Search Results (2,022)

The presented study aimed to fully characterise berry powders derived from raspberry, blackberry and strawberry (RB, BB, SB) as well as raspberry and blackberry seed powders (RBS, BBS) in terms of proximate composition, the individual profile of minerals, sugars, organic and fatty acids, and phenolic and volatile compounds. Additionally, testing of powders’ colour and antioxidant activity, as well as spectroscopic analysis, were also performed. Higher total and individual sugars, organic and phenolic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins content distinguished berry powders from the seed powders. Individually, RB contained significant amounts of citric and chlorogenic acids, BB was superior in cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside content, while SB was characterised by high sucrose, fructose, omega-3, and mineral (Ca, Mg, Fe) content. Berry seed powders exhibited remarkable TDF content, beneficial PUFA/SFA ratio, lighter colour, higher individual flavan-3-ols quantity, TPC and DPPH activity compared to berry powders. Mentioned discrepancies between berry and berry seed powders on a compositional level were also visible on ATR-FTIR spectra across all detected regions reflecting bonds attributed to cellulose, lipids, phenols and sugars. Pleasant, predominantly green, fruity and floral aromas were associated with berry powders, whilst additional herbal notes were characteristic of berry seed powders, all derived from the alcohols, aldehydes, esters and ketones as paramount volatile compounds. All examined powders can bear a nutritional claim of “high in” fibre (20.47–65.33%) and Mg (114.52–128.70 mg/100 g), enabling the design of food products packed with nutrients and bioactives while simultaneously reducing fresh fruit and fruit-processing waste. Full article

Rosehip (the “fruit” of Rosa canina L, commonly known as dog rose) is an emerging functional food, yet native Greek populations remain under-explored. This study screened 76 wild genotypes from Northern Greece for radical scavenging activity (% RSA), total phenolic content (TPC), and ascorbic acid (AsA). The results showed remarkable antioxidant potential (RSA > 70%), with TPC ranging from 1.02 to 35.96 mg g⁻¹ DW, and AsA between 0.72 and 3.57 mg g⁻¹ FW. Stepwise multiple regression analysis identified altitude as the primary predictor for RSA (adjusted R² = 0.139, p = 0.001) and latitude as a significant modulator for TPC (p = 0.034), reflecting subtle environmental adaptations over a robust genetic baseline. HPLC-PDA-MS characterization revealed a complex profile dominated by procyanidins, catechin derivatives, flavanonols (eriodictyol conjugates), and flavonol 3-O-glycosides (mainly quercetin hexosides and pentosides). Exploratory multivariate analysis (PCA) visualized high phenotypic plasticity and identified elite chemotypes (e.g., RPK-5, RCZ-12). Notably, the Rhodopi population exhibited the most extensive multidimensional dispersion despite its geographically restricted collection radius, suggesting a diverse local genetic reservoir. These findings establish a phytochemical map of Greek dog rose germplasm, providing essential criteria for selecting high-quality genotypes for future domestication and exploitation in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors. Full article

Phenolic acids are bioactive compounds in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that contribute to its nutritional and functional properties, yet their distribution within the kernel is uneven. This study investigated the effect of progressive pearling on phenolic acid distribution using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) with water as a solvent. Three commercial Canada Western Red Spring wheat samples were pearled into six fractions (50–450 s), corresponding to 5–45% removal of outer kernel layers. Pearled kernels, pearled kernel flours, and pearled fractions were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC) and individual phenolic acids using HPLC-DAD. The 10% pearled fraction (PF100) exhibited the highest TPC (9286 ± 168 µg GAE/g), confirming phenolic enrichment in the outer bran and sub-aleurone layers. Outer kernel tissues contained the highest gallic acid (1954 µg/g), whereas the endosperm retained lower levels of gallic (450 µg/g), hydroxycinnamic (122 µg/g), sinapic (87 µg/g), and ferulic (84 µg/g) acids. Both TPC and individual phenolic acids decreased progressively with increased pearling depth, indicating a clear localization gradient. MAE with water enhanced extraction efficiency compared to conventional solvent-based methods, enabling environmentally friendly recovery. These findings demonstrate that controlled pearling can be used to enrich wheat fractions in phenolic acids and optimize functional ingredient development. Full article

