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Pseudomonas are known as higher producers of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties and plant growth promoters, including resistance induction. These mechanisms should be an alternative to pesticide use in crop production. Phakopsora pachyrhizi causes Asian soybean rust, representing a high loss of yield around the world. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the application of secondary metabolites produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa LV strain from the semi-purified fraction F4A in soybean plants to induce plant resistance against P. pachyrhizi in field conditions. The experimental design was performed in randomized blocks with three replicates using two F4A doses (1 and 10 μg mL−1) combined or not with fungicides (Unizeb Gold® or Sphere Max®). The control treatment, with Uni + Sph, saponins, flavonoids, and sphingolipids, showed higher intensities in the plants. In contrast, plants treated with the F4A fraction mainly exhibited fatty acid derivatives and some non-identified compounds with nitrogen. Plants treated with Sphere Max®, with or without F4A10, showed higher intensities of glycosylated flavonoids, such as kaempferol, luteolin, narigenin, and apigenin. Plants treated with F4A showed higher intensities of genistein and fatty acid derivatives. These increases in flavonoid compound biosynthesis and antioxidant properties probably contribute to the protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the possibility of using pomace powder of musky squash (PPMS, 10–30% of the formulation) for the manufacture of foamy confectionery products based on Jerusalem artichoke syrup, which is a natural substitute for sugar syrup used in the food industry. The content of biologically active compounds (polyphenols, carotenoids) as well as the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of pumpkin powder were evaluated. Sensory analysis was applied to measure the degree of product acceptance and the analysis revealed that the optimal amount of PPMS accepted by the tasters was 15%. The addition of PPMS increased pH and free water retention, color, and lightness intensification. During the storage period (40 days), the hardness and gumminess showed an essential increase and the cohesion of the samples gradually decreased. The addition of PPMS led to the improvement of textural parameters, thus contributing to the extension of the shelf life of products by 10 days, compared to the control sample. Mutual information analysis was applied to determine the influence of PPMS concentration and storage time of foamy confectionery products on mean total score, mean sensory profile score, moisture content, water activity, antioxidant activity, hardness, cohesiveness, and gumminess. The results of this research indicate that the use of pumpkin pulp in the manufacture of foamy confectionery products can significantly increase their biological value and sensory characteristics and ensure an extension of the products' shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light is an important environmental factor for plants. The quality of light and the wavelength stimulate enzyme activation, regulate enzyme synthesis pathways and promote bioactive compound accumulation. In this respect, the utilization of LED light under controlled conditions in agriculture and horticulture could be the most suitable choice for increasing the nutritional values of various crops. In recent decades, LED lighting has been increasingly used in horticulture and agriculture for commercial-scale breeding of many species of economic interest. Most studies on the influence of LED lighting on the accumulation of bioactive compounds in any type of plants (horticultural, agricultural species or sprouts) and also biomass production, were carried out in growth chambers under controlled conditions, without natural light. Illumination with LED could be a solution for obtaining an important crop with maximum efficiency, with a high nutritional value and minimum effort. To demonstrate the importance of LED lighting in agriculture and horticulture, we carried out a review based on a large number of results cited in the literature. The results were collected from 95 articles and were obtained using the keyword LED combined with plant growth; flavonoids; phenols; carotenoids; terpenes; glucosinolates; food preservation. We found the subject regarding the LED effect on plant growth and development in 11 of the articles analyzed. The treatment of LED on phenol content was registered in 19 articles, while information regarding flavonoid concentrations was revealed by 11 articles. Two articles we reviewed debate the accumulation of glucosinolates and four articles analyzed the synthesis of terpenes under LED illumination and 14 papers analyzed the variation in content of carotenoids. The effect of LED on food preservation was reported in 18 of the works analyzed. Some of the 95 papers contained references which included more keywords. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effect of rootstock (Gisela 6, PiKu 1 and SL 64) on the total phenol content, total anthocyanin content, the content of the individual phenols and the antioxidant activity in fruits of two sweet cherry cultivars, 'Kordia' and 'Regina'. The total phenolic content determined by the spectrophotometric method using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent varied from 34.84 to 149.28 to mg GAE/100 g FW depending on the cultivar/rootstock combination. The concentration of total anthocyanins was determined by using the pH-differential method and it ranged from 0.46 to 11.54 mg CGE/100 g FW. Highest level of the total phenolic content and concentration of the total anthocyanins content was detected in the cultivar 'Regina' grafted onto the Gisela 6 rootstock. Neochlorogenic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid and quercetine-3-O-glucoside were detected using HPLC method. Significant variation of detected individual polyphenols in sweet cherry fruits grafted on different rootstocks was observed. The lowest content of individual polyphenols was measured in 'Regina' cultivar grafted on the SL 64. Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay indicated that all investigated fruits possessed similar antioxidant activity. There was a statistically significant correlation observed between the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (correlation coefficient 0.972, P-value below 0.01), as well as between the anthocyanins and antioxidant activity (correlation coefficient 0.855, P-value below 0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timely access to topic-relevant datasets is of paramount importance for the development of any successful strategy (food waste reduction strategy), since datasets illuminate opportunities, challenges and development paths. PhInd is the first comprehensive database on polyphenol content in plant-based by-products from the agri-food sector or the wastewater sector and was developed using peer-reviewed papers published in the period of 2015–2021. In total, >450 scientific manuscripts and >6000 compound entries were included. Database inclusion criteria were polyphenol contents = determined using HPLC/UHPLC quantitative methods. PhInd can be explored through several criteria which are either 'open' or checkboxes. Criteria are given in subsections: (a) plant source; (b) by-product industrial processing; (c) pre-treatment of by-products before the isolation of polyphenols; and (d) the extraction step of polyphenols. Database search results could be explored on the website directly or by downloading Excel files and graphs. This unique database content is beneficial to stakeholders—the food industry, academia, government and citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Green" strategies to build up novel organic nanocarriers with bioperformance are modern trends in nanotechnology. In this way, the valorization of bio-wastes and the use of living systems to develop multifunctional organic and biogenic nanocarriers (OBNs) have revolutionized the nanotechnological and biomedical fields. This paper is a comprehensive review related to OBNs for bioactives' delivery, providing an overview of the reports on the past two decades. In the first part, several classes of bioactive compounds and their therapeutic role are briefly presented. A broad section is dedicated to the main categories of organic and biogenic nanocarriers. The major challenges regarding the eco-design and the fate of OBNs are suggested to overcome some toxicity-related drawbacks. Future directions and opportunities, and finding "green" solutions for solving the problems related to nanocarriers, are outlined in the final of this paper. We believe that through this review, we will capture the attention of the readers and will open new perspectives for new solutions/ideas for the discovery of more efficient and "green" ways in developing novel bioperformant nanocarriers for transporting bioactive agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biologically active compounds of natural or synthetic origin have a complex structure and generally contain various structural groups among which polycyclic cage amines are found. Hexaazaisowurtzitanes are representatives of these amines and studies on their biological activity began less than two decades ago, starting with research on the environmental impact of CL-20. This research helped to evaluate the risks of potential pollution in the habitat environments of living organisms and determine whether the chemical compounds in question could be utilized in pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or medicinal drugs. The nomenclature of hexaazaisowurtzitane compounds has recently been expanded significantly, and some of them have demonstrated promise in the design of medicinal drugs. This paper review studies the pharmacological activity of the acyl derivatives of hexaazaisowurtzitane. Most of the compounds have been found to possess a high analgesic activity, providing a solution to the pressing issue of pain management in current pharmacology. Analgesic drugs currently used in the clinical practice do not meet all of the efficacy and safety requirements (gastro-, nephro-, hepato-, haematotoxicity, etc.). The material presented in the seven sections of this paper highlights information about hexaazaisowurtzitane derivatives. Furthermore, they have been observed to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antihypoxic, and antimetastatic activities, which render them highly promising for evaluation in various fields of medicinal practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grifola frondosa is an edible and medicinal mushroom, and modern pharmacological studies have revealed that it possesses various beneficial activities, which are owing to its complex bioactive components. Among them, polysaccharides are the primary active component of G. frondosa. Although numerous researchers have studied G. frondosa in recent decades, there is currently no review available concerning the polysaccharides of this mushroom. In this paper, we first summarized the methods for extracting and purifying the polysaccharides of G. frondosa polysaccharides. The extraction of polysaccharides directly affects their purity, which in turn affects their bioactivities. Hot water is the common method uesd to extract polysaccharides from this mushroom. Scientists have also developed some new extraction methods, such as cold water extraction, the ammonium sulfate/ethanol aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) and supercritical CO2 extraction. The extracted crude polysaccharides are usually accompanied by compounds, such as proteins, fats and pigments, which can interfere with the structural identification and subsequent activity analyses. Therefore, further separation and purification of the polysaccharides are necessary. The common purification methods of polysaccharides are ethyl alcohol deposition and column chromatography. Next, we reviewed the molecular weights, monosaccharide compositions, structural characteristics and biological activities of G. frondosa polysaccharides. The polysaccharides had a variety of biological activities, such as