Search Results (5,909)

The evaluation of local natural resources and their sustainable use as alternatives for allopathic medicines or phytosanitary treatments based on chemical syntheses, is a priority of research worldwide. The aim of this research was to obtain Prunella vulgaris L. extracts through modern, ecofriendly methods, to evaluate their ability to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), as well as the physicochemical characterization of AgNPs to determine the polyphenol content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity as well as phytotoxicity of the resulting nanoformulations, through in vitro tests. Microscopic analysis of the extracts showed the spherical shape of AgNPs, especially in the biosynthesized samples from the microwave extracts. The sizes of the nanoparticles ranged between 8.64 and 13.84 nm. Microwave-assisted extraction favored the procurement of crude extracts from P. vulgaris herba with a high content of polyphenols (77.98 mg GAE/g dw⁻¹) and a correlated antioxidant activity. Rosmarinic acid was identified in all analyzed samples (61.8287–1.0031 mg/L). The extracts obtained using microwaves, in which the nanoparticles were also biosynthesized using microwaves, had the best antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum MUCL 791. The combination of antifungal properties with those of seedling growth stimulation are of major importance in plant culture, with the early stages of their life cycle requiring constant attention. Full article

The quality and flavor of chicken meat are the key factors that influence consumers’ purchase decisions. Recent studies have demonstrated that polyphenol can modulate meat quality. In this study, an integrated multi-omics approach was utilized to systematically identify the regulatory effect of dietary supplementation with polyphenols extracts of C. osmantha leaves (PECOL) on chicken flavor. It was found that dietary PECOL supplementation enhanced breast meat flavor and increased fatty acid ethyl ester compounds in the breast muscle. Moreover, PECOL supplementation reshaped the composition and proportions of gut microbiota across multiple taxonomic levels, with a notable enrichment of taxa within the phylum Firmicutes (e.g., g_Massilistercora). Furthermore, the addition of PECOL altered the contents of cecal metabolites related to lipid and glucose metabolism, such as PC (14:1(9Z)/21:0), PC (P-16:0/15:1(9Z)), LysoPE (20:4(8Z, 11Z, 14Z, 17Z)/0:0), and glycerol 3-phosphate. Notably, we found that g_Massilistercora was significantly correlated with the content of these metabolites related to lipid and glucose metabolism. Further analysis revealed that these metabolites might interact with GPAT4 to jointly regulate chicken flavor. These findings further clarify the regulatory role played by PECOL in shaping the flavor of broiler meat. Full article

Background: Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), the superfood of the present era, is widely recognized for its high content of nutrients and bioactive compounds. However, dietary products and by-products derived from different parts of the fruit differ markedly in their biochemical composition, which may influence their nutritional and biological effects. Drosophila melanogaster represents a well-established in vivo model for studying the impact of dietary components on nutritional status, development, and viability under defined nutritional conditions. Methods: Four sea buckthorn-derived matrices—seed flour, seed oil, pulp, and fruit pomace powder—were analyzed for fatty acid, amino acid, polyphenol, and antioxidant contents. Their effects were evaluated in D. melanogaster under zero-nutrient, normal-nutrient, and high-sugar diets, assessing viability and developmental dynamics across various product types and concentrations. Results: Substantial compositional differences were observed between the samples. Seed flour and fruit pomace powder were rich in proteins, essential amino acids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins, whereas seed oil predominantly contained fatty acids with limited antioxidant capacity. Consistent with these compositional profiles, diet- and product-specific biological effects were observed. Under zero-nutrient conditions, high concentrations of fruit pomace powder (100 g/L) supported larval and adult viability and resulted in developmental patterns comparable to those observed under a normal-nutrient diet. Under normal-nutrient and high-sugar diets, the matrices modulated development and viability without apparent toxicity, with fruit pomace powder consistently showing the most favorable effects. Conclusions: The biological responses of D. melanogaster are closely linked to the biochemical composition of the matrices and the dietary context. Fruit pomace powder emerged as the most effective product, highlighting its potential as a functional dietary ingredient and a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Full article

