Search Results (7,979)

Background/Objectives: Cancer, a multifactorial disease with uncontrolled cell growth, oxidative stress, inflammation, genomic instability, and molecular signaling pathways, is a global health concern, leading to the ~20 million newly diagnosed cases annually. Although conventional therapy has been shown to enhance the survival rates of cancer patients, its clinical efficacy is limited by certain side effects that occur as a result of treatment, thus necessitating the exploration of plant-derived bioactive compounds for their potential as safer and alternative supportive therapeutic agents. Aloe vera, known as the plant of immortality, comprises phytochemicals, such as anthraquinones (aloe-emodin, emodin, and aloin), polysaccharides (acemannan), flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which contribute to the pharmacological effect of the compound. Methods: This review summarizes the anticancer potential of Aloe vera, and the data were retrieved from databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library, during the time period of 2015 to 2025. Results: The literature revealed that Aloe vera and its bioactive compounds have dose-dependent cytotoxic and anti-proliferative properties against hepatocellular, cervical, colorectal, lung, breast, prostate, and hematological cancers, which are significantly mediated by apoptosis and pyroptosis induction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial dysfunction, inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis, and the modulation of key signaling pathways, particularly PI3K/Akt, MAPK, NF-кB, p53, and Wnt/β-catenin. Furthermore, anthraquinones, including Aloe-emodin, demonstrate potent anticancer effects at micro-molar doses, and polysaccharides increase immune reactions and provide tumor immunity. Conclusions: Conclusively, Aloe vera is a promising multi-target natural compound, particularly efficient in the treatment of cancer. However, despite significant therapeutic potential, more research on pharmacokinetics, standard dose, and controlled clinical trials of Aloe vera is required to validate clinical applicability. Full article

Admiralty brass, commonly used in heat exchangers, is particularly susceptible to corrosion in acidic media such as those used in industrial cleaning. To mitigate this problem, the present study evaluated Musa acuminata (banana) peel and Lupinus mutabilis Sweet (Andean lupine) extracts as sustainable, low-toxicity corrosion inhibitors for admiralty brass in 0.5 M HCl. Six extracts were prepared using different solvents and characterized by qualitative and semi-quantitative phytochemical analyses (phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids). M. acuminata extracts were rich in phenolic compounds, while L. mutabilis extracts contained high levels of quinolizidine alkaloids. A comparative electrochemical screening of the agro-industrial waste-derived extracts revealed that the inhibition efficiency of M. acuminata extracts reached up to 43.6%, whereas the debittering wastewater extract of L. mutabilis (E6) achieved a maximum efficiency of 85.5% at 2000 ppm. A preliminary techno-economic analysis indicated the feasibility of industrial-scale production of the L. mutabilis-based inhibitor, yielding a net present value (NPV) of USD 9.48 million, an internal rate of return (IRR) of 27.3%, and a payback period of 6.7 years. These results demonstrate that agro-industrial residues can be valorized into effective and profitable green corrosion inhibitors, aligning with circular economy and sustainable chemistry principles. Full article

The genus Allium comprises more than 1100 species, where Allium ampeloprasum can be found. It is a species that, until now, has remained relatively unexplored, as well as its propagation organ known as Japanese garlic, even though it is increasingly cultivated in Mexico. The aim of this study was to evaluate phenolic profiles using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC), as well as to conduct an exploratory study of total polyphenol content by Folin–Ciocalteu assay and antioxidant capacity by DPPH inhibition in husks, peeled and whole propagation organs subjected to different drying methods and extraction solvents. In order to observe the influence of these factors on polyphenol extraction using green extraction technologies, such as natural eutectic solvents (NADESs), it was observed that the drying method is crucial for the extraction of flavonoid-type polyphenols, while NADESs allowed for the selective extraction of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. The highest total polyphenol content was obtained in freeze-dried husks extracted with 60% hydrated NADES (384.81 ± 15.38 mg GAE/100 g). The greatest DPPH radical inhibition was observed in freeze-dried husks with 68% hydrated NADES (93.08 ± 0.58%), where polyphenols such as catechin, chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin + luteolin, kaempferol, and hesperidin stood out. This highlights the potential of the propagation organ of A. ampeloprasum, especially its husks, as a source of phenolic compounds, supporting the valorization of agro-industrial waste from garlic, since the results obtained exceed those previously reported for the Allium sativum variety. Full article

