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This study investigated the combination of ultrasound pretreatment with microwave drying in food production, focusing on its impact on longan seeds. The study explored how ultrasound pretreatment and different microwave power levels affect drying kinetics, thermodynamic characteristics, and phytochemical properties during extraction. The results indicated that ultrasound pretreatment significantly boosts the drying rate by an average of 25% and reduces drying time by an average of 41.3%, while enhancing the phytochemical content of longan seeds, with increases of up to 35% for total phenolic content (TPC), 47% for total flavonoid content (TFC), and 42% for DPPH radical scavenging activity. Mathematical models accurately described the drying process and extraction kinetics, with the modified Henderson and Pabis model and the two-term exponential model being particularly effective. Furthermore, the study observed changes in entropy, enthalpy, and Gibbs' energy with varying microwave power levels and ultrasound treatment. This research demonstrated the potential of ultrasound pretreatment combined with microwave drying to improve the efficiency and phytochemical quality of longan seeds in food processing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pitcher plant, Nepenthes khasiana is utilized by several indigenous groups in Meghalaya, India owing to its medicinal properties. Due to their therapeutic qualities, a pioneer work was undertaken where the GC-MS technique was used to detect and identify the phytochemical substances present in the unopened pitcher fluids of N. khasiana. Materials and methods: Sample preparation and extraction of the methanol fraction of N. khasiana pitcher fluid were done following standard methods and exposed to GC-MS for phytochemical profiling. Results: The GC-MS study revealed 22 compounds in total, each of which had different phytochemical properties. The metabolites present were coronavirus inhibitors, antioxidants, antimicrobials, cure urolithiasis, hypocholesterolemic, and can cure cancer. Lipinski's Rule of 5 also depicted that 19 compounds of 22 have the potential to make active oral drugs for humans. Conclusion: The metabolites present in pitcher fluids could be used in drug formulation in pharmacology. Even, the fluids can be used as raw medicine for poor people owing to their medicinal properties as depicted in GC-MS however, further research on quantitative and qualitative investigation, its clinical trial on animals along with cytotoxic study are required for a concrete conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Amaryllidaceae is a family of monocotyledons belonging to the order Asparagales. Some species have extensive pharmacological properties as they produce alkaloids, with antiviral and antimicrobial activity. Within this family, in the Allioideae subfamily, it’s found garlic (Allium sativum L.). Investigations have been carried out on the phytochemical compounds, both of the isolated components of their bulbs and of various formulations. The objective of the present work was to carry out a bibliographical review of investigations made in this regard, with emphasis on those referred to fungal control. M&M: The methodology used consisted of an online search and subsequent review of specialized papers. The search engines Google and Google Scholar were used. A total of 31 scientific journals, 1 web page, 6 theses, 1 final degree project and 1 conference proceedings have been consulted. These investigations date from the end of the 20th century to the present. The following search guides were used: Garlic, garlic components, and garlic as an antifungal agent. The works consulted and search sites have been synthesized in a table. Results: The investigations surveyed in this review confirm the high potential of garlic as an antimicrobial and antifungal agent, both in isolated components of the bulbs and in different formulations. A synthesis with the results obtained in recent investigations applied to prevention and fungal control is presented. Conclusions: This review contributes to the updated knowledge of the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of garlic that are related to the variety of isolated compounds produced in the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic compounds from the flower of Clitoria ternatea L. (PCFCTL) were extracted using a high-speed shearing extraction technique and purified by AB-8 macroporous resins, and the phytochemical composition of the purified phenolic compounds from the flower of Clitoria ternatea L. (PPCFCTL) was then analyzed. Subsequently, its bioactivities including antioxidant properties, enzyme inhibitory activities, and antiproliferative activities against several tumor cell lines were evaluated. Results indicated that the contents of total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols, flavanols, and phenolic