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The citrus processing industry generates around 50% fruit waste, encompassing peels, pulp, seeds, and other residues. Citrus peel, among these by-products, contains significant amounts of bioactive compounds, representing a sustainable and renewable source of phenolics. In this context, the present study was conducted to probe phytochemical profile and antioxidant potency of orange peel extracts. Moreover, the quantification of hesperidin and nobiletin was carried out using HPLC. The extracts were obtained using water and 50% aqueous-methanol and aqueous-ethanol, separately alongside varying time intervals, i.e. 30, 45 and 60 min. The obtained extracts were then investigated for their phytochemical and antioxidant profile. Afterwards, three best treatments, one from each extracts (aqueous-ethanol, methanol, and water), were chosen based on their phytochemical profiling. The phytochemical analyses and in vitro antioxidant assays showed the highest total phenolics (2010 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoids (90 mg/100 g), and flavonols (2.2 mg/100 g) in methanolic extracts obtained at 60 min. Likewise, the highest DPPH (60.55%), antioxidant activity (51.7 %), FRAP (13.6 mg TE/g), and ABTS (7.4 µmol TE/g) were also attributed to methanolic extract of orange peel obtained at 60 min except for antioxidant activity which was obtained at 30 min. Likewise, HPLC analysis depicted maximum content of hesperidin and nobiletin (133.70 and 8.50 mg/g) in methanol extract as compared to ethanol (98.80 and 5.50 mg/g) and water (61.90 and 1.25 mg/g), correspondingly. It was concluded that aqueous-methanol could be used as solvent of choice for isolation of orange peel flavonoids with extraction duration of 60 min. Flavonoid and antioxidant levels in orange peel extracts are significantly influenced by extraction time and solvent type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioactive compounds present in citrus fruits are gaining broader acceptance in oncology. Numerous studies have deciphered naringenin's antioxidant and anticancer potential in human and animal studies. Naringenin (NGE) potentially suppresses cancer progression, thereby improving the health of cancer patients. The pleiotropic anticancer properties of naringenin include inhibition of the synthesis of growth factors and cytokines, inhibition of the cell cycle, and modification of several cellular signaling pathways. As an herbal remedy, naringenin has significant pharmacological properties, such as antiinflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-cancer activities. The inactivation of carcinogens following treatment with pure naringenin, naringenin-loaded nanoparticles, and naringenin combined with anti-cancer agents was demonstrated by data in vitro and in vivo studies. These studies included colon cancer, lung neoplasms, breast cancer, leukemia and lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, prostate tumors, oral squamous cell carcinoma, liver cancer, brain tumors, skin cancer, cervical and ovarian cancers, bladder neoplasms, gastric cancer, and osteosarcoma. The effects of naringenin on processes related to inflammation, apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and invasion in breast cancer are covered in this narrative review, along with its potential to develop novel and secure anticancer medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Kaempferol (3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one), a flavonoid, is richly found in fruits and vegetables. Kaempferol has been proven to reduce tumor cell growth by modulating several pathways and molecular mechanisms, such as causing G0/G1 phase arrest in esophageal cancer, reducing G2/M cell cycle proteins in gastric cancer, inducing apoptosis by Akt/mTOR pathway in pancreatic cancer, causing cell cycle arrest (especially HT-29 human colon cancer cells), and suppressing cell growth by PI3K/mTOR/MMP signaling pathways in liver cancer. The application of nanotechnology has been shown to enhance the efficacy of kaempferol against gastrointestinal cancer. Mechanistic studies showed kaempferol-conjugated nanoparticles inducing oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in liver cancer cells, potentially leading to anti-cancer effects. Notably, kaempferol-conjugated gold nanoclusters have also shown efficacy in reducing tumor volume in vivo. However, there is a lack of research specifically focused on gastrointestinal cancers, highlighting the need for further exploration in this area. In recent years, kaempferol, a natural flavonoid present in various fruits and vegetables, has received significant attention in gastrointestinal cancer research due to its varied therapeutic effects. Kaempferol has been proven to alter several molecular mechanisms and pathways, such as the PI3/Akt, mTOR, and Erk/MAPK pathway involved in cancer progression, showing its inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis, and migration. Kaempferol is processed in the liver and small intestine, but limited bioavailability has been a major concern in the clinical implications of kaempferol. Nano formulations have been proven to enhance kaempferol's efficacy in cancer prevention. The synergy of nanotechnology and kaempferol has shown promising results in in vitro studies, highlighting the importance for more in vivo research and clinical trials to determine safety and efficacy. This review aims to focus on the role of kaempferol in various types of gastrointestinal cancer and how the combination of kaempferol with nanotechnology helps in improving therapeutic efficacy in cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) by‐products (leaves, stems, stalks) (CBP) were successfully utilized in muffins as a model system and their feasibility of incorporation was investigated. CBP powder‐based muffin formulations were made by the progressive replacement of wheat flour (WF) with 10%, 20%, and 30% of CBP. The physicochemical, pasting properties, antioxidant potential, textural characteristics, and sensorial attributes were analyzed. Substitution of CBP significantly (p <.05) resulted