Search Results (1,248)

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) affect 19–34% of diabetic patients with a five-year mortality rate of 50–70%. It is characterized by a high infection risk, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and poor angiogenesis, rendering existing therapies inadequate, which causes antimicrobial resistance and amputations. Bioactive compounds, such as curcumin, flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, and proteins, found in natural product extracts (NPEs) have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regenerative properties but are prone to variability and instability. Conventional drugs can be applied for targeted infection management and metabolic modulation, but lack regenerative capacity. The combined and synergistic potential of these two agents has not received much attention, especially when integrated into advanced drug delivery systems (DDSs), such as microneedles, hydrogels, nanofibers, and smart bandages. This review discusses NPEs, conventional drugs, combinations, and integration into DDSs, based on wound characteristics. These include depth, infection status, exudate level, and perfusion, as recommended by the 2023 IWGDF guidelines. Three combinations have shown promise in preclinical studies: propolis-charcoal bandages, propolis-oregano microneedles, and Centella-ZnO nanocomposites. However, none have yet been validated in clinical settings, and barriers to clinical adoption persist—standardization, stability, and regulatory issues. This work aims to pave the way for more accessible, sustainable, and efficacious DFU therapeutics by bridging natural and conventional approaches. Full article

This study investigated how postharvest storage temperatures influence the tissue physiology of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). This herb is used in both fresh and dry forms to prepare functional infusions. Understanding proper raw material storage practices is critical for determining the phytochemical quality of the final product. Fresh bundles were stored at 2, 6, and 20 °C for 15 days, with sampling every 5 days. Tissue gas exchange, color coordinates, and pigments were evaluated alongside the tannin extractability and in vitro antibacterial activity of aqueous infusions. Results demonstrated that ambient storage (20 °C) promoted rapid quality deterioration, characterized by pronounced pigment loss and severe tissue degradation, resulting in poor visual quality by day 15. Deep refrigeration at 2 °C suppressed postharvest physiological activities, limiting cumulative moisture loss to 4.5% while preserving visual freshness and pigment retention. In contrast, mild refrigeration (6 °C) showed the highest weight loss (12.85%) and had the greatest accumulation of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity at the storage end. Fresh leaf storage at 2 °C showed the highest tannin extractability in the infusion. Consequently, infusions prepared from these leaves showed the strongest in vitro inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration and IC₅₀ values. Therefore, storage at 2 °C maintained fresh leaf quality and the phytochemical content of the resulting infusions over the 15-day period tested. Full article

Agri-food processing generates large quantities of residues that are increasingly recognized as sustainable sources of bioactive ingredients for high-value applications. This narrative review examines agri-food by-products as sources of antioxidant compounds and provides an integrated mechanistic perspective on their applications in skin, oral, and hair care. By highlighting the shared antioxidant mechanisms of action underlying these applications, the review offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the cosmeceutical potential of agri-food-derived bioactive compounds. Peer-reviewed studies published mainly between 2015 and 2026 were considered, focusing on the chemical composition of by-products, green recovery strategies, biological mechanisms, and evidence from in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo, and clinical studies. Fruit and vegetable peels, seeds, skins, pomaces, and other agro-industrial residues contain polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, carotenoids, vitamins, lipids, peptides, and polysaccharides with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, photoprotective, anti-aging, moisturizing, and pigmentation-modulating properties. These compounds can reduce oxidative stress, support endogenous antioxidant defences, modulate redox-sensitive signaling pathways, attenuate inflammation, preserve extracellular matrix integrity, and improve skin barrier-related outcomes. Green extraction technologies, including ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, and natural deep eutectic solvents, enhance their sustainable recovery. Overall, agri-food by-products represent promising resources for circular cosmeceutical innovation, although extract standardization, safety, stability, skin bioavailability, formulation performance, and controlled clinical validation remain essential for translation. Full article

