Search Results (308)

Tanacetum parthenium (Asteraceae) has been traditionally used worldwide for medicinal purposes, and some of its therapeutic uses have been attributed to the pharmacological effects of its secondary metabolites. The root culture of this species might represent a sustainable source of several pharmacologically active compounds. The biomass of a root T. parthenium culture was extracted with methanol and fractionated using column chromatography. Three selected fractions (4TP, 5TP, and 8TP) were analyzed via spectrophotometric, chromatographic, and mass spectrometry techniques and in vitro pharmacological assays. The greatest values for total phenolic and phenolic acid contents and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli were determined for 4TP. The highest values for total flavonoid and sesquiterpene lactone contents, antioxidant potential, and α-amylase inhibitory effect were determined for 8TP. The antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus was not significantly different among the three fractions. The root culture of T. parthenium is a potential source of several metabolites, such as phenolic acids, fatty acids, coumarins, sesquiterpenoids, and triterpenoids, which are capable of exerting α-amylase inhibition and antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic effects. Among eight phenolic compounds detected and quantified in the fractions, chlorogenic acid was the most abundant. Full article

Food additives are used to prevent food spoilage and extend its shelf life. However, concerns regarding the potential health implications associated with some synthetic additives have prompted research efforts aimed at identifying natural alternatives, such as plant extracts. Cynara cardunculus L. (cardoon) is known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capability of ethanolic food-grade extracts from cultivated cardoon and globe artichoke leaves to preserve poultry breast meat during refrigerated storage. A total of seven treatment groups were tested: one control group (no extract) and six active groups with 0.5%, 1%, and 2% (w/w) of either cultivated cardoon or globe artichoke leaf extracts. Lipid oxidation, moisture, colour, pH, acidity, and microbial growth were assessed in poultry meat samples over 15 days. Both extracts were effective in extending shelf life, up to 11 days, by delaying lipid oxidation and microbial growth. Cardoon extract (1% w/w) displayed superior antimicrobial efficacy, maintaining microbial counts below 5 Log CFU/g meat until day 15, compared to the control. Cultivated cardoon leaf extract proves promising as a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant, extending the shelf life of poultry meat. This presents an opportunity to maintain the quality of meat products, aligning with consumer preferences for natural ingredients and sustainable practices. Full article

During the processing of marinated braised beef, excessive sodium intake is likely to occur, which can lead to various health issues. Exogenous L-lysine (L-Lys), as an essential amino acid for the human body, has the capability to enhance the quality of low-sodium meat products. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exogenous L-Lys on the quality of low-sodium plain boiled beef and marinated braised beef, as well as its underlying mechanisms of action. Among them, the substitution rate of KCl was 60%. This study was conducted with three batches of experiments, each batch serving as an independent parallel. For low-sodium plain boiled beef, the optimal addition level of L-Lys was screened out through the research on the effects on meat quality indicators, water distribution, microstructure, and sensory evaluation. For the quality of low-sodium plain boiled beef, in terms of microstructure, the addition of L-Lys reduced muscle fiber breakage and voids, thereby improving its microstructural characteristics. Combined with quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), the optimal level of additional L-Lys was subsequently determined to be 0.6%. It was further processed into marinated braised beef in soy sauce, and a comparative analysis was conducted with low-sodium marinated braised beef in soy sauce without L-Lys addition for shear force, meat color, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and total viable count (TVC) during the storage periods of 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 d. The results show that the redness (a*) value significantly increased within 0–12 d (p < 0.05), leading to a more stable meat color. Moreover, the addition of L-Lys significantly reduced the shear force and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) values in the marinated braised beef (p < 0.05), thereby optimizing the tenderness of the marinated braised beef and inhibiting lipid oxidation. Although the total viable count (TVC) of the L-Lys group was higher than that of conventional low-sodium marinated braised beef in soy sauce from 9 to 12 d, both groups of products had undergone spoilage by day 12; therefore, the addition of L-Lys had no effect on the shelf life of the products. Comprehensive analysis suggested that the addition of exogenous L-Lys could optimize beef quality by enhancing hydration, improving muscle structural properties, and exerting antioxidant synergistic effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Medicinal plants such as Santolina chamaecyparissus L., an evergreen shrub from the Asteraceae family, have long been valued for their bioactive compounds and traditional therapeutic uses. Materials: In this study, the essential oil of S. chamaecyparissus (EOSC) was isolated via hydrodistillation and then comprehensively evaluated for its phytochemical composition and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hemolytic, and cytotoxic properties, as well as its in silico bioactivity. Results: In total, 89.5% of the essential oil composition was successfully identified using GC-MS analysis. Hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes constituted the largest fraction (36.0%), followed by oxygenated sesquiterpenes (19.7%). Phytochemical screening revealed high phenolic content (839.50 ± 5.0 mg GAE/g E.O), while the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) assay confirmed its strong antioxidant potential. The oil showed moderate hemolytic activity and significant lipoxygenase inhibition, indicating anti-inflammatory capability. The cytotoxic effects of the EOSC were evaluated using the MTT assay and HepG2 liver cancer cells. A dose-dependent reduction in cell viability was observed, confirming the oil’s strong anticancer activity. Molecular docking and ADMET analyses supported the bioactivity of the identified compounds, which showed good drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that EOSC has promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting that it could have potential as a safe natural substance for use in drug development and food preservation. Full article

