Search Results (6,128)

Natural compounds, as honey-derived flavonoids and phenolic compounds, are increasingly investigated for their potential to mitigate skin aging and prevent oxidative stress-induced cellular damages. In this context, a dynamic cell culture model was employed to assess the protective influence of honey pre-treatment on stem cell–associated genes and the Wingless-related integration site (Wnt) signaling pathway following ultraviolet (UV)-induced aging. Using a bioreactor, skin stem cells (SSCs) derived from healthy skin biopsies and human skin fibroblasts (HFF1) were pre-treated with 1% honey for 48 h and then exposed to UV. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analyses were performed on Wnt signaling and anti-aging molecular responses. Honey pre-treatment enhanced the expression of pluripotency markers (Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4); SRY-box transcription factor 2 (Sox2)) and reduced senescence-related cell cycle regulators (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (p16); cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21); tumor protein 53 (p53)) in SSCs. In UV-damaged SSCs, honey also significantly increased Wnt3a expression. In fibroblasts, honey pre-treatment upregulated Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and Hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) expression, while downregulating caspase-8 (CASP8), indicating a protective role against UV-mediated cellular stress. We also analyzed nitric oxide release and the total antioxidant capacity of cells after treatment. Collectively, these findings suggest that honey may safeguard skin stem cells from UV-induced aging by modulating pluripotency and senescence-associated genes and regulating differentiation through alterations in Wnt signaling. Furthermore, Hsp70 upregulation in fibroblasts appears to strengthen cellular stress responses and support homeostatic stability. Full article

Edible flowers have garnered increasing attention due to their high content of bioactive compounds, making them promising candidates for biomedical and functional food applications. This work evaluated the metabolomic data of fresh Rosa x hybrida petals, revealing seven types of metabolites, including amino acids, organic acids, vitamins, sugars, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. Notably, quercetin, kaempferol and their derivatives were the main flavonoids determined. Furthermore, in vitro studies were conducted to evaluate the potential antiproliferative effects against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Thus, the methanolic extract derived from Rosa x hybrida petals demonstrated significant antitumoral activity against both sensitive and resistant TNBC cells, as evidenced by reduced MTT metabolization, colony formation, and wound healing activity. Furthermore, the cell death mechanism associated with the petal extract was studied. The antiproliferative activity was mediated by reactive oxygen species generation, triggering cell death mechanisms such as apoptosis and autophagy. In conclusion, these results propose Rosa x hybrida could be a new tool for nutraceuticals and functional food production. Full article

Glycosylation serves as an effective strategy to enhance the solubility, bioavailability, and pharmacological activity of polyhydroxyphenols. In this study, we explored the glycosylation of natural and natural-inspired phenolic compounds using the glycosyltransferase AbCGT and evaluated the anti-renal fibrotic potential of the resulting glycosides. Among them, 1,3,5,8-tetrahydroxyxanthone 5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2-1a), synthesized via the regioselective 5-O-glycosylation of demethylbellidifolin, demonstrated significant anti-renal fibrotic activity. In contrast, its homologous glycosyltransferase, UGT73AE1, predominantly glycosylated demethylbellidifolin at the 3-OH position. Molecular docking studies revealed the structural basis for this regioselectivity difference. To enhance the production of 2-1a, we established a UDP-glucose (UDPG) recycling system by coupling AbCGT with Glycine max sucrose synthase (GmSuSy) and subsequently optimized the reaction conditions. Furthermore, targeted mutagenesis of AbCGT informed by molecular docking analysis identified a F138A mutant that enhanced glycosylation yield by 2.3-fold. This work develops a novel glycosyltransferase-based catalytic system and identifies a new compound with potential anti-renal fibrotic activity. Full article