Product Shezi (PS) is a polyherbal African traditional medicine (ATM) formulated from six known South African medicinal plants and is used for treating cutaneous wounds. However, its ethnopharmacological properties have not been scientifically validated. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities of PS in vitro. Aqueous and methanolic extracts were prepared and qualitatively screened for phytochemical constituents. Cytotoxicity in fibroblasts and macrophages was assessed using an ATP-based viability assay. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and a hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress model. Anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages were measured using the Griess reagent system, a human prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) ELISA, and a bovine serum albumin (BSA) anti-denaturation assay. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by twofold serial broth microdilution, agar well diffusion, and a crystal violet biofilm assay. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids, and steroids. PS exhibited IC₁₀ values of 3 and 10 μg/mL in fibroblasts and macrophages, respectively. PS (1–5 μg/mL) showed 70% DPPH scavenging potential and potent H₂O₂ cytoprotection (p < 0.001). Nitric oxide inhibition was non-significant (p > 0.05) whilst PGE₂ decreased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to LPS-stimulated cells. BSA denaturation was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis were the only microorganisms susceptible to PS (MIC 650–5000 μg/mL) with low SI (SI ≈ 0.05–0.06), while others were resistant. PS showed no antibiofilm activity (crystal-violet assay). Overall, PS demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and selective antibacterial effects against planktonic bacteria in vitro. However, further optimization of extraction methods, detailed mechanistic studies, and in vivo investigations are warranted to substantiate therapeutic relevance. Full article

Melissa officinalis is recognized as a rich source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. However, although its phytochemical composition has been extensively investigated, comparative studies integrating phytochemical characterization, antioxidant properties, and LC-MS metabolite profiling across commonly used extraction systems remain limited. This study comparatively evaluated aqueous, hydroacetonic, and hydroethanolic extracts of M. officinalis leaves by determining total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and tannin (TTC) contents, antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays), and metabolite profiling using UPLC-QToF-MS. The hydroethanolic extract exhibited the highest TPC (442.17 mg GAE/g DE), TTC (221.17 mg TAE/g DE), and antioxidant activity, whereas the hydroacetonic extract showed the highest TFC (178.52 mg CE/g DE). UPLC-QToF-MS-based metabolite profiling aided in the tentative annotation of 15 metabolites, including phenolic acids (rosmarinic, gallic, and ellagic acids) and flavonoids (catechin, rutin, quercetin, and apigenin). Among the evaluated conditions, the hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts yielded a higher number of metabolites than the hydroacetonic extract. Our findings demonstrate that solvent selection substantially influences phytochemical recovery, metabolite coverage, and antioxidant properties, providing an integrated framework for selecting extraction systems for phytochemical characterization and antioxidant-oriented applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dittrichia viscosa (L.) W. Greuter (Asteraceae) is a Mediterranean medicinal plant whose polar phenolic fraction remains insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to characterize the phenolic composition and evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and mechanistic bioactivity of aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts collected from the Rmilate Forest in Tangier, northern Morocco. Methods: Extracts were characterized by ICP-AES for elemental content and by HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS for phenolic annotation, and total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents were quantified. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC assays. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against four reference strains, with time–kill kinetics and membrane integrity assays used to probe the mechanism of action, and antifungal activity was tested against dermatophytic and phytopathogenic fungi. Molecular docking against four bacterial, fungal, and antioxidant enzyme targets and ProTox-3 toxicity prediction were also performed. Results: ICP-AES revealed high concentrations of calcium (12,476.75 mg/kg) and potassium (29,699 mg/kg). The methanolic extract showed higher total phenolic (55.05 mg GAE/g), flavonoid (84.18 mg QE/g), and tannin (262.1 mg TAE/g) contents and superior antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀: 0.090 mg/mL). Twelve phenolic compounds were tentatively annotated, including caffeic acid, caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, and quercetin/kaempferol glycosides. Antibacterial activity (MIC: 0.25–1 mg/mL) was consistent with cell envelope disruption, and up to 88% mycelial inhibition was achieved against Trichophyton rubrum. Docking ranked kaempferol-3-O-pentoside (−10.3 kcal/mol) among the top-scoring ligands, and the top compounds were assigned to toxicity class 5. Conclusions:D. viscosa is a promising source of bioactive phenolics for pharmaceutical and agrochemical development. Full article