Selenium (Se), as a vital trace element, plays an important role in regulating the antioxidant systems of plants, strengthening photosynthetic capacity, and enhancing their stress resistance. Selenate and selenite are the dominant forms of Se available to plants in soils. This research takes highland barley as the research object, aiming to assess the impacts of plant growth, organic acid metabolite, and six transcription factor families in highland barley seedlings under varying concentrations of Na₂SeO₃. The study indicated that compared to the control group (CK), the plant height of highland barley seedlings under Se1 (0.02 g/kg Na₂SeO₃) treatment significantly increased by 66%. Under the Se2 (0.2 g/kg Na₂SeO₃) treatment, plant height significantly decreased by 28%. With Na₂SeO₃ concentration increased, the pigment content, O₂⁻ production rate, and soluble protein content in highland barley seedlings decreased, while the contents of soluble sugar, MDA, and H₂O₂ increased. Se1 treatment was found to be more beneficial for the growth and development of seedlings. The organic selenium in leaves and roots under Se2 treatment significantly increased by 1105-fold and 188-fold, respectively. The most effective migration capability from soil to leaf under Se1 or Se2 treatment was up to 6.15 or 6.56, respectively. Based on metabolomics, 30 differential metabolites of organic acids were screened from highland barley seedlings under Na₂SeO₃ treatment and showed positive correlationships with organic selenium, inorganic selenium, and total selenium in highland barley seedling leaves. Through transcriptome analysis, heatmap analysis on six major categories of transcription factors (bHLH, MYB, NAC, WRKY, GATA, and HSF) was performed. Under Se2 treatment, approximately two-thirds of the transcription factors showed high expressions. We further screened 26 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to Na₂SeO₃ concentration. Based on correlation analysis, there were six genes in the bHLH family, five in MYB, three in NAC, five in WRKY, and three in the GATA and HSF families that showed positive correlations with 30 differential organic acid metabolites. These results enhance our understanding of the relationship between the organic acid metabolites and transcription factor expression in highland barley seedlings under Na₂SeO₃ treatment. Full article

The rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has driven the search for safe and effective alternatives to conventional antibiotics. This study investigated the probiotic potential and postbiotic properties of Enterococcus faecium (one strain), Pediococcus acidilactici (five strains), and Pediococcus pentosaceus (five strains), identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. Among the strains, Pediococcus pentosaceus MI124 and Pediococcus acidilactici MI129 demonstrated robust survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Cell surface analyses revealed strong auto-aggregation and hydrophobicity in selected strains, notably P. pentosaceus MI124 and P. acidilactici MI127. Enzymatic profiling revealed potential complex metabolic capabilities across different strains. Safety assessments confirmed the absence of hemolytic and gelatinase activities across all strains. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed resistance to certain β-lactams, while susceptibility to chloramphenicol and tetracycline varied. All LAB strains demonstrated high freeze-drying survivability, exceeding 78.69%. The antibacterial activity of CFSs was confirmed against 14 Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, with results supporting their potential as antimicrobial agents. The CFSs demonstrated a higher total phenolic content (TPC) and displayed significant antioxidant activity, while the total flavonoid content (TFC) remained consistent across most strains. An FTIR spectral analysis confirmed the presence of key functional groups associated with phenolics, organic acids, and peptides, indicating a complex biochemical profile. Probiotics and their postbiotic derivatives offer promising health benefits, including pathogen inhibition and immune modulation. These findings highlight several LAB strains with promising probiotic traits and postbiotic efficacy, supporting their potential use in functional foods and therapeutic applications. Full article

