Search Results (1,333)

Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) is a medicinal and edible homologous plant whose roots contain many bioactive substances such as polysaccharides and phenolics. This study explored the integration of burdock powder and lactic acid bacteria fermentation to enhance the nutritional quality, sensory attributes, and flavor profiles of duck sausages. Three bacterial strains, Lacticaseibacillus casei, L. helveticus, and L. plantarum, were selected based on sensory analysis, and their effects on sausage properties were evaluated through combined fermentation trials. The results demonstrated that duck sausages fermented with L. plantarum and L. helveticus and supplemented with 3% burdock powder (PHB group) exhibited > 1.5-fold higher antioxidant activity (ABTS at 85.2 μmol trolox/g and DPPH at 92.7 μmol trolox/g, respectively; p < 0.05) and 15% increase in total phenolic content (8.24 mg gallic acid/g) compared to non-fermented counterparts. The PHB formulation also enhanced color stability (lightness, redness, yellowness), textural characteristics (hardness, springiness, cohesiveness), and sensory acceptability. Volatile compound analysis revealed a reduction in off-odor aldehydes (hexanal, (E)-2-octenal, (E)-2-decenal, and (E,E)-2,4-decadienal) and increased production of desirable aromatic compounds like tetramethyl-pyrazine. These findings highlight the potential of combining lactic acid bacteria fermentation with burdock powder to develop functional duck sausages with improved nutritional and sensory properties. Full article

Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz. ex Ledeb.) Schischk., commonly known as divaricate siler, is a well-known medicinal plant from the Apiaceae family. Its natural habitat is rapidly declining owing to the harvesting of its roots, used as fángfēng in traditional Oriental medicine. This underutilized herb may serve as a valuable source of bioactive phenolic compounds, which can potentially be influenced by salicylic acid (SA) elicitation—a practical method to increase the concentration of valuable substances in plants. A field study showed that foliar application of SA on one-year-old S. divaricata positively influenced the total phenolic content in the herb, with the highest increase observed at 1.0 mM SA. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) data became increasingly complex with rising SA levels, identifying up to 48 compounds, including cinnamoyl quinic acids (CQAs), dihydrofurochromones (DFCs), and flavonol O-glycosides (FOGs), most reported for the first time in this species. The highest concentrations of CQAs, DFCs, and FOGs in plants treated with 1.0 mM SA were 83.14, 3.75, and 60.53 mg/g, respectively, compared to 42.76, 0.95, and 40.73 mg/g in untreated (0.0 mM SA) plants. Nine in vitro antioxidant assays revealed strong radical-scavenging and nitric oxide (NO)- and Fe²⁺-chelating activities in 1.0 mM SA-treated plants, indicating robust antioxidative properties of the S. divaricata herb. Thus, foliar application of SA considerably enriches the herb with target antioxidants, increasing its medicinal value, which is reflected in the plant’s biological response. This could potentially reduce the overexploitation of natural populations of S. divaricata, helping to preserve this valuable plant. Full article

Salinization of olive orchards constitutes a front-line agronomic challenge for farmers, consumers, and the scientific community as food security, olive logistics, and land use become more unsustainable and problematic. Plantlets of two olive varieties (var. Kalamon and var. Koroneiki) were tested for their performance under soil saline conditions, in which L-methionine, choline-Cl, and L-proline betaine were applied foliarly to alleviate adverse effects. The ‘Kalamon’ variety ameliorated its photosynthetic rates when L-proline betaine and L-methionine were administered at low saline exposure. The stressed varieties achieved higher leaf transpiration rates in the following treatment order: choline-Cl > L-methionine > L-proline betaine. Choline chloride supported stomatal conductance in stressed var. Kalamon olives without this pattern, which was also followed by var. Koroneiki. Supplementation regimes created a mosaic of responses on varietal water use efficiency under stress. The total phenolic content in leaves increased in both varieties after exogenous application only at the highest levels of saline stress. None of the substances applied to olive trees could stand alone as a tool to mitigate salinity stress in order to be recommended as a solid agronomic practice. The residual exploitation of amino acids by the olive orchard microbiome must also be considered as part of an environmentally friendly, integrated strategy to mitigate salinity stress. Full article

