Search Results (1,030)

Climate change increasingly challenges viticulture, demanding innovative and sustainable strategies to preserve grapevine productivity and grape quality. MicroRNA-encoded peptides (miPEPs) have emerged as natural regulators of gene expression, providing a novel mechanism for fine-tuning plant metabolism. Here, we evaluated whether exogenous application of miPEP164c, previously shown to repress VviMYBPA1 in vitro, can modulate flavonoid pathways in field-grown grapevines (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Vinhão). Grape clusters were sprayed with 1 µM miPEP164c before and during véraison, and molecular, biochemical, and metabolomic analyses were performed at harvest. miPEP164c treatment significantly upregulated pre-miR164c transcripts, leading to post-transcriptional silencing of VviMYBPA1 and strong downregulation of the proanthocyanidin-related genes VviLAR1, VviLAR2, and VviANR. Correspondingly, LAR and ANR activities were reduced by up to 75%, and total proanthocyanidin content decreased by nearly 30%. Metabolomic profiling showed reduced flavan-3-ols and moderate shifts in phenolic acids and stilbenoids, while anthocyanins increased slightly. Overall, miPEP164c reprogrammed flavonoid metabolism under vineyard conditions, selectively lowering tannin biosynthesis without affecting other key phenolics. These findings establish miPEPs as promising biostimulants for precise modulation of grape berry composition, offering new tools for urgently needed sustainable and precision viticulture and improved wine quality under climate change and the increasing environmental challenges it poses. Full article

Sacha inchi (P. volubilis L.), an ancient oilseed crop native to the Amazon, is gaining attention for its high nutritional value particularly due to its ω-3-, -6-, -9-rich oil. However, most research has focused mainly on oil characterization, neglecting the potential of its by-products, such as the Sacha inchi oil-press cake (i.e., the solid residue after oil extraction). This study explores the chemical composition of Sacha inchi oil press-cake powder, focusing on fatty acid and amino acid profiles, antinutrient factors, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and the bioactivity of its extracts on cellular models. Fatty acid analysis revealed a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially α-linolenic acid (42.52%), making it a valuable resource for health-promoting applications. The protein content was also significant (41.86%), with a balanced amino acid composition, including essential amino acids such as leucine, valine, and isoleucine, which are vital for muscle protein synthesis and energy metabolism, in food and/or feed applications. Antinutritional factors were detected, including saponins (1050.1 ± 1.1 mg/100 g), alkaloids (2.1 ± 0.5 mg/100 g), and tannins (6.2 ± 0.9 mg/100 g). While these phytotoxins could limit their use in food applications, their potential antimicrobial activity highlights promising pharmacological opportunities. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AO) were evaluated using two extract mixtures differing in composition and polarity, with the acetone/water/acetic acid solvent (80/19/1 v/v/v) showing the highest antioxidant properties. The extract obtained showed cytotoxic effects against Panc-1 cancer cells, highlighting its potential in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. This study underscores the unexploited potential of Sacha inchi by-products, such as the oil press-cake, as a sustainable resource of bioactive compounds for functional products, supporting circular bio-economy strategies by plant-based waste and local biodiversity valorization. Full article

Tannins are key compounds determining the astringency of walnuts. Elucidating the structural characteristics of tannin cells in walnut inner seed coats and the accumulation patterns of esterified catechins (e.g., EGCG and ECG) is of significant importance for both quality regulation of walnuts and the high-value utilization of tannin resources. However, the enzymatic properties and biological functions of walnut tannases (JrTAs) have not been systematically investigated. Thus, the enzymatic characteristics of walnut tannase and its hydrolytic function on tannin-like substances were analyzed. It showed that tannin accumulation in the inner seed coat of ‘Nonghe 1’ walnut was closely associated with the development of tannin cells. During seed coats development, the total tannin content initially decreased and then increased, while the levels of monomeric phenolics related to tannin synthesis (GC, EGC and EC) continuously increased. Two walnut tannase genes, JrTA1 and JrTA2, were cloned and the recombinant proteins were purified. In vitro enzymatic activity tests confirmed that both enzymes effectively hydrolyzed ester-type catechins ECG and EGCG after 20 min of reaction at 40 °C and pH 7.0. Moreover, the transgenic Arabidopsis systems and green tea infusion study demonstrated that JrTA1 and JrTA2 retained their ability to specifically cleave the ester bonds of ester-type catechins in heterologous systems, achieving efficient tannin degradation. This study systematically elucidates the enzymatic functions of JrTAs, which provides a theoretical foundation for the further development and application of walnut tannases. Full article

