Search Results (2,370)

Isoquercitrin, a monoglucoside form of quercetin, exhibits superior antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular protective effects in comparison to its precursor, rutin. However, its natural abundance is limited. This study aimed to increase the functional value of Diospyros lotus leaf extract through enzymatic conversion of rutin to isoquercitrin using α-l-rhamnosidase and to evaluate the changes in biological activities after conversion. A sugar-free D. lotus leaf extract was prepared and subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis with α-l-rhamnosidase under optimized conditions (pH 5.5, 55 °C, and 0.6 U/mL). Isoquercitrin production was monitored via high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition assays, respectively. The enzymatic reaction resulted in complete conversion of 30 mM rutin into isoquercitrin within 180 min, increasing isoquercitrin content from 9.8 to 39.8 mM. The enzyme-converted extract exhibited significantly enhanced antioxidant activity, with a 48% improvement in IC₅₀ value compared with the untreated extract. Similarly, LOX inhibition increased from 39.2% to 48.3% after enzymatic conversion. Both extracts showed higher inhibition than isoquercitrin alone, indicating synergistic effects of other phytochemicals present in the extract. This study is the first to demonstrate that α-l-rhamnosidase-mediated conversion of rutin to isoquercitrin in D. lotus leaf extract significantly improves its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The enzymatically enhanced extract shows potential as a functional food or therapeutic ingredient. Full article

Toona sinensis (“Heiyouchun”) is a traditional Chinese woody vegetable, the leaves of which can also be processed into tea, known for its distinctive flavor and diverse bioactivities. However, the effects of leaf maturity and processing methods on its phytochemical composition and functional properties remain unclear. In this study, metabolomic analysis revealed 35 significantly different metabolites between tender and mature leaves, with higher concentrations of flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, limonoids, and amino acids in tender leaves. Additionally, comparative analysis revealed that black tea fermentation preserves bioactive compounds more effectively than hot-air drying, particularly in tender leaves. In vitro activity assays showed that toon leaf tea extracts exhibited significant antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects, with black tea fermented tender leaves displaying the most potent bioactivity. Correlation analysis further confirmed a strong positive relationship between flavonoid/polyphenol content and bioactivity. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing processing techniques to enhance the functional properties of toon leaf tea. Full article

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.), a nutrient-rich legume beneficial to human health, is valued for its high L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and phenolic content. This study investigated phytochemical diversity and bioactivity across 29 Chinese faba bean varieties. Phenolics were profiled using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) and quantified via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant capacity was evaluated, including DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), along with α-amylase/α-glucosidase inhibitory effects. Twenty-five phenolics were identified, including L-DOPA (11.96–17.93 mg/g, >70% of total content), seven phenolic acids, and seventeen flavonoids. L-DOPA showed potent enzyme inhibition (IC₅₀ values of 22.45 μM for α-amylase and 16.66 μM for α-glucosidase) but demonstrated limited antioxidant effects. Lincan 13 (Gansu) exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH, 16.32 μmol trolox/g; ABTS, 5.85 μmol trolox/g; FRAP, 21.38 mmol Fe²⁺/g), which correlated with it having the highest flavonoid content (40.51 mg rutin/g), while Yican 4 (Yunnan) showed the strongest α-amylase inhibition (43.33%). Correlation analysis confirmed flavonoids as the primary antioxidants, and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed geographical trends (e.g., Jiangsu varieties were particularly phenolic-rich). These findings highlight faba beans’ potential as functional foods and guide genotype selection in targeted breeding programs aimed at enhancing health benefits. Full article

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruits represent the recognized wellspring of bioactive compounds with various documented bioactivities. Although bilberry leaves are often treated as industrial by-products, they also represent a valuable source of phytochemicals with potential dermocosmetic applications. In this study, extracts of bilberry fruits and leaves were prepared using both conventional solvents (water and 50% ethanol) and natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) as green, biodegradable alternatives. The aim of this study was to examine the UV protective activity and inhibitory potential of those extracts against some enzymes (tyrosinase, hyaluronidase, collagenase) that are important in terms of skin conditioning and skin aging. The results of in vitro tests have shown the superiority of NaDES extracts compared to conventional extracts regarding all tested bioactivities. In addition, bilberry leaves extracts were more potent compared to fruit extracts in all cases. The most potent extract was bilberry leaf extract made with malic acid–glycerol, which exhibited strong anti-tyrosinase (IC₅₀ = 3.52 ± 0.26 mg/mL), anti-hyaluronidase (IC₅₀ = 3.23 ± 0.30 mg/mL), and anti-collagenase (IC₅₀ = 1.84 ± 0.50 mg/mL) activities. The correlation analysis revealed correlation between UV protective and anti-tyrosinase, UV protective and anti-collagenase as well as between anti-hyaluronidase and anti-collagenase activity. UV protection and anti-tyrosinase activity correlated significantly with chlorogenic acid and hyperoside contents in extracts. The extracts with the best activities also demonstrated a good safety profile in a 24 h in vivo study on human volunteers. Full article

