Search Results (2,737)

Horse mackerel is nutritionally valuable but highly prone to quality loss during chilled storage because its PUFA-rich lipids readily oxidize in comminuted products. Therefore, clean-label strategies are required to delay oxidation and spoilage. This study evaluated the effect of adding sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum), either as a plant homogenate incorporated at 5% (P-5%), 10% (P-10%) and 20% (P-20%) or as a dried polyphenolic extract at 0.25% (E-0.25%), 0.5% (E-0.5%), and 1% (E-1%), on the shelf-life of horse mackerel meatballs stored at 4 °C. Lipid oxidation, including free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value, conjugated dienes, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP analyses), color (CIELAB color space), pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), spoilage-associated microbial groups, and volatile profiles were monitored during storage. Sea fennel reduced secondary oxidation compared to the control, with P-20% showing the lowest TBARS, corresponding to an approximately five-fold decrease compared with the control, and E-1% showing the clearest suppression of oxidation-derived aldehydes in the volatile fraction. The incorporation of either the plant homogenate or the extract reduced microbial growth, particularly that of Pseudomonas spp., while lactic acid bacteria counts increased during storage. This contributed to extend the microbiological shelf life of P-20% and E-1% by approximately 3 days. P-20% and E-1% also showed lower pH and TVB-N values over time. Overall, sea fennel improved the oxidative stability and early microbial control of refrigerated horse mackerel meatballs. However, whole-plant incorporation requires further optimization to balance matrix effects, quality evolution, and potential sensory changes. Full article

Plant-based “milks” have gained increasing attention as functional beverages due to their nutritional properties, consumer acceptance, and potential for probiotic fermentation. Lactose intolerance, milk allergies, and growing interest in sustainable plant-based diets have contributed to the rapid expansion of nut-based beverage (NBBs) markets. This review summarizes recent advances in processing and nutritional characteristics of NBBs as dairy alternatives. Although rich in bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, minerals, unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamins, NBBs generally exhibit lower nutritional density than bovine milk, particularly in protein content and mineral bioaccessibility due to antinutritional compounds present in plant matrices. Fermentation with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can confer probiotic properties, increase the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds, and improve sensory properties by reducing off-flavors and promoting the formation of desirable aromas. Pistachio- and almond-based beverages generally exhibit more consistent fermentation performance, favoring probiotic growth and sensory improvement, whereas coconut- and walnut-based milks often require additional stabilization strategies due to limited emulsifying capacity or oxidative instability. Overall, fermented NBBs represent a promising category of functional foods with increasing technological and nutritional relevance. Future research should focus on optimizing starter cultures and processing conditions, improving scalability and industrial feasibility, and elucidating microbial/matrix interactions through integrated omics approaches. Full article

Background/Objectives: Plant secondary metabolites remain an invaluable source of novel antibacterial phytochemicals in the fight against antibiotic resistance. The medicinal plant Solidago gigantea Ait. (giant goldenrod) is an invasive species in Europe and represents an abundant, yet largely underexplored reservoir of such bioactive compounds. The primary aim of this study was to perform a non-targeted, effect-directed screening, detection, bioassay-guided isolation, structure elucidation, and microbiological assessment of the antibacterial constituents present in the inflorescences of S. gigantea. Methods: Thin-layer chromatography coupled with direct bioautography (TLC–DB) assay using Bacillus subtilis was utilized for the non-targeted, effect-directed analysis of antibacterial components and the evaluation of in vitro antibacterial activity. Successive preparative flash column chromatography, semi-preparative reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and thin-layer chromatography–mass spectrometry (TLC–MS) were employed for the bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated using one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS). The presence of known antibacterial compounds was established via reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (RP-UHPLC–HR-ESI-MS/MS). Results: Two previously undescribed cis-clerodane diterpenoids, the isomeric solidagoic acid L (1) and solidagoic acid M (2), were isolated, identified, and characterized from the ethyl acetate extract of S. gigantea inflorescences. Both compounds exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive B. subtilis, confirmed via TLC–DB. In addition, 23 known compounds with antibacterial activity, including 17 clerodane diterpenes, four hydroxylated polyunsaturated fatty acids, and two unsaturated monoacylglycerols, were detected. All of these are reported for the first time in the inflorescences of this plant species. Conclusions: With further optimization, the isolated compounds may represent promising leads for antibacterial drug development. Our findings demonstrate the potential of non-targeted, bioassay-guided approaches for the discovery of novel plant-derived bioactive natural products. Full article

