Search Results (3,031)

Polyphenol-rich fruits represent promising natural candidates for mitigating oxidative stress. We determined in dose–response manner the intracellular antioxidant activities of P. cerasus (tart cherry) extract in HepG2 cells using three different cellular assays targeting specific mechanisms of action: (1) the AOP1 assay, to assess intracellular ROS scavenging activity; (2) the CAA assay, to estimate ROS scavenging activity at the cell membrane; and (3), the HepG2-ARE-luc assay, to evaluate Antioxidant Response Element (ARE) pathway modulation. Tart cherry extract exhibited a high and concentration-dependent intracellular ROS scavenging activity with the AOP1 assay (EC₅₀ of 72.02 µg/mL), whereas antioxidant efficacy measured via the CAA assay was much lower (EC₅₀ of 6.975 mg/mL). Notably, P. cerasus extract did not activate the ARE-driven luciferase gene expression. Instead, the extract induced a clear dose-dependent repression of ARE-driven transcriptional activity, with a reduction in luciferase gene expression ranging from 20 to 70% across the sample tested concentrations (0.38–98 µg/mL). These findings suggest that, at concentrations where it functions as a potent intracellular ROS scavenger, P. cerasus extract exerts a negative regulation of the ARE pathway. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the compounds underlying these effects. Full article

Background: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a potent green tea polyphenol, possesses significant therapeutic potential, but its clinical application is limited by poor gastrointestinal stability and low oral bioavailability. To address this, a novel herbal nanomedicine-based delivery system was developed utilizing D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) and Poloxamer 407. Objectives: This study aims to develop and characterize EGCG-loaded TPGS/Poloxamer 407 micelles, evaluating their physicochemical properties, storage stability, in vitro drug release profile, in vivo oral bioavailability, and preliminary tolerability observation. Methods: The micelles were prepared using the film hydration method followed by lyophilization. Results: The optimized 2:2 TPGS-to-poloxamer 407 weight ratio yielded EGCG-loaded micelles, displaying a mean particle size of 15.4 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.16, a zeta potential of −17.7 mV, an encapsulation efficiency of 82.7%, and a drug loading capacity of 7.6%. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) was determined to be 0.00125% w/v. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the micelles’ uniform spherical morphology. In vitro release studies demonstrated a sustained release profile in both simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. EGCG formulation remained stable for at least six months when stored at 4 °C. No adverse clinical signs were noted during the 28-day tolerability observation. In vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation in mice revealed a significant elevation in oral bioavailability, achieving a 2.27-fold increase in area under the curve (AUC) and a 1.8-fold increase in peak plasma concentration (Cmax) compared to free EGCG. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings underscore the potential of the TPGS/poloxamer 407-based micelle system as a promising oral delivery platform for EGCG, enhancing its stability and pharmacokinetic performance. Full article

This research investigates the use of apple and sour cherry pomace to fortify biscuits, aiming both to improve their nutritional profile and to support the sustainable reuse of fruit processing by-products. Apple and sour cherry pomace, known for their high content of bioactive compounds, were added to biscuit formulations at inclusion levels of 5%, 10%, and 15%. Enrichment notably boosted the concentration of health-promoting constituents. Biscuits containing 15% sour cherry pomace recorded the highest amounts of polyphenols (475.16 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g), flavonoids (204.10 mg catechin equivalents/100 g), and anthocyanins (28.58 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 g). In contrast, biscuits fortified with 15% apple pomace displayed stronger antiradical activity (30.80%) and higher sugar content (46.31 g glucose equivalents/100 g) than their sour cherry counterparts. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of characteristic vibrations associated with these bioactive compounds in both the pomace and the enriched biscuits. Overall, the results show that incorporating apple and sour cherry pomace is a practical way to create functional biscuits with enhanced nutritional qualities while promoting the sustainable use of fruit industry residues. Full article

