Search Results (1,442)

Natural plant extracts rich in polyphenols are increasingly being studied as multifunctional food ingredients with antioxidant and stabilizing properties. In this study, Ocimum basilicum L. extracts were evaluated as biological cryoprotective agents for Streptococcus thermophilus. The extracts contained high levels of phenolic compounds (~1350–2200 mg GAE equivalents/L) and exhibited strong antioxidant activity (up to 5.6 mM Trolox equivalents). Density functional theory calculations showed low O–H bond dissociation energies (~72–74 kcal/mol in ethanol) for key components, including luteolin and rosmarinic acid. These calculations indicate a high hydrogen donation capacity comparable to or exceeding that of ascorbic acid. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated the preferential localization of major phenolic compounds at the membrane–water interface in a POPC bilayer membrane. The interaction of molecules with POPC increased membrane thickness and formed stable hydrogen-bond networks with lipid head groups. Experiments showed that systems based on basil extract significantly increased the survival of bacteria after storage at −25 °C, with the number of viable cells reaching (1.5–2.75) × 10⁸ CFU/mL. This effect was observed in comparison with control groups that used saline or sucrose. Fluorescent analysis of live/dead cells confirmed the improvement in cell membrane preservation. At the same time, no signs of metabolic inhibition were detected. Taken together, the experimental and computational results support the hypothesis that the cryoprotective effect may involve complementary antioxidant and membrane-associated interactions. However, direct biophysical validation of the proposed membrane mechanism is still required. These results emphasize that polyphenol extracts are promising natural functional ingredients for improving the stability and shelf life of probiotic and starter cultures in food systems. Full article

The continued rise in fishmeal prices and the scarcity of fishery resources have led to an increase in the use of plant-based protein sources in compound feed, making mold contamination in compound feed a frequent occurrence. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in aquaculture feed can seriously harm fish growth and liver health; it is extremely toxic, posing an even greater risk to carnivorous fish such as grouper. Lycopene, a natural carotenoid, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory physiological functions and may act as a functional feed additive to mitigate damage induced by mycotoxins. This study utilized hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂) as the experimental model. An 8-week feeding trial was performed to systematically assess the impact of lycopene supplementation at levels of 0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg/kg to a basal diet containing 800 μg/kg AFB1 on the fish’s growth performance, antioxidant capacity, liver health, inflammation-related gene expression, and hepatic transcriptome. The results showed that adding 200 mg/kg lycopene to the feed significantly increased the FWB and SGR (p < 0.05) of hybrid grouper. An appropriate amount of lycopene could enhance the antioxidant capacity of serum and liver, significantly increase the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and significantly decrease serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity while increasing albumin (ALB) levels (p < 0.05). An amount of 200 mg/kg lycopene significantly alleviated AFB1-induced hepatocyte vacuolation, steatosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration, while the protective effect of higher doses was weakened. The gene expression results showed that 200 mg/kg lycopene significantly upregulated the expression of antioxidant-related genes such as cat, sod, and nrf-2, and increased the expression level of the anti-inflammatory factor il10 (p < 0.05). The transcriptome analysis identified a total of 621 differentially expressed genes, which were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways, fatty acid metabolism, PPAR signaling pathway, redox process, ferroptosis, NF-κB signaling pathway, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. In summary, the addition of 200 mg/kg lycopene to the feed can effectively alleviate the growth inhibition and liver damage caused by AFB1 in hybrid grouper. Its mechanism of action may be related to enhancing antioxidant defenses, improving liver tissue structure, regulating lipid metabolism, and maintaining immune homeostasis. The research results indicate that lycopene can be used as a natural functional feed additive to alleviate AFB1 toxicity in hybrid grouper aquaculture. Full article

Rare actinomycetes have emerged as important yet underexplored reservoirs for the discovery of novel bioactive compounds. Microbispora, a genus of rare actinomycetes, is widely distributed across diverse ecological niches, including terrestrial soils, marine-associated environments, plant-associated ecosystems, and insect-derived environments. To date, 81 secondary metabolites have been reported from this genus, encompassing quinones, chromones and chromanones, macrolides, other polyketides, alkaloids, peptides and diketopiperazines, and miscellaneous structural classes. These metabolites display antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, antiviral, plant growth-promoting, and enzyme inhibitory activities. Beyond systematically cataloging these compounds, this review provides an integrated analysis of their structure–activity relationships (SAR), biosynthetic origins, and biological significance. In addition, the biosynthetic potential of Microbispora is discussed based on reported genomic studies, highlighting the presence of numerous predicted and poorly characterized biosynthetic gene clusters. This review provides an integrative perspective on Microbispora as an underexplored but promising source of structurally diverse and bioactive natural products for drug discovery. Full article

