Search Results (133)

Edible mushrooms are well-known for their culinary and nutritional values. Additionally, they serve as a natural source of polyphenols, a group of bioactive compounds that significantly treat diseases associated with oxidative stress. The polyphenolic profile of mushrooms mainly consists of phenolic acids and flavonoids, whose chemical properties have attracted the attention of both the food and pharmaceutical industries. Consequently, methods for extracting polyphenols from mushrooms encompass conventional techniques (maceration and Soxhlet extraction) as well as innovative or green methods (ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, and pulsed electric field extraction). Nonetheless, extraction with pressurized liquids and supercritical fluids is considered the most suitable method, as they function in a gentle and selective manner, preserving the integrity of the phenolic compounds. The use of mushroom-derived phenolic compounds in food and pharmaceutical formulations continues to face challenges concerning the safety of these extracts, as they might contain unwanted substances. Future applications should incorporate purification systems to yield highly pure extracts, thereby creating safe polyphenol carriers (for food and pharmaceutical products) for consumers. Full article

Saffron spice is obtained from the flower’s stigmas through a labor-intensive process. However, other organs (particularly the leaves and tepals) are often regarded as waste. To investigate the health benefits of saffron leaf by-products, an optimized methodology was developed to obtain a phenol-enriched fraction. The main components of this fraction were identified by HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS and the antiproliferative and metal-chelating effects on colon cancer cells (Caco-2) and Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions, respectively, were evaluated. The process involved the extraction of saffron leaves with a 70% hydroalcoholic solution, followed by purification using liquid chromatography. Chemical characterization revealed the presence of several phenolic compounds, including flavonoids (kaempferol, luteolin and quercetin glycosides) as major constituents; whereas, in vitro assays revealed a strong dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation. Likewise, the sample exhibited significant iron- and copper-chelating activity, suggesting its potential as a natural chelator to help mitigate the carcinogenic effects of metal accumulation in humans. In summary, this study underscores the potential of the saffron leaf fraction as a promising natural and complementary chemoprotective agent in colorectal cancer. Additionally, these results underscore the value of agricultural by-products, supporting a circular bioeconomy by reducing environmental impact and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources. Full article

As a natural polymerized material, Chinese lacquer has numerous applications, although its processing is associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which will cause a health risk. This paper was mainly focused on the detection of volatiles in the Chinese lacquer and its possible allergy mechanisms based on the properties of the lacquer, such as the main components, chemical properties, and allergy mechanisms of the unit phenols, aldehydes, and ketones and terpenes in the volatiles. Based on the detection technology (such as GC/MS) and allergy mechanism, a variety of prevention and control strategies are proposed, including the use of cyclodextrin–chitosan embedding technology to reduce the antigenicity of lacquer phenols and the directional modification of the active site of laccase to inhibit the generation of quinone toxicity products, as well as the research and development of antioxidant protective equipment for different volatiles, the installation of ventilation and purification devices, and the addition of antioxidants. They are all aimed at providing scientific evidence and practical guidance for the safe use of lacquer, the health protection of the practitioners, and the sustainable development of the related industries. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance represents a critical global health challenge that has been exacerbated by the significant decline in antibiotic development. Natural product-based drugs, particularly plant-derived phenolic compounds, offer promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. This study aimed to isolate and characterize a novel phenolic compound from Bacopa procumbens, a Mexican perennial repent plant that is widespread in the Mexican valley and produces a variety of saponins, gastrodin derivatives, and phenolic acids, and to evaluate its antibacterial potential against clinically relevant pathogens. Methods: The hydroalcoholic extraction of B. procumbens was followed by liquid–liquid partitioning with ethyl acetate. The resulting fraction underwent chromatographic separation and purification. The structural elucidation of the isolated compound was performed using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS-EI), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. Antimicrobial activity was assessed via a microdilution assay against five bacterial strains, including drug-resistant Staphylococcus species and Gram-negative pathogens. Results: A novel phenolic compound, 5-(p-hydroxybenzoyl) shikimic acid (5pHSA), was isolated and characterized. The compound demonstrated moderate antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Escherichia coli (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 100 μg/mL) but showed limited efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, and Klebsiella pneumoniae (MIC > 100 μg/mL). Comparative analysis with the previously isolated compound ProcumGastrodin A revealed structure–activity relationships where the higher lipophilicity of PG-A was correlated with enhanced antimicrobial activity. Conclusions: This study establishes 5pHSA as a novel phenolic compound with moderate antibacterial properties. The findings highlight the importance of molecular polarity and structural complexity in determining antimicrobial efficacy, offering valuable insights into the development of phenolic, acid-based antimicrobial agents to address the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Full article