Kombucha, a fermented tea beverage celebrated for its unique flavor and health-promoting properties, is traditionally produced from sugared tea and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). In this study, Nashi pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) pomace, a nutrient-rich by-product of juice processing, was explored as a novel substrate for kombucha production, combining sustainability with functional innovation. Beverages were prepared using black tea or pear pomace with varying sugar concentrations (3%, 5%, 7% w/v) and fermented for six days at 22 °C. Physicochemical parameters, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, color, and microbial populations were systematically analyzed. Pomace-based kombucha exhibited higher initial pH (4.3–4.7) and higher initial titratable acidity compared to tea-based variants (pH 3.4–3.6). These values stabilized at 3.6–3.8 by the end of fermentation, ensuring safety while preserving bioactive stability. While tea kombucha had higher polyphenol content (943.81–967.74 mg GAE/100 mL) and antioxidant activity (52.22–99.87% DPPH scavenging), pear pomace kombucha offered moderate bioactivity (up to 435.13 mg GAE/100 mL and 33.52% DPPH scavenging) and distinctive color (significantly higher b* value reaching 42.7), along with robust microbial growth. The results demonstrate that Nashi pear pomace can serve as a functional, eco-friendly alternative substrate, transforming fruit processing waste into a value-added beverage with enhanced health-promoting properties. This approach highlights a sustainable pathway for circular economy practices in food production and introduces a promising direction for innovative kombucha formulations. Full article

Postharvest fruit losses significantly impact producers and distributors. Although synthetic preservatives mitigate these losses, consumer safety concerns and regulatory restrictions drive interest in alternative approaches. Propolis, rich in polyphenols, exhibits antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, making it a promising natural strategy to preserve fruit quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the pre- and postharvest applications of Portuguese propolis extracts on the preservation of postharvest quality of ‘Rocha’ pear, an exclusively Portuguese variety of major economic importance. Treatments were applied by spraying the fruits one month before and at harvest. After five months of cold storage, the main quality parameters, phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, physiological disorders, and microbial contamination were assessed. The results showed that the application of propolis extract, either 30 days before or immediately after harvest, reduces the total microbiological load on the fruit’s epidermis (~1-log to 2-log reduction, after treatment). Moreover, the treatment enhanced the preservation of key quality attributes, including a reduction in water loss of up to 44%, a 13–33% decrease in firmness loss relative to the control, and a lower incidence of physiological disorders during postharvest storage. Furthermore, the application of propolis can enhance the production of fruits with higher levels of bioactive compounds, while also adding value to a bee product that is often underappreciated by most beekeepers. Full article

Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl., a species native to the Western Mediterranean, is valued for its bioactive compounds and beneficial biological properties. Commonly propagated in greenhouses, it may benefit from exposure to tailored light-emitting diode (LED) light to enhance antioxidant defense and metabolite production. This study examined the effects of various spectra on two S. lavandulifolia ecotypes from southeastern Spain. Plants were propagated in vitro and grown for 30 days under white, red, blue, red/blue (70:30), white/blue, or white/red LED light, under a 16/8 h light/dark photoperiod (light intensity of 115 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹). Photosynthetic pigments, enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase and catalase), non-enzymatic antioxidants (tocopherols and polyphenols), antioxidant capacity (FRAP and DPPH^•), and lipid peroxidation (MDA) were assessed. In ecotype 1, red LED light significantly increased the content of photosynthetic pigments and non-enzymatic antioxidants while reducing enzymatic antioxidant activity. In contrast, ecotype 2 showed higher catalase and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity under white/blue light, without changes in pigment content. In both ecotypes, these treatments increased α-tocopherol and hydroxycinnamic acid derivative content, strengthening antioxidant defenses without inducing oxidative damage. Overall, the results highlight the need to customize LED light spectra for each ecotype, as genetic background may significantly influence plant responses. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the interspecific variation in polyphenolic profiles and biological activities of acorn flours from three native Tunisian Quercus L. species (Q. ilex L., Q. suber L., and Q. canariensis Willd.). Q. canariensis extracts are the richest in total phenolic, flavonoid and hydrolysable tannin contents. Six phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC-DAD analysis. Chlorogenic acid was the dominant compound in Q. canariensis and Q. ilex acorns. Whereas in Q. suber, caffeic acid was the main component and, along with trans-ferulic acid, was exclusive to this species. Hyperoside was notably identified in Q. canariensis. The UHPLC-DAD-MS analysis of hydrolysable tannins revealed twelve compounds. Acorns of Q. canariensis and Q. suber were dominated by ellagitannins, whereas Q. ilex contained mainly gallotannins. To our knowledge, these compounds are identified for the first time in Tunisian acorns. Q. canariensis exhibited the strongest antioxidant potential with DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays, as well as the highest antibiofilm and anti-α-amylase activities. All extracts inhibited ATCC pathogenic bacterial strains while largely sparing the beneficial probiotic Limosilactobacillus fermentum. This result indicates a selective antibacterial effect not previously reported for Quercus acorns. Q. canariensis may represent a potential source of functional food ingredient, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals, which remains to be confirmed through in vivo investigations. Full article