acids in PPCFCTL were increased by 3.29, 4.11, 2.74, 2.43, and 2.96-fold, respectively, compared with those before being purified by AB-8 macroporous resins. The results showed PPCFCTL have significant antioxidant ability (measured by reducing power, RP, and ferric reducing antioxidant power method, FRAP) and good DPPH, ABTS+, and superoxide anion radical scavenging activities. They can also significantly inhibit lipase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. In addition, morphological changes of HeLa, HepG2, and NCI-H460 tumor cells demonstrated the superior antitumor performance of PPCFCTL. However, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity was relatively weak. These findings suggest that PPCFCTL have important potential as natural antioxidant, antilipidemic, anti-glycemic and antineoplastic agents in health-promoting foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of various factors on anthocyanins extracted from ClitoriaTernatea L. petals were determined. In addition, phytochemical properties, antioxidant ability, antimicrobial capacity, and application of anthocyanins extractions were also investigated. As a result, the highest proportion of anthocyanin, 1.21 mg/g fresh weight (FW), was obtained when extracting ClitoriaTernatea L. petals with 100% methanol, with the solvent/sampleratio of 10ml/g at 37oC for an hour. The highest total phenolic content (TPC) was 24.7x10³±8.55x10² µg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g FW, while the figures for total flavonoid content was 18.8±0.149 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g FW. The values for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity and the highest total antioxidant activity were EC50=904.1µg/ml and 2.86x10³±1.01x10¹ µg ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/g FW, respectively. The inhibitions to Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were shown with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 90 mg/ml and 180 mg/ml. It also showed that the ClitoriaTernatea L. petal extract also had the potential to be developed into a pH indicator, however, further study should be carried out to obtain a highly qualified one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different extracts of solitary marine tunicates have attracted attention as a source of amazing secondary metabolites with a wide range of promising potential biological effects. In the current study the antibacterial activity of the Persian Gulf marine tunicate "Phallusia nigra," against the Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli were investigated. The total flavonoid, phenolic, and alkaloid contents as well as, identification of their bioactive molecules were also analyzed. The tunicate extract showed significant antibacterial activities against the tested gram-negative bacteria strains. Chemical investigation of the methanol-chloroform extract by the GC-MS method, afforded the 23 compounds (C1–C23), with incredible and different structures. The extract had the highest amounts of flavonoid and phenolic contents. The result of flavonoids to phenolics ratio showed that the extract is rich in flavonoids. Amongst, 13 compounds including the C5, C9, C10, C12–C16, and C18–C22 belonged to different groups of flavonoids. From six nitrogenous organic compounds C1– C3, C7, C11, and C23 with a total abundance of about 36.74%, the bioactive heterocyclic compounds, C1, C7, and C23 have indole alkaloids, phthalazines, and thiadiazoles structures with potential known diverse pharmacological properties. At least, a portion of the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities may be due to the presence of these unique bioactive compounds in the extract. However, this marine organism can be subjected to different biological, phytochemical, and pharmacological and nutraceutical studies to find out the novel drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific studies have demonstrated that the vegetable material extracts act as potential precursors for the synthesis of nanomaterial using eco-friendly ways. Because the plant extracts contain various secondary metabolites, they act as reducing and stabilizing agents for the bioreduction reaction for synthesis of novel metallic nanoparticles. Herein, we describe the characteristics of different algae types, from different locations (Belgium and South Correa). Algae have important components, like chlorophyll and other plant pigments, omega-3 fatty acids and essential elements. Also, it has been demonstrated that algae provide a rich source of natural bioactive compounds with antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Another important aspect is the fact that algae represent a good wastewater treatment. In addition to the economic aspect, algae biomass is a source of biodiesel and offers an efficient way for nutrient consumption and provides aerobic bacteria with oxygen through photosynthesis. It is a