Search Results (359)

Young barley, derived from the early vegetative stage of Hordeum vulgare L., constitutes a plant-based functional ingredient whose phytochemical profile differs markedly from that of mature grain. Two principal commercial forms exist—dried grass powder and juice-derived products—differing in matrix composition and bioactive compound concentration. This narrative review critically evaluates the current knowledge on the phytochemical composition, biological activity, and translational relevance of young barley preparations considered as a functional plant food. The phytochemical spectrum is dominated by C-glycosyl flavones, particularly saponarin and lutonarin, alongside phenolic acids, chlorophylls, enzymatic antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Experimental evidence implicates the modulation of redox homeostasis, inflammatory signaling, and metabolic regulators as the primary biological mechanisms. In vitro studies additionally demonstrate antiproliferative activity in human cancer cell lines and immunomodulatory properties mediated by polysaccharide-rich fractions, extending the biological profile of young barley beyond classical antioxidant activity. Although preclinical models consistently demonstrate antioxidant and metabolic effects, high experimental doses and limited preparation standardization restrict the direct extrapolation to human supplementation contexts. Available clinical trials suggest modest improvements in selected lipid, glycemic, and oxidative stress markers; yet, most are small in scale and brief in duration. Agronomic variables including fertilization strategy and soil composition represent additional, underappreciated sources of phytochemical variability and safety concern. Overall, the current evidence supports the biological plausibility of young barley as a functional plant food; yet, the clinical data remain preliminary. Future research should prioritize preparation standardization, dose–response characterization, and agronomic transparency to strengthen translational reliability. In conclusion, young barley preparations represent a biologically plausible functional plant food ingredient with preliminary clinical support, pending confirmation from adequately powered, standardised randomised controlled trials. Full article

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is an important forage legume that is also a valuable source of bioactive compounds with potential health-promoting properties. This study evaluated the variability among diploid (2n) and tetraploid (4n) red clover cultivars in forage productivity, quality-related parameters, polyphenol and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity, in order to identify promising ideotypes for dual-purpose breeding. A total of 90 cultivars were assessed under field conditions; green matter yield, dry matter yield, crude protein content, and protein yield were analyzed together with total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. Spearman correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to relate the traits and identify cultivars with contrasting characteristics. Cultivar differentiation was pronounced within each ploidy group, whereas diploid and tetraploid cultivars overlapped substantially in the multivariate space, indicating that ploidy alone is not a reliable predictor of forage or medicinal value. At the group level, tetraploids tended toward higher biomass, protein-related traits, and total polyphenol concentration, while total flavonoids and antioxidant activity were broadly comparable between groups. Forage- and medicinal-related traits were only weakly correlated and thus behaved as largely independent selection targets—which is precisely why integrated multi-trait evaluation is required to identify cultivars combining both. Several cultivars did combine favorable agronomic and phytochemical characteristics, supporting within-group selection of red clover germplasm with dual forage and medicinal potential for sustainable agricultural systems. 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

Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is one of the most important herbs used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. The main objective of the research was to micropropagate and introduce the most vigorous lines into garden cultivation. Eleven lines representing individual genotypes were selected and propagated using nodal segments. 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) at 1.0 mg L⁻¹, alone or with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at 0.1 mg L⁻¹, was the most effective for shoot regeneration. Significant variability in multiplication rate (2.5–6.4 shoots per explant) was observed among the lines. Shoots were successfully rooted (97.9%) and then acclimatized. After six months of cultivation, 113 well-developed plants representing all genotypes were obtained. Depending on the genotype, the final survival rates ranged from 26.9 to 80.0%. Flow cytometry (FCM-DAPI) analysis confirmed the ploidy stability of the micropropagated plants and ISSR markers revealed notable variability among the lines. Moreover, a polymorphism level of 36.4% was detected within line SB_6, whereas the other two analyzed lines (SB_3 and SB_7) maintained in vitro for four years showed no somaclonal variation. Therefore, genetic stability must be monitored, particularly in long-term cultures. In subsequent studies, the acclimatized lines will be evaluated for root yield and phytochemical content under garden conditions. Full article

