Search Results (753)

Chrysanthemum × morifolium (Ramat) Hemsl. (Hangbaiju), which has been widely consumed as a herbal tea for over 3000 years, is renowned for its biosafety and diverse bioactivities. This study investigates the impact of polyphenol-rich Hangbaiju extracts (HE) on high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice. HE contains phenolic acids and flavonoids with anti-obesity properties, such as apigenin, luteolin-7-glucoside, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, kaempferol 3-(6″-acetylglucoside), etc. To establish the obesity model, mice were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 8 per group) and administered with either HE or water for 42 days under high-fat or low-fat dietary conditions. Administration of low (LH) and high (HH) doses of HE both significantly suppressed body weight growth (by 16.28% and 16.24%, respectively) and adipose tissue enlargement in obese mice. HE significantly improved the serum lipid profiles, mainly manifested as decreased levels of triglycerides (28.19% in LH and 19.59% in HH) and increased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (44.34% in LH and 54.88% in HH), and further attenuated liver lipid deposition. Furthermore, HE significantly decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio 0.23-fold (LH) and 0.12-fold (HH), indicating an improvement in the microecological balance of the gut. HE administration also elevated the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Allobaculum, norank_f__Muribaculaceae), while suppressing harmful pathogenic proliferation (e.g., Dubosiella, Romboutsia). In conclusion, HE ameliorates obesity and hyperlipidemia through modulating lipid metabolism and restoring the balance of intestinal microecology, thus being promising for obesity therapy. Full article

The impact of exogenous melatonin treatment on the postharvest quality and storability of blue honeysuckle fruit was investigated. Fruits were immersed in melatonin solutions at concentrations of 0 (control), 0.01, 0.05, and 0.25 mM for 5 min and subsequently stored at –1 °C for 63 d. Among all treatments, the combination of two-week storage without fruit puncturing and 0.05 mM melatonin application significantly delayed fruit softening and decay even at the initial stage of storage, while also increasing the concentration of phenolic compounds and enhancing antioxidant activity. During the later storage period (28–63 d), melatonin-treated fruits maintained higher levels of maltose, fructose, and sucrose, contributing to improved flavor retention. In contrast, both lower (0.01 mM) and higher (0.25 mM) concentrations were less effective or even detrimental to fruit quality. HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS² analysis revealed that 0.05 mM melatonin effectively preserved several functional phenolics, including p-coumaroylquinic acid, caffeoyl glucose, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, and hydroxytyrosol. Thus, 0.05 mM melatonin is effective in delaying senescence and maintaining the postharvest quality of blue honeysuckle fruit. Full article

Olive tree leaf is a phenol-rich, high-potential-value biomass that can be used to formulate food additives and supplements. Leaf phenolic content varies depending on numerous factors, like cultivar, geographical origin, year, and season of harvest. The aim of this research was to evaluate the variations in phenolic profile of four major Tuscan cultivars (Frantoio, Leccio del Corno, Leccino, and Moraiolo) over four different phenological phases and across two years. All 96 olive leaf samples were harvested from trees grown in the same orchard located in Florence. After drying, their phenolic profile was characterized using HPLC-DAD-MS, and the obtained data were processed by ANOVA, GA-LDA, and RF methods. A total of 25 phenolic derivatives were analyzed, with total contents ranging 16,674.0–50,594.3 mg/kg and oleuropein (4570.0–27,547.7 mg/kg) being the predominant compound regardless of cultivar, year, and season of harvest. Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol glucoside showed inverse proportionality and similar behavior across years in all cultivars, and therefore were highlighted as main phenolic compounds correlated with the seasonal variability in studied cultivars. Interesting behavior was also pointed out for apigenin rutinoside. Application of GA-LDA and RF methods allowed pointing out the excellent performance of leaf phenols in discriminating samples based on cultivar, harvest year, and harvesting season. Full article