This study investigated the effects of thermal processing and extraction solvents on the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and cytotoxic activity of Sukhothai fragrant rice (Oryza sativa L.). Rice subjected to three processing methods, unprocessed (raw), popped/puffed and steam-cooked, was extracted using hot water or 70% (v/v) ethanol, yielding six extracts. Trans-ferulic acid, γ-oryzanol and anthocyanins were quantified using HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ESI-MS, while total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activities were evaluated using Folin–Ciocalteu, aluminium chloride, DPPH and ABTS assays. Cytotoxicity was assessed in Huh7 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Water extracts consistently produced higher yields and contained greater total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents, resulting in stronger antioxidant activity. Unprocessed rice water extract exhibited the highest trans-ferulic acid recovery and antioxidant capacity. Thermal processing, particularly steamed cooking, markedly reduced phytochemical contents, likely due to heat-induced degradation. In contrast, ethanolic extracts yielded lower quantities but higher concentrations of less polar bioactive compounds and exhibited greater cytotoxic effects. Overall, minimal thermal processing combined with aqueous extraction best preserved antioxidant compounds, while ethanolic extraction enhanced biological potency. These findings highlight the importance of processing intensity and solvent polarity in optimizing the nutraceutical and functional potential of black rice. Full article

Carrots are exceptional sources of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. This study investigated the relationship between the biodiversity of carrot cultivars (colour and size) and their potential chemopreventive properties. Four distinct carrot cultivars (orange, white, yellow, and purple) of normal and miniature sizes were comprehensively analysed for polyphenolic composition, bio-accessibility through in vitro simulated digestion, and in vitro antiproliferative activity against the HCT-116 colon cancer cell line. Our findings revealed that vegetable size influenced phytochemical composition more than vegetable colour, with mini purple carrots exhibiting exceptionally high polyphenolic concentrations and superior antiproliferative activity compared to orange, yellow, or white varieties. Notably, the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds remained remarkably low across all samples, suggesting that these phytochemicals reach the colon in intact form, potentially enabling direct interaction with cancer cells. Interestingly, we found no direct correlation between total phenolic content and antiproliferative activity. In vitro cell cycle analysis revealed that mini purple carrot extracts induced S-phase arrest similar to the chemotherapeutic agent 5-FU, whereas other extracts caused G0/G1-phase arrest. The specific polyphenolic composition appears to be fundamentally important for bioactivity, with chlorogenic acid and diferulic acid-derivative isomer 2 potentially acting synergistically. These findings highlight the importance of carrot biodiversity in delivering functional foods with enhanced health-promoting properties, particularly for colorectal cancer prevention. Full article

Iodine deficiency remains a global public health concern. Preliminary studies confirmed that cauliflower can serve as a carrier for iodine salts. However, the influence of its endogenous goitrogenic compounds (phenolic compounds and glucosinolates) on iodine utilisation is not fully understood. This study aimed to assess the potential for enhancing cauliflower’s effectiveness as an iodine carrier through various thermal pre-treatment methods, and to examine how these methods, along with the plant’s endogenous goitrogens, affect iodine stability. Cauliflower was cooked by steaming or boiling (covered or uncovered) and fortified with KI or KIO₃. Iodine content, selected phenolic compounds (sinigrin, progoitrin, glucobrassicin, gluconapin, indole-3-carbinol) and antioxidant activity (ABTS^●+, DPPH^●) were analysed immediately after fortification and after 90 days of storage at 4, 21, or 40 °C under controlled humidity and darkness. The results showed that both the heat-treatment method and storage temperature significantly affected iodine retention and were associated with changes in goitrogenic compounds and antioxidant capacity. Cauliflower demonstrated favourable stability as a carrier of iodine, although phytochemical composition influenced fortification outcomes. These findings suggest that the initial heat treatment of cauliflower significantly affects its effectiveness as a matrix for iodine fortification, likely due to differences in the content of goitrogenic compounds. Full article

