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In the present work, methanolic extracts from thyme and dittany plants were prepared and characterized in terms of their polyphenolic content through analytical and spectrophotometric techniques. Rosmarinic acid, thymol and carvacrol were found to be the main components of the extracts, which were further biologically assessed for their antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, anti-lipase and antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. As found, thyme extracts exhibited superior antioxidant activity (SC50 at 33.9 μg mL−1), while dittany extracts inhibited the microbial growth to a great extent against Bacillus subtilis strain (MIC at 0.5 mg mL−1) and E. coli strain (MIC at 2 mg mL−1). Furthermore, the thyme extract was proven to strongly inhibit the activity of lipase from Candida rugosa (IC50 at 63.9 μg mL−1), comparable to the standard inhibitor orlistat, while its inhibitory effect against mushroom tyrosinase was weak. On the other hand, the dittany extract presented an inhibitory effect against the tested lipase (IC50 over 500 μg mL−1) and an activation effect against tyrosinase (at concentrations > 500 μg mL−1). Additionally, molecular docking studies of the main compounds of the extracts showed that rosmarinic acid plays a crucial role on the inhibitory activity of the extracts against lipase, while thymol has a stronger effect on inhibiting tyrosinase. Furthermore, both extracts were employed in the preparation of gelatin-deep eutectic solvent (DES) hydrogels that were further studied for their antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The results showed that the incorporation of the extracts offered antibacterial properties to the biopolymer-based hydrogels and enhanced the antioxidant activity of gelatin up to 85%.

Compared with those of berries, the stems and leaves of the genus Vaccinium are important and underestimated sources of polyphenols with high antioxidant activity. In the course of this work, aqueous methanol extracts of the aerial parts of common bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and bog bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum L.) were studied to analyze the component compositions of their biologically active polyphenolic compounds. The aqueous methanol fractions of the stems and leaves of the studied samples contained 8.7 and 4.6% extractives, respectively, and were comparable in total polyphenol content, but presented significant differences in antioxidant activity. The identification of polyphenolic compounds was carried out via the following two-stage analytical procedure: (1) non-targeted screening of dominant structures via the 2D NMR method and (2) analysis of HPLC-HRMS data via the scanning of precursor ions for a specific ion. A total of 56 phenolic compounds were identified, including the glycosides quercetin, proanthocyanidins, and catechins, as well as various conjugates of caffeic and p-coumaric acids, including iridoids. Some of the latter, such as caffeoyl and p-coumaroyl hydroxydihydromonotropein, as well as a number of lignan glycosides, were described for the first time in V. uliginósum and V. myrtillus.

The study aimed to investigate the protective effects of chokeberry fruit products and by-products against cisplatin-induced acute nephrotoxicity in rats. Potential mechanisms involving oxidative stress and inflammatory responses were examined through biochemical and histopathological analyses of kidney tissue. Chokeberry waste, along with the whole fruit extract and juice, was evaluated as a potential raw material for pharmaceutical use. The chemical composition of chokeberry juice and extracts was analyzed using spectrophotometry and HPLC. Rats were treated with chokeberry preparations via intragastric tube for ten days, with a single intraperitoneal dose of cisplatin (8 mg/kg BW) administered on the third day. Post-sacrifice, plasma samples were analyzed for biochemical nephrotoxicity markers, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers. Kidneys were removed for histopathological and biochemical analysis. Cisplatin-induced acute nephrotoxicity was confirmed by elevated plasma creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. Additionally, lipid peroxidation was significantly elevated, while reduced glutathione and catalase activity were significantly reduced. Pro-inflammatory mediators IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were significantly increased in the cisplatin group. Treatment with chokeberry extracts and juice significantly mitigated these nephrotoxic effects, as confirmed by histopathological examination and biochemical marker analysis. Notably, the waste extract demonstrated greater efficacy than the whole fruit extract, likely due to its higher concentration of polyphenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins. These results highlight the potential of chokeberry as a therapeutic and preventive agent for kidney protection, emphasizing the value of by-products rich in biologically active compounds.

