Search Results (27,109)

Eclipta prostrata is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine because of its antioxidant and therapeutic properties; however, comprehensive information on the effects of drying methods on tissue-specific phytochemical composition remains limited. This study evaluated the influence of freeze drying (FD), shade drying (SD), and oven drying (OD) on the antioxidant activity, phenolic and flavonoid contents, elemental composition, and metabolomic profiles of flowers, leaves, roots, and stems of E. prostrata. Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays; elemental composition was analyzed by ICP-OES; and untargeted metabolomic profiling was performed using LC-QTOF-MS in both positive and negative ionization modes. Freeze-dried samples consistently exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity and retained the greatest total phenolic and flavonoid contents, particularly in flowers, whereas oven drying generally resulted in the greatest reduction in antioxidant activity, especially in roots. ICP-OES analysis demonstrated tissue-dependent differences in mineral composition, with calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc, and manganese being the predominant essential elements retained after drying. Untargeted metabolomics revealed tissue-specific metabolic responses to drying, with root tissues exhibiting the greatest metabolomic variation, whereas flowers and stems remained comparatively stable. Multivariate analyses indicated that drying primarily altered the relative abundance of metabolite classes rather than the overall metabolome. The major metabolites detected belonged to flavonoids, coumestans, phenolic acids, lipid-derived metabolites, amino acid derivatives, oxylipins, and triterpenoid/saponin-related compounds, which are associated with the medicinal properties of E. prostrata. These findings demonstrate that both plant tissue and drying method significantly influence the retention of bioactive compounds and provide valuable information for optimizing post-harvest processing to preserve the phytochemical quality and therapeutic potential of E. prostrata. Full article

In this study, hectorite intercalated with octadecyl trimethylammonium ions was synthesized via one-pot synthesis, and the octadecyl trimethylammonium-modified hectorite was used as an adsorbent to remove phenol from an aqueous solution. The pH and content of the adsorbent were studied to determine the optimized conditions for the adsorption of phenol. The phenol removal rate attained for 50 mL of 100 mg/L initial phenol solution at pH 12 was about 92.3% when 0.5 g of adsorbent was used. As for the adsorption isotherm, the Langmuir and Freundlich models were appropriate. The adsorption kinetics were in accordance with the pseudo-second-order model, and the activation energy (Ea) was about 11.15 kJ/mol. The modified hectorite could be recycled and reused, maintaining a high adsorption amount after five cycles. Full article

The nutritional composition and polyphenolic profile were determined in leaf and flowering shoots of burnet species (Sanguisorba officinalis, S. officinalis ‘Tanna’, and S. menziesii), with plant material further separated into leaves and stems. The results demonstrated that these herbs are valuable sources of dietary fiber, as well as being rich in protein and essential minerals. Depending on the morphological part, dietary fiber content ranged from 37.8 to 67.7 g/100 g, protein content from 5.3 to 19.5 g/100 g, and ash content from 3.8 to 9.9 g/100 g. Moreover, Sanguisorba species are particularly abundant in polyphenols (1–11% DM), with ellagitannins such as lambertianin C and sanguiin H-6 being the predominant constituents; in selected samples, they accounted for more than 90% of the total identified polyphenols. Due to their pleasant taste and aroma, and their dietary fiber, protein, and ellagitannin content, an attempt was made to evaluate their suitability as ingredients in food products. The results indicated that leaves are the most suitable for culinary applications into dishes such as soups and smoothies, whereas stems may serve as valuable raw material for dietary fiber- and phenolic-rich preparations. In conclusion, these findings support the promotion of edible herbs that are not only nutritious, palatable, and rich in ellagitannins, but also aesthetically valuable in garden settings and beneficial for pollinators. Full article

