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Depression is a prevalent mental disorder. However, clinical treatment options primarily based on chemical drugs have demonstrated varying degrees of adverse reactions and drug resistance, including somnolence, nausea, and cognitive impairment. Therefore, the development of novel antidepressant medications that effectively reduce suffering and side effects has become a prominent area of research. Polysaccharides are bioactive compounds extracted from natural plants that possess diverse pharmacological activities and medicinal values. It has been discovered that polysaccharides can effectively mitigate depression symptoms. This paper provides an overview of the pharmacological action and mechanisms, intervention approaches, and experimental models regarding the antidepressant effects of polysaccharides derived from various natural sources. Additionally, we summarize the roles and potential mechanisms through which these polysaccharides prevent depression by regulating neurotransmitters, HPA axis, neurotrophic factors, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, tryptophan metabolism, and gut microbiota. Natural plant polysaccharides hold promise as adjunctive antidepressants for prevention, reduction, and treatment of depression by exerting their therapeutic effects through multiple pathways and targets. Therefore, this review aims to provide scientific evidence for developing polysaccharide resources as effective antidepressant drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resurrection plant species are a group of higher plants whose vegetative tissues are able to withstand long periods of almost full desiccation and recover quickly upon rewatering. Apart from being a model system for studying desiccation tolerance, resurrection plant species appear to be a valuable source of metabolites, with various areas of application. A significant number of papers have been published in recent years with respect to the extraction and application of bioactive compounds from higher resurrection plant species in various test systems. Promising results have been obtained with respect to antioxidative and antiaging effects in various test systems, particularly regarding valuable anticancer effects in human cell lines. Here, we review the latest advances in the field and propose potential mechanisms of action of myconoside—a predominant secondary compound in the European members of the Gesneriaceae family. In addition, we shed light on the possibilities for the sustainable use of natural products derived from resurrection plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthrospira platensis is a cyanobacterium used as food due to its high protein content and bioactive compounds (e.g., phycocyanin) and marketed mainly as a dried powder. Drying may cause quality degradation of Spirulina biomass, depending on the technique and the process conditions. In this study, thin layer drying (3 mm) of Spirulina suspension was performed by different techniques, comparing innovative and traditional driers. The innovative drying technique proposed in this study, called vacuum cast‐tape drying (at 40 and 60°C), was compared, in terms of drying kinetics and quality of the powders, to air drying (at 40 and 60°C), freeze‐drying, and cast‐tape drying. Drying curves, the temporal evolution of water activity, and phycocyanin retention during drying were assessed. The microstructure and color of the powders were also determined in the dried powder. Cast‐tape drying resulted in the highest drying rate but showed a very low (≈10%) phycocyanin retention, while the other techniques allow phycocyanin retention >70%, regard to the raw biomass. The freeze‐dried product presented a lighter color compared to the other techniques. Vacuum cast‐tape drying showed a shorter drying time (90–180 min) than freeze‐drying (720 min) and air drying (420 min), maintaining high phycocyanin retention (about 80–90%). Vacuum cast‐tape drying is an efficient, suitable, and low‐cost technique to dehydrate Spirulina at moderate temperatures in short times, maintaining the high quality in terms of bioactive compounds. Practical applications: High‐quality Spirulina powders are considered as potential future sources of protein and bioactive compounds. These components should be preserved during drying, necessary for the stabilization of this product. The novel drying technique proposed in this paper for Spirulina powder production is an alternative, low‐cost, and potentially scalable technique for small and medium Spirulina producers. Vacuum cast‐tape drying allows combining the efficiency of cast‐tape drying with the vacuum atmosphere preserving the color and phycocyanin in the dried biomass. In this way, the study of novel drying processes for Spirulina powder production with high quality is of interest to researchers and the food industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper reports a sustainable raw material obtained from the by-products derived from the industrial production of bergamot (Citrus × Bergamia Risso & Poiteau) essential oils. The procedure to obtain the raw material is designed to maintain as much of the bioactive components as possible and to avoid expensive chemical purification. It consists of spray-drying the fruit juice obtained by squeezing the fruits, which is mixed with the aqueous extract of the pulp, i.e., the solid residue remained after fruit pressing. The resulting powder bergamot juice (PBJ) contains multiple bioactive components, in particular, among others, soluble fibers, polyphenols and amino-acid