low-cost technique for the removal of phosphorus, nitrogen and pathogens. We first characterized and compared quantitatively (polyphenols, flavonoids) and qualitatively (carbohydrates, alkaloids) the properties of two algae types extracts (green algae - Enteromorpha spp. and brown ones - Hizikia fusiforme). We then obtained and characterized the gold nanoparticles, formed using HAuCl4 (10-3 M) and algae sample extracts. The algae extracts, the green method for obtaining metallic nanoparticles (AuNP) and the nanoparticles investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, optical microscopy and SEM technique are shown in this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As an important plant belonging to the Nepeta genus, Nepeta racemosa has been reported to be widely used in traditional medicine. The present study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical content and antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of the decoction, infusion and hydro-alcoholic extract of this plant. Materials and Methods: The total phenolic content of the samples was determined using a slightly- modified Folin–Ciocalteu method. The DPPH free radical scavenging method was used to evaluate the antioxidant activities, and the Vanillin-Sulphuric Acid Method for the saponin content of the extract. Moreover, their inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase were investigated based on standard methods. Results: The phenolic content of the plant decoction was found to be 222.8 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram of dried extract and its flavonoid content 87.8 mg of quercetin equivalent per gram of dried extract. The highest saponin content obtained was associated with the hydro-alcoholic extract of the plant with 41.9 mg of quillaja equivalent per gram of dried extract. The plant decoction also showed the highest potential compared to the other samples in terms of antioxidant properties investigated using the DPPH and FRAP methods. Furthermore, the plant decoction showed great potential in terms of its inhibitory effects on α-amylase with 9.45 μmol of acarbose equivalent per gram of dried extract, and α-glucosidase with 33.57 μmol of acarbose equivalent per gram of dried extract. Conclusion: According to the results, Nepeta racemosa was found to exhibit high levels of antioxidant and antidiabetic abilities, which are directly proportional to its phenolic and flavonoid contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural flora of Ganos Mountains in the Thrace region has an old and well-established viticulture and is a spreading area of natural hybrids. This research was performed to determine properties of grape and cluster and phytochemical properties of berries of 103 grapevine genetic materials (Vitis spp.) adapted to natural flora of Ganos Mountains in Thrace region of Turkey during the 2014 growing season. But physical measurement and chemical analysis were performed only in grapes from 31 grapevines that carried clusters during their maturity periods. Results revealed that 29,04% of grapevines examined had table grape properties (Vv43, Vv52, Vv54, Vv56, Vv57, Vv61, Vv62, Vv83, Vv100) and 70,96% of grapevines examined had wine grape properties (Vv6, Vv18, Vv23, Vv24, Vv27, Vv44, Vv45, Vv51, Vv55, Vv59, Vv63, Vv65, Vv66, Vv74, Vv75, Vv84, Vv87, Vv88, Vv91, Vv92, Vv98, Vv101). In terms of phytochemical properties of grapes from examined grapevines, while the highest total phenolic compounds content and total anthocyanin content in grapes were respectively 5609,44 mg/kg for Vv88 number of grapevine and 2602,56 mg/kg for Vv74 number of grapevine; the highest total tannin content in grapes was recorded for Vv18 number of grapevine as 5557,10 mg/kg. Since the natural flora of Ganos Mountains in Thrace region is a place where the viticulture has been conducted intensely for many years; identification of phytochemical properties in grapes of genetic materials obtained from this region is of importance in terms of future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, great interest has been devoted to the development of new applications for natural gums. These molecules were used for a variety of purposes since they are chemically inert, non-toxic, less expensive, biodegradable and widely available. They represent one of the most abundant raw materials used not only in commercial food products, but also in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Plant gums take their advantages compared to other gums (e.g., from animal and microbial sources) mainly because of their acceptance by consumers. Despite of the well description given in literature for the features of plant gum exudates, there is a lack distinguishing the different families that are producing gums, and their potential applications. Among these gums, the ones produced by Rosaceae family (e.g., almond, apricot, cherry, peach, and plum plants) have been taking special