Enhancing meat quality and optimizing pork-free amino acid profiles can boost the industry competitiveness of pork. Plant-extracted phenolic substances have beneficial effects on meat quality. This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with hesperidin, rosmarinic acid, and their combination on meat quality in finishing pigs. Twenty-four pigs were divided into four dietary treatment groups: CON (basal diet), HES (basal diet supplemented with 600 mg/kg hesperidin), RA (basal diet supplemented with 40 mg/kg rosmarinic acid), and HES-RA (basal diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg hesperidin and 20 mg/kg rosmarinic acid). After 90 days, pigs were slaughtered and sampled following a 12 h fast. Compared with the CON group, the HES-RA group pigs exhibited a significant increase in pH45 min and meat color a*, and had a decrease in meat color L* and drip loss. The combined HES-RA supplementation significantly increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and total superoxide dismutase, while reducing malondialdehyde. Furthermore, the contents of arginine and leucine were elevated in the muscle and serum. This combination treatment also modulated the ileal microbiota composition, notably enriching short-chain fatty acid-producing genera such as Veillonella and Mitsuokella, and increased the concentrations of acetate, propionate, and butyrate in the ileum. Furthermore, the combined supplementation significantly elevated the muscle mRNA expression of GLUT4, mTOR, S6K1, and 4E-BP1. Collectively, the hesperidin and rosmarinic acid supplementation was associated with enhanced meat quality, along with improved antioxidant capacity, modulation of gut microbiota and SCFA production, and upregulation of mTOR-associated gene expression. Full article

The narrow-clawed crayfish (Pontastacus leptodactylus), a non-native species accidentally introduced into China’s Irtysh River Basin, has formed a wild population with aquaculture potential, but its natural diet and protein utilization remain poorly understood. This study investigated its feeding ecology and digestive responses to protein sources to support ecological assessment and feed formulation. Intestinal contents and muscle samples from wild crayfish were analyzed using eDNA metabarcoding and fatty acid signature analysis. In vitro digestibility of 10 protein ingredients was evaluated with crude digestive enzyme extracts, and a 4-week trial compared an all-plant-protein diet (PPD) with an all-animal-protein diet (APD). eDNA indicated an omnivorous diet dominated by planktonic taxa, especially Rotifera, and fatty acid biomarkers suggested contributions from diatoms, dinoflagellates, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and benthic organisms. Soybean meal and soy protein concentrate showed high dry matter digestibility, whereas fishmeal and krill meal had high crude protein digestibility and amino acid release. Compared with PPD, APD increased feed intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, hemolymph nutritional indicators, villus height, and intestinal trypsin and lipase activities; however, intestinal integrity was preserved in both groups, and most intestinal antioxidant indices did not differ significantly. These findings indicate that animal proteins enhance nutrient utilization in P. leptodactylus, while selected plant proteins may serve as partial alternatives. Full article