This study investigated the influence of solvent composition on the extraction efficiency and selectivity of phenolic compounds from the Amazonian fruits açaí (Euterpe oleracea) and bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba). Six choline chloride-based natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES), combined with different hydrogen bond donors (glycerol, 1,2-propanediol, citric acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, and urea), were compared with acidified methanol. Extracts were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant capacity using FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC assays. In açaí, methanol exhibited the highest TPC and reducing capacity, whereas acid-based NaDESs enhanced phenolic recovery in a matrix-dependent manner. In bacaba, choline chloride–citric acid enhanced total phenolic recovery compared to methanol, highlighting matrix-dependent solvent performance. Differences among FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC responses reflected variations in phenolic composition rather than total concentration alone. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed solvent-selective enrichment of anthocyanins, chlorogenic acid, flavan-3-ols, and rutin, particularly with acid-based NaDES formulations. Molecular docking provided complementary mechanistic insight by indicating favorable interactions between major phenolics and polyphenol oxidase. Overall, the results indicate that choline chloride-based NaDESs can function as tunable extraction systems capable of modulating phenolic profiles in a matrix-dependent manner, representing promising alternatives to conventional organic solvents for phenolic recovery from Amazonian fruits. Full article

Growing consumer demand for organic products and increasing evidence that viticultural management influences wine quality have prompted renewed interest in ecological cultivation systems. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the oenological characteristics and sensory quality of wines produced from three Vitis vinifera varieties (Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, and Fetească neagră) grown under ecological and conventional cultivation systems in the Dealu Mare wine region (Romania) during 2022. Wines were characterized by their physicochemical parameters (pH, total acidity, reducing sugars, and ethanol content), total anthocyanin (TAC), total phenolic (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC), in vitro antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP), and structured sensory evaluation using a semi-naive consumer panel (n = 20). Fetească neagră wines exhibited the highest bioactive potential, with TPC values up to 2895.78 ± 152.23 mg GAE/L, TAC up to 370.98 mg MGE/L, and FRAP values reaching 5790.53 ± 143.82 mg TE/L, approximately ten-fold higher than white wines. Ecological cultivation significantly enhanced the antioxidant activity of Sauvignon blanc and Fetească neagră wines, while its effect on Chardonnay was variable across assays. Sensory evaluation revealed that ecological cultivation significantly improved olfactory scores (p = 0.011), particularly for Sauvignon blanc, and that female panelists assigned significantly higher olfactory scores than males (p < 0.001). These findings support ecological viticulture as a quality-enhancing strategy for Romanian wine production, especially for autochthonous cultivars. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance, an evolutionarily entrenched microbial capacity amplified by extensive antibiotic exposure, has increased the burden of difficult-to-treat infections caused by priority pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. In this study, we assessed whether phytochemical-rich extracts from fully ripe Rosa canina pseudo-fruits (WF) and fully developed Colchicum autumnale flowers (CA) can provide combined antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm effects against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates. Methods: Plant materials were processed using seven extraction systems spanning non-polar to polar conditions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, aqueous, 40% ethanol, 60% ethanol, and enzyme-assisted hydrolysis). Fractions were quantified for total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins, evaluated for antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP), tested for antibacterial activity (disc diffusion and MIC/MBC), and assessed for inhibition of early biofilm attachment. Differences among extraction methods and fractions were analyzed using standard comparative statistics (group comparisons across solvents/fractions), and relationships between chemical composition and bioactivity were examined using correlation-based analysis. Results: Extraction strategy emerged as the main determinant of bioactivity across endpoints. The WFE/ENZ fraction maximized phytochemical recovery (TPC 203.34 ± 11.55 mg GAE/g DW; TFC 35.67 ± 3.06 mg QE/g DW; TTC 53.00 ± 2.65 mg TAE/g DW) and showed strong antioxidant performance (DPPH IC₅₀ 33.60 ± 0.02 μg/mL; FRAP A₇₀₀ 1.90 ± 0.010 at 250 μg/mL). Antibacterial effects were strongest in polar fractions, particularly hydroethanolic and enzyme-assisted extracts, while n-hexane fractions were consistently weakest. Across eight clinical isolates and three reference strains, MIC values ranged from 0.04875 to 6.25 mg/mL for WF extracts and 0.0975–12.5 mg/mL for CA extracts. In the biofilm model, suppression of early attachment was most consistent for CAE/E60–ENZ and WFE/E40–E60–ENZ fractions. Conclusions: Correlation analysis indicated that antibacterial potency aligned primarily with flavonoid levels in R. canina pseudo-fruits and with tannin content in C. autumnale material. Overall, these results support hydroethanolic and enzyme-assisted extraction as rational strategies to enrich polyphenol-dense fractions with convergent antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm activity, reinforcing plant-derived matrices as a structured discovery space for developing complementary antimicrobial solutions beyond conventional antibiotics. Notably, this is among the first studies to evaluate the antibacterial potential of C. autumnale plant material in this context and to comprehensively assess R. canina pseudo-fruit extracts against multidrug-resistant clinical. Full article