betaines, such as stachydrine and betonicine. LC-MS analysis identified 86 compounds, with hesperetin, naringenin, apigenin and eridictyol glucosides being the main components. In the second part of the paper, dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity of PBJ and of stachydrine was found, but neither of the compounds were effective in activating Nrf2. PBJ was then found to be effective in an in vivo model of a metabolic syndrome induced by a high-sugar, high-fat (HSF) diet and evidenced by a significant increase of the values related to a set of parameters: blood glucose, triglycerides, insulin resistance, systolic blood pressure, visceral adipose tissue and adiposity index. PBJ, when given to control rats, did not significantly change these values; in contrast, they were found to be greatly affected in rats receiving an HSF diet. The in vivo effect of PBJ can be ascribed not only to bergamot polyphenols with well-known anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and lipid-regulating effects, but also to the dietary fibers and to the non-phenolic constituents, such as stachydrine. Moreover, since PBJ was found to affect energy homeostasis and to regulate food intake, a mechanism on the regulation of energy homeostasis through leptin networking should also be considered and deserves further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginsenosides are a group of bioactive compounds isolated from Panax ginseng. Conventional major ginsenosides have a long history of use in traditional medicine for both illness prevention and therapy. Bioconversion processes have the potential to create new and valuable products in pharmaceutical and biological activities, making them both critical for research and highly economic to implement. This has led to an increase in the number of studies that use major ginsenosides as a precursor to generate minor ones using β-glucosidase. Minor ginsenosides may also have useful properties but are difficult to isolate from raw ginseng because of their scarcity. Bioconversion processes have the potential to create novel minor ginsenosides from the more abundant major ginsenoside precursors in a cost-effective manner. While numerous bioconversion techniques have been developed, an increasing number of studies have reported that β-glucosidase can effectively and specifically generate minor ginsenosides. This paper summarizes the probable bioconversion mechanisms of two protopanaxadiol (PPD) and protopanaxatriol (PPT) types. Other high-efficiency and high-value bioconversion processes using complete proteins isolated from bacterial biomass or recombinant enzymes are also discussed in this article. This paper also discusses the various conversion and analysis methods and their potential applications. Overall, this paper offers theoretical and technical foundations for future studies that will be both scientifically and economically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne) belong to the berry group and are characterized primarily by delightful sensory properties. Due to their chemical composition, these fruits are a rich source of bioactive compounds that can modify the metabolic and physiological functions of the body. The aim of this work is to present the current state of research on bioactive ingredients found in these fruits in the context of their health-promoting properties. The paper presents compiled and reviewed data on the content of polyphenolic compounds, organic acids, and vitamins, especially vitamin C, in strawberries. The content of these compounds is influenced by many different factors that are discussed in the paper. It also draws attention to the presence of oxalates and allergenic compounds, which are classified as anti-nutritional compounds of strawberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance thin-layer chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPTLC-MS) is one of the most modern hyphenated analytical methods available today. HPTLC-MS has recently been used to perform extensive analytical work using advanced features and still more analyses are in progress using these advanced features. Herbal medicines contain a wide range of bioactives that require proper identification for the activity and quality control. Recently, herbal medicine identification and quality control have become increasingly popular using high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. The aim of this paper is to provide a brief overview of recent method developments in analysis, 15 most significant herbal drug applications with their chromatographic conditions, pharmacological actions, and solvents used in the present paper. An extensive literature search was performed incorporating several databases, notably, Web of Knowledge, PubMed and Google Scholar, and other relevant published materials. In previous research, HPTLC and its hyphenation with MS allowed for quantification of analytes in complex matrixes at nanogram and picogram concentrations. Quantifying a wide variety of analytes using these techniques has been extremely accurate, selective, and sensitive. Throughout this review, the HPTLC-MS technique is discussed in relation to the quality control of herbal drugs. Hence, 15 herbal drugs were identified based on their RF values and m/z ratio by mass spectrometry by HPTLC-MS for the first time. In this compilation, researchers can gain insights into HPTLC-MS techniques for resolving quality control issues with herbal drugs using their fingerprint spectra. Besides, the application of HPTLC-MS methods could to be sufficiently precise and reproducible for