Grape stems are undervalued winemaking by-products that constitute a promising source of bioactive phenolics with notable antioxidant potential and diverse industrial applications, including food preservation, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Effective valorisation of this resource requires not only efficient extraction strategies, but also the strategic selection of grape stem varieties to tailor phenolic profiles for specific high-value uses. In this study, a comparative assessment of three extraction techniques, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and conventional solid–liquid extraction (SLE), across six grape stem varieties was conducted. By integrating spectrophotometric analyses of total phenolics and antioxidant capacity with HPLC-DAD profiling of individual phenolic compounds, the combined influence of extraction method and varietal composition on phenolic recovery was demonstrated. PLE and UAE significantly enhanced both yield and antioxidant capacity relative to SLE, with PLE providing the broadest spectrum of phenolic compounds. Varietal differences were also pronounced; e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon stems yielded higher antioxidant phenolic compound content, particularly under UAE, reinforcing the importance of aligning extraction technique and stem variety with the intended functional application. Full article

Background: Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corms, often discarded as agricultural by-products, are a promising and sustainable source of bioactive metabolites with potential therapeutic relevance. However, their anticancer potential remains largely underinvestigated. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the phytochemical composition of hydroethanolic extracts from fresh (HEEF) and stored (HEES) saffron corms and to evaluate their anticancer effectiveness against colorectal cancer cells. Methods: Phytochemical profiling was performed using HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. Cytotoxicity against T84 and SW480 colorectal cancer cell lines was determined by the crystal violet assay. Apoptosis-related protein modulation was assessed by Western blotting. Additionally, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and MM/GBSA calculations were used to investigate ligand–target binding affinities and stability. Results: Both extracts contained diverse primary and secondary metabolites, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, lignans, anthraquinones, carotenoids, sugars, and fatty acids. HEES showed higher relative abundance of key bioactive metabolites than HEEF, which was enriched mainly in primary metabolites. HEES showed significantly greater dose-dependent cytotoxicity, particularly against SW480 cells after 24 h (IC₅₀ = 34.85 ± 3.35). Apoptosis induction was confirmed through increased expression of caspase-9 and p53 in T84 cells. In silico studies revealed strong and stable interactions of major metabolites, especially 3,8-dihydroxy-1-methylanthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid with COX2 and crocetin with VEGFR2. Conclusions: Stored saffron corms possess a richer bioactive profile and show enhanced anticancer effects in vitro compared with fresh saffron corms, suggesting that they may represent a promising source of compounds for the future development of colorectal cancer therapeutics. Full article

Grape polysaccharide extracts derived from winemaking by-products have been shown to affect key wine characteristics. This study aimed to investigate the application of different grape-derived, polysaccharide-rich extracts and commercial yeast products in white sparkling wines, since no other studies have been found. The impacts of these products on the volatile, phenolic and polysaccharide compositions, as well as on the foam properties and sensory characteristics, were evaluated. After 15 months of aging, the products used did not influence the color and phenolic composition of the sparkling wines. However, they had a positive effect on the volatile compounds, with treated wines showing a general increase compared with the control, mainly in ethyl esters and alcohol acetates, compounds associated with fruity and floral notes. The treated wines showed clear sensory differences compared with the control, including aromatic complexity, which may reflect better preservation of certain aromatic compounds over time. In addition, improvements in wine taste were observed, likely due to a reduction in perceived acidity and bitterness. These results demonstrate the potential of grape-derived polysaccharide extracts to preserve volatile compounds in sparkling wines and to enhance their aromatic complexity and mouthfeel, thus improving overall sensory quality. Full article