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) are well known for their capacity to enhance the growth and survival of in vitro-grown plants. However, their effect on Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC., a critically endangered medicinal plant in the Indian Himalayan Region, is still unknown. In this study, a simple, reproducible protocol for in vitro propagation of N. jatamansi was established using shoot tip explants, cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different plant growth regulators, including N6-benzylaminopurine, thidiazuron (TDZ), and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). MS media supplemented with 2.0 μM TDZ and 0.5 µM NAA created a significant shoot induction with an average of 6.2 shoots per explant. These aseptically excised individual shoots produced roots on MS medium supplemented with Indole Butyric Acid or NAA within 14 days of the transfer. The PGPR, viz., Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas corrugata, inoculation resulted in improved growth, higher chlorophyll content, and survival of in vitro-rooted plants (94.6%) after transfer to the soil. Moreover, the PGPRs depicted a two-fold higher total phenolics (45.87 mg GAE/g DW) in plants. These results clearly demonstrate the beneficial effects of P. corrugata and B. subtilis on the growth, survival, and phytochemical content of N. jatamansi. Full article

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) seeds account for up to 95% of the fruit’s weight and are commonly discarded during pulp processing. Roasted açaí seed extract (RASE) has recently emerged as a caffeine-free coffee substitute, although its composition and functionality remain underexplored. This study characterized commercial açaí seed powder and evaluated the effect of temperature on the recovery of total phenolic content (TPC) in the aqueous extract using a Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD). An intermediate extraction condition (6.0 ± 0.5 g 100 mL⁻¹ at 100 °C) was selected, resulting in 21.78 mg GAE/g TPC, 36.23 mg QE/g total flavonoids, and notable antioxidant capacity (FRAP: 183.33 µmol TE/g; DPPH: 23.06 mg TE/g; ABTS: 51.63 mg TE/g; ORAC: 31.46 µmol TE/g). Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H NMR) analysis suggested the presence of amino acids, carbohydrates, and organic acids. During in vitro digestion, TPC decreased from 54.31 to 17.48 mg GAE 100 mL⁻¹ when RASE was combined with goat milk. However, higher bioaccessibility was observed with skimmed (33%) and semi-skimmed (35%) cow milk. These findings highlight RASE as a phenolic-rich, antioxidant beverage with functional stability when prepared with boiling water. This is the first study to report the phytochemical profile of RASE and its interactions with different milk types, supporting its potential as a coffee alternative. Full article

Apples and Korean green chili peppers are rich in phytochemicals and recognized for their diverse bioactive properties. Given the potential to enhance these beneficial compounds, this study investigated the effects of mineral supplementation during cultivation on the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of extracts from both crops. Mineral-enriched cultivation significantly increased the total phenolic and flavonoid contents in both crops, which was accompanied by enhanced DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. Moreover, the mineral-supplemented extracts of Korean green chili pepper activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway and upregulated downstream antioxidant enzymes, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), γ-glutamylcysteine ligase (GCL), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Notably, the mineral-supplemented Korean green chili pepper extract significantly suppressed the proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells. These findings suggest that mineral supplementation during cultivation may improve the functional quality of apples and Korean green chili peppers, supporting their potential application in cancer prevention and complementary therapeutic strategies. Full article

Oxidative stress is a biological imbalance that contributes to cellular damage and is a major driver of aging and age-related disorders, prompting the search for natural antioxidant agents. Our study is a phytochemical, electrochemical, and biological characterization of the antioxidant potential of aqueous extracts from aerial parts of A. occidentale—leaves, bark, fruit, and cashew nuts—traditionally used in folklore medicine. Extracts were analyzed using FT-IR spectroscopy, GC × GC-TOFMS, polyphenol quantification, and antioxidant capacity assays (ABTS, FRAP, DPPH). Biological activity was tested in different mice and human cell lines (SH-SY5Y, MEF, ARPE-19, and HLECs). Aqueous extracts from the leaves and bark of A. occidentale exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to those from the fruit and cashew nut. These extracts showed elevated polyphenol content and strong performance in antioxidant capacity assays. In vitro, leaf and bark extracts enhanced cell viability under H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress, preserved mitochondrial membrane potential, and upregulated cytoprotective genes (HMOX1, NQO1, GCLC, and GCLM) in multiple cell lines. In contrast, fruit and nut extracts showed minimal antioxidant activity and no significant gene modulation. Our findings underscore the therapeutic potential of A. occidentale leaf and bark extracts as effective natural antioxidants and support their further development as candidates for phytotherapeutic interventions. Full article

