Search Results (4,089)

This systematic review critically evaluates and synthesizes current evidence on the efficacy of biostimulants in enhancing soybean seed yield and quality. A comprehensive literature search was conducted following the PRISMA approach using the Web of Science (WoS) database, focusing on peer-reviewed studies from 2014 to 2025 reporting on the effects of biostimulants applied alone or in combination with other agro-inputs on soybean performance. Over 500 publications were retrieved from the database, of which 72 were included in this review. Extracted data were used to calculate changes in yield (kg ha⁻¹), percentage yield increase (%), oil content (%), and protein concentration (%). Our synthesis demonstrated that the sole application of biostimulants, including seaweed extracts, humic acids, amino acids, and beneficial microbes (Bradyrhizobium, PGPR, AMF), consistently enhanced soybean yield by 4% to 65%, while their interaction with other agro-inputs was shown to be capable of increasing yield by more than 150% under abiotic stress conditions, indicating strong synergistic effects. These improvements are mediated through various physiological mechanisms such as enhanced nutrient uptake, improved root growth, increased photosynthetic efficiency, and elevated stress tolerance. Furthermore, biostimulant application positively affects seed quality, increasing oil and protein content by 0.4–5.5% and 0.5–7.3%, respectively, by optimizing source–sink relationships and metabolic pathways. Overall, the greatest benefits are frequently observed through synergistic combinations of biostimulants with one another or with reduced rates of mineral fertilizers, highlighting a promising pathway toward sustainable crop intensification in soybean systems. Full article

Sunflower seeds have been reported to be a healthy natural source of polyphenols. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms of potential compounds in sunflower seed extract involved in wound healing; major compounds were investigated through network pharmacology and molecular docking. In an in vitro wound-healing assay applied using an immortalised human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell model, 10 µg/mL of the sunflower seed extract promoted cell migration in HaCaT cells and led to complete wound closure after 24 h; at a 1 µg/mL concentration, it led to complete wound closure after 72 h. The sunflower seed extract presented moderate-to-strong antioxidant activity. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to identify the major compounds present in the sunflower seed extract. Forty-seven compounds were identified, among which chlorogenic acid was the most abundant phenolic compound. Network pharmacology was used to identify wound-healing-related targets. In total, 252 proteins were linked to the 47 compounds. Cyto-Hubba analysis identified 10 hub proteins with a strong correlation with wound healing. Molecular docking was used to assess the ability of the major compounds in the sunflower seed extract to combat NF-κB1, EGFR, and MMP9. Chlorogenic acid showed higher binding affinity to all targets. Moreover, its pharmacokinetic properties were well distributed in the plasma (VDss = 0.377 log L/kg), and they were not a carcinogen and did not cause skin sensitisation. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the sunflower seed extract is a potential source of bioactive compounds that can enhance wound healing and can be developed to create a transdermal application. Full article

Incorporating hydrophobic flavonoids such as naringenin into food systems is challenging due to their poor water solubility and instability. Effective delivery systems are essential to improve solubility, dispersibility, and controlled release during digestion. This study developed a food-grade encapsulation system using basil seed gum water-soluble extract (BSG-WSE) combined with proteins, sodium caseinate (NaCas) and whey protein isolate (WPI), via pH-driven and mild heat treatments in aqueous media, without the use of organic solvents, to ensure safety and sustainability. BSG-WSE and NaCas were tested at mass ratios of 1:1, 1:3, and 1:5 under pH conditions of 4, 5, and 7, followed by heat treatments at 60 °C or 80 °C for 30 min. The total biopolymer concentrations were 0.15%, 0.3%, and 0.45% (w/v). The most stable colloidal system was obtained at a 1:1 ratio, pH 4, and 60 °C, which was further evaluated for two additional flavonoids (rutin and quercetin) and with WPI as an alternative protein source. The highest loading capacity (11.18 ± 0.17%) and encapsulation efficiency (72.50 ± 0.85%) were achieved for naringenin under these conditions. Quercetin exhibited superior performance, with a loading capacity of 14.1 ± 3.12% and an encapsulation efficiency of 94.36 ± 5.81%, indicating a stronger affinity for the delivery system. WPI showed lower encapsulation efficiency than NaCas. Ternary systems (BSG-WSE, NaCas, and naringenin) formed under different pH and heat treatments displayed distinct morphologies and interactions. The pH 4 system demonstrated good dispersion and pH-responsive release of naringenin, highlighting its potential as a delivery vehicle for hydrophobic flavonoids. BSG-WSE significantly improved the stability of protein-based complexes formed via pH-driven assembly. Physicochemical characterization, rheological analysis, and release studies suggest that this system is particularly suitable for semi-solid food products such as yogurt or emulsions, supporting its application in functional food development. Full article