This study evaluates how different purification methods influence the antioxidant properties of polyphenol-rich berry pomace extracts, taking into account both the source of the pomace and the purification strategy used. The extracts were obtained from raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, and wild strawberry pomaces derived from the production of unclarified juices and purées. The extracts were analyzed in three states: crude (CEX), purified using Amberlite XAD 1600N adsorbent resin (XAD), and purified via size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) on a gel filtration resin. Ellagitannins, flavanols, and anthocyanins were determined using HPLC-DAD-FD methods. Antioxidant properties were determined based on: total antioxidant compounds, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and Fe³⁺ ion reduction power. Purification significantly enhanced the concentration of antioxidant compounds, which increased 2-fold with the XAD method and more than 3-fold using SEC. The extracts exhibited strong DPPH radical scavenging activity, ranging from 65% to 90% for raspberry and blackberry extracts and from 34% to 95% for strawberry and wild strawberry extracts, depending on the degree of purification. Similarly, Fe³⁺-reducing power increased 2- to 6-fold in extracts purified using XAD and SEC compared to crude extracts. Purification via size-exclusion chromatography enabled the separation of tannin-rich and anthocyanin-rich extract fractions. Ellagitannins were the main class of polyphenols contributing to the enhanced antioxidant potential. Anthocyanins contributed significantly to antioxidant activity only in the case of blackberry extracts. Full article

Goji berry is a rich source of polyphenols, carotenoids and polysaccharides, contributing to its diverse biological activities. Due to their high water content and perishability, the berries are often processed into dried forms or juices. This study hypothesized that juice obtained from Serbian-grown goji berries would exhibit a distinctive phytochemical composition and significant in vitro antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP and β-carotene bleaching assays, while hypoglycemic potential was evaluated via α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition. The analyzed goji juice exhibited mild acidity and moderate sweetness. In terms of bioactive composition, the juice contained high levels of polyphenols (194.50 ± 3.88 mg GAE/100 mL) exceeding the values reported for most commercial fruit juices, as well as notable levels of flavonoids (70.30 ± 5.11 mg CE/100 mL), carotenoids (289.53 ± 0.65 µg/100 mL) and polysaccharides (375.20 ± 12.46 mg Glu/100 mL), along with minerals, particularly potassium and copper. It also showed strong antioxidant capacity and concentration-dependent inhibition of α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 5.28 ± 0.26 mg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 10.12 ± 0.23 mg/mL). This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of Serbian-grown goji berry juice, confirming its potential as a functional ingredient. Full article

While sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) are globally recognized for their numerous potential health benefits, yet limited data exist on New Zealand-grown cultivars. This study examined the nutritional and bioactive profiles of six commercial cultivars—Kordia^®, ‘Lapins’, Sweetheart^®, Staccato^®, ‘Bing’, and ‘Rainier’—in both fresh and processed (washed and packaged) forms. All cultivars contained notable levels of minerals, phenolics, and essential nutrients. Fresh cherries had higher mineral content (0.3–0.5 g/100 g) than processed ones (0.2–0.3 g/100 g). Carbohydrates ranged from 16.8 to 18.6 g/100 g in fresh and 15.1–17.5 g/100 g in processed cherries. Dietary fiber was slightly higher in processed samples (0.5–0.6 g/100 g) than fresh (0.2–0.5 g/100 g). Potassium, calcium, and phosphorus were more concentrated in fresh cherries. Major phenolic metabolites included neochlorogenic acid (up to 44.26 mg/100 g), (-)-epicatechin (7.89 mg/100 g), quercetin 3-rutinoside (4.34 mg/100 g), and cyanidin 3-rutinoside (80.42 mg/100 g). Processed ‘Lapins’ and ‘Bing’ retained high levels of neochlorogenic acid (40.98 and 44.26 mg/100 g), indicating minimal loss during processing. This study offers insights into the nutritional and bioactive composition of New Zealand-grown cherries, emphasizing their dietary value and health-promoting compounds such as polyphenols. Full article