Herein, the ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions affecting the yield of EUPS (Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharide) were analyzed using a Box-Behnken response surface design. The alleviation effect of EUPS on diquat-induced oxidative stress in mice was also studied. A maximum EUPS yield of 2.60% was obtained under the following optimized conditions: an extraction temperature of 63 °C, extraction time of 1 h, and ratio of liquid to raw materials of 22:1. EUPS exhibited strong 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging ability (87.05%), 2′-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) radical-scavenging ability (101.17%), and hydroxyl radical-scavenging ability (62.92%). The administration of EUPS increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and decreased malondialdehyde levels in the livers of mice exposed to diquat. EUPS may inhibit the downregulation of NAD(P)H:quinoneoxidoreductase 1 and heme oxygenase 1 mRNA expression in the livers of diquat-administered mice through the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway. Moreover, the abundance of Firmicutes and Ligilactobacillus was enhanced, whereas that of Helicobacter decreased in the gut of the remaining groups of mice compared with that of the diquat-treated mice. Therefore, EUPS exhibited an antioxidant effect and improved oxidative stress and intestinal flora abundance in mice.

This study evaluated natural extracts from plant biomass for UV protection and oxidative stress reduction. Conducted in Bucharest, Romania, it focused on medicinal mushrooms and pomegranate bark. The biotechnological process involved a two-phase extraction: hot water processing of Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Inonotus obliquus, and Tremella mushrooms, followed by ethanol extraction with pomegranate bark and green tea. The spectrophotometric analysis identified phenolics and flavonoids. The ethanol extract showed higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity, particularly in DPPH radical scavenging. UVB exposure tests demonstrated its protective effect, comparable to vitamin B3, delaying oxidative stress onset by 30 min. This research underscores the potential of using natural biomass extracts in skincare, promoting environmental sustainability and economic viability by converting agricultural waste into valuable bioactive compounds.

Plants are a source of valuable organic chemical compounds with complex structures rich in therapeutic activities. The encapsulation of compounds in nanostructured systems is an alternative to avoid limitations, such as instability and low solubility, and to promote therapeutic use. The objective of the present review was to summarize the data in the literature on the physicochemical characteristics, biomedical efficacy, and toxicity of nanostructures containing extracts and oils obtained from annatto (Bixa orellana). For this, searches were conducted in the CINAHL, LILACS, Embase, FSTA, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies that carried out the development, physical-chemical characterization, and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy and/or in vitro, in vivo, or clinical toxicity of nanostructures containing extracts and oils derived from annatto were included in the review. Of the 708 articles found, nine met the inclusion criteria. The included studies developed different nanostructures (nanofibers, nanocochleates, chitosan, lipid, polymeric, and metallic nanoparticles). These nanostructures showed leishmanicidal, photoprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory efficacy, and tissue regeneration potential with no or low toxic effects in the tested models. Thus, the present work supports the nanostructuring of annatto extracts and oils as a relevant approach to the development of new technologies for biomedical applications.

Background: Previous studies of the hydroethanolic extract of Virola elongata inner stem bark (HEVe) have demonstrated its antioxidant, gastroprotective, and antiulcer properties, but have not evaluated its anti-inflammatory potential. Methods: HEVe was obtained by maceration and phytochemically analyzed. Its systemic anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by its effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peritonitis in mice. HEVe gel (HEgVe) was employed to evaluate topical anti-inflammatory activity by measuring the ear edema resulting from croton-oil-induced dermatitis in mice. A cell viability assay was conducted to determine the non-cytotoxic concentrations of the HEVe. RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated by LPS to determinate cytokine and nitric oxide production. Results: A phytochemical analysis of the HEVe revealed the presence of phenolic acids, neolignans, flavonoids, and monomeric catechins. The oral treatment of acute peritonitis with HEVe reduced the total leukocytes, neutrophils, TNF-α, and IL-1β and elevated IL-10 levels. The application of the HEgVe reduced local edema. The HEVe on the RAW 264.7 cells exhibited no cytotoxicity, and the cells with HEVe displayed reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and NO levels and increased IL-13 levels. Conclusions: HEVe demonstrated systemic and topical multitarget anti-inflammatory activity, likely due to the combined effects of secondary metabolites. HEVe emerges as a promising herbal remedy for inflammation with minimal cytotoxicity, emphasizing its potential therapeutic significance.

