Search Results (9,363)

Edible lily bulbs (Lilium lancifolium Thunb.) are highly valued for their rich nutritional profile and significant medicinal properties. To further enhance these beneficial attributes, this study investigates a novel, green post-harvest enhancement strategy using low-dose ⁶⁰Co-γ irradiation (2–5 Gy) followed by immediate freeze-drying. Experimentally, fresh bulbs were exposed to varying irradiation doses, after which physiological parameters (enzyme activities, phytochemical contents) and metabolic profiles (via LC-MS/MS) were systematically evaluated. The results demonstrated that 4 Gy represented the optimal dose; compared to the non-irradiated control group (0 Gy), the 4 Gy treatment significantly enhanced the antioxidant defense system by eliciting oxidative stress responses, increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities by 1.55- to 1.86-fold, and elevating total phenolics and flavonoids by 1.31- and 2.69-fold, respectively. Untargeted metabolomic analysis identified 42 differential metabolites, revealing that 4 Gy irradiation primarily upregulated the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways. Key antioxidants, specifically rosmarinic acid and the newly detected alkaloid jurubine, exhibited significant accumulation. Integrated correlation analysis and molecular docking simulations elucidated the underlying mechanisms, providing theoretical insights into their transient interactions with DPPH radicals. In conclusion, low-dose ⁶⁰Co-γ irradiation serves as a sustainable, green post-harvest processing strategy to improve the nutritional quality of edible lily bulbs by activating intrinsic metabolic defense mechanisms. Full article

Artemisia annua L. is a medicinal plant characterized by a chemically diverse phytochemical profile and potential relevance for cosmetic and dermatological applications. This study investigated a hydroethanolic A. annua extract through phytochemical characterization, antioxidant evaluation, UV–Vis-based assessment of UV absorption, and exploratory molecular docking. HPLC-DAD-MS/MS supported the assignment and quantitative determination of artemisinin, chlorogenic acid, and isoquercitrin at 0.09, 0.11, and 0.21 mg/mL extract, respectively. GC–MS revealed a diverse composition comprising primary and secondary metabolites, while separate essential oil characterization identified Artemisia ketone as the predominant volatile constituent. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 16.82 ± 0.29 mg GAE/g DW and 1.46 ± 0.14 mg RE/g DW, respectively. Concentration-dependent antioxidant activity was observed in DPPH and ABTS assays, with IC₅₀ values of 0.77 ± 0.13 and 0.092 mg dry plant material equivalent/mL reaction mixture, respectively. UV–Vis analysis showed concentration-dependent increases in spectrophotometrically estimated SPF within the evaluated analytical range. At 1.25 mg/mL, the extract exhibited an SPF estimate of 7.20 ± 0.35, a UVA/UVB absorbance ratio of 2.58, and a critical wavelength of 379.3 nm, indicating that UV absorption extended substantially into the UVA region. Exploratory molecular docking yielded the most favorable AutoDock Vina scores for chlorogenic acid toward MMP-1 (−9.0 kcal/mol) and isoquercitrin toward human neutrophil elastase (−8.0 kcal/mol). Overall, A. annua represents a source of phytochemicals with experimentally demonstrated antioxidant activity and measurable UV-absorbing properties, supporting further investigation in appropriately formulated and validated topical systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ferula varia Trautv. is a promising medicinal plant of the Apiaceae family and a potential source of biologically active secondary metabolites. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and biological activities of F. varia root extract. Methods: The non-volatile compounds were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC–QTOF–ESI-MS/MS) method. Furthermore, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC), antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial potential of the extract were evaluated using spectrophotometric and microdilution assays. Results: HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis enabled the tentative identification of 25 metabolites in the F. varia root extract, predominantly sesquiterpene coumarins together with organic acids, phenolic acids, coumarins, sesquiterpene esters, and prenylated aromatic compounds. The extract contained 30.06 ± 3.00 mg GAE/g_extr of total phenolics and 1.42 ± 0.04 mg RuE/g_extr of total flavonoids. Antioxidant assays revealed Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values of 0.10 ± 0.00 mM, 110.31 ± 4.94 mg AsAE/g_extr, and 21.95 ± 0.00 mg TE/g_extr, respectively, while the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay showed weak radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ > 1 mg/mL). The extract also demonstrated stronger antimicrobial activity against yeasts than against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with minimal inhibitory concentration values ranging from 2.5 to 5 mg/mL and 10–20 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: These findings indicate that F. varia roots are a promising source of bioactive compounds exhibiting antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. Full article