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

Light quality and duration profoundly influence the growth and productivity of plant species. This study investigated the effects of a blue–red LED light combination, known to induce flowering, on the physiological state and content of biologically active substances in catmint (Nepeta nuda L.) grown under controlled in vitro conditions. White light (W) was used as a control and compared with two blue–red intensities: BR (high-intensity blue–red light) and BRS (low-intensity blue–red light or “BR with shadow”). BR-treated plants showed increased leaf area, mesophyll thickness, biomass and starch content but reduced levels of plastid pigments. BR also modified the oxidative state of plants by inducing lipid peroxidation while simultaneously activating ROS scavenging mechanisms and enhancing phenolic antioxidants. Interestingly, BR decreased the accumulation of the Nepeta sp.-specific iridoid, nepetalactone. These effects appear to be regulated by the phytohormones auxin, abscisic acid and jasmonates. BRS treatment produced effects similar to the W control but led to increased plant height and reduced leaf area and thickness. Both BR and BRS regimes induced the accumulation of proteins and amino acids. We conclude that blue–red light can enhance the survival capacity of micropropagated N. nuda during subsequent soil adaptation, suggesting that similar light pre-treatment could improve plant performance under stress conditions. Full article

This study presented a novel antimicrobial packaging PVA/xanthan gum film decorated with green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from Myrica rubra leaf extract (MRLE) for the first time. Montmorillonite (MMT) was used to improve its dispersion (AgNPs@MMT). The synthesis time, temperature, and concentration of AgNO₃ were considered using a central composite design coupled with response surface methodology to obtain the optimum AgNPs (2 h, 75 °C, 2 mM). Analysis of substance concentration changes confirmed that the higher phenolic and flavonoid content in MRLE acted as reducing agents and stabilizers in AgNP synthesis, participating in the reaction rather than adsorbing to nanoparticles. TEM, XRD, and FTIR images revealed a spherical shape of the prepared AgNPs, with an average diameter of 8.23 ± 4.27 nm. The incorporation of AgNPs@MMT significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the films, with the elongation at break and shear strength increasing by 65.19% and 52.10%, respectively, for the PAM2 sample. The films exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against both Escherichia coli (18.56 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (20.73 mm). The films demonstrated effective food preservation capabilities, significantly reducing weight loss and extending the shelf life of packaged grapes and bananas. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the diffusion behavior of AgNPs in different matrices, while the measured silver migration (0.25 ± 0.03 mg/kg) complied with EFSA regulations (10 mg/kg), confirming its food safety. These results demonstrate the film’s potential as an active packaging material for fruit preservation. Full article

This study analyzed eight origins of water caltrop: HH; XG; XT; ST; JY; CZ; YN; JX. The evaluations focused on visual appearance, nutritional quality, and bioactive substances. Additionally, the shells and pulp of the JY were examined for the same parameters. The results demonstrated that the JY exhibited the highest total phenolic content (121.74 mg GAE/100 g) and total flavonoid content (196.67 mg GAE/100 g). The XG demonstrated the highest water content (87.35%) and soluble protein content (15.36 mg/g). JX exhibits the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as the strongest DPPH radical scavenging rate in the fruit pulp, indicating its superior biological activity and antioxidant capacity compared to water caltrop from other regions. In addition, JX has the highest soluble solids and sugar content in fruit pulp, indicating a sweeter taste. The YN exhibited the highest pulp starch and lowest water content. Principal component analysis revealed that the pulp of the ST and the shell of the JY scored the highest. These findings provide valuable insights for evaluating and processing the nutritional quality of water caltrop from different sources and provide a theoretical basis for consumers to choose water caltrop according to their needs. Full article

Schefflera oleifera honey (SH) is produced from the nectar of S. Oleifera by worker bees. Due to its unique properties and potential biological activities, this winter honey has attracted much attention. In this study, the physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant and antibacterial activities, antitumor effect against HepG2 cells, and its potential mechanisms of SH were systematically evaluated. The results showed that different SH samples differed significantly in their physicochemical characteristics. The 910 chemical components, including 52 kinds of phenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, were detected in the methanol extract of SH using UHPLC-MS/MS by non-targeted metabolomics. Based on our limited knowledge, solanine and soyasaponin I are the first determined components in honey, and they may be used as characteristic substances of SH for identification and adulteration. SH had a weaker inhibitory effect against Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus than MH (UMF 10+), analyzed by MBC and MIC assays. Network pharmacology analysis showed that 95 overlapping targets were found between the active ingredients of SH and liver cancer cells (HepG2), which were enriched in KEGG of the PI3K-Akt pathway, Lipid and atherosclerosis, Proteoglycans in cancer, etc. The IC₅₀ of SH against HepG2 cells was 5.07% (dw/v), which is lower than the glucose, fructose, and sucrose contents in SH on HepG2 cells, of 16.24%, 9.60% dw/v, and 9.94% dw/v, respectively. SH significantly down-regulated the expression of EGFR, AKT1, and SRC in HepG2 cells (p < 0.05), determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by multiple pathways. These results provide a theoretical basis for its potential application in developing functional foods and additives. Full article

