the potential of PLE as an efficient and sustainable extraction approach. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa rank among the most challenging pathogens due to increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. These pathogens pose major risks to public health and food safety, earning their inclusion on the World Health Organization (WHO) priority list of MDR bacteria. While available conventional antibiotics are becoming less effective, natural products from plant extracts offer promising alternative and synergetic effects that can restore efficacy and lower required doses. Their antimicrobial activity is attributed to phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds and terpenoids acting via membrane disruption, efflux pump inhibition, biofilm interference, and cell protein disruption. Furthermore, phytochemicals in essential oils, such as carvacrol, thymol, and cinnamaldehyde, also exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Their broad antimicrobial effects extend shelf life and enhance food safety, making them effective natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives. Moreover, advances in extraction and characterization techniques, including green solvents, spectrometry and hyphenated chromatographic methods, have improved recovery, identification and quantification. In addition, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative tool to accelerate discovery, optimize compound screening, and predict synergistic interactions. Notwithstanding these advances, challenges persist in standardization, bioavailability, and clinical translation. Further studies are needed to isolate active compounds, elucidate mechanisms of action, validate combined use with conventional antibiotics and overcome formulation, delivery, sensory and regulatory hurdles. This review examines current knowledge of opportunities and limitations of plant-based antimicrobials against MDR pathogens supported by advances in extraction, characterization, and AI. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of several minor components of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on platelet thromboxane and vascular prostacyclin production in rat aortic rings under high-glucose conditions (300 mg/dL), in relation to their potential antioxidant actions. Under hyperglycaemic conditions, thromboxane production was 1.3 times higher, while prostacyclin production was 40.9% lower than in samples with 100 mg/dL glucose in aortic rings, accompanied by marked oxidative stress (65.6% higher than in samples with 100 mg/dL glucose). The compounds tested inhibited thromboxane production in a concentration-dependent manner, with relative potencies (secoiridoid derivatives (IC₅₀ range: 10⁻⁶ M) = triterpenes (10⁻⁶ M) > alcoholic phenols (10⁻⁵ M for hydroxytyrosol and 10⁻⁴ M for the rest)), while preserving prostacyclin production (5–20% inhibition). All compounds also exerted vascular antioxidant effects, reducing oxidative stress markers and enhancing antioxidant parameters (IC₅₀ range: 10^−6–10⁻⁵ M), and these effects were observed under both normoglycaemic (100 mg/dL) and hyperglycaemic (300 mg/dL) conditions. Full article

Schoenoplectus californicus, a macrophyte from Peruvian marine–coastal wetlands, is traditionally used for medicinal purposes, yet its pharmacological potential remains insufficiently explored. This study evaluated the chemical profile, antioxidant capacity, psychopharmacological effects, and analgesic activity of a hydroethanolic extract from its rhizomes. Phytochemical screening and LC–MS/MS analyses were performed to characterize secondary metabolites. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays, while in vivo anxiolytic, sedative, and analgesic effects were evaluated in Balb/c mice through open field, elevated plus maze, rotarod, analgesimeter, tail-flick, and hot plate tests, with diazepam and tramadol as reference drugs. In silico PASS and BOILED-Egg analyses were used to predict pharmacological mechanisms and central nervous system permeability. The extract contained flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and stilbenes and exhibited notable antioxidant activity (IC₅₀: 0.7319 mg/mL for DPPH and 0.6207 mg/mL for ABTS). Anxiolytic effects were observed at 50 mg/kg, sedative effects at 200 mg/kg, and significant analgesic activity at 50 mg/kg. Several compounds were predicted to cross the blood–brain barrier, with inhibition of GABA aminotransferase suggested as a potential mechanism. Acute toxicity was detected (LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg). These findings support S. californicus as a promising source of neuroactive and analgesic compounds, although further mechanistic and dose-optimization studies are required. Full article

Sea fennel is a halophyte plant recognised as a valuable source of phenolics with good antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. In this study, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) was optimised to improve the recovery of phenolic compounds from sea fennel, particularly hydroxycinnamic acids, which are known to be dominant. The effect of the applied extraction temperature (20–120 °C) and used solvent (20–80% hydroethanolic mixtures) on total phenolic content (TPC) was systematically evaluated. Individual phenolic composition, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties were measured in the top four samples. TPC was determined spectrophotometrically, while individual compounds were analysed by chromatography. Antioxidant (reducing and free-radical scavenging) activity was assessed using three assays, while the minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations were determined using the microdilution method against five bacterial strains. Both temperature and solvent composition significantly influenced phenolic extraction efficiency. The highest TPC and concentrations of chlorogenic acid and its derivatives were obtained at 60 °C using 60–80% ethanol (664 and 673 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g of dry extract), while higher temperatures generally resulted in reduced phenolic yield. Extracts obtained under optimal ASE conditions exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity and moderate antimicrobial effects, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria, which demonstrates that accelerated solvent extraction represents an efficient approach for obtaining sea fennel extracts rich in valuable bioactives with potential use in different industries. Full article