Nuclear receptors (NRs) of the NR1J1 group have been described in aquatic invertebrates and proposed as the evolutionary counterparts of vertebrate NR1I receptors, known for their role in xenobiotic-sensing and detoxification. In bivalves, previous studies have shown that NR1J1 activity and gene expression are modulated by pharmaceuticals, toxins, natural compounds, and algal extracts. However, their functional properties and diversification remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the function and evolution of NR1J1 receptors in the bivalves Mytilus galloprovincialis and Ruditapes decussatus. We first identified four nr1j1 paralogs in R. decussatus and then integrated phylogenetic analysis, domain identity comparisons, tissue distribution profiling, and luciferase-based transactivation assays to characterize NR1J1 paralogs from both species. The receptors displayed distinct but partially overlapping transactivation profiles in response to confirmed ligands of NR1I and NR1H receptors, natural compounds, plant extracts, and fish bile, indicating paralog- and species-specific differences in ligand responsiveness. Allocholic acid emerged as the most consistent agonist across paralogs, whereas curcumin, carnosic acid, and Ptychopetalum olacoides extract showed more selective response patterns. Tissue profiling revealed broad but non-uniform expression of nr1j1 paralogs across bivalve tissues. Together, these findings underscore that bivalve NR1J1 receptors constitute a functionally diversified chemical-sensing system and provide a framework for future studies addressing ligand-dependent regulation and detoxification pathways. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a leading cause of nosocomial infections, contributes significantly to increased morbidity and mortality, especially when it forms biofilms on medical devices. This pathogen, specifically methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), remains a challenge to treat due to its ability to form biofilms and rapidly develop resistance against antibiotics. Biofilm formation allows bacteria to adhere to biotic and abiotic surfaces, creating a protective matrix that shields them from immune responses and antibiotic therapies. The widespread prevalence of multidrug-resistant S. aureus biofilms poses a significant therapeutic challenge in clinical settings. Several novel therapeutic strategies have been developed to combat S. aureus biofilm-associated infections. Accumulating evidence suggests that natural plants and their derivatives possess antimicrobial and chemo preventive properties that can disrupt established biofilms. Several plant-derived compounds with anti-biofilm activities have been reported to target the regulatory proteins involved in the Agr quorum sensing (Agr-QS) system, underscoring their potential as therapeutic candidates for the prevention and treatment of biofilm-associated infections. However, despite these encouraging findings, clinical validation of these plant-based agents is essential to ensure their efficacy, safety, and optimal application in treating S. aureus biofilm infections. The continued exploration of natural biofilm inhibitors anticipates the urgent need for new treatments to combat biofilm-associated infections and multidrug-resistant pathogens like MRSA. This review provides a detailed overview of preventive and therapeutic interventions to eradicate biofilm-forming S. aureus infections. Full article

Background: Pituranthos scoparius (Apiaceae), commonly known in Algeria as “Kozah”, is a medicinal plant traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes. However, its potential as a source of antiproliferative agents and its underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly characterized. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the antiproliferative potential of P. scoparius through an integrated strategy combining phytochemical profiling, in vitro evaluation, and computational approaches, with particular emphasis on its activity against key cancer-related pathways. Study Design: An integrated experimental–computational study was performed to explore the multitarget antiproliferative profile of P. scoparius extracts. Methods: Phytochemical characterization was carried out using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS to identify the major bioactive constituents. Antiproliferative activity was assessed in vitro against human colorectal (HT-29) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines using the MTT assay. Molecular docking studies were conducted on selected major metabolites against relevant oncogenic targets, including PI3Kα, mTOR, COX-2, and BCL-2, to investigate potential mechanisms of action. Machine learning approaches were further employed to support the prediction of multitarget antiproliferative activity. Results: Chlorogenic acid and trans-ferulic acid were identified as the predominant phenolic compounds, while α-pinene was the major constituent of the essential oil. Both preparations exhibited significant dose- and time-dependent antiproliferative effects, with the essential oil showing enhanced cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ up to 35.4 µg/mL). In silico analyses revealed strong binding affinities of key metabolites toward critical oncogenic proteins, particularly within the PI3Kα/mTOR signaling pathway. Machine learning predictions further supported a multitarget antiproliferative profile. Conclusions: P. scoparius represents a promising source of natural compounds with multitarget antiproliferative potential. The combined experimental and computational findings provide mechanistic insights into its activity and support its relevance within the context of natural product-based cancer therapy, highlighting its potential for further preclinical development. Full article