Background: Agro-industrial by-products, such as carob and brewer’s spent grain (BSG), have gained increasing attention as sustainable feed ingredients capable of enhancing the nutritional and functional value of Tenebrio molitor larvae. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of carob and BSG supplementation of growth substrates on larval performance and the functional properties of the resulting insect meals. Methods: Seven-week-old larvae were reared for 14 days on the following three diets: control (wheat bran), wheat bran + carob (Trt1), and wheat bran + BSG (Trt2). Larval weight, substrate consumption, and survival were recorded. After processing, insect meals were analyzed for chemical composition, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity in both water- and lipid-soluble extracted fractions. Results: Both treatment groups showed significantly higher final weights than the control (Ctrl: 104.9 ± 2.69 g; Trt1: 114.8 ± 1.26 g; Trt2: 116.9 ± 1.07 g; p < 0.05). TPC was highest in the control for both fractions, and the antioxidant activity was similar between the Ctrl and Trt1 groups in the water-soluble fraction but significantly lower in the Trt2 group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of carob and BSG for sustainable insect farming, though their functional benefits may depend on the inclusion levels and their interaction with insect metabolism. Full article

Dairy cows are suffering from heat stress (HS) worldwide, and this has become a continual challenge in dairy production systems. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the shade of poplar trees on alleviating HS via measuring milk production, nutrient digestibility, immunity, and antioxidant capability in the serum of dairy cows in open cowsheds. A total of 540 lactating Holstein cows were assigned to 2 groups (3 cowsheds per group, 90 cows per cowshed), including the treatment group with poplar trees on the west side of sheds and the control group without trees. This study was carried out in the early-hot season, hot season, and late-hot season. The results showed the following: (1) During the hot season, shaded cows exhibited lower respiration rate (p < 0.05) and higher dry matter intake (p < 0.05) and daily milk yield (p < 0.05), compared with the control. Also, apparent digestibility of crude protein, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber demonstrated an increase (p < 0.05) in shaded cows during the hot season. (2) Total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity in the serum of shaded cows increased (p < 0.05) during the hot season and late-hot season, compared with the control. (3) Serum interleukin-4, immunoglobulin G, and immunoglobulin M concentrations of shaded cows were greater (p < 0.05) than the control during the hot season. Additionally, serum concentrations of HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 in shaded cows showed a decrease (p < 0.05) during the hot season. In conclusion, shade from poplar trees can mitigate the adverse impact of high-temperature environments on cows in open cowsheds. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the impact of ultrasonic pretreatment vacuum drying (UAVD) and temperature on drying kinetics and qualitative attributes of blood oranges in comparison to several drying methods: hot air drying (HAD), vacuum drying (VD), and freeze drying (FD). The drying kinetics and modeling, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capability (assessed using DPPH and ABTS tests), individual phenolic profiles, vitamin C concentration, and color factors were meticulously examined. Drying times were recorded as 22.5 h, 12.5 h, and 9 h for HAD; 11.5 h, 9.5 h, and 8.5 h for VD; and 10 h, 8.5 h, and 7.5 h for UAVD at 50, 60, and 70 °C, respectively. The HAD, VD, and UAVD procedures were conducted at 50, 60, and 70 °C, resulting in reduced drying periods with increasing temperature. The integration of ultrasound markedly lowered drying durations. Eleven thin-layer drying models were utilized to recreate the drying process precisely. The D_eff values of the HAD, VD, and UAVD dried samples varied from 9.08 × 10⁻⁶ to 2.82 × 10⁻⁵ m²/s, from 2.60 × 10⁻⁵ to 2.96 × 10⁻⁵ m²/s, and from 2.20 × 10⁻⁵ to 2.99 × 10⁻⁵, respectively. Among the desiccated blood orange slices, the greatest total phenolic content (TPC) was observed in freeze-dried samples (131.27 mg GAE/100 g), followed by those dried using ultrasonic-assisted vacuum drying (UAVD) at 50 °C (128.77 mg GAE/g DM). Dried blood orange slices had a vitamin C content of 29.79 to 49.01 mg/100. The drying process substantially impacted the color parameters L*, a*, and b*. These findings highlight the efficacy of ultrasound-assisted drying in decreasing drying duration while improving the retention of bioactive components in blood orange slices. Full article