The therapeutic use of Taraxacum officinale L. remains a challenge due to its chemical profile shifting dramatically, markedly with seasonal variation and processing techniques. To address this, the paper evaluated how the plant organ, harvest season, and extraction technique as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and solid–liquid extraction in a Soxhlet system (both using hydroalcoholic solvent concentrations of 70:30 (v/v) ethanol) and conventional cold maceration, at solvent concentration 50:50 (v/v) ethanol, respectively 70:30 (v/v) ethanol, could have impact both metabolite yield and biological activity. The findings show that a single, uniform extraction protocol is inefficient; instead, the data support a dual-harvest approach of vegetal product. Autumn harvests are ideal for extracting tannins and anthocyanins, while spring harvests maximize flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids. In terms of methodology, UAE, with 70:30 (v/v) ethanol, consistently outperforms other approaches because it prevents thermal degradation of Soxhlet extraction and improves the recovery of intermediate-polarity compounds. As a result, UAE extracts showed the strongest antimicrobial action, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, and notable effectiveness against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, brine shrimp lethality screening confirmed the safety of all extracts (LC₅₀ > 1000 µg/mL). Notably, the root extracts induced a specific, non-lethal delay in larval development, likely tied to their unique bitter principles. This research provides a practical framework for tailoring harvest and extraction parameters to target specific compounds for clinical and nutraceutical use. Full article

Background: Vaccinium berries are rich in polyphenolic compounds with recognized health properties; however, studies integrating phytochemical characterization with functional cellular assays remain limited. This study comparatively evaluated wild (Vaccinium myrtillus L., VM) and cultivated blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L., VC) using phytochemical profiling alongside in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity testing. Six samples from Romanian regions were extracted using ultrasound-assisted methods, then analyzed for total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC). Anthocyanins were further characterized by LC–MS/MS. The most bioactive extracts were tested for cytocompatibility, intracellular ROS modulation in Caco-2 cells, and anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells. VM extracts showed higher total phenolic, anthocyanin contents, and antioxidant capacity than VC, with LC–MS/MS confirming a richer anthocyanin profile and differences in other phenolic compounds. Both extracts significantly reduced intracellular ROS in H₂O₂-stimulated Caco-2 cells and decreased IL-8 secretion in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells, with a more pronounced dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect for VM. These findings demonstrate that phytochemical differences between wild and cultivated Vaccinium species translate into distinct biological activities at the cellular level. The integrated approach provides a mechanistic link between composition and function, supporting the superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of VM and its relevance for functional food and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Agro-industrial residues such as prickly pear peel represent an underutilized source of bioactive compounds. However, comparative evidence on green extraction versus biotransformation strategies remains limited. This study evaluated solid-state fermentation (SSF), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) for tannin recovery from Opuntia ficus-indica peel. SSF using Aspergillus niger significantly enhanced condensed tannins (>50 mg/g) and hydrolyzable tannins (~7 mg/g), outperforming UAE and MAE. This improvement was associated with fungal-mediated cell wall degradation and metabolic transformation. SSF extracts also showed superior antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) and exclusive antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (4.5 mm inhibition zone). HPLC analysis revealed increased phenolic diversity, with rhamnetin as the predominant metabolite. These findings demonstrate that SSF is not only an extraction method but also a biotransformation strategy that enhances both the yield and functionality of phenolic compounds. This approach supports the sustainable valorization of agro-industrial residues within a circular bioeconomy framework. Full article

