Search

Cassia fistula L. is essential in various traditional medicine applications, ubiquitously silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesis using Cassia flower extracts. Notable results have reported the economic feasibility, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and eco-friendly prospects from medicinal perspectives. The formation of AgNPs was validated through ultraviolet–visible absorbance of the surface resonance band at 408 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the inherent phytochemicals that serve as reductants and stabilizers for AgNPs. X-ray powder diffraction spectra showed crystallinity with a face-centered cubic phase and strongly agreed with the JCPDS file 04–0783. The electron microscopic observations show spherical AgNPs with crystallite size at 50 to 100 nm and the elemental composition was revealed using EDAX analysis. Dynamic light scattering study showed a mean particle size of 58.77 nm and a surface potential zeta of − 24.0 mV, indicating their robustness and adaptability. The AgNPs quenched unstable cationic free radicals on DPPH (60.34%), ABTs (67.79%), and nitric oxide (64.15%), depending on concentration correlatedness. Staphylococcus aureus exhibited a considerable zone of inhibition (16.2 mm), followed by Escherichia coli (11.8 mm) at 250 µg/mL. The lowest MIC and MBC were exhibited against S. aureus, followed by E. coli. FE-SEM analysis revealed that AgNPs triggered structural pathological cellular damage in tested bacterial pathogens. Prominent cytotoxic effects (26.26 µg/mL) against breast carcinoma cells. Fluorescent labeling established apoptosis and necrosis patterns in the treated cells. AgNPs showed photocatalytic efficiency in degrading methylene blue (83.82%) and crystal violet (65.14%) dyes. Hence, the plant-mediated AgNPs show bioactive potentials and environmental implications for future sustainable applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the effects of incorporating amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus, either raw or heat-treated) into broiler diets on growth performance, meat antioxidant capacity, haemato-biochemical parameters, intestinal histomorphometry, and cecal volatile fatty acid profile. A total of 210 male Ross 308 broiler chicks were allocated to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design, with each treatment comprising six replicates of seven birds each. The control group received a diet based on maize and soybean meal, while the remaining dietary groups were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric to the control, with exact levels of 10% and 20% raw or heat-treated amaranth in the diet. Body weight and feed intake were monitored on days 0, 10, 24, and 39 of the study. On day 39, two birds per replicate were randomly selected for blood sampling, followed by slaughtering for further parameter examination. Incorporating A. spinosus up to 20% in broiler diets had no adverse effect on body weight gain compared to the control. However, higher levels of amaranth led to a negative impact on the feed conversion ratio, attributed to increased feed intake. Furthermore, amaranth supplementation did not negatively influence carcass yield or various organ weights, except for the gizzard, which was heavier in the amaranth-fed groups. Notably, amaranth supplementation reduced abdominal fat, enhanced meat antioxidant status, and had no detrimental effects on blood biochemical or hematological indices. Additionally, amaranth feeding resulted in decreased blood triglyceride levels but had no effect on cholesterol levels. While heat treatment of amaranth did not significantly alter the performance of broiler chickens, it enhanced the beneficial effects of amaranth feeding on the histomorphological features of the duodenum and ileum, and increased blood IgG levels. The cecal volatile fatty acid profile remained largely unaffected by amaranth inclusion, although heat-treated amaranth led to increased levels of branched-chain fatty acids and valerate. Overall, the findings suggest A. spinosus as a promising alternative feed ingredient for broilers when included at 10% of the diet. However, further research is needed to investigate the effect of various amaranth species, processing methods and enzyme supplementation on poultry nutrition to expand its inclusion rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dipteryx lacunifera, known as gurguéia nut, is a potential crop for obtaining specialty oils. The processing of gurguéia nut to obtain the oil generates circa 635 g kg−1 of cake, a biomass rich in residual oil. A sequential approach using hydraulic pressing (HP) and supercritical fluid extraction with CO2 (SFE-CO2) has been employed to maximize the oil recovery from gurguéia nut. High contents of β-sitosterol (55.8 mg 100 g−1), stigmasterol (38.6 mg 100 g−1), campesterol (13.9 mg 100 g−1), squalene (668.7 mg 100 g−1), total phenolics (6.1 mg GAE 100 g−1) and antioxidant potential (4.2 mg TE 100 g−1 in FRAP; 5.4% in DPPH; and 54.3% in ILP) were observed in the oil from SFE-CO2 as compared to HP and Soxhlet oils. Significant contents of γ- and α-tocopherol (3.5–4.2, and 18.2–21.5 µg g–1) were found in oils. Oleic (~ 60%), palmitic (9.9–18.9%), and linoleic (11.6–12.9%) were the major fatty acids. As a result, the main triacylglycerols were OOO (23.0–35.5 wt%), POO (13.4–31.3 wt%), and OLO (2.1–15.6 wt%). Thermal analysis revealed two major exothermic events during crystallization and a single peak on melting, also showing that gurguéia oils are liquid at 20 °C. Combining sustainable technologies was useful for valorizing residual biomass from hydraulic pressing to obtaining a high-quality oil with potential uses in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe release of bioactive peptides from proteins can be achieved by enzymatic hydrolysis, whereby mainly commercial enzymes are applied, although increasing attention is focused on alternative proteases. Hence, crude proteases from Bacillus sp. CL14, CL18, and CL33A were investigated to obtain antioxidant hydrolysates from bovine sodium caseinate (NaCAS) and soy protein isolate (SPI). The proteases were able to hydrolyze both substrates. Hydrolysis improved the radical-scavenging, Fe2+-chelating, and reducing power abilities of NaCAS and SPI. Higher antioxidant activities were commonly achieved at 2–3 h of hydrolysis. Overall antioxidant activities were higher for NaCAS hydrolysates produced with CL14 > CL18 > CL33 protease, and for SPI hydrolysates obtained with CL14 > CL33A ∼ CL18 protease. Generation of antioxidant protein hydrolysates suggest applications of enzymes and hydrolysates in food/feed (bio)technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing activity in the textile industry has been demanding the search for new and innovative technologies to meet consumers' needs regarding more sustainable and ecological processes, with functionality receiving more attention. Bee products are known for their wide spectra of properties, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Propolis and honey are the most popular and used since ancient times for the most diverse applications due to their health benefits. With the increasing need for safer and more sustainable practices, the use of natural products for the functional finishing process can be a suitable alternative due to their safety and eco-friendly nature. For that, a biosolution, composed of a mixture of propolis and honey in water, was used to perform the functional finishing of cotton knits, both in the presence and in the absence of potassium alum as a chemical mordant. The fastness strength was also evaluated after three washing cycles. The antioxidant potential of the biosolution, assessed with the in vitro ABTS scavenging assay, provided textiles with the capacity to reduce more than 90% of the ABTS radical, regardless of the mordant presence and even after three washing cycles. Furthermore, biofunctional textiles decreased the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Propionibacterium acnes, Escherichia coli, and, particularly, Staphylococcus aureus cultures after 24 h of incubation with an increase in antibacterial activity when potassium alum was used. These findings show that bee products are promising and effective alternatives to be used in the textile industry to confer antioxidant and antibacterial properties to cotton textiles, thereby enhancing human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents the performance of a small‐scale greenhouse solar dryer (GHSD) to demonstrate hygiene and superiority over traditional methods for medicinal Adulsa and Durva leaves. The GHSD dryer lowered the initial moisture of Adulsa leaves from 73.99% (w.b.) to the final 10.63% (w.b.) under natural and forced convection in 3 and 2.5 h, respectively. Similarly, the initial moisture of Durva leaves was reduced from 67.33% (w.b.) to 11.65% (w.b.) under natural and forced convection in 2.75 and 2.5 h, respectively. Furthermore, mathematical modeling