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is an important economic and oil-bearing tree species, and the nutritional quality of its kernels is influenced by multiple environmental factors. Elevation is an ecological gradient that integratively reflects variations in environmental conditions such as temperature and light availability and shows a certain degree of correlation with kernel nutritional quality. The aim of this study was to clarify the regulatory effect of elevation on the nutritional quality of walnut kernels in Chongqing and to optimize the layout of high-quality walnut production areas. This study used 181 walnut germplasm resources collected from 16 natural populations (production areas) in Chongqing. Six elevation ranges were defined (I: 200–600 m, II: 600–900 m, III: 900–1200 m, IV: 1200–1400 m, V: 1400–1600 m, VI: 1600–1800 m), and twelve nutritional traits of walnut kernels were systematically analyzed, including total fat, protein, soluble sugar, tannin, saturated fatty acids (stearic acid, palmitic acid, arachidic acid), and unsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid, palmitoleic acid, cis-11-eicosenoic acid, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid). The results showed that the fat content of walnut kernels was generally higher than 60%, with the highest value in zone VI (62.93%). The protein content was the highest in zone III (17.71%) and the lowest in zone VI (16.06%). Soluble sugar and tannin contents were relatively low, both peaking in zone II (3.10% and 10.85%, respectively). The overall content of saturated fatty acids was low, being slightly higher in zone II, with little variation among components across elevations. Among monounsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid was dominant, showing a decreasing–increasing trend with rising elevation, with the lowest value in zone II (20.98%) and the highest in zone VI (26.93%), while palmitoleic acid and cis-11-eicosenoic acid were maintained at low levels. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were dominated by linoleic acid, ranging from 51.22% to 61.04%, with the highest content in zone II and the lowest in zone VI. Comprehensive evaluation and cluster analysis grouped the six elevation zones into three categories, with zone II showing the best nutritional quality, particularly in terms of soluble sugar, stearic acid, and linoleic acid, while zone I had the lowest score. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the selection of high-quality walnut production areas and the precision cultivation of nutrient-rich walnut fruits, as well as important data support for the scientific planning and high-quality development of the walnut industry in Chongqing. Full article

Isabella grape pomace (IGP) the primary by-product of Colombia’s winemaking industry, represents a promising source of nutraceuticals with potential uses in the food industry. This study developed a sequential green extraction process to recover nutraceutical from IGP. The approach integrated supercritical fluid extraction with CO₂ (SFE-CO₂) to obtain lipophilic compounds, followed by SFE with ethanol/water as co-solvent (SFE-CO₂/EtOH:H₂O) for medium-polarity phenolics, and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) with EtOH:H₂O to recover the polar phenolic-rich fraction. The extraction parameters were optimized using response surface methodology, and optimal conditions were identified: SFE-CO₂ at 31.7 MPa/58.9 °C yielded 6.95% extract rich in linoleic acid (65.5%) and α-tocopherol (107.2 mg/kg); SFE-CO₂/EtOH:H₂O with 15% of co-solvent produced extracts with high phenolic content (105.35 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (0.18 mmol TE/g); while PLE at 58.91% of EtOH/107.98 °C achieved notable recovery of flavonoids (757.18 mg QE/g), anthocyanins(1508 μg MAE/g) and condensed tannins (258.39 mg ECE/g), with potent antioxidant capacity (130.40 mmol TE/g). The sequential process demonstrated synergistic effects, with a total cumulative yield of 41.08% and phenolic recovery of 349.89 mg GAE/g extract. This approach offers a sustainable biorefinery approach for transforming IGP into high-value nutraceutical ingredients. Full article

Beans are widely consumed worldwide and are a good source of amino acids and micronutrients; however, they contain anti-nutrients, such as lectins, tannins, protein inhibitors, saponins, and phytic acid, among others, which can reduce the food’s quality and cause adverse health effects. In this study, we analyzed the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of a protein extract from Phaseolus acutifolius (TBE) seeds. The extract contained some antinutritional compounds, with a higher lectin content and an activity of 2701.85 HU. The acute toxicity test in mice showed that the extract was not lethal at the concentrations tested, as it did not cause any mortality. The in vitro cytotoxicity study on small intestinal epithelial cells indicated that the lectin-rich extract was cytotoxic in both assays, with IC₅₀ values of 10.08 µg/mL and 108.91 µg/mL for the free cell and intestinal fragment assays, respectively. In the in vivo study, an erythropoiesis-stimulatory effect was observed, with significant genotoxic damage noted at 48 h, evidenced by 11 micronucleated erythrocytes at 1000 mg/kg TBE. However, no genotoxicity was detected with prolonged treatment times. These results indicate that TBE is cytotoxic within the tested concentration range, and genotoxic damage is influenced by both concentration and exposure time. Full article

