Search Results (5,699)

This review classifies plant-derived functional ingredients in pet food according to phytochemical groups and application forms, including direct oral supplementation and incorporation into complete diets. Polyphenols and plant extracts exert prominent antioxidant (singular), anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and microbiome-regulating effects. Microalgae and omega-3 sources support lipid metabolism, cardiovascular function, and skin integrity. Cannabinoids demonstrate dose-dependent responses in dogs, while cats generally tolerate long-term administration and exhibit notable benefits in chronic pain management. Combinations of botanical extracts with complementary bioactives and fermented botanical preparations exhibit multi-target functionality, with dogs showing pronounced biochemical and microbiome modulation, whereas cats display more behavioral and functional improvements. Phytochemicals operate through integrated multi-level regulation, including activation of antioxidant enzymes, modulation of inflammatory cytokines and T-lymphocyte ratios, microbial metabolic shifts toward short-chain fatty acid production, and regulation of lipid metabolism. Dogs demonstrate marked effects on hepatic function, reproductive resilience, microbiome diversity, CD4+/CD8+ balance, and cholesterol control. In contrast, cats show greater benefits in inflammation reduction, pain relief, intestinal integrity, and long-term safety. These species-specific responses underscore the importance of precision formulation and highlight the emergence of plant-based “pharma-pet nutrition” integrating nutritional and biochemical strategies for targeted health promotion. Full article

Background/Objectives: The valorization of bioactive compounds from food industry by-products aligns with sustainable development goals and represents a strategy for obtaining functional ingredients. Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) skins are a phenolic-rich residue with high antioxidant potential, but their extraction conditions and cellular mechanisms of action remain insufficiently explored. Methods: Ultrasound-assisted extraction was optimized using a 3³ Full Factorial Design (FFD) by investigating temperature (30–50–70 °C), extraction time (1–2–3 h), and solvent composition (water/ethanol). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using multiple in vitro assays, including Total Phenolic Content (TPC), DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and β-carotene bleaching (BCB) assays. The optimized extract (OE) was chemically characterized by UHPLC–MS/MS and its activity was evaluated in HepG2 cells for biocompatibility, modulation of intracellular ROS levels, and antioxidant pathway activation. Results: Optimal extraction conditions were identified as 30 °C, 70.86 min (1.181 h), and 21.13% ethanol (v/v), yielding an extract with enhanced antioxidant capacity. UHPLC–MS/MS analysis revealed 25 bioactive compounds, mainly flavonoids and phenolic acids, relevant for oxidative stress modulation. The extract significantly reduced tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH)-induced intracellular ROS levels, restoring antioxidant proteins involved in the Nuclear Factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF-2)-mediated defense pathway. Conclusions: The optimized hazelnut skin extract combines strong antioxidant efficacy with cellular compatibility, supporting its potential application as a functional ingredient for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical strategies targeting oxidative stress-related conditions. Full article

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) offer sustainable alternatives to conventional solvents for plant extraction, yet their influence on extract composition and bioactivity preservation requires further study. Here, choline chloride-based NADES with lactic acid or propylene glycol were evaluated for ultrasound-assisted extraction (60 °C, 30 min, 1:20 w/v) of polyphenol-rich fractions from Sanguisorba officinalis and Symphytum officinale. Spectrophotometric analysis yielded total phenolic contents of 6.49–9.67 mg GAE g⁻¹ and total flavonoids of 0.08–0.52 mg g⁻¹, with values dependent on the plant matrix and the NADES formulation. Targeted HPLC-MS/MS enabled identification of representative phenolic acids (chlorogenic, caffeic, ferulic, rosmarinic) and flavonoid markers (rutin, quercetin derivatives), showing qualitative differences in the detected marker profiles between solvents and matrices. Functional assays demonstrated pronounced antioxidant-related effects, including DPPH radical scavenging at 0.5–25 µg mL⁻¹ (polyphenols), inhibition of lipid peroxidation in rat erythrocytes at 0.25–1.20 µg mL⁻¹, and modulation of mitochondrial respiration and permeability transition in isolated rat liver mitochondria. Overall, the results indicate that choline chloride-based NADES can be used to obtain polyphenol-rich plant extracts compatible with the applied analytical workflow while preserving redox-active fractions, supporting their utility in green analytical sample preparation. Full article

