Search Results (16,269)

This study confirmed that cultivation technologies, cultivar, and meteorological conditions significantly influenced the contents of ascorbic acid, total polyphenols, and phenolic acids in sweet potato roots. Ascorbic acid content ranged from 27.22 to 111.9 mg·100 g⁻¹ DW, with the highest values recorded in the traditional cultivation system (TC), reaching 111.9 mg·100 g⁻¹ DW in ‘Carmen Rubin’ and 111.4 mg·100 g⁻¹ DW in ‘Beauregard’. In contrast, in the ‘Satsumo Imo’ cultivar grown under nonwoven fabric (WC), ascorbic acid content decreased to 49–58% of the values obtained in TC. Genetic factors strongly differentiated the contents of bioactive compounds. The ‘Purple’ cultivar showed the highest contents of total polyphenols (up to 963.5 mg·100 g⁻¹ DW) and phenolic acids (17,067.42 mg·100 g⁻¹ DW), whereas the lowest values were recorded in ‘Satsumo Imo’ (858.82–1225.89 mg·100 g⁻¹ DW). Cultivation under polyethylene film (FC) increased and stabilized phenolic compounds. The ‘Carmen Rubin’ cultivar also exhibited high phenolic acid content (5332.04–5447.60 mg·100 g⁻¹ DW), while ‘Beauregard’ was characterized by high stability of this trait (1535.93–1581.46 mg·100 g⁻¹ DW). From a practical perspective, the results highlight the importance of appropriate cultivar selection and cultivation technology for obtaining raw material with high functional value. These findings may serve as a basis for developing agrotechnical recommendations aimed at producing sweet potatoes with enhanced nutritional and health-promoting qualities under the climatic and soil conditions of Poland. Full article

Salvia transsylvanica was investigated as a source of bioactive metabolites by optimizing hydroethanolic ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and comparing it with classical preparations. A D-optimal quadratic design was applied to aerial parts to evaluate the effects of ultrasonic amplitude, extraction time, and ethanol concentration on total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (ABTS, DPPH), yielding models with good fit and predictive ability. The optimal conditions (24% amplitude, 12 min, 38% ethanol) were then applied to aerial parts, flowers, and leaves, affording extracts with high TPC values (up to 240 mg GAE/g extract) and antioxidant activities comparable to aqueous infusions and 70% hydroethanolic macerates, with FRAP and DPPH values above 400 mg TE/g dw. Targeted HPLC-MS analysis revealed a Salvia-typical phenolic profile dominated by rosmarinic acid (up to 26 mg/g extract), methyl rosmarinate, caffeic acid derivatives, salvianolic acid K, and flavone glycosides (luteolin-7-O-glucoside and apigenin-7-O-glucoside), with leaf extracts generally richest in phenolics and antioxidant capacity. Conversely, macerates showed superior recovery of phytosterols and tocopherols. The extracts displayed moderate, selective antibacterial effects, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, with inhibition zones up to 4 mm for flower-based preparations. Overall, UAE emerged as an efficient, green strategy for a rapid recovery of phenolic antioxidants from S. transsylvanica, while classical maceration complements it for lipophilic constituents, supporting the valorization of this endemic sage. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pigmented rice is increasingly recognized as a functional food because of its rich phytochemical composition and health-promoting potential. However, local red rice cultivars from the three southern border provinces of Thailand remain insufficiently characterized. This study comparatively evaluated four whole-grain red rice cultivars—Hawm Gra Dang Ngah 59 (HGDN 59), Hawm Mue Lau (HML), Lued Pla Lai (LPL), and Se Bu Kan Tang (SBKT)—for their chemical composition, antioxidant activities, and antidiabetic potential. Methods: Whole-grain rice samples were extracted with 95% ethanol and assessed for extraction yield, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content. Antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH^•, FRAP, and anti-lipid peroxidation assays, while antidiabetic activity was measured using α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. LC-MS/MS-based chemical profiling, pathway classification, PCA-based chemical space analysis, molecular docking against α-glucosidase, and physicochemical/ADMET prediction were also performed. Results: Among the tested cultivars, HGDN 59 showed the most favorable overall profile, with the highest phenolic content, strongest antioxidant activity, and marked α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. LC-MS/MS analysis combined with docking-based screening revealed that HGDN 59 contained several abundant compounds, including ent-Epicatechin-(4α→6)-ent-epicatechin, cinnamtannin A1, apiin, and α-tocotrienol. These compounds exhibited strong binding affinities toward α-glucosidase (−10.7 to −9.6 kcal/mol), comparable to or slightly more favorable than acarbose. ADMET prediction indicated that most polyphenolic compounds exceeded Lipinski’s rule of five, while α-tocotrienol demonstrated favorable absorption property. Conclusions: This is the first study to suggest that HGDN 59 exhibits potential α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro and may serve as a promising functional food candidate for the dietary management of postprandial glycemic response. Full article