This research examines the dyeing of cotton fabric using a natural dye, extracted from Bombax ceiba flowers, aiming primarily to carry out the entire dyeing process without conventional inorganic mordants. The dye was extracted in an alkaline medium, while three agricultural waste-derived bio-mordants, eucalyptus bark, onion peel, and aloe vera peel, were used to enhance the functional textile properties. These natural tannin-based mordants and phenolic mordants enabled the uptake of dye in an efficient way without releasing toxic chemicals, unlike the conventional metallic mordants. Various concentrations of each mordant were used in the preparation of dyed cotton samples, while NaCl was added in different concentrations to boost the exhaustion process. Among the three types of mordants tested, eucalyptus bark provided the best results, giving samples with a high washing fastness (rating of 4–5) and good rubbing fastness (rating of 3–4 on the gray scale). The progressively darker peach colors were achieved by adding more concentration of the eucalyptus mordant. Onion peel-mordanted samples ranged in color from dark yellow to orange, whereas aloe vera led to a unique peach color. Given the inherent antibacterial and antioxidant properties of Bombax ceiba, the dyed fabrics also possessed functional bioactive characteristics, which were further improved by the addition of bio-mordants. Furthermore, the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of the dyed fabric was approximately threefold higher than that of the undyed fabric, indicating a significant enhancement in UV-shielding performance after dyeing. This study conclusively demonstrates that bio-mordants serve as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical mordants, offering excellent colorfastness, diverse aesthetic possibilities, and functional properties, thereby supporting sustainable textile coloration practices. Full article

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has increased the need for alternative antimicrobial agents from natural sources. Propolis, a resinous bee product produced by honey bees (Apis mellifera) from plant resins, is rich in bioactive compounds with recognized antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity of propolis extracts obtained using ethanol, methanol, acetone, and water against clinically relevant MDR bacterial isolates. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay, total flavonoid content by the aluminum chloride colorimetric method, and condensed tannin content by the butanol–HCl assay. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Antibacterial activity was evaluated through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), MBC/MIC ratio, biofilm formation inhibition, and bacterial growth inhibition assays against MDR isolates of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecium, and Enterobacter cloacae. Significant differences among extraction solvents were observed for all phytochemical and antioxidant parameters (p < 0.0001). Ethanolic extracts exhibited the highest concentrations of total phenolics, flavonoids, and condensed tannins, as well as the greatest antioxidant activity. MIC values ranged from 3.13 to 25 mg/mL, whereas MBC values ranged from 6.25 to >50 mg/mL depending on bacterial species and extraction solvent. E. coli and E. faecium were the most susceptible isolates, while P. aeruginosa and E. cloacae showed greater tolerance. Most MBC/MIC ratios indicated bactericidal activity. Biofilm inhibition was significantly affected by bacterial strain and extraction solvent (p < 0.001), with ethanolic extracts producing the highest inhibition percentages. These findings demonstrate that ethanolic propolis extracts exhibit strong antioxidant activity, as well as bacteriostatic, bactericidal, and biofilm-formation-inhibitory effects, supporting their potential as complementary antimicrobial agents within a One Health framework. Full article

Increased corrosivity of biodiesel toward metallic components has motivated the search for environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors. However, studies investigating plant extracts as inhibitors in biodiesel systems remain limited, particularly for babassu biodiesel. In this work, the ethanolic extract of Myracrodruon urundeuva (“Aroeira-do-Sertão”) leaves was investigated for the first time as a green corrosion inhibitor for AISI 4340 carbon steel exposed to babassu biodiesel. Static immersion tests were conducted for 2592 h (108 days) at 45 °C, and the inhibitory performance was compared with that of the commercial antioxidant Trolox™. Corrosion behavior was evaluated by gravimetric weight loss measurements and surface morphology analysis using scanning electron microscopy. Phytochemical screening, FTIR, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins containing hydroxyl functional groups and conjugated aromatic systems. The ¹H NMR spectrum exhibited characteristic signals in the δ 6.6–6.4 ppm region, which were attributed to aromatic protons of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, while signals between δ 5.4 and 4.9 ppm indicated vinyl and olefinic protons associated with unsaturated secondary metabolites. These findings are consistent with FTIR results, confirming the presence of hydroxyl-rich phenolic structures and conjugated systems capable of promoting adsorption onto the metal surface. The extract exhibited a corrosion inhibition efficiency of 89%, significantly higher than that obtained with Trolox™ (27.9%). SEM analysis confirmed a substantial reduction in surface degradation in the presence of the extract. These results demonstrate the strong potential of Myracrodruon urundeuva leaf extract as a sustainable corrosion inhibitor for metallic materials in biodiesel environments. Full article

