Search Results (59)

The structural and electrochemical properties of gold nanoparticles biosynthesized from Rhus coriaria L. (Rc@AuNPs) were comprehensively investigated and characterized. R. coriaria (sumac) served as a natural gold reducing and capping agent due to its rich polyphenolic and phytochemical composition, enabling the sustainable, low-cost, and environmentally friendly synthesis of Rc@AuNPs. The electrochemical behavior of the hybrid material was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Rc@AuNPs exhibited specific capacitances of 129.48 F/g, 156.32 F/g, and 280.37 F/g in H₂SO₄, Na₂SO₄, and KOH electrolytes, respectively, indicating strong potential for supercapacitor and energy-storage applications. GCD analysis further showed C_sp values of 107.69 F/g (H₂SO₄), 133.23 F/g (Na₂SO₄), and 348.34 F/g (KOH), confirming the highest charge-storage performance in basic media. EIS measurements supported these results, yielding equivalent series resistance (ESR) values of 67.96 Ω in H₂SO₄, 64.42 Ω in Na₂SO₄, and a notably lower 24.43 Ω in KOH, consistent with its higher ionic conductivity and more efficient charge transfer. Overall, the superior C_sp and low ESR observed in KOH demonstrate the excellent capacitive behavior of Rc@AuNPs. These biosynthesized gold nanoparticles represent a promising and sustainable electrode material for high-performance energy-storage technologies. Full article

This study explores a multi-resource approach for extracting and characterizing l-rhamnose-rich polysaccharides from nine natural biomasses, including green macroalgae (Ulva spp.), sumac species (Rhus spp.), and agro-industrial by-products such as sea buckthorn and sesame cakes. Hot-water and alkaline extractions were performed by biomass type, and the resulting fractions were analyzed using biochemical assays, monosaccharide profiling (HPAEC/PAD and GC/MS-EI), FTIR, and antioxidant activity tests. Extraction yields ranged from <1% in sea buckthorn residues to 15.48% in Ulva spp., which showed the highest recovery. l-rhamnose enrichment varied across biomasses: the highest proportions were found in Ulva extracts and Rhus semialata galls (PRS), reaching up to 44% of total sugars by HPAEC/PAD and 58% by GC/MS-EI. Antioxidant activities also differed markedly. In DPPH assays, the most active extracts were those from sea buckthorn berry cake (PTBA), Rhus coriaria seeds (PRC), and commercial sea buckthorn powder (PPA), with IC₅₀ values of 32, 43, and 42 µg/mL, respectively. Hydroxyl-radical inhibition was also substantial, reaching 83.0% for PTBA, 79.4% for PRC, and 79.9% for Ulva lactuca at 1 g/L, compared with 97.5% for ascorbic acid. These results highlight specific biomasses as promising dual sources of l-rhamnose and natural antioxidants for valorization within a circular bioeconomy. Full article

Rhus is a genus of shrubs that produces strong aromatic essential oils. These oils have numerous applications, including treating urinary infections, flavoring food, and alleviating gastrointestinal ailments. We conducted an experiment to track the essential oil yield and composition of two Rhus species, Rhus aromatica Aiton and Rhus trilobata Nutt., over the course of the growing season. The essential oil yield and composition were examined over four weeks from May to June 2023. We found that higher ambient temperature lowered the total yield of essential oils. Yield decreased in both species over the course of the experiment, with a yield of 0.21% in week 1 and 0.07% in week 4. The composition of oils changed as the outside temperature increased. Some of the lighter hydrocarbons, such as limonene, decreased, while other heavier hydrocarbons, including β-caryophyllene and germacrene D, increased as the outside temperature rose. Limonene was also shown to be the main component of R. aromatica essential oil at an average of 86.2% area, with >98% of that being the enantiomer D-limonene. Additionally, the effect of different drying methods on the yield and composition of the essential oils was investigated. The results show that when drying the plant material in the oven, a greater yield of 0.31% is obtained, whereas the shade- and sun-dry methods yield 0.09% and 0.02%, respectively. The main component of R. trilobata was α-pinene compared to the D-limonene in R. aromatica. This study helps to understand more of the correlation between outside temperature and essential yield/composition in the species R. aromatica, particularly during the May–June sampling period. To compare two Rhus species that get commonly grouped together as the same species, SPME Headspace was used to determine that the main component of R. trilobata was α-pinene compared to D-limonene being the main component in R. aromatica. Full article