Secondary plant metabolites such as polyphenols (flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and lignans) are valued for their numerous benefits and commonly associated with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic effects. Comprehensive profiling facilitates their identification and quantification, with metabolomics emerging as an increasingly valuable tool. This current work provides an overview of recent application of metabolomics for investigating polyphenols with nutraceutical potential. It also highlights the influence of plant species and environmental stressors (both biotics and abiotic) inducing metabolic shifts that promote the production and accumulation of these bioactive compounds (BACs). While various analytical tools including mass spectrometry (MS) coupled with liquid chromatography (LC-MS) or gas chromatography (GC-MS), as well as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy have been utilized to identify the diverse group of polyphenol metabolites, LC-MS has been predominantly used due to its superior sensitivity and wider metabolite coverage, with flavonoids being the main compounds identified. The integration of bioinformatic tools and pathway enrichment analysis in metabolomics is providing expansive insight into the pool of polyphenols, and their bio-functional interpretation and metabolic variations beyond the narrow scope of chromatographic separation alone. This overview also identifies limitations of current methods and suggests directions for future research, aimed at facilitating the development of nutraceuticals. Full article

Soil salinization is a major abiotic stressor limiting global agricultural and forestry productivity. This study aimed to assess the tolerance of four wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) genotypes (8-A, F-12, F-19, F-15) to salinity stress using the in vitro culture technique. Shoots were exposed to three NaCl concentrations (0—control treatment, 33, and 100 mM) in micropropagation medium under controlled laboratory conditions for 35 days. Morphological parameters, including shoot length, shoot number, survival and multiplication rate, shoot fresh and dry biomass, and shoot water content, were evaluated alongside biochemical markers such as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities assessed through ferric reducing–antioxidant power (FRAP), ABTS radical scavenging, DPPH radical scavenging and nitric oxide (NO•) scavenging. Consistent with the experimental design, exposure to 100 mM NaCl significantly inhibited shoot growth and biomass accumulation, while survival was comparatively less affected. Genotypic variation was evident, with genotypes F-19 and F-12 demonstrating higher tolerance, maintaining greater growth and antioxidant capacity (FRAP and ABTS) under salt stress compared to more sensitive genotypes like 8-A and F-15. Phenolic and flavonoid contents were also reduced at 100 mM NaCl, suggesting that intense salinity stress limited the biosynthesis and accumulation of these antioxidant compounds. Nitric oxide scavenging activity remained largely unaffected by salinity in all genotypes, which may indicate that the applied stress levels were insufficient to markedly alter this component of the antioxidant response. The genotype F-19 emerged as the strongest salinity-tolerant genotype, retaining superior shoot number, multiplication rate, fresh/dry biomass and stable/increased total phenolic content (TPC) under 100 mM NaCl compared to other genotypes. This integrative in vitro approach effectively distinguished salt-tolerant wild cherry genotypes and offers a valuable screening tool for breeding and selection programmes targeting improved resilience to salinity stress. The findings have practical relevance for forestry, horticulture, landscape architecture and the restoration of salt-affected sites, particularly in the context of climate change. They also align with current European and global priorities focused on identifying genetically suitable reproductive material for resilient afforestation and ecosystem restoration under increased environmental stress. Full article

Background: This study proposes a cascade strategy for the comprehensive valorization of Rosa canina L. leaves, considered an underutilized agricultural by-product. Methods: The approach is based on a combination of optimized Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) followed by High-pressure homogenization (HPH) of the residual biomass from both whole and ground leaves. UAE parameters (temperature, process duration, and ethanol concentration) were optimized to maximize the yield of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP). Results: The optimal conditions (55.5 °C, 69.7 min, 40.8% ethanol) yielded extracts with a high TPC (289.55 mg GAE/g) and TFC (177.88 mg CE/g), reducing the processing time by 22% while increasing the TPC yield by 31% compared to the conventional solid–liquid extraction (SLE). It was found that primary extraction from whole leaves is more efficient than extraction from ground leaves, suggesting that the energy-intensive preliminary grinding step could be eliminated. The application of HPH to the residual biomass provided a significant secondary release of bioactive compounds, exceeding high-shear mixing (HSM) by up to 1.5 times for whole leaves. Kinetic analysis showed a higher release of bioactive compounds from whole leaves compared to ground leaves. Conclusions: The proposed UAE + HPH cascade process is a sustainable approach, ensuring rational use of resources and a significant increase in the total yield of antioxidants from Rosa canina L. leaves. Overall, the study may contribute to the circular economy by promoting valorization of agricultural by-products through an energy-efficient, sustainable cascade approach. Full article