Fish processing by-products represent a valuable and sustainable source of collagen for biomedical and functional applications. In the present study, collagen was extracted from the scales of red mullet (Mullus barbatus), gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), and European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) using a green extraction approach based on a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) system composed of citric acid, xylitol, and water. The extracted collagens were comprehensively characterized by SDS-PAGE, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The results confirmed the presence of Type I collagen and demonstrated that the characteristic triple-helical structure and molecular organization were preserved throughout the extraction process. To preliminarily evaluate their potential as matrices for incorporating bioactive compounds, collagen matrices were combined with Zingiber officinale (ginger) extract at different ratios. The resulting combinations were evaluated for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytocompatibility properties. Antioxidant activity increased significantly with increasing ginger concentration, with the highest radical scavenging activity observed in combinations containing the greatest proportion of ginger extract. Similarly, antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was enhanced by ginger incorporation, with stronger inhibition observed against the Gram-positive bacterium. Cytocompatibility studies performed on human dermal fibroblast (HDFa) cells revealed that selected collagen–ginger combinations maintained high cell viability and did not induce substantial membrane damage, nuclear abnormalities, apoptosis, or necrosis at appropriate concentrations. Overall, the findings demonstrate that fish scale-derived collagen obtained through a sustainable NADES-based extraction process possesses favorable structural and biological properties and may serve as a potential carrier matrix for plant-derived bioactive compounds. These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the future development of environmentally friendly functional biomaterials with prospective applications in pharmaceutical, biomedical, and tissue engineering fields. Full article

The development of sustainable food systems increasingly relies on the valorization of agri-food by-products and circular economy strategies. In this context, food-grade hydrogels represent promising matrices for incorporating biological components and bioactive compounds. This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of four hydrogels formulated with natural biopolymers, such as pectin, an extract obtained from spray-dried by-products generated during the processing of strawberry and blueberry fruit preparations, with potential applications in innovative and sustainable food formulations. A specific formulation was produced by including plant cells. UV–visible spectra, pH, and moisture content of the hydrogels were evaluated. Their morphological, chemical, and hydrodynamic properties were investigated using micro-Raman and FTIR/ATR spectroscopy along with swelling degree and dehydration behavior over time. The analysis clarified gelation mechanisms, confirming the key role of calcium chloride in matrix stabilization and the influence of plant cells on water retention. The developed food-grade hydrogels demonstrated physicochemical stability, even after 20 days of storage at 4 °C. The incorporation of plant cells modulated the hydrogel’s hygroscopic behavior, maintaining the fundamental gelation pathways. These results highlight the potential of these hydrogels as sustainable matrices for incorporating biological components and support their application in innovative food formulations based on the valorization of by-products. Full article

Hesperidin is a natural flavonoid derived from citrus plants, which can be hydrolyzed into hesperetin in vivo. Both compounds have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor activities. At present, there is a lack of reviews focusing on the epigenetic regulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) mediated by hesperidin and hesperetin. This review summarizes the molecular crosstalk between hesperidin/hesperetin and CSCs mediated via three major epigenetic pathways, including direct regulatory effects, indirect modulatory actions, and mechanistic relationships proposed based on scientific hypotheses. We elaborate their effects on inhibiting the self-renewal, invasion and metastasis of CSCs as well as reversing chemoresistance, and analyze the crosstalk between epigenetic networks and classical signaling pathways of CSCs. Furthermore, we discuss the core bottlenecks restricting the clinical transformation of these two compounds and introduce improvement strategies such as nanodelivery systems. Current research is still confronted with problems including CSC heterogeneity and the potential off-target toxicity of drugs. In conclusion, hesperidin and hesperetin may serve as potential candidate agents for epigenetic regulation targeting CSCs, which can offer novel theoretical basis for comprehensive tumor therapy. Full article