The increasing demand for safe, minimally processed, and sustainable food preservation strategies has intensified interest in light-activated antimicrobial systems derived from natural sources. This review examines the application of plant-derived photoactive compounds as functional agents that generate reactive species upon illumination, thereby facilitating effective microbial inactivation. Emphasis is placed on the diversity of phytochemicals exhibiting light-responsive properties, their mechanisms of action, and the factors influencing their efficacy, including physicochemical characteristics, environmental conditions, and formulation strategies. The review further discusses the role of delivery systems in improving the stability, solubility, and bioavailability of these photoactive compounds, as well as the influence of food matrix complexity on treatment performance. Applications across a range of food systems, including fresh produce, animal-derived products, and food packaging materials, are evaluated to demonstrate their practical relevance in food preservation. In addition, current challenges are critically highlighted, including variability in plant extract composition, limited understanding of photosensitiser behaviour within complex food matrices, restricted light penetration, and challenges associated with standardisation and scalability. This work provides an overview of emerging natural photoactive systems and their potential to advance safer and environmentally sustainable food preservation technologies. Full article

This study aimed to analyze the phytochemical composition of hexane extracts from Bixa orellana L. leaves using multivariate analysis and to evaluate their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. A total of 74 compounds were identified by Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) from three cultivars, Peruvian red (PR), Peruvian green (PG), and Criolla (Cr), collected in distinct regions of Campeche, Mexico: Bécal (Be), Calkiní (Ca), and Bacabchén (Ba). The chemical classes identified included sesquiterpenes, sesquiterpenoids, alkanes, quinones, tocopherols, and sterols. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated a clear separation of PRCa, PRBa, and CrBe from the other samples, with 86% of the total variation explained by 22 components. In PRCa (+)-ledol, (E)-β-farnesene, germacrene D, cis-β-santalene, and α-bisabolol were found abundantly. PRBa showed an abundance of β-elemene and moderate levels of caryophyllene oxide, guaiol, and γ-sitosterol. CrBe contained abundant (−)-spathulenol and phytol. The antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus showed that PRCa extracts exhibited the largest inhibition zones (23.5 ± 2.12 mm), statistically influenced by geographic origin (p = 0.0005). Conversely, PRBe and PRBa showed higher total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, with the geographic origin × variety interaction significantly influencing these traits (p < 0.001). The findings highlight the importance of B. Orellana, particularly the Peruvian red variety, as a valuable source of bioactive secondary metabolites and underscore the influence of cultivar phenotype and geographic origin on phytochemical variability and its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Full article

Sarcopenia is a progressive, age-related musculoskeletal disorder characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical performance, which contributes to frailty, disability, and mortality in older adults. Although resistance exercise and optimized protein intake remain first-line interventions, effective pharmacological therapies are limited, highlighting the need for novel adjunctive strategies. Increasing interest has focused on phytochemicals, plant-derived bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties that may target multiple mechanisms underlying muscle aging. This review summarizes the molecular and translational potential of phytochemicals in sarcopenia management. Experimental and emerging clinical evidence indicates that flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids modulate key pathways involved in sarcopenia pathogenesis, including PI3K/Akt/mTOR-mediated anabolic signaling, AMPK–SIRT3–PGC-1α-dependent mitochondrial biogenesis, NF-κB-driven inflammation, oxidative stress responses, autophagy, and satellite cell function. Through these pleiotropic effects, phytochemicals may attenuate the anabolic resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and impaired muscle regeneration associated with aging. Despite promising mechanistic evidence, clinical translation remains limited by poor bioavailability, variability in formulation and dosing, a lack of long-term randomized trials, and inconsistent functional outcome measures. Current evidence suggests that phytochemicals are most effective when integrated with resistance exercise and nutritional support rather than used as stand-alone therapies. Overall, phytochemicals represent promising complementary candidates for sarcopenia prevention and management. Future studies should prioritize standardized formulations, biomarker-guided approaches, and rigorously designed clinical trials focused on clinically meaningful functional outcomes to establish their efficacy, safety, and translational relevance in aging populations. Full article

Eungyosan (EGS) is a traditional multi-herbal formulation widely used for the treatment of respiratory diseases; however, its quality control remains challenging due to its complex chemical composition. This study aimed to develop and validate a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection (HPLC–PDA) method for simultaneous determination of 11 representative marker compounds in EGS and to apply the method to the comparative quality evaluation of laboratory-prepared and commercial EGS formulations. Chromatographic conditions were optimized, and the marker compounds were selected based on their herbal origin, phytochemical relevance, and chromatographic detectability. The method was validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity (limits of detection and quantification), precision, accuracy, and stability. All analytes exhibited excellent linearity (coefficient of determination > 0.9999), along with satisfactory precision (relative standard deviation < 2%) and recovery (95.64–105.69%). The validated method was successfully applied to a laboratory-prepared extract and three commercial granule formulations. Considerable differences in the levels of marker compounds were observed among the samples; several marker compounds were either not detected or could not be quantified because of UV spectral mismatch in certain commercial products. These findings demonstrate variability in the chemical composition of the tested EGS formulations and highlight the usefulness of the validated HPLC–PDA method for comparative quality evaluation of multi-herbal formulations. Full article