The present research investigated the effects of two pork back-fat concentrations (30% fat, FAT30, and 40% fat, FAT40), two sodium chloride levels (2.4% and 2.6%), and two starter culture combinations (Lactobacillus curvatus/Staphylococcus xylosus; LAB6, and Lactobacillus sakei/Staphylococcus xylosus; LAB8) on ripened ostrich salami. Salami samples were formulated without nitrite and nitrate, which aligns with consumer demands for healthier, cleaner-label meat products. It is specified that the present experiment is structured with a single-batch-per-treatment combination: this was due to structural processing limitations in the production facility, which was an artisanal laboratory and not an industry plant. After 10 weeks of ripening, FAT30 salami showed higher values of pH, salt content, water-phase salt (WPS), α-tocopherol, free fatty acids (FFA), and secondary lipid oxidation products (TBARS) compared with FAT40 salami. Conversely, FAT40 salami exhibited higher water activity (a_w), moisture-to-protein ratio (M:P), conjugated dienes (CD; primary lipid oxidation products), and non-protein nitrogen (NPN) than FAT30 salami. Both NaCl concentration and starter culture type influenced several of the measured variables. Specifically, salami containing 2.4% salt exhibited higher FFA and CD values than the formulation containing 2.6% salt. Likewise, the LAB8 starter culture resulted in higher CD and NPN levels compared with LAB6. Fat inclusion level significantly affected sensory characteristics. FAT40 salami exhibited greater intensities of gamy, metallic, fatty, and moldy flavors, as well as higher overall off-flavor intensity, tenderness, and juiciness. In contrast, FAT30 salami was characterized by greater cohesiveness and a more pronounced ripening flavor. The 2.6% sodium chloride treatment resulted in greater color homogeneity, higher odor intensity, and stronger rancid notes, while reducing the perception of metallic, fatty, and moldy flavors compared with the 2.4% treatment. Salami inoculated with LAB6 exhibited a higher intensity of off-flavors than the formulation produced with LAB8. Moreover, several significant interactions among the three experimental factors were observed. After 20 weeks of ripening, the effects observed after 10 weeks for most physicochemical parameters were largely maintained. However, FFA and CD concentrations (both below the limit of quantification) no longer differed between the two fat inclusion levels. Sensory evaluation revealed that the differences between FAT30 and FAT40 in undesirable flavor attributes disappeared over time, whereas the perception of ripening and maturity became even more pronounced in FAT30 salami. Regarding FA composition, FAT30 salami contained higher proportions of saturated FA and polyunsaturated FA, whereas FAT40 salami was characterized by a higher monounsaturated FA content and more favorable lipid quality indices. Full article

Postbiotics are defined as preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer a health benefit on the host. Although interest in postbiotics has increased substantially, their translational use in functional foods remains insufficiently characterized with respect to preparation identity, production methodology, food-matrix compatibility, mechanistic specificity, and regulatory positioning. This PRISMA-guided structured review aims to synthesize current evidence on postbiotics in functional food and nutraceutical contexts, with particular emphasis on preparation-based characterization, gut–brain axis-related mechanisms and clinical findings, food matrix applicability, and regulatory and health-claim considerations. Unlike broader postbiotic reviews that mainly address definitions, general health effects, or technological stability, this review integrates preparation identity, production process, gut–brain axis-related evidence, food matrix compatibility, and regulatory/health-claim translation within a single functional food framework. A structured literature search was conducted in Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection and was completed on 16 February 2026. The search strategy included three conceptual blocks: postbiotic and inactivation-based preparation terms, functional food/nutraceutical and food matrix terms, and gut–brain axis-related clinical and mechanistic terms. Cosmetic, topical, veterinary, animal feed, and aquaculture-focused publications were excluded. The export files contained 131 records from Scopus and 136 from the Web of Science Core Collection, yielding 267 records after applying document-type and language filters. After manually removing duplicates, 237 unique records were screened. Following title/abstract screening, 176 records were excluded as outside the scope of the review, and 61 publications were retained for full-text assessment and final thematic synthesis. The review was reported according to applicable PRISMA 2020 items. The evidence was organized into three thematic domains: gut–brain axis-related clinical findings, mechanistic evidence, and food matrix/product development applications. Heat-inactivated preparations, including Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SNK12, have shown preliminary effects on stress-related symptoms, sleep quality, and selected neuroendocrine or inflammatory biomarkers in human studies. Mechanistic pathways include gut barrier integrity, immunomodulation, short-chain fatty acid signaling, tryptophan–kynurenine–serotonin metabolism, vagal communication, and regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Food matrix studies support the potential application of postbiotics in fermented dairy products, cereal-based systems, plant-based matrices, powders, concentrates, and bioactive packaging; however, matrix-dependent effects on bioavailability, sensory quality, and biological activity remain incompletely defined. Postbiotics provide a stable translational platform for functional-food development, but their scientific and commercial use requires clear characterization of the microbial source, production process, inactivation method, retained active fractions, dose metric, delivery matrix, and clinically meaningful endpoint. Future studies should avoid broad category-level claims and prioritize preparation- and matrix-defined human evidence with standardized safety reporting. Full article

