Search Results (253)

Opportunities to capture anticipated niche markets for diverse populations continue to rise. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), considered a high-value crop, is rich in nutritional and medicinal properties; however, fresh okra is highly perishable. This study examined the effects of thermal pre-treatments and drying processes in combination on the nutritional quality of dried okra. The experiment consisted of two thermal treatments (steam-blanched and hot water-blanched, and the control) and three drying treatments (freeze-dried, hot air-dried, and infrared-dried). Okra was grown in black plastic mulch, harvested twice per week, and processed three times throughout the growing season. The study analyzed moisture content, water activity, phytonutrients, ascorbic acid, β-carotene, and antioxidant activities. No significant differences were observed in moisture content and water activity among the treatments. Significant differences were observed among treatments and harvest time for total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity. Notable differences in β-carotene content were observed across all treatments. Based on the findings, the steam-blanched freeze-dried treatment was the most effective preservation technique for maintaining the nutritional and functional quality of dried okra. Hot water-blanching, hot air-drying, and infrared-drying were the least effective for the development of a high-value, nutrient-dense dried okra value-added product. Full article

Liver fibrosis is characterized by an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins as a wound-healing response to chronic liver injury, leading to tissue scarring and organ dysfunction. Natural compounds, including phytonutrients and polyphenols, have been shown to exert protective effects by reducing profibrotic biomarkers in vitro and in vivo models. Here, we provide the first evidence that the polyphenol hesperidin (HE) can counteract the onset of fibrotic responses in an ex vivo mouse liver fibrosis model induced by Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) (5 ng/mL). Notably, HE drives early ECM remodeling in the fibrotic mouse liver tissue. Fibrosis-related parameters were assessed at both the transcriptional and translational levels after treatment with HE at increasing concentrations of 50, 75, and 100 µg/mL. Interestingly, HE at 75 µg/mL exerted the strongest beneficial effect, significantly decreasing the gene expression of α-SMA, SERPINH-1, FN-1, VIM and COL1A1 and counteracting the TGF-β1-induced upregulation of key fibrotic markers, including α-SMA, COL1A2, and VIM, reflecting its capacity to attenuate myofibroblast activation and ECM production and modulating membrane lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, HE inhibited SMAD2 phosphorylation, suggesting that its antifibrotic activity may involve the modulation of the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway. Moreover, it promoted an anti-inflammatory response, due to a decrease in IL-1β and IL-6 expression. Our study highlights the potential of the ex vivo model as a platform for evaluating the antifibrotic efficacy of natural molecules, and it suggests significant translational implications and new opportunities for developing innovative therapeutic strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Research confirms that diet can influence the onset or course of depression. Polyphenols are bioactive plant compounds with proven beneficial effects on health. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between polyphenol intake and the health status of individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: The study included 44 participants. Health status was assessed using questionnaires adapted into Polish, body composition analysis, and laboratory blood tests. Polyphenol intake was estimated using the Phenol-Explorer program. Results: Among men, polyphenol intake was positively associated with glycated hemoglobin levels (R = 0.70; p = 0.038). Lower polyphenol intake in women was associated with poorer physical health (p = 0.014) and overall quality of life (p = 0.013). Polyphenol intake enhanced the effects of visceral fat content, muscle mass, severity of depressive symptoms (positive), and severity of stress symptoms (negative) on triglyceride levels. Polyphenol intake was positively associated with LDL cholesterol levels, and this relationship was attenuated by body water and fat content. Polyphenol intake weakened the relationship between fat content (negative) and quality of life (positive) with cortisol levels (R² = 0.61; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Polyphenols act both directly and mediate the effects of other factors on the health status of individuals with MDD. Despite their proven beneficial effects, further research is needed to explore their potential impact and mechanisms of action in patients with MDD. Full article

