Search Results (3,682)

Traditional fermented foods are important reservoirs of wild microorganisms with technological, sensory, protective, and functional potential. However, the performance of these isolates in controlled or compositionally different food matrices remains fragmented across microbial groups and food systems. This systematic review synthesized evidence on using wild microbial isolates from traditional fermented foods and beverages as starters or potential probiotic cultures. The conducted a systematic search exclusively in Scopus, following PRISMA 2020, to include original research articles published between 2021 and 2026, yielding 68 eligible studies. The included studies were analyzed by geographical origin, isolation source, recipient matrix, microbial group, and key physicochemical, technological, sensory, microbiological, nutritional, and functional outcomes. The evidence was organized into wild yeasts and filamentous fungi, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Bacillus isolates, and defined mixed microbial cultures. Across food matrices, microbial incorporation frequently accelerated acidification, shortened fermentation time, modified volatile compound profiles, and altered texture, color, enzymatic activity, or substrate utilization. Sensory responses improved aroma, flavor, texture, and acceptance, whereas others produced profiles that deviated from the characteristic product and reduced overall liking. Functional effects included increases in phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, GABA, folate, peptides, and resistant starch, along with reductions in phytates, nitrites, biogenic amines, aflatoxins, and nondigestible oligosaccharides. Researchers also reported antimicrobial, antifungal, protective, and preliminary probiotic properties. Defined mixed microbial cultures often provided complementary metabolic effects, although true synergistic interactions were demonstrated only sporadically. Overall, wild isolates from traditional fermentations represent promising resources for food bioprocessing; however, their performance varies widely across strains, recipient matrices, experimental conditions, and outcomes evaluated. Consequently, their application requires strain–matrix validation, comprehensive sensory assessment, safety characterization, and evaluation under processing and storage conditions relevant to industrial production. Full article

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver disorder with limited pharmacological therapies, highlighting the need for novel multi-target agents from traditional medicinal plants. Artemisia rupestris L. has hepatoprotective effects, but its active constituents and mechanisms against MAFLD remain unexplored. Methods: The chemical profile of an ultrasonically-assisted 70% ethanol extract of Artemisia rupestris L. (ARE) was determined using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, 100-ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and in vitro experiments in oleic acid-induced HepG2 cells were integrated to identify active compounds, core targets, and pathways, and to validate lipid-lowering and hepatoprotective effects. Results: Seventy-eight compounds were identified, mainly flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids. Network analysis highlighted AKR1B10 and MAPK14 as core targets and isorupestonic acid and rupestonic acid as key components. MD simulations supported the stable binding of isorupestonic acid to AKR1B10 (RMSD ~1.6–3.2 Å), driven by van der Waals and electrostatic interactions. In vitro, ARE dose-dependently reduced intracellular triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-C, decreased lipid droplets, and lowered AST/ALT levels, with a high-dose efficacy comparable to atorvastatin. Conclusions: Through in vitro experiments and network pharmacology analyses, this study preliminarily elucidated the beneficial effects of ARE on lipid deposition in hepatocytes and its potential mechanism, thereby providing an experimental basis and potential avenues for subsequent in vivo studies on pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology. Full article

Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt. is a medicinal plant known for its diverse phytochemical composition; however, information on the lipophilic constituents of its different organs remains limited. This study aimed to characterize the lipophilic composition and associated bioactivities of n-hexane extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction from leaves, flowers, fruit pulp, and seeds of M. aquifolium. The extracts were analyzed using GC–FID/MS of silylated extracts, FAME–GC, MSD–SPME, and UHPLC–HRMS/MS, and were evaluated for antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activities. Nonacosan-10-ol was identified as the predominant constituent in fruit pulp and flower extracts, whereas α-linolenic acid was the major fatty acid in leaves and seeds. Chlorogenic acid was detected as the major phenolic compound in all n-hexane extracts, and 3-hydroxytyrosol was also identified in the lipophilic extracts. The flower extract exhibited notable α-amylase inhibitory activity together with the highest CUPRAC and TEAC values, while the seed extract showed the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity. The leaf extract demonstrated the highest ORAC value and β-carotene bleaching inhibition. These findings reveal substantial differences in the lipophilic composition and bioactivity profiles among M. aquifolium organs and provide new insights into the valorization of different plant parts as sources of bioactive lipophilic constituents. Full article