Flemingia philippinensis Merr. et Rolfe (F. philippinensis) is a Chinese herbal medicine rich in polyphenols, especially isoflavone derivatives. It exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties and is widely used in the treatment of various diseases. In this study, we aim to sequence, assemble, and analyze the mitogenome of F. philippinensis in detail to understand the genetic structure of their organelles and their gene expression. The results showed that the mitogenome of F. philippinensis possesses a circular architecture with a total length of 427,353 bp and a GC content of 44.90%. Annotation results revealed 33 unique protein-coding genes (PCGs), 16 transfer RNA (tRNA), and 3 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes in the mitogenome. Furthermore, comparative analysis of mitogenome andchloroplast gemone (cpgemone) sequences identified six mitochondrial plastid sequences (MTPTs), including one partial PCG and five complete tRNA genes. Subsequent collinearity analysis indicated that numerous homologous collinear blocks were detected between F. philippinensis and its closely related species, and have undergone a large number of genomic rearrangements in the F. philippinensis mitogenome. Finally, RNA editing analysis identified 498 C -to- U editing sites, notably enriched in nad4 (44 sites) and ccmB (33 sites). Codon usage bias analysis indicated that leucine (Leu 10.66%) and serine (Ser 9.19%) were the most frequently used amino acids. This study lays a theoretical foundation for further elucidating the structural characteristics and understanding the evolution, classification, and identification of F. philippinensis. Full article

This study examined shoot proliferation and phenolic compounds accumulation in Clerodendrum colebrookianum and Clerodendrum trichotomum in vitro culture. The cultures were treated with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), meta-topolin (M-T), or N-benzyl-9-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)adenine (BPA) (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/L), and their biomass accumulation, shoot proliferation, and phenolic profiles were quantitatively assessed. In C. colebrookianum, BPA and M-T at 0.5 and 1.0 mg/L yielded higher proliferation rates (11.0–12.0 shoots per explant) and biomass production than BAP. In C. trichotomum, maximal shoot multiplication was achieved with 2.0 mg/L M-T (24.47 shoots per explant), and peak biomass accumulation was achieved with 1.0 mg/L BPA. The two species demonstrated polyphenolic fingerprints, with C. colebrookianum extract containing seven polyphenols and C. trichotomum ten, predominantly represented by acteoside and related compounds. M-T treatments markedly enhanced phenolic biosynthesis, yielding a 3.3-fold increase in acteoside in C. colebrookianum (82.73 mg/g DW) at 2.0 mg/L and in C. trichotomum (41.3 mg/g DW) at 1.0 mg/L relative to controls. TOPSIS multi-criteria decision analysis, integrating growth parameters, acteoside, and total phenolic content, found the optimal supplementation to be 1.0 mg/L M-T in the presence of 0.1 mg/L IAA for both species (closeness coefficients: 0.821 and 0.792, respectively). The extracts derived from optimized cultures exhibited significant radical-scavenging and metal reduction capacity in DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays; a stronger effect was observed for C. colebrookianum, which may be associated with acteoside enrichment. Overall, M-T and BPA were found to be superior to BAP in promoting biomass accumulation and high-value bioactive phenolic production in Clerodendrum spp. Our findings underscore the potential of in vitro culture systems as a sustainable source of antioxidant phytochemicals with prospective nutraceutical and pharmaceutical relevance. Full article

