Search Results (7,389)

Adipose tissue serves as a critical metabolic and endocrine organ, essential for maintaining systemic energy homeostasis and inter-organ communication. During the aging process, it undergoes significant structural remodeling and functional decline, characterized by dysregulated lipid metabolism, chronic low-grade inflammation, reduced insulin sensitivity, and adipokine imbalance. These alterations not only compromise the physiological integrity of adipose tissue but also contribute to the progression of various age-associated metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In recent years, natural products have emerged as a focal point in anti-aging research, owing to their broad accessibility, high biological safety, and capacity for multi-target regulation. Polyphenolic and polysaccharide, in particular, have demonstrated robust antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, autophagy-modulating, and mitochondrial-protective effects in cellular and animal models, indicating their promise in attenuating adipose tissue aging. Although the anti-aging effects of these natural compounds are well documented in the neural, hepatic, and cardiovascular systems, their specific mechanisms in adipose depots—especially differential regulatory patterns between white and brown adipose tissues, which may inform depot-specific therapies—and the development of targeted delivery approaches remain inadequately explored. This review, grounded in the three primary hallmarks of adipose tissue aging (oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and dysregulated lipid metabolism), systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms and recent advancements in the application of polyphenols and polysaccharides as natural modulators. This review establishes a cohesive theoretical foundation and delivers innovative perspectives to guide the advancement of natural product-based nutritional and therapeutic strategies for combating adipose tissue aging. Full article

Background/Objectives: Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is widely cultivated for its fruit, while its aerial by-products remain largely underexploited despite increasing interest in plant-derived bioactive compounds and sustainable food systems. This study comprehensively investigates and compares the phenolic composition and in vitro bioactivities of loquat leaves and flowers to support their potential valorisation as functional ingredients. Methods: Extractable and non-extractable polyphenolic fractions were obtained and quantified, and the extractable fraction was further characterised using HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS. In vitro bioactivity assessment included antioxidant capacity (FRAP and ABTS), glucose dialysis retardation index, and α-glucosidase inhibition. Results: Flowers contained significantly higher levels of both extractable and non-extractable polyphenols than leaves. Qualitative and semi-quantitative phenolic profiling, including multivariate analysis, revealed clear compositional differences between the two organs. Flowers showed a higher relative abundance of phenolic acids, as well as the presence of several compounds absent in leaves, such as kaempferol, naringenin-3-O-glucoside, and three glycosilated anthocyanins. Flower-derived fractions exhibited consistently higher antioxidant activity across all phenolic fractions than leaf-derived fractions, in agreement with their greater polyphenol content. Regarding antidiabetic activity, leaf samples showed a modest capacity to delay glucose diffusion, whereas this effect was not observed in flowers. In contrast, flower extracts displayed a strong inhibitory effect against α-glucosidase, exceeding that of the reference inhibitor acarbose, while this activity was not detectable in leaf extracts under the experimental conditions. Conclusions: These findings support the revalorisation of loquat by-products, particularly flowers, as sustainable sources of bioactive compounds with potential applications in functional foods and health-related products. Full article

This study evaluated the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and chemical properties of four wild edible macrofungi—Tuber aestivum (Wulfen) Spreng., Terfezia claveryi Chatin, Agaricus arvensis Schaeff. and Bovistella utriformis (Bull.) Demoulin & Rebriev—collected from different regions of Türkiye, with particular emphasis on the role of phenolic compounds. Methanol and hexane extracts were assessed for antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, and Candida albicans using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined, and antioxidant capacities were evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), and CUPRAC (cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity) assays. The chemical profiles of hexane extracts were characterized by GC–MS analysis, whereas methanol extracts were analyzed by LC–MS/MS. Methanol extracts with high content of phenolic compounds exhibited markedly higher antimicrobial activity than hexane extracts, especially against Gram-positive bacteria. B. utriformis and A. arvensis displayed the highest phenolic contents (29.61 ± 0.6 and 27.14 ± 0.59 mg GAE/g DW, respectively) and antioxidant activities, revealing a strong positive correlation between TPC and antioxidant capacity. LC–MS/MS analysis revealed catechin, cinnamic acid, and caffeic acid as prominent phenolic constituents, highlighting the role of polyphenols in the observed bioactivity. GC–MS profiling predominantly identified fatty acid methyl esters, particularly linoleic and oleic acids, together with minor phenolic derivatives, suggesting a possible synergistic interaction contributing to the overall biological potential. The results highlight phenolic-rich macrofungi as valuable natural sources of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents with potential applications. Full article