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a gynecological cancer characterized by high morbidity and mortality associated with poor survival outcomes. Bisphenol F (BPF), a widely used analog of bisphenol A (BPA), has recently gained attention due to its potential endocrine-disrupting properties and ubiquitous environmental presence. However, the carcinogenic potential of BPF in OC has not been well explored. This study investigates the effects of BPF on ovarian carcinogenesis by assessing its pathological impact on cellular processes, including cell proliferation, wound healing, and cell invasion. OC cells, SKOV3 were treated with varying concentrations of BPF (0.01–250 µM). Cell viability was assessed using Alamar Blue assay, and migration ability was analyzed using wound-healing assay. Further, the total antioxidative capability (T-AOC) was measured. Statistical analysis was performed using student’s-t-test/ANOVA, with a significance set at p < 0.05. BPF exhibited a dual role in cell viability, enhancing cell proliferation at low concentrations (1 µM: p = 0.034; 10 µM: p = 0.012) while exerting cytotoxic effects at higher concentrations (250 µM: p = 0.021). Further, a wound-healing assay demonstrated that a lower concentration, 1 µM BPF promoted cell migration (p = 0.0345), indicating its involvement in OC. However, a non-significant difference was observed in the invasive potential and T-AOC of BPF-treated SKOV3 cells. Our findings provide key insights into the effects of BPF on cellular processes linked with ovarian carcinogenesis, emphasizing the need for future experiments to comprehend its mechanisms of action. Full article

This research investigated the growth, serum biochemistry, antioxidant capability, and immunity impact of black carp fed degossypolled cottonseed protein replacing fishmeal at the levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% (DCP0, DCP10, DCP20, DCP30, DCP40, and DCP50), respectively. The results showed there were no significant changes in growth among these test groups. The activities and mRNA expression levels of amylase and trypsin were heightened in conjunction with 30–40% DCP. Although the insulin contents were reduced with a rise in DCP content, 5-hydroxytryptamino was increased in the DCP40 and DCP50 groups. DCP40 could heighten the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and urea nitrogen. Although lower levels of DCP (≤20%) could increase the total antioxidant capacity compared with the DCP50 group, DCP50 could markedly heighten levels of catalase, glutathione S-transferase, H₂O₂, and malondialdehyde. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of Mn-superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, glutamate–cysteine ligase regulatory subunit, and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 were heightened in the DCP30 group compared with the DCP50 group. The levels of alkaline phosphatase, immunoglobulin M, and liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 were markedly heightened in the liver of the DCP20 group compared with the DCP50 group. In conclusion, a suitable level of DCP (20%) could improve serum biochemical indices and hormone variation, enhance antioxidant capability, and increase immunity in black carp. Full article

Background/Objectives: Plant-derived secondary metabolites have long contributed to the discovery of novel therapeutic agents, especially in the treatment of parasitic and infectious diseases in developing countries. Metabolomics provides a systems-level approach to understanding plant biochemistry, enabling the discovery of secondary metabolites with pharmacological relevance. Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS), widely known for its rubber-producing capabilities, remains underexplored as a medicinal plant. Given the well-established therapeutic properties of Taraxacum officinale and the emerging pharmacological profiles of related species, this study investigates the metabolic composition of TKS roots and leaves to uncover bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or hepatoprotective potential. Methods: Widely targeted metabolomics was conducted on 10-month-old field-grown Kultevar™ TKS plants using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Samples were hand-harvested and preserved on dry ice to maintain biochemical integrity. Metabolite identification and classification were performed using the MWDB and KEGG databases. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to evaluate metabolic variation between tissues. Results: A total of 1813 metabolites were identified, including flavonoids, alkaloids, lipids, amino acids, and phenolic compounds. Differential analysis revealed 964 significantly altered metabolites—609 downregulated and 355 upregulated in roots relative to leaves. Multivariate analysis confirmed clear tissue-specific metabolic profiles. KEGG pathway enrichment highlighted the involvement of flavonoid biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism pathways, suggesting bioactive potential. This study presents the first comprehensive metabolic profile of TKS, highlighting its potential value beyond rubber production. The detection of numerous therapeutic secondary metabolites supports its promise as a pharmaceutical and nutraceutical resource. Further functional validation of identified compounds is warranted. Full article

Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) maintain epithelial renewal through their proliferation and differentiation capabilities, responding to various intestinal insults. However, the impact of iturin A, a natural antimicrobial peptide, on ISC viability and its potential to mitigate heat-stable enterotoxin b (STb)-induced intestinal damage remains unclear. Our recent study demonstrated that oral administration of iturin A enhances tight junction protein expression, accelerates crypt-villus regeneration, and restores epithelial barrier integrity in STb-exposed mice. Furthermore, iturin A promotes ISC proliferation and differentiation, significantly increasing the numbers of goblet and Paneth cells in the jejunum following STb exposure. Notably, iturin A regulates intestinal homeostasis by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), while elevating total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels in both serum and jejunal mucosa. Mechanistically, iturin A facilitates nuclear factor-erythroid 2- related factor 2 (Nrf2) release by disrupting Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), leading to the upregulation of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). In conclusion, our findings indicate that iturin A alleviates oxidative stress induced by STb through modulation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway and promotes ISC differentiation into goblet and Paneth cells, thereby enhancing resistance to STb-induced damage. Full article

This research focused on producing water-soluble carbohydrates extracts from the leaves of the wild plant Cacalia firma using commercial enzymatic processes. Different enzymes and conditions were applied to the leaves to determine the optimal method for extracting carbohydrates. Enzymes used were Cellic CTec3 HS, Celluclast 1.5 L, Viscozyme L, Pectinex ultraSP-L, and Amylase AG. Pectinase, cellulase, and other enzymes are isolated from yeast, bacteria, or some higher plants and are commonly used to break down pectin, which is the cell wall or intercellular connective tissue in plant tissues, to soften fruit or vegetable tissues and to make sugars. They are commonly used to soften the tissues of fruits and vegetables, to produce sugars, or to increase the yield of juice in fruit processing. The resulting water-soluble carbohydrates demonstrated significant antioxidant capabilities in vitro, as evidenced by DPPH radical-scavenging and ABTS assays. Furthermore, the carbohydrates exhibited high levels of total polyphenol and flavonoid content. The extraction methodology was fine-tuned using response surface methodology alongside the Box–Behnken design, achieving a maximum carbohydrate yield of 129.7 mg/g, which was very close to the predicted value of 132.4 mg/g. The optimal conditions included an extraction temperature of 47.3 °C, a duration of 63 h, and a pH of 3.7 using Viscozyme L. This study offers a theoretical foundation for the development of natural carbohydrate antioxidants and lays the groundwork for large-scale production and utilization of C. firma leaf carbohydrates. These extracts, showing antioxidant activity, hold potential as functional ingredients in the food industry. Full article

Silver nanoparticles belong to a highly versatile group of nanomaterials with an appealing range of potential applications. In the realm of antimicrobial and antioxidant application, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit auspicious capabilities. This research, for the very first time, endeavors to carry out biosynthesis of AgNPs coupled with fermentation using Medusomyces gisevii and Origanum vulgare L. (O. vulgare) plant species. Fermentation (F) via Medusomyces gisevii is responsible for chemical, physical, biological, and electrochemical processes. During in vitro study of antioxidant activity, fermented O. vulgare herb extract showed strong reductive activity as evaluated by the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+) assay, with a value of 1.45 ± 0.048 mmol TE/g, 0.95 ± 0.04 mmol TE/g, and 0.59 ± 0.023 mmol TE/g, respectively. The highest antimicrobial activity was shown by Staphylococcus aureus in the inhibition zone, with values of 1.40 ± 0.12 mm of OrV and of 10.30 ± 0.04 mm and 11.54 ± 0.10 mm for OrV-AgNPs and OrV-F-AgNPs, respectively. Analysis of phenolic compounds revealed that the highest total amount of the apigenin, 87.78 µg/g, was detected in OrV-F-AgNPs and the lowest amount, 16.56 µg/g, in OrV-AgNPs. Moreover, in OrV-F-AgNPs, the collective amount of proanthocyanidins, hydroxycinnamic, and flavonoids was prominently high in all cases, i.e., 145.00 ± 0.02 mg EE/g DW, 2.86 ± 0.01 mg CAE/g DW, and 0.55 ± 0.01 mg RE/g DW, respectively, as compared to the original extract (102.1 ± 0.03 mg EE/g DW, 2.78 ± 0.02 mg CAE/g DW, and 0.47 ± 0.01 mg RE/g DW, respectively). During the characterization of biosynthesized nanoparticles by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), AgNPs demonstrated a uniform spherical shape with even distribution. The sample’s elemental composition was confirmed with a signal of 3.2 keV using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed silver nanoparticles that were round and spherical in shape in both stacked and congested form, with a size range of less than 30 nm. Thus, this green and sustainable synthesis of AgNPs, a blend of Medusomyces gisevii and O. vulgare herbal extract, has adequate potential for increased antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. Full article