A. dracunculus L., is a species of traditional Chinese medicine herbs, widely distributed northwestern China and used as antidiabetic, antibacterial etc., but the active compounds and their abundance have not been systematically investigated. This research focused on the following: (i) optimizing polyphenol extraction/purification from A. dracunculus; (ii) UPLC-QE-based profiling of polyphenolic composition; (iii) FT-IR-assisted structural elucidation; and (iv) functional assessment of antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The results showed that the highest extraction yield of crude polyphenols of A. dracunculus (CPA) reached 5.02 ± 0.04% at an ethanol concentration of 70% of 70 °C with a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:20 (g/mL). The D101 macroporous resin is the best one for polyphenolpurification of A. dracunculus (PPA), with a purification efficiency of 60.48 ± 1.87%. UPLC-QE analysis identified 36 polyphenolic compounds in PPA, in whic the content of protocatechuic acid is the highest at 1338.05 ± 1.83 ng/mg. The absorption peaks at 1691 cm⁻¹ (carbonyl, C=O), 1605 cm⁻¹and 1518 cm⁻¹ (aromatic C=C), as well as 1275 cm⁻¹ and 1369 cm⁻¹ (C-O stretching), indicated the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins in PPA by FT-IR. PPA exhibited significant antioxidant activity, which reached 81.73 ± 1.43% for DPPH, 87.11 ± 1.57% for hydroxyl and 85.74 ± 1.52% for ABTS+. It also demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against nine common pathogenic bacteria, but not to Escherichia coli. A. dracunculus polyphenols demonstrate potent bioactive properties, suggesting potential applications in functional foods and natural preservatives. Full article

This study researches the impact of diclofenac (DCF) oxidation via UV/H₂O₂ on water quality, focusing on aromaticity and color changes. The process effectively degrades DCF and its intermediates through hydroxyl radical attack on the aromatic structure, leading to the formation of oxidized by-products. Initially, chromophoric compounds such as quinones and conjugated intermediates cause a yellow coloration, which diminishes as mineralization progresses. Turbidity remains below 1 NTU, aligning with European water quality standards. Aromaticity initially increases due to the stable intermediates (e.g., catechols and hydroquinones) but decreases as advanced oxidation cleaves aromatic rings. Kinetic modeling shows that DCF degradation follows first-order kinetics, while aromatic intermediates degrade via fractional-order kinetics (~0.3), indicating a non-linear relationship with concentration. The formation of chromophore compounds follows first-order kinetics, whereas their degradation transitions to zero-order kinetics when hydroxyl radicals are abundant. The study highlights the environmental relevance of these transformations, as aromatic intermediates like anilines and phenols, which contribute to water toxicity, are ultimately converted into less hazardous compounds (e.g., carboxylic acids and inorganic ions). Experimental validation confirms that degradation kinetics depend on hydrogen peroxide concentration, underscoring the potential of UV/H₂O₂ for water purification and pollutant removal. Full article