The effects of presoaking with sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃) solution on the polyphenols and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in foxtail millets during germination under NaCl stress condition were investigated, and the key processing parameters, including Na₂SeO₃ concentration, presoaking time, presoaking temperature and NaCl concentration, were optimized via response surface methodology (RSM) based on total phenolic content (TPC) and GABA content of foxtail millet sprouts. The inhibition of sprout growth caused by salt stress was alleviated by presoaking with Na₂SeO₃, which did not alter phenolic compositions, resulting in a significant increase in the levels of both phenolics and GABA. The optimal germination parameters were 42 mg/L Na₂SeO₃, 9.8 h soaking time, 30 °C soaking temperature, and 110 mmol/L NaCl. Under these conditions, the measured TPC and GABA content were 837.22 mg FAE/100 g and 281.68 mg/kg, respectively, which closely approximated the predicted values. Correspondingly, the main free phenolic compounds 3-p-coumaroylquinic acid and N-p-coumaroylserotonin increased by 2.94 and 3.34 times, respectively, and the predominant bound phenolic compounds trans-ferulic acid and trans-p-coumaric acid increased by 2.28 and 6.39 times, respectively. Meanwhile, the total and organic selenium contents of the sprouts reached 14.74 and 12.02 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. This study provides a practical technology for preparing selenium-enriched foxtail millet sprouts with enhanced phenolic compounds and GABA, which can serve as a novel functional food resource. Full article

Peucephyllum schottii is an aromatic desert plant of the family Asteraceae, which has little scientific research regarding its phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties. This study aims to evaluate in detail the chemical composition and antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic activities of the ethanol extract of P. schottii leaves. The chemical composition of the plant extract was analyzed by GC-MS. Total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents of the plant were calculated. An antioxidant assay of the plant material was performed by using the DPPH and ABTS tests. The antibacterial activities of P. schottii plant material against six pathogenic bacteria were studied by using the agar diffusion and MIC/MBC techniques. Colorimetric analysis, for its part, enabled the assessment of its antihyperglycemic activities (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and its cytotoxic activities (in MCF-7 and HepG2 cells). The expressions of apoptotic proteins (caspases, Bcl2, and Bax), were analyzed by RT-PCR. The GC-MS findings showed the presence of complex phytoconstituents of P. schottii in the form of linoleic acid (19.48%), hexadecanoic acid (15.01%), and vitamin E (12.15%). There is high TPC (118.18 mg of GAE/g) and TFC (75.56 mg of QE/g) in P. schottii plant material. The plant showed significant antioxidant (≈105 μg/mL IC₅₀ in DPPH and ≈80 μg/mL IC₅₀ in ABTS) and broad-spectrum antibacterial activities, mostly against E. coli (MIC = 4.68 μg/mL), as well as antihyperglycemic activities against α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 334 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 196 μg/mL) enzymes. The plant material showed cytotoxic effects in MCF-7 and HepG2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (IC₅₀ = 78 ± 1.13 μg/mL and 68.23 ± 2.41 μg/mL, respectively). These findings point to P. schottii leaf extract’s potential as a natural antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and chemopreventive agent. Full article

