Search

Blackberry deteriorates rapidly after harvest due to its sensitive structure, limiting their storage time to about a week and resulting in significant economic losses. The study was conducted to determine the effects of salicylic acid applications on postharvest fruit quality in blackberries, the harvested fruit was immersed in salicylic acid solutions prepared at concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mM for 15 min. Measurements and analyses such as weight loss, decay rate, soluble solids contents (SSC), pH, acidity, respiration rate, vitamin C, organic acids, and phenolic compounds were performed on fruits stored for 12 days with intervals of 4 days. Applying salicylic acid to fruits resulted in significantly less weight loss and decay rate. Salicylic acid application was effective in increasing SSC rate and decreasing titratable acidity with increasing storage time, and lower SSC and higher titratable acidity were measured with this application. Salicylic acid maintained organic acids and vitamin C postharvest. The decreases in individual phenolic compound levels occurred with extended storage time. Salicylic acid application generally was effective in maintaining concentrations of phenolic compounds during storage, and it was found to be effective on fruit quality, with effectiveness varying depending on application dosage. The study identified 1.5 mM as the most effective dosage of salicylic acid, which could be utilized to maintain postharvest quality and extend cold storage in blackberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five Australian seaweed species, Phyllosphora comosa, Ecklonia radiata, Durvillaea potatorum, Sargassum fallax, and Cystophora siliquosa, thrive along the country's shorelines. Some of these seaweeds have recognized health benefits but have not been fully investigated in terms of their bioactive components and mechanisms of action. We employed ultrasonication with 70% methanol to extract phenolic compounds from these seaweeds and investigated a range of bioactivities for these extracts, including anti‐inflammatory activity exploring urease inhibition, nitric oxide scavenging activity, protein denaturation inhibition, and protease inhibition. Anti‐diabetic activities were investigated using α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition assays. Anti‐proliferative and anti‐mitotic activities were evaluated using yeast‐cell and green‐gram models, respectively. Our findings showed that C. siliquosa inhibited nitric oxide, urease, and protease activities, with S. fallax, P. comosa, and E. radiata exhibiting substantial inhibition of protein denaturation. E. radiata displayed inhibitory effects on both α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase, whereas P. comosa targeted only the α‐glucosidase enzyme, indicating different mechanisms of anti‐diabetic activity. In these anti‐mitotic assays, C. siliquosa exhibited low cell viability and a significant anti‐proliferative effect, particularly within 24 h, while E. radiata demonstrated notable inhibition at 48 h. LC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS investigation identified 48 phenolic compounds, including 19 phenolic acids, 20 flavonoids, and 9 other polyphenols. The presence of these compounds in extracts correlated with observed biological activities. These results support the potential health benefits of these seaweeds and link this activity to the presence of bioactive phenolics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the growing safety and environmental concerns associated with biocides, phenolic-soy branched chain fatty acids (phenolic-soy BCFAs) are synthesized as new bio-based antimicrobial agents. Safety evaluation is essential before the wide adoption of these new antimicrobial products. This study was initiated to evaluate the safety of four phenolic-soy BCFAs (with phenol, thymol, carvacrol, or creosote branches). Methyl-branched iso-oleic acid, phenol, and creosote were included in the study as controls. In silico toxicity simulation tools predicted that the phenolic BCFAs had much higher toxicities to aquatic organisms than free phenolics did, while the opposite was predicted for rats. The developmental toxicity of four phenolic-soy BCFAs was assessed using an in vivo chicken embryonic assay. Results showed that creosote-soy BCFA had much lower mortality rates than creosote at the same dosages. Additionally, creosotesoy BCFA and methyl-branched iso-oleic acid induced minimal estrogenic activity in the concentration range of 10 nM - 1 μM. Carvacrol-soy BCFA treatments significantly increased (p < 0.05) oxidative stress levels with higher thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the livers of chicken embryos. Altogether, the phenolic-soy BCFAs, especially creosote-soy BCFA, reported in this study are potentially promising and safer bio-based antimicrobial products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are a rich source of secondary metabolites, among which phenolics are the most abundant. To date, over 8000 various polyphenolic compounds have been identified in plant species, among which phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, stilbenes and lignans are the most important ones. Acne is one of the most commonly treated dermatological diseases, among which acne vulgaris and rosacea are the most frequently diagnosed. In the scientific literature, there is a lack of a detailed scientific presentation and discussion on the importance of plant phenolics in the treatment of the most common specific skin diseases, e.g., acne. Therefore, the aim of this review is to gather, present and discuss the current state of knowledge on the activity of various plant phenolics towards the prevention and treatment of acne, including in vitro, in vivo and human studies. It was revealed that because of their significant antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, phenolic compounds may be used in the treatment of various types of acne, individually as well as in combination with commonly used drugs like clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide. Among the various phenolics that have been tested, EGCG, quercetin and nobiletin seem to be the most promising ones; however, more studies, especially clinical trials, are needed to fully evaluate their efficacy in treating acne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two genotypes of pigmented maize (black (BM) and red (RM)) were used as flour ingredients in several formulations of the traditional baked maize dish "proja". This study investigated the stability of phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity in proja as affected by baking and different acidity degrees of dough formulations. Compared to RM proja, all BM proja formulations were significantly higher in antioxidant compounds and exhibited the highest inhibitory activity (73–85%) against DPPH. There was a strong significant correlation between DPPH inhibition and total phenolics (r2 = 0.95), flavonoids (r2 = 0.96), and anthocyanins (r2 = 0.97) in baked proja. After baking, 67–85% of total phenolics were retained. The fate of flavonoids and anthocyanins after baking was variable: from 70% degradation to liberation. Dough acidity significantly and positively affected the content of phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins in BM proja (r2 = 0.70, 0.82, and 0.47, respectively). Baking increased antioxidant activity against DPPH, •OH, and O2•− radicals in proja, except for ≈10% decline of DPPH inhibition in BM proja. In RM proja, retention of inhibitory capacity against O2•− was highly correlated to flavonoid retention (r2 = 0.71). Using pigmented maize flour in proja baking resulted in proja with appreciable content of total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and high antioxidant activity, confirming the significant improvement of the nutrient profile of this traditional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, tree sap has been used globally for medicinal purposes, in fermented beverages, and for syrup production. Maple tree sap is notably concentrated into syrup and is valued as a natural sweetener rich in phenolic compounds and minerals compared to refined sugar. Recently, syrups from other trees like black walnut (Juglans nigra) and sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) have gained popularity, yet their properties are not well understood scientifically. To address this gap, we collected sycamore, black walnut, and maple syrup samples and analyzed their physicochemical and functional properties. Our findings showed significant differences among the syrups in pH, browning intensity, and water activity (p < 0.05). Sycamore syrup had the highest total phenolic content, followed by black walnut and maple syrups. Both black walnut and sycamore syrups exhibited similar antioxidant activity, significantly higher than maple syrup (p < 0.05). High-resolution mass spectrometry identified 54 phenolic acids and 22 flavonoids in these syrups, including Acetylsalicylic acid, 3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid, and syringic acid, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, sycamore syrups and most black walnut syrups displayed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and/or Gram-negative microorganisms. This study offers insights into the properties and potential health benefits of these specialty tree syrups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic co-pyrolysis of two different refinery oily sludge (ROS) samples was conducted to facilitate resource recovery. Non-catalytic pyrolysis in temperatures ranging from 500 to 600°C was performed to determine high oil yields. Higher temperatures enhanced the oil yields up to ~ 24 wt%, while char formation remained unchanged (~ 45%) for S1. Conversely, S2 exhibited a notably lower oil yield (~ 4 wt%) than S1. Pyrolysis oil of S1 consisted of phenolics (~ 50% at 600 °C) whereas hydrocarbons were predominant in S2 oil (~ 80% at 600 °C). Catalytic pyrolysis of S1 did not exhibit a substantial impact