anti-tumor, antioxidant, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities among others. This paper will provide useful references for the investigation, production, and application of G. frondosa polysaccharides in functional foods and as therapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-pressure homogenization (HPH) is a non-thermal technology widely studied to replace, partially or in total, the conventional thermal preservation processes used in the food industry, thus minimizing undesirable changes in the nutritional and sensory characteristics of liquid products. The main effect of HPH is the size reduction of dispersed particles thus affecting physical stability of the products, despite also inactivating microorganisms, preserving bioactive compounds, and maintaining sensory characteristics. During the process, the fluid is driven under high-pressure through a micrometric gap inside the valve. Phenomena including cavitation, shear and turbulence are responsible for the changes in the fluid. From this perspective, the present paper reviews the effects of HPH on the inactivation of microorganisms and preservation of bioactive compounds of fruit juices treated with this technology. The juice matrices reported were apple, apricot, banana, blackberry, carrot, kiwifruit, mandarin, mango, orange, peach, pomegranate, rosehip, strawberry and tomato. The paper elucidates the potential application of HPH to fruit juice processing aiming at producing safe products with high nutritional and sensory quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Pyrus Pyrifolia (Sand Pear) is one of the most underused pear variety despite its nutraceutical potential. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the Pyrus Pyrifolia in term of origin, distribution and classification, nutritional and bioactive potential, therapeutic potential and valorization along with future prospectus. Design/methodology/approach: A wide variety of publications (88) were identified through electronic databases (Science direct, PubMed, SciELO, Google scholar, Link springer and Research gate) under the umbrella of different keywords such as bioactive compounds, health benefits, nutrition, sand pear, Pyrus and Pyrus pyrifolia. Findings: Pyrus Pyrifolia (Sand Pear) is abundant in nutritional and bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, vitamins and minerals. It exhibits therapeutic potential as being an antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent. However, P. pyrifolia is not much explored by food researchers and industrialists, hence remaining underused. A few attempts have been made toward the use of P. pyrifolia for jam, jelly, candy and wine preparation. However, more research is required for the commercial processing of P. pyrifolia and to enhance its availability outside its growing area. Originality/value: In this paper, nutritional and bioactive compounds of P. pyrifolia are discussed that provide knowledge to the researchers for its use as a functional ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to review phytochemical potential of acacia and its associated health advantages. Acacia a moderate-sized, deciduous tree and recognised as health-promoting species because of availability of essential bioactive components. The bioactive compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, fatty acids and polysaccharides (gums) present in the plant parts of acacia, namely, bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, twigs and seeds, have medicinal value and thus are used to overlay the formulations of plant-based drugs and value-added foods. Design/methodology/approach: Major well-known bibliometric information sources such as Web of Science, Scopus, Mendeley and Google Scholar were searched with keywords such as "nutrition value of acacia", "bioactive compounds", "health benefits", "processing and safety" were chosen to obtain a database of 1,428 papers. The search considered papers in the English language from the past 18 years of publication in journals (2004–2022). The article selection process consisted of the screening of titles and abstracts, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles that did not have acacia components as a study objective were taken into consideration for exclusion. A final database of 87 scientific sources was made after sorting and classifying them according to different criteria based on topic relevance, country of origin and year of publication. Articles with other random descriptors were also searched to complement the discussion of the results obtained. Findings: The literature reflected that acacia contains all necessary phytochemicals like polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, glucosinolates, alkaloids and carotenoids along with essential macro, micro-nutrients. Furthermore, processing methods such as soaking, cooking, roasting and dehusking significantly reduced the anti-nutritional factors present in acacia seeds of different species. This review also focused on the processing methods that are used to eliminate or lower down the anti-nutritional factors from the seeds. Previous findings related to acacia plant parts with respect to food development are explored and mentioned. Originality/value: This review emphasised mainly on recent studies that had been reported on ethnomedical acacia plants therapeutically, commercially and exponentially for further studies to increase the utilisation in food processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Formatio Circumiectus is the property of Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Rolniczego im. Hugona Kollataja w Krakowie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This document is a summary of a special issue titled "Bioactive Compounds in Grain Fermentation" from the journal Fermentation (Basel). The special issue explores the relationship between cereal grains and fermentation, focusing on the health-promoting bioactive compounds found in grains. The special issue includes six publications, covering topics such as the impact of fermentation on volatile components in baijiu production, the nutritional value of fermented soybean meal, the collaborative effects of pure and co-cultures in quinoa seed fermentation, the optimal conditions for enhanced nutritional value in Quercus liaotungensis fermentation, the relationship between arabinoxylans and grain-based fermented foods, and the fermentation properties of high-amylose starch. These publications provide valuable insights into the potential of cereal grains and their fermented products, paving the way for future research in this field. [Extracted from the article]