Experimental studies published to date on the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on plants have yielded highly contradictory results: reported outcomes range from growth inhibition to stimulation. The objective of this research was to test the hypothesis that the ontogenetic stage at the time of exposure to AgNPs is a key determinant of both the qualitative profile and quantitative magnitude of plant responses. For this purpose, laboratory seed priming and small-plot field experiments with wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.) treated with stabilized dispersions of AgNPs at 1–100 mg∙L⁻¹ were conducted. It was shown that seed priming with low concentrations of AgNPs (1–5 mg∙L⁻¹) did not affect wheat seedling growth, whereas dispersions at ≥25 mg∙L⁻¹ suppressed development. In agreement, antioxidant enzyme activities (POD, CAT, PPO) increased at 1–5 mg·L⁻¹ and decreased at 100 mg·L⁻¹. By contrast, foliar treatments of field-grown wheat increased plant population density, plant height, spike structure metrics, and grain yield. The optimal regimen—three foliar applications at 5 mg·L⁻¹—increased grain yield by 12.1% from 5.89 t·ha⁻¹ to 6.60 t·ha⁻¹. At low doses of AgNPs, activities of peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase in seedlings tissues increased, indicating activation of nonspecific defense mechanisms; at higher concentrations, activities of these enzymes decreased, indicating antioxidant system exhaustion and dysfunction. The findings demonstrate dose- and stage-dependent effects and corroborate the central role of the developmental stage of wheat in determining responses to AgNPs, indicating opportunities to optimize stage-aware, low-dose application regimes to enhance productivity while minimizing phytotoxic risk. Full article

The pomegranate peel represents an important source of secondary metabolites such as hydrolysable ellagitannins, which are recognized for their antioxidant, anticancer and neuroprotective properties. In this work, the freeze-dried pomegranate peel was extracted by a combined mild maceration at room temperature and ultrasonication at 45 °C using ethanol and acetone as green solvents. The ethanol extract, with an extraction yield of 29%, and IC50 (mg/mL) 0.1067 and 0.0414 for DPPH and ABTS, respectively, was incorporated into a polymer based on dextran, using a grafting reaction, to improve its bioavailability and preserve the chemical integrity. In addition, the potential antitumor activity against breast cancer was evaluated based on the existing literature. In vitro studies have demonstrated the safety and biocompatibility of both free pomegranate peel extract (SSE2-L) and its dextran conjugate (SSPD), with no adverse effects on fibroblasts, erythrocytes, or immune cells. Both formulations inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231) in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, with SSPD consistently showing superior efficacy. This enhanced activity was corroborated by reduced clonogenic growth, G1 cell-cycle arrest, and improved stability and bioactive retention conferred by polymer conjugation. Overall, these findings highlight dextran-conjugated pomegranate polyphenols as promising candidates for next-generation nutraceuticals and phytopharmaceuticals in cancer chemoprevention and adjunctive therapy, with potential applications extending to other biomedical fields and functional foods. Full article

The sustainable management of winery residues could represent a cornerstone for promoting environmental and economic sustainability from a circular economy perspective. In this context, our study aimed to evaluate Vitis vinifera L. ‘Nero di Troia’ cultivar grape pomace as a valuable waste product for the cultivation of Pleurotus mushroom, in comparison with traditional wheat straw-based cultivation. Mushroom extracts were prepared through the eco-friendly microwave-assisted extraction technique, using green solvents with different polarity degrees. Total protein content, total polyphenol content, and antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH assays) were assessed for the water and EtOH hydrophilic extracts. Grape pomace often gave higher values than wheat straw, especially for the P. eryngii var. eryngii water extract protein content, which was 3.5-fold higher (0.68 ± 0.14 mg BSA/mL and 0.192 ± 0.025 mg BSA/mL, respectively). The ethyl acetate extracts of both mushroom species gave biologically relevant results in terms of inhibiting activity against acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (50% inhibitory activity at concentrations ≤ 1.5 mg/mL), thus paving the way for more in-depth investigation. The extract’s metabolic profile was investigated through GC-MS analysis. The results show that incorporating grape pomace into mushroom production represents a concrete step toward more sustainable biotechnological processes. Full article