Obesity is a major global health problem and is closely associated with a broad range of metabolic disorders, including metabolic syndrome (MetS), dyslipidemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. The gut microbiota plays a central role in maintaining intestinal epithelial integrity, regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, and modulating immune function. Through the gut–brain axis, it also contributes to appetite regulation and energy homeostasis by influencing the release of anorexigenic hormones. Dysbiosis, including alterations in the relative abundance of major bacterial phyla such as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, has been associated with increased intestinal permeability, metabolic endotoxemia, and chronic low-grade inflammation, all of which may contribute to the development of obesity and insulin resistance. Diets rich in plant-derived fiber can beneficially shape gut microbiota composition. Bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyrate, acetate, and propionate, which contribute to intestinal barrier integrity, inflammatory regulation, immune regulation, and metabolic homeostasis. Overall, the interaction between gut microbiota, diet, and host metabolic pathways represents a promising field for therapeutic and nutritional interventions aimed at preventing and managing MetS and metabolic diseases. Full article

Evidence from clinical trials indicates that dietary protein plays an important and often underappreciated role in lipoprotein lipid metabolism. For this narrative review, literature searches were conducted in the PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for articles describing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs, as well as dietary guidelines and dyslipidemia management recommendations, using search terms for protein quantity, source (e.g., animal- and plant-based), and type (e.g., dairy, meat, soy, and nuts) and effects on lipids and lipoproteins in humans. Findings indicated that dietary intakes of both animal-based and plant-based proteins, when replacing refined carbohydrates or saturated fatty acids, lower circulating concentrations of atherogenic lipoproteins. Protein from plant sources appears to produce a somewhat larger effect on lipoprotein lipid concentrations than protein from animal sources. Individual amino acids (e.g., branched-chain amino acids), protein food fractions (e.g., whey), and food-derived peptides may independently impact lipoprotein lipid metabolism. Beyond the effect of replacing one macronutrient for another, the biochemical pathways responsible for the effects of dietary protein on lipoprotein lipid metabolism in humans have not been fully defined. The importance of dietary protein in a healthy diet is emphasized in recent dietary recommendations for the general population and for individuals with dyslipidemias. Additional research is warranted to determine the amount of dietary protein and the best balance of food source(s) to optimize its benefits on lipoprotein lipid concentrations, as well as the mechanisms for these effects. Full article