This study aims to develop and characterize novel dermatocosmetic formulations designed to hydrate the skin, improve its appearance, reduce wrinkles, and provide antioxidant, anti-ageing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits, along with potential protection against UVA and UVB radiation. The formulations contain the following ingredients: xanthan gum (0.5%), Calendula officinalis oil (5%), Argania spinosa oil (5%), Helianthus annuus oil (5%), liposomes containing a hydroalcoholic extract of pomace from local red or white grapes (2%), an olive oil-based emulsifier (6%), vitamin E (0.5%), cetearyl alcohol (3%), propylene glycol (8%), and purified water (up to 100%). The natural ingredients used in these formulations, i.e., the red or white grape pomace extract from the aforementioned Romanian varieties, the oils of Calendula officinalis, Argania spinosa, and Helianthus annuus, xanthan gum, and the olive oil-based emulsifier (Olliva), promote the concept of ‘green cosmetics’. The use of liposomes to deliver bioactive substances from hydroalcoholic extracts allows the gradual release of active ingredients into the skin. An alternative for incorporating grape pomace extract into a cream-type matrix involves the use of liposomes. Liposomes loaded with red or white grape pomace extract were prepared using the thin-film hydration technique, followed by ultrasonication and extrusion. The obtained formulations were characterized using bio-physico-chemical analysis procedures in terms of consistency, colour, homogeneity, aroma, pH, stretch, texture, stability, and antioxidant activity/free radical scavenging capacity, as well as in vitro polyphenol release behaviour. These newly developed dermatocosmetic formulations were the subject of a patent application in Romania. Full article

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is an important vegetable resource in the food industry, generating substantial amounts of by-products during cultivation and distribution. Despite their richness in functional components, these by-products are largely underutilized. Accordingly, there is increasing interest in their valorization as functional food ingredients. This study evaluated the functional potential of radish by-products removed prior to distribution by applying cellulase pretreatment and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum fermentation individually or in combination. Radish samples were separated into leaf blade, stem, and taproot tissues and processed as untreated control, enzyme-treated, fermented, and enzyme-treated and fermented (EF) groups. The EF treatment significantly increased reducing sugar content, total polyphenols, and total flavonoids across all tissues, with the most pronounced enhancement observed in leaf by-products. In antioxidant assays, EF samples showed decreased IC₅₀ values in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays and increased FRAP values, indicating superior antioxidant capacity. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, EF-treated leaf extracts effectively suppressed nitric oxide and intracellular ROS production without cytotoxicity and exhibited the highest GSH/GSSG ratio, suggesting improved cellular redox balance. In contrast, interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion varied depending on tissue type and processing condition, indicating that antioxidant enhancement does not necessarily correspond to uniform cytokine regulation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that enzymatic pretreatment combined with lactic acid fermentation serves as an effective strategy to enhance the antioxidant and cell-protective properties of radish by-products, supporting their potential use as value-added functional food ingredients. Full article

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is one of the most important cereal crops in Mexico due to its extensive cultivation and use in human nutrition, livestock production, and the biofuel industry. However, its productivity is severely affected by the sorghum aphid, Melanaphis sorghi Theobald, 1904 (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a major pest of this crop. Its control relies primarily on synthetic chemical insecticides, whose intensive use has led to environmental impacts and health risks, prompting the search for more sustainable alternatives. In this study, the insecticidal activity of root extracts from Bessera elegans was evaluated against apterous adults of M. sorghi using artificial diet bioassays at different concentrations and exposure times. Chemical characterization of the extracts and the active fraction was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The methanolic extract exhibited the lowest LC₅₀ value (2562 ppm), indicating the highest insecticidal potency, while the acetone extract achieved the highest maximum mortality (98%) at the highest tested concentration. Fractionation of the methanolic extract allowed the identification of fraction BeF1 as the most active, with 94% mortality at 1000 ppm. Chemical characterization indicated a predominance of polyphenolic secondary metabolites, mainly flavonoids and lignans. These results highlight the potential of B. elegans as a natural alternative for the integrated management of the sorghum aphid. Full article