The percent active (A) and inactive (I) chemicals in a database can directly affect the sensitivity (% active chemicals predicted correctly) and specificity (% inactive chemicals predicted correctly) of structure–activity relationship (SAR) analyses. Subdividing the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) liver cancer database (NCTRlcdb) into various A/I ratios, which varied from 0.2 to 5.5, resulted in sensitivity/specificity ratios that varied from 0.1 to 6.5. As percent active chemicals increased (increasing A/I ratio), the sensitivity rose, the specificity decreased, and the concordance (% total chemicals predicted correctly) remained fairly constant. The numbers of chemicals in the various data sets ranged from 187 to 999 and appeared to have no affect on any of the 3 predictors of sensitivity, specificity, or concordance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort. Mebeverine is an antispasmodic that has been widely used in clinical practice to relieve the symptoms of IBS. However, its systemic use usually leads to side effects. Therefore, the current paper aimed to synthesize more effective medicines for IBS treatment. We used ring opening of isatoic anhydride for the synthesis in reaction with 2-phenylethylamine. In silico simulation predicted spasmolytic activity for 2-amino-N-phenethylbenzamides. The newly synthesized compounds demonstrated a relaxation effect similar to mebeverine but did not affect the serotonin or Ca2+-dependent signaling pathway of contractile activity (CA) in contrast. Having in mind the anti-inflammatory potential of antispasmodics, the synthesized molecules were tested in vitro and ex vivo for their anti-inflammatory effects. Four of the newly synthesized compounds demonstrated very good activity by preventing albumin denaturation compared to anti-inflammatory drugs/agents well-established in medicinal practice. The newly synthesized compounds also inhibited the expression of interleukin-1β and stimulated the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and, consequently, nitric oxide (NO) synthesis by neurons of the myenteric plexus. This characterizes the newly synthesized compounds as biologically active relaxants, offering a cleaner and more precise application in pharmacological practice, thereby enhancing their potential therapeutic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactive compounds have drawn much attention according to their various health benefits. However, poor dissolvability, low stability and limited bioavailability largely narrow their applications. Although a variety of nontoxic ingredients have been rapidly developed as vehicles to deliver bioactive compounds in the last few years, most of them are non-bioactive. Pentacyclic triterpenoids, owing to their unique self-assembly and co-assembly behaviors and different physiological functions, can construct bioactive carriers due to their higher biodegradability, biocompatibility and lower toxicity. In this paper, the basic classification, biological activities and physicochemical properties of pentacyclic triterpenoids were summarized. Additionally, applications of self-assembled and co-assembled pentacyclic triterpenoids as bioactive delivery systems to load bioactive components and future research directions were discussed. This study emphasizes the potential of pentacyclic triterpenoids as bioactive delivery systems, offering a new perspective for constructing self- or co-assemblies for further synergetic biological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic compounds from elderberries (Sambucus nigra L.) have attracted attention due to their potential health benefits. This paper examines different extraction methods used to obtain phenolic compounds from these fruits and the stability of the extracts. Several extraction techniques (extraction with continuous agitation, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, maceration, and enzyme-assisted extraction) were tested and compared to evaluate the yield and the quality of the extracts. The stability of the extracts with various storage parameters (time and temperature) and processing conditions (concentration and lyophilization) was also investigated. The results showed that ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) provided the highest yield of total phenolic compounds (74.89 mg GAE/g), of which 71.23% were represented by total anthocyanins and 62.50% by monomeric anthocyanins, with total flavonoids of 8.11–9.41 mg RUE/g. The analysis of individual phenolic compounds reconfirms the efficiency of UAE, obtaining 0.42–0.09 mg/g gallic acid, 0.59–0.01 mg/g chlorogenic acid, 0.17–0.03 mg/g 4-coumaric acid, and 2.43–0.01 mg/g rutin. The optimization of the extraction conditions led to the conclusion that the best solvent is 45% ethanol (v/v), and the optimal parameters are 40 °C for 40 min. It was also found that the stability of the extracts can be high during long periods of time (even after 180 days). These findings contribute to the understanding of the optimization of extraction processes and storage conditions to obtain extracts rich in phenolic compounds from elderberries, with potential uses in pharmaceutical and food applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Spirulina platensis is a well-known photosynthetic prokaryotic alga that has gained recognition in various industries, including food, health, aquaculture and pharmaceuticals. The United Nations acknowledged spirulina as a nutritious food source because of its rich pigments and high protein content. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to provide an overview of how Spirulina is utilized as both a dietary supplement as well as functional food ingredient in the food industry. METHOD: Spirulina powder can be added to various foods such as bread, cakes and cookies to increase the nutritional value. It is particularly valuable as a dietary supplement in efforts to combat malnutrition in impoverished regions. RESULT: Spirulina platensis is also a source of essential components used in the therapeutic microalgae supplement market. These components include alpha-carotene, astaxanthin, polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as DHA and EPA) and polysaccharides like beta-glucan. CONCLUSION: It is evident that the consumption of spirulina algae can offer both financial benefits and health advantages. Even though there is a large amount of research on the nutritional, environmental and social benefits of spirulina, some natural areas still produce insufficient amounts of the algae. As a result, more and more scientists and researchers throughout the world are pushing for the growth of spirulina farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The presence of secondary metabolites like flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds in white mulberry (Morus alba) make it an ornamental tree mainly in the Asian subcontinent. These secondary metabolites are synthesized through various biosynthetic pathways. Flavonoids like rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol are produced via the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways. The key enzymes responsible for this pathway include phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, chalcone synthase, and flavonoid hydroxylases. Phenolic compounds like resveratrol and oxyresveratrol are produced via the phenylpropanoid pathway using phenylalanine as a precursor. Presences of these secondary metabolites, like in the case of flavonoids (rutin and quercetin), in the mulberry tree have potential biological activities like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Also, they have been found to have great medicinal importance, for example in treating diabetes, obesity and neurodegenerative diseases. Also, phenolic compounds like reservertrol exhibit cardio-protective, anticancer, and anti-aging properties. Traditional natural products have been the focus of research to explore their medicinal properties. One such medicinally important plant is the white mulberry, Morus alba, widely distributed in the Asian subcontinent. It is one of the most cultivated species of mulberry tree and has attracted more focus from researchers because of its abundance in phytochemicals as well as multipurpose uses. The leaves, fruits and other parts of the white mulberry plant act as a source of valuable bioactive compounds like flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids and alkaloids. These secondary metabolites have manifold healthy uses as they possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neutrotrophic, and anticancer properties. Despite the increasing scientific interest in this plant, there are very few reviews that highlight the phytochemistry and biological potential of white mulberry for biomedical research. To this end, this review elaborates the phytochemistry, biosynthetic pathways and pharmacological activities of the glycoside flavonoids of Morus alba. A comprehensive analysis of the available literature indicates that Morus alba could emerge as a promising natural agent to combat diverse conditions including diabetes, cancer, inflammation and infectious diseases. To achieve such important objectives, it is crucial to elucidate the biosynthesis and regulation mechanisms of the bioactive compounds in white mulberry as well as the multifaceted pharmacological effects attributed to this plant resource. The present review paper is intended to present a summary of existing scientific data and a guide for further research in the phytochemistry and pharmacology of white mulberry. Further, a biosynthetic pathway analysis of the glycoside flavonoid in mulberry is also given. Lastly, we discuss the pros and cons of the current research to ensure the prudent and effective therapeutic value of mulberry for promoting human and animal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zywnosc is the property of Polish Society of Food Technologists - Scientific Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This review study looks into the array of Nutraceutical superfoods, with a particular emphasis on the significance of mushrooms in boosting nutrition and health. Mushrooms contain several bioactive components, such as p-glucans, antioxidants, and ergothioneine, which may provide health advantages. The major purpose of this study is to fully examine the therapeutic characteristics of mushrooms, particularly their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating actions. This study aims to provide light on how mushrooms may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders by conducting a thorough review of relevant studies. Also, this research evaluates the impact of various processing methods, such as drying and extraction, on mushroom composition and bioactivity, which are critical for conserving beneficial chemicals. Further, the paper looks at the ability to adapt of mushrooms in culinary applications, showing how they may not only improve flavour but also the nutritional content of a range of cuisines. Finally, this comprehensive research gives an in-depth look into mushrooms' nutraceutical properties. It introduces the concept of nutraceutical superfoods, highlight the importance of mushrooms in promoting nutrition and health, discusses their bioactive compounds and medicinal properties, investigates their potential for preventing and managing chronic diseases, assesses different processing techniques and their impact on mushroom properties, and concludes by pointing out mushrooms' culinary versatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The genus Cinnamomum (cinnamon) is one of the well-known aromatic spices throughout the world with numerous medicinal applications. Several beneficial pharmacological properties of cinnamon have been