This study aimed to optimize vacuum frying parameters, frying temperature (80–120 °C) and frying time (10–20 min), using response surface methodology (RSM) to maximize the quality of rice crackers from black glutinous rice. Vacuum frying temperature and time had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on protein, fiber, total anthocyanin content, and total flavonoid content. An increase in frying temperature increased the expansion ratio and total phenolic content (TPC), while decreasing bulk density and DPPH. Extending frying time significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased fat content. Increasing both frying temperature and time reduced hardness, moisture, and water activity, and significantly changed color. These trends were evaluated using regression models with R² values ranging from 0.858 to 0.999. Based on the developed models, the optimal condition was estimated at approximately 110 °C for 10 min, graphically predicting rice crackers with 23.32%db fat, hardness of 4.83 N, and TPC of 2.63 mg GAE/g. Compared with atmospheric frying (160 °C, 10 min), the optimal vacuum frying condition (110 °C, 10 min) reduced fat by 36.16%, decreased hardness by 68.65%, and increased TPC by 95.49%, suggesting that vacuum frying can produce black glutinous rice crackers with lower fat, higher antioxidant compounds, and greater crispiness under these specific parameters. Full article

Selenium is an essential micronutrient for humans, underscoring its importance in enhancing the nutritional and physiological attributes of agricultural and horticultural crops through exogenous application. At low doses, selenium improves growth and development, and increases crop yield and quality, particularly under stress conditions. It is believed that abscisic acid and sucrose work together to regulate strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) fruit ripening. This study aimed to provide comprehensive biochemical and molecular insights into the selenium mediated effects on ripening and quality changes in ‘Camarosa’ strawberry fruits. Selenium treatment increased chlorophyll levels in leaves, suggesting a positive impact on overall plant health. Foliar application of 1 mM selenium significantly accelerated ripening. Treated fruits exhibited higher levels of total soluble solids, along with a decrease in titratable acidity. About lipid peroxidation indices, foliar application of 1 mM selenium decreases hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde. Consistently, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant capacity, as well as the activity of the enzymes SOD, CAT, APX and PAL, were increased by selenium treatment. Interestingly, the ABA content in strawberry fruits also increased with selenium treatment. The selenium treatment upregulated genes involved in abscisic acid biosynthesis, phenolic compound biosynthesis, and anthocyanin production, namely, FaNCED1, FaG2BD, FaCHS, FaPAL, and FaSUT1. This study highlights the potential of selenium as a biostimulant and quality-enhancing agent in strawberries, improving fruit biochemical composition and ripening dynamics while contributing to better nutritional value and market appeal. Full article

The genus Tamarix L. includes several species widely used in traditional medicine for their therapeutic properties. This study aims to evaluate the bioactive potential of Tamarix gallica extracts from Western Algeria using an integrated in vitro and in silico approach. GC–MS analysis with BSTFA derivatization was performed to characterize the chemical profile of the methanolic fraction. In addition, total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents were determined in methanolic extracts of leaves and stems. The biological activities were assessed using antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, β-carotene, FRAP, O-phenanthroline, and cupric reducing assays), antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anti-Alzheimer in vitro assays. Molecular docking was conducted to evaluate the inhibitory potential of selected flavonoids against α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase. Results revealed a rich metabolite profile dominated by long-chain aliphatic alcohols (including hentriacontan-12-ol), phytosterols (β-sitosterol), fatty acids, phenolic derivatives, and sugar alcohols. The extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 1.34 ± 0.43 and 12.32 ± 0.36 μg·mL⁻¹), significant antimicrobial effects against the tested pathogens, and notable antidiabetic and anticholinesterase activities (IC₅₀ = 78.65 ± 1.43 and 98.37 ± 1.07 μg·mL⁻¹). Molecular docking analysis supported these findings, showing strong binding affinities of quercetin and rhamnetin toward the target enzymes. Overall, T. gallica exhibits promising multifunctional bioactivities with potential pharmaceutical relevance. Full article