Background and Objectives: Fibromyalgia (FM) is associated with chronic pain, oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, and disturbances in signalling along the gut–brain axis. These pathways may be modulated by plant-derived phytonutrients. This narrative review summarises mechanistic and clinical evidence on phytonutrient-based strategies in FM. Materials and Methods: Following SANRA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and ScienceDirect for human and relevant preclinical studies published between 2005 and October 2025 that evaluated phytonutrient-rich dietary patterns or isolated bioactives in relation to FM symptoms or underlying mechanisms. Results: There is a consistent association between FM and increased oxidative damage and reduced antioxidant defences. Adopting plant-based diets, particularly Mediterranean-type and low-FODMAP diets, has been linked to improvements in pain, fatigue, sleep, and gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as modest gains in quality of life. However, the effects on inflammatory markers are conflicting. Trials of selected bioactive compounds, such as coenzyme Q10, curcumin-based formulations, L-carnitine and certain probiotics, suggest beneficial effects on symptoms, whereas others show little or no effect. Studies of the microbiome indicate a loss of butyrate-producing bacteria and altered microbial metabolites. Early dietary or probiotic interventions may partially mitigate these changes to some extent. Preclinical studies have identified SIRT1 as a potential mediator, but there is a lack of human data. Reporting on safety, dosage and formulation is often inadequate. Conclusions: Given the narrative design of this review and the methodological heterogeneity of the included studies, the overall certainty of the evidence cannot be formally graded and should be regarded as limited and heterogeneous. Nevertheless, current data supports phytonutrient-rich, food-based approaches as adjuncts rather than alternatives to standard FM care. Well-designed randomised trials with standardised outcomes and reporting of dose, formulation and relevant biomarkers are needed to identify the most effective strategies and the patient subgroups most likely to benefit. Full article

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an underutilized source of phytonutrients and easily digestible protein, containing all essential amino acids, highlighting its potential for food applications. This study aimed to produce alfalfa protein concentrates (APC) from frozen aerial parts and evaluate how conventional extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) affect the extraction yield, physicochemical properties, functional attributes, color parameters, phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity. The influence of extraction pH and the type of acid used for isoelectric precipitation was also evaluated. Paired t-tests (p ≤ 0.05) showed that UAE (37 kHz, 25 °C, 15 min) increased the extraction yield by 20.5–39.7%, the protein content in APC by 2.5–12.1% and the in vitro protein digestibility by 5.6–11.03%, depending on the extraction conditions. Ultrasound treatment decreased the levels of chlorophyll and carotenoids, modified the color parameters and increased the total polyphenols and flavonoids content. Improvements in the textural, foaming and emulsifying properties of APC were also observed. UAE also reduced the scavenging capacity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. However, the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•⁺) scavenging activity significantly increased in aqueous APC extracts, reaching 3118.8 mg TE/100 g DW. Overall, UAE proved effective in improving the yield and functionality of APC, supporting its application in the development of alfalfa-based protein ingredients. Full article

High-throughput colourimetric assays are widely used to screen phenolic phytonutrients in foods and plants, supporting discovery, quality control, and preliminary nutraceutical assessment. This review summarises the historical development, operating principles, and limitations of phenolic-based benchtop methods, and reports practical guidance for defensible application. The following colourimetric approaches are critically evaluated: Folin–Ciocalteu for total phenolics; AlCl₃-based and alternative total flavonoid methods; the pH-differential procedure for total monomeric anthocyanins; and tannin assays including vanillin–HCl, butanol–HCl (Porter), DMACA, protein-precipitation, and hydrolysable-tannin (rhodanine/ellagic-acid) protocols. For each method, common biases are identified, matrix interferences, reagent cross-reactivity, oxidative artefacts, dependence on calibration standard, and the chemical meaning of the readout is clarified. A best-practice framework is proposed: define the analytical target; pair complementary assays; pre-clean extracts; justify standards and wavelengths; control oxidation; validate spike-recovery and conversion checks; and contextualise outcomes using functional measures. A consistent conclusion emerges: no single method quantifies “total tannins” or “total flavonoids” across diverse matrices, and transparent reporting with method triangulation is essential for comparability and credible nutraceutical interpretation. The guidance consolidated here aims to standardise practice, minimise over- and underestimation artefacts, and strengthen the evidentiary value of data in food and nutraceutical research. Full article

Mistletoe species grow hemiparasitically on a wide spectrum of trees occurring in the tropical, subtropical and temperate zones. Mistletoe has been associated with fertility, vitality and fatality in humans. In the present review, we examine articles published in English and/or with the option to translate them into English on the distribution mechanism, ecological impact and value. This study aimed to interrogate and outline the phytonutrient profiling, ethnomedicinal and ethnopharmacological applications, toxicology and quality control of mistletoes, particularly the Loranthaceae and Viscaceae families. There are at least 1400 species of mistletoe belonging to these two families across the world. Humans have used mistletoe for years, and it has a rich history, mainly in traditional medicine. Recent research interests accompanied by investigations on mistletoe have made a major contribution to our understanding of the survival behavior and mechanisms of the species. This has prompted researchers to intensively investigate and justify its potential and applications in traditional medicine systems to further incorporate it into conventional scientific medicine processes. This study thoroughly outlines the nutritional and phytochemical constituents of various mistletoe species, as well as the factors that play a role in the process. The sections in this study dedicated to elaborating on the nutritional and phytochemical composition of mistletoe show that it is a plant species rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, especially compared to its host. Its survival mechanism makes it possible for this plant species to contain significant quantities of both nutrients (proximate components and mineral elements) and bioactive compounds (viscin, alkaloids, phenolics and polyphenolics, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, and saponins). Overall, mistletoe species have potential as medicinal plants, offering a range of health benefits and the ability to treat ailments (both communicable and non-communicable diseases). However, there are insufficient investigations and records of mistletoe’s toxicity, safety and quality control. Therefore, it is important to further investigate the potential applications, mechanisms of action, and optimal uses of mistletoe preparations and/or extracts. Full article