Mathematical modelling, including the use of response surface methodology (RSM), facilitates the analysis of complex relationships between various extraction process parameters and the bioactive properties of plant extracts. The aim of this study was to optimise selected parameters of the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) process of the herb Trifolium pratense L. to yield extracts with high antioxidant activity (AA-DPPH) and total polyphenol content (TPC). The following parameters were investigated: solvent selection (methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and n-propanol), the alcohol concentration used as the solvent (from 20% v/v to concentrated), and extraction time (2–15 min). The optimal extraction conditions, depending on the solvent used, comprised alcohol concentrations of 49–61% v/v and extraction times of 3–13 min. Under these optimal conditions, the extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity (methanol 4.21 ± 0.02, ethanol 3.92 ± 0.02, n-propanol 3.84 ± 0.02, and isopropanol 3.72 ± 0.02 mmol Trolox/L) and high total polyphenol content (n-propanol 0.84 ± 0.01, ethanol 0.81 ± 0.01, isopropanol 0.76 ± 0.01, and methanol 0.72 ± 0.01 g GA/L). The log p value of the optimised extracts was below zero (except for the isopropanol extract), indicating their hydrophilic nature, which is attributed to the presence of polar phenolic compounds. The extracts obtained via optimised UAE were characterised by a high content of bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential, suggesting their potential application in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Full article

Acorn flours from the six Mediterranean Quercus species (Quercus cerris, Quercus petraea, Quercus robur, Quercus ilex, Quercus pubescens, and Quercus rotundifolia) were systematically fractionated for polyphenols using ultrasonic-assisted extraction with seven solvent systems varying in polarity and composition (water at 20 and 40 min; acetone, ethanol, and methanol at 20% and/or 70% v/v). The total polyphenol content (TPC), non-tannic phenolic content (NTPC), tannin content (TC), antioxidant potential (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP), and individual phenolic profiles through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were determined. The results showed that the botanical species primarily determined the TPC and TC, while the solvent composition significantly influenced the NTPC yield. Q. cerris yielded the highest average TPC (105.1 ± 3.8 mg GAE/g) and TC, supported by a gallotannin-dominated profile. Conversely, Q. rotundifolia exhibited the lowest values but the highest NTPC/TPC ratio (32.0%). Q. ilex featured species-exclusive ellagitannins, while Q. pubescens showed the highest specific antioxidant activity. For the targeted recovery, 20% acetone is recommended for tannins and 70% ethanol for the non-tannic fractions. These findings establish a species-resolved framework for valorizing acorn flours as functional ingredients, identifying high-tannin species requiring detannification and “sweet” varieties suitable for direct food application. Full article