Oat (Avena sativa L.) silage fermentation often fails due to insufficient lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and low water-soluble carbohydrate content. We investigated the effects of Compound Radix Pulsatillae (CRP; 40 g/kg FM) alone or combined with a commercial LAB inoculant (containing L. plantarum, L. buchneri, and Enterococcus faecium, CRP_LA) on oat silage after 60 days. Compared to control (CK), both CRP and CRP_LA increased dry matter and water-soluble carbohydrate retention while reducing fiber components and ammonia nitrogen (p < 0.05). CRP_LA exhibited superior fermentation quality (lowest pH 4.82, highest lactic acid 47.83 g/kg DM). Using 16S rRNA sequencing and UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics integrated with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified a brown module strongly associated with CRP_LA treatment. Six hub metabolites, belonging to flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and nucleotide derivatives, were significantly elevated in CRP_LA silage and showed strong correlations with Lactobacillus abundance and fermentation quality parameters. Correlation-based network analysis revealed that these hub metabolites positively correlated with Lactobacillus abundance, lactic acid, and water-soluble carbohydrate retention, while negatively correlating with spoilage microorganisms (Enterobacter, Acinetobacter, Leuconostoc) and ammonia nitrogen. This multi-omics study provides a metabolite-centric molecular map of the silage microecosystem reshaped by CRP and LAB co-fermentation. The identified hub metabolites—with predicted antimicrobial, antioxidant, and plant-protective functions—represent potential quality markers for functional silage additive development. Mechanistic validation via targeted metabolite supplementation or pathway-specific gene expression analysis is warranted in future studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tordylium trachycarpum Boiss. (Apiaceae) is traditionally used in Kurdish ethnomedicine for the management of gastrointestinal disorders; however, its pharmacological efficacy and safety profile remain insufficiently investigated. This study evaluated, for the first time, the gastroprotective activity and associated antioxidant, inflammatory, and apoptotic responses of the methanolic extract of T. trachycarpum using an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in Sprague–Dawley rats. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, coumarins, and glycosides. Acute oral toxicity testing demonstrated no signs of toxicity at doses up to 5 g/kg. Gastric ulceration was induced by absolute ethanol, and animals were pretreated with the extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) or omeprazole (20 mg/kg). Results: The extract significantly decreased the gastric lesion area from 258.50 ± 6.38 mm² in the ulcer control group to 143.70 ± 0.76 mm² and 115.50 ± 0.76 mm², corresponding to ulcer inhibition rates of 44.41% and 55.31%. Additionally, the extract increased mucus production, maintained mucosal structure, and raised stomach pH. Biochemical analysis showed a significant increase in antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)] and a reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating attenuation of oxidative stress. In addition, the extract modulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10). Blood-based ELISA analysis demonstrated increased expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and reduced Bax levels, suggesting anti-apoptotic activity. Conclusions: These findings indicate that T. trachycarpum exerts significant gastroprotective activity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, supporting its traditional use and highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate for the management of gastric ulcers. Full article

The genus Dracocephalum (Lamiaceae), comprising over 60 species predominantly distributed in Europe and Asia, has historically been used in traditional medicine and has recently attracted growing scientific interest due to its diverse pharmacological and phytochemical properties. Despite increasing pharmacological and phytochemical investigations, the antioxidant potential and related bioactivities of Dracocephalum species remain fragmented across individual studies, with limited efforts to comparatively integrate evidence on phytochemical diversity, antioxidant relevance, and pharmacological variability. Therefore, this review consolidates and critically evaluates current knowledge regarding the phytochemical diversity, antioxidant potential, and therapeutic applications of Dracocephalum species, emphasizing their bioactive compounds and antioxidant-driven mechanisms. Particular attention is given to polyphenolic and phenolic constituents—including flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and volatile compounds, with rosmarinic acid, tilianin, luteolin derivatives, and apigenin derivatives identified as key contributors to biological activity. Unlike previous reviews, which primarily focused on isolated pharmacological effects or individual species, this study provides a comparative and integrative perspective by linking phytochemical composition with antioxidant-related activities and therapeutic implications across species. By synthesizing fragmented evidence and highlighting methodological advances in chromatography, metabolomics, and comparative analyses, this review identifies current knowledge gaps and outlines future perspectives for phytopharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and functional food applications. Full article