Psidium cattleyanum (Cherry Guava, family Myrtaceae) is traditionally used for its medicinal and nutritional value; however, comparative chemical and bioactivity profiling of its leaf and fruit extracts remain limited. In this study, a sequential solvent extraction using hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol was employed to characterize the phytochemical composition. The combined extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Phytochemical screening, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH radical scavenging assay, and brine shrimp lethality bioassay were conducted. GC–MS analysis identified terpenoids enriched in leaf extracts, while fruit extracts exhibited relatively higher contribution of lipid-derived compounds. Phytochemical screening revealed a higher diversity of secondary metabolites in leaf extracts compared to fruits. The leaf extract exhibited significantly higher TPC (31.96 ± 0.05 mg GAE/g) and TFC (51.43 ± 0.22 mg CE/g) than the fruit extract (8.87 ± 0.11 mg GAE/g and 1.98 ± 0.07 mg CE/g, respectively), correlating with stronger antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 47.10 ± 0.06 ppm for leaves, 357.30 ± 0.64 ppm for fruits). Cytotoxicity assessment revealed mild to moderate bioactivity, with LC₅₀ values of 522.14 ± 17.00 µg/mL (leaf) and 402.60 ± 9.00 µg/mL (fruit). Overall, this study highlights Psidium cattleyanum extracts as sources of antioxidant-associated phytochemicals exhibiting preliminary biological activity and provides a basis for future phytochemical and bioactivity investigations. Full article

Ethylene accumulation accelerates the ripening of climacteric fruits and may impair their postharvest quality. This study evaluated biochar produced from spent tea leaves and enclosed in cellulose sachets as a material for reducing ethylene concentration and preserving tomato quality during storage. The biochar was produced by pyrolyzing spent black tea leaves at 400 °C for 10 min. Tomatoes were stored for 18 days at 21 °C in sealed glass chambers containing sachets with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7.5, or 10 g of biochar, with a treatment without biochar serving as the control. After 6, 12, and 18 days, ethylene concentration, microbiological quality, and selected physicochemical and antioxidant properties were evaluated. Biochar reduced ethylene accumulation in a mass-dependent manner, with the most pronounced effects generally observed in the 5–10 g range. The 10 g treatment reduced ethylene concentration by 41.1%, 37.8%, and 40.3% relative to the control after 6, 12, and 18 days, respectively. The lowest counts of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, yeasts, and molds were generally observed in the 7.5 and 10 g treatments. The application of at least 5 g of biochar most effectively limited firmness loss; after 18 days, firmness ranged from 1.77 to 1.80 kgf in the 5–10 g treatments, compared with 1.00 kgf in the control. Higher biochar masses also favored the retention of titratable acidity, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity measured using the ABTS and FRAP assays. Overall, the beneficial effects on postharvest storage conditions and tomato quality became more evident with increasing biochar mass, particularly between 5 and 10 g. Sachets containing 7.5–10 g of spent-tea-leaf biochar showed the greatest potential as a simple passive system for controlling ethylene and preserving tomato quality. This approach combines waste valorization with the potential reduction in postharvest losses, supporting circular economy principles and Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12). Full article

The increasing demand for natural and sustainable cosmetic ingredients has stimulated interest in medicinal plants as sources of multifunctional bioactive compounds. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a low-viscosity spray-based cosmetic formulation containing Plectranthus amboinicus leaf extract through phytochemical characterization, antioxidant evaluation, formulation engineering, and physicochemical stability assessment. The novelty of this work lies in evaluating the feasibility of incorporating P. amboinicus extract into a spray-based delivery system while maintaining acceptable physicochemical formulation stability. Ethanol extracts were characterized for extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Four formulations containing 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% (w/v) extract were evaluated for appearance, pH, homogeneity, and short-term stability. The extract exhibited measurable antioxidant activity and detectable phenolic content. All formulations remained homogeneous, showed no phase separation, and maintained physiological skin pH (5.5–6.0) throughout storage. Only the 5% formulation showed a slight reduction in transparency without compromising physical stability. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of incorporating P. amboinicus extract into a spray-based cosmetic formulation while maintaining acceptable short-term physicochemical stability. The study provides preliminary formulation evidence rather than biological efficacy, and further phytochemical, rheological, spray-performance, biological, and long-term stability studies are warranted. Accordingly, the present findings demonstrate formulation feasibility only and should not be interpreted as confirmation of clinical skin benefits, dermocosmetic efficacy, or spray-device performance. Full article