Background/Objectives: Propolis is a resinous natural product rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids, recognized in ethnopharmacology for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to identify the most bioactive Saudi propolis extract using a bioassay-guided strategy and investigate its chemical profile and mechanistic anti-inflammatory potential. Methods: Four propolis extracts (P1–P4) collected from different regions of Saudi Arabia were evaluated for their antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS) and anti-inflammatory (COX-1 and COX-2) activities. The most active extract was profiled using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS), followed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Results: Among all samples, P3 demonstrated the strongest antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 25.84 ± 0.96 µg/mL (DPPH) and 32.30 ± 1.20 µg/mL (ABTS), comparable to ascorbic acid (27.45 ± 1.42 and 21.22 ± 0.79, respectively). P3 also exhibited potent and selective COX-2 inhibition with an IC₅₀ of 6.19 ± 0.21 µg/mL (relative to celecoxib, IC₅₀ 0.681 ± 0.02 as positive control). LC–MS analysis identified 26 secondary metabolites. Computational studies ranked kaempferol as forming the most conformationally stable COX-2 complex among the ligands examined, including the reference inhibitor, on the basis of molecular dynamics descriptors of pose persistence and conformational confinement. Conclusions: Saudi propolis P3 is a potent source of bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant and selective COX-2 inhibitory activity. These findings highlight its anti-inflammatory potential and suggest its value as a natural lead for developing safer therapeutics targeting inflammation-related chronic diseases. Full article

Background: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiometabolic disorders, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and is closely associated with oxidative stress. Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) cladodes are recognized as a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying their metabolic benefits remain incompletely understood. Objectives: This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective potential of a polyphenol-rich O. ficus-indica cladode extract (OCE) using an integrated approach combining in vivo evaluation, untargeted metabolomics (UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS), molecular docking, and ADMET prediction. Methods: Hyperlipidemic mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) were treated with OCE, while molecular docking was performed on ten major annotated phytochemicals against twelve key proteins involved in lipid metabolism and cholesterol homeostasis, including HMGCR, FAS, PPARα, PCSK9, and NPC1L1, using simvastatin as the reference compound. Results: OCE treatment significantly improved plasma and hepatic lipid profiles, improved glucose homeostasis, and markedly reduced hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating attenuation of oxidative stress. Histopathological analysis further supported a pronounced hepatoprotective effect, with a substantial reduction in hepatic steatosis. Untargeted metabolomics enabled the annotation of 102 metabolites, putatively identifying piscidic acid as the predominant phenolic constituent together with a diverse profile of flavonoids and phenolic acids. Molecular docking supported the potential contribution of these phytochemicals to the regulation of lipid metabolism through favorable interactions with multiple therapeutic targets, while ADMET prediction suggested an overall favorable pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile despite the lower intestinal permeability predicted for glycosylated derivatives. Conclusions: Overall, these findings support O. ficus-indica cladodes as a promising source of dietary bioactive compounds with potential applications in the nutritional management and prevention of hyperlipidemia and related cardiometabolic disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: The increasing global prevalence of chronic diseases has intensified the search for potential natural therapeutic agents. Fagonia arabica is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine; however, comparative information on the phytochemical composition and biological activities of its leaves and seeds remains limited. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first comparative investigation of the phytochemical profiles and bioactivities of methanolic leaf (FALE) and seed (FASE) extracts of F. arabica collected from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Methanolic extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic activities were evaluated using standard in vitro assays. Results: GC–MS analysis identified 60 and 68 compounds in FALE and FASE, respectively, with (9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol, and (1R,3aR,5aR,5bR,7aR,9S,11aR,11bR,13aR,13bR)-3a,5a,5b,8,8,11a-Hexamethyl-1-(prop-1-en-2-yl)-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,7a,9,10,11,11b,12,13,13a,13b-hexadecahydrocyclopenta[a]chrysen-9-ol as major constituents. FASE exhibited higher TPC and TFC values (104.13 mg GAE/g and 62.16 mg QE/g, respectively) than FALE. Both extracts demonstrated antioxidant activity, with FASE showing greater potency against DPPH and ABTS radicals (IC₅₀ = 63.3 and 42.4 μg/mL, respectively). FASE also displayed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 7.81 μg/mL). Furthermore, FASE exhibited stronger concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and HepG2 cells, with IC₅₀ values of 106.8 and 89.5 μg/mL, respectively, compared with 112.5 and 103.1 μg/mL for FALE. Apoptosis induction in MCF-7 and HepG2 cells was associated with upregulation of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, and Bax, alongside downregulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. In addition, FASE exhibited potent α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ = 61.62 and 67.38 μg/mL, respectively), comparable to acarbose. Conclusions: These findings highlight F. arabica seed extract as a promising source of multifunctional bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical application. Full article