with non‐linear regression was implemented to characterize the drying of Adulsa and Durva leaves, which showed that Midilli–Kucuk and Modified Midilli were the most superior fits for reporting the drying of Adulsa leaves in GHSD and open sun drying, respectively, whereas Verma and Midilli–Kucuk models were superior fits for characterizing the drying of Durva leaves in GHSD and open sun, respectively. Furthermore, the quality of the dried Adulsa and Durva leaves was evaluated, where total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) values were marked higher in the leaves dried by the GHSD as compared to open sun drying for both Adulsa and Durva leaves. Moreover, during antioxidant analysis, the IC50 values among the leaves dried in GHSD were recorded to be greater for the natural convection greenhouse solar dryer (NCGHSD) for both Adulsa and Durva (40.67 and 122.24 μg/mL) compared to open sun drying (101.88 and 158.20 μg/mL). A quality assessment was performed on dried Adulsa and Durva leaf samples, and they exhibited appropriateness for pharmaceutical industry drug production. Practical applications: Greenhouse solar dryer is an eco‐friendly, sustainable, clean, and hygienic way to dry herbs and medicinal plants. The greenhouse solar dryer can shorten the drying time by 50%–60% compared to natural stand in the sun (open sun drying) and improve the quality of the dried herbs, medicinal plants, and reduce the decay rate of the dried products. These leaves can be best suited for Ayurveda medicine industries for herbal powder (Churna). Being an economically advantageous greenhouse solar dryer improves the shelf life of the dried leaves, reduces their density, and lower transportation costs, leading to boost farmers' income in herbal farming and nutritional security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study five different complexes of Cu(II) were synthesized for the purpose of environmentally notorious mercury sensing and preliminary biological screening. Pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylic acid (also known as dipicolinic acid, and abbreviated as H2DPA), 3‐phenyl pyrazole (3‐ppz), 4‐iodo‐1H‐pyrazole (4‐ipz), 4‐nitropyrazole (4‐npz), 4‐bromopyrazole (4‐bpz), and 4‐chloropyrazole (4‐cpz) were chosen as potential ligands. The synthesized complexes labelled as 1–5, namely [Cu(DPA)(3‐ppz)], [Cu(DPA)(4‐ipz)], [Cu(DPA)(4‐npz)], [Cu(DPA)(4‐bpz)], [Cu(DPA)(4‐cpz)], were proposed based on spectroscopic data (FTIR, TGA, and UV‐visible spectroscopy). These complexes feature C=O functionalities that are not involved in coordination and may be used for further applications. The isolated complexes were utilized for detecting Hg(II) ions in water samples. Various concentrations of Hg(II) ions were prepared for detection purposes, and changes in absorption concerning complexes 1–5 were determined using UV‐Visible spectroscopy. It was found that complexes 3 and 4 exhibit efficient sensing abilities towards Hg(II) ions. The antibacterial activities of complexes 1–5 were assessed against S. typhi and E. coli. The complexes 1 and 3 displayed good antibacterial activities against S. typhi (13.67, and 13.56 mm, respectively) while complexes 1, 2 and 4 were found to be efficient against E. coli (11.6, 12.66, 11.31 mm, respectively). The absorption maxima of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryhydrazyl (DPPH) at 517 nm, considerably shifted upon addition of complexes 1–5. The results reveal that the complexes possess potential free radical scavenging abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, UHPLC-HRMS analysis of the defatted methanol extract obtained from Inula salicina L. led to the identification of 58 compounds—hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids and their glycosides, acylquinic and caffeoylhexaric acids, and flavonoids and their glycosides. In addition, a new natural compound, N-(8-methylnepetin)-3-hydroxypiperidin-2-one was isolated and its structure was elucidated by NMR spectroscopy. The presence of a flavoalkaloid in genus Inula is described now for the first time. Chlorogenic acid was the main compound followed by 3,5-, 1,5- and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acids. The methanol extract was studied for its antioxidant potential by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays and sun protective properties. In addition, a study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the tested extract in inhibiting biofilm formation by Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Results from crystal violet tests revealed a notable decrease in biofilm mass due to the extract. The anti-biofilm efficacy was confirmed through the observation of the biofilm viability by live/dead staining. The obtained results showed that this plant extract could be used in the development of cosmetic products with antibacterial and sun protection properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Kombucha is obtained through a symbiosis fermentation of bacteria and yeast, generating a floating film called SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). After a period of use, SCOBY becomes a production waste. Thus, alternative uses of SCOBY can add value to Kombucha production. In this way, this work aimed to produce and evaluate antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents of SCOBY ethanolic extracts, which were obtained by two different solid–liquid extraction with three different waste weight/extractor solvent volume ratios. The SCOBY evaluated had a high concentration of cellulose (9.42 ± 1.00%) and low concentrations of proteins (0.84 ± 0.04%) and lipids (0.29 ± 0.05%). All evaluated extracts showed a high concentration of total phenolics (40.7–64.3 mg GAE/100 g of SCOBY) and high antioxidant activity (ABTS•+, FRAP and ORAC assays). The most efficient extraction of bioactive compounds was obtained by decoction using the highest solvent volume (ratio 1:20). The PCA showed clusters of the samples both by the type of extraction and by the different ratios of the weight of SCOBY to the solvent volume. Of our knowledge, our work is the first in the literature that describes such data. Therefore, the present work showed the possibility of using this industrial waste mainly to obtain active compounds and antioxidants.

ABSTRACTThe present research investigated the effectiveness of cumin and black cumin extracts as natural antioxidants in uncooked chicken nuggets stored at refrigeration temperature (4°C) for 12 days and compared the results with a control treatment. Seven treatments were formulated, including a control group (Tc), T1 (0.5% cumin), T2 (1% cumin), T3 (1.5% cumin), T4 (0.5% black cumin), T5 (1% black cumin), and T6 (1.5% black cumin). The product was evaluated for several physicochemical parameters on days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 of storage. The data was analyzed using a two-way factorial design under a completely randomized (CRD) design. Results showed that both treatments and storage significantly impacted all physicochemical properties, including DPPH, TPC, pH, POV, and TBARS (p 0.05). Sensory evaluation showed that T3 (1.5% cumin) was the most pleasant and preferred treatment. Conclusively, both cumin and black cumin have good antioxidant properties and can be used as natural antioxidants to increase the shelf life of food products.

ABSTRACTFoods with higher bioactive activities are being sought as a potential tool to prevent lifestyle-related disorders. In this context, germinated foods are preferred over conventional foods as they are rich in health promoting moieties. The current research was planned to assess the germination-induced modifications in physicochemical and bioactive profile of black chickpea (Cicer arietinum). For this purpose, black chickpeas (desi) were soaked for 12 h and germinated. The germinated black chickpeas were recovered after 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h of germination, separately, and their physicochemical and antioxidant profiles were studied. The phytochemical profiling of the germinated black chickpea revealed that germination time significantly influenced the chemical composition of black chickpea. It was observed that the phytochemical contents of the germinated chickpeas increased with an increase in germination time. However, the flavonoids such as rutin, luteolin, kaempferol, and quercetin were decreased, but isorhamnetin was increased as the germination time was extended. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity quantified by DPPH and ABTS activity of germinated chickpeas also increased with an increase in germination time. The highest content of DPPH antioxidant activity was observed at the 72 h of germination, while the highest concentration of ABTS was observed at the fourth day of germination. Conclusively, extended germination for 120 h can negatively influence the phytochemical and antioxidant profile of black chickpea, whereas optimum germination for 72 h was found satisfactory.