Watermelon is an important vegetable crop cultivated worldwide with significant nutritional and economic value. Due to its susceptibility to soilborne pathogens, grafted seedlings are highly preferred. Robust scions are a prerequisite for the quality of the grafted seedling. Seedling production in a plant factory with artificial lighting offers advantages in space-use efficiency and control over growth parameters. In these systems, dynamic lighting, i.e., changing lighting conditions over a given period, can improve energy-use efficiency or enhance the physiological performance of growing plants. Hence, this study aimed to test whether dynamically adjusted blue/red ratios during the production period influence the physiology, growth, quality, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant capacity of scion watermelon seedlings produced in a PFAL. Two blue/red (high and low) ratios were tested over a 10-day growth period under constant illumination (H and L) or with a change in the middle of cultivation (HL and LH). The results showed that a high blue/red light ratio during the growth of young watermelon scions, especially during the final days of production (average of H and LH), enhanced biochemical responses (+29.5% phenolic compound content and +26–158% antioxidant capacity compared to L). Conversely, a shift to a low blue/red light ratio (HL) improved overall seedling quality (+35% Dickson’s quality index, +33% sturdiness quotient, and +18% total leaf chlorophyll content compared to L). Full article

Although pericarp browning is a major postharvest challenge in litchi fruit, the browning behavior of the aril and seeds remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate tissue-specific browning and the underlying mechanisms. Mature litchi fruit were separated into pericarp, aril, and cut seed, stored at 25 °C. Browning occurred predominantly in the pericarp and seeds, while aril showed no visible browning. The pericarp exhibited greater increases in electrolyte leakage (REL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content than the aril and seeds. The pericarp and seed were rich in total phenolics, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins (PAs), all of which declined in both the pericarp and seed during browning, whereas PAs were nearly undetectable in aril. Notably, epicatechin (EC) content was higher in the pericarp than in the seed, while catechin (CT) was abundant in seed but absent in pericarp. Laccase (LAC) and peroxidase (POD) activities, along with transcript levels of LcLAC14-4/5, LcLAC7, and LcPOD3, were substantially higher in the pericarp than in the seed, and barely detectable in aril. The results indicate that tissue-specific browning in litchi fruit is associated with enzymatic oxidation of PA-associated phenolics in the pericarp and seeds, offering a mechanistic target for postharvest preservation. Further studies should explore the biosynthetic regulation of PAs in the pericarp and seeds. Full article

Gastrodia elata rhizome (GER), long used medicinally and as food in East Asia, is now produced via outdoor field (OFC) or indoor facility (IFC) cultivation. This study evaluated phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of GER by cultivation method, growth stage, and harvest season. Seven compounds were quantified by HPLC; parishin A, parishin B, parishin E, and p-hydroxybenzyl methyl ether (p-HBME) were the major constituents. Among mature samples, their total content ranged from 13.21 to 18.33 mg/g DW in OFC-grown GER and was 12.15 mg/g DW in IFC-grown GER, while immature GER contained up to 26.16 mg/g DW. However, IFC and OFC samples originated from different regions, so differences cannot be attributed solely to cultivation method. Spring-harvested GER had a higher total content of the seven compounds than autumn-harvested GER (20.67 ± 0.17 and 12.01 ± 0.19 mg/g DW, respectively) and stronger DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS activities, whereas total phenolic content (TPC) was higher in autumn. Seasonal comparisons reflect extraction replicates of composite samples, not independent biological replicates. ABTS activity was positively correlated with gastrodin, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (4-HBA), p-HBME, parishin A, and total flavonoid content (TFC). PCA explained 71.5% of total variance (PC1–PC2), supporting discrimination among GER samples by phenolic and antioxidant profiles. Full article