Hot air drying of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) and its by-products, mainly the peel and placenta with seeds, has been investigated, analysing the influence of pretreatments on drying kinetics and bioactive compound content. Pumpkin flours not only stand out for their microbiological stability (low water activity), but also for their bioactive compounds important for health, including phenolic compounds and other antioxidants. Pretreatments prior to drying may improve both the quality and the drying efficiency, although their optimization has not been studied in pumpkin by-product flours. Hence, we studied different pretreatments, such as steam blanching (SB) and freezing (F) (−18 °C), to investigate their effect on the pumpkin by-product flour quality (color and water activity) after drying and compared to flours made with the edible part (pulp). In addition, different drying kinetics models were evaluated. SB pulp and peel achieved lower water activity (0.25/0.20) than F (0.35/0.36), compared to untreated pumpkin by-product flour (0.40/0.45). The SB placenta with seeds achieved a lower water activity (0.19) than F (0.55). The total phenolic content (TPC) increased up to 41.7, 60.2 and 40.9% in pre-treated and dried pulp, peel and placenta with seeds, respectively, compared to control (CTRL). A similar result was obtained for total flavonoid content (TFC), where increases of up to 86.4, 36.4, and 32.2% were observed in pre-treated pulp, peel and placenta with seeds, respectively. For total antioxidant capacity (TAC), results showed an increase of up to 33.1% in pre-treated peel, with slight reductions in pulp (20.1%) and placenta with seeds (39.1%), compared to CTRL. These results are promising for obtaining new dehydrated plant products from industrial processing by-products, while maintaining their beneficial health characteristics. These powdered products can be used in future research on the formulation of new fortified foods, such as bakery products, or the development of natural additives for beverages or soups. Full article

Drought is a major environmental constraint that disrupts photosynthetic processes. This study investigated the effects of foliar-applied commercial humic acid (HA) at different concentrations (1, 3 and 5 mg/mL) on the photosynthetic apparatus of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L. Italiano classico) under PEG-induced stress. The responses of the photosynthetic machinery were evaluated using chlorophyll a fluorescence analyses (JIP-test and PAM), leaf pigment composition, and assessments of membrane integrity. Drought stress caused pronounced alterations on both the donor and acceptor sides of photosystem II (PSII), including impaired Q_A⁻ reoxidation, reduced open PSII reaction centers (qP), diminished electron transport (ETo/RC, REo/RC), and substantial declines in performance indices (PI_ABS, PItotal). Energy dissipation increased (DI₀/RC), with regulated energy losses (Φ_NPQ) rising more strongly than non-regulated losses (Φ_NO). Drought also elevated oxidative stress markers (MDA and H₂O₂), leading to enhanced membrane injury. Among the tested concentrations, 5 mg/mL HA provided the most effective protection against drought stress. This treatment mitigated PEG-induced damage on both PSII donor and acceptor sides and increased the proportion of open reaction centers (qP). Improved PSII photochemistry corresponded with more efficient Q_A⁻ reoxidation, facilitated its interaction with plastoquinone, and caused the overall stabilization of photosynthetic functions under drought. The protective effects of HA were also evident for both PSI subpopulations. The enhanced tolerance was associated with the activation of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, APX) and the increased levels of anthocyanins and total phenolic content (TPC). In contrast, lower HA concentrations (1 and 3 mg/mL) provided insufficient protection. This study clearly demonstrates that HA enhances drought tolerance in basil in a concentration-dependent manner by protecting the structural and functional integrity of the photosynthetic apparatus, supporting its potential use as a foliar treatment to improve crop resilience under water-limited conditions. Full article