As a novel form of cell death, the discovery of cuproptosis presents significant opportunities and challenges for the field of cancer therapy. Notably, polyphenolic compounds have attracted considerable research attention for their ability to induce cuproptosis. These natural compounds not only exhibit marked anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but their polyhydroxy structures also enable effective chelation and transport of copper ions. This provides novel insights into cuproptosis-mediated cancer therapy. Therefore, in this review, we systematically outline copper metabolism, the mechanisms of cuproptosis, and its association with cancer, while providing an in-depth discussion of the effects and mechanisms by which polyphenolic compounds act as copper ionophores to inhibit tumor growth and progression through the induction of cuproptosis. This review indicates the promising potential of polyphenolic compounds in the field of cancer therapy and provides a theoretical basis for therapeutic strategies based on cuproptosis. Full article

Olive tree cultivation occupies a central place in Algerian agriculture and is of considerable economic and cultural importance. Several production factors strongly influence the quality of olive oil. Among the determinants of this quality, the vegetative growth of the olive tree plays a crucial role, as it controls photosynthetic capacity, the distribution of assimilates, and fruit filling. These physiological mechanisms directly influence oil percentage, as well as fatty acid and phenolic compound compositions, and consequently, sensory characteristics such as bitterness and pungency. This study examines the quantitative relationships between vegetative growth, chemical parameters, and sensory attribute interactions that are still poorly understood using seven representative olive cultivars: local varieties (Chemlal, Bouchouk Lafayette, Blanquette de Guelma, Sigoise, and Limli) and European varieties (Frantoio and Belgentéroise). Vegetative growth was characterized by the average shoot length; fruit oil content was expressed as a percentage on a dry basis, and fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography after derivatization. The total polyphenol content was determined by spectrophotometry and expressed as concentration, and oxidative stability was measured using the Rancimat method. Sensory analysis was conducted by a trained panel in accordance with international recommendations. The results indicate substantial positive correlations between vegetative growth parameters, oil concentration, olive oil composition, and those sensory attributes related to polyphenols, for all varieties studied. This functional consistency suggests that improvement in one parameter is generally associated with improvement in others. The Algerian variety Chemlal stands out for its optimal performance profile in agronomic, chemical, and sensory aspects compared to the other varieties. These preliminary results suggest that optimizing oil characteristics is directly linked to the physiological and biochemical performance of the olive tree, thus confirming the relevance of a systems approach in the selection and management of olive varieties. Full article

The escalating global burden of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) underscores the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Although dietary modulation is known to influence UC progression, the specific molecular mediators remain largely undefined. Recently, the G protein coupled receptor 35 (GPR35) has emerged as a promising target for maintaining gut homeostasis and promoting intestinal epithelium repair. Yet, whether the therapeutic benefits of dietary polyphenols are mediated through the direct activation of GPR35 remains unexplored. Here, the NanoLuc Binary Technology (NanoBiT) assay was first used to identify the potential GPR35 agonist from a library of 30 natural polyphenolic compounds. We discovered Ellagic acid (EA), a natural polyphenol abundant in fruits and nuts, as the potent GPR35 agonist owing to its most potent agonistic effect. The dose-dependent effect was further confirmed by both NanoBiT and Bret assay. Then, the binding site of the ligand-receptor complex was predicted via molecular docking, and key interactions were validated by site-directed mutagenesis. The results indicated the key binding site of the complex was Gln93, Arg100, Arg151, Phe163 and Ser262. And the conformation of the complex was verified stable by the molecular dynamics simulation. The bioactivity of EA was then evaluated in vivo. And the in vivo experiment indicated that EA alleviated the symptoms of UC. In addition, complementary in vitro assays, including a wound healing (scratch) assay and an SRB proliferation assay, were employed to investigate its effect on intestinal epithelial repair. The in vitro experiment demonstrated that EA enhanced the migration and proliferation of human colonic epithelial cells, an effect that was specifically abolished by the GPR35 antagonist CID2745687, indicating the key role GPR35 played in the intestinal repair. Collectively, our study demonstrates that the natural polyphenolic compound EA promotes epithelial healing and ameliorates colitis by acting as a GPR35 agonist. Full article