The revalorization of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) by-products is a promising strategy to obtain bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, supporting a circular economy approach. This study compares the efficiency of an enzymatic pretreatment followed by microwave-assisted extraction (EMAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (EUAE), and ultrasound-microwave-assisted extraction (EUMAE) at a pilot scale for recovering antioxidant compounds. Extracts were purified using Diaion^® HP20 resin to obtain phenolic-rich fractions with enhanced antioxidant activity. The results showed that EUAE was the most effective technique, achieving a total phenolic content (TPC) of 210.76 ± 1.40 µmol GAE/g d.w. with an extraction yield of 21.38%. HPLC-MS analysis identified 14 major phenolic compounds, including chlorogenic acid isomers (60.73 mg/g d.e.), caffeic acid (34.29 mg/g d.e.), and luteolin rutinoside (103.27 mg/g d.e.), among others, which contribute to the extracts’ high bioactivity. The antioxidant potential of the extracts was assessed using Folin–Ciocalteu (F-C), ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. EUAE extracts exhibited the highest antioxidant activity values, with F-C: 985.33 ± 4.46 µmol GAE/g d.e., ABTS: 80.46 ± 2.39 µmol TE/g d.e., DPPH: 87.03 ± 1.11 µmol TE/g d.e., and FRAP: 184.99 ± 2.52 µmol TE/g d.e. The purification process using Diaion^® HP20 resin further enhanced TPC and antioxidant activity, with the enzyme–ultrasound-assisted extraction—purified extract (EUAE-PE) reaching a phenolic purity of 50.71% and an F-C value of 2981.35 ± 12.16 µmol GAE/g d.e. Full article

This manuscript explores the removal of eosin yellow dye, a toxic color substance contributing to water pollution, from aqueous solutions. For this purpose, iron-zirconia binary oxide (Fe₂O₃-ZrO₂) was functionalized with eugenol oil, a natural phenolic aromatic compound extracted from the clove plant. The functional groups developed in the binary oxide were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and its crystal structure was determined via X-ray diffraction (XRD). The grain size analyzed by the XRD pattern was found to be 45 nanometers. The morphological analysis revealed nanoparticles of quasi-spherical type with a size ranging from 4 to 5 nanometers. The consistency between SEAD and XRD further confirmed that the material formed was iron-zirconia binary oxide. The obtained material, which was insoluble in water, was used as an adsorbent. Through the adsorption study of eosin yellow dye, the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of approximately 91.0 mg/g at 27 °C and pH = 7.0 for the functionalized adsorbent was determined. The process was exothermic, feasible, and spontaneous. At a dose of 1.0 g/L, the adsorbent was responsible for removing more than 90% of eosin yellow with 10–70 mg/L initial concentration, while about 56% removal was achieved at a higher concentration of 150 mg/L at 27 °C and pH = 7.0. These results highlight the potential of functionalized Fe₂O₃-ZrO₂ as an effective adsorbent for water purification applications. Full article

Phenolic compounds are an extensive group of natural and anthropogenic organic substances of the aromatic series containing one or more hydroxyl groups. The main sources of phenols entering the environment are waste from metallurgy and coke plants, enterprises of the leather, furniture, and pulp and paper industries, as well as wastewater from the production of phenol–formaldehyde resins, adhesives, plastics, and pesticides. Among this group of compounds, phenol is the most common environmental pollutant. One of the cheapest and most effective ways to combat phenol pollution is biological purification. However, the inability of bacteria to decompose high concentrations of phenol is a significant limitation. Due to the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, phenol concentrations above 1 g/L are toxic and inhibit cell growth. This article presents data on the biodegradative potential of Rhodococcus opacus strain 3D. This strain is capable of decomposing a wide range of toxicants, including phenol. In the present study, cell growth with phenol, growth after rest, growth of immobilized cells before and after rest, phase contrast, and scanning microscopy of immobilized cells on fiber were studied in detail. The free-living and immobilized cells can decompose phenol concentrations up to 1.5 g/L and 2.5 g/L, respectively. The decomposition of the toxicant was catalyzed by the enzymes catechol 1,2-dioxygenase and cis,cis-muconate cycloisomerase. The role of protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase in biodegradative processes is discussed. In this work, it is shown that the immobilized cells can be stored for a long time (up to 2 years) without significant loss of their degradation activity. An assessment of the induction of genes potentially involved in this process was taken. Based on our investigation, we can conclude that this strain can be considered an effective destructor that is capable of degrading phenol at high concentrations, increases its biodegradative potential during immobilization, and retains this ability for a long storage time. Therefore, the strain can be used in biotechnology for the purification of aqueous samples at high concentrations from phenolic contamination. Full article