MoMo30 is an antiviral protein isolated from aqueous extracts of Momordica balsamina L. (Senegalese bitter melon). Previously, we demonstrated MoMo30’s antiviral activity against HIV-1. Here, we explore whether MoMo30 has antiviral activity against the COVID-19 virus, SARS-CoV-2. MLV particles pseudotyped with the SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein and a Luciferase reporter gene (SARS2-PsV) were developed from a three-way co-transfection of HEK293-T17 cells. MoMo30’s inhibition of SARS2-PsV infection was measured using a luciferase assay and its cytotoxicity using an XTT assay. Additionally, MoMo30’s interactions with the variants and domains of Spike were determined by ELISA. We show that MoMo30 inhibits SARS2-PsV infection. We also report evidence of the direct interaction of MoMo30 and SARS-CoV-2 Spike from WH-1, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants. Furthermore, MoMo30 interacts with both the S1 and S2 domains of Spike but not the receptor binding domain (RBD), suggesting that MoMo30 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting fusion of the virus and the host cell via interactions with Spike.

Rabbit meat production faces challenges due to the prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases in rabbits, exacerbated by restrictions on antibiotic use in European animal production. Marine macroalgae, rich in bioactive compounds such as soluble polysaccharides, represent promising solutions to this problem. However, research on the effects of macroalgae and the underlying mechanisms in rabbits is limited, especially in commercial settings. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Saccharina latissima (dehydrated) and Ulva lactuca (dehydrated and hydrolyzed extract) on rabbit on growth performance and gut health in a commercial farm context. A total of 96 litters (8 rabbits/litter) of crossbred rabbits weaned at 33 days of age were randomly assigned to 4 experimental groups (control, Saccharina latissima dehydrated, Ulva lactuca dehydrated and Ulva lactuca hydrolyzed extract; 24 replicates/treatment) and monitored from weaning to slaughter at 61 days of age. The key indicators of gut health were assessed 14 days post-weaning by counting coccidia, isolating specific microflora and examining histological samples. Additionally, the relevant intestinal markers (microbiome composition, mucin content and gene expression related to immune response and tight junction proteins) were determined in order to elucidate the potential mechanisms involved. The inclusion of macroalgae in the diet did not influence growth performance of the animals. S. latissima had a positive effect in reducing coccidia counts (p = 0.10) and improving mucosal morphology (p < 0.001), which can possibly be attributed to modulation of the microbiota and improved mucosal functionality. Ulva lactuca had a favorable effect on gut tight junction proteins (p < 0.001), enhancing intestinal barrier function. These findings suggest the potential of macroalgae to modify the intestinal microbiome by reducing the presence of inflammatory bacteria. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms involved and optimize macroalgae supplementation in rabbit nutrition for enhanced gut health.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to human and animal health. Efforts to combat AMR include the introduction of antimicrobial drugs as alternative treatment options. To contribute to an effective plan for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, the development of new antimicrobial agents is increasingly being explored. Propolis has garnered significant attention from both scientists and industry due to its extensive spectrum of biological activity. The growing interest in polyphenols of natural origin and their plant sources further encourages the investigation of their chemical composition and biological effects. Propolis serves as a rich source of phenolic compounds. Baltic region propolis, classified as poplar-type propolis, was selected for this study, and extracts were prepared using raw propolis materials from various Baltic countries. The production of liquid extracts utilized a combination of 70 percent ethanol, a mixture of water and poloxamer P407, and DES (deep eutectic solvent). The research aims to produce liquid propolis extracts using different solvents and to assess their chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity against different veterinary pathogens. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), revealing antioxidant activity in all extracts, with results correlating with the total phenolic compound content. It was found that p-coumaric acid predominated in the studied propolis extracts (in ethanol extracts 1155.90–1506.65 mg/g, in DES extracts 321.13–954.76 mg/g, and in polymeric extracts 5.34–30.80 mg/g), with smaller amounts of ferulic acid and vanillin detected. Clinical and reference bacterial strains were collected from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, the Academy of Veterinary Medicine, and the Institute of Microbiology and Virology. To effectively treat bacterial infections, the antimicrobial activity of propolis extracts was tested against six pathogenic bacterial species and one pathogenic fungus (S. aureus, S. agalactiae, B. cereus, E. faecalis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans). Antimicrobial activity studies demonstrated that DES propolis extracts exhibited stronger antimicrobial activity compared to ethanolic propolis extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of DES propolis extracts against the tested strains ranged between 50 and 1000 μg/mL. Considering the study results, it can be concluded that propolis from the Baltic region is abundant in phenolic compounds exhibiting antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Background and Objectives: Cimicifugae Rhizoma, also known as ‘Sheng ma’ in Madeiran, is a widely used Chinese herbal medicine that has several pharmacological qualities, one of which is its antioxidant activity. Isoferulic acid, a prominent phenolic compound found in Cimicifugae Rhizoma, has potent antioxidant properties. This study was aimed to comprehensively analyze the components in Cimicifugae Rhizoma and rat plasma to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract and Isoferulic acid as potential candidates for developing herbal formulations targeting podocyte injury in diabetic nephropathy for further clinical utilization. Materials and Methods: UPLC/Q-TOF-MS and HPLC were utilized as analytical tools to identify components of Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract or rat plasma after administrating it. MPC5 cells were cultured with H2O2 and high glucose and subjected to oxidative stress injury. The CXCL12/CXCR4 system plays a crucial role at certain stages of multiple kidney diseases’ injury. Apoptosis-related and target CXCL12/CXCR4/mTOR/Caspase-3 and Cask protein levels were assessed, and the levels of inflammatory-related factors, motility, morphology, ROS level, and apoptosis in podocytes were tested. Results: A total of 82 and 39 components were identified in the Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract and plasma, and Isoferulic acid content was determined as 6.52 mg/g in the Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract. The Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract (1 μg/mL) and Isoferulic acid (10, 25, 50 μM) considerably decreased high glucose and oxidative-stress-mediated toxicity, impaired mobility and adhesion and apoptotic changes in MPC5 cells, and reversed inflammation response. Moreover, the Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract and Isoferulic acid down-regulated Cask, mTOR, and Caspase-3, while significantly blocking the overactivation of CXCL12/CXCR4 in podocytes stimulated by oxidative stress and high glucose. Conclusions: These results indicate that the renal protective mechanism of the Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract and Isoferulic acid on simulating H2O2-induced podocyte injury involves mainly the of CXCL12/CXCR4 pathways and the inactivation of oxidative-stress-mediated apoptotic pathways after comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS and HPLC. These findings provide an important efficacy and ingredient basis for further study on the clinical utilities of Cimicifugae Rhizoma and Isoferulic acid on podocyte and kidney impairment.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) severely affects central vision due to progressive macular degeneration and its staggering prevalence is rising globally, especially in the elderly population above 55 years. Increased oxidative stress with aging is considered an important contributor to AMD pathogenesis despite multifaceted risk factors including genetic predisposition and environmental agents. Wet AMD can be managed with routine intra-vitreal injection of angiogenesis inhibitors, but no satisfactory medicine has been approved for the successful management of the dry form. The toxic carbonyls due to photo-oxidative degradation of accumulated bisretinoids within lysosomes initiate a series of events including protein adduct formation, impaired autophagy flux, complement activation, and chronic inflammation, which is implicated in dry AMD. Therapy based on antioxidants has been extensively studied for its promising effect in reducing the impact of oxidative stress. This paper reviews the dry AMD pathogenesis, delineates the effectiveness of dietary and nutrition supplements in clinical studies, and explores pre-clinical studies of antioxidant molecules, extracts, and formulations with their mechanistic insights.