Amaranth oil (AMO) and its topical formulation enriched with rose oil (AMOR) were evaluated for anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties in skin-relevant models. Two complementary inflammation models were used to assess immunomodulatory potential, (i) LPS-stimulated macrophages and (ii) TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated immortalized HaCaT keratinocytes, while cytotoxicity and selectivity were tested on human HaCaT keratinocytes and melanoma cell lines (A375, HTB140). GC-MS and FTIR analyses were performed to confirm the presence of key bioactive compounds (squalene, fatty acids, phenolics). AMOR showed significantly higher polyphenol and palmitic acid content than AMO. In both inflammation models, AMOR more effectively reduced IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α release. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that both oils were safe for normal keratinocytes, while selectively cytotoxic to melanoma cells, with AMOR demonstrating greater potency (IC₅₀ A375 = 3.8 μg/mL and HTB140 = 18.9 μg/mL). Albumin-binding studies showed that AMOR had stronger interactions with these proteins, which may enhance delivery and tissue retention. In conclusion, both oils exhibit promising topical safety, but AMOR provides enhanced anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects due to its enriched composition. This study supports the therapeutic potential of amaranth oil in different skin diseases, especially when combined with essential oils of complementary bioactivity. Full article

Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi root is a traditional medicinal resource rich in bioactive isoflavonoids with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the chemical composition and biological activities of P. lobata root extracts can vary depending on the extraction solvent. In this study, we systematically compared P. lobata root extracts prepared using water, ethanol (30%, 70%, and 100%), and methanol to evaluate the effects of solvent selection on extraction yield, HPLC-based chemical profiles of major isoflavonoids, antioxidant capacity, and cellular responses in vitro. Chemical characterization by HPLC revealed distinct solvent-dependent differences in the relative abundance of key isoflavonoids, including puerarin, daidzin, and daidzein, defining characteristic chemical profiles for each extract. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, along with measurements of total polyphenol and flavonoid content. Cell viability was examined in HeLa cells using an MTT assay to define non-cytotoxic concentration ranges. The anti-inflammatory potential of the extracts was further assessed by measuring TNF-α-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in HeLa cells. The results revealed marked solvent-dependent differences in extraction yield, chemical composition, and functional activity. Notably, methanol and ethanol extracts exhibited enriched isoflavonoid profiles associated with enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. Overall, this integrated chemical and functional evaluation demonstrates that solvent selection plays a critical role in determining the chemical characteristics and bioactivity of P. lobata root extracts. These findings provide a basis for rational solvent selection in the preparation of plant-derived extracts and support the potential use of P. lobata root as a functional source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Full article

The sustainable valorization of citrus processing by-products represents a key challenge for the food industry, aiming to reduce waste while recovering valuable bioactive compounds. In this study, a cloud point extraction strategy was developed using soy lecithin as a natural, food-grade surfactant to isolate phenolic antioxidants from orange juice industry residues. Response Surface Methodology was applied to two streams of orange juice by-products, to evaluate the combined effects of pH, NaCl concentration, and lecithin content on extraction efficiency, with total polyphenolic content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power serving as response variables. Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis was additionally employed to integrate all antioxidant responses and identify a multivariate optimum. The optimized conditions (pH 3.4, 12% NaCl, 11% lecithin) enabled maximal recovery of antioxidant constituents, highlighting the effectiveness of lecithin-based micellar systems. To assess practical applicability, the optimized extract from the oil emulsion residue (Stream A) was incorporated into tsipouro, a traditional Greek distillate, and its stability was monitored under controlled light and temperature conditions for 30 days at three concentration levels. Results demonstrated that both environmental factors significantly influenced antioxidant retention and physical stability, underscoring the importance of formulation design. Specifically, high gel concentration at 2% w/v, low temperature at 20 °C and light exposure provided the highest overall desirability for TPC, FRAP, and DPPH responses. Overall, this work introduces a green, scalable, and food-compatible extraction approach that not only supports circular economy principles but also opens new opportunities for the development of functional alcoholic beverages enriched with natural antioxidants. Full article