Almond shells (ASs) are a potential source of cellulose that could be obtained through sustainable methods for their valorisation. Biocomposites (BCs) from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and cellulose are interesting materials for developing sustainable packaging materials. BC based on PVA and AS cellulose were obtained by melt blending and compression moulding, by using subcritical water extraction at 160 or 180 °C, and subsequent bleaching with sodium chlorite (C) or hydrogen peroxide (P) to purify cellulose. The influence of the purification method on the properties of BC was analysed. Fibres treated with C were better dispersed in composites than those bleached with P. Residual phenolic compounds in the fibres provide the composite with ABTS∙+ scavenging capacity in line with the residual lignin content of the fibres. Both the presence of phenols and dispersed fibres reduced the film transparency, mainly in the UV range. Fibres enhanced the oxygen barrier capacity of composites, and those treated with HP also improved the water vapour barrier capacity. Fibres treated with C better promoted the increase in the elastic modulus of the composites, due to their highest crystallinity and dispersibility, while favoured the PVA crystallisation. Therefore, the obtained AS cellulose fibres could be used to obtain thermoprocessed PVA biocomposites for food packaging applications. Full article

This study focuses on developing innovative and eco-friendly purification methods for the isolation of bioactive compounds derived from Padina pavonica, a brown abundant macroalga in Djibouti. Three distinct fractions, obtained via liquid-liquid extraction (LLE_FAE), solid-phase extraction (SPE_WE50), and flash chromatography (FC_EtOH20), were selected based on their high phenolic content and antioxidant activities. All fractions were also evaluated for their anti-ageing potential by assessing their ability to inhibit two vital skin-ageing enzymes, tyrosinase and elastase. Structural analysis by ¹H-¹³C HMBC NMR and LC-MS revealed a selectivity of phlorotannins depending on the purification methods. The LLE_FAE fraction exhibited greater structural complexity, including compounds such as phloroglucinol, diphlorethol/difucol, fucophlorethol and bifuhalol, which likely contribute to its enhanced bioactivity compared to the fractions obtained by FC_EtOH20 and SPE_WE50, which were also active and enriched only in phloroglucinol and fucophlorethol. These findings highlight the impact of purification techniques on the selective enrichment of specific bioactive compounds and demonstrated the interest of FC or SPE in producing active phlorotannin-enriched fractions. These two purification methods hold strong potential for innovative cosmeceutical applications. Results are discussed regarding the use of P. pavonica as a promising marine resource in Djibouti to be used for the development of cosmetic industry. Full article

Salix koreensis Anderss (Salicaceae), commonly referred to as Korean willow, is native to East Asia, particularly Korea and China, and it has been used in traditional Korean folk medicine for its potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. In our ongoing research efforts to discover biologically new natural products, phytochemical analysis on an ethanolic extract of S. koreensis twigs yielded the isolation and identification of ten phenolic compounds (1–10), including a newly discovered phenolic glycoside (1) named isograndidentatin D, isolated via HPLC purification. The structure of compound 1 was determined through extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectral data analysis and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESIMS). Its absolute configuration was established using DP4+ probability analysis combined with gauge-including atomic orbital NMR chemical shift calculations and chemical reaction methods. The other known compounds were identified as isograndidentatin B (2), trichocarposide (3), glanduloidin C (4), tremuloidin (5), 3-O-acetylsalicin (6), 2-O-acetylsalicin (7), salicin (8), salireposide (9), and coumaric acid (10), confirmed by comparing their NMR spectra with previously reported data and further verified through liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis. The isolated compounds 1–10 were tested for their anti-Helicobacter pylori activities. Among these, compounds 4 and 5 demonstrated moderate anti-H. pylori activity at a concentration of 100 μM. Specifically, compound 5 showed an inhibitory activity of 35.9 ± 5.4%, making it slightly more potent than compound 4, with 34.0 ± 1.0% inhibition. These results were comparable to that of quercetin, a known anti-H. pylori agent used as a positive control in this study, which showed 38.4 ± 2.3% inhibition. The remaining compounds exhibited very weak inhibitory effects. This study highlights the potential of S. koreensis twigs as a valuable natural source of bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications against H. pylori. Full article