Introduction: Plastics are rendered as a symbol of this disengagement – a psychological and physical barrier between us and what we consume. People have been involved in preparing and consuming food folds since the 1900s. From the method of making a particular traditional sweet from Atreyapuram, Andhra Pradesh, this study attempted to create folds from ‘Ragi’. The main objective is to create soluble food folds that serve as a versatile bio-packaging unit that is 100% consumable and contributes to zero wastage, which the common womenfolk of community can prepare. Methods: Raw and germinated millets were processed to create edible folds. Subsequently, phytochemical and antioxidant analyses were conducted to evaluate the potential health benefits of the folds. Results and Discussion: Both the folds were relatively compatible to hold the dry contents inside. The highest percentage of scavenging activity is observed for aqueous extract of Germinated ragi fold (G), which scavenged 79.13 % radicals at a 100 μg/ml concentration. The low absorption percentage was expressed by an aqueous extract of Non- Germinated ragi fold (NG), which scavenged 5.22 % radicals at a concentration of 500 μg/ml. However, there is no significant difference between the phytochemical components between folds made from germinated ragi and non-germinated ragi. Conclusion: Edible food folds present a novel strategy for diminishing plastic waste and promoting eco-friendly food habits. Continued research could facilitate widespread acceptance, encouraging a greener approach to food packaging and consumption.

AbstractThe effect of gamma irradiation upon the bioactive potentials of selected Cucurbitaceae seeds commonly known as Char Magaz was investigated. The seeds were irradiated in triplicate at doses of 1, 5, 10, and 20 kGy gamma rays in a cobalt-60 irradiator. These were extracted with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol and the extracts were concentrated by rotary evaporation. The antimicrobial effects of the irradiated and non-irradiated samples against bacterial strains and the fungal strains were assessed by the agar-well diffusion method and the minimal inhibitory concentration technique. The antioxidant activities were determined via 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. The chloroform extract of cucumber seeds exhibited the greatest zone of inhibition (18.0 mm) against S. aureus. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for antibacterial and antifungal activities ranged from 320.0 to 1280 µg/mL, and 0.50 to 16.0 µg/mL, respectively. Seeds exposed up to 10 kGy gamma irradiation increased DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities. Comparatively, all seed extracts showed high antioxidant potentials in the FRAP assay at all doses. The results suggested that gamma irradiation up to 10 kGy enhances bioactivities of the analyzed seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to compare the nutrient composition, antioxidant potential, and polyphenol bioaccessibility of the fruit, leaves, and pomace of black chokeberry. Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant activity, and the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the individual phenolic compounds of fruit, leaves, and pomace of black chokeberry were assessed. Results showed that leaves had a higher content of polyphenols (61.06 mg GAE/g dw), flavonoids (8.47 mg QE/g), and tocopherols (1172.20 mg/kg) than fruit (27.99 mg GAE/g dw polyphenols, 5.23 mg QE/g flavonoids, 38.48 mg/kg tocopherols) and pomace (22.94 mg GAE/g dw polyphenols, 1.89 mg QE/g flavonoids and 157.19 mg/kg tocopherols), with superior in vitro antioxidant activity. Chlorogenic acids were the dominant phenolic compounds in black chokeberry undigested samples (2.713 mg/g in fruit, 17.954 mg/g in leaves, and 1.415 mg/g in pomace) but are poorly absorbed (bioaccessibility index in intestinal phase of 28.84% for fruit, 8.81% for leaves, and 31.90% for pomace). Hydroxybenzoic acids were highly stable in leaves and fruit during simulated digestion and had high bioaccessibility. In conclusion, residues from black chokeberry processing are also valuable sources of bioactive compounds, but the pomace had higher polyphenol bioaccessibility than leaves and might be a promising supplement for the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica campestris (syn. Brassica rapa) is often known as mustard and is grown worldwide owing to its health-promoting characteristics associated with the presence of nutrients and phytochemicals. Along with the nutritional components, B. campestris also contains anti-nutrients (phytates, oxalates, tannins, alkaloids, saponins) that can cause adverse severe health effects to consumers, including rashes, nausea, headaches, bloating and nutritional deficiencies. In the present study, heating (blanching) and fermentation (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) treatments were applied to reduce the load of the anti-nutrients of B. campestris leaves harvested at three different growth stages: the first stage (fourth week), the second stage (sixth week) and the third stage (eighth week). Results revealed that fermentation treatment using Lp. plantarum increases the ash (5.4 to 6%), protein (9 to 10.4%) and fiber (9.6 to 10.7%) contents, whereas moisture (0.91 to 0.82%), fat (9.9 to 9.1%) and carbohydrate (64.5 to 64.2%) contents decreased among B. campestris samples, and the trend was similar for all three stages. Blanching and fermentation lead to the reduction in phytates (46, 42%), saponins (34, 49%), tannins (1, 10%), oxalates (15, 7%) and alkaloids (10, 6%), separately as compared to raw samples of B. campestris leaves. In contrast, fermentation had no considerable effect on phytochemical contents (total phenolic and total flavonoids) and antioxidant potential (DPPH and FRAP). The action of blanching followed by fermentation caused more decline in the aforementioned toxicants load as compared to blanching or fermentation alone. Structural modifications in blanching and the biochemical conversions in fermentation lead to enhanced stability of nutrients and antioxidant potential. Taken together, these findings suggest blanching followed by fermentation treatments as a reliable, cost-effective and safer approach to curtail the anti-nutrient load without affecting the proximate composition, phytochemical attributes and antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the phytochemical composition and the biological activity of the ethanolic extracts obtained from Ajuga reptans L. (Lamiaceae) leaves and roots (growing in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland) were compared. The phytochemical composition of the extracts were determined by the high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC–DAD) method. The dominant compounds in both extracts were verbacoside, isoverbacoside, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and rosmarinic acid. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2'-azobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS) tests. The Folin–Ciocalteu assay was used to determine the total polyphenolic content. Additionally, enzyme (tyrosinase, collagenase) inhibition tests and metal chelating ability were studied to assess the anti-aging properties of the extracts. Moreover, the A. reptans extracts' capacity to absorb the whole range of ultraviolet radiation and high-energy visible (HEV) light was evaluated. The skin irritation test (SIT) EpiDerm was applied to evaluate the safety of the bugle extracts. The noteworthy point is that there is a lack of literature on the assessment of A. reptans root extract activity. Our study is the only one that compares the quantitative composition and biological activity of extracts from the root and leaves of A. reptans. The obtained results indicated that both of the extracts exhibit high antioxidant, chelating and photoprotective activity, but the extract from A. reptans roots showed a higher enzyme inhibition effect for mature skin. The A. reptans root extract, similarly to the leaf extract, could be applied as potentially multi-functional, safe and sensitive cosmetic raw materials, especially in anti-aging and anti-pollution cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, response surface methodology was employed in order to find the most efficient conditions to produce peanut extracts with the highest antioxidative potential (by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC tests) from ultrasound‐assisted (UAE) and microwave‐assisted (MAE) extractions. The optimal conditions for UAE were 75 ml of 30%v/v ethanol as extraction solvent, extraction temperature of 65°C, and 180 min extraction time. Optimal conditions for MAE were 15 ml of 30%v/v ethanol as extraction solvent, extraction temperature of 80°C, and 90 s extraction time. The generated models presented a reliable