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Ziziphus jujuba has been used since ancient times in traditional Eastern medicine. It is widely cultivated in numerous countries between the tropical and temperate climatic zones due to its high ecological plasticity and resilience to adverse weather. The different classes of chemical compounds contained in the plant are the reason for its medicinal properties. Research shows that every part of Ziziphus jujuba, the leaves, fruits and seeds, demonstrate therapeutic properties. This review focuses on the chemical composition in order to establish the relationship between the plant and its clinical use. Various biological effects are summarized and discussed: anticancer, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, gastrointestinal, etc. Apart from medicinal uses, the fruits of Ziziphus jujuba are edible and used in fresh and dried form. This literature review reveals possible medical applications of Ziziphus jujuba and its great potential for improving the diet of people in areas where the plant is abundant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phycocyanin (PC) is a naturally occurring green pigment in Spirulina. It was extracted by ultrasonic extraction using green technology, and its structure was studied using IR- and NMR-spectroscopy. Spectral data confirmed the PC structure. This study also involves an in silico assessment of the diverse applications of green pigment PC. Utilizing QSAR, PreADME/T, SwissADME, and Pro-Tox, this study explores the safety profile, pharmacokinetics, and potential targets of PC. QSAR analysis reveals a favorable safety profile, with the parent structure and most metabolites showing no binding to DNA or proteins. PreADME/T indicates low skin permeability, excellent intestinal absorption, and medium permeability, supporting oral administration. Distribution analysis suggests moderate plasma protein binding and cautious blood–brain barrier permeability, guiding formulation strategies. Metabolism assessments highlight interactions with key cytochrome P450 enzymes, influencing drug interactions. Target prediction analysis unveils potential targets, suggesting diverse therapeutic effects, including cardiovascular benefits, anti-inflammatory activities, neuroprotection, and immune modulation. Based on the in silico analysis, PC holds promise for various applications due to its safety, bioavailability, and potential therapeutic benefits. Experimental validation is crucial to elucidate precise molecular mechanisms, ensuring safe and effective utilization in therapeutic and dietary contexts. DFT calculations, including geometry optimization, MEP analysis, HOMO-LUMO energy surface, and quantum reactivity parameters of the PC compound, were obtained using the B3LYP/6–311G(d,p) level. This integrated approach contributes to a comprehensive understanding of PC's pharmacological profile and informs future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some chemical characteristics of Spirulina from different countries (the USA, China, Belgium, and Bulgaria) were investigated. The study includes a comparative analysis of the content of some elements, tocopherols, and fatty acids in spirulina. The total lipids of the examined sample varied from 1.9 % (China) to 6.1 % (Belgium). Gas chromatography was used to determine the fatty acid composition of glyceride oil isolated from spirulina of different origins. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry and liquid chromatography were used to determine the elemental composition and tocopherol content. The fat content of Spirulina from Bulgaria approaches that of China and the USA, while that of Belgium is almost three times higher. It was found that palmitic acid is the main saturated fatty acid in all samples, and for spirulina from Bulgaria, it reaches 81.2 %. The content of unsaturated fatty acids is highest in that originating in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, there are no data in the scientific literature on studies aimed at characterizing Passiflora caerulea L. growing in Bulgaria. The present study aimed to investigate the metabolic profile and elemental composition of the leaves and pulp of this Passiflora, as well as to evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of its leaf and pulp extracts. The results showed that the pulp predominantly contained the essential amino acid histidine (7.81 mg g−1), while it was absent in the leaves, with the highest concentration being tryptophan (8.30 mg g−1). Of the fatty acids, palmitoleic acid predominated both in the pulp and in the leaves. A major sterol component was β-sitosterol. Fructose (7.50%) was the predominant sugar in the pulp, while for the leaves, it was glucose—1.51%. Seven elements were identified: sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc. The highest concentrations of K and Mg were in the pulp (23,946 mg kg−1 and 1890 mg kg−1) and leaves (36,179 mg kg−1 and 5064 mg kg−1). According to the DPPH, FRAP and CUPRAC methods, the highest values for antioxidant activity were found in 70% ethanolic extracts of the leaves, while for the ABTS method, the highest value was found in 50% ethanolic extracts. In the pulp, for all four methods, the highest values were determined at 50% ethanolic extracts. Regarding the antibacterial activity, the 50% ethanolic leaf extracts were more effective against the Gram-positive