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) belongs to the Allium genus and is one of the main bulbous plants consumed fresh, powdered, or cooked. Numerous studies have shown that garlic exhibits antihyperlipidaemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular disease preventive, antihypertensive, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, and hypoglycaemic effects. Moreover, studies on polyphenols detected in garlic reveal strong anticancer properties in various cell lines. The aim of this review is to summarise the current state of knowledge regarding the anticancer properties and shared molecular mechanisms of action of garlic-derived polyphenolic compounds. Our analysis demonstrates that the polyphenol content in garlic is highly variable and depends on numerous factors, including the part of the plant, processing methods, place of cultivation, and other conditions. Additionally, garlic contains polyphenols that exhibit anticancer activity in preclinical models, the properties of which have been demonstrated in in vitro studies. The anticancer mechanism of action varies depending on the type of polyphenol. Several polyphenols from garlic such as e.g., catechin, quercetin, and kaempferol activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, which appear to contribute to at least part of garlic’s anticancer activity. The primary mechanism of garlic’s anticancer properties relies on reactive oxygen species-dependent toxicity and/or apoptosis, and Nrf2 is also implicated in the mechanism of action of garlic polyphenols. Our review provides evidence that under in vitro conditions, polyphenols present in garlic may exhibit anticancer properties. Garlic is not only a valuable culinary ingredient but also a natural medicine. Regular consumption in moderate amounts may offer numerous health benefits. Full article

Walnut is valued for being rich in nutrients and polyphenols, which are key bioactive metabolites; however, a comprehensive and dynamic assessment of metabolites in the husk and pellicle is still lacking. In this study, multi-omics approaches combining untargeted metabolomics and transcriptome analysis were conducted to systematically characterize the differential metabolite profile and regulatory networks in walnut husk and pellicle. Metabolomic profiling revealed a clear divergence in polyphenol compositions between the husk and the pellicle; the husk was predominantly enriched in nine phenolic acid compounds, whereas the pellicle accumulated eleven flavonoid compounds. Through co-expression network analysis, a transcription factor, JrMYB8, was identified and shown to act as a specific inhibitor and regulator of polyphenol biosynthesis. Functional characterization demonstrated that JrMYB8 overexpression significantly reduced the accumulation of the total phenol content (TPC) and the total flavonoid content (TFC) by directly repressing the expression of JrC4H. These findings not only provide a molecular target for manipulating polyphenol content in walnut tissues but also offer a target for improving flavor in walnut breeding. Full article

The sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) is an important fruit species in Eastern Europe due to its multiple uses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ripening-stage-dependent compositional changes in some Hungarian-bred sour cherry varieties (“amarelle” type ‘Korai pipacs’, “morello” types ‘Érdi bőtermő’ and ‘Újfehértói fürtös’), with a special view on biologically active compounds (anthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamin C, melatonin), organic acids, sugars, and antioxidant characteristics. The measured soluble solid content varied within a narrower range than reported in the literature, whereas the total acid content and soluble solid content were consistent with previous data. As the analyses were based on samples from a single year (2022), potential year-to-year variability should be considered when interpreting the results. The “morello” type varieties reached a higher amount of different sugar compounds than the “amarelle” type variety. Among the examined organic acid compounds, malic acid was detected in the highest quantity (176.75 to 669.44 mg 100 mL⁻¹). The vitamin C data (5.74 to 13.46 mg 100 mL⁻¹) had similarity to the literature data. The “amarelle” type ‘Korai pipacs’ reached the highest antioxidant content (131.11 mM AS L⁻¹) in the third picking time. Among the naturally occurring pigments the “morello” type, straining sour cherries reached a higher amount (113.71 µg mL⁻¹ in ‘Érdi bőtermő’ and 59.4 µg mL⁻¹ in ‘Újfehértói fürtös’ of cyanidin glucosides), than the observed “amarelle” type (23.42 µg mL⁻¹ in ‘Korai pipacs’ of cyanidin glucosides). Melatonin was detected in all examined varieties (1.56 to 13.25 ng mL⁻¹). Full article