antioxidative response by showing non‐difference between experimental and predicted values within a 95% confidence level. Characteristics such as antioxidant activities, TPC, resveratrol, and TFC were used to compare the effectiveness of the obtained extracts and the SLE extract from our previous work. The UAE extract displayed higher extraction efficiency than that of MAE in terms of higher levels of all responses (p < 0.05). Slightly lower antioxidant values of MAE might be due to the limited solvent volume used, which was five times less than that of UAE. Moreover, the high efficacy of MAE was confirmed by its extraction time, which was 120 times shorter than that of UAE. Ultimately, the correlation analysis implied that the antioxidant activity of peanut extracts was contributed by TPC rather than resveratrol or TFC, and the revealed TPC in this study was higher than previous reports. This research utilized response surface methodology to determine the optimal conditions for ultrasound‐assisted (UAE) and microwave‐assisted (MAE) extractions of peanut extracts with maximum antioxidative potential. The UAE showed higher extraction efficiency and antioxidant values compared to MAE, with the difference potentially attributed to the difference in solvent volume and extraction time between the two methods. The antioxidant activity was mainly contributed by total phenolic content (TPC), and the TPC observed in this study was higher than previous reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of tolerant mulberry genotypes and elucidation of stress-tolerant mechanisms are two priority areas need to be addressed for sustainable mulberry leaf production. In the present study, 16 mulberry genotypes were evaluated under at low (75% FC), medium (50% FC), and high moisture stress (25% FC) conditions along with well-irrigated plants (100% FC) and measured the photosynthetic efficiency and antioxidant potential. In well-irrigated plants, photosynthetic rate was high in S13 (16.45 µmol/m2/s), Mysore Local, RC2, and AGB8 (13.62–16 µmol/m2/s). All genotypes showed a gradual decline in photosynthetic rate during the progression of moisture stress (low to high stress). MSG2, AGB8, RC1, RC2, and Nagalur Estate showed high photosynthetic rate (7.45–10.15 µmol/m2/s) under high moisture stress, whereas low photosynthetic rate was recorded in Mysore Local (3.46 µmol/m2/s) and K2 (3.50 µmol/m2/s). All tolerant genotypes showed higher activities of SOD (104.25–122.44 Units/g) and POX (25.61–33.73 Units/g) activities under high moisture stress. Bundi-3, S34, RC2, and AGB8 showed higher SOD activity and low enzyme activity was observed in K2. Non-enzymatic antioxidants and osmolytes were high in moisture stress-tolerant genotypes. This study identified that high photosynthetic rate is one of the important physiological indicator for moisture stress tolerance in mulberry. Also higher activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and POX), presence of high quantity of non-enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbic acids, reduced glutathione, and phenols), and accumulation of osmolytes (proline and glycine betaine) are identified as stress tolerance biochemical markers in mulberry genotypes. Evaluation Index (EI) value was calculated and genotypes suitable for well-irrigated condition as well as for low, medium, and high moisture stress conditions were identified based on EI values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malt is a natural additive to bread in amounts below 1%. However, there is a lack of research on supplementing bread with a larger dose of malt. The study aimed to evaluate the partial replacement of wheat flour with oat flour (10%) with/without the addition of malted oat flour (0.6%) and scalded malt flour (10%) on the technological and health-promoting quality of bread. At the dough preparation stage, the malted flour was scalded. The dough was prepared using the single-phase method, and laboratory baked goods were prepared using a standard baking test for pan bread. It was found that the preparation of the dough by the preliminary scalding of malt flour resulted in an improvement in the bread volume and a lower increase in crumb hardness during 2-day storage, i.e., delayed staling, compared to the control bread. Replacing wheat flour with 10% oat flour contributed to an increase in the dietary fiber content of bread and a decrease in its energy value. The measurable effect of adding 10% scalded oat malt flour to bread was a 1.5-fold increase in the total polyphenols content and an almost 2.5-fold increase in antioxidant activity compared to bread supplemented with oat flour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schisandra henryi is an endemic species of medicinal potential known from traditional Chinese medicine. As part of this study, a complex biotechnological and phytochemical assessment was conducted on S. henryi with a focus on phenolic compounds and antioxidant profiling. The following in vitro cultures were tested: microshoot agar and callus, microshoot agitated, and suspension, along with the microshoot culture in PlantForm bioreactors. Qualitative profiling was performed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector coupled with ion-trap mass spectrophotometry with electrospray ionization and then quantitative analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector using standards. In the extracts, mainly the compounds from procyanidins were identified as well as phenolic acids (neochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid) and catechin. The highest content of phenolic compounds was found for in vitro agar microshoot culture (max. total content 229.87 mg/100 g DW) and agitated culture (max. total content 22.82 mg/100 g DW). The max. TPC measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay was equal to 1240.51 mg GAE/100 g DW (agar microshoot culture). The extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant potential by the DPPH, FRAP, and chelate iron ion assays. The highest potential was indicated for agar microshoot culture (90% of inhibition and 59.31 nM/L TEAC, respectively). The research conducted on the polyphenol profiling and antioxidant potential of S. henryi in vitro culture extracts indicates the high therapeutic potential of this species. Key points: • Different types of S. henryi in vitro cultures were compared for the first time. • The S. henryi in vitro culture strong antioxidant potential was determined for the first time. • The polyphenol profiling of different types of S. henryi in vitro cultures was shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This is first study to evaluate the Moringa oleifera cultivars and landraces collected from the different geographical regions of Indian subcontinent for nutritional values, bioactive compounds, antioxidant potential and mineral profiling under subtropical climatic conditions of North-western India where summers and winter are so severe and wide fluctuation in weather is huge. Combination of these adapted accessions could be used in genetic improvement for nutritive values as a climate-smart crop. • Significantly (P < 0.01) high crude protein, fibre and fats, total energy, carotenoids, antioxidant activity, tannins, saponins and almost all elements except Cu and Zn were observed in mature leaves. However, tender leaves were found best for carbohydrates, soluble sugars, and FRAP. Significantly higher protein and fibre were analyzed in S12; fats, carbohydrates and total energy in S14 genotype. Huge variations were observed for bioactive compounds and minerals. Among the genotypes assessed, S6 (tender leaves) and S2 (mature leaves) exhibited more balanced nutritional profile. • Relevance of nutritional variability of Moringa oleifera for determining the aptitude as a source of nutrients, antioxidant activity, bioactive molecules and essential elements, can provide a reference for growers to choose best moringa cultivar and generating raw material for manufacturing of value-added products and thus, the intelligent combination of tender and mature leaves in specific proportions may contribute to providing health benefits due to their potential immune-boosting effect and fortifying the foods. The study aimed to determine the effect of leaf maturity on nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, minerals and antioxidant activity in fourteen genotypes of Moringa oleifera grown in the subtropical climate of north-western India. Significantly (p ≤ 0.01) high protein, fibre, carotenoids, antioxidant activity, tannins, saponins and almost all essential elements except Copper and Zinc were observed in the mature leaf stage. However, tender leaves were found the best for carbohydrates, sugars, phenols and flavonoids. The elevated antioxidant capacity shown by the Ferric-reducing antioxidant power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl free radical scavenging techniques was directly correlated with the elevated phenolic compound concentration. Significantly higher protein and fibre were analyzed in S12; fats, carbohydrates and total energy in S14 genotype. Huge variations were observed for bioactive compounds and minerals. Among the genotypes assessed, S6 (tender leaves) and S2 (mature leaves) exhibited a more balanced nutritional profile. Thus, these findings confirm the relevance of nutritional quality of M. oleifera in assessing its suitability as a source of nutrients, antioxidants, bioactive ingredients and minerals, can provide a reference for growers to choose the best cultivar and judicious mixing of tender and mature leaves in certain proportions can produce raw materials for the production of value-added goods, and because of their possible immune-boosting effects, they may also contribute to giving health advantages and fortifying foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, a clear interest has been given to berries due to their richness in active metabolites, including anthocyanins and non-coloured phenolics. Therefore, the main aim of the present work is to investigate the phenolic profile, antioxidant abilities, and antiproliferative effects on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) and human colon carcinoma cell line (Caco-2) cells of phenolic-rich extracts from three red fruits highly appreciated by consumers: two species of blackberries (Rubus fruticosus and Rubus ulmifolius) and one species of mulberry (Morus nigra). A total of 19 different phenolics were identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn and HPLC-DAD, respectively. Focusing on the biological potential of the phenolic-rich extracts, all of them revealed notable scavenging abilities. Concerning the antiproliferative properties, R. fruticosus presented a cytotoxic selectivity for Caco-2 cells compared to NHDF cells. To deeper explore the biological potential, combinations with positive controls (ascorbic acid and 5-fluorouracil) were also conducted. Finally, the obtained data are another piece of evidence that the combination of phenolic-rich extracts from natural plants with positive controls may reduce clinical therapy costs and the possible toxicity of chemical drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propolis, a bee product, is known for its variability of chemical and bioactive profiles. However, Portuguese propolis from Gerês, normally obtained by mixing propolis from three places—Bugalho, Felgueiras and Toutelo—has shown similar chemical and biological profiles over the years. Recently, a new propolis place—Roca—was added to the apiary to replace Bugalho, lost to the 2017 wildfires, hence questioning the previously claimed constancy of Gerês propolis. To unravel to what extent the beehive relocation affected this constancy, we studied different Gerês propolis samples collected in three consecutive years (2017–2019) composed of different combinations of source places. Two honey samples, collected before (2017) and after (2018) the occurrence of the wildfire, were also investigated. Total phenolics, flavonoids and ortho-diphenols contents were determined and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were evaluated, using the DPPH assay and the agar dilution method, respectively. Although both antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were generally in the ranges usually obtained from Gerês propolis, some variations were detected for the samples, with different compositions when compared to previous years. This work reinforces the importance of the consistency of a combination of several factors for the protection and preservation of the flora near the hives, providing bee products with more constant chemical and biological profiles over the years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Plastics are rendered as a symbol of this disengagement – a psychological and physical barrier between us and what we consume. People have been involved in preparing and consuming food folds since the 1900s. From the method of making a particular traditional sweet from Atreyapuram, Andhra Pradesh, this study attempted to create folds from ‘Ragi’. The main objective is to create soluble food folds that serve as a versatile bio-packaging unit that is 100% consumable and contributes to zero wastage, which the common womenfolk of community can prepare. Methods: Raw and germinated millets were processed to create edible folds. Subsequently, phytochemical and antioxidant analyses were conducted to evaluate the potential health benefits of the folds. Results and Discussion: Both the folds were relatively compatible to hold the dry contents inside. The highest percentage of scavenging activity is observed for aqueous extract of Germinated ragi fold (G), which scavenged 79.13 % radicals at a 100 μg/ml concentration. The low absorption percentage was expressed by an aqueous extract of Non- Germinated ragi fold (NG), which scavenged 5.22 % radicals at a concentration of 500 μg/ml. However, there is no significant difference between the phytochemical components between folds made from germinated ragi and non-germinated ragi. Conclusion: Edible food folds present a novel strategy for diminishing plastic waste and promoting eco-friendly food habits. Continued research could facilitate widespread acceptance, encouraging a greener approach to food packaging and consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plant extracts represent one of the largest categories of topical actives in the marketplace today due to the increasing consumer demand for natural products. Regarding the traditional application of Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris L., Rosaceae) in dermatological disorders, the aim of this study was to investigate its skin safety and efficacy as anti-irritant topical active incorporated into emulsion vehicle, and possible connection to the chemical composition of the extract. The total phenols, tannins and flavonoids content of leaf ethanol extract were determined. HPLC analysis revealed the significant presence of ellagic acid and its derivatives and quercetin derivatives. Further, we investigated the effects of creams formulated with chemically characterised A. vulgaris extract containing the natural alkyl polyglucoside (APG) emulsifier on skin. The safety and efficacy of creams was assessed estimating their antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo safety. Then, in vivo sodium lauryl sulfate test was applied on artificially irritated skin of human volunteers. Lady’s mantle extract per se showed satisfying lipid peroxidation inhibition potential. Creams based on APG emulsifiers with investigated extract showed significant anti-irritant effect in an in vivo double blind randomised study, and safety, suggesting that it could be used in anti-irritant topical phytopharmaceutical emulsions which protect skin against damage caused by free radicals and reactive oxygen species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present research work was to investigate the variation in nutritional potential, phenolic profile, antioxidant, and free radical scavenging activities of four wildly grown accessions of Cucumis melo var. Agrestis. The accessions of Cucumis melo var. Agrestis were collected from different areas of the district Faisalabad and Layyah of Punjab province (Pakistan). Mineral profile and amino acid analysis were examined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and an amino acid analyzer. High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for the separation and quantification of polyphenols from chloroform and methanol fractions of Cucumis melo. ICP-OES was used for quantitative and qualitative evaluation of elements, and results showed that magnesium (533.6–663.2 ppm) and iron (308.1–590.8 ppm) were the most abundant minerals. Amino acids analyzer showed that valine (0.03–45.58 mmol/L) and taurine (0.03–2.34 mmol/L) were present in the highest concentration. The methanol extract yield of the accessions was in the range of 14.00–17.03 g/100 g of plant material. HPLC analysis showed the detection of eleven phenolic compounds, and the most abundant compound was chlorogenic acid (1120.53–1237.52 µg/g), followed by gallic acid (188.14–930.74 µg/g) and vanillic acid (6.35–298.81 µg/g). Chloroform and methanol fractions were analyzed for antioxidant activity, and results showed that all the fractions were rich in total phenolic content (TPC) (26.6–112.00 mg/100 g) and total flavonoid content (TFC) (20.5–77.9 mg/100 g). Methanol fraction of accession-1 showed the best free radical scavenging capacity (82.2 %) and % inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation activity (84.4 %) than other fractions. Statistical analysis revealed significant variation among the nutritional potential and antioxidant activity of all the accessions.