bacteria. At the same time, the 70% ethanolic leaf extract was more effective against Gram-negative bacteria such as Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076. The leaf extracts exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activity than the extracts prepared from the pulp. The obtained results revealed that P. caerulea is a plant that can be successfully applied as an active ingredient in various nutritional supplements or cosmetic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some physicochemical characteristics and elemental composition of refined sunflower oil, as well as linseed oil added to it, were investigated; linseed oil and olive oil; truffle oil and rosemary oil. Fatty acid analysis shows substantial increases in monounsaturated fatty acids with the addition of truffle and rosemary oils (up to about 78 %). With the same supplements, a significant oxidative stability over 20 hours was also observed. High concentrations of chlorophyll were found with the addition of rosemary oils and oils of linseed oil and olive oil. ß-carotene was affected three to six times in all supplements compared to the commonly refined oil. Eight elements (Mg, Cr, Mn, Zn, Ni, As, Pd and Cd) were analyzed in the studied oils, no presence of toxic elements As and Cd (< 0.02 mg kg-1), lead was up to 0.04 mg kg-1. The remaining elements vary in different concentrations depending on the additive oils used. The fluorescence spectra of the tested samples were obtained for excitation wavelengths of 380 nm, and the fluorescence maxima allowed to determine the relationship between the optical and chemical properties of the samples. In addition, infrared spectroscopic experiments (ATR and transmittance) were used to investigate the fatty acid profile of the analyzed oil samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study is presented on the possibility of using the fluorescence from organic dyes as a broadband light source together with a monochromator for applications in excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy. A high-power single-chip light-emitting diode (LED) was chosen as an excitation source with a central output wavelength at 365 nm to excite a fluorescent solution of Coumarin 1 dye dissolved in ethanol. Two excitation configurations were investigated: direct excitation from the LED and excitation through an optical-fiber-coupled LED. A Czerny–Turner monochromator with a diffraction grating was used for the spectral tuning of the fluorescence. A simple method was investigated for increasing the efficiency of the excitation as well as the fluorescence signal collection by using a diffuse reflector composed of barium sulfate (BaSO4) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). As research objects, extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), Coumarin 6 dye, and Perylene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), were used. The results showed that the light-emitting-diode-induced fluorescence was sufficient to cover the losses on the optical path to the monochromator output, where a detectable signal could be obtained. The obtained results reveal the practical possibility of applying the fluorescence from dyes as a light source for food system analysis by EEM fluorescence spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wound-healing effect of St. John's Wort (SJW) is mainly attributed to hyperforin (HP), but its low stability restricts its topical administration. This study investigates how "free" HP-rich SJW extract (incorporated into a bigel; B/SJW) and extract "protected" by nanostructured lipid carriers (also included in a biphasic semisolid; B/NLC-SJW) affect tissue regeneration in a rat skin excision wound model. Wound diameter, histological changes, and tissue gene expression levels of fibronectin (Fn), matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP8), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were employed to quantify the healing progress. A significant wound size reduction was achieved after applying both extract-containing semisolids, but after a 21-day application period, the smallest wound size was observed in the B/NLC-SJW-treated animals. However, the inflammatory response was affected more favorably by the bigel containing the "free" SJW extract, as evidenced by histological studies. Moreover, after the application of B/SJW, the expression of Fn, MMP8, and TNF-α was significantly higher than in the positive control. In conclusion, both bigel formulations exhibited beneficial effects on wound healing in rat skin, but B/SJW affected skin restoration processes in a comprehensive and more efficient way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phycocyanin is a pigment–protein complex from the group of phycobiliproteins obtained from Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), with possibilities for various applications in food and pharmaceutical technologies. It is a natural colorant for food and cosmetic products. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasonic and microwave extraction conditions on antioxidant activity (AOA), chlorophyll content, and the content and purity index of phycocyanin in aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). For this purpose, ultrasonic extraction with water or ethanol was performed at 20 °C, 30 °C, and 40 °C for 1, 2, and 3 h at an ultrasonic frequency of 36 kHz, 40 kHz, and 45 kHz. Microwave water extraction was performed for 60 s, 120 s, and 180 s. For each of the obtained samples, three parallel measurements of antioxidant activity were made by DPPH and FRAP methods, and chlorophyll content and phycocyanin yield and purity index were determined spectrophotometrically. Ultrasonic extraction resulted in a higher yield and purity index of phycocyanin compared to microwave extraction. The highest yield of 14.88 mg g−1 with a purity index of 1.60 was achieved at a temperature of 40 °C for one hour and an ultrasonic wave frequency of 40 kHz. A relatively low yield of 4.21 mg g−1, but with a purity index of 2.67, was obtained at a temperature of 30 °C, a time of two hours, and an ultrasonic frequency of 40 kHz. Chlorophyll b content at 20 °C, for two hours and ultrasonic frequency 40 kHz was 1.400 mg g−1. The study proposes ultrasonic extraction as a green method to obtain phycocyanin of varying purity index that may be used for food, cosmetic, or biomedical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this overview is to analyze the application of different types of lasers and laser processing technologies in modern dentistry. The analysis is based on the classifications of lasers according to several main characteristics, including active medium and spectral range, mode of operation and power, energy efficiency and accuracy. Two main groups of applications are considered: 1) for processing materials and manufacturing dental constructions and 2) for diagnostics and treatment in dentistry. It has been established that lasers of almost all types and powers are used in dentistry. Lasers with high power, collimation and high energy density are used for surface heat treatment and texturing of metal surfaces, as well as for the fabrication of dental constructions from metals and alloys by laser cutting, welding and selective laser melting. The types of lasers used for clinical applications are determined by the wavelength, the interaction with the tissues, the laser's radiation mode and its power. In dentistry, a variety of lasers are used in the treatment of caries and root canals, surgical cutting and coagulation of soft tissues, accelerated wound healing, reduction of inflammation and swelling. The great variety of lasers and their advantages enable them to enter dentistry more widely in recent years, not only for the production of dental constructions, but also in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black cumin (Nigella sativa) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L) are well-known representatives from Ranunculaceae and Apiaceae families, respectively. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the physicochemical properties of oils derived from black cumin and coriander. Their visible and fluorescent spectra have been recorded. The fatty acid profile for both oils has been obtained, indicating the predominant constituent of the oil to be linoleic acid (C 18:2) in 58.2 % and 42.29 %, respectively. The oils have a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, γ- and α-tocopherols. Oxidative stability of coriander oil is lower (8.2 h) compared to that of the black cumin oil (12 h). Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to measure the enthalpy changes and phase transitions in both oils samples. The concentrations of some elements (essential and toxic) in the oils were determined after acidic decomposition by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The low content of Pb, As and Cd makes the oils safe to be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the article is to investigate the optical properties of Bulgarian honey in regard to the potential of honey discrimination on the base of its botanical origin. Samples from three types of honey (acacia, linden, and honeydew) are measured by a fluorescence spectrometer recording emission from 350 to 800 nm with excitation at 370, 395 and 405 nm. Principal components analysis (PCA) is used for reducing the number of inputs (wavelengths) and for a proper visualization of the experimental results. A combination of fluorescence emission spectra with some colorimetric parameters (CIELab) is used for training data of a neural network (a multilayered perceptron) with back propagation learning algorithm. The good accuracy of the proposed neural network based honey classifier is confirmed by a validation test carried out in MATLAB environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the article is to investigate the potential of honey discrimination (on the base of its botanical origins) by Vis spectroscopy and chemometric analysis. Fifty-five samples from three types of honey (acacia, linden, and honeydew) are measured by a spectrophotometer "Helios Omega" with recorded wavelength range of 380~780 nm for calibration of honey classifier. Firstly, principal components analysis (PCA) is used for reducing the number of inputs and for a proper visualization of the experimental results. Next, the first two principal components (PCs) are combined separately with k-means clustering (KMC), Naïve Bayes classification (NBC), and linear and quadratic discriminant analysis (LDA, QDA) to develop PC-KMC, PC-NBC, PC-LDA and PC-QDA models, respectively. The comparative analysis of the four classifiers is based on leave-one-out-cross validation test carried out in MATLAB environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]