Jasmonates are lipid-derived phytohormones that regulate plant development and defense across the green lineage. Thus, understanding the intricacies of jasmonate biosynthesis and signaling is of paramount importance to improve crop yields and food safety. For the last 40 years, the canonical jasmonate biosynthetic pathway has been thoroughly dissected in angiosperms; however, only recent efforts have started to decode the alternative jasmonate biosynthetic networks that operate in bryophytes. In the nonvascular model Marchantia polymorpha, a cis-to-iso isomerization constitutes a key step in the formation of dn-iso-OPDA and Δ⁴-dn-iso-OPDA, the bioactive jasmonates recognized by a conserved COI1/JAZ co-receptor complex. Their biosynthesis depends on a uniquely expanded fatty acid repertoire that includes, alongside the canonical C₁₆ and C₁₈ omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in angiosperms, substantial pools of eicosanoids such as arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, essentially absent from flowering plants. Here we trace the jasmonate biosynthetic pathway in bryophytes step-by-step, from PUFA precursors production through lipoxygenase oxygenation and downstream reactions to the processing and catabolic modifications of bioactive compounds. By integrating current knowledge across bryophyte lineages, we identify mechanistic parallels and divergences relative to angiosperms, highlight key unresolved questions, and propose future directions for the field. Deciphering jasmonate biosynthesis in bryophytes is essential for reconstructing the evolutionary origins of jasmonate signaling and understanding how this pathway contributed to the successful colonization of land by plants. Full article

This study investigates nitrogen-fixing rhizobia associated with Pisum sativum, a member of the tribe Vicieae (Fabaceae), whose species establish symbioses with bacteria belonging predominantly to the symbiovar viciae within the Rhizobium leguminosarum complex (Rlc). Based on a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the F-clade within this complex, we report the identification and characterization of a novel rhizobial subspecies, Rhizobium laguerreae subsp. mediterraneum subsp. nov., isolated from pea nodules in Tunisia. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA and multilocus sequence analysis (recA, atpD, dnaK, and glnII) placed strains 25PS6 and 10PS4 within the Rlc, while whole-genome phylogenomics using 2960 single-copy orthologues supported their assignment to a distinct monophyletic clade (Q-II). Subspecies-level clustering consistency was maximized using an optimized ANIm criterion of 97.40%, corresponding to 76.65% dDDH. Both strains belong to symbiovar viciae and exhibited improved symbiotic performance on pea plants compared to the reference strain, indicating strong symbiotic performance and potential relevance for biological nitrogen fixation. Cluster-specific SNP analysis identified 63 exclusive non-synonymous mutations with putative functional effects predicted in silico. These results suggest that cluster-specific nsSNPs may contribute to genomic differentiation within the Q-II lineage. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses further distinguished the novel subspecies based on carbon utilization, enzymatic activity, antibiotic resistance, and fatty acid profiles. Together, these findings highlight the genomic diversity within nitrogen-fixing rhizobia associated with legumes and identify a novel subspecies with potential agronomic relevance for improving symbiotic nitrogen fixation in pea cultivation. The proposed subspecies, Rhizobium laguerreae subsp. mediterraneum, is represented by strains 10PS4 and 25PS6, with strain 25PS6^T (=DSM 116212^T = LMG 33205^T) designated as the type strain. Full article

A major Chinese woody oil plant with unsaturated-fatty-acid-rich seeds for biodiesel and edible oil, Xanthoceras sorbifolium tolerates drought but not waterlogging; salicylic acid (SA), a key stress response signal, is inexpensive, safe, and effective for enhancing stress tolerance. Two-year-old saplings of Xanthoceras sorbifolium were used as materials. They were sprayed with 0.5 mmol·L⁻¹ SA for 3 days (based on prior studies), and then waterlogged for 10 days; physiological and transcriptomic data were collected. SA significantly increased height, diameter, and root dry weight by 392.6%, 450.0%, and 242.4% compared to water control; enhanced osmotic regulatory substances, antioxidant enzyme activities, secondary metabolites, and root activity; and reduced malondialdehyde content and relative electrical conductivity by 23.40% and 148.7%. SA-enhanced antioxidant defense correlated with synergistic transcriptional regulation. Transcriptome analysis showed that SA up-regulated key enzyme genes involved in flavonoid synthesis, such as PAL and 4CL, and regulated hormone signal transduction-related genes such as SAUR and DELLA. Key transcription factor genes were also screened, mainly including members of the MYB, bHLH, and ERF families. SA alleviated waterlogging damage. Meanwhile, this study provides valuable insights into the molecular basis of the response to waterlogging stress regulated by salicylic acid, and offers important theoretical and practical significance for the promotion and cultivation of Xanthoceras sorbifolium in rainy southern regions of China. Full article