Alcohol consumption has been increasingly associated with alterations in the gut microbiota and its metabolic activity; however, evidence regarding microbiota-derived metabolites remains fragmented. This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the effects of alcohol consumption on gut microbiota-derived metabolites in humans and non-human primates. The review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and included studies published between 2012 and 2026. Searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for human studies and the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) Risk of Bias tool for non-human primate studies. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising four non-human primate studies and eight human studies. Alcohol exposure was consistently associated with metabolomic alterations across multiple biological matrices. Recurrent findings included reductions in short-chain fatty acids, alterations in tryptophan-derived metabolites, changes in phenolic and aromatic amino acid-related compounds such as hippuric acid, and disturbances in bile acid and purine metabolism. Findings regarding microbial diversity and taxonomic composition were more heterogeneous, with several studies reporting reduced abundances of Faecalibacterium and related butyrate-producing taxa. Studies evaluating abstinence suggested partial recovery of both microbial and metabolomic alterations. Overall, the available evidence suggests that alcohol consumption is associated with alterations across several microbiota-related metabolic pathways, highlighting candidate metabolites that may contribute to alcohol-related pathophysiology and serve as potential translational biomarkers. Full article

Developing sustainable agricultural biostimulants that simultaneously optimize vegetative growth and specialized metabolic pathways is critical for maximizing plant growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and metabolome reprogramming. In this study, for the first time, the effects of the biostimulant 3-acetonyl-3-hydroxyoxindole (AHO) on plant growth, photosynthetic efficiency and metabolomics reprogramming were evaluated. The multifaceted effects of AHO (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 µg/mL) applied via foliar application were evaluated via comprehensive morpho- physiological, UPLC–MS/MS metabolomic and computational docking approaches. AHO positively affects plant growth performance in a concentration-dependent manner. Foliar application at 20 µg/mL produced the maximum vegetative vigor and biomass accumulation, as well as the highest levels of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, total flavonoids, and indole contents, while the maximum value of total phenolics was 1 µg/mL. Substantial metabolic flux modulation was confirmed by UPLC–MS/MS profiling, which revealed that 10 µg/mL selectively accumulated chlorogenic acid and rutin, whereas 5 µg/mL preferentially enriched quercetin, quercitrin, limonin and catechin. These empirical metabolic responses are supported by computational docking models, which predict favorable structural interactions between AHO and key biosynthetic enzymes. Insights gained from these integrated morphological, physiological, metabolomic, and computational analyses indicate that AHO applications can effectively improve plant growth and biomass, increase the concentration of bioactive compounds, and enhance the accumulation of bioactive secondary metabolites within the plant. Full article

Onosma elegantissima is an endemic and understudied plant of the Kozani Regional Unit (Greece), with poorly established traditional use. However, the well-documented pharmacological potential of the genus has prompted further investigation. Furthermore, green solvent-based extraction procedures have gained emerging scientific interest due to their high efficiency/selectivity and environmentally friendly approach. Therefore, our study aimed to establish the optimal extraction protocol to obtain extracts with high therapeutic value using two green solvent-based techniques: hydrothermal and deep eutectic solvent (DES) extraction. Our results demonstrate that hydrothermal extraction for 90 min at 80 °C yielded extracts exhibiting total phenolic content (35.19 mg GAE/g dw), approximately threefold higher compared to DES extracts (10.03 mg GAE/g dw), and significantly higher antioxidant capacity. The flavonoid concentration (8.39 mg RE eq/g) measured was at the same level for both types of extracts (7.34 mg RE eq/g). The DES extract showed slightly higher anti-inflammatory potential, though. Additional assays were performed to evaluate antimicrobial activity and in vitro antidiabetic capacity. The bioactive compounds of optimized extracts were identified by HPLC, revealing that the most dominant compound recovered was chlorogenic acid in the DES extract and neochlorogenic acid in the hydrothermal extract. To complement the phytochemical analysis, molecular docking was used as a reproducible, hypothesis-generating screen to prioritize future enzyme inhibition assays for HPLC-detected phenolic constituents and literature-related comparators; docking was not used as evidence of biological activity. Conclusively, Onosma elegantissima’s first biological study revealed significant antioxidant activity. Full article