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) processing generates peel and seed by-products with high potential for valorization as sources of phenolic-rich ingredients. In this study, peel and seed from four Ecuadorian cultivars were extracted by ultrasound-assisted hydroalcoholic extraction and characterized for total phenolics, phenolic profile by HPLC-ESI-QTOF, antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS), and antimicrobial activity against food-relevant bacteria. A dynamic in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model was also applied to evaluate digestion-driven changes in phenolic-related measurements and antioxidant response, and to assess colonic fermentation outputs, including short-chain fatty acids and viable microbial populations. The results showed a strong dependence on cultivar and by-product type, with total phenolics ranging from 2562.35 to 6304.35 mg GAE/100 g in peels and 212.69 to 3006.48 mg GAE/100 g in seeds. LC–MS profiles were dominated by gallotannin-related compounds and phenolic acids. Extracts displayed antioxidant activity (DPPH: 221.97–456.31 mg Trolox/100 g in peels; 43.71–530.46 mg Trolox/100 g in seeds) and dose-dependent antibacterial effects, with inhibition at 700 mg/L reaching 87.57–94.75%. Digestion markedly modulated phenolic-related indices and fermentation-associated metabolites, with peel phenolics decreasing from 284.27 to 73.95 mg GAE/L and seed extracts increasing propionic acid production up to 55.46 mM. Overall, mango peel and seed are differentiated, cultivar-sensitive sources of bioactive extracts with antioxidant and antimicrobial functionality and measurable impacts on colonic fermentation, supporting their use as sustainable ingredients for circular-economy food and nutraceutical applications. Full article

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between lignan content and stress responses in flax genotypes with contrasting lignan levels. For this purpose, two flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes, Agram and CDC Bethune, were selected based on their differing lignan profiles. We quantified secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, pinoresinol, pinoresinol diglucoside, matairesinol, and lariciresinol in both control and salt-stressed plants. In parallel, antioxidant activity, flavonoid, polyphenols, and phenolic acid content were determined to assess the overall antioxidant potential and phenolic response under saline conditions. The Agram genotype appears to activate defense mechanisms that enhance antioxidant capacity, which is largely mediated by polyphenolic compounds and distinct patterns of microRNA regulation. By contrast, the CDC Bethune genotype primarily responds to salinity stress by inducing lignan biosynthesis. Differential lignan modulation, contrasting antioxidants and miRNA profiles, shows substantial intergenotypic differences in how flax activates distinct defense pathways. Full article

This study investigated the fermentation kinetics, microbial community succession, and potential functional metabolite formation in Symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY)-mediated fermentation using pomelo peel substrates. Pomelo peel substrates were prepared using 1% and 6% (w/w) SCOBY combined with 10 g and 25 g pomelo peel and fermented at 30 °C for 25 days. The results showed that higher SCOBY inoculum significantly accelerated acid production, resulting in a rapid decrease in pH and an increase in titratable acidity. Total soluble solids continuously decreased due to microbial utilization of sugars. The highest lactic acid bacteria count (6.04 log CFU/mL) and total viable count (7.23 log CFU/mL) were observed in S6-P25 at day 25. Bioactive compound analysis revealed that total flavonoid content reached its maximum in S6-P25 at day 20 (15.34 ± 0.70 mg RE/g dry weight, DW), while the highest total phenolic content was found in S1-P25 (151.5 ± 1.29 mg GAE/g DW), suggesting that a lower SCOBY level may favor polyphenol production. Antioxidant activity (DPPH and TEAC) increased with fermentation time and was highest in S6-P25. Microbiome analysis demonstrated that Firmicutes was the dominant phylum, with Apilactobacillus ozensis accounting for 99% of the relative abundance, indicating strong microbial selection and its potential role in acid production and fermentation ability. This microbial structure was consistent with the improved fermentation performance and enhanced bioactive properties observed in the pomelo peel substrates. These findings highlight SCOBY fermentation as a promising biotechnological strategy for converting citrus processing by-products into fermented ingredients for food applications. Full article