Polyphenols are ubiquitous by-products in many plant foods. Their intake has been linked to health benefits like the reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. These bioactive compounds can be successfully extracted from Boletus edulis mushrooms with acidic water. However, such extract could influence the sensory or textural properties of the product to be enriched; this inconvenience can be avoided by microencapsulating it using spray drying. In this study, the Vienna sausages were reformulated by replacing 2% of the cured meat with microcapsules containing an acidic aqueous extract of Boletus edulis mushrooms and by replacing ice flakes, an ingredient that represents 22.9% of the manufacturing recipe, with ice cubes from the same extract aiming to obtain a polyphenol enriched product. The results showed a higher content of polyphenols in sausages with extract (VSe; 568.92 μg/g) and microcapsules (VSm; 523.03 μg/g) than in the control ones (455.41 μg/g), with significant differences for 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, and 1-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose. However, because of the oxidative stress caused to the microcapsules by the extract’s spray drying, VSm had the highest oxidation state. PV and TBARS levels varied with storage time in all formulations, but given the short period tested, they were well below the allowed/recommended limit. The extract, as such, negatively affected the appearance, odor, and taste of Vienna sausages. The microcapsules, instead, determined an increase in their acceptance rate among consumers; they also prevented moisture loss and color changes during storage. In conclusion, microcapsules are more suitable for use as a polyphenol enrichment ingredient in Vienna sausages than the extract.

Moringa oleifera Lam, commonly known as moringa, is a plant widely used both as a human food and for medicinal purposes around the world. This research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MoAE) and benzyl isothiocyanate (BIT) in rats with induced breast cancer. Cancer was induced with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) at a dose of 60 mg/kg by orogastric gavage once only. Forty-eight rats were randomly assigned to eight groups, each consisting of six individuals. The control group (healthy) was called Group I. Group II received DMBA plus saline. In addition to DMBA, Groups III, IV, and V received MoAE at 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day, respectively, while Groups VI, VII, and VIII received BIT at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg/day, respectively. Treatment was carried out for 13 weeks. Secondary metabolite analysis results identified predominantly quercetin, caffeoylquinic acid, neochlorogenic acid, vitexin, and kaempferol, as well as tropone, betaine, loliolide, and vitexin. The administration of MoAE at a dose of 500 mg/kg and BIT at 20 mg/kg exhibited a notable decrease in both the total tumor count and the cumulative tumor weight, along with a delay in their onset. Furthermore, they improved the histological grade. A significant decrease in serum levels of VEGF and IL-1β levels was observed (p < 0.001) with a better effect demonstrated with MoAE at 500 mg/kg and BIT at 20 mg/kg. In conclusion, this study suggests that both the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves and the benzyl isothiocyanate possess antitumor properties against mammary carcinogenesis, and this effect could be due, at least in part, to the flavonoids and isothiocyanates present in the extract.

The composition of the essential oil depends on the duration and conditions under which the distillation of the plant material is carried out. In this study, one sample without fractionation and eight fractions (each after 15 min of steam distillation) of the essential oil of cultivated H. italicum were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The steam conditions for all samples were as follows: flow rate 800 L/h, temperature 104 °C, and pressure 0.4 bar. The test of the antimicrobial activity was performed with the modified Kirby–Bauer method (disc diffusion method) on non-selective nutrient media (blood agar) using the reference bacterial and fungal strains. A total of 75 different components were found in the essential oil samples obtained. A shorter distillation time makes the oil richer in monoterpenes and more suitable for the perfume and cosmetics industry. On the other hand, prolonged distillation leads to the essential oil being enriched with sesquiterpene oxides, which can have a negative effect on the fragrance of the essential oil. The essential oil of H. italicum showed antimicrobial activity only against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and the best activity was shown by the sixth fraction.

The study aimed to test the effect of probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis spp. lactis (BAL) on the HCT-116 cell line viability and to compare its effect with co-treatment BAL/Laetiporus sulphureus (EALS). The trypan blue staining method was used to estimate HCT-116 viability. The levels of NO2− were determined using 0.1% N-(1-naphthyl) ethylenediamine, as well as 1% sulfanilic acid. The determination of H2O2 was based on the oxidation of phenol red. Our results showed the significant cytotoxicity of the BAL on the HCT-116 cells in a co-culture system, while the BAL/EALS co-treatment further enhanced the cytotoxicity on the HCT-116 cells. We detected higher H2O2 and NO2− values in treatments with BAL, especially in the BAL/EALS co-treatment. The death of the HCT-116 cells may be due to elevated levels of H2O2 and NO2− and their products (peroxynitrites).