established conditions and after validation may be used for routine quality control of herbal drugs/formulations in herbal industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper covers the cold brew method applied to coffee; it highlights the drink´s attributes and its preservation. The cold brew coffee (CBC) has been gaining more and more connoisseurs across the world. The drink is prepared at low temperatures (4 to 23°C) for up to 24 h, exhibiting a unique sensory profile. Raw CBC should be consumed immediately after preparation or within a maximum of 5 days if kept refrigerated. Notwithstanding, a shelf stable drink is available on the market. This review elucidates the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory attributes of CBC, showing how the chemical composition of the beans, roasting conditions, water temperature and preparation method can influence the extraction of compounds that affect the sensory profile of the drink. A number of studies cited demonstrated the effectiveness of processing and packaging technologies in the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory stabilization of CBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit waste (FW), mainly from agroindustry, is currently left behind in landfills despite its rich composition. The bioactive compounds (e.g., oils, polyphenols), carbohydrates, and lignin present in this biomass type require comprehensive characterization (i.e., identification and quantification) before they can be used as raw materials in biorefineries. This review collected information from scientific papers on FW compositional analysis methods and characterization data; the information needs to be compiled in a systematic, standardized, and comprehensive way to understand and quantify the true potential of FW as feedstocks for biorefineries. The information gathered in this review allowed us to identify the biomass fractions that could be valorized further depending on the kind of FW (peels, seeds, or seed vessels, and pomace or mixed residues). Fruit waste differs from conventional lignocellulosic biomass due to the presence of higher amounts (>5%) of extractives – pectin, and starch. This review describes current compositional analysis methodologies to identify possible strengths and weaknesses that could affect the adequate selection of valorization platforms. As no current methodology allows the composition of FW to be described thoroughly, this work identifies procedures applicable to biorefineries that use FW. Possible improvements are suggested to fill methodological gaps in the quantification of samples with large amounts of extractives and pectin. The standardization of methods for FW's quantification is fundamental for the adequate integration of different valorization platforms into biorefineries. It is essential to consider all the substances present in FW to exploit fully their potential for new value‐added molecules, including oils, polyphenols, and pectin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diverse utility of β-ketosulfones in pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds has generated considerable interest in their synthesis. However, existing synthetic approaches often depend on transition-metal catalysts, which require extensive purification and result in low yields. Herein, we present a cost-effective, metal- and photocatalyst-free, visible light electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complex-mediated sulfonylation of ketone-derived silyl enol ethers with thiosulfonates (acceptor) and DABCO as an electron donor under mild conditions, offering a more efficient and straightforward approach. Our method enables the synthesis of a diverse range of β-ketosulfone derivatives, including biologically active and late-stage molecules, in good yields. Our strategy offers several significant advantages over existing techniques, which include (i) transition-metal and photoredox catalyst-free conditions; (ii) no need for an external SO2 source; (iii) broad substrate scope; (iv) recyclable and reusable by-products; and (v) excellent atom economy, reaction mass efficiency, process mass intensity, and E-factor and EcoScale scores, highlighting its efficiency and economic sustainability. Detailed mechanistic studies confirm the involvement of an EDA-complex-mediated radical process that operates without a catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

gem-Difluoroalkenes and trifluoromethyl alkanes are prominent structures in biologically active compounds. Radical alkylation of α-trifluoromethyl alkenes represents a useful strategy to access these structures. However, reported methods have relied on the use of pre-functionalized radical precursors and examples involving the use of simple hydrocarbons as coupling partners are elusive. Here we report a chemodivergent methodology based on the direct activation of C(sp3)–H bonds enabled by HAT photoredox catalysis. This protocol provides an efficient platform for preparing both gem-difluoroalkenes and trifluoromethyl alkanes from ubiquitous hydrocarbon feedstocks, including gaseous alkanes. Importantly, chemoselectivity is easily achieved by simple modification of reaction conditions and/or additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carya cathayensis Sarg was a kind of high nutrition nut, containing rich bioactive substances, could be widely used in food, medicine, functional food and other fields. Carya cathayensis Sarg primary processing technology was important for improving product appearance and quality as well as economic benefits. It was imperative to