Background: Antifungal resistance among Candida species and related genera, coupled with the lack of new drugs, poses a significant threat to public health. Several studies have demonstrated a relationship between virulence factors and resistance. Current objectives include identifying new targets and searching for new natural molecules. Carvacrol, a natural phenolic compound, has been shown to have antimicrobial properties; however, its impact on the virulence of species other than Candida albicans and related yeast genera remains underexplored. Methods: The antifungal activity of carvacrol was evaluated against clinical isolates of Candidozyma auris, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, and Candida dubliniensis, as well as its effect on adhesion, hydrophobicity, biofilm formation and osmotic stress tolerance. In vivo activity was assessed using the Galleria mellonella infection model at MIC concentrations. Results: Carvacrol inhibited adherence and significantly reduced both early and preformed biofilms in M. guilliermondii and C. dubliniensis. In C. auris, the compound produced a modest reduction in biofilm activity but significantly enhanced larval survival in the in vivo model (~20%, p < 0.01). Carvacrol also induced increased tolerance of C. auris to osmotic stress, suggesting activation of adaptive pathways. Conclusions: Carvacrol exhibits species-specific effects, acting as an antivirulence modulator in M. guilliermondii and C. dubliniensis and attenuating virulence in vivo in C. auris. These findings support the potential of carvacrol as an adjuvant antifungal strategy, particularly against C. auris, and highlight the relevance of targeting virulence traits to reduce selective pressure and limit antifungal resistance. Full article

Currently, the increased incidence of invasive fungal infections globally is posing a significant challenge to public health. Due to drug resistance issues, the clinical efficacy of existing antifungal drugs is seriously insufficient, while new drug development progresses slowly. Consequently, there is an urgent need to discover and develop novel antifungal therapeutics. Natural products have the characteristics of wide sources and few adverse reactions and are one of the sources for developing antifungal drugs. Numerous studies have shown that many compounds isolated from plants and traditional Chinese medicine have antifungal activity and diverse antifungal mechanisms. Thymol, a monoterpene phenol compound from thyme (Lamiaceae), has multiple biological functions such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. Recent research has found that thymol has strong antifungal activity, and its molecular mechanisms involve cell membrane rupture, interference with cell wall synthesis, disruption of mitochondrial function and energy metabolism, inhibition of biofilm, inhibition of virulence factor expression, inhibition of key enzymes, and induction of cell apoptosis. This review aimed to summarize the antifungal activity of thymol and the underlying molecular mechanisms, safety, and potential clinical applications. Emerging technologies in thymol delivery systems and future research directions are also discussed. The comprehensive analysis aims to provide a detailed understanding of fungal infections and the role of thymol in antifungal treatment, offering insights for further research and clinical practice. Full article

VOCs are significant precursors for the formation of O₃ and SOA, directly impacting human health. This study employs multiple approaches to analyzing atmospheric VOCs by focusing on OVOCs including aldehydes, ketones, and phenols, with a case study in Beijing, China. We analyzed the concentration levels and compositions of VOCs and their atmospheric activities, offering a new perspective on VOCs. This analysis was conducted through offline measurements of volatile phenols and carbonyl compounds, complemented by online VOC observations during the summer period of high O₃ levels. The total atmospheric VOCs concentration was found to be 51.29 ± 10.01 ppbv, with phenols contributing the most (38.87 ± 11.57%), followed by carbonyls (34.91 ± 6.85%), and aromatics (2.70 ± 1.03%, each compound is assigned to only one category based on its primary functional group, with no double counting). Carbonyls were the largest contributors to the OFP at 59.03 ± 14.69%, followed by phenols (19.94 ± 4.27%). The contribution of phenols to the SOAFP (43.37 ± 9.53%) and the L_OH (67.74 ± 16.72%) is dominant. Among all quantified VOC species, phenol and formaldehyde exhibited the highest species-level contributions to atmospheric reactivity metrics, including L_OH, OFP and SOAFP, owing to their combination of elevated concentrations and large kinetic or MIR coefficients. Using the PMF model for source analysis, six main sources of volatile organic compounds were identified. Solvent use and organic chemicals production were found to be the primary contributors, accounting for 31.76% of the total VOCs emissions, followed by diesel vehicle exhaust (17.80%) and biogenic sources (15.51%). This study introduces important OVOCs such as phenols, re-evaluates the importance of OVOCs and their role in atmospheric chemical processes, and provides new insights into atmospheric VOCs. These findings are crucial for developing effective air pollution control strategies and improving air quality. This study emphasizes the importance of OVOCs, especially aldehydes and phenols, in the mechanism of summer O₃ generation. Full article