Extracts from the flowers and fruits of Sambucus nigra L. have various applications as colorants and adjuvants in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. It is therefore necessary to establish optimal conditions for the production of these extracts. The objective of this study was to compare different extraction conditions that allow the recovery of polyphenols and flavonoids with antioxidant activity from the aerial parts of S. nigra. For this purpose, the following extraction conditions were analyzed: maceration (M) and ultrasound-assisted (U), as well as extractant mixtures with five different proportions of ethanol and water; TPC and TFC were determined using spectroscopic methods, a preliminary analysis was performed by HPLC-DAD, and the content of chlorogenic acid and rutin was quantified. Similarly, the extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant capacity in ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. Finally, PCA was performed to comprehensively analyze the relationship between the results obtained. The results showed that the extraction conditions determine the recovery of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and antioxidant activity, with the highest yields obtained with 4M and 5M, and the extracts with the highest TPC and TFC being 5U and 1M, respectively. Likewise, the highest concentrations of chlorogenic acid and rutin were found in condition 2M, and the best antioxidant capacity was observed under extraction conditions 3U. This was confirmed by PCA, which indicated that extraction conditions influence yield, recovery of phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity. Therefore, these results indicate that there is no single condition that achieves the best parameters for this species, but rather that specific conditions must be applied depending on the metabolite groups and antioxidant activity. Full article

Species of the Opuntia genus are widely recognized for their richness in bioactive metabolites and antioxidant potential, particularly in their cladodes. However, despite increasing interest in cochineal-resistant cultivars, their genotoxic safety remains poorly explored. In this study, the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and genotoxic effects of cladode extracts from three Dactylopius opuntiae-resistant Opuntia species (O. ficus-indica, O. robusta, and O. stricta) collected in eastern Morocco were comparatively evaluated. Hydroethanolic extracts were characterized for their biochemical composition and screened for antioxidant activity using DPPH, β-carotene bleaching, FRAP, and total antioxidant capacity assays. An untargeted UHPLC-Orbitrap MS/MS approach was applied to profile secondary metabolites, while genotoxicity was assessed using the comet assay on rat leukocyte DNA. The three species exhibited distinct phytochemical and antioxidant profiles. O. ficus-indica showed the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents and the strongest radical scavenging and reducing capacities, whereas O. stricta was particularly rich in ascorbic acid and exhibited the highest total antioxidant capacity. Metabolomic analysis revealed a predominance of phenolic acids and flavonoids, with piscidic acid as a major constituent, along with isorhamnetin derivatives and organic acids. Importantly, none of the extracts induced genotoxic effects compared to the negative control, while all differed significantly from the oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide. Overall, these findings demonstrate the phytochemical richness, antioxidant potential, and genotoxic safety of cochineal-resistant Opuntia cladodes, supporting their sustainable valorization in food, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural applications. Full article