Buds are a critical stage in the annual growth–dormancy cycle of perennial woody plants and are essential for survival and biomass accumulation. To safeguard these structures, trees employ both physical and chemical protection. Although Populus buds are known to contain rich phytochemistry, population-level variation remains largely unexplored. Here, we characterized bud phytochemistry across a population of Populus trichocarpa natural variants using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and examined the antifungal properties of bud extracts. In the reference genotype Nisqually-1, a total of 32 lipophilic metabolites were detected, belonging to four chemical groups: terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, linear hydrocarbons, and others. Analysis of 49 additional P. trichocarpa natural variants revealed both shared features and substantial variation. All lines contained metabolites from the phenylpropanoid, linear hydrocarbon and terpenoid classes, which consistently dominated the profiles. However, quantitative differences in individual metabolites and relative class abundances distinguished the lines, allowing them to be grouped into three chemotypic clusters. To assess potential biological implications of phytochemical variance, we tested antifungal activity of bud extracts against the pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum. Extracts from all 50 lines significantly inhibited fungal growth compared with controls. Correlation analyses between metabolite abundance and inhibition strength identified candidate metabolites that were most strongly associated with antifungal activity. Together, these findings reveal both conserved and variable components of bud phytochemistry in P. trichocarpa. The observed chemical diversity and consistent antifungal effects suggest that bud metabolites contribute to defense and may reflect adaptation across natural populations. Full article

The present study describes the phenolic profile of the leaves of 12 different willow species by UPLC^®-RP18-PDA in terms of variability between species, years, harvest month, and among sexes. The analyzed compound classes include salicylic alcohol derivatives (SADs), caffeic acid derivatives (CADs), coumaryl alcohol glucosides (CAGs), flavan-3-ols, flavanones, flavanonols, flavones, and flavonols. Furthermore, the Salix species were chemotaxonomically classified on this basis, and correlations between the constituent classes were analyzed. The investigations indicate that the phenolic spectrum is highly species-specific but reveals no sex-specific variation. The flavan-3-ol content varied substantially among species, ranging from 2.1–36 mg/g DW and S. bicolor was determined to be a species of particular phytochemical interest, as it contained high concentrations of flavanonols (13 mg/g DM) and flavones (24 mg/g DW). Furthermore, at the end of the growth period, the secondary metabolite content was significantly higher and the compound classes CADs and flavan-3-ols were found to be significantly influenced by the harvest year. Chemotaxonomical classification revealed the separation of S. bicolor, S. purpurea, and S. caprea from the other species when compared with the generally accepted classification of the genus. This study contributes to a more comprehensive phytochemical characterization of willow species, which may support the development of willow extracts. Full article

Phytochemical-assisted green synthesis of silver nanoparticles offers a sustainable alternative to conventional fabrication routes by utilising plant-derived metabolites as multifunctional reducing, capping, and stabilising agents. Polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and related biomolecules mediate the reduction of Ag⁺ to Ag⁰ under mild conditions while controlling nucleation, growth, and surface stabilisation, thereby dictating nanoparticle size, morphology, and colloidal stability. This review establishes clear links between phytochemical composition and the mechanistic pathways governing nanoparticle formation and biofunctional performance. Variations in extract chemistry influence electron transfer dynamics, surface functionalisation, and physicochemical properties, ultimately modulating biological activity. Enhanced antimicrobial and antioxidant effects arise from synergistic interactions between the silver core and phytochemical capping layers, promoting membrane disruption, reactive oxygen species generation, and biomolecular interference. Despite promising applications in antimicrobial coatings, food preservation, agriculture, and anticancer systems, key challenges remain, including compositional variability, limited mechanistic standardisation, and insufficient toxicological evaluation. Nonetheless, phytochemical-assisted synthesis provides a tunable and sustainable platform for AgNP production, aligning nanomaterial design with green chemistry principles while enabling multifunctional bioactivity. By integrating phytochemical composition, mechanistic synthesis pathways, and structure–activity relationships across diverse applications, this review provides a critical framework for the rational design, standardisation, and scalable development of next-generation phytochemical-mediated AgNP systems. Full article