Olive leaves are a valuable source of natural bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols and flavonoids, recognized for their potent antioxidant and health-promoting properties. The extraction of these high-value products has gained increasing attention due to their relevance in food sustainability and the circular economy. However, the concentrations and profiles of these compounds vary substantially depending on the olive variety and the extraction method applied. This study evaluated the influence of extraction method and olive variety on the phenolic composition and antioxidant potential of olive leaf extracts from nine cultivars cultivated in Morocco. Two conventional extraction techniques, maceration and Soxhlet extraction, were compared for their efficiency in recovering extraction yield, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and total condensed tannins, along with antioxidant activity measured by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Analyses of variance indicated that varietal differences were the predominant source of variation in phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity, whereas the extraction method mainly influenced yield. Soxhlet extraction enhanced phenolic recovery and antioxidant potential, while maceration favored flavonoid extraction. These findings highlight the potential of olive leaf extracts derived from Manzanilla, Haouzia, Picual, and Moroccan Picholine varieties using Soxhlet as sustainable natural antioxidants for functional, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical uses. Full article

Hydrolysable tannins (HTs) are polyphenolic compounds extracted from plants consisting of a sugar core, esterified with phenolic acids, such as gallic or ellagic acid. These phenolic acids are responsible for their well-known antioxidant, anti-tumor, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated the potential protective role of HTs against bisphenol A (BPA), an environmental pollutant known to have toxic effects. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to BPA at 25.0 µM alone and in combination with HTs at 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 µgL⁻¹ for 72 h. The results showed that HTs at 20.0 µgL⁻¹ improved hatching and heart rate affected by BPA and reduced the phenotypic alterations caused by BPA. In addition, molecular analysis of genes involved in development showed that the down-regulation of cd63, zhe1, klf4, hand2, sox9b, and gata4 genes in the BPA group were improved with HTs 20.0 µgL⁻¹. Furthermore, HTs were able to reduce the increased lipid content caused by exposure to BPA. These results demonstrate that HTs have a protective effect on the development of zebrafish exposed to BPA, suggesting that they could potentially exert protective effects in response to other environmental stressors. Full article

Matricaria pubescens (Desf.), a medicinal plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, is traditionally used in southeastern Morocco but remains insufficiently studied. In this study, samples collected from the Zagora region (Morocco) were subjected to the preparation of aqueous, methanolic, and petroleum ether extracts, followed by qualitative phytochemical screening. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and condensed tannin contents were quantified. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, RPC, and ABTS assays, whereas antimicrobial activity was evaluated against eight bacterial and fungal species, including antibiotic-resistant strains, using disc diffusion and microdilution techniques. Qualitative analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, sterols, and sesquiterpenes, with notable variation across extracts. The aqueous (AqE) and methanol–water (MT-H₂O) extracts were particularly rich in phenolics and flavonoids, recording 9.15 ± 0.29 mg GAE/g DW and 17.1 ± 0.55 mg QE/g DW, respectively. Antioxidant assays showed strong activity, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 3.15 to 5.48 µg/mL (DPPH) and 9.10 to 14.40 µg/mL (ABTS). The MT-H₂O extract also displayed potent antimicrobial effects against eight microbial species (bacteria and fungi), with minimum inhibitory concentrations between 0.93 and 30 mg/mL, except for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These findings highlight the untapped potential of M. pubescens from Zagora as a source of antioxidant and anti-resistance agents, providing new insights for green medicine and future pharmacological research. Full article