A sustainable economy and the drive to reduce agro-industrial waste worldwide motivate the increased interest in alternative uses of traditionally cultivated plants such as tobacco. Tobacco seeds are an underutilized resource with enormous potential for application in various areas of human life. The present study aims to characterize the phytochemical composition and nutritional potential of Oriental tobacco seeds grown in Bulgaria, in order to support their possible application in areas outside the tobacco industry. Two Oriental tobacco varieties (“Krumovgrad 90” and “Krumovgrad 58”) from three production regions were explored and comparatively evaluated in terms of their physical and chemical indicators, determined by standardized methods. The results showed high protein (22.57–23.84%) and energy content (482–531 kcal/100 g), combined with relatively low carbohydrate levels (3.79–4.03%) and the presence of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols (288–357 mg GAE/100 g). The seeds contained significant amount of oil (36.31–39.24%), of which the fatty acid profile included 16 identified components, with linoleic (72.0–74.4%), oleic (11.2–13.5%), palmitic (9.6–10.2%), and stearic (1.8–2.5%) acids taking the greatest share. The sterol fraction was dominated by β-sitosterol (43.5–46.8%), followed by sitostanol, campesterol and stigmasterol, with a stable distribution between the samples. The main tocol was γ-tocotrienol (56.5–61.4%), with α-tocotrienol being detected only in one of the varieties (“Krumovgrad 58”, 13.3%). The phospholipid fraction showed variations between the samples, with a dominant presence of phosphatidylinositol (18.0–20.4%). The results from the study confirmed the tangible potential of tobacco seeds as a source of biologically active substances in the development of functional foods and dietary supplements. Full article

This research aimed to explore the influence of climate factors, especially in the three weeks prior to harvest, on the reaction of key phytonutrients in industrial tomatoes used for juice thermal processing and their stability. The cultivation was performed in two areas with differing climatic conditions. In the region with higher temperatures and rainfall, the levels and stability of carotenoids were lower compared to the area characterized by warm temperatures and minimal rainfall during both the growth and harvest phases of the tomatoes. The extraction of cold-break (CBE) tomatoes from relatively cool and wet environments resulted in a loss of total carotenoids, particularly lycopene, amounting to 66% and 58% of the initial raw tomato content in 2018 and 2019, respectively, while a markedly reduced loss of 10% was observed after the CBE of tomatoes from the warmer and drier region in both years (36% and 35%). In contrast, hot-break extraction (HBE) demonstrated a higher stability of lycopene compared to CBE, with losses of 43% and 53% in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Additionally, the stability of lycopene in HBE did not show significant differences between the cultivation sites. Climatic conditions influenced the accumulation of geometrical isomers and oxidized forms of lycopene and β-carotene, especially in tomatoes grown in areas with higher rainfall and lower temperatures. A similar trend in response was noted for β-carotene, lutein, phytoene, and phytofluene, as well as total and individual tocopherols. Regarding vitamin C, the environmental factors had no meaningful impact on the vitamin content in tomato fruits; however, its stability during processing, especially with hot-break extraction, was considerably influenced by the climatic conditions of the cultivation site, with p values ranging from <0.01 to <0.001 across different products in various years. The content and stability of phytonutrients in pomace, the by-product from tomato juice processing, were also assessed. In conclusion, tomato fruits and processed products that boast high phytonutrient levels and stability during thermal processing can be achieved through cultivation in conditions of low rainfall and relatively high temperatures, particularly in the three weeks leading up to harvest. Full article

The effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on the chemical composition of the fruits and cladodes of two Opuntia ficus-indica cultivars, characterized by their red and yellow fruit color, were investigated under field conditions. AMF treatment was found to significantly influence the concentration of phytonutrients in the fruits. The concentrations of betacyanin and betaxanthin increased by 1.2- and 1.9-fold in red and yellow fruits, respectively. The polyphenol content increased by 50%, with piscidic acid being the most abundant polyphenol in the red fruits. A similar increase in ascorbic acid was observed in the yellow fruits. Regarding the cladodes, AMF treatment was found to significantly affect macronutrient levels, with glucose and fructose contents being 90% and 34% higher, respectively. Additionally, cladodes from plants grown with AMF inoculation showed a 20% increase in ascorbic acid and phosphorus. These results demonstrate cultivar- and part-of-plant-dependent effects of AMF inoculation and confirm the nutritional and sustainable potential of Opuntia ficus-indica, particularly when coupled with mycorrhizal biofertilization practices. Full article