evaluated, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anticancer, cardiovascular-disease-lowering, and neurological disorder-improving effects. This review critically evaluates studies regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon species. Methods: Using three online literature databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct), we identified studies describing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon species. A literature search was carried out using a combination of keywords such as (“Cinnamomum,”) AND (“antioxidant” OR “anti-inflammatory”) or other related words. In this review, we evaluated new findings regarding the molecular mechanisms of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Cinnamomum species published from 2005 until December 2022. A total of 38 papers were selected to describe the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon species. Results: Cinnamon species possess antioxidant effects by reducing ROS, MDA, and NO levels, and depleting GSH, decreasing MPO activity, and enhancing the growth of SOD and CAT. Additionally, the suppression of caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity and the upregulation of bcl-2 expression determine the anti-apoptotic effects of cinnamon. Their anti-inflammatory effects are mainly related to the reduction of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, IL-10, iNOS, MCP-1, and COX-2, and the inhibition of NF-κB, ERK1/2, p38, and JNK activation. Conclusion: This review highlighted the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of genus cinnamon and can provide a suitable basis for further pharmacologic surveys and efficient clinical research on cinnamon to obtain new evidence on its benefits for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review explores the potential of antimicrobial metabolites derived from Caucasian medicinal plants as alternatives to conventional antibiotics. With the rise of antibiotic resistance posing a global health threat, there is a pressing need to investigate alternative sources of antimicrobial agents. Caucasian medicinal plants have traditionally been used for their therapeutic properties, and recent research has highlighted their potential as sources of antimicrobial compounds. Representatives of 15 families of Caucasian medicinal plant extracts (24 species) have been explored for their efficacy against these pathogens. The effect of these plants on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi is discussed in this paper. By harnessing the bioactive metabolites present in these plants, this study aims to contribute to the development of new antimicrobial treatments that can effectively combat bacterial infections while minimizing the risk of resistance emergence. Herein we discuss the following classes of bioactive compounds exhibiting antimicrobial activity: phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, saponins, alkaloids, and sulfur-containing compounds of Allium species. The review discusses the pharmacological properties of selected Caucasian medicinal plants, the extraction and characterization of these antimicrobial metabolites, the mechanisms of action of antibacterial and antifungal plant compounds, and their potential applications in clinical settings. Additionally, challenges and future directions in the research of antimicrobial metabolites from Caucasian medicinal plants are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaempferia galanga L. rhizomes contain ethyl trans-p-methoxycinnamate as a major secondary metabolite compound and biomarker. Various extraction methods with different solvents can isolate ethyl trans-p-methoxycinnamate with potential bioactivities. This paper reported the isolation of ethyl trans-p-methoxycinnamate from two varieties of K. galanga L. rhizomes by maceration in n-hexane. The small and large varieties of K. galanga samples produced ethyl trans-p-methoxycinnamate in 1.43% and 1.84% yields, higher than other methods and polar solvents of previous research. Structural elucidation of the obtained ethyl trans-p-methoxycinnamate was performed by FTIR, MS, and 1H NMR spectroscopies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The study highlights the key health-promoting qualities of red fruits, as well as the use of natural edible coatings to extend the fruits' shelf life and ensure their sustainability. Red fruits contain bioactive substances including phenolic acids and flavonoids, which provide many health advantages for the human body. Industries find them intriguing because of their color and their ability to prevent chronic ailments such as metabolic, degenerative, and cardiovascular disorders. Nevertheless, the resilience of these organic molecules is influenced by several environmental, physical, and chemical phenomena. Therefore, the beneficial health properties of red fruits may diminish during postharvest processing. In this scenario, many postharvest methods have been implemented to enhance the shelf life and preserve the bioactive components of red fruits. The objectives of this review were to provide a comprehensive assessment of the health benefits of red fruits, and to explore the possibilities of edible coatings in retaining their freshness and protecting their bioactive contents. Co-occurrence networks were built using VOSviewer software to produce a two-dimensional map based on term frequency, and the examination of the 1364 keywords obtained from the scientific papers revealed the presence of at least 71 co-occurrences that provide insight into many natural components used in edible coatings for red fruits, such as proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, phospholipids, and minerals. The review examined their composition, functioning, application techniques, limits, safety considerations, legal regulations, and potential future developments. This review has shown that an edible coating may act as a protective layer on the surface of the fruit, alter the interior gas composition, reduce water loss, and postpone fruit ripening, thereby enhancing the health-promoting properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worrying and constant increase in the