on oil yields but the oil composition varied significantly. High hydrocarbons, phenolics, and aromatics were obtained with molecular sieve (MS), metal slag, and ZSM-5, respectively. Catalytic co-pyrolysis of S2 with sawdust (SD) in the presence of MS enhanced the oil yield, and the resulting oil consisted of high hydrocarbons (~ 54%) and aromatics (~ 44%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-derived foods with therapeutic potential have strong connection with both the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. The effectiveness of these therapeutic properties is heavily influenced by the thermal treatment during drying and extraction methods. Traditional convective drying is a very energy incentive and lengthy process. Although some advanced and hybrid drying methods have been developed, these have not been applied in drying of banana inflorescence. In this study, we investigated the effects of freeze-drying (FD) and intermittent microwave convective drying (IMCD), as well as traditional convective oven drying (CD), on the polyphenol profile of banana inflorescence when extracted using the energy-efficient Accelerated Solvent Extraction method (ASE). Our findings revealed that the freeze-dried banana inflorescence powder exhibited the highest extraction of bioactive compounds when using 75% methanol at 100 °C as a solvent. It recovered 2906.3 ± 20.83 mg/100 g of the phenolic compounds and 63.12 ± 0.25% antioxidant activity under the optimal extraction conditions. While IMCD was found to be the second-best drying method in terms of preserving bioactive compounds, its operational time and cost were significantly lower compared to freeze-drying. Furthermore, our study confirmed the presence of medicinal compounds such as gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, catechin, ferulic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin in banana inflorescence. The development of innovative functional foods and pharmaceutical ingredients through green extraction methods and optimal drying conditions holds significant potential to save energy in the process, enhance human health, and promote environmental sustainability and circular economy processes. These efforts align with supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japanese plum tree (Prunus salicina Lindl.) is mainly cultivated in temperate areas of China and some European countries. Certain amounts of wood (from pruning works) are generated every year from this crop of worldwide commercial significance. The main objective of this work was to value this agricultural woody residue, for which the chemical composition of pruning wood extracts from six Japanese plum cultivars was investigated, and the antiproliferative activity of extracts and pure phenolics present in those extracts was measured. For the chemical characterization, total phenolic content and DPPH radical-scavenging assays and HPLC‒DAD/ESI‒MS analyses were performed, with the procyanidin (−)-ent-epicatechin-(2α→O→7,4α→8)-epicatechin (5) and the propelargonidin (+)-epiafzelechin-(2β→O→7,4β→8)-epicatechin (7) being the major components of the wood extracts. Some quantitative differences were found among plum cultivars, and the content of proanthocyanidins ranged from 1.50 (cv. 'Fortune') to 4.44 (cv. 'Showtime') mg/g of dry wood. Regarding the antitumoral activity, eight wood extracts and four phenolic compounds were evaluated in MCF-7 cells after 48 h of induction, showing the wood extract from cv. 'Songold' and (‒)-annphenone (3), the best antiproliferative activity (IC50: 424 μg/mL and 405 μg/mL, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Plants respond to water stress with a variety of physiological and biochemical changes, but their response varies among species, varieties and cultivars. Waterlogging in tomato reduces plant growth, degrade chlorophyll and increase concentration of oxidative parameters. Priming can alleviate stress in plants caused by waterlogging enabling plants to be more tolerant to an additional stress in the current or even subsequent generation. The aim of this study was to evaluate tomato genotypes for their sensitivity to waterlogging stress applied during early vegetative growth and at full flowering stage. Materials and methods: The study included two local genotypes, Trebinjski sitni (GB1126) and Žuti (GB1129), and the reference variety Novosadski jabučar (NJ), which is the variety most commonly used in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The activity of class III peroxidase (POX), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were measured spectrophotometrically, and for quantification of individual phenolic compounds, targeted approach was adopted, using UHPLC/DAD/(-)HESI-MS² instrument (Dionex UltiMate 3000 UHPLC system with a DAD detector, configured with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer TSQ Quantum Access Max (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Germany)). Results and discussion: Oxidative parameters (H2O2 and MDA) exhibited an increase in content in leaves of tomato plants that underwent waterlogging stress compared to control plants. Moreover, oxidative parameters showed positive correlation with proteins and phenolics content. The obtained correlations can indicate that one of the response strategies of tomato plants to waterlogging is the increased synthesis of proteins and phenolic compounds. The POX activity was not correlated with other parameters except with the polyphenols. A positive correlation was shown between POX activity and the content of phenolic compounds, indicating their independent roles in the removal of ROS. Changes in the phenolic profiles after the exposure of plants to waterlogging stress are recorded, and these changes were more severe in leaves and fruits of GB1129 and NJ genotypes than in GB1126. Thus, genotype GB1126 is the most efficient in maintaining the phenolic profiles of leaves and fruits, and therefore of the nutritive and organoleptic qualities of fruits following the exposure to waterlogging. Also, genotype GB1126 exhibited the ability to maintain the content of oxidative parameters during waterlogging at certain growth stages, implying certain waterlogging tolerance. Conclusion: Waterlogging triggered stress memory but not at all growth stages. The most pronounced stress memory was obtained in fruit samples in the phase of full fruit maturity on the 1st truss. This study shed light on the defense mechanisms of tomato plants to repeated waterlogging stress from the perspectives of the changes in the composition of major phenolics, and pointed to the 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid and rutin as the chemical markers of the waterlogging stress tolerance in tomato. However, it remains to be determined whether this modulation has a positive or negative effect on the overall plant metabolism. Further investigations are needed to fully elucidate the benefits of waterlogging pretreatment in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species of the brown macroalgal genus Sargassum are distributed globally and contain many bioactive compounds. In this study, ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) was applied to obtain phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant activity from Sargassum carpophyllum collected along the coastline of Weizhou Island in the South China Sea. The influence of different variables such as the solid–liquid ratio (1:5–1:30 g · mL−1), ultrasonic power (160–280 W), duty circle ratio (DCR, 1/3–1/1), and ethanol concentration (30% to ~90%) were studied using a single factor design. The extraction kinetics were investigated using the Peleg model and second‐order kinetics model, and the second‐order model described the extraction procedure better than the Peleg model. Total phenol content (TPC) values of 3.316, 2.964, 2.741, and 3.665 mg phloroglucinol (PHG) · g−1 algae were achieved at a higher solid–liquid ratio (1:30 g · mL−1), higher ultrasonic power (280 W), a higher DCR (1/1), and a moderate ethanol concentration (50%), respectively. However, a slightly different result was observed in the extract obtained, with total phenol contents (TPCextract) of 52.99, 65.00, 46.22, and 55.10 mg PHG · g−1 extract and DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50) of 0.096, 0.066, 0.131, and 0.136 mg extract · mL−1 observed at 50% ethanol, 1:5 g m· mL−1, 2/3 DCR, and 200 W respectively. All variables studied influenced the extraction kinetics by altering the extraction rate and the TPC at equilibrium. As for the bioactivities in the extract, a larger solid–liquid ratio and greater ultrasonic power may not contribute because of their ability to extract non‐phenolic components simultaneously, leading to reduced overall bioactivities. The results of the present study provide essential information for future UAE process design and optimization for extracting phenolics from S. carpophyllum through mathematical modeling and could be regarded as important reference for obtaining value‐added products from other macroalgae species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dragon fruits have abundant nutritional and antioxidant properties. High temperatures limit the growth and production of dragon fruits. Hemin can effectively alleviate abiotic stress in plants. However, the regulatory effect of Hemin on dragon fruit under heat stress remains unclear. In this study, we explored the impacts of foliar application of Hemin on dragon fruit size, yield and quality during the high temperatures of the summer season. In this experiment, dragon fruit variety 'Jindu No. 1' was used as material and treated with three Hemin concentrations, i.e., H1: 1 μmol.L−1, H2: 10 μmol.L−1, H3: 100 μmol.L−1, compared with CK: control. The results show that exogenous Hemin increased the single fruit weight, yield, fruit shape index and edible rate. It also improved pericarp L* value, a* value, C* and decreased ho, improving the peel colour; exogenous Hemin enhanced soluble solids content and phenolic compounds content and antioxidant enzyme