This review examines the structural variety, distribution, and physicochemical properties of chlorogenic acids (CGAs), identifying coffee and green coffee as the leading dietary sources of these compounds. Preclinical studies indicate that plant-derived phenolic compounds exhibit strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and antidiabetic effects across various disease models. The biological effectiveness of CGAs is attributed to their modulation of cellular signaling pathways, particularly by activating the erythroid 2-related factor 2 antioxidant defense mechanism and inhibiting the pro-inflammatory nuclear factor kappa B pathway. The regulation of the energy-sensing Sirtuin 1 and AMP-activated protein kinase pathways further enhances these therapeutic effects. In the gastrointestinal tract, CGAs serve as key modulators of the microbiota–gut–brain axis by exerting prebiotic-like effects, lowering the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids, and preserving gut barrier integrity. Some preclinical studies with coffee, Ilex paraguariensis, Eugenia uniflora, and other CGAs-rich extracts are also discussed. However, despite strong preclinical evidence, translating these findings into human clinical settings remains inconsistent due to significant individual differences in gut microbiota metabolism and the confounding effects of other components in dietary supplements, such as caffeine. Considering this, the review will first explore the molecular mechanisms supporting the potential development of CGAs as preventive interventions, while also discussing current human trials demonstrating selective improvements in neurological, cardiovascular, and metabolic functions. It will also highlight a historical limitation: the lack of studies on the bioavailability, bioactivity, and efficacy of isolated CGAs. The review will conclude by addressing the constraints of clinical studies, emphasizing the urgent need for future precision nutrition frameworks that employ standardized CGAs formulations to enhance potential therapeutic outcomes. Full article

The removal of phenol from contaminated effluents presents an industrial challenge owing to its toxicity at trace concentrations. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been studied as adsorbents for this purpose, given their high adsorption capacity and ease of separation. This work presents a theoretical phenomenological and numerical analysis of mass transport coupled to phenol adsorption on MWCNTs (external diameter $d_{ext}=50$ nm), parameterized using published experimental equilibrium data acquired under neutral pH conditions at 298 K. The mathematical model incorporates an effective pore diffusivity ($D_e=3.213\times {10}^{-10}$ m²/s) derived from pore structure parameters and describes three distinct scenarios: (1) pure physical adsorption via a modified Fick’s Second Law; (2) coupled diffusion–reaction with 0.5-order kinetics, herein treated as an empirical kinetic ansatz with phenomenological divergence from lumped empirical models (PFO/PSO); and (3) a parametric and sensitivity analysis on particle size (1–100 nm) and inlet concentration (1–5 mg/L). Numerical solutions confirm a Thiele modulus $\varphi \ll 1$ across the tested range, indicating a kinetically controlled regime with effectiveness factor $\eta \approx 1.0$, and validate the theoretical scaling $\varphi \propto C_s^{-0.25}$. During effluent polishing operations (reduction from 5 to 1 mg/L), the relative diffusive resistance increases by 49.5%, suggesting proportional increases in contact time or adsorbent dosage are required. A one-at-a-time (OAT) sensitivity analysis on $D_e$, $\kappa$, and $k_{obs}$ confirms that the kinetically controlled regime is preserved across plausible parameter ranges. The nanoscale architecture of MWCNTs reduces theoretical intraparticle diffusional resistance by several orders of magnitude relative to macroscopic granular adsorbents. We emphasize that these conclusions describe theoretical mass-transport advantages; experimental and pilot-scale validation under realistic, multi-component wastewater conditions remains an essential step before industrial deployment. Full article

Phenolic compounds are important plant secondary metabolites with broad biological activity and potential applications in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, nutraceutical, and veterinary sectors. Conventional production from field-grown plants is limited by environmental variability, seasonality, and difficulties in standardizing metabolite composition. Plant in vitro cultures provide controlled systems for modulating secondary metabolism and producing phenolic compounds under defined conditions. This review summarizes current advances in plant in vitro platforms for phenolic production and discusses regulation through elicitation, metabolic modulation, molecular approaches, and bioreactor cultivation. The distinctive focus of this review is the critical evaluation of how culture type, production stability, metabolite composition, and structural variation affect biological performance and functional equivalence. Current evidence indicates that increased metabolite accumulation alone does not ensure preserved biological properties or translational applicability. Functional equivalence is therefore considered as a framework integrating chemical profiling, batch-to-batch reproducibility, biological validation, bioavailability, and application-oriented evaluation of in vitro-derived phenolics. Future progress will depend not only on increasing yield but also on achieving stable production, predictable composition, reproducible biological performance, and translational reliability. Full article