Browning is the major physiological cause of quality loss in lotus root. This study explored the effects of temperature (4 °C, 25 °C, 35 °C) or ethylene (ET) on quality, especially browning, as well as polyphenol and starch metabolism in lotus root. Low temperature (4 °C) reduced browning and color changes (L*, a*), while retaining water and vitamin C (Vc) content. ET maintained Vc and soluble protein, while high temperature (35 °C) promoted total soluble solids (TSS) and soluble sugar accumulation. ET or 35 °C upregulated polyphenol metabolism-related genes including NnPAL1/4, NnCHS1, NnF3H and NnANR, increased total phenolic and flavonoid content, and enhanced antioxidant capacity. Moreover, 35 °C increased PAL activity, and ET also upregulated NnUGT88B1. Furthermore, 4 °C downregulated NnGBE1-1/2, promoted starch accumulation, while ET upregulated NnSSI, downregulated NnGBE1-1/2, and delayed starch decline. Meanwhile, ET elevated NnETR and NnEBF1-2 and mediated ethylene signaling transduction. In conclusion, 4 °C storage was optimal for delaying browning and starch metabolism of lotus root. Meanwhile, ET treatment or 35 °C were more beneficial to obtain more phenolics and flavonoids. Full article

Due to the seasonality of its production and its polluting characteristics, the management and disposal of large amounts of grape pomace (GP) produced worldwide every year can pose a significant economic and environmental challenge. The research on the possible exploitation of GP for various purposes has been constantly growing during recent years, due to the increased general sensitivity to issues like the sustainability of agro-industrial production and the growing consumer demand for the use of natural versus synthetic compounds. This work concerned the determination of the polyphenolic profile and the dietary fiber content of skins and seeds from unfermented and fermented white and red grape pomace of different cultivars, sampled from local wineries in the Piedmont area (Italy) after winemaking. A double extraction was performed to maximize the extraction of polyphenols from grape pomace flours. The extractable polyphenols content (EPP) was determined in the extracts, while the non-extractable polyphenols (NEPP) linked to fiber were quantified as condensed tannins in the residue after extraction. The total dietary fiber (TDF) was determined for skins and seeds; limited to skins, the analysis was extended to the distinction between soluble and insoluble dietary fiber (SDF and IDF). The polyphenolic and dietary fiber content was significantly higher in seeds than in skins. However, from a nutritional point of view, the dietary fiber of skins may be more interesting due to the higher NEPP content than in seeds; moreover, the winemaking technique influenced the quantity and characteristics of skin fiber, which contained SDF, almost absent in seeds. Full article

This study involved 45 finishing Limousin young bulls (initial BW 350 ± 15 kg; aged 250 ± 20 days) reared under commercial conditions and randomly assigned for 250 days to three dietary treatments: a control diet without olive cake (CTR), and diets including partially destoned dried olive cake at 10% (OC10) or 15% (OC15) of dry matter. The effects of the dietary inclusion of partially destoned dried olive cake (DOC) on the physicochemical properties, intramuscular fatty acid composition, nutritional lipid indices, and antioxidant profile of the Longissimus dorsi muscle were evaluated. Meat pH was measured at 45 min, 24 h, and 7 days of aging. Instrumental color, proximate composition, fatty acid profile, lipid nutritional indices, total phenolic content (TPC), individual polyphenols, and antioxidant capacity were determined. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS, with orthogonal contrasts to evaluate linear and quadratic responses to olive cake inclusion. Treatments did not affect post mortem pH, and color differences observed at 24 h were not present after 7 days of aging. Crude protein content was lower in OC-fed groups, while total lipid content tended to increase; sodium chloride concentration was higher in OC15 meat. Olive cake supplementation reduced hypercholesterolemic saturated fatty acids and increased stearic, oleic, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, including α-linolenic acid, EPA, and DPA, improving PUFA/SFA and UFA/SFA ratios and reducing atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. Despite a higher peroxidability index, OC groups showed greater muscle TPC and antioxidant capacity, the presence of detectable hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol suggests a possible contribution of dietary olive phenolics or their metabolites, although the exact mechanisms underlying their appearance in muscle tissue remain to be fully elucidated. Overall, partially destoned DOC can be included up to 15% of the finishing diet to improve beef nutritional and functional quality within sustainable circular systems. Full article