In the context of exploring new methods and techniques for the sustainable production of high-quality oil, the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of temperatures during screw-press extraction and roasting (200 °C for 15 min) on the oil yield, phytochemicals, and antioxidant contents of white and black seeds of Sesamum indicum L. In this study, the oil of roasted and unroasted white and black sesame seeds was extracted using the screw-pressing technique at various temperature increments between 40 and 200 °C. The total phenolic contents (TPC), antioxidant capacity (FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity) and CUPRAC (Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity)), lignans (sesamin, sesamolin, and sesamol contents), and fatty acids were quantitatively determined by spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results revealed that the values of TPC, antioxidant capacity and sesamol in black seeds or its derived oil were significantly greater than those present in equal quantities of white seeds or its derived oil; however, oil yield, sesamin, and sesamolin were higher in white sesame. When temperatures increased up to 150 °C during seed pressing, this resulted in increased oil yields of unroasted seeds; however at 200 °C, the oil yield dropped slightly. The roasted seeds resulted in slightly less oil yield than unroasted seeds, which could be attributed to seed moisture. Moreover, sesamin, sesamolin, sesamol, and fatty acid compositions of unroasted and roasted seeds did not show considerable changes with increased temperatures during seed pressing. In fact, these phytoconstituents were found to possess robust screw-press thermal stability, while TPC and antioxidant capacity showed considerably negative effect with increasing screw-press temperature. The results highlight that moderate pressing temperatures optimize oil yield while maintaining the integrity of key bioactive constituents, emphasizing the potential of sustainable mechanical extraction for high-quality sesame oil production. Full article

The increasing generation of agri-food waste represents a significant environmental challenge, but also a valuable source of bioactive compounds with potential industrial applications. In this study, selected minimally processed agri-food wastes from the food processing industry were evaluated as potential sources of bioactive compounds and antioxidants. Seven types of agri-food waste were investigated: green bean cutting waste, yellow bean cutting waste, sweet corn waste from the air selector, edamame pods, pepper seed by-products, potato peels, and potato waste from the air selector. Solid–liquid extraction was performed using ethanol at different concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, and 96%, w/w) as a green solvent. Total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays) were determined. The results demonstrated significant differences among the investigated raw materials, with the highest antioxidant activity observed in the potato peel extracts. Specifically, the strongest activity was recorded using 40% ethanol, yielding values of 3.9596 mg TE/g DW for DPPH and 11.4555 mg TE/g DW for ABTS assays. In contrast, the highest FRAP value (2.3970 mg Fe²⁺/g DW) was obtained with 60% ethanol. The highest TPC was detected in pepper seed by-products, reaching 6.7829 mg GAE/g DW when extracted with 20% ethanol. Furthermore, selected extracts were subjected to LC-MS analysis to obtain a preliminary characterization of their chemical profiles. Untargeted LC-MS analysis identified 115 metabolites belonging to different chemical classes, highlighting agri-food waste as a rich source of bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids. These findings demonstrate agri-food wastes as sustainable sources of bioactive compounds and support their valorization within circular economy and green processing frameworks. Full article

Nanoparticles (NPs) are becoming more commonly used in agricultural practices for cultivating plants under Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). The foliar application of copper oxide (CuO) NPs can enhance the production of bioactive compounds in lettuce without adversely affecting yield. However, there is a lack of data regarding the effects of NPs on plants under various lighting conditions, which is a crucial aspect of CEA. The study aims to find out how different lighting conditions can lead to Cu accumulation, to determine the effects of CuO NPs on lettuce growth, antioxidant potential and mineral elements, and to investigate the potential risk of these NPs’ uptake to human health. Plants were grown in Ebb-type hydroponic systems with red-blue and white-red-blue LED lighting at daily light integral 8.64 and 14.4, sprayed with aqueous suspensions of CuO NPs (40 nm, 30 ppm). The influence was determined on lettuce growth, the enzymatic (GR, APX, CAT, SOD, MDHAR, DHAR) and non-enzymatic (TPC, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) antioxidants, mineral elements and hazard quotients. Our study showed the synergistic effect of foliar application of CuO NPs and lighting on lettuce. We found that CuO NPs positively influenced lettuce growth and stimulated the antioxidant system, particularly the non-enzymatic components such as phenols, carotenoids, and total antioxidant capacity. This effect was enhanced under a broader wavelength range of white-red-blue light and with a higher daily light integral value of 14.4. The application of CuO NPs significantly increased the Cu content in lettuce. Importantly, the concentration of the used CuO NPs did not reach the limit of Cu ions dangerous to humans, as the calculated intake level remained below safe limits, but it is not determined how much of them remained in the form of NPs. Full article