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, lipotoxicity, dysregulated adipogenesis, and alterations in the gut microbiota, which collectively contribute to insulin resistance and cardiometabolic complications. In this context, dietary patterns rich in bioactive compounds have gained relevance as potential strategies to modulate these interconnected pathways. Objective: To assess the potential of the Milpa Diet (a sustainable, plant-dominant Mesoamerican eating pattern centered on the ancient three sisters’ polyculture of maize, beans, and squash, along with chili) as a culturally relevant, multi-axis functional dietary pattern, and to evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying obesity-associated with metabolic dysfunction. Methods: A scoping review of preclinical and clinical studies was conducted using Medline via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The ChEMBL database was also used to identify chemical structures. The search focused on evidence related to inflammation, oxidative stress, adipogenesis, lipotoxicity, mitochondrial function, and gut microbiota modulation in the context of the main foods of the Milpa Diet, including maize, legumes, chili peppers, nopal, and quelites. Studies were selected based on peer-review status and their relevance to molecular, metabolic, and functional outcomes. Results: The current evidence shows that the core components of the Milpa Diet provide dietary fiber and a broad range of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, carotenoids, capsaicinoids, phenolic acids, pigments, and vitamins, which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds have been associated with modulation of adipogenesis and lipotoxicity, preservation of mitochondrial function, and favorable regulation of gut microbiota composition and activity, collectively influencing metabolic pathways relevant to obesity. Conclusions: Overall, mechanistic and emerging clinical evidence suggests that the Milpa Diet represents a multi-axis nutritional strategy with potential to mitigate obesity-related metabolic dysfunction through coordinated effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, adipogenesis, lipotoxicity, mitochondrial function, and gut microbiota regulation. Although comprehensive clinical trials evaluating this dietary pattern as an integrated intervention remain limited, current evidence supports its relevance for future translational research, public health strategies, and the development of sustainable dietary models aimed at improving metabolic health. Full article

Allium sativum is widely consumed and studied plant for its potential health-promoting effects. Despite its widespread use, the impact of different extraction methods on the biological efficacy and specific phytochemical composition of garlic has not yet been fully elucidated. This study investigated the phytochemical profile, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Moroccan-grown A. sativum using in vitro assays and in silico analyses. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by colorimetric methods, while phenolic aglycones were identified by HPLC. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion and determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values, antioxidant capacity by DPPH, TAC, and FRAP assays, and anti-inflammatory activity through protein denaturation inhibition. ADMET profiling was performed to predict pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of the identified compounds. The ethanolic extract exhibited higher flavonoid and phenolic contents, reaching 13.27 ± 0.01 mg quercetin/_gextract and 1.57 ± 0.02 mg GAE/_gextract, respectively. HPLC analysis identified syringic, caffeic, ferulic, p-coumaric, and chlorogenic acids, as well as kaempferol and quercetin, whereas apigenin was detected only in the ethanolic extract under the present extraction and analytical conditions. Both extracts inhibited MRSA and E. coli but showed no activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Docking analyses suggested favorable interactions between the identified compounds and bacterial target proteins. The ethanolic extract displayed stronger antioxidant activity, with DPPH IC₅₀ and TAC EC₅₀ values of 1.134 and 2.527 mg/mL, respectively. No ferric reducing activity was detected under the tested conditions. Protein denaturation inhibition ranged from 30.68% to 90.37%, with the aqueous extract showing significantly greater activity (p < 0.003). Overall, extraction-dependent differences in phenolic composition appear to influence the biological properties of A. sativum extracts, warranting further mechanistic and in vivo investigations. Full article

Mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) seed coat (MBSC) is an underutilized by-product rich in vitexin and isovitexin, but its potential as a source of spray-dried functional powders has not been systematically evaluated. This study investigated the spray drying of MBSC extract using three structurally distinct polysaccharide-based carriers—maltodextrin, trehalose, and inulin—to compare their effects on process yield, powder quality, and the content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. Response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box–Behnken design was employed to examine the influence of inlet temperature (130–160 °C) and carrier concentration. Maltodextrin provided the highest process yield (84.85%), while trehalose and inulin formulations exhibited stronger antioxidant activity, with the lowest DPPH IC₅₀ values of 0.096 mg/mL and 0.100 mg/mL, respectively (expressed per mg of spray-dried powder). Trehalose yielded the highest total phenolic content (TPC = 28.12 mg GAE/g extract) and acceptable flowability (Carr’s index = 20.72%). Inulin gave the highest total flavonoid content (TFC = 126.8 mg QE/g extract) but showed greater variability, attributed to its polymeric network and higher hygroscopicity. The RSM models showed high predictive accuracy for TPC (R² > 0.98) and DPPH antioxidant activity (R² ≈ 1.00). These findings offer a multi-objective optimization framework that links carrier structure to powder performance, providing practical guidance for selecting polysaccharide carriers in the development of spray-dried nutraceutical and functional food ingredients. However, direct measurement of encapsulation efficiency, particle morphology, and storage stability was beyond the scope of this study and warrants further investigation. Full article