Human skin and hair act as multifunctional barriers but are highly sensitive to environmental pollutants originating from air, water, and cosmetic products. Epidemiological studies report that exposure to particulate matter (PM_2.5–PM₁₀), nitrogen oxides (NO_x), and volatile organic compounds increases the risk of skin and hair disorders. For instance, women in high-traffic areas (N = 211) show significantly more pigment spots and nasolabial wrinkles compared to those in rural areas (N = 189), indicating accelerated skin ageing. Children aged 9–11 exposed to PM₁₀, benzene, and NO_x exhibit increased incidence of atopic dermatitis. Systemic exposure to dioxins causes chloracne, while co-exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and UVA radiation elevates skin cancer risk. Psoriasis flares are associated with mean pollutant concentrations over the 60 days preceding flare events in 957 patients, and hyperpigmentation prevalence increases in populations exposed to traffic-related PM and ROS-inducing pollutants. Hair loss is linked to oxidative stress from PM and PAHs absorbed on hair fibers, with in vitro studies showing keratinocyte apoptosis in scalp hair follicles. This review evaluates natural adsorbents such as zeolites, clays, activated carbon, and polyphenol-rich plant extracts for anti-pollution cosmetic formulations. Adsorption capacities range from 60 to 150 mg·g⁻¹ depending on the pollutant, with removal efficiencies of 30–55% in model topical systems. Mechanisms include ion exchange, surface adsorption, hydrophobic interactions, and radical scavenging. Incorporating 2–5% w/w of these adsorbents in cosmetic formulations significantly reduces pollutant deposition on skin and hair. These findings support the development of evidence-based, sustainable anti-pollution cosmetic strategies that quantitatively mitigate environmental stressor effects. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Natural products rich in polyphenols have been investigated for their potential to modulate pathways associated with PD-related pathology. The present study evaluated the effects of an acetonic almond skin extract, an agri-food by-product, in a zebrafish (Danio rerio) larval model of PD induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Embryos were exposed to 250 µM 6-OHDA alone or in combination with the extract (5 and 25 µg/mL) from 48 to 120 h post-fertilization (hpf). Developmental parameters, locomotor behaviour, oxidative stress biomarkers, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity were assessed at 120 hpf. Exposure to 6-OHDA reduced TH immunofluorescence and impaired locomotor performance, accompanied by increased apoptotic signal and mild alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential. Co-exposure to the almond skin extract attenuated the reduction in TH immunoreactivity and partially modulated behavioural outcomes in a concentration-dependent manner. The extract alone increased glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, suggesting modulation of redox-related pathways. Notably, the highest concentration restored the TH signal but did not fully normalize the behavioural endpoints, indicating potential concentration-dependent complexity. Although sustained oxidative stress was not detected at the assessed time point, the observed mitochondrial and apoptotic alterations suggest involvement of multiple cellular processes. However, detailed mechanistic pathways were not directly investigated. Overall, these findings indicate that the almond skin extract modulates dopaminergic and behavioural alterations in a PD-induced zebrafish model, supporting its potential as a source of bioactive compounds, warranting further mechanistic and translational investigation. Full article

Fermentation is a widely utilized technology that efficiently enriches bioactive compounds, thereby enhancing the bioactivity of food. This study aimed to investigate the release of the total polyphenol content (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC), changes in antioxidant activity, and in vitro relative abundance trends of phenolic metabolites in the fermented composite juice of kidney beans and mulberries. An in vitro simulated gastric and intestinal digestion method was employed to examine the release patterns of polyphenols and flavonoids, along with alterations in antioxidant activity during the gastrointestinal digestion of the fermented composite juice. Non-targeted metabolomics LC-MS technology was employed to detect changes in the relative abundance and enrichment of phenolic metabolites during fermentation and digestion stages. The results indicated that after simulated digestion, the polyphenol content increased by 1.42-fold and the flavonoid content by 2.53-fold compared to pre-digestion. The scavenging rates for DPPH radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and ABTS radicals reached 85.44%, 94.77%, and 76.12%, respectively. Non-targeted metabolomic investigation through KEGG pathway enrichment showed associations between phenolic metabolites and antioxidant activity. During fermentation and digestion, daidzein, genistein, quercetin, and catechin may be the potential compounds contributing to the enhanced antioxidant activity of FBMJ. Among these, phenolic metabolites are significantly enriched in the biosynthetic pathways of flavonoids and flavanols. This study has elucidated the metabolic variations between the fermentation and digestion stages of fermented composite juice from a metabolomics perspective, providing preliminary in vitro research evidence and theoretical clues for developing it as a functional food with antioxidant potential. Full article