Skin aging is a natural biological process that can be accelerated by free radical induction, leading to a reduction in skin elasticity and the formation of wrinkles due to the depletion of elastin. Eugenia uniflora (dewandaru) is a promising plant believed to possess anti-aging properties, primarily attributed to its major constituents, myricitrin and quercetin. This study aimed to investigate the anti-elastase and antioxidant properties of Eugenia uniflora stem bark, ripe fruit, and seed extracts. Extracts were obtained using an ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method with 70% ethanol. Quantitative phytochemical analysis involved measuring the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity. Bioactive constituents were identified using LC-MS analysis, and their interactions with target enzymes were further evaluated through in silico molecular docking. The results demonstrated that the E. uniflora seed extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with an IC₅₀ of 5.23 µg/mL (DPPH assay) and a FRAP value of 3233.32 µmol FeSO₄/g. Furthermore, the ethanolic seed extract showed significant anti-elastase activity with an IC₅₀ of 114.14 µg/mL. Molecular docking predicted strong potential for several compounds as pancreatic elastase inhibitors, including 5-phenylvaleric acid, 2-(3-phenylpropyl)phenol, n-amylbenzene, 2-aminoadipic acid, and traumatin, each showing a prediction activity (PA) value exceeding 0.6. Notably, these compounds also exhibited inhibitory activity against tyrosinase. These findings collectively underscore the significant promise of E. uniflora seed extract as a novel and natural candidate for pharmacocosmeceutical product development, particularly for anti-aging applications. Full article

This study aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the content of carnosic acid (CA), 12-O-methyl-carnosic acid (12MCA), carnosol (CS), rosmanol (RO) and 7-O-methyl-epi-rosmanol (7MER) in 61 Lamiaceae plants growing in Greece, using ¹H-qNMR spectroscopy as a simple, rapid and direct method without sample deterioration. For this purpose, methanol extracts from 18 genera (e.g., Salvia, Mentha, Melissa, Ocimum) were analyzed using isolated and fully characterized metabolites, previously identified by our group, as standards. At least one of the target compounds was detected in 22 species, predominantly belonging to the genus Salvia. Notably, 7MER and RO were not detected in any extract. CA, CS and 12MCA were exclusively found in Salvia species, with S. somalensis, S. officinalis and S. fruticosa emerging as the richest sources of these diterpenes. Among them, S. somalensis showed the highest concentration of CA (>30 mg/g), while 12MCA was most abundant in S. microphylla. These results highlight Salvia as the most promising genus for the accumulation of bioactive abietane-type diterpenes. The implementation of ¹H-qNMR for such chemical profiling provides a reliable approach toward the phytochemical standardization of plant extracts, supporting their further use in nutraceutical or pharmaceutical formulations. Full article

Mauritia flexuosa, commonly known as “canangucha,” holds significant nutritional and economic value in the Amazon region. While its pulp is widely utilized in local food products, the seed or kernel is largely underutilized. This study investigated the proximal and phytochemical composition of M. flexuosa, alongside its biological properties, specifically focusing on the hypoglycemic activity of an ethanolic extract from M. flexuosa seeds (MFSs). Proximal analysis revealed that MFSs are a notable source of crude fiber (28.4%) and a moderate source of protein (9.1%). Phytochemical screening indicated a high total polyphenol content (123.4 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 mg dry weight) and substantial antiradical capacity against the ABTS radical (IC₅₀ = 171.86 µg/mL). Notably, MFS ethanolic extracts exhibited significant in vitro antihyperglycemic activity via inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, demonstrating comparable inhibition to acarbose at higher concentrations. This hypoglycemic effect was further corroborated in an in vivo rat model with induced diabetes, where the administration of 100 mg/kg of MFS ethanolic extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels compared to the diabetic control group (p < 0.05). A moderate antihypertensive effect was observed at a concentration of 150 mg/kg, correlating with ACE inhibition. High-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-HRMS) analysis of the seed extract identified phenolic compounds including ellagic, p-coumaric, and chlorogenic acids, as well as flavonoids such as quercetin, myricetin, and epicatechin. This study provides the first evidence of the hypoglycemic activity of MFSs, offering valuable insights into their phytochemistry and potential therapeutic applications. Full article