Pandemic preparedness is a complex of threat-agnostic countermeasures developed in advance which would be efficient against a future outbreak regardless of its causative agent, and broad-spectrum antivirals constitute a critical component of this complex. Plant polyphenols are known to suppress viruses of unrelated families by acting on multiple viral and cellular structures. We therefore searched for broad-spectrum antivirals among polyphenols that have been confirmed as safe to humans. The ellagitannin geraniin and galloylglucose constituents of the drug Rutan (1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose [R5], 3-bis-O-galloyl-1,2,4,6-tetra-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose [R6], 2,4-bis-O-galloyl-1,3,6-tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose [R7], 2,3,4-bis-O-galloyl-1,6-di-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose [R8]) were isolated from Geranium sanguineum and sumac (Rhus coriaria), respectively. We revealed their activity towards herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2), human cytomegalovirus (CMV), and the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). R5 suppressed HSV-1 and HSV-2 with equal efficiency, while Rutan and R7 were more active against HSV-1, and geraniin against HSV-2. Rutan and R5 also inhibited the intracellular replication of CMV and EBV (contrary to our expectations, geraniin and polyphenols R6–R8 showed no activity). Thus, we have shown for the first time that sumac polyphenols are capable of suppressing—in addition to HIV, influenza virus, and SARS-CoV-2—the reproduction of representatives of all three Orthoherpesviridae subfamilies, meeting the criteria for further development as broad-spectrum antivirals. Full article

Ten ukiyo-e woodblock prints from the collection of the Museo delle Culture in Lugano (Switzerland) were analyzed to identify the materials used in their production. These Japanese artworks were traditionally created with colors derived from minerals and plants, mixed with diluted animal glue and applied to paper using wooden matrices. Due to their fragility, non-invasive external reflection infrared spectroscopy and imaging analysis were employed. Spectral data were compared with reference samples of Japanese pigments and existing literature, reflecting the growing interest in the characterization of ukiyo-e prints. Within the limits of the non-invasive approach, several colorants were identified, including akane (madder), suo (sappanwood), yamahaji (Japanese sumac), kariyasu (Eulalia), and kio (orpiment), along with a proteinaceous binding medium. The extensive use of bero-ai (Prussian blue), applied both as a pure pigment and in mixtures, was confirmed. Notably, mica was detected in the background of one print, providing the first analytical evidence of the kirazuri decorative technique, which produces a sparkling, silver-like effect. Ultraviolet-induced fluorescence imaging further contributed to the assessment of conservation status, revealing faded decorative motifs and signs of previous water damage. Full article

The lyophilised sumac (Rhus coriaria L) extract (LSE), in amounts of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.25, and 1.5 g/100 ml of juice, was incorporated into carrot juice, and its properties were assessed after 24, 48, and 72 h. A product without the lyophilised sumac extract served as the control. The highest supplementation level enhanced the physicochemical characteristics of carrot juice, increasing carotenoid and polyphenolic contents by 22% and 70% on the first day. The LSE significantly boosted antioxidant activity, yielding over a tenfold increase, while reducing capacity was elevated more than sevenfold. LC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds, such as chalcones, flavonols, flavones, and phenolic acids, further validating the extract’s functional potential. Acidity and redness exhibited a proportional increase with the rising concentrations of the additive used. Additionally, microbial growth, including aerobic mesophiles, yeasts, and moulds, was markedly suppressed. After 72 h, the total count of aerobic microorganisms and yeasts/mould was reduced by 5.64 log and 4.94 log, respectively, compared to the control. The lyophilised sumac extract, rich in valuable bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, effectively preserved freshly pressed carrot juice, mitigating spoilage and extending its shelf life. This form of sumac serves as a sustainable beverage additive, minimises food waste, and aligns with clean-label trends. Full article