Genome editing, particularly CRISPR/Cas-based systems, has emerged as a key tool for functional genomics and trait improvement in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), an important fiber and oilseed crop. This review focuses specifically on flax as an emerging target species and distinguishes experimentally validated applications from approaches adapted from model plants. Recent progress includes the characterization of endogenous U6 promoters, which improved guide RNA expression and contributed to enhanced genome editing performance under optimized conditions. Reported studies demonstrate efficient targeted mutagenesis in flax; however, editing outcomes remain strongly dependent on genotype, construct design, and regeneration capacity, and stable homozygous edited lines are still limited. Target genes include pathways involved in lignin and cellulose biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, and stress responses, influencing fiber quality, oil composition, and stress adaptation. Despite current bottlenecks such as low homologous recombination efficiency and regeneration constraints, base editing, prime editing, and multiplex CRISPR systems provide promising avenues for precision breeding in flax. Full article

Limited data exists on the combined nutritional and phytochemical profiles of UK commercially available plant-based foods, limiting comprehensive compositional data available for dietary assessment and food formulation. This study addresses this gap by providing thorough compositional analysis of quinoa (red, black, organic), chia seeds (organic, white), pumpkin seeds (conventional, organic), flaxseeds (brown, golden, organic), and triticale grain (organic, cereal meal, rolled), profiling macronutrients, dietary fiber, amino acids, fatty acids, essential minerals, and bioactive phytochemicals. Pumpkin seeds exhibited the highest protein (29–36%) and fat (42–46%) contents, markedly exceeding quinoa and triticale, highlighting their role as a plant-based protein and energy source. Flaxseeds and chia seeds provided the greatest dietary fiber (15 g/100 g), while mineral analysis identified pumpkin seeds as particularly rich in phosphorus and magnesium, and white chia seeds as a rich source of calcium and iron. Targeted LC-MS/MS and HPLC screening (171 molecules) revealed substantial variation in phytochemical composition among products with red quinoa, golden flaxseed, and white chia seed containing the highest concentrations of quantified phytochemicals (up to 97.2 mg/100 g). These findings provide integrated data on the nutrient and phytochemical composition of selected commercially available products, reinforcing the practical importance of crop diversity for enhancing dietary nutrient and phytochemical diversity and informing future research, food innovation, and dietary assessment initiatives involving plant-based foods. Full article

Neuroinflammation, driven by microglial activation and oxidative stress, is a key pathological feature of various neurodegenerative diseases. Dendropanax morbifera Léveille (DM) is a medicinal plant known for its diverse pharmacological activities; however, the influence of leaf developmental stage on its neuroprotective potential remains poorly understood. In this study, we compared the phytochemical profiles of young DM (YDM) and mature DM leaves and evaluated their effects on neuronal metabolism and microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. HPLC analysis revealed that YDM contained approximately 2.4-fold higher levels of chlorogenic acid than DM, while DM exhibited higher quercetin content. In differentiated N2A neuronal cells, YDM treatment significantly upregulated the expression of key metabolic and mitochondrial regulators, including PGC-1α, PPARγ, and CPT2, suggesting enhanced mitochondrial and metabolic regulatory signaling related to biogenesis and fatty acid β-oxidation. Under inflammatory conditions, YDM more potently suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia compared to DM. Furthermore, in N2A cells treated with BV2-conditioned medium, both extracts effectively mitigated reactive oxygen species production and restored brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression. These findings demonstrate that leaf age is a critical determinant of the phytochemical composition and biological activity of DM. Our results suggest that chlorogenic acid-rich YDM preparations may offer superior therapeutic advantages in targeting neuroinflammatory and metabolic dysregulation in the central nervous system. Full article