Epilobium parviflorum Schreb. is a medicinal plant used traditionally against inflammatory disorders whose cytotoxic potential is still incompletely revealed. The current study investigates the phytochemical composition and in vitro cytotoxic activity of four hydroalcoholic extracts prepared from the aerial parts of E. parviflorum by using maceration and Soxhlet extraction. The extracts were characterized in terms of total phenolic, flavonoid and tannins composition and LC-MS was used to identify its individual polyphenols. Their biological effects were assessed against four cancer cell lines (A375 melanoma, HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma, PANC-1 pancreatic carcinoma and SK-OV-3 ovarian adenocarcinoma cells), while using HaCaT keratinocytes as healthy cells in order to assess selectivity. Cell viability, cytoskeletal and nuclear morphology, mitochondrial respiration and network pharmacology were further investigated. A complex phenolic profile was revealed, with hyperoside being identified as the main component in all extracts while the extraction parameters strongly influenced the recovery of various phenolic compounds. All extracts reduced cancer cell viability in a dose-dependent manner after 24 h exposure, with the most pronounced effects observed at 720 and 1000 μg/mL, while HaCaT cells were left relatively unaffected. The morphological assessment indicated nuclear condensation, fragmentation and cytoskeletal disruption following the application of extracts. Moreover, high-resolution respirometry showed reduced oxidative phosphorylation and electron transfer system capacity thus indicating that early mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to the cytotoxic effects. Network pharmacology revealed that ERBB2, CTNNB1, HSP90AA1 and HDAC6 might act as molecular targets in melanoma. Thus, these findings support the hypothesis that E. parviflorum hydroalcoholic extracts, particularly the 40% ethanol Soxhlet extract, may serve as important sources of bioactive phytocompounds with antiproliferative and apoptotic properties. Full article

This manuscript presents findings from the analysis of three species of Pleurotus mushrooms common in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, detailing evaluations of proximate composition, physicochemical properties, minerals, colour, phenols, and antioxidant capacity. Standard analytical procedures were used to analyse the mushroom flour samples. Moisture content was within the range of 9.56% (P. florida) and 11.01% (P. pulmonarius), indicative of good drying practices. Protein content among the three species was high, with that of P. ostreatus showing the highest value (26.12%), and all had low fat content (3.45–3.70%). The physicochemical analysis showed pH values between 6.12 and 6.31, indicating neutral pH, and perishability was indicated by water activity values of 0.39–0.44. P. florida had significant differences (p < 0.05) in colour analysis, with the highest lightness (L* = 75.45) and colour saturation. P. florida had the highest total phenolic content (58.91 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (ABTS and DPPH: 42.21 and 46.12 µmol TE/g). Of the three species, P. florida had the highest total phenol profile, at 44.10 mg/g. Gallic acid was the predominant phenol with the highest concentration of 12.82 mg/g. The study concluded that all three common mushroom species, P. ostreatus, P. florida, and P. pulmonarius, are rich in nutrients, with P. florida standing out in bioactive compounds. Full article

Potatoes with colored flesh are increasingly processed in the food industry. However, establishing appropriate production parameters is challenging because anthocyanins and other polyphenols present in potatoes undergo structural transformations during processing. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of five organic acids applied during the production of dehydrated potato grits on the content, profile, and stability of phenolic compounds in the final products manufactured from tubers of the red-fleshed potato cultivar Lily Rose (LR) and the purple-fleshed cultivar Double Fun (DF). The effects were assessed by analyzing the profiles, antioxidant activity, and content of the phenolic compounds in the final products. Phenolic compounds were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while antioxidant activity was evaluated using the FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays. Only malic acid improved anthocyanin retention in LR potato products, while tartaric and malic acids had the greatest effect on the content of the analyzed compounds in DF potato products. Citric acid showed only a moderate stabilizing effect on anthocyanin content. Grits produced with malic and tartaric acids contained 20–67% more phenolic acids than the control and showed higher antioxidant activity. Lactic acid had an adverse effect, particularly in LR dehydrated potato grits. Depending on the potato cultivar, the effectiveness of organic acids in stabilizing anthocyanins varied. Therefore, the processing conditions for colored potatoes should be optimized for the specific cultivar. Full article