Camellia hakodae Ninh flowers are an endemic Vietnamese species with limited phytochemical and biological characterization. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile and evaluate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the total flower extract. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) and maceration with methanol and ethanol at different concentrations were carried out to evaluate the efficiency of extracting total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), quantified by colorimetric assays, along with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the resulting extracts. The highest TPC (94.9 ± 4.5 mg GAE/g) and TFC (3.1 ± 0.2 mg QE/g) were obtained using UAE with 70% methanol, while maceration with 70% ethanol showed comparable TPC values. The optimized extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ of 29.06 µg/mL, close to that of ascorbic acid (28.16 µg/mL) and significant anti-inflammatory activity in the proteinase inhibition assay (IC₅₀ = 2.72 mg/mL) compared to acetylsalicylic acid (IC₅₀ = 3.16 mg/mL). GC-MS and LC-QTOF-MS/MS analyses revealed diverse metabolites, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, fatty acids, terpenoids, and nitrogen-containing compounds, with representative constituents, such as quinic acid, catechins, flavonol glycosides, and loliolide, providing strong chemical evidence for the observed bioactivities. This integrated study demonstrates that C. hakodae flower is a rich source of multifunctional bioactive compounds and highlights its strong potential for applications in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and cosmeceuticals. Full article

This study explores the sustainable extraction, quantification, and functional evaluation of antioxidant amphiphilic (TAC) and lipophilic (TLC) compounds from avocado (Persea americana) products and by-products using green, solvent-efficient extraction, for potential applications in functional foods and/or cosmetics. Juice derived from organically grown domestic (Greek) avocado and the remaining juicing pulp by-products were subjected to a green extraction and partitioning fractionation process to obtain separately the extracted TLC and TAC. Quantitative analyses of total phenolic (TPC) and carotenoid contents (TCC), as well as antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), were performed using UV–Vis spectroscopy just after the extraction. ATR–FTIR spectroscopy was used to structurally characterize TAC bioactives compared to standards (gallic acid, quercetin, beta-carotene, soy phospholipids). TAC extracts exhibited higher TPC and superior antioxidant capacity across all assays, in comparison to the TLC, especially in the by-products. Despite relatively modest absolute phenolic and carotenoid concentrations compared to the literature, the extracts retained potent bioactivity, indicating selective enrichment of functional compounds. UV–Vis spectral peaks (240 nm, 310 nm) confirmed the presence of conjugated systems, suggesting potential for anti-UV photo-protective cosmetic applications. ATR–FTIR analysis further identified functional groups of key amphiphilic constituents, including simple phenolics, flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids and polar lipids. TAC extracts were successfully integrated into plant-based jelly prototypes as functional food supplements. Antioxidant stability of the jelly was retained for 15 days under refrigeration, though shelf-life limitations due to moisture and microbial growth highlight the need for preservative strategies. This work demonstrates a circular bioeconomy approach to food waste valorization, with significant implications for sustainable innovation in functional foods and clean-label cosmetics. Full article

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) fruits have been widely used due to their abundance of diverse polyphenolic compounds, whereas research on the chemical composition and bioactivity of their stems and leaves remains limited. In this study, the ethyl acetate extract of raspberry stems and leaves was evaluated for inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Guided by affinity ultrafiltration–mass spectrometry, 16 potential active components were further isolated and characterized. Among these, 13 compounds exhibited binding affinity for α-amylase, while 5 compounds showed binding affinity for α-glucosidase. Quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside-7-O-β-D-gentiobioside was isolated from raspberry stems and leaves for the first time. Procyanidin C₃ and quercetin exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the two enzymes. Molecular docking studies hinted at the interactions between these compounds and the key active sites of the two enzymes. These findings suggest that phenolic compounds in raspberry stems and leaves may possess potential as α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitors, providing a scientific basis for further research on their application as functional components for blood glucose control. Full article