The health benefits of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), including improved cardiovascular health and metabolic function, are linked to its phenolic content. This study evaluated how storage duration and packaging affect the phenolic composition and sensory quality of Corbella EVOO. Oils were analyzed at production and after 6 and 12 months of storage in two types of packaging: bag-in-box; stainless steel containers with a nitrogen headspace. UPLC-MS/MS profiling quantified 23 phenolic compounds, predominantly secoiridoids such as oleuropein and ligstroside aglycones. Oleuropein aglycone increased over time, whereas ligstroside aglycone peaked mid-storage before declining, likely converting to oleocanthal. Lignans and flavonoids degraded during storage, although luteolin increased, potentially due to glucoside hydrolysis. Bag-in-box packaging better preserved phenolic content than stainless steel. A sensory analysis corroborated the chemical findings, with oils stored in stainless steel showing greater reductions in pungency and astringency. A Pearson correlation linked bitterness with oleuropein aglycone (r = 0.44) and oleacein (r = 0.66), pungency with oleocanthal (r = 0.81), and astringency with oleacein (r = 0.86) and oleocanthal (r = 0.71). These findings highlight the importance of packaging in preserving the phenolic composition responsible for the sensory qualities of EVOO over time. Full article

Microbeads of raspberry extract were produced using encapsulation matrices alginate + pea protein isolate + psyllium mucilage, alginate + pea protein isolate + psyllium mucilage + okra, and alginate + pea protein isolate + psyllium mucilage + Aloe ferox gel + gallic acid using freeze-drying method. The microbeads were characterised and assessed for their effectiveness on the release, bioaccessibility, of anthocyanin components and antioxidant activities during in vitro digestion. Alginate + pea protein isolate + psyllium mucilage + Aloe ferox gel + gallic acid matrix showed the highest encapsulation efficiency of 91.60% while the lowest encapsulation efficiency was observed in alginate + pea protein isolate + psyllium mucilage + okra (69.94%). Scanning electron microscope images revealed spherical shapes and varying surface morphologies for different encapsulation matrices. Despite the differences observed in Fourier transform infrared spectra, microbeads showed similar thermal degradation patterns. X-ray diffractograms showed amorphous structures for different encapsulation matrices. Comparatively, alginate+ pea protein isolate + psyllium mucilage + Aloe ferox gel + gallic acid microbeads exhibited the highest bioaccessibility for total phenols (93.14%), cyanidin-3-O-sophoroside (54.61%), and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (55.30%). The encapsulation matrices of different biopolymer combinations (alginate+ pea protein isolate+ psyllium mucilage, alginate + pea protein isolate + psyllium mucilage + okra, and alginate + pea protein isolate + psyllium mucilage + Aloe ferox gel + gallic acid) enhanced anthocyanin stability and protected it against in vitro degradation of bioactive compounds. Full article

This study investigated the functional potential of Campomanesia xanthocarpa leaf and fruit infusions through phytochemical profiling, simulated gastrointestinal digestion, enzyme inhibition assays, and in vivo evaluation of glycemic markers. Leaf infusions exhibited a more diverse phenolic profile, higher total phenolic content, and greater antioxidant capacity compared to fruit infusions. Simulated digestion confirmed the bioaccessibility of key phenolic compounds, particularly glycosylated flavonoids such as quercetin-3-glucoside and kaempferol derivatives, with leaf extracts showing superior gastrointestinal stability. In vitro assays revealed a strong inhibitory activity of leaf infusions against α-amylase and β-glucosidase. In a 32-day trial with healthy dogs, the consumption of biscuits enriched with leaf infusion did not alter fasting glucose or amylase levels but resulted in a significant treatment × time interaction for serum fructosamine, indicating a delayed modulation of glycemic control, potentially associated with antioxidant or anti-glycation activity. These findings highlight the potential of C. xanthocarpa leaves as a functional ingredient in foods aimed at supporting glycemic regulation and metabolic health. Full article