This study evaluated the effectiveness of sodium alginate-based edible coatings enriched with essential oils and their major bioactive compounds in preserving the postharvest quality of cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme). Fruits were coated with sodium alginate formulations containing lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil, citral, bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) essential oil, or 1,8-cineole, and stored at 5 °C for up to 21 days followed by 3 days at room temperature. Physicochemical attributes, including color, firmness, total soluble solids (SSC), and weight loss, together with lycopene, β-carotene, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and microbial quality were evaluated. Storage time significantly affected most quality parameters. Among the coating treatments, significant effects were observed for color, SSC, firmness, and mesophilic bacterial counts, whereas no significant treatment effects were detected for weight loss, lycopene, β-carotene, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, or yeasts and molds. Citral-enriched alginate coatings maintained higher firmness than uncoated control throughout storage, while alginate coatings containing lemongrass essential oil showed higher mesophilic bacterial counts than the control. Overall, the alginate-based coatings produced only modest effects under the conditions evaluated. The limited treatment response may be related to the storage conditions, the characteristics of the selected essential oils, and the good inherent postharvest performance of the ‘Dolcetini’ cultivar. These findings contribute to defining the conditions under which alginate-based edible coatings may or may not provide additional benefits for postharvest preservation of cherry tomatoes. Full article

Species belonging to the genus Seseli have long been known to be used as herbal remedies in traditional medicine for various purposes such as colds, inflammation, pain, and gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, in this study, the flower parts of Seseli transcaucasicum (Schischk.) Pimenov & Sdobnina were extracted using methanol and acetone to investigate their phytochemical composition and antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities. For this purpose, total phenolic content (TPC), DPPH free radical scavenging activity (RSA), phenolic component (PCs) profile, volatile component composition, antimicrobial effect, and cytotoxic potential on the HT29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line were evaluated. When the results were examined, HPLC analysis of phenolic components revealed that both extracts contained particularly high levels of rosmarinic acid, catechin, and quercetin. Among these, rosmarinic acid was detected in the highest amount, with 15.195 mg/g in the methanol extract and 14.929 mg/g in the acetone extract. The volatile components of this plant were determined by GC-MS, and a total of 29 volatile compounds were identified. Among these, β-pinene (220.792 mg/kg), Δ3-carotene (81.898 mg/kg), α-sedrene (63.331 mg/kg), elixen (44.535 mg/kg), sabinene (40.822 mg/kg), and D-limonene (38.422 mg/kg) were identified as the most dominant compounds. It was observed that the methanol extract had a higher total phenolic content (77.389 ± 1.389 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract) and higher free radical scavenging activity (40.933 ± 0.067 mg trolox equivalent/g extract) compared to the acetone extract. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans strains were used to determine the antimicrobial activities of plant extracts, and moderate inhibitory effects were observed against these microorganisms. The highest antimicrobial activity was determined by the 16 mm inhibition zone created against S. aureus by the methanol extract at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. The cytotoxic activity of the plant was determined by measuring its dose-dependent antiproliferative effect on HT29 cells. When the difference between solvents was examined, it was observed that the acetone extract at a concentration of 500 µg/mL reduced cell viability by 18.03%, while the methanol extract at the same concentration reduced viability by 30.56%. According to the results, S. transcaucasicum is rich in phenolic and terpenic compounds and exhibits antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects. Therefore, this plant species is considered a promising resource for the development of naturally occurring biologically active compounds. Full article

Background/Objectives: The increasing global prevalence of chronic diseases has intensified the search for potential natural therapeutic agents. Fagonia arabica is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine; however, comparative information on the phytochemical composition and biological activities of its leaves and seeds remains limited. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first comparative investigation of the phytochemical profiles and bioactivities of methanolic leaf (FALE) and seed (FASE) extracts of F. arabica collected from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Methanolic extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic activities were evaluated using standard in vitro assays. Results: GC–MS analysis identified 60 and 68 compounds in FALE and FASE, respectively, with (9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol, and (1R,3aR,5aR,5bR,7aR,9S,11aR,11bR,13aR,13bR)-3a,5a,5b,8,8,11a-Hexamethyl-1-(prop-1-en-2-yl)-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,7a,9,10,11,11b,12,13,13a,13b-hexadecahydrocyclopenta[a]chrysen-9-ol as major constituents. FASE exhibited higher TPC and TFC values (104.13 mg GAE/g and 62.16 mg QE/g, respectively) than FALE. Both extracts demonstrated antioxidant activity, with FASE showing greater potency against DPPH and ABTS radicals (IC₅₀ = 63.3 and 42.4 μg/mL, respectively). FASE also displayed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 7.81 μg/mL). Furthermore, FASE exhibited stronger concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and HepG2 cells, with IC₅₀ values of 106.8 and 89.5 μg/mL, respectively, compared with 112.5 and 103.1 μg/mL for FALE. Apoptosis induction in MCF-7 and HepG2 cells was associated with upregulation of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, and Bax, alongside downregulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. In addition, FASE exhibited potent α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ = 61.62 and 67.38 μg/mL, respectively), comparable to acarbose. Conclusions: These findings highlight F. arabica seed extract as a promising source of multifunctional bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical application. Full article