The use of olive by-products in livestock farming is a valuable resource, given their high levels of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and health-promoting properties. This preliminary study adopted an integrated approach to evaluate the influence of dietary Olea europaea L. polyphenols on animal welfare, physiological stress response, intestinal morphofunctional traits, and meat quality in Neroametà finishing pigs, a novel Casertana × Large White genetic line (Neroametà). Thirty pigs reared under extensive farming conditions were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 15): a control group fed a standard diet (C) and a treatment group (OL) supplemented with 300 mg/head/day of olive polyphenolic extract for 90 days. The study focused on the systemic correlation between host health and product quality. Meat composition, rheological properties, meat antioxidant activity, stress parameters, and fatty acid profiles of the longissimus lumborum and psoas major muscles were analyzed. Results showed that the OL diet significantly modulated the HPA axis, as evidenced by a marked reduction in plasma ACTH and cortisol levels, alongside improved antioxidant status. These physiological changes were positively associated with a trophic effect on the intestinal mucosa, characterized by increased villus height and a more favorable villus/crypt ratio. Regarding meat quality, the OL group exhibited superior oxidative stability, optimized pH decline, and an improved intramuscular fatty acid profile (increased MUFA and n-3 PUFA, reduced SFA). Despite the pilot scale of 30 animals, these findings provide a solid foundation for characterizing the Neroametà breed. In conclusion, Olea europaea L. polyphenols act as a multi-level modulator, enhancing physiological resilience and meat quality, offering a sustainable strategy for high-quality pork production in line with circular economy and One Health principles. Full article

Post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) in piglets is a common multifactorial disease in global swine production. Traditional prevention and control strategies relying on high-dose zinc oxide and antibiotics face limitations due to antimicrobial resistance and environmental concerns. This review systematically elucidates the mechanisms of action of plant extracts as alternative interventions against PWD, focusing primarily on categories such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, essential oils, and alkaloids. This review discusses how plant extracts exert their effects through various mechanisms, including improving feed intake, enhancing antioxidant and immune capacities, modulating gut microbiota, repairing intestinal barrier function, and inhibiting pathogens—to alleviate diarrhea induced by weaning stress and pathogenic infections. The findings indicate that plant extracts offer advantages such as multi-target effects, natural origin, and a low propensity for inducing resistance, highlighting their promising potential as alternatives to conventional additives. However, challenges related to compositional complexity, stability, and bioavailability require further investigation and optimization. Full article

The pods of pea (Pisum sativum L.), an abundant agroindustry by-product, represents a sustainable source of bioactive compounds. To harness these compounds effectively, this study aimed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of polyphenols and plant pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids) from pea pod waste using response surface methodology, and to evaluate the encapsulation of the resulting extract with a novel pea-based carrier derived from whole pea grain powder. The optimal conditions for the extraction were a time of 45 min, a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1:48 (w/v), and an ethanol concentration of 58.51% (v/v). The extract obtained under these conditions was encapsulated using pea grain powder and compared with a conventional whey protein carrier. The resulting microencapsulates were characterized in terms of process yield, moisture content, particle size distribution, thermal properties, and phenolic composition. Pea grain powder as a carrier provided higher powder yield, lower moisture content, and improved thermal stability, whereas whey protein allowed slightly higher retention of most bioactive compounds, except for coumaric acid and kaempferol. Overall, these findings highlight pea grain powder as a promising plant-based carrier that supports the valorization of pea pod waste, contributing to the development of sustainable ingredients and a circular economy for legume processing by-products. Full article

The aim of this study was to optimize the parameters of ultrasonic extraction of polyphenolic compounds from peanut shells and to evaluate the feasibility of using the obtained extract in the development of functional yogurt. The extraction factors considered were the ethanol concentration, particle size of peanut shells, and extraction time. Process optimization was performed using response surface methodology based on a second-order central composite design. Extraction yield and total polyphenol content were selected as the optimization criteria. The optimal ultrasonic extraction conditions were determined as an ethanol concentration of approximately 70% ethanol, 300 μm particle size, and 53 min. Under these conditions, the predicted extraction yield was 9.05% and the total polyphenol content reached 95.15 mg GAE/g of dry extract. The extract obtained under the optimal conditions was used to fortify yogurt at concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75%. Physicochemical analysis showed that the addition of peanut shell polyphenol extract increased the water-holding capacity and reduced syneresis of yogurt during storage compared with the control sample. Changes in pH and titratable acidity remained within the typical ranges for fermented dairy products. The results confirm the potential of peanut shells as a promising source of polyphenolic compounds and demonstrate the feasibility of using the optimized extract in the development of functional fermented dairy products. Full article