Apricot is one of the most important Mediterranean fruits with high diversity and fruit quality properties, being an excellent raw material for polyphenol compounds. This study aimed to determine the anthocyanin, quercetin glycoside and phenolic acid contents in new apricot genotypes from the breeding program at the Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, confirming the potential of the ‘Goldrich’ cultivar to be a parental donor for increasing the antioxidant content, which would, in turn, enhance fruit quality. Phenolic composition of the apricot accessions is strongly genotype-dependent, with the concentrations of overall total phenolic compounds ranging from 770 to 260 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW, reflecting significant genetic diversity. ‘Goldrich’ contributed to the polyphenol content; however, its influence varied across derived varieties, with ‘GG9310’ and ‘GG979’ enhancing the shikimic acid pathway and accumulating high levels of total phenolics. In contrast, ‘Mitger’ and ‘HG9850’ stood out for high anthocyanin synthesis, despite their lower levels of flavonols and phenolic acids. The predominant anthocyanin was cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, followed by cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and peonidin-3-O-rutinoside in smaller amounts. Other phenolics were rutin and quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, as well as neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids. The PCA model was applied to all data to identify the most attractive cultivars, and chromatographic analysis was performed in a short time using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) with diode array and mass spectrometric detection. Apricot peel is an excellent source of nutraceutical compounds with a chemical composition strongly determined by the cultivar. Results can help establish authenticity markers for apricot cultivars. Full article

Phenolic compounds, which are a large group of plant pigments, are recognized as important antioxidants. The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), particularly the pigmented varieties, could be a source of natural anthocyanins for producing dietary foods. In this study, we analyzed forty potato specimens from our germplasm collection and breeding nurseries using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and second-order mass spectrometry to identify anthocyanins. We found seven main anthocyanins in potato tubers: delphinidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-rhamnosyl-5-glucoside, petunidin-3-glucoside, malvidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-rhamnosyl-5-glucoside, and pelargonidin-3-glucoside. Two anthocyanins were found in potato inflorescences: peonidin-3-coumaroyl glucoside and cyanidin-3-coumaroyl glucoside. On average, varieties from the group with red-purple inflorescences contained 187.6 mg/kg of anthocyanins. Genotypes with white corollas had an anthocyanin content below 0.5 mg/kg or between 1.3 and 3.6 mg/kg. Two potato varieties, Vasilek (605.2 mg/kg) and Fioletovyi (501.1 mg/kg), with blue-purple corollas, had the highest total anthocyanin content. Studying the anthocyanin profile of leaves allowed us to identify eleven anthocyanins. The highest anthocyanin content (331.3 mg/kg) was found in varieties with purple or blue-purple tubers, while the lowest content (an average of 15.1 mg/kg) was found in varieties with yellow or cream tubers. Genotypes with purple and blue-purple tuber skin had an average anthocyanin content of 190.7 mg/kg. The group with yellow and cream tubers had an insignificant anthocyanin content (1.2 mg/kg). Varieties from the group with pink tubers had an average anthocyanin content of 43.2 mg/kg. Thus, this study identified diagnostic traits that could be used to assess the morphological characteristics of potato genotypes. Full article

Background/Objectives: In this study, the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of selected phenolic acids, flavonoids, their O-glucosides, and low-molecular-weight phenolic metabolites was addressed to show their importance against blood hypertension. Methods: A fluorescence assay was used for the determination of the ACE inhibitory activity, whereas the first anodic peak oxidation potential (${\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{p}\mathrm{a}}$) was provided by the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method. The relationship between the ACE inhibitory activity and ${\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{p}\mathrm{a}}$ was evaluated. Results: Phenolic acids showed a very low ACE inhibitory activity, and their rank was chlorogenic acid > p-coumaric acid > sinapic acid > gentisic acid > ferulic acid > syringic acid > vanillic acid > protocatechuic acid > caffeic acid. The low-molecular-weight phenolic metabolites of flavonoids showed a moderate ACE inhibitory activity. In contrast, flavonoid aglicones had the highest ACE inhibitory activity, and the order was luteolin > quercetin > kaempferol > cyanidin > delphinidin > pelargonin > naringenin. A lower inhibition activity was noted for quercetin-3-O-glucoside, luteolin-4′-O-glucosides, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, and pelargonidin-3-O-glucosides, whereas a higher ACE inhibition activity was observed for 7-O-glucosides of luteolin, apigenin, and kaempferol. A lack of correlation was found between the IC₅₀ of phenolic acids, low-molecular-weight phenolic metabolites, and their ${\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{p}\mathrm{a}}$ values. In contrast, weak positive correlations were found between the IC₅₀ of aglicons, 3-O-glucosides, 7-O-glucosides, and their ${\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{p}\mathrm{a}}$ values provided by the DPV (r = 0.61, r = 0.66 and r = 0.88, respectively). Conclusions: This study expands our knowledge of the ACE inhibitory activity of phenolic compounds. Full article