quantities of food and beverage industry by-products and wastes is one of the main factors contributing to global environmental pollution. Since this is a direct consequence of continuous population growth, it is imperative to reduce waste production and keep it under control. Re-purposing agro-industrial wastes, giving them new life and new directions of use, is a good first step in this direction, and, in global food production, vegetables and fruits account for a significant percentage. In this paper, brewery waste, cocoa bean shells, banana and citrus peels and pineapple wastes are examined. These are sources of bioactive molecules such as polyphenols, whose regular intake in the human diet is related to the prevention of various diseases linked to oxidative stress. In order to recover such bioactive compounds using more sustainable methods than conventional extraction, innovative solutions have been evaluated in the past decades. Of particular interest is the use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and compressed solvents, associated with green techniques such as microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and pulsed-electric-field-assisted extraction (PEF). These novel techniques are gaining importance because, in most cases, they allow for optimizing the extraction yield, quality, costs and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) techniques have garnered significant attention as green and sustainable methods for obtaining biologically active substances from a diverse array of plant byproducts. This paper comprehensively reviews the use of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) in obtaining bioactive compounds from various plant residues, including pomace, seeds, skins, and other agricultural byproducts. The main purpose of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is the selective isolation and recovery of compounds, such as polyphenols, essential oils, vitamins, and antioxidants, that have significant health-promoting properties. Using supercritical carbon dioxide as the solvent, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) not only eliminates the need for hazardous organic solvents, e.g., ethanol, and methanol, but also protects heat-sensitive bioactive compounds. Moreover, this green extraction technique contributes to waste valorisation by converting plant byproducts into value-added extracts with potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. This review highlights the advantages of SFE, including its efficiency, eco-friendliness, and production of residue-free extracts, while discussing potential challenges and future prospects for the utilisation of SFE in obtaining biologically active substances from plant byproducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hymenaea verrucosa (formerly Trachylobium hornemannianum) is a tree that exudes a resin known as Zanzibar copal in Africa and Sundrus in Unani (Greeko-Arab) medicine. It shows various therapeutic properties such as astringent, anthelminthic, antiobesogenic, antilipidemic and emmenagogue. It has been used in the treatment of obesity, headache, sinusitis, wounds, cataract, otitis, palpitations, worm infestations, taenia, haemorrhage, hyperhidrosis, haemorrhoids, diarrhoea, etc. since ancient times. This paper is intended for the documentation of the biological properties of Hymenaea verrucosa and the chemical compounds found in it as it is an indigenous Unani as well as African origin medicinal tree with much potential. This will also prompt the need for scientific clinical studies on its various pharmacological actions as it has not been fully evaluated. Data sources were authentic Unani literature, modern pharmacology books, and published works including various research and review papers available on PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. The eligibility criteria were all relevant articles up to 2023 that described the pharmacology and clinical effects of Hymenaea verrucosa. Hymenaea verrucosa resin contains diterpenes and their derivative terpenoids such as caryophyllenes, sesquiterpenes, trachylobanes, kaurenes, diterpene acids, such as trachylolic acid, isotrachylolic acid, α and β selinene, α cubebene, α copaene, α and β resenes, essential oils etc. These constituents have shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, metabolic, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antiparasitic activities in various in vitro and in vivo studies which conform with the old medical literature. The major limitation is that no in vivo or in vitro study has been conducted using the chemical constituents extracted from the resin. Therefore, this paper discusses the bioequivalence of the chemical components found in Hymenaea verrucosa resin through various studies. Zanzibar copal or Sundrus is a promising drug that has been effectively used in Unani medicine to treat various metabolic and phlegmatic disorders. Many potentially bioactive compounds are found in its resin, but no detailed studies of their biological activity are yet available. Therefore, there is a further need to focus research on Hymenaea verrucosa and its ingredients through advanced scientific methods. [Display omitted] • Sundrus is the resin of hymenaea verrucosa, previously trachylobium hornemannianum. • It has been used to treat obesity, sinusitis, haemorrhage, etc. since ancient times. • Zanzibar copal contains caryophyllene, diterpenes and trachylobanes. • They have apoptotic, antidiabetic, antiobesity and anticancer properties. • It can be concluded that gum copal can be used as a remedy for various ailments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The paper reports the in vivo and in vitro antidiabetic activity of bioactive compounds composed of ethyl acetate fractions from Sungkai (Peronema canescens Jack). The fractions are obtained from vacuum liquid chromatography (F1, F2 and F3). Phytochemicals screening, UV-Vis and FTIR spectrometry analysis is applied to detect secondary metabolite composed of the fractions. In addition, in vitro antidiabetic capability is measured inhibiting α-amylase activity, and in vivo evaluation is conducted