This study investigated the design of novel pasta enriched with different forms of wild garlic (WG): a powder, an extract and an encapsulated extract applied at three enrichment levels (low/middle/high). The effect of cooking on changes in the content of bioactive compounds, antioxidative activity, cooking behaviour, texture, colour and sensory properties of the cooked pasta was evaluated. WG preparations significantly increased the antioxidant potential (by 185–600%) as well as the content of phenolics (by 26–146%), flavonoids (by 40–360%) and potassium (up to three-fold) in the cooked pasta, depending on WG type and enrichment level. Flavonoids were dominantly present in the free form. Cooking resulted in a significant loss of flavonoids (39–75%) whereas phenolics were liberated from the matrix. The highest increase in total phenolics and antioxidant activity was exerted by the WG powder and extract. Pasta hardness and adhesiveness were increased, but encapsulated WG deteriorated cooking behaviour. The best-scored enriched pasta regarding sensory quality and texture was that enriched with WG powder at the low/moderate level.

This study investigated the in vitro antioxidant and biological properties of ethanol extracts obtained from the fruits of the highbush cranberry. The produced extracts exhibited a high content of polyphenols (1041.9 mg 100 g d.m.−1) and a high antioxidant activity (2271.2 mg TE g 100 d.m.−1 using the DPPH method, 1781.5 mg TE g 100 d.m.−1 using the ABTS method), as well as a substantial amount of vitamin C (418.2 mg 100 g d.m.−1). These extracts also demonstrated significant in vitro biological activity. Studies conducted on the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cellular model revealed the strong antioxidant effects of the extract, attributed to a significant reduction in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the cells, confirming the utility of the extracts in mitigating oxidative stress. Moreover, inhibitory properties were demonstrated against factors activating metabolic processes characteristic of inflammatory conditions. It was observed that the cranberry extract inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) non-selectively. Additionally, the extract was found to be a highly active inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), potentially suggesting the applicability of this extract in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.

The sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Isolate Haman, in the family Nelumbonaceae) used in this study originated from the Haman region of Korea, and lotus seeds dating back to the Goryeo Dynasty (650–760 years ago) were accidentally discovered. Lotus is known to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. Instead of using the lotus alone, we obtained extracts using Haman region lotus-derived callus (HLC), which allowed for a controlled, quantitative, and infinite supply. Based on the reported effects of the lotus, we formulated a hypothesis to investigate the skin-whitening effect of the HLC extract (HLCE). The HLCE was first obtained by extraction with distilled water and using 5% propanediol as a solvent and subsequently verified for the whitening effect (melanin content tests) using mammalian cells in vitro. Its efficacy at the molecular level was confirmed through real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using melanin-related genes. Furthermore, clinical trials with 21 volunteers confirmed the significant whitening effect of cosmetics containing the HLCE. In conclusion, we found that the HLCE not only has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-soothing properties but also plays an essential role in skin whitening. Therefore, we propose that the HLCE has the potential to become a new raw material for the cosmetic industry.

Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen is traditionally referred to as „Dalbergiae Odoriferae Lignum” in traditional Chinese medicine. Its quality is typically assessed subjectively based on colour and texture observations and lacks a universal grading system. Our objective was to establish a relationship between heartwood colour and the content of key constituents, including total flavonoids, six specific flavonoids, alcohol-soluble extracts, and volatile oils, to assess their impact on heartwood quality. Substantial correlations were observed between the colour depth (L*), red–green direction (a*), and yellow–blue direction (b*), as well as the content of the extract, volatile oil, total flavonoids, naringenin, formononetin, pinocembrin, and isoliquiritigenin. Specifically, a* was correlated with the extract, total flavonoids, and isoliquiritigenin, whereas b* was correlated with the extract, volatile oil, total flavonoids, naringenin, formononetin, pinocembrin, and isoliquiritigenin. The results suggested that L*, b*, and chemical composition indices, such as extract, volatile oil, total flavonoids, and naringenin, could serve as primary criteria for classifying the quality of medicinal materials. This is consistent with market classification based on colour and texture, which facilitates material identification and guides the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of D. odorifera. This study provides a scientific foundation for its future development and use.