activities in the pulp of dragon fruit. In addition, exogenous Hemin increased the content of chlorophyll content in dragon fruit stems. Differential metabolites determined by metabolomic assay also indicated that Hemin significantly increased the content of active substances such as selagin. Additionally, the Hemin treatment H2 also activated the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), which helps to mitigate the effects of high temperatures on dragon fruit. The current findings strongly advocate that H2 treatment may effectively counteract the adverse effects of heat stress by regulating the morph-physiological and antioxidant traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive oil extraction by two-phase systems generates a by-product called "alperujo" which presents several difficulties for its valorization. The present work evaluated an industrial approach, based on the application of thermal treatments to alperujo followed by solid/liquid separation using standard two-phase olive oil mill equipment. Treatments consisted of the thermo-malaxation of alperujo at 70 °C for 45 or 90 min, with or without acid addition, followed by solid/liquid separation in an industrial decanter. The solid was characterized concerning subsequent use for composting, while total and hydrophilic phenolics were analyzed in liquid for their recovery. Additionally, a laboratory-scale trial to compare phenolic purification by ethylic acetate extraction with chromatographic procedures was also included. The static respiration index showed that solid fractions presented higher susceptibility to biodegradation processes than raw alperujo. The phenolic content of treated liquid fractions was higher than in raw alperujo. Total phenolics were maximum at the longest exposure time without acid addition, while hydrophilic phenolics were highest at the shortest exposure time in acidified samples. The use of non-ionic resins seemed attractive for obtaining highly concentrated phenolic fractions. The proposed thermal treatments can be applied in olive oil industries, allowing in situ pomace valorization and the recovery of phenolic-enriched liquid fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the phytochemical composition, antioxidant (hydrogen atom and single-atom transfer mechanisms), and digestive enzyme inhibitory (alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase) activities of ethanol-based extractions and traditional preparations (infusion) of the leaves of wild-edible Allium species (A. kharputense, A. affine, A. shirnakiense, and A. akaka) from the highlands of Eastern Anatolia. Among the eight extracts analyzed, ethanol extractions of the A. kharputense and A. akaka leaves exhibited better biotherapeutic activities and had the highest bioactive content. The dominant bioactive profile was composed of mainly allicin and phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, hesperidin, rutin, isoquercitrin, and quercetin) with small amounts of fatty acids. These data were similar to the biological activities and chemical composition of common Allium species and suggest the utilization of the extracts of wild-edible Allium species in the development of Allium-based biotherapeutics or nutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine and compare the main nutritional quality parameters and bioactive compounds of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) grain in order to select genotypes suitable for human consumption and predict genotypes with higher antioxidant capacity. Sorghum grains from the restorer lines collection (172 genotypes) were analysed for their nutritional quality (ash, protein, fat and starch), phenolic compounds content (total phenolics, tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins), as well as for antioxidant activity and colour parameters. The content of the studied items was 1.6-6.6 % for total lipids, 8.7-19.8 % for proteins, 1.2-3.7 % for ash and 57.1-93.3 % for starch. Total phenolics content was 0.6-11.3 g·kg-1 (expressed as GAE) in methanolic extracts and 1.1-17.1 g·kg-1 (expressed as GAE) in acetone extracts, while the highest antioxidant activity was 90.4 %. There was no correlation between colour and tannin content. The expected and experimentally obtained antioxidant activity confirmed the effectiveness of artificial neural network as a predictive tool. This study showed that sorghum is a valuable material for developing functional food products and it has potential if cultivated in the European climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viola dalatensis, belonging to the Violaceae family, is an endemic species to Vietnam. The present study aimed to determine phenolic compounds in extracts from aerial parts of the plant species using high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). In addition, free radical scavenging and bovine albumin denaturation inhibition assays were performed to evaluate the antioxidant and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts. Most of the phenolic compounds in the methanolic extract were detected at the greatest concentrations compared to the other extracts, which was also supported by the highest total phenolic content (26.70 ± 0.1059 mg GAE/g). In general, the antioxidant activities of the methanolic and ethanolic extracts were found to be stronger than those of the other extracts. The aqueous extract exhibited the most potent inhibitory effect on albumin denaturation (IC50 = 90.39 ± 8.415 µg/mL), comparable with that of diclofenac. Through principal component analysis, 88.60% of the total variance in the phenolic dataset was explained. The correlation analysis showed that chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, rutin, and kaempferol may play important roles in antioxidant activity while gallic acid could contribute to in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts. The findings of this study provide the first evidence of the bioactive compounds present in V. dalatensis and shed light on the potential health-promoting properties linked to its aerial parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) levels alter the allelopathic activity of rice seedlings against lettuce seeds. In this study, we investigated the effect of P deficiency on the allelopathic potential of non-pigmented and pigmented rice varieties. Rice seedlings of the white variety Khao Dawk Mali (KDML105, non-pigmented) and the black varieties Jao Hom Nin (JHN, pigmented) and Riceberry (RB, pigmented) were cultivated under high P (HP) and low P (LP) conditions. Morphological and metabolic responses to P deficiency were investigated. P deficiency inhibited shoot growth but promoted root growth of rice seedlings in all three varieties. Moreover, P deficiency led to decreased cytosolic phosphate (Pi) and total P concentrations in both shoot and root tissues. The subsequent reduction in internal P concentration enhanced the accumulation of phenolic compounds in both shoot and root tissues of the seedlings. Subsequently, allelopathy-based inter- and intra-specific interactions were assessed using water extracts from seedlings of the three varieties grown under HP and LP conditions. These extracts were tested on seeds of lettuce, the weed Dactyloctenium aegyptium , and the same rice variety. The shoot and root extracts from P-deficient seedlings reduced the germination of all recipient plants. Specifically, the shoot extract from P-deficient KDML105 seedlings reduced the germination index (GI) of lettuce seeds to 1%, while those from P-deficient RB and JHN seedlings produced GIs of 32% and 42%, respectively. However, when rice seeds were exposed to their own LP shoot and root extracts, their GIs increased up to 4-fold, compared with the HP extracts. Additionally, the shoot extracts from P-deficient plants also stimulated the germination of D. aegyptium by about 2–3-fold, whereas the root extracts did not have this effect. Therefore, P starvation led to the accumulation and exudation of phenolics in the shoots and roots of rice seedlings, altering their allelopathic activities. To adapt to P deficiency, rice seedlings potentially release signaling chemicals to suppress nearby competing species while simultaneously promoting their own germination and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichosanthes bracteata, belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae is a rare wild plant and widely distributed in India. This plant has been reported to be used by tribals due to its excellent ethnobotanical medicinal uses. This paper presents the phytochemical content, qualitative and quantitative analysis of T. bracteata. Various parts of this plant were analyzed qualitatively to evaluate the presence of secondary metabolites in both polar and non-polar solvents. Phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins, were the most abundant classes of compounds in methanolic extracts of both leaf and flower samples. Flavonoids were also detected in the leaf petroleum ether extracts. Terpenoids (Diterpenes and phytosterols) were strongly detected in stem (methanolic) as well as root and seed extracts of both solvents. Spectroscopic methods of estimation were further used to quantify the total phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids and tannin content in methanolic extracts of various plant parts. Leaf extracts confirmed the presence of the highest amounts of flavonoids (8.14 mg/gm), followed by alkaloids (1.164 mg/gm) and phenolics (1.109 mg/gm). The flower extracts confirmed the highest amounts of total phenolic compounds (9.079 mg/gm) and tannins (0.954 mg/gm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of particle size on the chemical, technological, rheological, thermal, and structural properties of whole pinhão flour, employing pre-gelatinized seeds, in response to the growing demand for diverse and healthier food choices. The fractionation conducted using RO-TAP® at different particle sizes (210 μm - P1, 149 μm - P2, 105 μm - P3, and < 105 μm - P4) led to significant changes in chemical composition, mineral