Weed control is mainly carried out using synthetic herbicides, which represent 62.6% of the total pesticides sold. However, some plants produce allelochemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants, and these substances can be isolated and used as natural herbicides. This study aimed to evaluate the allelopathic, cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic potential of the ethanol extract (EE), hexane (HEX), dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EA) and hydroethanol (HE) fractions obtained from Tecoma stans flowers. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to characterize the compounds present in the samples. The allelopathic activity was tested using Allium cepa and Lactuca sativa seeds, and the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity were evaluated using A. cepa seeds. The saturated and unsaturated fatty acids ω-3 and ω-6, terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids with coumaroyl or glycosyl derivatives were characterized in the samples. The HEX and DCM fractions significantly inhibited germination and root growth, effects associated with fatty acids and phenolic compounds. The EA fraction exhibits genotoxic potential at higher concentrations tested. The extract and fractions reduced the genotoxicity induced by glyphosate and atrazine, reversing chromosomal abnormalities. These results demonstrate the possible use of the extract and fractions as natural sources of allelochemicals, but safe dosage validation is required. Full article

The trend toward sustainable protein substitutes is driven by growing concerns about food security, sustainability, and human health. Spent brewer’s yeast and wine lees are two by-products of the beer and wine industry with high potential, owing to their complex composition, which remains insufficiently exploited. The purpose of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the two by-products under two different drying techniques to observe if there are significant changes in composition: oven-drying and freeze-drying. Two samples of wine lees from producers in the Republic of Moldova were used—Asconi Winery and Cricova Winery (Republic of Moldova)—as well as a sample of spent brewer’s yeast offered by Efes Vitanta Moldova Brewery. The samples were characterized in terms of physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity (total polyphenol content (TPC), individual polyphenol content, and DPPH assay scavenging activity), color, mineral content, structural composition (FT-IR analysis), and microstructure, as well as organic acid and B vitamin content. The highest protein content was recorded in the samples from Cricova (45.35–46.81%). Regarding the polyphenols, the oven-dried Efes sample exhibited a TPC value of 3.98 mg GAE/g, while the highest DPPH value of 88.92% was observed in the Asconi sample. All analyzed samples showed a diverse composition of individual phenolic compounds, including 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, and rosmarinic acid. Wine lees samples have the highest content of B vitamins, with vitamin B3 being the most abundant across all samples, followed by vitamin B6. The microstructural examination revealed autolyzed yeast cells, with more permeable cell walls, favorable to subsequent valorization treatments, and in some cases, cells form clusters in a mother-daughter junction due to serial re-pitching. Full article

Wild seeds constitute a taxonomically diverse and underexplored reservoir of C18-series bioactive fatty acids (BFAs) with significant nutritional, biomedical, and industrial relevance. This review integrates current knowledge on their lipid composition, metabolic architecture, and potential applications. Numerous wild taxa accumulate high levels of oleic, linoleic, α-linolenic, γ-linolenic, and stearidonic acids, while others synthesise structurally specialised compounds such as punicic, petroselinic, and sciadonic acids. These FAs, together with tocopherols, phytosterols, and phenolics, underpin antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and cardiometabolic effects supported by in vitro and in vivo evidence. The occurrence of these unusual lipids reflects lineage-specific modulation of plastidial and endoplasmic-reticulum pathways, including differential activities of SAD, FAD2/3, Δ6- and Δ5-desaturases, elongases, and acyl-editing enzymes that determine the final acyl-CoA and TAG pools. Wild seed oils show strong potential for translation into functional foods, targeted nutraceuticals, pharmacologically relevant lipid formulations, cosmetic ingredients, and bio-based materials. However, their exploitation is constrained by ecological sustainability, oxidative instability of PUFA-rich matrices, antinutritional constituents, and regulatory requirements for novel lipid sources. This review positions wild seeds as high-value, underused lipid resources with direct relevance to health and sustainability. It underscores their potential to enhance nutritional security and offer alternatives to conventional oil crops. Full article