Background: Aronia melanocarpa is a sustainable source of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins with antioxidant and biological activities; however, the instability of these compounds limits their application. This study aimed to develop gelatin–collagen electrospun nanofibers loaded with Aronia melanocarpa extract (AME) to improve phytochemical stability. Methods: AME-loaded nanofibers were produced by electrospinning and evaluated for their physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial effects, antiproliferative potential, and molecular interactions with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Results: AME incorporation increased the viscosity from 0.66 to 1.54 Pa·s and the fiber diameter from 0.39 to 0.84 μm while reducing the contact angle from 39.71° to 28.83°. The total phenolic content increased from 19.365 to 48.775 mg GAE/g, and the antioxidant capacity increased from 2.852 to 7.880 mg TE/g. At 500 μg/mL, AME reduced the maximum growth rate of S. aureus from 0.227 to 0.121 OD600/h and prolonged the lag phase, indicating a 53% bacteriostatic effect. While Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (Cy3G) was the dominant anthocyanin, cyanidin showed the highest retention rate after electrospinning, and cyanidin-3-rutinoside demonstrated strong interaction with EGFR (−9.0 kcal/mol). Conclusions: AME-loaded nanofibers are potential sustainable products for health applications. Full article

This research explores the production of activated carbon from a lignocellulosic precursor, corn cobs, as a potential method for the removal and adsorption of phenolic and nitrophenolic compounds. Colombia is a major corn producer, with a national production of 1,559,194 tons in 2024. Currently, approximately 0.5 to 3.2 kg of corn residue per kg of product is not commercially utilized. The objective is to focus on the removal of phenol, 2-nitrophenol, 4-nitrophenol, and 2,4-dinitrophenol from simulated solutions to evaluate the adsorption capacity under optimal conditions. Phenolic and nitrophenolic compounds are considered highly toxic molecules for the environment, especially in the plastics and agrochemical production sectors. These compounds are pollutants in wastewater due to their impact on aquatic life and human health. This not only contributes to the utilization of residual biomass but also to the circular economy by promoting its valorization in environmental remediation processes. The diameter and average volume of the pores are large enough to promote rapid diffusion kinetics of the phenolic compounds within the pore structure, which varies from 0.207 to 0.544 cm³ g⁻¹, and their adsorption capacity. The most adsorbed phenol was found to be 4-nitrophenol, with up to 97 mg of contaminant (4-nitrophenol) adsorbed per gram of activated carbon (sample designated AC-TK), at initial concentrations ranging from 0.0 ppm to 3.0 ppm. Furthermore, magnetite plays a crucial role in the adsorption of 2-nitrophenol. With this compound, up to 86 mg of 2-nitrophenol per gram of activated carbon was adsorbed at a concentration of 14 ppm, whereas without magnetite, a smaller amount was adsorbed at lower initial concentrations (ppm) for the same compound. Full article

Finger lime (Citrus australasica) is an emerging high-value fruit species, yet the chemical profiles of Mediterranean-cultivated varieties remain underexplored. This study presents the first chemical characterization of two finger lime varieties, Pink Ice and Green Crystal, grown in Greece, providing the first report on the volatile and non-volatile composition of Green Crystal. Peel essential oils were extracted and analyzed through GC-MS across two harvesting periods (H1 and H2), while methanolic extracts were assessed for their total phenolic content (TPC) and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Non-volatile untargeted profiling was performed on stage H1 extracts using UHPLC-MS/MS. The results revealed a significant chemical divergence between the varieties. Green Crystal exhibited an unprecedented p-cymene/β-phellandrene/citronellal/citronellol volatile chemotype, while Pink Ice displayed a limonene/p-cymene/sabinene/terpinen-4-ol chemotype. Maturity of the fruit significantly influenced monoterpene distribution, with an increase in monoterpene hydrocarbons at the expense of oxygenated derivatives. TPC peaked at stage H1, showing a significant maturity-dependent decline in both varieties, whereas DPPH radical scavenging capacity remained stable across both harvests. UHPLC-MS/MS analysis annotated 58 metabolites, including several compounds reported for the first time in the species. Variety-specific tendencies were observed, with Pink Ice exhibiting greater diversity in flavanones, flavonols, and simple coumarins, whereas Green Crystal exhibited greater diversity in flavones, furanocoumarins, and HMG (hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid)-flavonoid conjugates. These findings demonstrate that variety selection and harvesting timing are critical parameters for optimizing the commercial and bioactive value of Mediterranean-grown finger lime, highlighting the significant potential for expanded cultivation in the region. Full article