Objective: Our objective was to explore the regulatory mechanism of salt processing on the metabolome of the raspberry and its potential efficacy against diabetic nephropathy (DN), providing metabolomic and network pharmacological evidence for the scientific connotation of traditional Chinese medicine processing. Methods: Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS)-based metabolomics was used to compare the metabolic profiles between raw and salt-processed raspberries. Network pharmacology was applied to screen the common targets of the active components in the salt-processed raspberry and DN-related pathways, followed by in vitro cell experiments to validate the regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Results: The metabolomic analysis identified 80 differentially expressed metabolites, among which 13 key components (VIP ≥ 1, FC ≥ 2) were significantly altered, including enriched flavonoids (e.g., luteolin-7-O-glucoside), triterpenoid saponins (Raspberryides H/F), and phenolic acids (ellagic acid). The network pharmacology revealed that the salt-processed raspberries regulated the DN-related pathways through 122 common targets, with the core nodes focusing on the signaling molecules (e.g., AKT1, EGFR) involved in the MAPK signaling pathway and apoptosis regulation. The in vitro experiments confirmed that the salt-processed raspberry extract (160–640 μg/mL) significantly inhibited the phosphorylation levels of p38/ERK/JNK in high-glucose-induced renal cells. Conclusions: This study firstly combines metabolomics and network pharmacology to reveal the regulatory mechanism of salt processing on the active components of raspberries. The salt-processing technology enhanced the inhibitory effect of raspberries on the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby ameliorating the progression of DN. These findings provide scientific support for establishing a metabolomics-based quality control system for traditional Chinese medicine processing. The current findings are primarily based on in vitro models, and in vivo validation using DN animal models is essential to confirm the therapeutic efficacy and safety of salt-processed raspberries. Full article

The aim of the present study was to investigate how different drying techniques (lyophilization, convective drying, and osmotic dehydration) affect the phytochemical profile, biological activities, color parameters, and antimicrobial potential of sweet potato peel from four varieties (white, pink, orange, and purple). Lyophilized orange peel showed the highest carotenoid content (21.31 mg β-carotene/100 g), while osmotic dehydration resulted in the highest retention of anthocyanins in purple peel (229.58 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside/100 g). Among phenolic compounds, the most abundant were caffeic and cinnamic acids, reaching up to 434.57 mg/100 g and 430.91 mg/100 g, respectively, in white peel. Antioxidant activity was strongest in purple peel, particularly in lyophilized samples. Convective drying enhanced anti-inflammatory activity in orange peel (68.25% inhibition), and all samples demonstrated significant α-glucosidase inhibition, with values up to 96.93%. Antimicrobial effects were observed only in purple peel extracts, which showed strong antifungal activity, especially against Saccharomyces cerevisiae (inhibition zone >50 mm). These results confirm that sweet potato peel holds considerable potential as a functional ingredient and that its bioactive value can be significantly influenced by the drying method applied. Full article

Pasta, due to its convenience, follows bread as the most common cereal product in the human diet. Typical wheat pasta is a high-energy product, since it contains a large amount of starch; at the same time, it is characterized by a low content of health-promoting ingredients, such as dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and polyphenols. Food industry by-products, or even waste, can be applied as a source of many bioactive substances, thus enriching pasta with bioactive ingredients. Two by-products, Cherry Pomace (CP) and Red Potato Pulp (RPP) were applied as health-promoting supplements for wheat pasta, at three levels (10, 20, and 30%). The antioxidant potential of the resulting pasta was examined (by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and FOMO methods), and the antioxidant’s content was also tested. The amount of polyphenols determined by HPLC was higher in the case of CP than in RPP, and the main ones were 5-O-Caffeoylquinic acid and Cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside in CP, whereas for RPP it was Pelargonidin 3-(4‴-p-coumaroylrutinoside)-5-glucoside. Fortified pasta samples were characterized by a higher content of total polyphenols and phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavanols, and anthocyanins. In pasta with a share of CP, some polyphenols were unstable during pasta production. Pasta with a share of CP was characterized by very high antioxidant activity due to a high level of phenolic acids and anthocyanins acting synergistically. It was also characterized by a higher content of phytosterols. A 30% addition of CP into pasta is considered the most beneficial in terms of increasing the health-promoting properties of such a product. Full article