This study aimed to illustrate the effects of plant-based yogurts made from bio-fermentative green rice milk yogurt (GRMY), enhanced with Wolffia globosa powder (WGP) and infused with Thai green tea. Different formulations (F1 to F4) were analyzed to assess the impact of varying weight ratios of WGP, ranging from 0% to 15%. The goal was to improve nutritional values and bioactive components. The F4 formulation of plant-based yogurt demonstrated enhanced nutritional values, including higher levels of dietary fiber, starch, protein, and fat contents, which were 42.45, 26.55, 22.48, and 2.29% DW, respectively. It was increased by bioactive compounds such as total phenolic content (52.99 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid content (60.45 mg QUE/g), and β-carotene (1.81 mg/g). Additionally, the F4 formulation exhibited the highest antioxidants in terms of DPPH activity (5.48 mg TROE/g), ABTS activity (424.15 mg TROE/g), and FRAP reducing capacity (106.35 mg TROE/g) and antidiabetic activity of α–glucosidase inhibition in IC₅₀ at 1.41 mg/mL. The yogurts were evaluated through metabolomic network analysis as a complex bioactive food system, wherein fermentation-derived metabolites synergistically interact with tea polyphenols, amino acids, phytosterols, and carotenoids. The prevailing metabolic profiles indicate an increase in antioxidant capacity, a reduction in inflammatory burden, enhanced glucose metabolism, alterations in gut microbiota, cardiovascular protection, and neuroprotective potential. These findings suggest that the product represents a promising plant-based functional food, offering numerous health benefits. This assertion is supported by a diverse metabolite network identified through UPLC–MS/MS metabolomic research. Full article

Olive leaves represent a metabolically active tissue that plays an important role in plant responses to biotic stress. The present study comprised two independent experiments investigating biochemical responses of olive leaves to bacterial and fungal challenge under controlled conditions. Changes in primary metabolites (sugars, organic acids and free amino acids), phenolic compounds and lipid peroxidation were analyzed using chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods. In the bacterial experiment, pronounced differences were observed in primary metabolism. Tryptophan concentrations ranged from approximately 50 mg kg⁻¹ DW to more than 360 mg kg⁻¹ DW in ‘Istarska bjelica’, while sucrose concentrations reached up to 87 g kg⁻¹ DW, demonstrating cultivar-dependent differences in carbohydrate metabolism. Phenolic profiling showed that secoiridoids were the dominant phenolic class, with oleuropein concentrations exceeding 27 g kg⁻¹ DW across bacterial treatments. In the fungal experiment, amino acids showed greater variability than sugars and phenolic compounds, whereas MDA concentrations ranged from approximately 190 to 300 nmol g⁻¹ DW but did not differ significantly among pathogen treatments. Overall, the two experiments showed distinct patterns of metabolite variation associated with bacterial and fungal challenge. These findings contribute to a better understanding of cultivar-dependent metabolic responses and provide a basis for future studies of olive–microbe interactions. Full article

Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) is a cactus species of considerable economic importance in agriculture and various nutritional applications. We aimed to establish a feasible method for polyploid induction in OFI using colchicine treatment, as well as to identify and characterize the resulting polyploid plants. Diploid cladodes were treated with 0.5% and 1.0% colchicine for 24 or 48 h to induce polyploidization. The results demonstrated that colchicine concentration and exposure duration influenced tetraploid induction, leading to statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in cladode size, shoot proliferation, and stomatal guard cell length and density. Higher concentrations of colchicine resulted in larger cladode dimensions and expanded guard cell sizes, along with increased shoot sprouting. In contrast, prolonged exposure durations caused reduced cladode dimensions and lower plant survival rates. Among the tested treatments, 1.0% colchicine for 48 h produced pronounced morphological responses, including increased cladode growth and reduced spine-to-spineless phenotype, although this treatment was also associated with reduced plant survival. Furthermore, induced tetraploid plants exhibited treatment-dependent increases in bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities. Specifically, 0.5% colchicine for 24 h yielded the highest total flavonoid content and antioxidant capacities (DPPH and FRAP), whereas 1.0% colchicine for 48 h significantly enhanced total phenolic content compared to control plants. Overall, the results indicate that colchicine-induced polyploidization can generate OFI variants with altered morphological characteristics and treatment-dependent bioactive profiles, providing potential breeding material for further evaluation. Full article

The tropical fruits velvet tamarind, baobab, and African locust beans are used as foods and in beverages for medicinal purposes. They are important sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds. This research focused on the bioactive composition in the fruit pulps and seeds of these African plant species. Spectrophotometric analysis of the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, the antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays), the quantification and profile of phenolic compounds, hydrosoluble vitamins B and C (HPLC), and fatty acids (GC-FID), and the toxicological analysis of amygdalin (HPLC) and elements (XRF) were assessed. The fruit velvet tamarind exhibited the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant capacity, with seed content higher than pulp, primarily due to naringin (54.45 mg/100 g). Baobab presented the second highest TPC and TFC content and antioxidant capacity, with pulp being higher than seed, mainly due to vitamin C (79.97 mg/100 g) and rutin (47.92 mg/100 g). Several bioactive compounds were quantified, such as vitamin C, various hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic, p-coumaric, chlorogenic, ferulic), hydroxybenzoic acids (gallic, vanillic), and polyphenols (quercetin, catechin, epicatechin, rutin, naringin, procyanidin, kaempferol), as well as fatty acids from the ω-3 and ω-6 series. Amygdalin was not detected in any seeds, and Cd content was higher than 0.05 mg/kg of dry weight. Full article