optimize Carya cathayensis Sarg primary processing technology and promote machinery and equipment to accelerate mechanization, automation and intelligence. In this paper, the research progress of the main bioactive ingredients in Carya cathayensis Sarg was reviewed, the research status of the primary processing technology of pecan was summarized, and the breakthrough point of the current product processing technology was discussed. In order to provide consumers with the scientific basis for the correct choice of nuts, to provide theoretical support for promoting the pecan industry to achieve mechanization, automation, intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is one of the most important cereals in the world; is an important source of bioactive compounds. The germination is a very useful tool to improve the nutraceutical value of cereals, associated with the reduction of chronic-degenerative diseases; the extrusion has a positive effect on microbiological stability and sensory properties. The response of the combined germination-extrusion processes applied under optimised conditions, on proximal composition, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD), total phenolic compounds (TPC), antioxidant activity (AoxA), hypoglycemic potential and microbiological quality of sorghum grains were studied. Sorghum was processed by germination (37 °C for 69 h) and extrusion [137 °C for 134 rpm (revolutions per minute)]. The germination increased protein content (+21%), insoluble dietary fibre (+50%), IVPD (+10%), TPC (+26%), AoxA (+97%). The extrusion increased soluble dietary fibre (+100%) and IVPD (+13%). The combined germination-extrusion processing reduced the content of total coliforms, total mesophilic aerobics and molds below the maximum limits established by the Mexican Official Standards NOM-147-SSA1-1994. Regarding hypoglycemic potential, germinated sorghum and germinated-extruded sorghum presented the best half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value. The combination of germination-extrusion processes is an effective strategy to increase bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity and inhibition of a-amylase and a-glucosidase enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereus hildmannianus is a species with various nutritional and medicinal properties; however, the fruits and flowers have scarcely been explored. In this regard, the study investigated the bioproduction of total sugar content (TSC), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant [DPPH - 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ABTS - 2,2'-azino-bis-(-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)], iron chelation, and prebiotic activities of methanolic extracts from fruits (epicarps - EE, mesocarps - ME) and flowers (sepals - SE, petals - PE) of C. hildmannianus. The chemical profiles of the extracts were determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The highest accumulations of TSC were observed in the ME (64%), while the SE also had a high TFC (17 µg QE per mg DW; QE - quercetin equivalents, DW - dry weight) and the EE had a high TPC (646 µg GAE per mg DW; GAE - gallic acid equivalents). A total of 24 compounds (phenolic and organic acids; and glycosylated flavonoids) were putatively identified. The greatest antioxidant activities were obtained with the PE (DPPH: 199 µmol Trolox per mg DW; and ABTS: 59 µmol Trolox per mg DW), while the highest prebiotic effect was obtained with ME and EE regarding both fermentability and production of lactic and acetic acids by multiple species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These promising results of bioactive compounds in the fruits and flowers of C. hildmannianus have potential applications for food and pharmaceutical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactive components are of great interest to researchers because of their excellent efficacy in health regulation and disease prevention. However, their bioavailability is low and easily affected by environmental conditions, limiting their application scope. The nano-delivery system has become one of the effective ways to embed bioactive components and improve their bioavailability. The nano-delivery system based on whey protein stands out among many nano-delivery systems because of its excellent functional characteristics, the advantages of loading bioactive components and achieving controlled release to improve their bioavailability and stability. This paper reviewed the composition and functional properties of whey protein, summarized the types of whey protein-based nano-delivery systems, including nano-emulsion, multi-emulsion, emulsion gels, self-assembly, and nanoparticles, and summarized the application status of these methods for delivering bioactive components. At the same time, the application status of relevant delivery systems was summarized, and the existing problems and future research directions in this research field were summarized, which provided a reference for subsequent research to improve the stability and loading rate of whey protein carriers and expand their application fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, food losses represent a serious imbalance in the dimensions of availability and accessibility in the global food system in the short term. Therefore, Merah et al., 2020's results contributed and emphasized the valorization of cumin and its by-products toward health promoting compounds under a biorefinery concept. [Extracted from the article]