Grape pomace (GP), a by-product of winemaking, is rich in polyphenols and fiber, making it a promising and sustainable feed supplement for ruminants. This study evaluated the safety and productive impact of a 5% GP-supplemented diet (GP5) including non-lactating end-cycle (EC) ewes regularly destined for slaughter and human consumption, and lactating (LAC) ewes, over a 30-day period. Control (CTRL) animals received a standard pellet diet with no GP inclusion. Sampling was performed at four time points (T0, T10, T20, and T30), corresponding to days 0, 10, 20, and 30 of the experimental period. The study assessed clinical status, hematology/biochemistry (T0 and T30), milk composition (T0, T10, T20, and T30), meat quality traits and oxidative stability in EC ewes (T30). Since no significant differences were observed in the CTRL animals, the effects were evaluated within the GP5 group by comparing T0 vs. T30. Meat quality was assessed by comparing EC-GP5 to CTRL at T30. The GP extract showed a high total phenolic content (254.02 ± 20.39 mg GAE/g DW). No clinical or hematological alterations were observed, and most values remained within physiological ranges. Biochemical analysis revealed significant increases in albumin, bilirubin, creatinine, and triglycerides (p < 0.05), with significant decreases in plasma urea and glucose (p < 0.05). In LAC-GP5 ewes, milk urea and lactose concentrations decreased (p < 0.05), while pH increased (p < 0.05), with no significant changes in fat or casein content. These findings are consistent with reduced ruminal propionate availability, leading to decreased hepatic gluconeogenesis and lactose synthesis, with secondary effects on nitrogen metabolism and the acid–base profile of milk. In EC-GP5 ewes, meat quality traits were unaffected, and DPPH scavenging activity did not differ from CTRL (p > 0.05). GP5 was metabolically safe, induced adaptive changes in milk composition, and had no negative effects on meat quality, supporting the valorization of grape pomace as a sustainable feed resource. This trial was designed as a metabolic safety assessment, representing a preliminary step toward future mechanistic and molecular investigations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Olive leaf (Olea europaea L.), a by-product of olive oil production, is rich in bioactive phenolics but limited in application due to poor solubility and stability. To improve their bioavailability, this study presents a comparative encapsulation strategy using three phospholipid-based liposomal systems (AL, PG90, and PH90) loaded with ethanolic olive leaf extract. Methods: Liposomes were characterized by physicochemical parameters, encapsulation efficiency (EE), antioxidant activity, morphology, release kinetics under simulated physiological conditions, and 60-day stability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first direct comparison of AL, PG90, and PH90 matrices for olive leaf extract encapsulation. Results: HPLC and GC-MS confirmed successful encapsulation, with oleuropein showing the highest EE (up to 76.18%). PH90 favored retention of non-polar triterpenes, while AL and PG90 preferentially encapsulated polar flavonoid glycosides. FT-IR analysis verified extract integration into phospholipid bilayers. Antioxidant activity remained high in all loaded formulations, with negligible activity in empty liposomes. Extract-loaded systems exhibited reduced particle size, higher viscosity, and more negative electrophoretic mobility, enhancing colloidal stability. PG90 liposomes displayed the most stable mobility profile over 60 days. Transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed formulation-dependent vesicle morphology and concentration profiles. Release studies demonstrated significantly prolonged polyphenol diffusion from PG90 liposomes compared to the free extract. Conclusions: Phospholipid composition critically governs encapsulation selectivity, stability, and release behavior. Tailored liposomal systems offer a promising strategy to enhance the stability and delivery of olive leaf polyphenols, supporting their application in bioactive delivery platforms. Full article

Background: Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) represents a unique source of bioactive compounds with demonstrated health benefits. The main aim of the research was to investigate the chemical composition, content of bioactive compounds and biological activities of various types of flaxseed and their defatted forms. Methods: Proximate composition (crude fat, protein, ash, digestible carbohydrates, fiber) was determined, and fatty acid profiles were analyzed via GC-MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry). Mineral content was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry, while total and individual polyphenols were quantified spectrophotometrically and by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography). Antioxidant activity was assessed using three assays. In vitro functional assays evaluated the effects of flaxseed extracts on lactic acid bacteria adhesion in two cellular models, nitric oxide production in liposaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, proliferation and apoptosis of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Results: Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed in the proximate composition: brown flaxseed exhibited the highest crude fat content, whereas defatted seeds had higher levels of digestible carbohydrates and ash. α-Linolenic acid was the dominant fatty acid, with the highest concentration in defatted golden flaxseed. Defatted forms generally displayed increased mineral concentrations, particularly calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. The polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity were highest in defatted brown flaxseed, which also exhibited the greatest diversity of individual polyphenols. Flaxseed extracts modulated the adhesion of lactic acid bacteria, reduced the production of nitric oxide in RAW 264.7 macrophages, inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and induced apoptosis of the mentioned cells. Conclusions: Flaxseed, especially the brown type, could be a promising source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential, supporting its use in nutritional and functional applications. Full article