Annual wild soybean, the ancestor of cultivated soybean, underwent a significant increase in seed oil content during domestication. To elucidate the genetic basis of this change, a chromosome segment substitution line population (177 lines) constructed with cultivated soybean NN1138-2 as recipient and wild soybean N24852 as donor was used in this study. Phenotypic evaluation across three distinct environments led to the identification of two major QTL/segments, qOC14 on chromosome 14 and qOC20 on chromosome 20, which collectively explained 39.46% of the phenotypic variation, with individual contributions of 17.87% and 21.59%, respectively. Both wild alleles exhibited negative additive effects, with values of −0.35% and −0.42%, respectively, consistent with the inherently low oil content of wild soybeans. Leveraging transcriptome and genome data from the two parents, two candidate genes were predicted. Notably, Glyma.14G179800 is a novel candidate gene encoding a PHD-type zinc finger domain-containing protein, and the hap-A haplotype exhibits a positive effect on oil content. In contrast, Glyma.20G085100 is a reported POWR1 gene, known to regulate protein and oil content. Our findings not only validate the role of known gene but, more importantly, unveil a new candidate gene, offering valuable genetic resources and theoretical targets for molecular breeding of high-oil soybean. Full article

Hypoxic preconditioning is increasingly explored to enhance the survival and vascularization of fat grafts. In this study, nanofat from donor mice was exposed to hypoxia (1% O₂) for 24 h to investigate the effects of this preconditioning protocol on the viability, gene expression and vascularization capacity of this mechanically processed fat derivative. Ex vivo analyses revealed that hypoxic preconditioning does neither affect apoptotic nor necrotic cell death within nanofat but significantly upregulates the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 compared to non-preconditioned nanofat. Moreover, preconditioned nanofat exhibited a pro-angiogenic protein expression profile. For in vivo analyses, dermal substitutes were either seeded with preconditioned or non-preconditioned nanofat and transferred into dorsal skinfold chambers of mice to assess their vascularization by intravital fluorescence microscopy. Unexpectedly, implants seeded with preconditioned nanofat exhibited a significantly reduced functional microvessel density when compared to non-preconditioned controls. Immunohistochemical analyses also confirmed a lower microvessel density within the implants of the preconditioned group. These findings suggest that hypoxic preconditioning at 1% O₂ for 24 h cannot be recommended for enhancing the regenerative in vivo vascularization capacity of nanofat. Therefore, milder preconditioning protocols with shorter periods of hypoxia or higher oxygen levels should be alternatively tested in future studies. Full article

Understanding the integration of metabolic fluxes in fruits and seeds is crucial for identifying key biochemical markers for phenotypic selection in tropical species. This study investigated the Amazonian fruit species Eugenia patrisii (Myrtaceae), known for its nutritional and biotechnological potential, to elucidate the link between fruit chemistry and primary reserve mobilization during germination and early seedling growth. Botanical material was collected from an experimental plantation in Maraba, Pará, Brazil. Three contrasting phenotypes (Ph2, Ph3, and Ph6) were analyzed for fruit proximate composition as well as the dynamics of carbohydrates and protein use over seven germination stages. Fruits predominantly contained carbohydrates (76.6–79.3 g/100 g) and proteins (12.7–17.5 g/100 g) and had low lipid content (<5 g/100 g), indicating high energy conversion efficiency. Phenotype Ph6 showed higher protein accumulation and intensive reserve metabolism in late development stages, while Ph2 featured greater soluble sugar content, indicating contrasting reserve allocation strategies. Principal component analysis (PCA) and the indices of integrated metabolic flux (MFI) and total activity (TAI) revealed distinct metabolic cost patterns and biochemical efficiency among phenotypes. Together, these results demonstrate that fruit nutritional attributes and seed metabolic behavior provide quantitative criteria for identifying superior phenotypes, with Ph3 and Ph6 emerging as promising candidates for domestication, breeding, and conservation programs. Full article