Abstract This research explores the eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Cassia occidentalis L. seed extract. Various analytical techniques, including UV–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), were employed for comprehensive characterization. The UV–visible spectra revealed a distinct peak at 425 nm, while the seed extract exhibited peaks at 220 and 248 nm, indicating the presence of polyphenols and phytochemicals. High-resolution TEM unveiled spherical and oval-shaped AgNPs with diameters ranging from 6.44 to 28.50 nm. The SEM exhibiting a spherical shape and a polydisperse nature, thus providing insights into the morphology of the AgNPs. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of silver atoms at 10.01% in the sample. XRD results unequivocally confirm the crystalline nature of the AgNPs suspension, thereby providing valuable insights into their structural characteristics and purity. The antioxidant properties of AgNPs, C. occidentalis seed extract, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were assessed, revealing IC50 values of 345, 500, and 434 μg/mL, respectively. Antibacterial evaluation against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli demonstrated heightened sensitivity of bacteria to AgNPs compared to AgNO3. Standard antibiotics, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin, acting as positive controls, exhibited substantial antibacterial efficacy. The green-synthesized AgNPs displayed potent antibacterial activity, suggesting their potential as a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics for combating pathogenic bacterial infections. Furthermore, potential biomedical applications of AgNPs were thoroughly discussed.

Medicinal plants are a major source of numerous therapeutic agents, and the emergence of pathogenic bacteria has rekindled interest in traditional medicine systems as an alternative approach to overcoming resistance. The dried plant material of four medicinal plants, namely Terminalia arjuna (bark), Terminalia bellirica (fruit), Aegle marmelos (leaves), and Bacopa monnieri (leaves), was powdered, and aqueous extracts were prepared. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was evaluated against three clinically important strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli 385. As E. coli 385 was resistant to the broadest spectrum of antibiotics tested, it was classified as (MDR multi-drug resistant). E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Mycobacterium smegmatis (MTTC), and Vibrio alginolyticus (ATCC) were also assessed using the agar well diffusion method for zones of inhibition and minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC). Clinically important strains were found to be sensitive to the aqueous extract of T. bellerica (19.51 ± 0.61 mm) with MICs ranging from 0.31 to 0.62 mg/ml. The MDR strain was also sensitive to Bellirica monnieri (16.10 ± 0.31 mm) aqueous extract. To determine the potential for a wide range of applications, the antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The T. arjuna plant extract exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity with the lowest EC50 values for DPPH (1.15 ± 0.061 mg/ml) and ABTS (1.02 ± 0.07 mg/ml). The plant extracts were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and LC-MS/MS.

Abstract Plant extracts are actively being used worldwide due to the presence of biologically active constituents helping in the preservation of food, and to aid against various diseases owing to their antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. The present research work was carried out to investigate the phytochemical constituents, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant activity of different extracted samples of Euphorbia parviflora. Anti-microbial studies were carried out by Agar well diffusion while the DPPH method was employed for investigating anti-oxidant activity. Three samples from methanol, chloroform, and ethyl acetate extract were tested against five different bacterial strains comprising two species from Gram-negative bacteria i.e., Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and three species from Gram-positive bacteria i.e. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia along two fungal strains i.e. Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The results of the qualitative phytochemical analysis showed that methanolic, chloroformic, and ethylacetate extract of Euphorbia parviflora consist of alkaloids, reducing sugars, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and saponins. The total phenol and flavonoid content of E. parviflora showed that the methanolic extract of E. parviflora had a significantly higher total phenolic content (53.73 ± 0.30 mg of GAE/g) and flavonoid content (44.62 ± 0.38 mg of than other extracts. The content of total phenolic and flavonoids was more in methanolic extract as compared to other extracts of E. prolifera. The HPLC analysis showed that in the chloroform extract of E. parviflora Cinnamic acid (4.32 ± 2.89 mg/g) was dominant, in methanol extract quercetin (3.42 ± 2.89 mg/g) was dominant and in ethyl acetate extract of E. parviflora catechin (4.44 ± 2.89 mg/g) was found dominant. The antimicrobial activity revealed that amongst all the extracts the highest antibacterial activity was shown by methanolic extract against B. subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus as compared to the other extracts. The antioxidant activity revealed that methanolic extract of E. parviflora demonstrated higher antioxidant activity (82.42 ± 0.02) followed by chloroform extract (76.48 ± 0.08) at 150 µg/mL. The aim of this study was primarily to evaluate the potential of this plant as a reliable source of antimicrobials and antioxidants that may be used for the treatment of various infectious diseases in the future. The study provides evidence that this plant can act as a reliable source of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents and might be used against several infectious diseases.

Chemical compounds of Brachyotum naudinii Triana flowers were analyzed using UHPLC-MS/MS. Anthocyanin dry extract was obtained by accelerated solvent extraction with 70% ethanol acidified with citric acid (pH 3.18) and then spray dried. Preliminary toxicity of anthocyanin extract was evaluated using Artemia salina Leach, while its antioxidant capacity was measured by DPPH• and ABTS•+ methods, and reducing capacity was assessed using FRAP assay. Results showed the flowers comprise 39% tannins, 21% flavonol glycosides, 14% organic acids, 11% anthocyanins, 7% coumaric acid derivatives, 4% polar lipids, and 4% disaccharides. Anthocyanin extract exhibited moderate toxicity against Artemia salina (LC50 = 106.9 ± 9.9 µg mL−1) and showed inhibitory effects on DPPH• and ABTS•+ radicals, as well as reducing capacity in FRAP assay, though statistically different from Trolox (p < 0.05). The flowers have demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and are a source of novel anthocyanin compounds with antioxidant potential.

The integration of nanoparticles (NPs) into agriculture is altering traditional methods, enhancing productivity and sustainability. This study explores the application of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) to mitigate salt-alkaline stress in cherry tomatoes. We investigated FeONPs at three concentrations (FeONP25, FeONP50, FeONP100 mg/kg soil) in pot experiments under non-stress (NS) and salt-alkaline stress (SAS) conditions. SAS conditions decreased biomass and nutrients in untreated plants, a trend reversed by FeONPs. FeONPs treatments significantly boosted pigment levels under SAS, thereby increasing chlorophyll a (10.65–43.05%), chlorophyll b (7.19–41.33%), total chlorophyll (9.84–42.49%), and carotenoids (8.97–36.09%) compared to the control. FeONPs also reduced NPQ under stress, indicating enhanced photosynthetic efficiency. Oxidative stress markers (H2O2, O₂−, and MDA) were strongly induced in control plants but significantly declined with FeONPs treatments. Antioxidants and osmoregulatory substances significantly improved with FeONPs, thereby demonstrating their potential to alleviate SAS in cherry tomato plants.