Magenta Cherry or Eugenia (Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn) is an underutilized berry species with an interesting source of functional components. This study aimed to evaluate these berries’ morphometric, nutritional, and phytochemical characteristics at two ripening stages, CM: consumer maturity (CM) and OM: over-maturity. Morphometric analysis revealed size and weight parameters comparable to commercial berries such as blueberries. Fresh fruits were processed into pulverized material, and in this, a proximate analysis was evaluated, showing high moisture content (88.9%), dietary fiber (3.56%), and protein (0.63%), with negligible fat, indicating suitability for low-calorie diets. Phytochemical screening by HPLC identified gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, ferulic acid, quercetin, rutin, and condensed tannins. Ethanol extracts showed stronger bioactive profiles than aqueous extracts, with significant antioxidant capacity (up to 803.40 µmol _Trolox/g via Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP assay). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopic analyses established structural transformations of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and aromatic groups associated with ripening. These changes were supported by observed variations in anthocyanin and flavonoid contents, both higher at the CM stage. A notable pigment loss in OM fruits could be attributed to pH changes, oxidative degradation, enzymatic activity loss, and biotic stressors. Antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) confirmed higher radical scavenging activity in CM-stage berries. Elemental analysis identified minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, although in moderate concentrations. In summary, Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn fruit demonstrates considerable potential as a source of natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds. These findings advocate for greater exploration and sustainable use of this native berry species in functional food systems. Full article

Rheum cordatum Losinsk is a plant species distributed in Kazakhstan but remains relatively understudied despite its promising biological potential. The present study aimed to explore leaf extracts of R. cordatum by utilizing advanced green extraction technologies including supercritical CO₂ (ScCO₂), subcritical ethanol (Sc) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) to characterize their phytochemical composition and evaluate their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. A total of 53 phytochemical compounds were identified, with gallic acid (30.71 µg/mg UAE-EtOH-4h), rutin (21.93 µg/mg ScCO₂-150) and hesperidin (14.98 µg/mg ScCO₂-150) being notably abundant. Among the tested extracts, ScCO₂ extraction at 150 bar (ScCO₂-150) demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity, exhibiting IC₅₀ values of 0.0132 mg/mL (DPPH) and 0.0462 mg/mL (ABTS), coupled with the highest total phenolic content (140 mg GAE/g). Moreover, the ScCO₂-150 extract showed pronounced antimicrobial efficacy, particularly against Bacillus subtilis Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 125 to 250 µg/mL. These findings highlight the considerable potential of R. cordatum leaves as a valuable, abundant and sustainable source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, with supercritical CO₂ extraction presenting substantial advantages in selectively obtaining bioactive phytochemicals. Full article

Cucurbita pepo (CP) seeds are traditionally used to alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia and overactive bladder. While these effects are often attributed to lipophilic constituents, recent studies have highlighted the therapeutic potential of oil-free hydroethanolic extracts. However, their composition remains insufficiently characterized, considering the species’ significant phenotypic and phytochemical variability. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile of hydrophilic hydroethanolic seed extracts from ten CP cultivars originating from different European regions, with a focus on compositional variability. The elemental composition, along with primary and secondary metabolites, was analyzed using established spectroscopic and chromatographic methods. The extracts showed considerable variation in protein (45.39 to 114.58 mg/g dw) and free amino acid content (46.51 to 111.10 mg/g dw), as well as differences in elemental composition. Principal component analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns, with several samples displaying metabolite profiles comparable to the Cucurbita pepo var. styriaca variety currently recommended by the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) and the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). These findings open the possibility of using other CP varieties as alternative sources for extract preparation and offer novel insights into the composition of less explored hydrophilic extracts derived from CP seeds. Full article

Agriculture and its related industries produce annually a vast amount of byproducts and waste which comprise a large proportion of global waste. Only a small percentage is managed with environmentally acceptable procedures, while a large proportion is either incinerated or discarded into nearby open fields, causing serious environmental burdens. Since these byproducts exhibit a rich nutritional and phytochemical content, they may be considered as raw materials for various industrial applications, initiating the need for the development of sustainable and eco-friendly methods for their valorization. Among the various methods considered, Solid-State Fermentation (SSF) constitutes an intriguing eco-friendly bioprocess, being suitable for water-insoluble mixtures and providing products with improved stability and depleted catabolic suppression. Thus, there are several literature studies highlighting the aspects and efficacy of SSF for improving the nutritional and phytochemical contents of diverse agro-industrial waste. The review herein aspires to summarize these literature results with a special focus on the enhancement of their antioxidant potency. For this purpose, specific keywords were used for searching multiple scientific databases with an emphasis on the most recent studies and higher impact journals. The presented data establish the usefulness and efficacy of the SSF bioprocess to obtain fermentation products with enhanced antioxidant profiles. Full article