content, viscosity, and thermal characteristics. The P3 fraction emerged as particularly promising, with elevated levels of total carbohydrates (60.27 g/100 g), total starch (46.14 g/100 g), and viscosity (1,545.50 cP), making it ideal for baking. Remarkably, P1 and P4 fractions exhibited elevated levels of fiber (46.96 and 38.57 g/100 g), phenolic compounds (13.35 and 13.51 mg EAG/g), and in vitro antioxidant activity. Lipid content increased inversely with particle size, accompanied by a decrease in resistant starch. All the pinhão fractions exhibited substantial mineral content, ranging from 2 to 2.24 g/100 g. Infrared spectroscopy analyses highlighted compositional similarities in samples, which uniformly exhibited type C crystallinity and high crystallinity indices (38.89%, 44.28%, 47.11%, and 46.46%, respectively). Fibers negatively affected viscosity, thermal properties, and starch gelatinization. Notably, the fraction with the smallest particle size demonstrated improved suitability for developing gluten-free bread products. This study highlights the importance of processing and fractionating pinhão flour to enhance resource utilization efficiency. Furthermore, the findings provide tangible insights to enhance pinhão production and processing chains, fortifying the food industry and addressing consumer preferences for healthier and more diverse products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation aimed to identify the most favorable cultivar based on plant metabolites for potential targeted cultivation in the pharmaceutical industry. The analysis revealed the presence of 19 individual phenolics and 80 individual volatiles across the cultivars, a breadth of data not previously explored to such an extent. Flavones emerged as the predominant phenolic group in all mint-scented cultivars, except for peppermint, where hydroxycinnamic acids dominated. Peppermint exhibited high concentrations of phenolic acids, particularly caffeic acid derivatives and rosmarinic acid, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Luteolin-rich concentrations were found in several mint varieties, known for their antioxidative, antitumor, and cardio-protective properties. Swiss mint and spearmint stood out with elevated levels of flavanones, particularly eriocitrin, akin to citrus fruits. Monoterpene volatiles, including menthol, camphor, limonene, and carvone, were identified across all cultivars, with Swiss mint and spearmint exhibiting the highest amounts. The study underscores the potential for targeted cultivation to enhance volatile yields and reduce agricultural land use. Notably, chocolate mint demonstrated promise for volatile content, while apple mint excelled in phenolics, suggesting their potential for broader agricultural, pharmaceutical, and food industry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clarification and stabilisation processes are routinely performed post-fermentation to 'finish' wines, but traditional methods are slow and energy intensive, create waste, and can affect wine volume and quality. New methods that 'finish' wine rapidly, with higher recovery rates, and reduced waste and input costs, are therefore needed. Ultrafiltration is a separation process that fractionates liquids, nominally, according to molecular weight. By comparing the composition of permeate and retentate derived from pilot-scale fractionation of white and red wine using 75, 20, or 10 kDa membranes and different degrees of permeation (50, 80, 90, or 95%), this study sought to evaluate ultrafiltration as an innovative approach to the clarification and stabilisation of wine. Mass balance analysis confirmed that titratable acidity and alcohol were fractionated according to the degree of permeation; however, proteins, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds (including anthocyanins for red wine) were concentrated in retentate due both to the membrane molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) specifications and degree of permeation. The retention of wine constituents smaller than the nominal MWCO suggests that interaction with other macromolecules or the membrane surface occurred. Red wine permeates were stripped of much of their essential character and were no longer considered commercially acceptable. In contrast, the removal of protein and phenolic compounds from white wine demonstrated the potential for ultrafiltration to remediate heat unstable or excessively phenolic wines. Findings enabled the identification of other winemaking applications of ultrafiltration technology that could enhance wine quality, process efficiency, and profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, our research aim was to assess the influence of pumpkin seed flour addition on the antioxidant properties, consumer acceptability, functional properties, and texture of wafers. The in vitro gastrointestinal digestion process was used to assess the effectiveness of fortification in terms of the potential bioavailability of phenolic compounds and peptides. The antioxidant activity of the obtained hydrolysates and potentially bioavailable fractions (≤3.5 kDa) was tested. The highest antiradical activity and Fe2+ chelation ability (IC50) were noted for the fraction obtained from wafers with the greatest addition of pumpkin seed flour—Pf4 (0.49 mg/mL for ABTS+*, 3.84 mg/mL for DPPH*, and 2.04 mg/mL for Fe2+ chelation). The addition of pumpkin seed flour caused the color of the wafers to change to a darker one (24.46% differences in L* between C and P4), which influenced consumer ratings. This study shows that adding pumpkin seed flour increases the peptide and phenolic contents of wafers (1.13 mg/mL and 1.01 mg/mL of peptides and 0.429 mg/mL and 0.351 mg/mL of phenolics for P4 and C hydrolysates, respectively) and enhances their antioxidant activity, with only minimal effects on taste, aroma, crispness, water and fat adsorption capacity, and foaming ability. Fractions ≤ 3.5 kDa showed greater antioxidative activity than hydrolysates, and the addition of pumpkin seed flour improved these properties. To sum up, pumpkin seeds are a valuable source of antioxidant compounds (phenolic compounds and peptides) and can be used to enrich various products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and the expression of inflammatory factors. Regarding its anti-atopic activity, numerous traditional medicinal materials and secondary metabolic products play pivotal roles in modulating the associated mechanisms. Methods: This study aimed to utilize Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMB) as an anti-AD source. In-vitro activity assessments and qualitative and quantitative analyses using UPLC-TQ-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD were conducted in two cultivars ('Dasan' and 'Kosan'). Statistical analysis indicated that the profiles of their secondary metabolites contribute significantly to their pharmacological properties. Consequently, bio-guided fractionation was undertaken to figure out the distinct roles of the secondary metabolites present in SMB. Results: Comparative study of two cultivars indicated that 'Dasan', having higher salvianolic acid A and B, exhibited stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Meanwhile, 'Kosan', containing higher tanshinones, showed higher alleviating activities on anti-AD related genes in mRNA levels. Additionally, performed bio-guided fractionation re-confirmed that the hydrophilic compounds of SMB can prevent AD by inhibiting accumulation of ROS and suppressing inflammatory factors and the lipophilic components can directly inhibit AD. Conclusions: SMB was revealed as a good source for anti-AD activity. Several bioactive compounds were identified from the UPLC-TQ-MS/MS and different compounds content was linked to biological activities. Characterization of these compounds may be helpful to understand differential role of secondary metabolites from SMB on alleviation of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild grapevines are a rich source of polyphenolic compounds. Various environmental factors can influence these bioactive metabolites, contributing to stress mitigation and adaptation. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of prolonged drought stress on the accumulation of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and antimicrobial activity in the roots of the endangered Tunisian wild grapevine (Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris) "Tebaba" genotype. The results revealed that under prolonged drought stress, there was a significant increase in total phenolic compounds, total flavonoid content, and stilbenes, which showed a positive and significant correlation with the total antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the ethanolic extracts demonstrated an enhanced in vitro antibacterial effect against selected human pathogenic bacterial strains, including Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values, relative to prolonged drought stress, ranged from 125 to 250 µg/mL. The values of the ratio between MBC and the MIC showed that the activity of the root extract was bactericidal in all cases (MBC/MIC ≤ 2). This study highlights the potential of wild grapevine roots enriched with drought-inducible phenolic compounds, as a promising source of antimicrobial agents relevant to human health applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Herein, an ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector (UHPLC‐DAD) based quantification method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of 21 bioactive phenolic compounds present abundantly in food products. The developed method was validated in terms of parameters such as linearity, detection and quantification limits, intra‐day and inter‐day precision and recovery showing ideal results. Further, the developed method was applied for the quantitative analysis of phenolics in commercially procured dietary samples such as spices, green tea, black tea and dark chocolate. The major phenolics quantified in dry weight of different samples were epigallocatechin gallate (425.5 mg/10 g), epicatechin gallate (111.9 mg/10 g) in green tea; gallocatechin (286.8 mg/10 g) in dark chocolate; and naringin (93.9 mg/10 g) in star anise etc. Overall, the UHPLC‐DAD‐based method was found to be reliable, simple and specific for the estimation of phenolics in different targeted food samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this study, the effect of dehydration of some physico‐chemical characteristics, total phenol, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity and phenolic compounds of green and red jalapeno pepper fruits was investigated. The total carotenoid contents of red and green jalapeno pepper samples were reported to be between 14.15 (fresh) and 129.00 μg/g (540 and 720 W) to 2.8 (fresh) and 27.25 μg/g (720 W), respectively. Total phenolic results of red and green jalapeno pepper samples were recorded between 205.83 (fresh) and 343.93 mg GAE/100 g (540 W) to 81.69 (fresh) and 309.88 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g (air drying), respectively. The highest decrease in L* results (brightness) of both red (32.33) and green (36.45) peppers was determined with air drying. Gallic acid, catechin and kaempferol were the predominant phenolic compounds of jalapeno peppers. Gallic acid amounts of red and green jalapeno pepper samples changed between 3.23 (fresh) and 16.20 mg/100 g (air) to 2.41 (fresh) and 9.30 mg/100 g (air), respectively. Also, catechin amounts of both red and green dehydrated jalapeno pepper fruits were determined between 3.24 (fresh) and 106.33 mg/100 g (900 W) to 2.89 (fresh) and 90.05 mg/100 g (air), respectively. Both conventional and microwave drying has caused the reduction of redness for red pepper and greenness for green pepper. The phenolic components of red jalapeno peppers were partially higher than the green ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary metabolites, namely, phenolic and volatile organic compounds, contribute to the nutritional and organoleptic quality of the strawberry fruit. This study focuses on the changes in the content of phenolic compounds and volatile organic compounds during the ripening, from green to overripe fruit, of five strawberry cultivars ('Asia', 'CIVN 766', 'Aprica', 'Clery', and 'Malwina'). Additionally, these changes are compared with the colour of the fruit and peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity. Our results show that the accumulation of secondary metabolites (phenolic and volatile organic compounds) significantly changed during the ripening process for all of the studied cultivars. As for phenolic compounds, flavanols and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives comprised between 87 and 95% of the total phenolic compound content in unripe green fruit. In contrast, anthocyanins and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives comprised between 64 and 77% of the total phenolic compound content in overripe fruit, except in the fruit of the cultivar 'CIVN766'. When it comes to the aroma profile, the content of aldehydes decreased by 24–49% as the fruit ripened, and the accumulation of esters increased. Our study also shows that the ripening process differs among cultivars, and it is therefore necessary to define ripening indicators separately for each cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the chemical content of Romanian juneberries (Amelanchier lamarckii), their effect on antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities, and their bioaccessibility after simulated in-vitro digestion. In Amelanchier lamarckii extract (AME), 16 polyphenolic compounds were identified by LC-ESI+-MS analysis. The most representative compounds found in the extract were cyanidin-galactoside, 3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxybenzoic acid, feruloylquinic acid, and kaempferol, all belonging to the anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and flavonols subclasses. The polyphenols of AME exert quenching abilities of harmful reactive oxygen species, as the CUPRAC antioxidant assay value was 323.99 µmol Trolox/g fruit (FW), whereas the FRAP antioxidant value was 4.10 μmol Fe2+/g fruit (FW). Enzyme inhibition assays targeting tyrosinase (IC50 = 8.843 mg/mL), α-glucosidase (IC50 = 14.03 mg/mL), and acetylcholinesterase (IC50 = 49.55 mg/mL) were used for a screening of AME's inhibitory potential against these key enzymes as a common approach for the discovery of potential antidiabetic, skin pigmentation, and neurodegenerative effects. The screening for the potential antidiabetic effects due to the α-glucosidase inhibition was performed in glucose-induced disease conditions in a human retinal pigmented epithelial cell experimental model, proving that AME could have protective potential. In conclusion, AME is a valuable source of phenolic compounds with promising antioxidant potential and metabolic disease-protective effects, warranting further investigation for its use in the nutraceutical and health industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical studies have shown extracts obtained from the aerial parts of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC has antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and the potential to treat some diseases. This study investigated the phenolic compounds, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, and phytochemical potential of B. trimera leaf extract obtained by decoction on ATCC standard bacterial strains and 23 swine clinical isolates. Water was used as an extraction solvent based on the principles of green chemistry and at a low cost. The decoction process resulted in an extract rich in phenolic compounds and a high capacity for scavenging DPPH and ABTS radicals. Phytochemical analysis of aqueous extracts was performed using HPLC-DAD, and high concentrations of chlorogenic, ferulic, caffeic, and cinnamic phenolic acids were found. Antimicrobial activity was observed against gram-negative bacteria. B. trimera aqueous extract may be a promising low-cost agent for prophylactic treatment against swine enteropathogens and contribute to reducing production costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some factors in the salting-out extraction (SOE) method play a major role. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction effects of the phase forming components and consequently select the best conditions to achieve a highly efficient recovery of phenolic compounds from walnut green husks (Juglans regia L.) using mixtures of ethanol and aqueous ammonium sulfate solutions. According to the results that were analyzed by response surface methodology, the optimal extraction conditions were obtained at ethanol: salt: water ratio of 34.8: 15.1: 54.4 (w/w) at a pH of 6–6.5 and 25 °C. At the optimal conditions, the overall phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity were significantly higher than obtained by the conventional method. In addition, at a higher scale (i.e., 5 kg), similar results were obtained. Thus, it can be concluded that SOE has the potential to be scaled up for the simultaneous separation and purification of compounds from plant biomass. This paper is addressing extraction techniques, measurement, and characterization of new natural phenolic compounds from an agricultural by-product and valorization of waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Yunnan hulled wheat grains (YHWs) have abundant phenolic compounds (PCs). However, a systematic elucidation of the phenolic characteristics and molecular basis in YHWs is currently lacking. The aim of the study, for the first time, was to conduct metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of YHWs at different developmental stages. RESULTS: A total of five phenolic metabolite classes (phenolic acids, flavonoids, quinones, lignans and coumarins, and tannins) and 361 PCs were identified, with flavonoids and phenolic acids being the most abundant components. The relative abundance of the identified PCs showed a dynamic decreasing pattern with grain development, and the most significant differences in accumulation were between the enlargement and mature stage, which is consistent with the gene regulation patterns of the corresponding phenolic biosynthesis pathway. Through co‐expression and co‐network analysis, PAL, HCT, CCR, F3H, CHS, CHI and bZIP were identified and predicted as candidate key enzymes and transcription factors. CONCLUSION: The results broaden our understanding of PC accumulation in wheat whole grains, especially the differential transfer between immature and mature grains. The identified PCs and potential regulatory factors provide important information for future in‐depth research on the biosynthesis of PCs and the improvement of wheat nutritional quality. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa is a highly nutritious crop with diverse applications in the food industry. The study assessed the impact of various processing techniques, including microwaving, boiling, roasting, steaming, flaking, and germination, on the crude protein content (CP), total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), and 12 phenolic compounds in quinoa. CP was significantly affected by the heat treatments. Boiled quinoa flakes exhibited the highest average CP, boiling and roasting the lowest. Microwaving strongly enhanced the TPC and the content of six bioactive compounds (CFA, KMP, NAR, QCE, RUT, SA), while boiling and steaming had the most adverse effect. Germination improved the overall nutritional profile of quinoa. The most pronounced increase in the bioactive metabolites occurred between the third and fifth day of germination in a genotype-dependent manner. Six metabolites (NAR, SA, 4BA, IQ, PC, IH) were detected in germinated quinoa for the first time. The results emphasize the substantial influence of processing techniques and type of sample on quinoa nutritional quality and underscore the importance of proper consideration of those factors to obtain nutritionally optimal food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the phytochemical, total phenolic, flavonoid content and in vitro antioxidant of the methanolic extract of the leaf of Ipomoea hederifolia Linn. In vitro antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl radical, reducing power and phosphomolybdenum method. The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were also determined using Folin Ciocalteau's and aluminium chloride method respectively. The preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenols and tannins. Results indicated that the total phenolic and flavonoid content were found to be 101.28±0.9238 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g and 14.91±0.672 quercetin equivalent/g respectively. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of the extract based on the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl was 20.33 µg/ml as compared to standard (ascorbic acid) which is 18.30 µg/ml while the half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of the methanolic extract of Ipomoea hederifolia and standard (ascorbic acid) for hydroxyl scavenging activity were found to be 104.9 µg/ml and 16.88 µg/ml respectively. The reducing power of methanolic extract and standard (ascorbic acid) at 25 µg/ml were found to be 0.183±0.002 and 0.396±0.001 respectively and the total antioxidant capacity of methanolic extract and standard (ascorbic acid) at 100 µg/ml and were found to be 0.094±0.0002 and 0.368±0.002 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mechanical (pigeage, délestage and remontage) and oxygenation treatments on the phenolic and aromatic compounds and sensory characteristics of Teran wines. The experiment included a 20-day maceration period, during which the above-mentioned treatments were applied, as well as the post-fermentation processes of pressing and first rack. The analysis of phenolic, chromatic and aroma compounds and the sensory characterization of the wines were used to describe the effects of the treatments investigated. After the observed maceration period, remontage resulted in wines with the highest total phenols (2682.0 ± 14.8 mg GAE/L). In contrast, délestage resulted in the lowest total phenols (2499.1 ± 17.6 mg GAE/L) and total anthocyanins (530.1 ± 2.8 mg/L) and had the strongest effects on chromatic characteristics. The post-fermentation processes (pressing, racking) showed similar trends and resulted in higher phenolic concentrations in the remontage wine, while the délestage was again characterized by lower total phenol and anthocyanin concentrations. In addition, the délestage wine contained a higher concentration of almost all analyzed esters and two higher alcohols (2-methylpropan-1-ol and 1-hexanol), while the remontage wine had the highest concentration of 2-phenylethanol and 3-methylbutyl acetate. Finally, maceration proved to be a key factor in defining the wines' sensory characteristics, with the remontage-treated wine showing the best overall quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of different drying (180–325 W and 100–400 mmHg) and frying (250–350 W and 400 mmHg) parameters on phenolic compounds, bioaccessibilities, antioxidant activities, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of apple chips dried and fried by vacuum-combined infrared radiation were investigated. Catechin (12.15–34.48 mg/kgDM), epicatechin (34.33–137.07 mg/kgDM), procyanidin B1 (14.07–30.05 mg/kgDM), procyanidin B2 (48.10–95.76 mg/kgDM), procyanidin C1 (14.95–42.97 mg/kgDM), chlorogenic acid (262.70–397.97 mg/kgDM), and rutin (0–5.94 mg/kgDM) were identified in apple chips. The phenolic content of apple chips increased with increasing infrared power during the drying and frying process. The phenolic contents of fried apple chips were generally higher than dried apple chips. However, the bioaccessibility rates of total flavan-3-ols in dried apple chips were higher than those of fried apple chips. It was determined that the initial total phenolic, flavonoid, and flavan-3-ol contents and antioxidant activity levels of the samples decreased after in-vitro gastrointestinal digestion. It was determined that all drying and frying samples showed higher α-glucosidase inhibitory activities (15.52–28.77 mg/mL) compared to acarbose (30.87 mg/mL). The apple chips dried and fried by infrared radiation had higher phenolic content, antioxidant activity, bioaccessibility, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity than their counterparts (convectional drying and deep-fat frying, respectively). Vacuum-combined infrared drying and frying is a promising method to preserve the phenolic content, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities of apple chips, especially at high temperature applications. Further research is needed on new designs for the production of fruit chips using infrared radiation and their effects on bioactive components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Betel (Piper betle L.), a vine growing primarily in Southeast Asian countries, are widely used in folk medicine to prevent and treat indigestion, cough, bronchitis and asthma. The aims of the study were to determine volatile constituents and pigments as well as to compare phenolic composition, antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibitory effects of betel leaf extracts obtained with different organic solvents. The results showed that the sample was composed of various major volatile organic compounds, of which eugenol, γ-muurolene and δ-cadinene accounted for more than 64%. It was also a rich source of pigments, including lutein (400.68 μg/g) and zeaxanthin (101.68 μg/g). The ethyl acetate extract had the highest total phenolic content (71.72 ± 0.54 mg GAE/g) despite containing low levels of the phenolic compounds examined in the study. The acetonic extract generally showed higher antioxidant activity compared to the others. The methanolic extract exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects on α-amylase (597.23 ± 59.06 μg/mL) and xanthine oxidase (43.07 ± 1.69 μg/mL). The findings of the study could be useful for designing therapeutic agents derived from betel leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work was aimed to optimize extraction and recovery of phenolics from turnip greens by‐products using eco‐sustainable techniques based on the use of microwaves, ultrasound, or enzymes and of water as solvent. The optimization of ultrasound‐ and microwave‐assisted extractions was performed using a 4‐factors/3‐levels and a 3‐factors/3‐levels Box–Behnken Design (BBD), respectively and the results of the corresponding trials were fitted to a second order polynomial model. The enzymatic extractions were performed using three different commercial enzymatic preparations, optionally combined with an ultrasound treatment carried out according to the central values of the BBD design. The best results obtained from each green technique were compared with those of the conventional solid–liquid extraction performed with a 70% ethanol aqueous solution. Regarding ultrasounds, the conditions able to maximize the total phenolic concentrations of the extracts (solid–water ratio, 50 g/L; T, 45°C; t, 40 min; power, 24 W) increased the extraction efficiency by about 75% and reduced the extraction times from 2 h to 10 min with respect to the conventional extraction. Concerning microwaves, the optimized conditions (solid‐water ratio, 75 g/L; t, 3 min; power, 160 W) allowed the increase of the extraction efficiency by about 48% and the decrease of the extraction times to just a few minutes. For both techniques, the factor that mainly affected extraction yield and antioxidant activity were "solids‐to‐solvent ratio" and "power," respectively. According to the results of the enzymatic treatments, the best extraction was that performed with the commercial mix of pectinlyase, polygalacturonase, pectinesterase, and arabinase, which had the same extraction efficiency of microwaves but required longer times (90 min). Furthermore, the combination with ultrasounds did not improve its performances. Extraction technique also affected the phenolic profiles in terms of number and concentration of compounds identified. In conclusion, ultrasounds and microwaves are the best treatments to maximize extraction yield (the first) and minimize extraction time (the second). Practical applications: This study presents an approach to the sustainable recovery of phenolics contained in vegetable by‐products that can be adapted to a variety of food waste. It also supplies an overview of the extraction technique efficiency. The industrial adoption of our findings can lead to the following advantages: reduction food waste and/or remove from it compounds that can alter the ecosystem balance; reduction of disposal cost; production of precious ingredients for functional foods/natural cosmetics/natural supplements; obtainment of a new source of income by creating a further activity that can run in parallel with the main production of the company and can serve to diversify investments; improvement of the green image of the company, especially if the energy necessary to the energy needed to power the new process is obtained from renewable sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyoscyamus niger L. is a plant with high medicinal value in terms of its tropane alkaloids. In this study, the effects of cadmium chloride (CdCl 2) application on root growth and secondary metabolite production in adventitious root cultures of H. niger were investigated. For this purpose, CdCl 2 was applied to the roots at different concentrations (1, 2, and 3 mM) for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. After harvest, the roots were evaluated in terms of not only growth parameters including fresh root weight, dry root weight, and root growth index but also the production of tropane alkaloids and phenolic compounds. In the study where it was found that CdCl 2 application had a negative effect on root growth, the highest root growth parameters were determined in control roots harvested after 96 h. The greatest value for hyoscyamine was determined in the roots harvested 24 h after 3 mM CdCl 2 application while 2 mM CdCl 2 applied for 24 h is the most appropriate application in terms of scopolamine production. On the other hand, the application of 3 mM CdCl 2 for 72 h proved to be the most encouraging application to increase the production of phenolic compounds. Principal component analysis (PCA) transferred the parameters examined in this study to five principal components (PCs) with eigenvalues greater than 1, explaining approximately 78.07 % of the total variances in roots. In conclusion, the application of CdCl 2 was found to have promising effects on the production of tropane alkaloids and phenolics depending on concentration and harvest time. [Display omitted] • Cadmium applications significantly affected alkaloid and phenolic syntheses in root. • Root growth was adversely affected by cadmium applications in hyoscyamus niger. • Application duration altered the secondary metabolite accumulation and root growth. • Cadmium was effective elicitor for enhancing alkaloid and phenolic compounds in root. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biochemistry underlying seed coat darkening of lentil due to extended storage is limited. This study investigated the relationship between seed coat darkening over time during storage and changes in concentration of phenolic compounds (total phenolic compounds, total condensed tannins, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins) in two red lentil cultivars (PBA Hallmark and PBA Jumbo2), stored at two grain moisture contents (10 and 14%, w/w) and two temperatures (4 and 35 °C) for 360 days. Seed coat darkening was only significant (p = 0.05) at high temperatures (35 °C) but not at low temperatures (4 °C), irrespective of grain moisture content and cultivar. The concentration of all phenolic compounds tested in this study reduced significantly (p = 0.05) throughout the study period, regardless of temperature and grain moisture treatments. The changes in seed coat brightness and redness followed a linear pattern, except for yellowness, where phenolic compounds initially reduced linearly and then remained constant thereafter. Darkening of seedcoat was only associated with the reduction in phenolic compounds tested in this study at 35 °C, and not at 4 °C. This suggests that seed coat darkening due to extended storage may not be directly linked to broad reductions in the groups of phenolic compounds or individual compounds assessed in this study. This information prompts further research to identify the actual biochemical processes that cause the darkening of seed coats during storage and assist in developing cultivars with stable seed coat colour by selecting and modifying such processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eimeria are the absolute intestinal parasites belonging to phylum Apicomplexa, causing the intestinal disease known as coccidiosis. It is a lethal disease that affects a large variety of animals and birds including cattle, camel, goats, sheep, poultry, etc. causing severe devastation and mortalities. Controlling poultry coccidiosis by the means of preventive and prophylactic use of chemical drugs is currently being practiced on a commercial scale. Regardless of a history of successful use of these drugs, resistance and public health concerns demand their alternatives. Several alternatives including vaccination, organic acids and botanicals, are being suggested. Several preparations of botanicals have been experimented and found useful, but exact compound identification is a question of interest for scientists. Phenolic compounds are among the most abundant phytochemicals found in diverse structural forms comprising mainly phenolic acids, tannins, flavonoids, and others. Research states that they have the potential to control coccidiosis because of their direct and indirect anticoccidial activities. Phenolics have been reported to control coccidiosis by targeting Eimeria species directly and reducing the damages by antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. Phenolics kill Eimeria by engulfing schizonts, rupturing the cell membrane of sporozoites, and inhibiting growth by stopping ATP synthesis mechanisms and other pathways depending on their chemical nature and the subgroup of phenolic compounds. Because of the high potential of being oxidized; they capture the reactive species produced because of cell rupture during rapid schizogony and immune invasion. Phenolics give negative feedback to several inflammatory mediators and reduce the inflammatory destruction of the gut, hence minimizing the loss. Regardless of these activities, phenolics have some drawbacks i.e., they reduce nutrient uptake, disturb carbohydrate disturbance, have cytotoxic effects, and undefined long-term response. Extensive research is needed to investigate the proper anticoccidial compound and reduce the side effects of phenolics to manage coccidiosis in an accurate, rapid, and safe way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective/Background: Camellia L., belonging to the Theaceae family, is a diverse group of plant species native to various regions of Asia. Methods: Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in leaves of three Camellia species, namely Camellia quephongensis, Camellia yokdonensis, and Camellia longii, were determined using a spectrophotometric method. Phenolic compounds of the leaf extracts were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Additionally, antioxidant activity, anti-α-amylase and in vitro antiinflammatory properties of the extracts were evaluated. Results: The total carotenoid content in C. longii was the highest, whereas the total chlorophyll content in this species was the lowest. Most of the phenolic compounds in C. quephongensis were found at the greatest concentrations compared to the other species. The extract from C. quephongensis exhibited the strongest antioxidant properties estimated by ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging assays. This activity was shown to be comparable with that of ascorbic acid. All the Camellia extracts may possess a much less potent anti-α-amylase activity in comparison with acarbose. They could also be weaker than diclofenac with respect to in vitro anti-inflammatory activity evaluated by albumin denaturation inhibition assay. Conclusions: The findings of this investigation provide the initial insights into pigments and phenolics present in the various Camellia species and pave the way for the development of functional foods that could potentially offer a range of health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the pursuit of maximizing onion (Allium cepa) yield and quality, farmers often face the challenges of unfavorable ecological conditions and inadequate agronomic practices. Therefore, our two-year study investigated the effects of biostimulants (BTs) of plant growth on bulb yield and the bioactive compounds of directly seeded onion. Four treatments were applied: control (C), seaweed extracts (BT1), humic and fulvic acid (BT2), and Trichoderma spp. (BT3). The results demonstrated a significant increase in bulb yield with BT1 (↑ 18.7%), BT2 (↑ 18.0%), and BT3 (↑ 24.3%). Intriguingly, all BTs markedly reduced phenolic content across both years. Additionally, BT1 and BT3 elevated flavonoid levels (↑ 16.8% and ↑ 16.7%, respectively), while BT2 decreased them (↓ 24.2%). Notably, in 2021, DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS tests indicated a significant reduction in antioxidant capacity compared to C. Our study underscores the important role of BTs in enhancing yield, influencing secondary metabolites and contributing to environmental sustainability in onion cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the increase in high‐calorie diets and sedentary lifestyles has made obesity a global public health problem. An unbalanced diet promotes the production of proinflammatory cytokines and causes redox imbalance in the body. Phenolics have potent antioxidant activity and cytoprotective ability. They can scavenge free radicals and reactive oxygen species, and enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes, thus combating the body's oxidative stress. They can also improve the body's inflammatory response, enhance the enzyme activity of lipid metabolism, and reduce the contents of cholesterol and triglyceride. Most phenolics are biotransformed and absorbed into the blood after the action by gut microbiota; these metabolites then undergo phase I and II metabolism and regulate oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and increasing expression of antioxidant enzymes. Phenolics induce the expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes and phase II detoxification enzymes by stimulating Nrf2 to enter the nucleus and bind to the antioxidant response element after uncoupling from Keap1, thereby promoting the production of antioxidant enzymes and phase II detoxification enzymes. The absorption rate of phenolics in the small intestine is extremely low. Most phenolics reach the colon, where they interact with the microbiota and undergo a series of metabolism. Their metabolites will reach the liver via the portal vein and undergo conjugation reactions. Subsequently, the metabolites reach the whole body to exert biological activity by traveling with the systemic circulation. Phenolics can promote the growth of probiotics, reduce the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B), and improve intestinal microecological imbalance. This paper reviews the nutritional value, bioactivity, and antioxidant mechanism of phenolics in the body, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the development and utilization of natural antioxidants and provide a reference for elucidating the mechanism of action of phenolics for regulating oxidative stress in the body. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lavender distillation produces huge quantities of solid waste yearly. This waste is usually discarded, resulting in serious environmental issues. However, it still contains residual essential oil and other bioactive compounds. This research reports on the development and comparison of optimized solid–liquid separation methods, i.e., microwave- (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of phenolic compounds from lavender distillation waste. The optimal pretreatment conditions, such as waste moisture content and particle size, were also determined. The extracts were spray- or freeze-dried and the resulting powders were characterized for their physicochemical properties. The majority of the original phenolic compounds in lavender were found in the leachate fraction after distillation (61%), whereas 43% was found in the solid waste. Drying of the solid waste before extraction affected the process efficiency. UAE led to a higher phenolic content and greater antioxidant properties compared to MAE. Drying (spray or freeze) the extracts did not significantly affect their phenolic content, whereas the use of maltodextrin as a drying agent improved the drying process yield, especially when using the freeze-drying method. It is concluded that valorization of lavender distillation wastes can be achieved via an integrated process consisting of a green extraction method and a consequent drying process that results in a stable bioactive powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phyllanthus niruri is a well-known medicinal plant with diverse pharmacological properties. This medicinal plant possesses different bioactive compounds that include phenolic compounds. In this study, the kinetics on the extraction of phenolics from P. niruri leaves using the microwave-enhanced method was examined to understand the impact of microwave power, sample-to-solvent ratio, and extraction temperature on the second-order model by varying the extraction time. Additionally, the effective diffusivity and functional groups in the leaf extract of P. niruri were determined. The outcome of this study indicated that the intensified microwave-enhanced extraction process yielded total phenolic content of 135.05 mg GAE/g extract. Moreover, the effective diffusivity ranged between 2.619 × 10−12 and 2.684 × 10−12 m2/s. The results from this study can help in predicting the estimation operation conditions for implementation in the industry. Likewise, fingerprints of the P. niruri leaf extract showed the existence of functional groups related to phenolic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need of finding out new and potent antimicrobial agents to combat the multidrug resistance pathogens becomes critical. Ailanthus altissima is characterized by its vast and remarkable therapeutic potential as a traditional folk medicine. The current study aims to investigate the polyphenolic profiling and the antimicrobial activity of the methanol extract of A. altissima leaves and its derived fractions. The antimicrobial activity was investigated through two in-vitro assays; agar well diffusion and broth microdilution against six pathogens while the polyphenolic profiling was characterized through UPLC-ESI-MS analysis. All the test pathogens were susceptible to the test samples except Mucor circinelloides. The zone of microbial growth inhibition of the samples was found in 10-40 mm range and the minimum inhibitory values ranged between 3.9 and 1000 µg/mL. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited significant antimicrobial potential especially against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and C. albicans where the diameters of inhibition zones were 40, 30 and 25mm, respectively and their corresponding MIC values were 3.9, 7.8 and 15.6 µg/mL, respectively. The UPLC-ESI-MS analysis of the samples revealed the tentative identification of various phenolic compounds mainly corilagin. A. altissima offers a perfect choice to be investigated as a natural and potent antimicrobial agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of pea proteins (PPs) is limited due to their relatively low protein digestibility (∼81%) compared to animal‐based proteins, such as whey. The present investigation involved the fermentation of PPs at a concentration of 1% (w/v) using 5% (w/v) water kefir for 60 h at 25°C to improve the functional properties of PPs. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in lactic acid and acetic acid production during fermentation. These findings suggest that PPs can be effectively fermented using water kefir as a starter culture for the increased protein digestibility of PPs. The PP conformation underwent modifications, including secondary and tertiary protein structure alterations. The total phenolic compounds increased throughout the fermentation, reaching around 695.32 ± 15 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g after 24 h of fermentation. Furthermore, the fermentation process has culminated in significant (p < 0.05) changes in the surface charge and hydrophobic properties of the fermented PPs, from −38.1 to −45.73 and 362.7 to 550.2, respectively. Fermentation using water kefir is a promising technique for improving the digestibility, protein structure, and nutritional values of PPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trachyspermum roxburghianum (DC.) Craib is an edible plant found in Northern and Northeastern Thailand. This plant is used in household remedies to relieve carminative and digestive problems, hiccups, vomiting, bladder pain, etc. This study aims to assess the bioactive compounds, consisting of phenolics and flavonoids, and evaluate the biological activities of this plant. The aerial portion was macerated in EtOH1 to obtain EtOH1 crude extracts. Then, the EtOH1 was divided and separated by the solvents' polarity to obtain Petr, EtOAc, and EtOH2 crude extracts. All crude extracts were assessed for their total phenolics and flavonoids and subsequentially evaluated for their antioxidants (using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP), enzymatic inhibitory effects (on tyrosinase and collagenase), anti-inflammatory activity (protein denaturation assay) and cytotoxicity (MTT assay). The results presented that a high amount of phenolics and flavonoids were observed in EtOH2 (56.57 mg GAE/g ext. and 22.75 mg QE/g ext.) followed by EtOAc (57.95 mg GAE/g ext. and 7.41 mg QE/g ext.), EtOH1 (47.14 mg GAE/g ext. and 4.23 mg QE/g ext.), and Petr (37.05 mg GAE/g ext. and 2.08 mg QE/g ext.), respectively. All crude extracts represented antioxidants in all assays; EtOAc presented a high level of antioxidants on ABTS (IC50 54.96 μg/mL) and DPPH (IC50 133.32 μg/mL), while EtOH2 revealed a high ability to reduce the Fe3+-TPTZ complex (155.85 Fe2+g ext.). Remarkably, for all crude extracts used for anti-collagenase enzyme activity, the percentage of inhibition ranged from 78.35 - 97.96 %. Besides, only Petr and EtOH2 showed the activity of the anti-protein denaturation (IC50 1.926 and 2.578 mg/mL). The cytotoxicity test showed that EtOH1, Petr, and EtOAc exhibited a concentration-dependent manner of inducing cell death in 24 and 48 h, while EtOH2 showed less toxicity to the cell line. This information would be valuable and pave the way for future study and application of this plant to other products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In present investigation, the effect of roasting in microwave and oven on bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, fatty acid profiles and phenolic constituents of quinoa seeds for free and conjugated phenolic profile fractions are studied. The oil contents of seeds roasted in both roasting systems were recorded between 4.25% (microwave) and 4.80% (oven).Total phenolic amounts of free and bound fractions of quinoa seeds were measured to be between 1668.1 (control) and 2037.5 mg/100 g (microwave) to 638.9 (microwave) to 1615.3 mg/100 g (oven), respectively. Antioxidant activities of free and bound fractions of quinoa seeds were recorded to be between 36.86% (microwave) and 39.28% (oven) to 74.83% (control) and 77.18% (microwave), respectively. Oleic and linoleic acid results of quinoa seed oils roasted in microwave and oven were identified between 17.26% (oven) and 22.41% (control) to 48.39% (oven) and 59.92% (microwave), respectively. 3,4‐Dihydroxybenzoic acid results of raw and roasted quinoa seeds for free and bound fractions were identified to be between 2.84 (microwave) and 4.01 mg/100 g (oven) to 7.43 (oven) and 12.60 mg/100 g (control), respectively. K results of roasted quinoa seeds were recorded between 8701.17 (oven) and 9638.45 (microwave). Results showed some changes depending on roasting systems and fraction types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Sour cherry juice concentrate powder can serve as a modern, easy‐to‐handle, phenolics‐rich merchandise; however, its transformation into powdered form requires the addition of carriers. In line with the latest trends in food technology, this study valorizes the use of dairy by‐products (whey protein concentrate, whey, buttermilk, and mixes with maltodextrin) as carriers. A new multiple approach for higher drying yield, phenolics retention (phenolic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins) and antioxidant capacity of powders were tested as an effect of simultaneous decrease of drying temperature due to the drying air dehumidification and lower carrier content. RESULTS: Dairy‐based carriers were effective for spray drying of sour cherry‐juice concentrate. The drying yield was increased and retention of phenolics was higher when compared with maltodextrin. The application of dehumidified air, which enabled the drying temperature to be reduced, affected drying yield positively, and also affected particle morphology and retention of phenolics (the phenolic content was approximately 30% higher than with spray drying). CONCLUSIONS: The study proved that it is possible to apply dairy‐based by‐products to produce sour cherry juice concentrate powders profitably, lowering the spray‐drying temperature and changing the carrier content. Dehumidified air spray drying can be recommended for the production of fruit juice concentrate powders with improved physicochemical properties. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]