Dodders (Cuscuta spp.) are prominent parasitic plants widely known and exploited in traditional medicine. They are rich in polyphenolics, which determine their strong antioxidant potential. However, comparatively few of the nearly 200 known species have been characterized for their medicinal potential. In the present study, we aimed to explore the antioxidant potential of four of the most widely distributed Cuscuta species in Bulgaria—C. campestris, C. monogyna, C. epithymum, and C. europaea. They differed significantly in polyphenolic content and accordingly differed in their antioxidant properties, although this correlation is not always straightforward, as shown in C. europaeae. Furthermore, we evaluated the host plant species’ influence on the polyphenolic content, antioxidant properties, and flavonoid profile of C. campestris, finding a significant enhancement when the parasite was grown on aromatic plants—rosemary and thyme—compared to a model host—Arabidopsis thaliana. Seven major flavonoids and phenolic acids—chlorogenic acid, kaempferol-3,7-O-diglucoside, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, kaempferol-3-O-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, astragalin, and isorhamnetin-7-glucoside—were annotated after HPLC-MS analysis and found to be affected by the host species. In conclusion, it was found that extracts from different Cuscuta species differ in their antioxidant potential, which the host plants might further modify. Full article

Grapes are rich in bioactive compounds, including phenolics and anthocyanins, which exhibit antioxidant properties and offer potential health benefits. The accumulation of these compounds is influenced by agronomic practices, particularly rootstock selection and training systems. This study evaluated the effects of different rootstocks (‘IAC 766 Campinas’ and ‘106-8 Mgt’) and training systems (low and high vertical shoot positioning) on the polyphenolic composition and antioxidant activity in the skins and pulps of Vitis labrusca and Brazilian hybrid grapes. The analyses included total phenolics, total flavonoids, monomeric anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP assays), as well as the individual polyphenolic profile in grape skins. The results indicated that both rootstock and training system significantly affected the accumulation of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. Grapes trained on high trellises exhibited higher concentrations of bioactive compounds, while those from low trellises showed an enhanced phenolic composition. Among Vitis labrusca varieties, ‘Bordô’ had the highest bioactive compounds, while ‘Isabel’ stood out for specific phenolic acids. In hybrid cultivars, the ‘106-8 Mgt’ rootstock boosted antioxidant compounds, while ‘IAC 766 Campinas’ enhanced flavonoid, anthocyanin, and phenolic acid levels. Malvidin-3-O-glucoside emerged as the predominant anthocyanin. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing rootstock selection and training systems to enhance the phenolic composition and antioxidant potential of grapes. Full article

Stauntonia hexaphylla (Thunb.) Decne (SH) is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-osteoporotic properties. This study investigated the composition of SH leaves and fruits and assessed their individual and combined effects in an in vitro osteoporosis model. Extracts with varying leaf-to-fruit ratios (SH82, SH55, SH28) were evaluated in MC3T3-E1 and RAW264.7 cells to examine osteogenesis and bone resorption biomarkers. SH leaves were rich in chlorogenic acids (CGAs) and flavonoids, while fruits contained phenolic acids with minimal flavonoids. Leaf extracts exhibited superior antioxidant activity and ROS suppression. Both leaf and fruit extracts enhanced ALP activity, calcium deposition, and collagen formation in MC3T3-E1 cells, with leaf extracts demonstrating greater efficacy. Additionally, osteoblastogenesis-related genes were upregulated, while TRAP activity and osteoclast-related gene expression were significantly inhibited. The combined extract exerted a synergistic effect, with SH28 showing the most pronounced osteogenic enhancement and TRAP inhibition. Key components, including neo-CGA, CGA, rutin, and luteolin-7-O-glucoside, positively influenced ALP and TRAP activities. These findings highlight the potential of SH, particularly at a high leaf-to-fruit ratio, as a promising natural agent for osteoporosis prevention. Full article