This study aimed to optimize the formulation of gluten-free bread (GFB) based on rice flour (RF) and Quercus rotundifolia acorn flour (AF) by evaluating the combined effects of flour substitution (0%, 50%, and 100%) and water addition (90%, 100%, and 110%) on technological, textural, colorimetric, structural, and sensory properties. A three-level full factorial design (3²) combined with response surface methodology (RSM) was used to model and optimize product quality. The developed models showed high predictive performance (R² = 0.714–0.999; non-significant lack of fit), confirming their suitability for describing complex interactions in gluten-free systems. Water addition was the dominant factor influencing moisture, crumb structure, and textural softness, while AF mainly affected color, structure, and sensory attributes. Increasing acorn content significantly decreased lightness (L*) and increased redness (a*) and darkness index (DI), reflecting higher phenolic compound content and more intense Maillard reactions. Specific volume (1.85–2.41 cm³/g) was maximized at higher hydration levels, especially when combined with intermediate to high acorn substitution, indicating a synergistic interaction between fiber-rich flour and water availability. Texture analysis showed that AF increased hardness and reduced cohesiveness, while water addition significantly improved softness, elasticity, and overall mouthfeel. Image analysis of crumb structure demonstrated that higher hydration promoted larger pore size and porosity, whereas AF increased cell density, resulting in a finer crumb structure under low hydration conditions. Sensory evaluation confirmed that breads with high acorn content were well accepted due to their characteristic nutty flavor. Multi-response desirability optimization yielded an optimal formulation with approximately 83% AF and 108% water, representing the best achievable compromise among the evaluated quality criteria. The results demonstrate that AF can serve as a key functional ingredient in GFB, provided that hydration is carefully adjusted. This study highlights the effectiveness of RSM combined with image-based analysis as a robust approach for developing high-quality gluten-free bakery products. Full article

Abundant non-medicinal byproducts of Polygonatum sibiricum and Gentiana scabra are severely underutilized, resulting in resource waste and environmental burden. A previous study confirmed that triple-microbial co-fermentation enhances their antibacterial activity, yet the temporal metabolic mechanism and optimal process parameters remain unclear due to endpoint-only metabolomics limitations. This study aimed to optimize the staged solid-state fermentation (SSF) system for maximum antibacterial activity, verify the triple-microbial consortium’s synergistic enhancement effect, and elucidate the dynamic metabolic mechanism via time-series metabolomics. A staged SSF strategy was established: Aspergillus niger monoculture (0–48 h) followed by Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae co-culture (48–72 h). Key parameters were optimized via single-factor experiments and a Box–Behnken design. Under optimal conditions, inhibition zones against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli reached 20.8 ± 0.3 mm and 17.6 ± 0.2 mm, respectively, with a 17.5% increase in S. aureus inhibition and markedly improved E. coli inter-batch consistency. Time-series untargeted LC-MS/MS metabolomics (2681 identified metabolites) revealed a three-stage metabolic relay model driving antibacterial enhancement: 0–48 h shikimate pathway activation for phenolic precursor accumulation; 48–60 h dipeptide conversion and ABC transporter enrichment initiating antibacterial synthesis; 60–72 h metabolic flux redirected to indole alkaloid biosynthesis for complex antibacterial compound accumulation. This work provides a mechanistic paradigm for the high-value valorization of herbal byproducts, with applications in natural antibacterial agents and functional feed additives. Full article

The purpose of this work was to synthesize and study catalytic systems based on a carbon-containing support obtained from coke fines from the Shubarkol deposit as a waste product of the coal industry for the processing of phenolic compounds. Based on the obtained carbon sorbent, mono- and binary catalysts with active phases of transition metal oxides (Fe, Co, Ni) were synthesized by wet impregnation, followed by heat treatment at 500–700 °C, as well as the aluminum oxide compositions. The surface morphology and elemental composition of the samples were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersion analysis and elemental mapping (EDS mapping), and the content of active phases was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The catalytic activity was studied in phenol hydrogenation reactions. The CoO/C catalyst demonstrated the greatest activity, providing a 62.36% benzene yield during phenol hydrogenation. The catalytic activity of the CoO/C catalyst has also been studied in the hydrogenation reactions of structurally and functionally more complex compounds, pyrocatechol and resorcinol. The yield of benzene was 63.16% in the hydrogenation of pyrocatechol and 48.64% in the hydrogenation of resorcinol. It was found that the CoO/C catalyst exhibits the highest efficiency at a temperature of 420 °C, a pressure of 6–6.5 MPa and a reaction duration of 120 min. The results obtained make it possible to evaluate the prospects of using a carbon sorbent obtained from coke fines from the Shubarkol deposit as a support for CoO as part of an active and stable catalytic system designed for deep processing of phenolic compounds. Full article