Background: The genus Satureja L. (savory) includes approximately 200 aromatic herb and shrub species distributed worldwide. These plants are widely used in traditional and modern medicine, culinary practices, and agriculture. This review summarises knowledge on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Satureja species published between March 2014 and 2025. Methods: Peer-reviewed literature was searched on Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Scopus, and SciFinder using the keywords “Satureja” and “savory.” A total of 171 relevant articles were analyzed, focusing on ethnomedicinal use, chemical constituents, and pharmacological effects. Results: Recent ethnobotanical studies documented the use of local medicinal plants, including Satureja, in several European regions. Phytochemical research identified major groups of compounds such as essential oils, flavonoids, phenolic acids, jasmonates, di- and triterpenes, and steroids. Essential oils are the most studied and show high variability among species due to environmental and genetic factors. Pharmacological research largely highlights antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antitumor activities, as well as protective effects against chemotherapy-induced side effects. Additional studies report neurological benefits, including prevention of opioid analgesic tolerance, antiepileptic activity, and memory-enhancing effects. Satureja species have been the subject of various innovative developments aimed at preserving food quality, improving coating materials in the food industry, and developing new environmentally friendly biopesticides. Conclusions: Future research should prioritize the study of individual bioactive compounds, their mechanisms of action, and structure–activity relationships. Advances in nanoformulations and modern extraction technologies offer promising directions to support the medicinal and food-industry applications of Satureja-derived products. Full article

Gastrointestinal parasitism remains a major constraint in sheep production, and increasing anthelmintic resistance has stimulated interest in plant-based alternatives. This exploratory study evaluated the antiparasitic effect and preliminary biochemical safety of Chenopodium chilense Schrad., a plant species, in sheep from southern Chile. Thirty adult female Criollo Araucana sheep were allocated to five groups (n = 6): two groups received commercial anthelmintics, and three groups received oral C. chilense at 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g of “Paico powder” per kg of body weight. Fecal egg counts were monitored over a three-week follow-up period using the McMaster technique. Serum AST, GGT, ALP, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were evaluated before and after treatment in the C. chilense groups. Lower doses of C. chilense were associated with modest numerical reductions in fecal egg counts, whereas the highest dose showed greater variability and lower apparent efficacy. However, no statistically significant overall treatment effect was detected. In an exploratory analysis, parasite type was associated with variation in post-treatment egg counts. Biochemical analyses did not show a consistent dose-dependent pattern compatible with overt hepatotoxicity. These results suggest that C. chilense may have preliminary potential as a complementary phytotherapeutic candidate, but larger studies with improved sampling design, standardized phytochemical characterization, and greater statistical power are needed. Full article

Chronic non-communicable diseases are closely linked to low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress. Native Brazilian fruits, rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and carotenoids, have recognized antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Mechanisms of action included inhibition of NF-κB signaling, downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulation of oxidative biomarkers, and improvement of metabolic parameters. Several studies demonstrate protective effects against insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, cardiovascular alterations, and neuroinflammation, alongside modulation of gut microbiota. Most evidence is from animal or cell models, with scarce clinical trials, limiting translational applicability. Overall, native Brazilian fruits represent promising dietary sources of bioactive compounds that may contribute to the modulation of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Challenges include variability in phytochemical content due to species, maturity, processing, a lack of standardized extraction and dosage protocols, and limited bioavailability data. Although preclinical findings are robust, further controlled human trials are necessary to confirm their efficacy and clarify their role in the clinical management of inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

Interest in phytotherapy and phytogenic additives in veterinary medicine and animal production has increased considerably, driven by the search for functional alternatives to extensive antimicrobial use and the growing emphasis on food safety. In this context, Curcuma longa L. and its main bioactive compound, curcumin, have attracted attention because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties. This review synthesizes recent evidence on the use of C. longa and curcumin in veterinary medicine, with emphasis on the botanical and phytochemical basis of the plant, the main biological mechanisms involved, and reported applications in poultry, swine, ruminants, aquaculture, and companion animals. It further highlights that the interpretation of findings is strongly influenced by botanical identity, phytochemical variability, product type, standardization, dose and route of administration. Available evidence indicates promising effects on antioxidant status, intestinal health, productive performance and hepatic protection in selected experimental models. However, translation into practice remains constrained by the low oral bioavailability of curcumin, formulation heterogeneity and inconsistent reporting. Overall, C. longa represents a promising phytogenic resource, but robust veterinary recommendations require studies in target species, better characterized products and standardized experimental protocols for application. Full article