Herbs offer people not just sustenance and housing but also serve as a key supplier of pharmaceuticals. This research is designed to assess the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of green-produced zirconium dioxide and magnesium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO₂ and MgO NPs) utilizing extracts from unripe Solanum trilobatum fruit. ZrO₂ and MgO NPs have garnered considerable interest owing to their superior bioavailability, lower toxicity, and many uses across the healthcare and commercial industries. Scientific approaches, such as diverse spectroscopic and microscopic approaches, validated the creation of agglomerated spherical ZrO₂ and MgO NPs, measuring between 15 and 30 and 60 and 80 nm, with a mixed-phase composition consisting of monoclinic and tetragonal phases for ZrO₂ and a face-centered cubic structure for MgO NPs. UV–vis studies revealed a distinct peak at 378 and 290 nm for ZrO₂ and MgO NPs, suggesting efficient settling through the phytonutrients in S. trilobatum. The antioxidant capacity of ZrO₂ and MgO NPs was evaluated utilizing DPPH and FRAP reducing power assays. The diabetic effectiveness of ZrO₂ and MgO NPs was examined by alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase assays. The optimum doses of 500 and 1000 μg/mL were shown to be efficient in reducing radical species. Green-produced ZrO₂ and MgO NPs exhibited a dose-dependent reaction, with greater amounts of ZrO₂ and MgO NPs exerting a more pronounced inhibitory effect on the catalytic sites of enzymes. This work suggests that ZrO₂ and MgO NPs may attach to charge-carrying entities and function as rival inhibitors, therefore decelerating the enzyme–substrate reaction and inhibiting enzymatic degradation. Molecular docking analysis of ZrO₂ and MgO NPs with three proteins (2F6D, 2QV4, and 3MNG) implicated in antidiabetic and antioxidant studies demonstrated the interaction of ZrO₂ and MgO NPs with the target proteins. The results indicated the in vitro effectiveness of phytosynthesized ZrO₂ and MgO NPs as antidiabetic antioxidant agents, which may be used in the formulation of alternative treatment strategies against diabetes and oxidative stress. In summary, the green production of ZrO₂ and MgO NPs with Solanum trilobatum unripe fruit extract is an efficient, environmentally sustainable process that yields nanomaterials with significant antioxidant and antidiabetic characteristics, underscoring their prospective uses in biomedical research. Full article

Increased market demand for plant herbs has prompted growers to ensure a continuous and assured supply of superior nutritional quality over the years. Apart from the nutritional value, culinary herbs contain phytochemical benefits that can improve human health. However, a significant amount of research has focused on enhancing yield, frequently overlooking the impact of production practices on the antioxidant and phytonutritional content of the produce. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the yield, phytonutrients, and essential mineral profiling in selected aromatic herbs and their intricate role in nutritional quality when grown under different production systems. Five selected aromatic herbs (coriander, rocket, fennel, basil, and moss-curled parsley) were evaluated at harvest when grown under three production systems: in a gravel-film technique (GFT) hydroponic system and in soil, both under the 40% white shade-net structure, as well as in a soilless medium using sawdust under a non-temperature-controlled plastic tunnel (NTC). The phytonutritional quality properties (total phenolic, flavonoids, β-carotene-linoleic acid, and condensed tannins contents) as well as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were assessed using spectrophotometry, while vitamin C and β-carotene were analyzed using HPLC-PDA, and leaf mineral content was evaluated using ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry). The results show that the health benefits vary greatly owing to the particular culinary herb. The fresh leaf mass (yield) of coriander, parsley, and rocket was not significantly affected by the production system, whereas basil was high in soil cultivation, followed by GFT. Fennel had a high yield in the GFT system compared to in-soil and in-soilless cultivation. The highest levels of vitamin C were found in basil leaves grown in GFT and in soil compared to the soilless medium. The amount of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds, β-carotene, β-carotene-linoleic acid, and DPPH, were considerably high in soil cultivation, except on condensed tannins compared to the GFT and soilless medium, which could be a result of Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR) values (683 μmol/m²/s) and not favoring the accumulation of tannins. Overall, the mineral content was greatly influenced by the production system. Leaf calcium and magnesium contents were highly accumulated in rockets grown in the soilless medium and the GFT hydroponic system. The results have highlighted that growing environmental conditions significantly impact the accumulation of health-promoting phytonutrients in aromatic herbs. Some have positive ramifications, while others have negative ramifications. As a result, growers should prioritize in-soil production systems over GFT (under the shade-net) and soilless cultivation (under NTC) to produce aromatic herbs to improve the functional benefits and customer health. Full article