Pereskia aculeata Miller and Pereskia grandfolia Haw, known as ‘ora-pro-nobis’, are unconventional vegetables belonging to the Cactaceae family, native to the Americas and common in the northeast and southeast regions of Brazil. This review attempts to present a balanced account of both the methods used for obtaining extracts from the diverse parts of the plants and the results that were obtained in terms of their applicability to foods and other products with biological activities. Attention will also be devoted to the properties of their bioactives and their applications to real food products. Methods for obtaining extracts from the diverse parts of the plants will be analyzed, as well as the chemical nature of the bioactives that were hitherto identified. Next, the applicability of ora-pro-nobis in either its integral form or in the form of extracts or other products (mucilages) to the production of food and dietary supplements will be analyzed. The species have been extensively investigated during the last few decades. But, the determination of chemical structures is frequently incomplete and there is a need for new studies on texture determination and color evaluation. Further studies exploring the fruit and flowers of P. aculeata are also required.

This research aimed to reveal the chemical composition of different fractions obtained by sequential extraction of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) roots and to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of some of them. Hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water were used as solvents to obtain the corresponding extracts. A GC-MS analysis was employed to reveal the chemical composition of hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate fractions. Conventional and ultrasound-assisted water extraction was performed to isolate inulin-type polysaccharides. Eighteen microorganisms were used for testing the antimicrobial activity of the obtained organic extracts. From GC-MS analysis more than forty compounds were detected in the fractions, including fatty acids, organic acids, fatty alcohols, sterols, and terpenes. Only in ethyl acetate extract were found mannitol and fructose isomers, while in chloroform extract were detected α- and β-amyrin, and betulin. Ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity against 11 microorganisms (Bacillus cereus, B. amyloliquefaciens, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enteritis, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Saccharomices cerevisiae, and Peniclium sp.). The polysaccharide fractions were structurally characterized by FT-IR and NMR studies as linear inulin having β-(2→1)-linked Fru units and a T-Glc unit linked α-(1→2). Inulin from coneflower roots showed poor flowability, promising bulk and tapped density, swelling properties, and better oil-holding than water-holding capacity. This study demonstrated the potential of coneflower root fractions as a rich source of phytochemicals with antimicrobial activities and potential prebiotic activity due to inulin content (15% yield) and echinacea root as a useful biobased industrial crop/material.

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a popular fruit worldwide due to its refreshing taste and its high water content (92% of its weight). According to the phytochemistry of the plant, carbohydrates, saponins, glycosides, steroids, alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins can be detected in watermelons. C. lanatus generates by-products and, as such, can be characterized by its seeds and rinds. These by-products’ phytochemicals are nutritious and functional. Watermelon seeds contain many phytochemical compounds with beneficial biological activities, according to numerous scientific studies. This fact promotes watermelon seed consumption and encourages food and pharmaceutical companies to use this innovative ingredient. The watermelon rind has all the nutrients of the pulp and also more antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and bioactive substances. Numerous studies show that watermelon peel is high in fiber and nutrients and can be used in a variety of culinary products. These residues need to be utilized for creating innovative functional food products with added value for the food chain’s sustainability. More studies of watermelon by-products are required to promote functional food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications. This review aims to shed light on the underutilized portion of watermelon and its chemical properties in order to pave the way for future research.