Species of Ilex genus are particularly rich in bioactive constituents such as polyphenols, saponins, and alkaloids. In terms of phytochemical research, volatile compounds have not been as widely investigated as non-volatile ones. Therefore, in the present research we investigated the phytochemical profile of selected Ilex species by headspace-solid phase-microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HD-SPME-GC/MS). Phytochemical profile between the same and different species was variable. For this reason, it was investigated by principal component analysis (PCA), matrix correlation (calculation of R² and Pearson correlation parameter between samples) as well as hierarchical clustering (dendrogram). In our results, we exhibited that the amount of (Z)-2-hexenal and methyl salicylate was the most important factor for ascertaining similarity between samples. However, concentrations of some of these components were insufficient to describe all dependencies between Ilex specimens. Further analyses (PCA and dendrogram), exhibited that thymoquinone had secondary impact on phytochemical profiles similarity, as did o-methyl-anisole, (E)-2-decenal, salicylaldehyde and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol. Differences of profile between samples may result from many factors such as local environmental conditions, creation of different chemotypes or even infestation by unknown pathogens or the presence of non-pathogenic microorganisms. Further research is required to investigate this phenomenon. Moreover, it was found that some of Ilex species may be potential sources of bioactive volatile components. Full article

The development of sustainable food systems requires natural solutions that reduce dependence on synthetic additives while ensuring instrumental quality, sensory acceptability, and consumer safety. This study evaluated Aristotelia chilensis leaf powder, a Chilean native plant rich in polyphenols, as a natural and sustainable alternative to synthetic antioxidants in the production of fresh sausages. The leaf powder was incorporated at 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg, and effects on proximal composition, pH, color, fatty acid profile, volatile organic compounds and sensory attributes were assessed. No changes were found in proximal composition or pH. Treatments with 500 and 1000 mg/kg increased oleic and eicosapentaenoic acids and reduced trans fatty acids and lower concentrations were observed of aldehydes linked to lipid oxidation. Overall, 500 mg/kg of maqui leaf powder (ML) was identified as the optimal treatment, as it reduced oxidation indicators, improved the lipid profile, and maintained sensory acceptability. In addition to its technological functionality and effect on sensory acceptability, the use of Aristotelia chilensis as a natural ingredient in sausages could reinforce food sustainability by reducing dependence on synthetic petroleum-derived additives, revaluing local biodiversity within a circular economy framework, and meeting consumer demand for healthier products with clean labels. Full article

Verjuice, a green grape juice traditionally produced from grapes obtained through thinning, represents a sustainable alternative for the utilization of viticulture by-products. No standardized methods of production are utilized to make verjuice, highlighting the need for further research. This study evaluated three extraction methods—pressing extraction (PE), steam extraction (SE), and centrifuge juicer extraction (CJE)—to produce verjuice from three Vitis labrusca varietals (Bordô, Concord, and White Niágara). Physicochemical parameters, volatile compounds (VOC), total polyphenol content, antioxidant and anti-hypertensive activities were analyzed. Extraction method and grape varietal influenced physicochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and VOC. The SE method resulted in higher yields but lower polyphenolic content, while the CJE was more efficient in extracting phenolic compounds and preserving antioxidant properties. Higher concentrations of malic acid were observed in verjuice extracted by PE and CJE methods from Bordô and Concord grapes, while higher tartaric acid content was found in Bordô and Niágara grapes extracted by CJE. Within grapes, verjuices presented wider volatile profile than those described in the literature, and CJE and PE methods yielded higher amounts of VOC. Thus, V. labrusca presents great potential to produce verjuices and CJE shows to be an efficient alternative to the pressing method. Full article