This manuscript presents findings from the analysis of three species of Pleurotus mushrooms common in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, detailing evaluations of proximate composition, physicochemical properties, minerals, colour, phenols, and antioxidant capacity. Standard analytical procedures were used to analyse the mushroom flour samples. Moisture content was within the range of 9.56% (P. florida) and 11.01% (P. pulmonarius), indicative of good drying practices. Protein content among the three species was high, with that of P. ostreatus showing the highest value (26.12%), and all had low fat content (3.45–3.70%). The physicochemical analysis showed pH values between 6.12 and 6.31, indicating neutral pH, and perishability was indicated by water activity values of 0.39–0.44. P. florida had significant differences (p < 0.05) in colour analysis, with the highest lightness (L* = 75.45) and colour saturation. P. florida had the highest total phenolic content (58.91 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (ABTS and DPPH: 42.21 and 46.12 µmol TE/g). Of the three species, P. florida had the highest total phenol profile, at 44.10 mg/g. Gallic acid was the predominant phenol with the highest concentration of 12.82 mg/g. The study concluded that all three common mushroom species, P. ostreatus, P. florida, and P. pulmonarius, are rich in nutrients, with P. florida standing out in bioactive compounds. Full article

Kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) is an Andean pseudocereal rich in protein and phenolic compounds, whose bioactive potential under controlled germination remains unexplored through simultaneous metabolite optimization. Germination conditions of kañiwa cv. Cupi were optimized using a Central Composite Design (CCD) and the Derringer–Suich desirability function, with time (24–96 h) and temperature (18–30 °C) as independent variables, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), total soluble phenolic compounds (TSPC), ORAC, FRAP, and protein content as responses. Five second-order polynomial models yielded adjusted R² values of 0.703–0.880 with non-significant lack of fit (p > 0.050). Germination time was the dominant factor for GABA, TSPC, ORAC, and FRAP, while temperature exerted the predominant negative quadratic effect on protein content. Optimal conditions (96 h, 24 °C; D = 0.845) produced experimental increases of 1710.30% in GABA (26.12 mg GABA·100 g⁻¹), 117.10% in TSPC (926.9 mg GAE·100 g⁻¹), 261.40% in ORAC (51,756.0 µmol TE·100 g⁻¹), 244.10% in FRAP (1971.2 µmol TE·100 g⁻¹), and 42.34% in protein (16.05%) relative to ungerminated seeds. The GABA value constitutes the first report of this non-protein amino acid in germinated kañiwa under optimized conditions. Complementary analyses demonstrated that optimized germination markedly increased total reducing sugars and free glucose while decreasing amylolytic and glucoamylase activities and increasing lipase activity, confirming the extensive mobilization of carbohydrate reserves and the metabolic reprogramming associated with the germination process. These findings position kañiwa as a high-value functional ingredient for the Andean food industry. Full article

Although tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) is an economically important tobamovirus, the physiological and molecular events occurring during the asymptomatic phase of infection remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the early responses of Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samsun to ToMV infection using an integrated physiological, biochemical, photosynthetic, and molecular approach. Viral accumulation was quantified via RT-PCR. Oxidative stress markers, antioxidant systems, photosynthetic performance, and gene expression were analyzed at 7 days post inoculation (DPI), before visible symptoms developed. Although infected plants remained symptomless, ToMV was detected in 80% of inoculated plants. Early infection induced oxidative stress, evidenced by increased malondialdehyde content, reduced free amino acid levels, and enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase. Total glutathione, phenolic compounds, and phenylpropanoids remained unchanged, whereas flavonoid content decreased significantly. ToMV infection also impaired the photosynthetic apparatus, resulting in reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, decreased electron transport efficiency, and increased energy dissipation within photosystem II. Gene expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of defense- and stress-related genes (WRKY1, HSP70, GR, and DHAR), as well as chloroplast-associated genes (psaA and rbcL). Correlation analyses demonstrated coordinated relationships among viral accumulation, oxidative stress, antioxidant responses, and photosynthetic performance. These findings provide new insights into the asymptomatic phase of ToMV infection and identify potential early markers of host responses to viral infection. Full article