Growing demand for more sustainable packaging has increased interest in bio-based adhesives as alternatives to conventional fossil-derived systems. Among renewable raw materials, lignin is particularly attractive because of its aromatic structure, phenolic functionality, and availability as a side stream of pulp, paper, and biorefinery processes. This review critically examines the potential of lignin-based adhesives for packaging applications. Selected polysaccharide-, protein-, vegetable-oil-, and tannin-based systems are briefly discussed as comparative references, while the main focus is placed on the properties of kraft lignin, lignosulfonates, organosolv lignin, and soda lignin. Their structural differences, adhesive behaviour, and suitability for chemical modification through hydroxymethylation, phenolation, demethylation, depolymerization, oxidation, and epoxidation are evaluated. Because most lignin-adhesive research concerns wood bonding, the transferability of these findings to paper, paperboard, labels, coatings, films, and hot-melt packaging adhesives is critically assessed. Direct evidence for packaging applications remains limited, although existing studies demonstrate promising opportunities for paper bonding, pressure-sensitive systems, and paperboard hot-melt adhesives. Key challenges include lignin heterogeneity, processing complexity, moisture resistance, colour, food-contact safety, scalability, and compatibility with recycling. Full article

Given the widespread contamination of water bodies by diverse pollutants, particularly heavy metal ions and organic dyes, there is an urgent need to develop efficient and sustainable biomass adsorbents. Lignin is rich in active groups such as phenolic hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, making it a natural adsorbent. However, its application is still hindered by limitations, including restricted solubility and low reactivity. Converting lignin into three-dimensional porous hydrogels not only overcomes the inherent structural brittleness of lignin-based materials but also accelerates the diffusion kinetics of pollutants through well-developed pore structures, thereby fully exposing the active adsorption sites. This paper systematically reviews the latest progress in lignin-based hydrogels for water treatment and discusses in depth the underlying logic of “structure construction–micromorphology–adsorption performance.” First, this review summarizes synthesis strategies ranging from molecular-level modification to morphology regulation, including nano-reinforcement, magnetic functionalization, and interpenetrating polymer networks. It then provides a pollutant-specific analysis of the adsorption mechanisms of lignin-based adsorbents. For heavy metal ions, such as Pb²⁺ and Cr(VI), removal is mainly associated with coordination/complexation, ion exchange, and redox reactions. For typical organic dyes, adsorption is primarily driven by π–π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic attraction. The effects of environmental factors, such as pH, are also systematically discussed. Finally, considering current challenges related to mechanical strength, regeneration performance, and practical application, this review outlines future research directions for the development of multifunctional, integrated, and stimuli-responsive lignin-based adsorbents. Full article

Chamaecyparis obtusa is a valuable conifer species, prized for its high-quality timber and bioactive essential oils. However, commercial micropropagation is challenging due to its resistance to vegetative propagation. This study aimed to develop an efficient in vitro plant regeneration system using leaf explants and to profile the metabolic changes during organogenesis. Leaf explants from one-year-old in vitro-grown plantlets were cultured on media with various plant growth regulators (PGRs) to optimize callus induction, shoot multiplication, and rooting. Secondary metabolites were systematically analyzed throughout the developmental stages: explant, callus, regenerated shoot, and rooted plantlet. The most effective shoot regeneration, leading to whole plantlets, was achieved on a medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2.0 mg/L thidiazuron. Metabolic profiling revealed significant stage-specific biochemical transitions. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) precisely quantified individual phenolics, resolving cross-reactivity issues seen in total flavonoid colorimetric assays. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) also identified substantial shifts in volatile terpenoid biosynthesis during shoot morphogenesis. This integrated protocol provides a reliable platform for mass propagation of C. obtusa and offers fundamental insights into the metabolic dynamics of in vitro development, with significant potential for future horticultural and biotechnological applications. Full article