Grassland-based livestock systems across Mexico’s arid and semi-arid belt are increasingly exposed to drought, degrading forage reliability, and soil function. This review synthesizes evidence on native C4 grasses and forage shrubs as complementary building blocks of drought-resilient swards. We searched Web of Science, Scopus, CAB Abstracts and key grey sources (USDA/NRCS Plant Guides, USFS FEIS, Tropical Forages, SNICS) for 1990–2025 studies in English/Spanish. Dominant native grasses (Bouteloua spp., Hilaria belangeri, Digitaria californica, Trichloris crinita, Sporobolus airoides, Panicum hallii) provide high warm-season digestibility and structural cover via C4 physiology, basal/intercalary meristems, and deep/fibrous roots. Forage shrubs (Atriplex canescens, Desmanthus bicornutus, Leucaena leucocephala, Flourensia cernua, Prosopis spp.) bridge the dry-season protein/energy gap and create “resource islands” that enhance infiltration, provided anti-nutritional risks (mimosine/DHP, tannins, salts/oxalates, terpenoids) are managed by dose and diet mixing. We integrate these findings into a Resistance–Recovery–Persistence framework and translate them into operations: (i) site-matching rules for species/layouts, (ii) PLS (pure live seed)-based seed specifications and establishment protocols, (iii) grazing TIDD (timing–intensity–distribution–duration) with a practical monitoring dashboard (CP targets, stubble/cover thresholds, NDVI/SPEI triggers). Remaining bottlenecks are seed quality/availability and uneven extension; policy alignment on PLS procurement and regional seed increase can accelerate adoption. Mixed native grass–shrub systems are a viable, scalable pathway to strengthening drought resilience in Mexican rangelands. Full article

Dormancy is a characteristic of plant seeds that has evolved to avoid exposing the young seedling to adverse weather conditions. The mitogen-activated protein kinase MKK3 from barley is known to mediate the duration of dormancy and subsequent germination of the grain. Here, we used computational and phylogenetic approaches to define the structural model of the monomeric MKK3 domain in complex with the downstream MAPK protein kinase that it phosphorylates. We utilized key genetic variants of the barley MKK3 and generated the structural MKK3/MAPK enzyme-substrate complex, supported by evolutionary analyses, to rationalize the effects of the MKK3 variants occurring at the ATP binding site and in the loops that can be phosphorylated. We propose the likely mechanism of ATP hydrolysis and the effects of common genetic variants on MKK3 activity, thereby influencing the duration of dormancy. The data will facilitate future manipulations of dormancy length in different environments. Full article

Seeds from four landraces of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. and Phaseolus coccineus L.) from the National Collection of Bulgaria were analyzed for their chemical and lipid composition. The chemical analysis revealed that protein ranged from 24.4% to 31.5%, carbohydrates from 53.1% to 56.1%, fat from 0.9% to 1.4%, fiber from 2.6% to 2.8%, and ash from 3.9% to 4.7%, indicating their high nutritional and caloric value. The seed oils contained significant levels of bioactive compounds, including tocopherols (3483–3809 mg/kg), carotenoids (1664–2049 mg/kg), and phospholipids (24.6–62.2%), which contribute to their health-promoting properties. In the Phaseolus vulgaris accessions, the oil was primarily composed of linolenic (n-3) and linoleic acids (n-6), followed by palmitic and oleic acids, whereas in the Phaseolus coccineus accession, linoleic acid (n-6) predominated, followed by linolenic (n-3) acid. β-Sitosterol was the major sterol, followed by stigmasterol, while the tocopherol fraction was mainly composed of γ-tocopherol (88.2–95.0%), with δ-tocopherol as a secondary component. Phosphatidylcholine was the predominant phospholipid, accounting for 33.1–51.7%. These findings underscore the potential of Bulgarian bean landraces as functional ingredients in health-oriented food products due to their balanced nutritional profile and presence of bioactive lipids. Full article