Annually, up to 15 million tons of coffee production waste are produced worldwide. Among them are spent coffee grounds (SCG), which have the potential to be recycled and used as organic fertilizers. However, their direct application to soil is limited due to the presence of ecotoxic compounds (phenols, tannins, and caffeine). Composting is a promising approach; however, the highly variable properties of the raw coffee materials require the selection of optimal production and application modes. In this study, we performed two composting methods for SCG, i.e., vermicomposting and microbial composting, in mixtures with co-composting substrate at five SCG/substrate ratios (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% SCG). First, the acute toxicity of raw SGC and its mixtures to earthworm Eisenia andrei was evaluated. After 30 days of composting, chemical and microbiological properties, including pH, RedOx potential (Eh), organic carbon (C_org), lignin content, bacteria count, diversity, and potential metabolic activity, were determined in the end products. As composting went on, the pH increased from 5.6–6.2 to 6.0–7.3 and 7.4–7.7 under microbial composting and vermicomposting, respectively. RedOx potential levels achieved 142–166 mV for microbial composting and 73–113 mV for vermicomposting. Organic matter (OM) content reached 86–94%, with an increasing proportion of lignin, demonstrating the decomposition of more readily accessible organic matter. Vermicomposting and microbial composting produced chemically safe and microbiologically highly active composts. An initial SCG content of 25–50% of the compost mixture’s weight yielded the most favorable properties for the resulting compost (high organic matter content and optimal pH levels). Due to the high biological activity of both composting methods, the resultant composts are likely to have a positive effect on plant growth and development and soil health when used as organic nutrient resources. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bauhinia cheilantha Bong. Steud. (Leguminosae; “pata-de-vaca”) is traditionally used in folk medicine for its antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties. This study aimed to evaluate aqueous leaf extracts of B. cheilantha, non-delipidated and delipidated, regarding their phytochemical composition, phenolic profile, antioxidant potential, and cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic effects. Methods: Phytochemical screening was performed by TLC, and phenolic compounds were determined by HPLC. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and phosphomolybdenum assays. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and antigenotoxicity were evaluated in L929 murine fibroblast cells using MTT and cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assays. Results: Both extracts contained anthocyanins, phenolics, lignans, saponins, and hydrolyzable tannins. The delipidated extract showed higher total phenolic content (17.54 mg/kg) than the non-delipidated (13.76 mg/kg). Major constituents included kaempferol 3-glucoside, quercetin, hesperidin, naringenin, and t-cinnamic acid. Antioxidant assays revealed EC₅₀ values of 25.84, 13.60, and 66.09 µg/mL for the non-delipidated extract, and 26.19, 16.34, and 52.78 µg/mL for the delipidated extract in the DPPH, ABTS, and phosphomolybdenum assays, respectively. No cytotoxicity was observed, except at 1600 µg/mL for the non-delipidated extract and 800–1600 µg/mL for the delipidated extract. Genotoxicity occurred only at 400 µg/mL. Antigenotoxic evaluation showed that the non-delipidated extract (100 µg/mL) reduced methyl methanesulfonate-induced chromosomal damage in simultaneous and post-treatment conditions, while the delipidated extract was only effective for post-treatment. Conclusions: Aqueous extracts of B. cheilantha exhibit antioxidant and antigenotoxic properties. At active concentrations, they were non-cytotoxic and non-genotoxic. The non-delipidated extract, in particular, showed the strongest genome-protective potential, supporting its traditional use and highlighting its relevance in the development of natural therapeutic agents. Full article