This research explores the eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Cassia occidentalis L. seed extract. Various analytical techniques, including UV–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), were employed for comprehensive characterization. The UV–visible spectra revealed a distinct peak at 425 nm, while the seed extract exhibited peaks at 220 and 248 nm, indicating the presence of polyphenols and phytochemicals. High-resolution TEM unveiled spherical and oval-shaped AgNPs with diameters ranging from 6.44 to 28.50 nm. The SEM exhibiting a spherical shape and a polydisperse nature, thus providing insights into the morphology of the AgNPs. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of silver atoms at 10.01% in the sample. XRD results unequivocally confirm the crystalline nature of the AgNPs suspension, thereby providing valuable insights into their structural characteristics and purity. The antioxidant properties of AgNPs, C. occidentalis seed extract, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were assessed, revealing IC50 values of 345, 500, and 434 μg/mL, respectively. Antibacterial evaluation against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli demonstrated heightened sensitivity of bacteria to AgNPs compared to AgNO3. Standard antibiotics, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin, acting as positive controls, exhibited substantial antibacterial efficacy. The green-synthesized AgNPs displayed potent antibacterial activity, suggesting their potential as a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics for combating pathogenic bacterial infections. Furthermore, potential biomedical applications of AgNPs were thoroughly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant extracts are actively being used worldwide due to the presence of biologically active constituents helping in the preservation of food, and to aid against various diseases owing to their antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. The present research work was carried out to investigate the phytochemical constituents, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant activity of different extracted samples of Euphorbia parviflora. Anti-microbial studies were carried out by Agar well diffusion while the DPPH method was employed for investigating anti-oxidant activity. Three samples from methanol, chloroform, and ethyl acetate extract were tested against five different bacterial strains comprising two species from Gram-negative bacteria i.e., Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and three species from Gram-positive bacteria i.e. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia along two fungal strains i.e. Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The results of the qualitative phytochemical analysis showed that methanolic, chloroformic, and ethylacetate extract of Euphorbia parviflora consist of alkaloids, reducing sugars, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and saponins. The total phenol and flavonoid content of E. parviflora showed that the methanolic extract of E. parviflora had a significantly higher total phenolic content (53.73 ± 0.30 mg of GAE/g) and flavonoid content (44.62 ± 0.38 mg of than other extracts. The content of total phenolic and flavonoids was more in methanolic extract as compared to other extracts of E. prolifera. The HPLC analysis showed that in the chloroform extract of E. parviflora Cinnamic acid (4.32 ± 2.89 mg/g) was dominant, in methanol extract quercetin (3.42 ± 2.89 mg/g) was dominant and in ethyl acetate extract of E. parviflora catechin (4.44 ± 2.89 mg/g) was found dominant. The antimicrobial activity revealed that amongst all the extracts the highest antibacterial activity was shown by methanolic extract against B. subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus as compared to the other extracts. The antioxidant activity revealed that methanolic extract of E. parviflora demonstrated higher antioxidant activity (82.42 ± 0.02) followed by chloroform extract (76.48 ± 0.08) at 150 µg/mL. The aim of this study was primarily to evaluate the potential of this plant as a reliable source of antimicrobials and antioxidants that may be used for the treatment of various infectious diseases in the future. The study provides evidence that this plant can act as a reliable source of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents and might be used against several infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matteuccia struthiopteris is one of the most globally consumed edible ferns and widely used in folk medicine. Reports mainly focus on young fronds and the rhizome which are common edible medicinal parts. However, there are few detailed reports on other parts. Therefore, the volatile components of different parts based on HS-SPME-GC-MS were identified, and total flavonoid contents, antioxidant activities and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities were compared in order to reveal the difference of volatile components and potential medicinal value of different parts. The results showed that total flavonoid contents, antioxidant activities and volatile components of different parts were obviously different. The crozier exhibited the strongest antioxidant activities, but only underground parts exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition potential against AChE. Common volatile compounds were furfural and 2-furancarboxaldehyde, 5-methyl-. In addition, it was found that some volatile components from adventitious root, trophophyll, sporophyll and petiole were important ingredients in food, cosmetics, industrial manufacturing and pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sponges from the Clathria genus, especially those from Derawan Island, Indonesia, are renowned repositories of microbial symbionts enriched with potent bioactive compounds. Our study delved into these sponges, extracting and examining their bacterial symbionts for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and enzymatic activities. Using dilution and streak methods, 23 distinct bacterial types were isolated and identified based on cellular morphology. Among these, the SC-06 isolate demonstrated significant antibacterial capabilities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Further, isolates SC-01, SC-03, SC-11, SC-13, and SC-15 exhibited powerful antioxidant properties, neutralizing over 50% of radicals. Additionally, strains SC-08, SC-02, SC-05, and SC-22 displayed remarkable enzymatic activities, suggesting their potential industrial applications. The Clathria sp. sponges from Derawan offer a promising biotechnological frontier, with their bacterial symbionts poised to redefine marine biotech innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants are a major source of numerous therapeutic agents, and the emergence of pathogenic bacteria has rekindled interest in traditional medicine systems as an alternative approach to overcoming resistance. The dried plant material of four medicinal plants, namely Terminalia arjuna (bark), Terminalia bellirica (fruit), Aegle marmelos (leaves), and Bacopa monnieri (leaves), was powdered, and aqueous extracts were prepared. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was evaluated against three clinically important strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli 385. As E. coli 385 was resistant to the broadest spectrum of antibiotics tested, it was classified as (MDR multi-drug resistant). E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Mycobacterium smegmatis (MTTC), and Vibrio alginolyticus (ATCC) were also assessed using the agar well diffusion method for zones of inhibition and minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC). Clinically important strains were found to be sensitive to the aqueous extract of T. bellerica (19.51 ± 0.61 mm) with MICs ranging from 0.31 to 0.62 mg/ml. The MDR strain was also sensitive to Bellirica monnieri (16.10 ± 0.31 mm) aqueous extract. To determine the potential for a wide range of applications, the antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The T. arjuna plant extract exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity with the lowest EC50 values for DPPH (1.15 ± 0.061 mg/ml) and ABTS (1.02 ± 0.07 mg/ml). The plant extracts were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and LC-MS/MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of obesity increases alarmingly every year mostly due to external factors such as high-fat and high-refined sugar intake associated with a sedentary lifestyle. It triggers metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, hyperlipemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of a combined intervention with caloric restriction, nutraceutical intake, and a mixed training protocol on oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut dysbiosis derived from the development of obesity in a C57BL6/J mouse experimental model of diet-induced obesity (4.6 Kcal/g diet, 45% Kcal as fat, and 20% fructose in the drinking fluid). The nutraceutical was formulated with ethanolic extracts of Argania spinosa pulp (10%) and Camelina sativa seeds (10%) and with protein hydrolysates from Psoralea corylifolia seeds (40%) and Spirodela polyrhiza whole plants (40%). The combination of nutraceutical and exercise decreased the animals' body weights and inflammatory markers (TNFα, IL-6, and resistin) in plasma, while increasing gene expression of cat, sod2, gsta2, and nqo1 in the liver. Obese animals showed lower β-diversity of microbiota and a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio vs. normocaloric controls that were reversed by all interventions implemented. Dietary inclusion of a nutraceutical with high antioxidant potential combined with an exercise protocol can be beneficial for bodyweight control and improvement of metabolic status in patients undergoing obesity treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present investigation was to obtain 12 aqueous extracts and 1 oil from Pistacia atlantica Desf. subsp. atlantica specimens. The samples differed for processed plant organs (i.e., roots, buds, and fruits), gender and geographical station of the collected trees. Total phenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins were determined, revealing that bud extracts exhibited the highest phenolic content (386.785 ± 16.227 mg GAE/g DM), followed by fruit and root preparations. Similar results were detected for flavonoids and tannins, whose quantitation