Pistachio hull (PH) is the largest by-product of the pistachio industry. It contains high levels of phenolic compounds, which have antioxidant properties and promote health. However, PH can accumulate during harvesting, potentially resulting in environmental pollution. This study aimed to optimize the operational conditions for conventional solvent extraction (CSE) and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) of phenolic compounds from PH using response surface methodology (RSM). The extracts obtained under optimal conditions for the two extraction techniques were compared. The highest values of phenolic recovery (9.92 ± 0.09 g gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g dried matter (DM)) and radical-scavenging activity for α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50 = 0.16 ± 0.00 mg/mL) were achieved by the extract obtained by ASE (23% ethanol in water, 180 °C, 15 min). Regarding individual phenolic compounds, gallic acid accounted for 35.7–48.1% of the total phenolic compounds contained in the PH extracts, followed by 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. The findings of this study demonstrate for the first time that PH can be valorized by ASE using eco-friendly solvents, obtaining extracts with a high phenolic content, reducing waste and promoting the bioeconomy development. Full article

Natural resources play a fundamental role in ensuring global food security, while agricultural production itself strongly influences their demand, extraction, and availability. This article discusses natural strategies for increasing crop productivity within the framework of sustainable intensification, focusing on the integrated role of plant biostimulants and micronutrients. Both groups of substances are analyzed from a resource-oriented perspective, highlighting their potential to be derived from renewable sources, particularly agro-industrial by-products and plant biomass. Plant extracts obtained from fruit, vegetable, and cereal processing residues contain numerous bioactive compounds, including phenolics, amino acids, peptides, and organic acids, which can stimulate plant growth, improve nutrient uptake, and enhance tolerance to abiotic stress. Micronutrients such as Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and B are also strategic resources in crop production because they regulate key metabolic processes and influence the efficiency of macronutrient utilization. Their effectiveness, however, depends strongly on chemical form and bioavailability in soil–plant systems. The novelty of this work lies in integrating perspectives from plant physiology, coordination chemistry, and resource management to propose a conceptual framework in which plant-derived extracts and micronutrient complexes act as complementary tools supporting circular and resource-efficient agricultural systems. Full article

Natural antioxidants are essential for protecting the body against oxidative stress and exhibit a wide range of biological activities. In this context, forty extracts derived from ten submerged cultivated mushroom species were analyzed for their mycochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and cytotoxic effects against MCF7 breast cancer cells. Qualitative and quantitative screening revealed that, among the detected classes of bioactive compounds, the extracts were predominantly enriched in flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic constituents. Considerable variation was observed in the levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid among different species and solvent extracts. The highest total phenolic contents were detected in ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of G. frondosa (110.0 ± 6.4, 227.6 ± 14.2, and 160.5 ± 5.3 mg GAE/g), while the water extract of F. velutipes also exhibited elevated phenolic levels (119.2 ± 6.5 mg GAE/g). Flavonoid concentrations ranged from 102.5 ± 10.5 to 359.9 ± 2.5 mg QE/g in biomass and culture liquid extracts obtained with organic solvents. Ascorbic acid content was generally highest in ethyl acetate culture liquid extracts, suggesting solvent-dependent enrichment of antioxidant metabolites. Free radical scavenging activity increased in a concentration-dependent manner, reaching inhibition values more than 90% at 20 mg/mL in all tested mushrooms. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that extract type, solvent, and incubation time strongly influenced the inhibition of MCF7 cell viability. Ethyl acetate extracts from H. erinaceus, P. ostreatus, T. versicolor, and T. pubescens exhibited the strongest cytotoxic effects, reducing cell viability by up to 70% at higher concentrations. The results demonstrate that mushroom extracts, particularly ethyl acetate extracts, possess significant antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. These findings highlight their potential as promising natural sources of medicinal bioactive compounds for antioxidant and anticancer applications. Full article