In in vitro tests, skin repellent IR3535, applied in the form of the Diffusil H Prevental product in an aerosol bomb (active compound 20 %), killed 100 % of head lice (females and males) and nymphs 2 and 3, when directly sprayed at a dose of 0.94 mg of the active compound per square centimeter. Crawling lice exposed for 1 min on the filter paper impregnated by the same concentration showed no effort to suck blood 30 min after exposition. Twenty hours later, their mortality rate was 11 %. After the lice had been exposed for approximately 1 min (until they actively left the area) on 5 cm round areas of skin of test persons treated with the repellent at a mean total dose of 23.3 mg of active compound, they showed no effort to suck blood on the clean skin of other test person either immediately after exposure or 30 min later. Their mortality after 20 h ranged from 59 to 16 %, depending on the time elapsed from skin treatment (10 min to 27 h). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberries and raspberries are susceptible to physiological and biological damage. Due to the consumer concern about using pesticides to control fruit rot, recent attention has been drawn to essential oils. Microbiological activity evaluations of different concentrations of tested EOs (cinnamon, clove, bergamot, rosemary and lemon; 10% DMSO-PBS solution was used as a diluent) against fruit rot fungal strains and a fruit-born human pathogen (Escherichia coli) indicated that the highest inhibition halos was found for pure cinnamon and clove oils; according to GC-MS analysis, these activities were due to the high level of the bioactive compounds cinnamaldehyde (54.5%) in cinnamon oil and eugenol (83%) in clove oil. Moreover, thermogravimetric evaluation showed they were thermally stable, with temperature peak of 232.0 °C for cinnamon and 200.6/234.9 °C for clove oils. Antibacterial activity evaluations of all tested EOs at concentrations from 5–50% (v/v) revealed a concentration of 10% (v/v) to be the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration. The physicochemical analysis of fruits in an in vivo assay indicated that used filter papers doped with 10% (v/v) of cinnamon oil (stuck into the lids of plastic containers) were able to increase the total polyphenols and antioxidant activity in strawberries after four days, with it being easier to preserve strawberries than raspberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional medicine is a reliable source for treating many diseases in Sudan. It is widely recognized in Sudan, as no Sudanese house is devoid of medicinal herbs. The Sudanese people and their historical stock of knowledge are distinguished by their knowledge and the many applications of herbs in treatment. This reference paper aims to collect all the available information about the use of medicinal plants in Sudan to treat disease or prevent it. Sudanese medicinal plants include a variety of plants and there are many medicinal applications for these plants in the world. According to the information reached by the paper, there are many therapeutic medical applications of these plants in the treatment of various bacterial infections, including digestive diseases, malaria, diabetes, rheumatic pain, respiratory diseases, jaundice, urinary tract infections, wounds, cancer and various microbial infections, according to the information reached by the paper. This reference is for a few groups of Sudanese medicinal plants such as tamarind, hibiscus, Acacia nilotica, Combretum hartmannianum, and Guiera senegalensis, etc. This review article also showed that these plants contain many biologically active substances as active ingredients, including flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, stimulants, terpenes, tannins, fatty acids and essential oils. Even though Sudanese people use herbal medicine to treat a wide range of illnesses, more research is needed to show that these plants are safe and effective for people to use. For example, phytochemical analysis, biochemical activity tests and toxicology studies should be done to show that these plants are safe and effective for people to use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds' abundant biologically active compounds make them a suitable primary platform for the production of natural extracts, innovative foods, medicines, and cosmetics. High levels of industrial and agricultural residues and byproducts are generated during the processing of grapes, although some parts can also be repurposed. This paper examines the phytochemical composition, manufacturing processes, and health-improving attributes of many varieties of grape oil derived using various extraction methods. Since the results are influenced by a range of factors, they are expressed differently among studies, and the researchers employ a variety of measuring units, making it difficult to convey the results. The primary topics covered in most papers are grape seed oil's lipophilic fatty acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols. In addition, new methods for extracting grape seed oil should therefore be designed; these methods must be affordable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly in order to increase the oil's quality by extracting bioactive components and thereby increasing its biological activity in order to become part of the overall management of multiple diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In many terrestrial ecosystems, the Apis mellifera species played an essential role, being one of the most beneficial insects worldwide. Bee venom (BV) has the role of protecting the bee colony from predators. Among the pharmacological activities of BV are: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimutagenic, radioprotective and even antiviral activity. The manifestation of the therapeutic potential is due to the bioactive compounds of BV, the main ones being melittin, phospholipase A2 and apamin, but hyaluronidase, mast cell degranulation peptide and secapin are also relevant for bioactivity. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the biotechnological potential, but also the applicability in the medical field as alternative methods to the use of antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The amount of food wasted every year is 1.3 billion metric tonne (MT), out of which 0.5 billion MT is contributed by the fruits processing industries. The waste includes by-products such as peels, pomace and seeds and is a good source of bioactive compounds like phenolic compounds, flavonoids, pectin lipids and dietary fibres. Hence, the purpose of the present study is to review the novel extraction techniques used for the extraction of the bio active compounds from food waste for the selection of suitable extraction method. Design/methodology/approach: Novel extraction techniques such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, pulsed electric field extraction and pressurized liquid extraction have emerged to overcome the drawbacks and constraints of conventional extraction techniques. Hence, this study is focussed on novel extraction techniques, their limitations and optimization for the extraction of bioactive compounds from fruit and vegetable waste. Findings: This study presents a comprehensive review on the novel extraction processes that have been adopted for the extraction of bioactive compounds from food waste. This paper also summarizes bioactive compounds' optimum extraction condition from various food waste using novel extraction techniques. Research limitations/implications: Food waste is rich in bioactive compounds, and its efficient extraction may add value to the food processing industries. Hence, compressive analysis is needed to overcome the problem associated with the extraction and selection of suitable extraction techniques. Social implications: Selection of a suitable extraction method will not only add value to food waste but also reduce waste dumping and the cost of bioactive compounds. Originality/value: This paper presents the research progress on the extraction of bioactive active compounds from food waste using novel extraction techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiotoxicity is one of the worst long-term effects of cancer therapy and doxorubicin is one of the main compounds responsible for cardiovascular complications. There are several biologically active compounds that can alleviate or prevent cardiotoxicity through multiple directions. Therefore, one of the aims of this paper is to emphasize the mechanisms by which several naturally occuring substances can improve the cardiac activity after drug-induced cardiotoxicity. The second part of this paper aims to update the molecular mechanism by which physical exercise and nutrition improve the life of a person with cardiovascular disease. The data collected showed that an active life and following a diet rich in polyphenols, coenzyme Q10, magnesium, may enhance the cardiovascular activity after exposure cu cardiotoxic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit- and vegetable-based products (F&Vs) have been conventionally processed using thermal techniques such as pasteurization, scalding, or/and drying, ensuring microbial safety and/or enzyme deactivation. Among the 13 published papers, three main research topics have been covered: (i) thermal and non-thermal treatments on whole fruits; (ii) thermal and non-thermal treatments on fruit and vegetable byproducts; (iii) thermal and non-thermal treatments on fruit-based products (beverages and purées). UV treatments on whole fruit were shown to induce phytochemicals accumulation, including ascorbic acid, carotenoids, glucosinolates, and, more frequently, phenolic compounds. [Extracted from the article]

This paper presents the plant information included in the eBASIS (BioActive Substances in Foods Information System) database on composition and biological activity of selected bioactive compounds from European plant/mushroom foods with putative beneficial and/or toxic effects. The European Food Information Resource (EuroFIR)-NETTOX Plant List (2007) presents scientific and vernacular names in 15 European languages for around 325 major European plant/mushroom foods and also for different parts of these foods. This list and its predecessor, the NETTOX List of Food Plants, have been used by national food authorities and within the European Union for consideration of plants and mushrooms that have been used to a significant degree up to 1997 and are therefore not covered by the novel food regulation (European Parliament and Council of the European Union, 1997). The species and the plant part studied are insufficiently characterised in many scientific papers. This paper informs about the naming of plants and mushrooms as an aid for scientists who are not botanists or mycologists themselves. Knowledge on scientific names used, including synonyms, may also be important for finding all relevant papers when searching the literature. In many cases, vernacular/trivial names in, for example, English do not uniquely identify the species. Finally, recommendations are given to assist researchers and reviewers of papers dealing with botanical/mycological information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marine environment