Background/Objectives. Flavonoids are a vast class of phenolic substances. To date, approximately 6000 plant-origin flavonoids have been discovered, with many of them being used in drug therapy. Therapeutic flavonoids are commonly formulated to conventional “one-size-fits-all” dosage forms, such as conventional tablets or hard capsules. However, the current trends in pharmacy and medicine are centred on personalised drug therapy and drug delivery systems (DDSs). Therefore, 3D printing is an interesting technique for designing and preparing novel personalised pharmaceuticals for flavonoids. The aim of the present study was to develop aqueous polyethylene oxide (PEO) gel inks loaded with rutin for semisolid extrusion (SSE) 3D printing. Methods. Rutin (a model substance for therapeutic flavonoids), Tween 80, PEO (MW approx. 900,000), ethanol, and purified water were used in PEO gels at different proportions. The viscosity and homogeneity of the gels were determined. The rutin–PEO gels were printed with a bench-top Hyrel 3D printer into lattices and discs, and their weight and effective surface area were investigated. Results. The key SSE 3D-printing process parameters were established and verified. The results showed the compatibility of rutin as a model flavonoid and PEO as a carrier polymer. The rutin content (%) and content uniformity of the 3D-printed preparations were assayed by UV spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Conclusions. The most feasible aqueous PEO gel ink formulation for SSE 3D printing contained rutin 100 mg/mL and Tween 80 50 mg/mL in a 12% aqueous PEO gel. The 3D-printed dosage forms are intended for the oral administration of flavonoids. Full article

Background/Objectives: Natural products such as honey and propolis have been widely studied for their antimicrobial properties. Combining these substances has shown synergistic effects against foodborne pathogens and has also demonstrated promising results in previous applications on fermented meat products. This study evaluated the antibacterial potential of Spanish thyme (Thymus spp.) and chestnut (Castanea sativa) honeys, enriched with 10% ethanolic extract of propolis, against two major foodborne pathogens: Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridium perfringens. Methods: Antibacterial activity was assessed using broth microdilution assays and colony-forming unit (CFU) counts. The phenolic composition of the most active samples was characterized by LC-MS-Q/TOF and UPLC-PDA to identify and quantify the bioactive compounds. Results: All samples exhibited differential responses depending on the pathogen, with C. perfringens being the most susceptible. Propolis addition significantly enhanced the bactericidal response of honey against L. monocytogenes and C. perfringens (p < 0.05). This effect correlated with higher levels of antimicrobial phenolic compounds, particularly cinnamic acid derivatives, pinobanksin-3-O-hexanoside, sakuranetin, quercetin, and quercetin-3,7-dimethyl ether. Conclusions: These findings support the synergistic antibacterial potential of honey-propolis combinations, highlighting their application as natural preservatives for reducing the risk of foodborne diseases, as well as bioactive ingredients in nutraceutical formulations with antibacterial properties and additional health benefits. Full article

The garden Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) is increasingly consumed worldwide due to its culinary appeal and perceived health benefits. However, the chemical markers underlying its functional properties remain insufficiently characterized. Building on evidence from a recent human pilot study confirming both high acceptability and dietary safety, we conducted a comprehensive volatilomic and phytochemical analysis of T. majus flowers and their juice. Headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) was employed to establish the volatilomic fingerprint of floral tissues and juice. Our analysis revealed a striking dominance of benzyl isothiocyanate and benzonitrile, which together accounted for 88% of the total volatile organic metabolites (VOMs) in the juice, 67% and 21%, respectively. In the floral tissues, benzyl isothiocyanate was even more prevalent, representing 95% of the total volatile profile. Complementary in vitro assays confirmed a substantial total phenolic content and strong antioxidant activity in the flowers. These findings provide a robust chemical rationale for the potential health-promoting attributes of T. majus, while identifying key volatilomic markers that could support future functional and safety claims. In parallel, a benefit–risk assessment framework is discussed in accordance with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidelines for the Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) of edible flowers. Given that both benzyl isothiocyanate and benzonitrile are classified as Cramer Class III substances, a conservative intake threshold of 1.5 μg/kg body weight per day is proposed. To enable quantitative exposure modeling and support the derivation of a tolerable daily intake (TDI), future studies should integrate organic solvent-based extraction methodologies to estimate the total volatile load per gram of floral biomass. This would align risk–benefit assessments with the EFSA’s evolving framework for novel foods and functional ingredients. Full article