Antioxidants are critical components of the body’s defense system, providing protection against cell-damaging free radicals responsible for oxidative damage of biomolecules. Humans benefit from the consumption of plants with high antioxidant content, which have been shown to positively impact health. In plant physiology, antioxidants provide protection from biotic and abiotic stress, particularly during the development of seeds and germination. Peanut seeds and seed coats have been shown to contain several beneficial antioxidants and are a good source of phytonutrients. Seed coat color can vary greatly and impact the antioxidant capacity of the edible portion of the peanut. Additionally, the seed coat can provide bitter notes in products, affecting their palatability and potentially negating the beneficial properties of the antioxidants present. A total of 42 accessions from the Germplasm Resource Information Network (GRIN) with a variety of seed coat colors were obtained and analyzed for total antioxidant capacity to provide a baseline assessment of the distribution of antioxidants in kernel versus seed coats. The results demonstrated that seed coat color somewhat impacts antioxidant capacity, and 56–88% of the total antioxidant capacity resides in the seed kernel. Three control samples, not part of the germplasm collection, were roasted and prepared for analysis by the descriptive sensory panel. Seed coats were added back to the roasted paste in increasing proportion for analysis by the panel, and perceptions regarding bitterness and overall organoleptic properties were noted. Based on the results of this study, several accessions were selected and then planted for increase and potential crossbreeding with appropriate commercial cultivars. This information could be used to selectively add antioxidant capacity to peanut breeding programs to provide additional health benefits to consumers without compromising the sensory perception and desirability and peanut products in nutrition. Full article

Background and Objectives: Myricetin, a flavonoid compound, was demonstrated to effectively arrest the cell-to-cell fusion and syncytial development triggered by Nipah virus (NiV) fusion (F) and attachment (G) envelope glycoproteins in vitro involving two permissive mammalian cell lines. Methods: Time-of-addition assays were carried out using codon-optimized NiV wild type (WT) F and G plasmids followed by a challenge with the addition of myricetin 1 h and 6 h post-transfection in HEK 293T and Vero cells. Results: Upon evaluating different myricetin concentrations, it was determined that a 100 μM concentration of myricetin effectively inhibited 64–80% of syncytia in HEK and Vero cells. Interpretation & Conclusions: In this study, we concluded that myricetin mitigated the syncytial development in HEK and Vero cell lines. Given the flavonoid attributes of myricetin which is widely present in fruits, vegetables, tea, and wine, it may be regarded as a phytonutrient and a safer antiviral alternative against Nipah virus infections. Due to the BSL-4 nature of the virus, further research involving live virus culture is necessary to confirm myricetin as a potential antiviral compound for the mitigation of pathological effects of NiV infections. Full article

Due to the extensive types of etiologies and risks causing over 600 types of mental health issues, to convene adequate recommendations in primary care is a difficult assignment. The starting point for preventive interventions on neurologic disorders involves scrutinizing the risk factors while targeting multiple hazards in order to increase the success of an early precautionary mediation plan of action. The primary risk factor for most neurodegenerative diseases is the increasing worldwide median age, although one in seven youngsters also experience a mental disability, namely depression, representing a decline in well-being and conferring a considerable global public health challenge. The brain operates optimally when supported by a holistic approach engaging several aspects, and diet is becoming an integral part of care strategies. Treatment is presently dominated by pharmacotherapy, but additional strategies are needed to prevent and treat mental disorders. Dietary modification can prove to be a cost-effective strategy for the prevention and, in certain conditions, treatment of neurological disorders. Molecules of dietary ingredients, micronutrients, phytonutrients, and additives may modulate depression associated biomarkers. Nutritional exposure during the early developmental stages and maternal impact, lifestyles, and the modulation of the gut microbiota through diet as novel therapies for the treatment of various neuropsychiatric conditions is gaining interest for maintaining brain health. Bioactive substances present in different mushroom species have been ascribed to both direct and indirect mechanisms of influence on neurobehavior, and here we support the recognition of mushroom nutrition as an influential dietary element in prevention and management of some neurologic concerns. Scientific evidence demonstrating the unequivocal link between nutritional mushrooms and cognitive health is only beginning to emerge, and nutritional medicine should be considered as an integral part of mental care. Full article