The continuous monoculture in Populus × euramericana ‘Neva’ plantations is closely related to the accumulation of phenolic acids in the soil, and these phenolic compounds exert a certain influence on plant nitrogen uptake. Leguminous plants can replenish soil nitrogen through biological nitrogen fixation, which is of great significance for enhancing plant productivity. This study employed different concentrations of phenolic acid treatments (0T, 0.5T, 1.0T, 1.5T, 2.0T) to analyze the photosynthetic characteristics of five phenolic compounds in a poplar–soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) intercropping system, thereby providing a basis for biological management strategies aimed at increasing the yield of poplar monoculture stands. The results indicate that (1) P_n in poplar monoculture, soybean monoculture, and soybean intercropping all decreased as phenolic acid concentration increased, whereas P_n in poplar intercropping increased with rising phenolic acid concentration. Under treatments ranging from 0T to 1.5T, the decrease in P_n in the pure poplar, pure soybean, and intercropped soybean systems was primarily due to stomatal limitations, whereas under treatments ranging from 1.5T to 2.0T, it was primarily due to non-stomatal limitations. (2) Poplar, soybean, and soybean-intercropped poplar adapted to environmental stress by dissipating excess light energy absorbed by PS II as heat. The intercropping system effectively optimized poplar fluorescence parameters and mitigated the damage caused by phenolic acid stress to its photosynthetic machinery. (3) Chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, and total chlorophyll in poplar and soybean leaves were significantly inhibited. (4) The biomass of poplars grown in monoculture decreased as phenolic acid concentration increased, whereas the biomass of poplars in intercropping showed the opposite trend. It is evident that, under phenolic acid conditions, poplar–soybean intercropping can mitigate the effects of phenolic acid stress to a certain extent. Full article

Optimizing the recovery of bioactive compounds is critical for the accurate assessment of the quality of freeze-dried vegetables. In this context, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was performed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of phenolic compounds from freeze-dried broccoli (cv ‘Thassos’) and cauliflower (cv ‘Cercy’) florets. The influence of three process parameters, namely solvent-to-material ratio (20 to 60 mL/g), extraction time (10 to 40 min) and solvent mixture (methanol: water) composition (60 to 100% methanol) was evaluated. Multi-response optimization identified the optimal process conditions for both cultivars (composite desirability = 0.996) as a 60 mL/g ratio, 10 min extraction time and 76% methanol content. The application of the optimized extraction conditions to broccoli ‘Naxos’ and cauliflower ‘Guideline’ cultivars, confirmed the model applicability and revealed significant genotypic heterogeneity (p < 0.05). Pearson’s Correlation Analysis revealed a very high positive (r > 0.9) correlation between TPC and ABTS for both broccoli and cauliflower, high (r = 0.78) correlation between TPC and FRAP for broccoli and moderate (r = 0.63) for cauliflower. These findings confirm that process parameter optimization is crucial for the maximum recovery of phenolic compounds from freeze-dried broccoli and cauliflower, and UAE conditions should be carefully selected to ensure accurate cultivar evaluation. Full article

Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus L.) is a tropical tuber crop that has potential not only as a food source but also as a natural active ingredient in the cosmetics industry. This study aims to evaluate the phenology of tuber development and the content of primary and secondary metabolites of two jicama accessions (Bogor and Kebumen) at three tuber ages (3, 4, and 5 months). The parameters observed included tuber weight, starch yield, total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TTA), vitamin C, total phenols, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity (% inhibition). For data analysis, we used the T-test to compare differences between accessions. The results showed that tuber weight and starch yield increased significantly up to 5 months of age, while secondary metabolite content (phenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity) was higher in young tubers (3–4 months). This study shows a trade-off between productivity (starch and vitamin C) and bioactive metabolite content (phenols, flavonoids, antioxidants) as the tubers age. The Bogor accession has a more stable vitamin C content, phenol levels, and antioxidant activity, while the Kebumen accession shows higher flavonoid levels in young tubers. The optimal tuber age and accession recommended to obtain a balance between productivity and secondary metabolite content is the Bogor accession at 4 months of age. This supports the potential use of jicama in the cosmetics industry as a brightening agent (vitamin C), humectant (sugar), anti-aging agent (phenols, flavonoids), and base ingredient for natural starch-based formulations. This study provides the first integrated evaluation of tuber phenology, primary metabolites, and secondary metabolite dynamics of two Indonesian jicama accessions in relation to cosmetic functionality. The results highlight a clear trade-off between productivity and bioactive compound accumulation, offering a scientific basis for selecting optimal harvest age and accession for cosmetic raw materials This study provides the first integrated evaluation of tuber phenology, primary metabolites, and secondary metabolite dynamics of two Indonesian jicama accessions in relation to cosmetic functionality. The results highlight a clear trade-off between productivity and bioactive compound accumulation, offering a scientific basis for selecting the optimal harvest age and accession for cosmetic raw materials. Full article

This study investigated the use of aqueous pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) leaf extracts as a source of bioactive compounds in edible coatings for strawberry postharvest preservation. Extraction conditions were evaluated by varying solid-to-solvent ratio, temperature, and time, using total phenolic content (TPC) as the response variable. Response surface analysis indicated that the best predicted extraction conditions within the studied range were 1:50 (w/v), 57.36 °C, and 25 min. Among the evaluated treatments, extract C503 (1:50 (w/v), 50 °C, and 25 min) showed the highest experimental TPC (474.62 ± 21.69 mg GAE/g DM) and was selected for further characterization. This extract also showed high antioxidant capacity (FRAP: 7085 ± 72.0 µM FeSO₄/g; ABTS: 4921 ± 149.0 µM Trolox/g) and antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. When incorporated into gelatin- and starch-based edible coatings and applied to strawberries, both coatings reduced mass loss and delayed deterioration during nine days of storage at room temperature. At the end of storage, mass loss was reduced by approximately 25% with the gelatin-based coating and 11% with the starch-based coating. These results support aqueous pomegranate leaf extract as a promising source of bioactive compounds for the development of sustainable edible coatings to improve strawberry preservation. Full article