Zanthoxylum piperitum is a food and culinary plant commonly used in East Asia. In traditional medicine, its fruits, seeds, and bark have been utilized to treat digestive disorders, pain, and stomachache. Prior research has demonstrated its health benefits, particularly its significant antioxidant properties. However, limited research has investigated the specific metabolites responsible for these pharmacological effects. In this study, the antioxidant activities (EC₅₀: 9.1–1084.5 μg/mL) and metabolite profiles of different organs (fruits, pericarps, and seeds) of Z. piperitum collected from different regions were comparatively analyzed. Chemical structures of 91 metabolites from different organs were identified using UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS based on untargeted metabolomics. The LC-DPPH method was employed to screen antioxidants from the extracts of the most active organ (the pericarps). The potential effects of the active compounds on oxidation-related diseases were evaluated by integrating compound–target interaction network analysis. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks revealed EGFR, STAT3, AKT1, TNF, BCL2, CASP3, ESR1, PPARA, CYP19A1, and CDK2 as central hub genes. The significance of compound and target interactions was further supported by molecular docking studies, which demonstrated favorable binding affinities, with most proteins exhibiting docked scores below −4.27 kcal/mol. The extracts of Z. piperitum fruits and pericarps also exhibited antioxidative activity against ROS production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Our findings demonstrate the application of an optimized extraction process and underscore the medicinal value of this food-plant by characterizing its bioactive constituents. The results indicate that Z. piperitum may serve not only as a health-promoting food but also has the potential for prevention or treatment of oxidative-stress-related diseases. Future research should focus on in vivo studies by exploring the therapeutic mechanisms of actions of the active extracts. Full article

Interest in plant-based milk is rapidly growing worldwide. However, several challenges remain, such as low consumer acceptance, difficulty in matching cow milk’s nutritional profile, and poor stability. Since various groups benefit from consuming plant-based options, addressing these challenges is crucial. This study aimed to analyze plant sources used in plant-based milk, evaluating their chemical, technological, and sensory characteristics, as well as processing methods and emerging trends. A literature search was conducted for studies published in English over the last ten years in Embase, Scopus, Lilacs, Fsta, Pubmed, and Google Scholar, selecting those best fitting the inclusion criteria. Legumes, cereals, pseudo-cereals, nuts, fruits, and seeds have been used as plant matrices, each contributing distinct attributes to the plant-based milk. Thus, using plant proteins —i.e., mixing different plant-based foods into a single formulation has proven effective in overcoming certain limitations. Additionally, germination and fermentation have improved the stability, nutritional quality, and sensory properties of plant-based milk, reinforcing their potential for future advancements in this field. Full article

This study evaluated the efficiency of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in promoting the growth, yield, protein, and phytochemical contents of Glycine max cv. Morkhor 60. A completely randomized pot experiment was conducted for 90 days in non-sterile soil with nine replications. Three AMF species were tested and compared with two non-mycorrhizal controls, with and without NPK fertilizer. All AMF treatments enhanced plant growth, photosynthetic rate, and water-use efficiency compared with the unfertilized control. Inoculation with Acaulospora dilatata KKU-SK202 produced the highest pod number and increased 100-seed weight by 27.00% and 4.13% over the non-inoculated and NPK treatments, respectively. Gigaspora margarita KKU-SK210 yielded the highest total protein and phenolic contents, while A. dilatata KKU-SK401 showed the highest antioxidant activity (72.09%). Metabarcoding analysis revealed that AMF inoculation reduced root colonization by pathogenic fungi, with G. margarita KKU-SK210 and A. dilatata KKU-SK202 being the most effective. These results suggest that AMF inoculation can enhance soybean productivity and seed quality while reducing chemical fertilizer dependency and pathogenic fungal incidence. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an endocrine–metabolic disorder characterized by pancreatic islet dysfunction-induced hyperglycemia, which triggers hepatic injury, intestinal microbiota dysbiosis, and systemic complications. Fagopyrum tararicum seeds exhibit various biological activities, including antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and antihypertensive effects. However, there is limited research exploring how supernatants derived from the water extraction–ethanol precipitation of Fagopyrum tararicum seeds (SWEPFT) modulate the intestinal microbiota and their potential link to T2DM. This study evaluates SWEPFT’s effects on hyperglycemia and intestinal microbiota in T2DM mice. After a 4-week therapeutic period, SWEPFT markedly ameliorated hyperglycemia, as evidenced by reduced body weight (BW), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and glycated serum protein (GSP) and improved insulin sensitivity/resistance indicators (HOMA-IS/IR) and β-cell function (HOMA-β). Furthermore, the levels of both Akt1 and Slc2a2 transcription displayed notable enhancement. SWEPFT-H (high-dose SWEPFT) exhibited superior effects to SWEPFT-L (low-dose SWEPFT) in improving BW, FBG, and HOMA-IS. Moreover, SWEPFT modulated the intestinal microbiota by decreasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, augmenting the proportion of Intestinimonas and Ruminiclostridium, and increasing the short-chain fatty acid content. A correlation analysis identified Candidatus_Arthromitus, Anaeroplasma, Candidatus_Stoquefichus, and Harryflintia as potential T2DM biomarkers linked to glycemic regulation. These findings elucidate SWEPFT’s critical role in microbiota modulation and hyperglycemia alleviation, providing a novel perspective for T2DM pathogenesis research and therapeutic development. Full article