(1) Background. Although Arum spp. are toxic in their raw state, they are sometimes used as food within their native ranges. (2) Methods. We review the available literature in order to provide an overview of its use and detoxification procedures worldwide. (3) Results. The food use of lords-and-ladies was already mentioned by Theophrastus, Dioscorides, Matthioli, Durante, Gerard, and Sirennius. In the references concerning 19th–21st-century use, seven species were identified: A. cyrenaicum, A. discoridis, A. italicum, A. maculatum, A. orientale, A. palaestinum, and A. rupicola. Past or current culinary use of the plant has been recorded in Morocco, Libya, the United Kingdom, the Scilly Islands, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Romania, Ukraine (including Crimea), Czechia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, Georgia, Türkiye, Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, and Iran. (4) In Europe, rhizomes were used, mainly as a famine food. In SW Asia, the aerial parts remain an important element of local cuisine. Several detoxification procedures are used before consumption, such as prolonged boiling, often involving straining the boiled water and lowering the pH with lemon juice, sumac, citric acid, sorrel leaves, or pomegranate juice. (5) Conclusions. Further studies are needed to assess the safety of Arum use and record traditional local recipes in SW Asia. Full article

A smart viscose fabric with temperature and pH responsiveness and proactive antibacterial and UV protection was developed. PNCS (poly-(N-isopropylakrylamide)/chitosan) hydrogel was used as the carrier of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), synthesised in an environmentally friendly manner using AgNO₃ and a sumac leaf extract. PNCS hydrogel and Ag NPs were applied to the viscose fabric by either in situ synthesis of Ag NPs on the surface of viscose fibres previously modified with PNCS hydrogel, or by the direct immobilisation of Ag NPs by the dehydration/hydration of the PNCS hydrogel with the nanodispersion of Ag NPs in the sumac leaf extract and subsequent application to the viscose fibres. Compared to the pre-functionalised PNCS application method, the in situ functionalisation imparted much higher concentration of Ag NPs on the fibres, colouring the samples brown to brown-green. These samples showed more than 90% reduction in the test bacteria E. coli and S. aureus and provided excellent UV protection. In this case, the PNCS hydrogel acted as a reservoir for Ag NPs, whose release was based on a diffusion-controlled mechanism. Despite the Ag NPs decreasing the responsiveness of the PNCS hydrogel, the moisture management was still preserved in the modified samples. Accordingly, the PNCS hydrogel is a suitable carrier for biosynthesized Ag NPs to tailor the protective smart surface of viscose fibres. Full article

Rhus typhina, an invasive plant species, contains valuable compounds that can be utilized in various fields. The main aim of this paper was to find the optimal conditions for extracting high amounts of bioactive compounds from R. typhina fruits using ultrasound-assisted and bead-beating techniques under different parameters (solvent concentration, solvent/solid ratio, extraction time, bead size, and material). A Box–Behnken design was applied for ultrasound-assisted extraction. The following process parameters were found to be optimal: 20/1 solvent/solid ratio (v/w), 61.51% aqueous ethanol, 10 min extraction time, with a composite desirability of 0.7719. The HPLC profile indicates that p-coumaric acid was the most abundant phenolic compound found in the BBE extract. The BBE extract was subjected to in vitro biological tests. The results indicate a high antimicrobial activity on Streptococcus pyogenes (20 mm inhibition zone) and Salmonella enterica (12 mm inhibition zone). A hemolysis rate of 19.85% was found at an extract concentration of 1000 µg/mL on sheep erythrocytes. We report for the first time the protective role of the extract on cell viability of human gingival fibroblasts, but also a weak antiproliferative effect on the HepG2 human liver cancer cell line. Overall, we conclude that R. typhina fruits are rich in bioactive compounds that can be recovered using proper extraction conditions. Further research is required to understand and valorize their biological potential. Full article