People have long been interested in plants rich in secondary metabolites and have tried to isolate them outside the plants. Purple coneflower is a crucial medicinal plant, known for its broad spectrum of bioactive substances. The type of solvent and the duration of maceration had an important impact on the phenolic level of purple coneflower leaves, flowers and roots. The flowers and leaves had a significantly higher phenolic concentration than the roots. The results of this study show the importance of stabilizing and regulating the polarity of the solvent and the duration of maceration to obtain the highest yield of phenolics from purple coneflower. The greatest yield of phenolics was gained with two natural extraction solvents, 5% acetic acid and glycerol, after 3 days of maceration, yielding (1696.05 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW) and (2796.94 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW) from the flowers of purple coneflower, respectively. For purple coneflower leaves and roots, the best extraction method was 40% ethanol after 3 days of maceration, and the total content analyzed was 1022.43 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW and 1011.32 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW, respectively. Different phenolics respond significantly to different maceration factors, but the best product from the flowers of purple coneflower is glycerol extract after 9 days of maceration. From the leaves of purple coneflower, we obtained the highest phenolic yield when producing extract in glycerol, a 40% ethanol tincture, or an acetic acid product after 3 days of maceration. Full article

This research examines a detailed metabolomic and comparative analysis of bioactive substances of soybean varieties: “Primorskaya-4”, “Primorskaya-86”, “Primorskaya-96”, “Locus”, “Sphere”, “Breeze”, “Namul”, and “Musson” by the laser confocal microscope CLSM 800 and the mass spectrometry of bioactive compounds by tandem mass spectrometry. The laser microscopy allowed us to clarify in detail the spatial arrangement of phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanin contents in soybeans. Research has convincingly shown that the polyphenolic content of soybeans, and, in particular, the anthocyanins, are spatially localized mainly in the seed coat of soybeans. Tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify chemical constituents in soybean extracts. The results of initial studies revealed the presence of one hundred and fourteen compounds; sixty-nine of the target analytes were tentatively identified as compounds from polyphenol groups. Full article

Kiwifruit has attracted much attention in fruit and vegetable processing due to its high nutritional and economic value. However, there is a lack of systematic research on the effects of long-term frozen storage on the pulp quality of kiwifruit. Using kiwifruit pulp stored at −20 °C for 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months as the research materials, the dynamic changes in the phenotype, color, antioxidant activity, and flavor compounds were comprehensively evaluated. The results showed that frozen storage caused a significant decline in the quality of the fruit pulp. Specifically, the contents of chlorophyll and carotenoids decreased and the color deteriorated (color difference increased); the turbidity and centrifugal sedimentation rates increased, and pH and viscosity changed in different stages. Additionally, antioxidant compounds, such as vitamin C and total phenols, were significantly reduced with the extension of storage duration, and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)/2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radical scavenging ability was decreased. The content of volatile aroma compounds diminished, leading to a notable shift in the flavor profile. Correlation analysis revealed that changes in volatile substances were significantly correlated with physical, chemical, and antioxidant indicators (p < 0.05). These correlations can serve as a key basis for assessing quality deterioration. This study systematically elucidated, for the first time, the mechanism of quality deterioration in kiwifruit pulp during frozen storage, thereby providing theoretical support for enterprises to optimize pulp grading strategies and the timing of by-product development. Hence, it is recommended that the duration of freezing should be limited to less than 9 months for kiwifruit pulp. Moreover, it is essential to consider varietal differences and new pretreatment technologies to further enhance the industrial utilization and economic value of frozen pulp. Full article

Background: Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposes adolescents to various environmental toxins, potentially affecting their developmental health. However, limited research exists on the associations between ETS exposure and the bodily burdens of environmental chemicals on adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ETS exposure and the concentration of various environmental chemicals in adolescents, utilizing urinary cotinine as an objective biomarker. Methods: Data from 828 adolescents aged 12–17 years participating in the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) were analyzed. ETS exposure was assessed via self-reported questionnaires and confirmed by urinary cotinine measurements. Levels of 33 environmental chemicals, including heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, phenols, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), were measured. Statistical analyses were conducted after adjusting for covariates. Results: Adolescents exposed to ETS showed significantly higher urinary cotinine and mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) concentrations than non-exposed adolescents. Additionally, significant positive correlations were observed between urinary cotinine levels and metabolites of PAHs (NAP, OHFlu), phenols (BPA, BPS), phthalates (MMP), and VOCs (t,t-MA) after adjustments. However, ETS exposure was not significantly associated with heavy metal concentrations. Conclusions: This study described the association between ETS exposure and environmental chemicals. A trend has been identified between ETS exposure in adolescents and increased bodily concentrations of various environmental chemicals, including PAHs, phenols, phthalates, and VOCs. As adolescence is a critical developmental period of vulnerability to environmental toxins, reducing ETS exposure to protect adolescents’ health and prevent potential lifelong health effects should be emphasized. This study was based on a cross-sectional design, and some confounding factors and measurement limitations may exist. Therefore, caution is needed in interpreting causality, and further research is recommended to determine more precise causality and long-term health effects. Full article