attention. Thus, the aim of this review is to report the recent advances in Rosaceae gum exudates. An emphasis is given for the formation mechanisms of these gums, their chemical composition, functional properties and structures, beneficial properties, as well as their food/non-food applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balacaturbhadrika churna is an Ayurvedic formulation widely used in diarrhoea, fever, cough and asthma. The present article is an attempt to establish the scientific basis of one of the reputed Ayurvedic formulation. Investigations were carried out to study the physicochemical, phytochemical and spectrophotometric analysis of formulation. The values of percent loss on drying, angle of repose, Hausner ratio, Carr's index of the lab formulation were calculated as 6.84 ± 0.224, 27.36, 1.25 and 20 respectively, which indicates the moisture contents of formulation is within the range and depict good flow characteristics. Total ash, acid insoluble ash and water soluble ash were found 8.148 ± 0.337, 3.281 ± 0.286, and 45.602 ± 0.414 respectively; the value of total ash indicates the inorganic contents of formulation are below the standard limits, above stated results were also compared with marketed formulation. Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of formulations and ingredients were prepared and evaluated for phytochemical analysis and the results of extractive values shows higher alcoholic extractive value (39.294 ± 2.226) of formulation depict that alcohol is a better solvent for extraction. Three laboratory batches of formulation and Piper longum powder were estimated for their piperine content against standard piperine solution on double beam UV-Visible spectrophotometer at λ max 342.5 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balacaturbhadrika churna is an Ayurvedic formulation widely used in diarrhoea, fever, cough and asthma. The present article is an attempt to establish the scientific basis of one of the reputed Ayurvedic formulation. Investigations were carried out to study the physicochemical, phytochemical and spectrophotometric analysis of formulation. The values of percent loss on drying, angle of repose, Hausner ratio, Carr's index of the lab formulation were calculated as 6.84 ± 0.224, 27.36, 1.25 and 20 respectively, which indicates the moisture contents of formulation is within the range and depict good flow characteristics. Total ash, acid insoluble ash and water soluble ash were found 8.148 ± 0.337, 3.281 ± 0.286, and 45.602 ± 0.414 respectively; the value of total ash indicates the inorganic contents of formulation are below the standard limits, above stated results were also compared with marketed formulation. Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of formulations and ingredients were prepared and evaluated for phytochemical analysis and the results of extractive values shows higher alcoholic extractive value (39.294±2.226) of formulation depict that alcohol is a better solvent for extraction. Three laboratory batches of formulation and Piper longum powder were estimated for their piperine content against standard piperine solution on double beam UV-Visible spectrophotometer at λ max 342.5 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the formulations of the Unani system of medicine are popular, not much scientific work has been reported so far. The present article is an attempt to establish the scientific basis of one of the popular Unani formulations Safoof-ESana, a polyherbal formulation widely used as a laxative. Methods: Investigations were carried out to study the physicochemical and phytochemical properties of Safoof-E-Sana and its active ingredients. Results and Conclusion: The values of percentage loss on drying, angle of repose, Hausner ratio, and Carr's index of the formulation were calculated as 8.25 ± 0.582, 27.68, 1.23, and 19 respectively, which indicate that the moisture content of the formulation is within the range and depict good flow characteristics. The total ash, acid- nsoluble ash, and water-soluble ash were found to be 19.146 ± 0.237, 2.351 ± 0.223, and 49.216 ± 0.634, respectively; the value of total ash indicates that the inorganic contents of the formulation are below the limits. Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the formulation and ingredients were prepared and evaluated for phytochemical analysis and extractive values, and the results show that alkaloids of the formulation are more soluble in water than in alcohol and the higher aqueous extractive value (45.784 ± 0.876) of Unani formulation depicts that water is a better solvent of extraction for the formulation than ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study in determining the chemical composition and phytochemical properties of the bamboo species Bambusa vulgaris from three various bamboo-growing sites in Ghana. The study found out that there was present of acetone extracted from the bamboo with an amount of between 1 and 2.4%. An ethanol was also extracted with an amount of between 2.47% and 6.5%.

Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter is a shrub native to the Mediterranean, however, declared as a very invasive species in Australia and North America. Environmental (climatic) and socio-economic (land abandonment) changes can trigger different adaptive mechanisms and cause changes in species behavior, influencing invasion dynamics. Motivated by the recently noticed change of D. viscosa behavior in its native Mediterranean habitat, we discuss the invasion properties, its behavior in the native habitat and new areas, and its management options. We review the species' adverse effects and its positive ecosystem services in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment framework. In this review, we provide information on the phytochemical properties of D. viscosa and highlight its potential use in ecological agriculture, phytopharmacy, and medicine. The presented data is useful for developing effective management of this contentious species, with emphasis on mitigating environmental and economic damages, especially in agriculture. The final aim is to achieve a balanced ecosystem, providing a high level of possible services (provisioning, regulating, cultural and supporting). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Horticultural potential of strawberry cultivars was explored through multivariate analysis. • Phytochemical properties of 'Fronteras' and 'Merced' is described for the first time. • 'Camarosa' and 'Merced' presented the highest yield and number of fruits. • 'Aromas' and 'Camarosa' presented the highest phytochemical properties of fruits. • 'Camarosa' is recommended to producers who seek a dual purpose (production and quality). Yield is commonly the main focus of strawberry producers. However, we must encourage the choice of cultivars to meet consumer demands for foods rich in bioactive compounds. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether strawberry cultivars produced in a greenhouse differ in their horticultural performance. An experiment with nine cultivars ('Albion', 'Aromas', 'Camarosa', 'Camino Real', 'Fronteras', 'Merced', 'Monterey', 'Portola' and 'San Andreas') was carried out in a randomized complete block design with six replications. Plant yield and fruit quality were evaluated. The application of multivariate analysis indicated the formation of heterogeneous groups among the nine cultivars studied, bringing together the cultivars mainly because of the similarity of fruit size and total polyphenol content. 'Merced' stood out as the most productive cultivar and generated the largest fruits, whereas 'Camarosa' produced the greatest number of strawberries. 'Aromas' and 'Camarosa' produced fruits with higher phytochemical properties than other cultivars. We conclude that strawberry cultivars differ in their horticultural performance. Among the nine analyzed cultivars, we suggest to producers the use of 'Aromas' and 'Camarosa' to obtain better phytochemical properties of strawberries, and 'Camarosa' and 'Merced' to obtain higher yield and number of fruits. 'Camarosa' is recommended for those producers who seek a dual purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present study is aimed to evaluate phenolic profiles, cytotoxic activity and phytochemical screening of different extracts of Drynaria quercifolia leaves. Methods: The dried and powder leaves were extracted with methanol at room temperature and the concentrated methanolic extract was fractionated by the modified Kupchan partitioning method to provide pet-ether, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and aqueous soluble fractions. Phenolic profiles were determined by using Folin-Ciocalteau reagent, which results were expressed in gallic acid equivalent (mg of GAE/g of sample). Phytochemical properties of different extractives of plant materials were tested by the method of Trease and Evans. Brine shrimp lethality bioassay was used to investigate the cytotoxic potential of D. quercifolia. Results: The phytochemical screening revealed the potent source of different phytochemical constituents on different extractives including alkaloid, glycosides, tannin, saponins, proteins and amino acids, flavonoids, triterpenes, phenols, phytosterols and carbohydrate. In the determination of phenolic profiles, different extractives showed a significant content of phenolic compounds ranging from 103.43 -132.23 mg of GAE/g of extractive. Compared to vincristine sulfate different extractives of plant materials demonstrated moderate cytotoxic potential (having LC50 of 12.45 µg/ml, 13.02 µg/ml 15.83 µg/ml, 14.95 µg/ml and 7.612 µg/ml, respectively). Conclusion: It is concluded from this study that D. quercifolia is an excellent source of phenolic content and phytoconstitutes as well as possesses moderate cytotoxic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]