Atriplex halimus is a medicinal plant traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes. This study evaluated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, genotoxic, and anti-arthritic activities of the A. halimus aqueous extract (AHA). Anti-arthritic effects were investigated in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritic rats treated with AHA (150 or 300 mg/kg) for 21 days. AHA significantly reduced paw swelling and arthritis severity and improved body weight, while a non-significant reduction in spleen enlargement was observed. Hematological and biochemical parameters were restored toward normal values, indicating anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective effects. The extract also reduced oxidative stress by decreasing nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increasing glutathione (GSH) content and catalase (CAT) activity. Histopathological examination confirmed reduced inflammatory infiltration and protection against bone damage. Phytochemical analysis revealed polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, consistent with its antioxidant activity in DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and o-phenanthroline assays. AHA also showed anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting bovine serum albumin denaturation. The extract induced a moderate concentration-dependent reduction in HeLa cell viability without cytotoxicity toward HaCaT cells. Comet assay results demonstrated DNA damage in HeLa cells at higher concentrations, while AHA significantly suppressed zymosan-induced IL-1β gene expression. These findings indicate that AHA is a promising natural source of bioactive compounds with diverse biological activities. Full article

Phytolacca americana L. fruits represent a promising invasive plant matrix for obtaining antioxidant-rich extracts and natural pigments, but extraction efficiency depends strongly on processing conditions. This study reports a comparative assessment and optimization of four extraction methods: maceration (ME), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), bead-beating extraction (BBE), and turbo-extraction (TE), for the recovery of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total condensed tannins (TTC), betalains, and antioxidant activity assessed by FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays from P. americana fruits. A 2³ full factorial design was applied for each method, evaluating the effects of solvent/solid ratio, extraction time, and method-specific parameters. The results of optimization using response surface methodology showed that no single extraction condition maximized all responses simultaneously. Phenolic-related responses and FRAP/ABTS activity were generally favored by a longer extraction time, higher solvent/solid ratio, and accelerated mechanical or acoustic input. In contrast, betalain recovery was consistently improved at a lower solvent/solid ratio, indicating a different optimization pattern for pigment-rich extracts. UAE provided a favorable balance between TFC yield and reproducibility, while TE and BBE were effective for TPC and TTC-related profiles. Overall, the study demonstrates that optimal extraction conditions for P. americana fruits vary according to the target application, such as maximizing pigment recovery, enhancing phenolic content, or improving antioxidant activity. Full article

Carbon sequestration is considered one of the key factors for sustainable development. The marshes of Aniva Bay (Sakhalin Island) are ecosystems currently undergoing intense natural carbon accumulation (450–930 g∙C∙m⁻²∙year⁻¹) 2–4 times higher than the average speed for similar ecosystems, making this area highly promising for the implementation of “carbon farms.” Carbon sequestration could be accelerated by installing structures on mudflats that capture suspended organic matter from tidal waters. A model experiment was conducted to assess the suitability and biocompatibility of logging waste from coniferous species (Picea ajanensis, Larix leptolepis, Abies sachalinensis) for such structures by simulating their immersion in seawater. The content of phenols and tannins in the resulting water extracts was determined, and the composition of water-soluble substances was analyzed by GC-MS. Extract toxicity was investigated using the halophilic test organism Artemia salina. The experiments revealed the release of tannins in concentrations of up to 14 mg/L, which is nearly 1.5 times the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) and could potentially negatively impact the coastal ecosystem. Furthermore, the concentration of tannins leached from L. leptolepis bark exceeded the MPC by a factor of 5.5. A critical finding is the presence of highly toxic compounds in wood waste, for which targeted analysis is absent in state regulatory documents for hazard assessment. Specifically, immersion of A. sachalinensis wood led to the leaching of juvabione into saltwater at concentrations causing 100% mortality in Artemia salina. Based on the results, the most promising species for the terraformation of mudflats is the use of P. ajanensis logging waste. Full article