An HPLC-MS-DAD analysis of phenolic compounds was carried out on the extracts of staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina L.) and Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera Royle). This study focuses on the influence of solvent type and extraction time on the phenolic extraction efficiency from both invasive plants. Methanol extraction resulted in a 4.2 times higher content of hydroxybenzoic acids, a 3.7 times higher content of hydroxycinnamic acids, a 3.2 times higher content of flavanols, a 9.6 times higher content of flavanones, and an 8.7 times higher content of flavonols in the Himalayan balsam extract compared to aqueous extraction. Anthocyanins were only detected in the alcohol-based extraction. In comparison, the aqueous extraction from staghorn sumac resulted in a higher yield of total hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonols, while the methanol extraction resulted in a 1.4-fold lower total polyphenolic content compared to the aqueous extraction. The type of solvent had no significant effect on the total content of flavanols in staghorn sumac. Extraction time considerably affected the total phenolic content in both plant extracts. After 84 h of extraction, the staghorn sumac extract showed a 3.5-fold increase in the total phenolic content compared to the initial measurement. In contrast, the Himalayan balsam extract showed a 40% decrease in the total phenolic content after 84 h. The Himalayan balsam extract reduced the germination of perennial ryegrass seeds by 55%, while the staghorn sumac extract reduced it by 80%. Both extracts also inhibited shoot and root growth of perennial ryegrass, although the Himalayan balsam extract at a concentration of 0.125 g/mL stimulated root growth of perennial ryegrass. The strategic use of invasive alien plants could be an effective approach to control their spread in the environment, potentially reducing management costs. The effectiveness of this approach depends largely on the type and content of allelochemicals present in the invasive plants. Full article

Treatment of infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa presents a challenge due to its ability to adapt and acquire drug resistance rapidly. Therefore, a key challenge is identifying and investigating new compounds with antibacterial and anti-virulence activity. Tannins, a group of plant polyphenolic compounds, can interact with bacterial cells and their virulence factors. The purpose of this study was to assess the antibacterial potential of using 3,6-bis-O-di-O-galloyl-1,2,4-tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (C₅₅H₄₀O₃₄) isolated from Rhus typhina against P. aeruginosa ATCC BAA-1744. The investigation involved viability analyses using the INT assay, fluorescence analyses of the tannins’ interaction with the cell membrane and membrane proteins of P. aeruginosa, and analysis of changes in the Zeta potential. The results obtained allowed us to conclude that C₅₅H₄₀O₃₄ exhibits antimicrobial activity by inducing changes in the biophysical properties of P. aeruginosa’s cell membrane. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that C₅₅H₄₀O₃₄ binds to bacterial membrane proteins through hydrophobic interactions. These interactions with proteins may impact their structure and disrupt their functions, such as disturbing or inhibiting the efflux pumps, which are part of P. aeruginosa’s resistance mechanisms. Therefore, C₅₅H₄₀O₃₄ may be a new, natural agent and could potentially be used against P. aeruginosa. Full article

Using plant extracts to replace traditional chemical herbicides plays an essential role in sustainable agriculture. The present work evaluated the quality of durum wheat cv Valbelice in two years (2014 and 2016) using plant aqueous extracts of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) and mugwort (Artemisia arborescens L.) as bio-herbicides on the main quality characteristics of durum wheat. The untreated, water-treated, and chemically treated durum wheat products were also analyzed as controls. Following the official methodologies, grain commercial analyses and defects of the kernels were determined. The main chemical and technological features were determined on the wholemeal flour: proteins, dry matter, dry gluten, gluten index, colorimetric parameters, mixograph, falling number, and sedimentation test in SDS. An experimental bread-making test was performed, and the main parameters were detected on the breads: bread volume, weight, moisture, porosity, hardness, and colorimetric parameters on crumb and crust. Within the two years, grain commercial analyses of the total five treatments showed no statistically significant differences concerning test weight (range 75.47–84.33 kg/hL) and thousand kernel weight (range 26.58–35.36 kg/hL). Differently, significant differences were observed in terms of kernel defects, particularly starchy kernels, black pointed kernels, and shrunken kernels, mainly due to the year factor. Analyses on the whole-grain flours showed significant differences. This affected dry gluten content (7.35% to 16.40%) and gluten quality (gluten index from 6.44 to 45.81). Mixograph results for mixing time ranged from 1.90 min to 3.15 min, whilst a peak dough ranged from 6.83 mm to 9.85 mm, showing, in both cases, statistically significant differences between treatments. The falling number showed lower values during the first year (on average 305 s) and then increased in the second year (on average 407 s). The sedimentation test showed no statistically significant differences, ranging from 27.75 mm to 34.00 mm. Regarding the bread produced, statistically significant year-related differences were observed for the parameters loaf volume during the first year (on average 298.75 cm³) and then increased in the second year (on average 417.33 cm³). Weight range 136.85 g to 145.18 g and moisture range 32.50 g/100 g to 39.51 g/100 g. Hardness range 8.65 N to 12.75 N and porosity (range 5.00 to 8.00) were closely related to the type of treatment. Finally, the color of flour and bread appeared to be not statistically significantly affected by treatment type. From a perspective of environmental and economic sustainability, the use of plant extracts with a bio-herbicidal function could replace traditional chemical herbicides. Full article