The present study explores the impact of UV-B radiation on biochemical traits and phenolic profile of in vitro cultures (IC) and micropropagated plants (MP) of Lavandula viridis L’Hér and Thymus lotocephalus G. López and R. Morales. Two UV-B treatments were applied: a single 4 h exposure (UV-B 1) and repeated exposure over four consecutive days (UV-B 4). Additionally, the potential of phenolic-rich extracts loaded into alginate-based hydrogels for dye removal was also evaluated. UV-B exposure triggered oxidative stress in both species, particularly in MP, increasing hydrogen peroxide levels and lipid peroxidation, and affecting chlorophyll and carotenoid content. Both species responded by accumulating soluble sugars and phenolic compounds as a defense mechanism. Rosmarinic acid, the predominant phenolic compound, increased significantly under UV-B radiation in IC and MP. IC showed higher concentrations after UV-B 1 exposure, with L. viridis reaching 50.1 mg/g and T. lotocephalus 32.3 mg/g, increases of 16% and 41%, respectively, over the control. Polyphenol-loaded hydrogels showed high methylene blue adsorption efficiency, highlighting their potential as eco-friendly materials for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. Optimal adsorption conditions were determined using Box–Behnken design and Response Surface Methodology, demonstrating the applicability of these natural hydrogels as sustainable and efficient materials for dye removal from contaminated wastewater. Full article

Rubusoside is the major sweet bioactive compound in Rubus chingii var. suavissimus (S.K.Lee) L.T.Lu, characterized by high sweetness, low caloric value, and favorable safety, with potential applications as a natural sweeteners and in functional foods. However, efficient green extraction technologies and their mechanisms remain insufficiently explored. Here, a microwave-assisted deep eutectic solvent (DES) system was developed for rubusoside recovery. The ternary DES composed of choline chloride, 1,2-propylene glycol, and 1,3-butanediol (1:2:2) showed the best performance and outperformed microwave-assisted water extraction. Response surface methodology identified optimal conditions of 33% moisture content, a liquid–solid ratio of 21 mL/g, 6 min, and 320 W, yielding 7.89 ± 0.25% rubusoside. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, electrostatic potential, atoms-in-molecules theory, and independent gradient modelling based on Hirshfeld partition analyses revealed significant non-covalent interactions between the ternary DES and rubusoside. Scanning electron microscopy showed that DES and microwave treatment synergistically disrupted plant tissues and enhanced mass transfer. LX-28 macroporous resin enabled rubusoside separation, and the recovered DES retained stable performance after five reuse cycles. These results demonstrate a green, efficient, and recyclable strategy driven by cooperative hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions between the ternary DES and the rubusoside glycosyl moiety, together with DES–microwave-induced tissue disruption and mass-transfer enhancement. Full article

Background/Objectives: Natural products derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms have long been used as nutritional supplements and are increasingly recognized for their potential role in preventing and managing human diseases. This narrative review aims to summarize current evidence on the therapeutic relevance of natural products as dietary supplements across major disease categories and to highlight their mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and safety considerations. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and clinical studies focusing on natural products used as nutritional supplements in disease management. Relevant data were analyzed thematically, with emphasis on bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, and evidence from preclinical and clinical research. Results: Natural products, particularly plant-derived polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotic-derived metabolites, exhibit diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial effects. Evidence suggests potential benefits in cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity, neurodegenerative conditions, certain cancers, gastrointestinal disorders, and infectious diseases. However, clinical efficacy varies depending on compound type, dosage, and formulation. Key limitations include low bioavailability, variability in composition, and insufficient large-scale clinical trials. Safety concerns such as herb–drug interactions and lack of standardization remain significant challenges. Conclusions: Natural products as nutritional supplements represent a promising adjunct strategy in the prevention and management of various human diseases. While preclinical and early clinical evidence is encouraging, stronger clinical validation, improved standardization, and clearer regulatory frameworks are required to fully integrate these agents into evidence-based medical practice. Full article