has remained a source of novel biological molecules with diversified applications. The ecological and biological diversity, along with a unique physical environment, have provided the evolutionary advantage to the plant, animals and microbial species thriving in the marine ecosystem. In light of the fact that marine microorganisms frequently interact symbiotically or mutualistically with higher species including corals, fish, sponges, and algae, this paper intends to examine the potential of marine microorganisms as a niche for marine bacteria. This review aims to analyze and summarize modern literature data on the biotechnological potential of marine fungi and bacteria as producers of a wide range of practically valuable products (surfactants, glyco-and lipopeptides, exopolysaccharides, enzymes, and metabolites with different biological activities: antimicrobial, antitumor, and cytotoxic). Hence, the study on bioactive secondary metabolites from marine microorganisms is the need of the hour. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that for the first time, the data on new resources for obtaining biologically active natural products -- metabolites of marine bacteria and fungi -- were generalized. The review investigates the various kinds of natural products derived from marine microorganisms, specifically focusing on marine bacteria and fungi as a valuable source for new natural products. It provides a summary of the data regarding the antibacterial, antimalarial, anticarcinogenic, antibiofilm, and anti-inflammatory effects demonstrated by marine microorganisms. There is currently a great need for scientific and applied research on bioactive secondary metabolites of marine microorganisms from the standpoint of human and animal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The residues from the fruit sector represent a rich reservoir of nutrients and biologically active compounds with health-promoting properties. Therefore, they should be valorized. The processing of strawberries generates up to several percent of waste and, until now, various methods of reusing them have been proposed that align with sustainable development policies. This study proposes the valorization of defatted strawberry seeds as cosmetic additives. It has been demonstrated that they can serve as a source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant and cytoprotective activity, desirable features in skincare products. Recently, there has been an increased interest in the valorization of byproducts generated during fruit processing. An example of this is the waste produced during the processing of strawberries. For instance, it has been evidenced that strawberries seeds can be a valuable source of oil. The goal of this paper was to investigate the potential of strawberry seed residues after oil extraction (defatted seeds) as a source of phenolics with possible cosmetic applications. The components were recovered using water and ethanol mixture, assisted by heat, ultrasound, and microwave. The extracts were characterized through ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with spectrophotometric and mass detectors (UPLC-DAD-MS), and the biological properties of the phenolic-rich fraction were assessed using antioxidant tests and a cell viability assay on human skin fibroblasts. The study revealed that defatted strawberry seeds are rich in low molecular weight phenolics, specifically in tiliroside, kaempferol 3-glucoside, and ellagic acid. Furthermore, the phenolic-rich fraction was effective in scavenging free radicals in human skin fibroblasts and showed cytoprotective activity against oxidative stress. This evidence suggests that defatted strawberry seeds are a valuable material for further processing to obtain a beneficial additive for skincare products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present review paper focuses on recent developments in edible films and coatings made of base compounds from biological sources, namely plants, animals, algae, and microorganisms. These sources include by-products, residues, and wastes from agro-food industries and sea products that contribute to sustainability concerns. Chitosan, derived from animal biological sources, such as crustacean exoskeletons, has been the most studied base compound over the past three years. Polysaccharides typically constitute no more than 3–5% of the film/coating base solution, with some exceptions, like Arabic gum. Proteins and lipids may be present in higher concentrations, such as zein and beeswax. This review also discusses the enrichment of these bio-based films and coatings with various functional and/or bioactive compounds to confer or enhance their functionalities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-enzymatic properties, as well as physical properties. Whenever possible, a comparative analysis among different formulations was performed. The results of the applications of these edible films and coatings to fruit and vegetable products are also described, including shelf life extension, inhibition of microbial growth, and prevention of oxidation. This review also explores novel types of packaging, such as active and intelligent packaging. The potential health benefits of edible films and coatings, as well as the biodegradability of films, are also discussed. Finally, this review addresses recent innovations in the edible films and coatings industry, including the use of nanotechnologies, aerogels, and probiotics, and provides future perspectives and the challenges that the sector is facing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]