This study investigates the potential of the dye extracted from the fruits of the alien invasive plant staghorn sumac (lat. Rhus typhina) as a sustainable and environmentally friendly colorant. By using a range of solvents, including distilled water, methanol, ethanol, propanol, acetonitrile, acetone, and dichloromethane, this study aims to determine the optimum solvent for the extraction of anthocyanin dyes from the fruit of staghorn sumac for the formulation of printing inks and for screen printing on paper and cotton fabric. The colors of the prints made with different dye extracts varied between more or less intense brownish-yellow hues, with the exception of the dye extracts in methanol and ethanol, which gave more brownish-orange hues. All prints showed excellent resistance to rubbing on cotton fabrics as well as to wet ironing. The light fastness of prints made with inks containing dyes extracted from all organic solvents was very good. Good wash fastness of prints on cotton fabrics was only achieved with inks made with dyes extracted in propanol and dichloromethane. The ink made from the dye extracted in propanol proved to be the best choice for printing on cotton fabric due to its uniform, intense, and resilient prints, while the inks made from the dyes extracted in distilled water and ethanol were also a good choice for printing on paper. Full article

Acute and chronic wounds present a significant healthcare challenge, requiring innovative solutions for effective treatment. The exploitation of natural by-products with advanced cell regeneration potential and plant-based materials, which possess bioactive properties, is an innovative topic in wound management. This study investigates the potential of donkey gelatin and keratin for blending with natural bioactive extracts such as sumac, curcumin, and oak acorn to fabricate antioxidant and antimicrobial nanofibers with accelerated wound healing processes. The fabricated nanofibers possess good in vitro biocompatibility, except for the sumac-based donkey nanofibers, where cell viability significantly dropped to 56.25% (p < 0.05 compared to non-treated cells). The nanofiber dimensions showed structural similarities to human extracellular matrix components, providing an ideal microenvironment for tissue regeneration. The donkey nanofiber-based sumac and curcumin extracts presented a higher dissolution in the first 10 min (74% and 72%). Curcumin extract showed similar antimicrobial and antifungal performances to rivanol, while acorn and sumac extracts demonstrated similar values to each other. In vitro tests performed on murine fibroblast cells demonstrated high migration rates of 89% and 85% after 24 h in the case of acorn and curcumin nanofibers, respectively, underscoring the potential of these nanofibers as versatile platforms for advanced wound care applications. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of sumac on the oxidation status, sensory properties, and physicochemical and microbiological parameters of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fish during chilled storage. Fillets of carp were treated with ground sumac at percentages of 0% (T0), 0.5% (T1), 1.5% (T2) and 2.5% (T3) and analysed after 24 and 72 h of chilled storage. The fat content, oxidation parameters (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS), antioxidant capacity, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), free fatty acids (FFA), sensory properties, colour indicators (lightness L*, redness a*, yellowness b*), water activity, pH value, aerobic plate count (APC), psychrotrophic microorganism count (PMC), and coliform bacteria count were determined. The TBARS values of T1, T2, and T3 decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after 24 h of chilled storage. The antioxidant capacity increased in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. As regards organoleptic properties, sumac was able to reduce the natural fishy odour, increase the sour odour and flavour, and mask the fish odour and flavour significantly. A significant effect of sumac on the redness (a*) values of muscles was observed, which increased with elevation of the sumac ratio. A decrease in fillet pH and lower APC and PMC were observed. No effect was found on water activity or the growth of coliform bacteria. The study found that sumac plays a role in the oxidation status, pH value and organoleptic properties of fish fillets, which could be beneficial for the fish and fishery products industry. Full article