Drug discovery is a complex and resource-intensive process, with lead identification representing a major bottleneck due to high attrition rates. Natural products have long served as a valuable source of structurally diverse and biologically active compounds, offering advantages such as evolutionary optimization, target specificity, and unique chemical diversity. This review provides a comprehensive and mechanistic overview of natural products as lead compounds, emphasizing their chemical characteristics, biological relevance, sources, mechanisms of action, and integration into modern drug discovery pipelines. A narrative review was conducted using major scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar), covering literature from 2000 to 2026. Relevant studies were selected based on scientific rigor and contribution to key themes, including natural product diversity, discovery strategies, and technological advancements. Natural products exhibit superior structural complexity and occupy unique chemical space compared to synthetic compounds, enabling effective interaction with diverse biological targets and supporting polypharmacological activity. Key sources include plants, microorganisms, and marine organisms, which have yielded numerous clinically important drugs. Advances in analytical techniques, genome mining, metabolomics, synthetic biology, and artificial intelligence have significantly improved discovery and optimization processes. Despite challenges related to complexity and scalability, natural products remain indispensable in drug discovery, with emerging technologies enhancing their potential for addressing unmet medical needs. Full article

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating stroke subtype in which secondary brain injury is driven by oxidative stress, iron overload, ferroptosis, neuroinflammation, blood–brain barrier disruption, and defective hematoma clearance. Nrf2 is a redox-sensitive transcription factor that coordinates antioxidant defense, iron handling, inflammatory regulation, and neurovascular unit protection through downstream effectors such as HO-1, NQO1, GPX4, and SLC7A11. Plant-derived natural compounds have been widely investigated in experimental ICH models; however, increased Nrf2 expression or nuclear translocation alone does not establish Nrf2-dependent neuroprotection. Here, we critically appraise preclinical evidence linking plant-derived natural compounds to Nrf2-centered signaling in ICH and classify the evidence into three levels: causal Nrf2-dependent evidence, Nrf2-associated evidence, and indirect or context-transferred evidence. Representative flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, lignans, steroidal lactones, and other bioactive compounds are evaluated with attention to ICH-model relevance, causal pathway validation, pharmacokinetic limitations, brain exposure, and therapeutic window. Current evidence indicates that only a limited subset of compounds has been validated by genetic or pharmacological Nrf2 inhibition, whereas most remain supported by pathway association rather than causality, and preclinical studies rely predominantly on young healthy rodent models with early post-ICH intervention. Notably, no compound currently reaches relatively high translational priority because perihematomal brain exposure, delayed-treatment efficacy, and long-term safety evidence remain largely unavailable. We therefore propose an evidence-based prioritization framework integrating Nrf2 causality, ICH-specific efficacy, brain bioavailability, and translational readiness. This review clarifies the mechanistic boundaries of Nrf2-targeted natural compounds and outlines priorities for rigorous translational research in ICH. Full article

Proanthocyanidins, a new class of potent antioxidants, are recognized for their strong in vivo activity and occur in high abundance in Lycium ruthenicum. Although the extraction of these compounds from this plant has been extensively investigated, their inherent instability imposes stringent demands on the extraction process. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) have emerged as attractive alternatives for isolating bioactive constituents from plant materials thanks to their favorable biocompatibility, high extraction efficiency, and environmentally benign nature. Therefore, we have developed an efficient and green NADES-assisted ultrasonic extraction method for recovering proanthocyanidins from Lycium ruthenicum. Among the fourteen NADES formulations screened, the choline chloride–glycerol system (1:5 molar ratio, 30% v/v water) afforded the highest extraction yield. Single-factor experiments, combined with response surface methodology, led to the optimal conditions: solid-to-liquid ratio 1:15 g/mL, ultrasonic power 240 W, temperature 40 °C, and time 30 min. Under these conditions, the proanthocyanidin yield reached 12.19%, markedly outperforming that obtained with conventional methanol extraction. Kinetic analysis indicated that the extraction process conformed to the Logistic model, with coefficients of determination (R²) greater than 0.967 across the entire temperature range studied (20–50 °C). In vitro antioxidant assays further revealed that the extract exhibited significant concentration-dependent scavenging activities against •OH, DPPH•, and ABTS⁺• radicals. The IC₅₀ values of proanthocyanidin extracts for •OH, DPPH•, and ABTS⁺• were 0.029 mg/mL, 0.56 μg/mL, and 0.011 mg/mL, respectively. Overall, these results establish a sustainable NADES-based protocol for the extraction of proanthocyanidins from Lycium ruthenicum, and underscore their promise as natural antioxidants for functional food and pharmaceutical uses. Full article