This study aimed to examine the impact of using sunflower seed meal (SM) on the nutritional, phytochemical, rheological, physicochemical, and sensory qualities of wheat bread. Four bread types were formulated with 0, 10, 20, and 30% SM (CB, SMWB1, SMWB2, and SMWB3, respectively). Both the composite flours and the resulting breads were evaluated to assess the impact of increasing SM levels. The results revealed that SM was richer than wheat flour in minerals, protein, lipids, total polyphenols, and antioxidants activity. The gradual incorporation of SM into WF improved the composition of these substances in the composite flours and breads obtained. Among all formulations, SMWB1 (10% SM) exhibited the most balanced characteristics, combining nutritional enhancement with satisfactory technological quality. This bread showed a porous crumb structure (62.43% porosity), good elasticity (57.28%), and an acceptable height-to-diameter ratio (0.47). Based on these results, SMWB1 was selected for further technological optimization. The improved formulation (SMWB10) was rich in nutrients and had better physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics and a reduced antinutritional effect of phytic acid, thanks to the fermentation applied during its production. Thus, incorporating 10% sunflower meal into wheat bread improves its nutritional and phytochemical composition, particularly in terms of proteins, minerals, polyphenols, and antioxidants. Full article

This study evaluated the effect of incorporating chia seed gel powder (CSGP) as a natural, clean-label stabilizer on the physicochemical, functional, microbiological, microstructural, antioxidant, and sensory properties of probiotic low-fat yogurt (PLFY) during 21 days of refrigerated storage. Six formulations were prepared using 0–2.5% CSGP, including Control (0% CSGP), YOG1 (0.5% CSGP), YOG2 (1.0% CSGP), YOG3 (1.5% CSGP), YOG4 (2.0% CSGP), and YOG5 (2.5% CSGP). Results showed that increasing CSGP levels noticeably enhanced the total solids, protein content, viscosity, hardness, and water-holding capacity of the PLFY (p < 0.05), while consistently reducing syneresis. Antioxidant activity also rose with higher CSGP concentrations, with YOG5 exhibiting the greatest DPPH scavenging activity (35.12%). Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed a denser and more uniform protein network in PLFY fortified with CSGP, consistent with rheological measurements showing increased storage (G′) and loss (G″) moduli. Probiotic viability significantly increased (p < 0.05) in CSGP-added samples, indicating a potential prebiotic effect of CSGP. Sensory results demonstrated that although higher CSGP levels slightly darkened the yogurt color, body, texture, flavor, and total sensory scores improved markedly, with YOG5 gaining the highest total score (81.77). The results demonstrate that CSGP acts as a highly effective, multifunctional ingredient that enhances texture, stability, probiotic viability, and antioxidant capacity, making it a strong clean-label candidate for developing high-quality, functional probiotic low-fat yogurt. Full article