This study employed sequential inoculation of native non-brewing yeasts Kluyveromyces marxianus YC-T7 and Pichia kudriavzevii QC-P3 to co-ferment dry white wine from Munage, a unique fresh-eating grape variety native to Xinjiang, providing technical support for the development of regionally distinctive wines in Xinjiang. To investigate how mixed fermentation with indigenous Xinjiang non-Saccharomyces (NS) yeasts and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) influences the aromatic profile of Munage wine, two NS strains—K. marxianus YC-T7 and P. kudriavzevii QC-P3—previously isolated and selected by our group were sequentially co-inoculated with S. cerevisiae CEC01. Strain growth dynamics were first characterized in a synthetic grape juice (SGJ) system under varying inoculation protocols; subsequently, Munage grapes were fermented under optimized sequential inoculation to assess physicochemical parameters, volatile aroma composition, and sensory attributes of the resulting dry white wine. Results demonstrated that, under sequential inoculation, the QC-P3 + SC consortium entered the late logarithmic phase on day 4 and achieved a final ethanol concentration of 10.29%vol, whereas the YC-T7 + SC consortium reached the same growth stage on day 5 with 10.27%vol ethanol—confirming robust and timely alcoholic fermentation for both consortia. Consequently, sequential inoculation was adopted as the standard protocol for Munage wine production. All key physicochemical parameters complied with China’s national standards for dry white wine. Relative to pure SC fermentation, the YC-T7 + SC treatment increased tartaric acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, and citric acid contents by 3.15%, 12.16%, and 2.18%, respectively; the QC-P3 + SC treatment induced more pronounced enhancements—22.58%, 51.64%, and 14.70%, respectively. A total of 54 volatile compounds were identified, including 29 esters, 12 alcohols, 7 organic acids, 4 phenolic compounds, and 2 others. Integrated analysis using odor activity values (OAVs), principal component analysis (PCA), and descriptive sensory evaluation consistently revealed that the YC-T7 + SC wine exhibited the highest concentrations of fruit- and flower-associated esters, while the QC-P3 + SC wine was distinguished by a distinctive pineapple-like aroma driven predominantly by ethyl butyrate. Collectively, sequential co-inoculation of indigenous Xinjiang NS strains YC-T7 and QC-P3 with S. cerevisiae significantly improved Munage wine quality—particularly in acidity balance, polyphenol retention, and aromatic complexity—thereby offering both novel microbial resources and a validated technical framework for stylistically authentic vinification of terroir-expressive wines from the Xinjiang region. Full article

Fruit ripening is accompanied by extensive reprogramming of secondary metabolism, which determines the antioxidant value of medicine-food homologous fruits. Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. ‘Junzao’ (Junzao) is a high-quality cultivar rich in bioactive compounds, yet its stage-dependent metabolite accumulation and the corresponding antioxidant capacity remain poorly resolved. In this study, widely targeted metabolomics was combined with the quantification of total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC), and total triterpenoid (TTC) contents and with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical (ABTS) radical-scavenging assays to profile Junzao fruits at five developmental stages. A total of 2388 secondary metabolites were identified, with flavonoids and terpenoids representing the major classes. TPC and TFC were highest at the immature YG (young-fruit) stage, whereas TTC peaked at the BS (white-ripe) stage; all three decreased during subsequent ripening, consistent with the stronger DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activities observed in early-stage fruits. Multivariate analyses revealed distinct metabolic profiles among developmental stages, and 2111 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified. K-means clustering resolved nine temporal accumulation patterns, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment indicated dynamic regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid metabolism, and triterpenoid-related pathways. Spearman correlation analyses further identified ten metabolites, comprising six flavonoids, three triterpenes, and one phenolic acid, that were strongly associated with antioxidant capacity (|r| ≥ 0.5, p < 0.05), highlighting their potential as biomarkers for quality evaluation. Overall, immature Junzao fruits exhibited superior antioxidant capacity, supporting their promise as functional-food ingredients and providing a basis for stage-specific harvesting and utilization. Full article