The growing demand for clean-label, plant-based foods is accelerating the development of vegan emulsified products that avoid synthetic additives while delivering appealing sensory and health-related attributes. We formulated naturally colored, mayonnaise-like oil-in-water emulsions using 55% canola oil and yeast protein extracts (YPEs) as emulsifiers and polyphenol-rich ingredients derived from red cabbage and butterfly pea flower. The resulting systems were characterized for rheological behavior, texture, droplet-size distribution, lipid oxidation (peroxide value) and microbiological stability. Two distinct YPEs produced emulsions with different microstructural and mechanical properties, highlighting the role of protein composition on emulsion architecture. Incorporation of anthocyanin-rich polyphenol matrices (red cabbage extracts characterized by predominantly simple acylations and butterfly pea flower extracts containing complex acylations, both at similar purities) modulated emulsion structuring and stability during storage, beyond color delivery. Overall, polyphenol addition strengthened emulsion structure, as evidenced by a significant increase in plateau modulus from 621 Pa to 1428 Pa in emulsions with complete YPE and butterfly pea extract and mitigated lipid oxidation, supporting their use as partial replacement options for additives such as EDTA in clean-label formulations. These findings provide a practical basis for designing functional, and visually attractive vegan emulsions that align with consumer demand for additive-reduced products. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the bromatological profile of fruits from rowanberry (Sorbus aucuparia L.) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.), as well as the polyphenol bioaccessibility under in vitro simulated gastrointestinal conditions, antioxidant activity and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in a biological model (egg yolk). The fruits were demonstrated to be rich in bioactive compounds, containing comparable total vitamin E levels (~65 mg/kg), with α-tocopherol as the predominant isomer, and measurable amounts of xanthophylls, mainly lutein (20.19–21.69 μg/g), astaxanthin, and canthaxanthin. HPLC-DAD analysis identified 19 polyphenolic compounds, with catechin being the dominant compound in rowanberry fruits (4.36 mg/g), while epigallocatechin and catechin were the most abundant in hawthorn fruits. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion showed elevated intestinal bioaccessibility of hydroxybenzoic acids, with ellagic acid reaching ~96% in the intestinal phase of rowanberry fruits and ~109% in hawthorn fruits, indicating increased availability. In hawthorn fruits, flavanols exhibited greater stability and higher bioaccessibility, with catechin reaching 101% in the gastric phase, epicatechin remaining highly bioaccessible (98–97%), and epigallocatechin showing moderate bioaccessibility (24–50%). Both fruit extracts exhibited antioxidant activity, with hawthorn fruits showing significantly higher ABTS and DPPH scavenging capacities. Rowanberry and hawthorn fruits exhibited an inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation in yolk homogenates, reducing malondialdehyde formation to 37.19 mg/kg and 20.58 mg/kg from 50.79 mg/kg, respectively, although their efficacy remained lower than that of synthetic antioxidants. The findings of this study indicate that rowanberry and hawthorn fruits are promising sources of bioactive compounds, exhibiting significant antioxidant activity in biological models and supporting the potential valorization of these underutilized fruits for functional food and nutraceutical applications. Full article

The global increase in metabolic syndrome, characterized by the dysregulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism accompanied by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, has driven research into plant species rich in polyphenols capable of modulating these pathophysiological mechanisms. Mexican species of the genus Arbutus represent a potential source of phenolic compounds with functional relevance; however, they remain poorly explored phytochemically and biologically. The present study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile and evaluate the biological activity of 1% (w/v) leaf infusions of A. bicolor, A. tessellata, A. madrensis, A. arizonica, and A. occidentalis. Proximal analyses, spectrophotometric determinations of total phenols, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins, as well as characterization by UPLC–ESI–MS/MS were performed. In vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestive enzyme inhibitory activities were also evaluated. Proximate analysis revealed that carbohydrates constituted the predominant component (72–82%), followed by lipids (3–12%), proteins (4–8%), ash (3–5%), and moisture (5–6%). The total phenolic content ranged from 25.39 to 64.14 mg EAG, being A. occidentalis the species with the highest concentration, while total flavonoids ranged from 14.91 to 33.33 mg EC per gram of dry weight. A total of 38 phenolic compounds were identified, exhibiting marked interspecific variability. A. occidentalis, distinguished by its high ellagitannin content, exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity (ORAC: 10.40 mM TEAC/g) and notable erythrocyte membrane stabilization (~69%). Enzymatic inhibition demonstrated differential profiles: A. tessellata showed the most significant inhibition of α-amylase (80.19%), whereas A. bicolor exhibited higher inhibition of α-glucosidase (81.88%) and pancreatic lipase (74.26%) could be associated with stilbenes such as resveratrol. Bioactivity was more strongly associated with the specific phytochemical profile than with total phenolic content. These findings suggest that Arbutus spp. leaf infusions may represent multifunctional phytochemical matrices with potential relevance in metabolic syndrome management. Full article