ranged from 0.014 ± 0.005 to 74.780 ± 9.724 mg CE/g DM and from 0.037 ± 0.003 to 14.793 ± 0.821 mg CE/g DM, respectively. The biochemical profile of the extracts was further characterized by HPLC-DAD, in terms of specific phenolics. This analysis identified gallic acid as a typical metabolite for ripe fruit, while hydroxytyrosol for female roots and male buds. In parallel, P. atlantica fruit oil was profiled by GC-MS analysis, which detected 37 lipophilic components, including palmitic acid (the major component, ~55%), anacardol, tetradecanol, arachidic acid, squalene, and some terpenes. The samples revealed interesting antioxidant activity, with EC50 values ranging from 0.073 ± 0.001 to 193.594 ± 28.942 mg/mL and from 0.029 ± 0.001 to 103.086 ± 20.540 mg/mL, in that order, for DPPH and reducing power assays. Concerning the total antioxidant capacity, the results ranged from 0.053 ± 0.008 to 51.648 ± 1.659 mg AAE/g DM. Finally, the antimicrobial potential of the plant extracts was estimated against 7 bacterial species and 2 fungal strains, known to be human pathogens, demonstrating a good antibiotic effect for the bud extracts. All these findings strongly suggest that P. atlantica would represent a natural reservoir for novel additives to be used in therapeutic, food, and cosmetic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ficus palmata Forssk (Moraceae) and Calotropis procera (Aiton) Dryand (Asclepidaceae) are medicinally important plants. Traditionally, Ficus palmata Forssk is well known to cure gastric and diabetic problems. Both plants are found useful in the treatment of cancerous complications and skin eruptions. The present study was aimed to assess bioactivities of selected plants. Cytotoxicity (brine shrimp lethality assay), antioxidant (ABTS, DPPH, phosphomolybdate and reducing power assay), antimicrobial (disc diffusion method) and phytochemical screening was performed to analyze their activities. Crude extract of leaves and fruit of both plants was prepared in two polar solvents, i.e. methanol and chloroform. Significant cytotoxic potential was shown by fruit of both plants with LD50 values of 80.34 and 93.83 µg/mL by Calotropis procera (Aiton) Dryand methanolic extract and F. palmata chloroform extract, respectively. Methanol extracts of leaves of both plants revealed significant antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activity. F. palmata leaves methanol extract showed strong antioxidant activity among the tested samples and the LC50 values were 10.39, 14.63 and 19.28 µg/mL in phosphomolybdate, ABTS and DPPH assays, respectively. Promising microbial growth inhibition was observed at 25 µg/mL. The observed bioactivities are consistent with the presence of valuable phytochemicals: alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides and saponins. Due to the strong antibacterial, cytotoxic and antioxidant potential endowed by selected plant extracts, these are supposed to be potential candidates for biopharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Further work explicating the structural details and isolation of phytochemicals from selected plant species would be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cutting-edge field of nanomedicine combines the power of medicinal plants with nanotechnology to create advanced scaffolds that boast improved bioavailability, biodistribution, and controlled release. In an innovative approach to performant herb nanoproducts, Sideritis scardica Griseb and clinoptilolite were used to benefit from the combined action of both components and enhance the phytochemical's bioavailability, controlled intake, and targeted release. A range of analytical methods, such as SEM-EDX, FT-IR, DLS, and XDR, was employed to examine the morpho-structural features of the nanoproducts. Additionally, thermal stability, antioxidant screening, and in vitro release were investigated. Chemical screening of Sideritis scardica Griseb revealed that it contains a total of ninety-one phytoconstituents from ten chemical categories, including terpenoids, flavonoids, amino acids, phenylethanoid glycosides, phenolic acids, fatty acids, iridoids, sterols, nucleosides, and miscellaneous. The study findings suggest the potential applications as a promising aspirant in neurodegenerative strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The technological process of wine production affects its chemical composition and consequently its organoleptic properties. Therefore, innovative technologies in wine production are of great importance in the competitive wine market. The maturation of wine in underwater springs is a novel technological process that, except for adding an attractive appearance to the wine bottle, potentially influences the wine's chemical composition. Herein, we performed total phenolic and flavonoid content analysis, phenolic profiling, and determined antioxidant potential for Malvasia white wines matured in traditional cellars and in the Northern Adriatic underwater springs. The antioxidant potential and total phenol and flavonoid content did not show significant differences between the two wine maturation processes. However, LC–MS/MS quantitative analysis showed that wines matured in the underwater springs had significantly increased concentrations of naringenin and myricetin. Despite the lack of a significant difference in chemical composition measured by less sensitive spectrophotometric methods, the quantitative differences of phenolic compounds were persistent and, as such, are a stimulus for further development and optimization of new wine production technologies including wine maturation in underwater springs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiments reported in this research paper aimed to evaluate the physico-chemical and sensory characteristics, microbial quality and antioxidant potential of goat's milk paneer during storage (0–12 d, 4 ± 1°C). The juices from five different citrus fruits were used as coagulant (treatments) to make goat's milk paneer. The pH of all paneer samples decreased during storage whereas titratable acidity increased. Ash (%) fat (%) and protein (%) of paneer increased slightly during storage, whereas sensory perception decreased. The juices from all the citrus fruit varieties showed high contents of total phenolics and total flavonoids which ultimately influenced ferric reducing antioxidant power, total antioxidant capacity and radical scavenging activities. As the contents of different juices were also retained in the paneer matrix, so paneer coagulated with citrus juices also showed encouraging results in terms of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, ferric reducing antioxidant power and radical scavenging activities. Amongst all the paneers, the most promising was that coagulated by kinnow juice. In addition, the whey obtained from paneer coagulated by citrus juices also showed appreciable quantities of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, thereby beneficially influencing ferric reducing antioxidant power andradical scavenging activities. It is concluded that citrus juices improve the sensorial quality and antioxidant potential of goat's milk paneer and its whey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the impact of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and sodium-ferrous-citrate supplementation on aerobic capacity and redox balance through a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Fourteen healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to Pla + ALA (4-week placebo followed by 4-week 5-ALA supplementation) or ALA + Pla (4-week 5-ALA supplement followed by a 4-week placebo) group and administered 5-ALA (25 mg/day) or placebo once daily. The participants underwent submaximal incremental cycling tests at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8. In the cycling test at week 0, individual load-intensity stages required for blood lactate levels >2 mmol/L (lactate threshold, LT) and 4 mmol/L (onset of blood lactate accumulation, OBLA) were determined. The heart rate (HR), blood lactate (La), and oxidative stress markers (diacron reactive oxygen metabolite, d-ROMs; biological antioxidant potential, BAP) were measured at resting, LT, and OBLA states in each cycling test. Marker values were not significantly different between the groups. HR, La, and d-ROMs at resting, LT, and OBLA states were not significantly different among the conditions. BAP and BAP/d-ROMs ratios were significantly different in the OBLA state at week 4 of the 5-ALA group compared with that of the placebo group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, 5-ALA supplementation might improve redox balance during high-intensity aerobic exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilobium hirsutum L., commonly known as hairy willowherb, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia. In Romania, the Epilobium genus includes 17 species that are used in folk medicine for various purposes. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antitumor potential of the optimized extract of Epilobium hirsutum (EH) in animal models. The first study investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of EH optimized extract and the model used was carrageenan-induced paw inflammation. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: negative control, positive control treated with indomethacin, and a group treated with the extract. Oxidative stress markers, cytokine levels, and protein expressions were assessed. The extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties comparable to those of the control group. In the second study, the antitumor effects of the extract were assessed using the tumor model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. Swiss albino mice with Ehrlich ascites were divided into four groups: negative, positive treated with cyclophosphamide (Cph), Group 3 treated with Cph and EH optimized extract, and Group 4 treated with extract alone. Samples from the ascites fluid, liver, and heart were analyzed to evaluate oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer markers. The extract showed a reduction in tumor-associated inflammation and oxidative stress. Overall, the EH optimized extract exhibited promising anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects in the animal models studied. These findings suggest its potential as a natural adjuvant therapeutic agent for addressing inflammation and oxidative stress induced by different pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]