in an upsurge in crude protein, crude fiber, minerals, total phenolics, and total flavonoid contents, as well as total antioxidant activity values of muffins. The pasting properties were influenced by monitoring an increase in peak, breakdown, final, and setback viscosities. Although the addition of an increasing amount of CBP improved the nutritional characteristics, however, the increased level of replacement (>10%) had significant adverse effects on baking and physical characteristics. The specific loaf volume of the developed muffins decreased the crumb color which became darker, and enriched muffins were hardened in texture. Furthermore, sensory evaluation confirmed the positive effects of CBP incorporation only up to 10%. Overall, present results highlighted that supplementation of wheat muffins with 10% CBP is a beneficial approach to enrich them with nutrients and intensify their antioxidant potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS-CoV-2 is continually evolving with the emergence of new variants with increased viral pathogenicity. The emergence of heavily mutated Omicron (B.1.1.529) with spike protein mutations are known to mediate its higher transmissibility and immune escape that has brought newer challenges for global public health to contain SARS-CoV-2 infection. One has to come up with a therapeutic strategy against the virus so as to effectively contain the infection and spread. Natural phytochemicals are being considered a significant source of bioactive compounds possessing an antiviral therapeutic potential. Being a promising anticancer and chemo-preventive agent, Silybin holds a significant potential to be used as a therapeutic. In the present study, molecular docking of Silybin with Omicron spike protein (7QNW) was carried out. Molecular docking results showed greater stability of Silybin in the active site of the Omicron spike protein with suitable binding mode of interactions. The study reveals that Silybin has the potential to block the host ACE2 receptor-viral spike protein binding; thereby inhibiting the viral entry to human cells. Therefore, Silybin may be further developed as a medication with the ability to effectively combat SARS-CoV-2 Omicron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and evolution of viruses that cause disease have presented a formidable challenge to contemporary medicine and the global economy, not to mention a catastrophic risk to human health. Almost all of these viruses are zoonotic, meaning they were first identified in animals and then spread to humans. An emerging virus may cause only a few isolated instances, resulting in a limited outbreak, or it may cause widespread infection and spread to other parts of the world, triggering a full-blown epidemic. These kinds of emerging occurrences have occurred frequently and in many different forms during the past few decades. Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the orthopox family that also includes variola, cowpox, and vaccinia. Both animals and humans can get infected by this virus. Similar to smallpox this disease shows less severe rashes and lower mortality rate. The outbreak of monkeypox was declared a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization in July 2022. Unknown mutations and variations are linked to the recent epidemic. Presently, FDA approved tecovirimat, cidofovir and brincidofovir are there in market to treat monkeypox virus. But there are some side effects of these drugs as they are synthetic. So, scientists are working on natural remedies that can be used as alternative to these drugs. In the present study virtual screening of phytochemicals (N-(2-Allylcarbamoyl-4-chloro-phenyl)-3,4-dimethoxy-benzamide, 6-Dimethylaminonaphthene-1-sulfonicacid amide, Oleic Acid and dipentyl ester) from Allophylus serratus were employed against core viral cysteine proteases from monkeypox virus was done. The docking study revealed that selected ligands bind with target viral protein with binding affinity in the range of -5.0 to -6.7 kcal/mol. N-(2-Allylcarbamoyl-4-chloro-phenyl)-3,4-dimethoxy-benzamide showed the highest binding affinity of -6.7 kcal/mol which can be investigated in the future to design potential drugs against monkeypox virus. Thus, this study foresees the possibility of bioactive phytochemicals functioning as template molecules for further experimental evaluation of their efficiency against monkeypox virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroptosis, a novel form of regulated cell death characterized by dependence on iron and lipid peroxidation, has been implicated in a wide range of clinical conditions including neurological diseases, cardiovascular disorders, acute kidney failure, and various types of cancer. Therefore, it is critical to suppress cancer progression and proliferation. Ferroptosis can be triggered in cancer cells and some normal cells by synthetic substances, such as erastin, Ras-selective lethal small molecule-3, or clinical pharmaceuticals. Natural bioactive compounds are traditional drug discovery tools, and some have been therapeutically used as dietary additives or pharmaceutical agents against various malignancies. The fact that natural products have multiple targets and minimal side effects has led to notable advances in anticancer research. Research has indicated that ferroptosis can also be induced by natural compounds during cancer treatment. In this review, we focused on the most recent developments in emerging molecular processes and the significance of ferroptosis in cancer. To provide new perspectives on the future development of ferroptosis-related anticancer medications, we also provide a summary of the implications of natural phytochemicals in triggering ferroptosis through ROS production and ferritinophagy induction in a variety of malignancies. [Display omitted] • Ferroptosis regulates cancer cell death in various carcinomas. • Targeting ferroptosis for cancer therapeutics could be an attractive approach. • Natural compounds induce ferroptosis in different cancer. • Alkaloids, terpenes, phenols, flavonoids, saponin induces ferroptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]