using diabetic rat's model induced by alloxan. It was found that fraction collected as a white precipitate. The phytochemical analysis indicated positive for flavonoid. UV-Vis and FTIR spectra support the data. Moreover, capability of the fractions to inhibit α-glucosidase activity in the range 5-100 ppm does not show the activity. Conversely, the in vivo evaluation from fraction 2 at concentration 600 mg/Kg of body weight has antidiabetic in 50.16%. This result comparable to that of glibenclamide as a control. This finding lead to further evaluation for structural elucidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For centuries, medicinal plants have been used as sources of remedies and treatments for various disorders and diseases. Recently, there has been renewed interest in these plants due to their potential pharmaceutical properties, offering natural alternatives to synthetic drugs. Echinacea, among the world's most important medicinal plants, possesses immunological, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Nevertheless, there is a notable lack of thorough information regarding the echinacea species, underscoring the vital need for a comprehensive review paper to consolidate existing knowledge. The current review provides a thorough analysis of the existing knowledge on recent advances in understanding the physiology, secondary metabolites, agronomy, and ecology of echinacea plants, focusing on E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida. Pharmacologically advantageous effects of echinacea species on human health, particularly distinguished for its ability to safeguard the nervous system and combat cancer, are discussed. We also highlight challenges in echinacea research and provide insights into diverse approaches to boost the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites of interest in echinacea plants and optimize their large-scale farming. Various academic databases were employed to carry out an extensive literature review of publications from 2001 to 2024. The medicinal properties of echinacea plants are attributed to diverse classes of compounds, including caffeic acid derivatives (CADs), chicoric acid, echinacoside, chlorogenic acid, cynarine, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, polysaccharides, and alkylamides. Numerous critical issues have emerged, including the identification of active metabolites with limited bioavailability, the elucidation of specific molecular signaling pathways or targets linked to echinacoside effects, and the scarcity of robust clinical trials. This raises the overarching question of whether scientific inquiry can effectively contribute to harnessing the potential of natural compounds. A systematic review and analysis are essential to furnish insights and lay the groundwork for future research endeavors focused on the echinacea natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-based proteins, like those derived from hemp and rapeseed can contribute significantly to a balanced diet and meet human daily nutritional requirements by providing essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. According to numerous recent research papers, the consumption of plant-based proteins has been associated with numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Plant-based diets are often lower in saturated fat and cholesterol and higher in fiber and phytonutrients, which can support overall health and well-being. Present research investigates the nutritional attributes, functional properties, and potential food applications of hemp and rapeseed protein for a potential use in new food-product development, with a certain focus on identifying anti-nutritional factors and bioactive compounds. Through comprehensive analysis, anti-nutritional factors and bioactive compounds were elucidated, shedding light on their impact on protein quality and digestibility. The study also delves into the functional properties of hemp and rapeseed protein, unveiling their versatility in various food applications. Insights from this research contribute to a deeper understanding of the nutritional value and functional potential of hemp and rapeseed protein, paving the way for their further utilization in innovative food products with enhanced nutritional value and notable health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding out how diet impacts health and metabolism while concentrating on the functional qualities and bioactive components of food is the crucial scientific objective of nutritional research. The complex relationship between metabolism and nutrition could be investigated with cutting-edge "omics" and bioinformatics techniques. This review paper provides an overview of the use of omics technologies in nutritional research, with a particular emphasis on the new applications of transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and genomes in functional and biological activity research on ruminant livestock and products in the tropical regions. A wealth of knowledge has been uncovered regarding the regulation and use of numerous physiological and pathological processes by gene, mRNA, protein, and metabolite expressions under various physiological situations and guidelines. In particular, the components of meat and milk were assessed using omics research utilizing the various methods of transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and genomes. The goal of this review is to use omics technologies—which have been steadily gaining popularity as technological tools—to develop new nutritional, genetic, and leadership strategies to improve animal products and their quality control. We also present an overview of the new applications of omics technologies in cattle production and employ nutriomics and foodomics technologies to investigate the microbes in the rumen ecology. Thus, the application of state-of-the-art omics technology may aid in our understanding of how species and/or breeds adapt, and the sustainability of tropical animal production, in the long run, is becoming increasingly important as a means of mitigating the consequences of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]