Salidroside, a phenolic compound isolated from various Rhodiola plants, is the principal active constituent of Traditional Chinese Medicine known for its adaptogenic properties. Due to the challenging environment of Rhodiola species, such as high altitude, high radiation, drought, and hypoxia, the source of salidroside is scarce. However, numerous studies have shown that salidroside has a range of biological activities, including cardiovascular and central nervous system activity, and anti-hypoxia, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging activities. Although previous studies have partially summarized the pharmacological effects of salidroside, the overall pharmacological effects have not been analyzed. Hence, this review will systematically summarize the isolation, purification, synthesis, derivatization, pharmacological activity, pharmacokinetics, clinical application, and safety of salidroside. It is expected to provide new insights for the further research and pharmaceutical development of salidroside. Full article

Lectin extracted from Amaranthus hypochondriacus was purified using an affinity column with an agarose-fetuin matrix specific to the lectin of interest. Purification was confirmed by SDS-PAGE, revealing a single protein band with a molecular mass of 34.4 kDa. A hemagglutination assay showed that the lectin had a higher affinity for human type A erythrocytes, and its hemagglutinating activity was inhibited only by fetuin, not by mono-, di-, or trisaccharides. This demonstrated the lectin’s selectivity for the N-acetylgalactosamine present on the surface of type A erythrocytes and fetuin. Amaranth lectin exhibited antioxidant activity, which was attributed to the phenolic compounds, amino acids, and specific peptides within the protein structure that are known for their antioxidant properties. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy provided a structural analysis and confirmed lectin glycosylation, a crucial factor in its stability and its ability to bind specific glycans on cell surfaces. Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Zn²⁺ ions were found in the lectin, and these ions were strongly bound to the protein, as dialysis against ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) did not remove them. pH and temperature influenced lectin stability, with higher hemagglutinating activity observed at pH 7, and it remained thermostable at 25 °C. Full article

Citrus fruits are widely grown, processed, and distributed in more than 140 countries, with annual global production exceeding 124.3 million metric tons. This substantial consumption generates significant organic waste, accounting for approximately 50–60% of the total fruit mass, primarily in the form of peel, pulp, and seeds. Often discarded or reused as animal feed, these wastes contribute to significant environmental pollution and economic losses. Therefore, the valorization of these by-products represents an important opportunity to mitigate these challenges and improve the sustainability of the Citrus-related industry. This review highlights Citrus seed waste concerning its invaluable bioactive compounds, including fatty acids, phenolic compounds, limonoids, dietary fibers, vitamins, and carotenoids. Chemical compositions of Citrus seed biowaste differ depending on a variety of factors, such as Citrus variety, fruit maturity, environmental conditions, waste storage conditions, and extraction methods. The extraction and purification of phytochemicals from Citrus seed biowaste are one of the major procedures for valorizing waste. The two types of effective extraction methods are traditional (conventional extraction) and innovative (green extraction). Furthermore, Citrus seeds have been demonstrated to exhibit several biological activities and health-promoting properties including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. Therefore, these wastes are safe and beneficial compounds used in the production of functional foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. A conclusion can be reached by emphasizing the abundance of bioactive compounds in Citrus seed wastes, which makes them an excellent opportunity for increased environmental and economic utilization. Full article