Food processing techniques are widely used in the food industry to ensure food safety, extend shelf life, and enhance sensory appeal without compromising the product’s nutritional quality. Pearl millet, which is considered a “nutricereal”, features essential content of proteins, soluble and insoluble fibers, minerals (e.g., iron, zinc, and magnesium), bioactive compounds (e.g., phenolic acids, flavonoids, and carotenoids), and antinutritional factors (e.g., phytic acid, C-glycosyl flavones, tannins, and non-digestible oligosaccharides). This nutricereal also undergoes processing methods to improve or maintain its nutritional quality while simultaneously reducing antinutritional factors. Pearl millet processing techniques are categorized into conventional (or traditional) and advanced methods; however, a knowledge gap exists in studies evaluating the post-processing of pearl millet and its impact on metabolic health in in vivo and in vitro experimental models. This study aims to demonstrate the principal conventional and advanced processing techniques used in pearl millet, how they can ensure nutritional quality and reduce antinutritional factors, and how the final post-processing product could impact metabolic health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aging-related cognitive decline, linked to oxidative stress and impaired hippocampal neurogenesis, is a major contributor to neurodegenerative disorders. In rodents, this condition can be modeled by D-galactose (D-gal) administration, which induces oxidative stress and recognition memory deficits. Prunus domestica L. (PD), rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds with antioxidant properties, may counteract such impairments. This study evaluated the effects of PD extract on D-gal-induced memory decline by analyzing its phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, and neuroprotective potential. Methods: Phytochemicals were quantified by colorimetric and pH differential methods, and antioxidant capacity was determined using DPPH and FRAP assays. Male Sprague Dawley rats (12 weeks; n = 12/group) were assigned to 8 groups: vehicle, D-gal, PD (75, 100, or 150 mg/kg), and D-gal + PD (same respective doses). D-gal (50 mg/kg, i.p.) and/or PD were administered by oral gavage daily for 8 weeks. Recognition memory was assessed by the novel object recognition (NOR) test. Hippocampal tissues were processed for immunofluorescence staining of the proliferation marker Ki-67 and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity using the cytochrome C reduction method. Results: PD extract contained abundant phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, and exhibited notable antioxidant activity. D-gal impaired recognition memory, reduced hippocampal cell proliferation, and decreased SOD activity. Co-treatment with PD improved memory performance, enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis, and restored antioxidant enzyme activity. Conclusions: PD extract may protect against D-gal-induced age-related cognitive decline through antioxidant effects and support of hippocampal neurogenesis. Full article

This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and safety of Tectona grandis leaf extracts at four maturity stages. Ethanolic extracts were screened for secondary metabolites and analyzed using GC–MS, together with heavy metal determination, phenolic profiling, and antioxidant assays. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, and coumarins, with clear variation among leaf stages. GC–MS analysis detected multiple bioactive constituents, including phytol, n-decanoic acid, and heptadecenal. These compounds have been previously reported to exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Heavy metal analysis showed very low cadmium concentrations (0.001–0.004 mg/kg), undetectable lead levels (<LOD), and trace levels of arsenic concentrations (0.012–0.018 mg/kg), all of which were within safe limits for plant materials. Quantitative assays demonstrated that mature leaves contained the highest total phenolic (8.751 ± 0.018 mg GAE/g DW), total flavonoid (0.359 ± 0.017 mg QE/g DW), and condensed tannin (0.303 ± 0.000 mg CE/g DW) contents. Correspondingly, mature-leaf extracts exhibited the greatest antioxidant capacity, showing 95.88 ± 0.12% inhibition of oxidant activity. The ethanolic extracts exhibited IC₅₀ values ranging from 22.93–50.35 mg/mL, whereas the ascorbic acid standard showed an IC₅₀ of 0.0767 mg/mL, confirming the expected lower potency of crude plant extracts. The strong correlation between phenolic accumulation and antioxidant activity suggests enhanced defense against oxidative stress. The absence of detectable heavy metal contamination, together with the high polyphenolic content, suggests that T. grandis leaves may serve as a safe natural source of antioxidants. These findings demonstrate the strong antioxidant potential of T. grandis leaf extracts, providing a basis for future studies evaluating their functional applications in biological systems. Full article

The medicinal plant Malva neglecta Wallr. is known for its high concentration of beneficial bioactive compounds. This study investigated extracts prepared from the plant’s flowers, leaves, and roots. Different green solvents were used: 70% ethanol, and for the first time in relation to this plant species, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES)—one based on choline chloride and citric acid (NADES1) and another using choline chloride and glycerol (NADES2). Key bioactive compounds were identified and quantified using spectrophotometric assays and HPLC-PDA-MS profiling to determine their role in the plant’s antioxidant activity. The analysis revealed that M. neglecta contains a wide range of flavonoid glycosides and phenolic acids, with the flowers and leaves exhibiting the highest diversity and concentrations of these compounds with a predominance of quercetin and kaempferol glycosides. Among the solvents tested, the ethanolic extracts showed the highest total contents of phenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins. The flower extracts—regardless of the solvent used—exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by the DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays. Alkaloids were detected in all organs tested only in low quantities. The antibacterial (against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and antifungal activity (against Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus parasiticus, A. carbonarius, A. niger, A. flavus, and A. ochraceus) of the extracts was evaluated and compared. As a whole, the NADES1 extracts exhibited higher antibacterial potential than the ethanolic extracts. Such a clear trend regarding the antifungal activity was not observed. The highest antifungal activity was exhibited by NADES1 root extracts. NADES2 extracts showed a complete lack of antimicrobial effects. Full article