Skin aging is associated with oxidative stress, extracellular matrix degradation, and dysregulation of melanogenesis, leading to wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and hyperpigmentation. Natural plant-derived compounds have attracted increasing interest as multifunctional cosmetic ingredients due to their antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Mai-Kae-Den-Klong (MKDK), a traditional Thai longevity herbal formula composed of Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth., Cyperus rotundus L., Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz, Piper nigrum L., Streblus asper Lour., and Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook.f. & Thomson, has historically been used to promote vitality and healthy aging; however, its potential application as a cosmetic anti-aging ingredient remains scientifically unexplored. Therefore, this study investigated the anti-aging potential of MKDK extract using integrated enzyme-based bioassays and in silico approaches. Phytochemical profiling of the ethanolic extract was performed using LC-MS analysis, revealing diverse bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic glycosides, alkaloids, and terpenoids, with (−)-epicatechin, procyanidin B1, and piperine identified as major metabolites. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays, while inhibitory activities against tyrosinase, collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase were assessed to determine skin anti-aging potential. The extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 17.23 ± 2.11 µg/mL for DPPH and 11.87 ± 1.77 µg/mL for ABTS assays. In addition, the extract demonstrated inhibitory effects against tyrosinase (IC₅₀ = 41.25 ± 1.56 µg/mL), elastase (IC₅₀ = 49.51 ± 3.69 µg/mL), collagenase (IC₅₀ = 61.54 ± 2.88 µg/mL), and hyaluronidase (IC₅₀ = 63.74 ± 6.32 µg/mL), suggesting multifunctional anti-aging properties associated with skin brightening and extracellular matrix preservation. Network pharmacology analysis predicted multiple aging-related signaling pathways, particularly the FoxO signaling pathway, which is associated with oxidative stress regulation and longevity. Molecular docking analysis further demonstrated favorable binding affinities of procyanidin B1, epicatechin, and piperine toward skin-aging-related enzymes, supporting their potential contribution to the observed bioactivities. Overall, these findings suggest that MKDK possesses promising cosmeceutical potential as a natural multifunctional anti-aging ingredient and provides scientific support for the application of traditional Thai herbal formulations in cosmetic and skin health products. Full article

This study presents a novel approach for the development of biofunctional and skin-comfortable cotton textiles through the integration of blackcurrant water/ethanol pomace extract into polysaccharide-based fabric coating. Extraction of bioactive compounds from blackcurrant pomace was optimized using response surface methodology, yielding a total phenolic content of 36.04 mg GAE/g DW, along with significant contents of flavonoids (5.28 mg QE/g DW) and anthocyanins (5.18 mg/g DW). The cotton fabric was biofunctionalized using the layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition technique, incorporating blackcurrant pomace extract within four, eight, or twelve chitosan/pectin bilayers. The biofunctionalized fabrics exhibited no cytotoxic effect and demonstrated nearly 100% antioxidant and antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Additionally, the LbL coating enabled tunable extract adsorption (0.09–2.70%) and stabilization of bioactive compounds on the cotton surface, resulting in adjustable fabric coloration and moisture management properties (assessed using the Moisture Management Tester). Molecular docking analysis provided insight into the interactions between HPLC-detected anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, and delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside) and polysaccharides, revealing an increase in binding affinity from cellulose to chitosan and pectin. The transition from comfort-oriented fabric to a material featuring integrated moisture management and enhanced biofunctionality, achieved by coating cotton with eight chitosan/pectin bilayers incorporating blackcurrant pomace extract, renders the textile suited for medical, protective, and high-comfort applications. Full article

Fruit and vegetable juices are ideal probiotic carriers and pectin supplementation is promising for probiotic survival. In this study, we investigated the effects of high- and low-methoxyl pectin on Lacticaseibacillus casei 37 and Lactobacillus helveticus 76 in fermented pear juice (PJ) regarding fermentation, viability, and functionality. Our results showed that pectin protected probiotic viability at 4 °C for 28 days, with viable cell counts reaching 8.39–8.63 log colony-forming units/mL. Furthermore, it promoted phenolic compound release (e.g., gallic acid and protocatechuic acid), raising total phenolic content by 8.3–21.9% and total flavonoid content by 79.6–140.3%. It significantly enhanced DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging activity, and FRAP antioxidant capacity. In vitro digestion revealed that pectin supplementation elevated the survival rate of probiotics in simulated gastric juice by 6.2–66.4%. Additionally, correlation analysis linked specific phenolics (p-coumaric acid, epicatechin, rutin) to antioxidant activity. An addition of 0.3% low-methoxyl and 0.2% high-methoxyl pectin was considered the optimal treatment, benefiting probiotic viability, phenolic accumulation and antioxidant stability of fermented PJ under cold storage and gastrointestinal environment. Thus, pectin is an effective carrier for high-viability, high-antioxidant probiotic fermented PJ beverages. Full article