Compared with those of berries, the stems and leaves of the genus Vaccinium are important and underestimated sources of polyphenols with high antioxidant activity. In the course of this work, aqueous methanol extracts of the aerial parts of common bilberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and bog bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum L.) were studied to analyze the component compositions of their biologically active polyphenolic compounds. The aqueous methanol fractions of the stems and leaves of the studied samples contained 8.7 and 4.6% extractives, respectively, and were comparable in total polyphenol content, but presented significant differences in antioxidant activity. The identification of polyphenolic compounds was carried out via the following two-stage analytical procedure: (1) non-targeted screening of dominant structures via the 2D NMR method and (2) analysis of HPLC-HRMS data via the scanning of precursor ions for a specific ion. A total of 56 phenolic compounds were identified, including the glycosides quercetin, proanthocyanidins, and catechins, as well as various conjugates of caffeic and p -coumaric acids, including iridoids. Some of the latter, such as caffeoyl and p -coumaroyl hydroxydihydromonotropein, as well as a number of lignan glycosides, were described for the first time in V. uliginósum and V. myrtillus .

The study aimed to investigate the protective effects of chokeberry fruit products and by-products against cisplatin-induced acute nephrotoxicity in rats. Potential mechanisms involving oxidative stress and inflammatory responses were examined through biochemical and histopathological analyses of kidney tissue. Chokeberry waste, along with the whole fruit extract and juice, was evaluated as a potential raw material for pharmaceutical use. The chemical composition of chokeberry juice and extracts was analyzed using spectrophotometry and HPLC. Rats were treated with chokeberry preparations via intragastric tube for ten days, with a single intraperitoneal dose of cisplatin (8 mg/kg BW) administered on the third day. Post-sacrifice, plasma samples were analyzed for biochemical nephrotoxicity markers, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers. Kidneys were removed for histopathological and biochemical analysis. Cisplatin-induced acute nephrotoxicity was confirmed by elevated plasma creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. Additionally, lipid peroxidation was significantly elevated, while reduced glutathione and catalase activity were significantly reduced. Pro-inflammatory mediators IL-1 β , TNF- α , and IL-6 levels were significantly increased in the cisplatin group. Treatment with chokeberry extracts and juice significantly mitigated these nephrotoxic effects, as confirmed by histopathological examination and biochemical marker analysis. Notably, the waste extract demonstrated greater efficacy than the whole fruit extract, likely due to its higher concentration of polyphenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins. These results highlight the potential of chokeberry as a therapeutic and preventive agent for kidney protection, emphasizing the value of by-products rich in biologically active compounds.

The historic building stock is not homogeneous, which implies a need for differentiated energy renovation strategies in order to balance energy efficiency requirements and building conservation goals. This paper presents a new method for developing a base for differentiated energy renovation strategies for heritage-classified multifamily building stocks. Our suggested method combines different building databases using an extract, transform and load (ETL) technology. The method for this study was tested on the available information for heritage-designated and -classified multifamily buildings in the municipality of Stockholm, Sweden, and in the county of Halland, Sweden. The two cases reflect the heterogeneity of the Swedish Building stock. An important achievement is that the results visualise the relationship, not detectable before, between energy use, energy performance, year of construction and heritage classification within each of the selected building stocks. A specific result is that the energy-saving potential in the older building stock is insignificant in relation to the entire stock. The results contribute to an improved understanding of relationships both within and between the two historic building stocks, which is useful for developing differentiated energy renovation strategies.

Researchers are looking for the most effective ways to extract the bioactive substances of Juniperus communis L. berries, which are capable of displaying the greatest range of biological activity, namely antimicrobial potential “against phytopathogens”, antioxidant activity and nematocidal activity. This study provides detailed information on the chemical activity, group composition and biological activity of the extracts of juniper berries of 1- and 2-year maturity (JB1 and JB2), which were obtained by using different solvents (pentane, chloroform, acetone, methanol and 70% ethanol) under various extraction conditions (maceration and ultrasound-assisted maceration (US)). Seventy percent ethanol and acetone extracts of juniper berries were analyzed via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and they contained monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, polysaccharides, steroids, fatty acid esters and bicyclic monoterpenes. The antimicrobial activity was higher in the berries of 1-year maturity, while the acetone extract obtained via ultrasound-assisted maceration was the most bioactive in relation to the phytopathogens. Depending on the extraction method and the choice of solvent, the antioxidant activity with the use of US decreased by 1.5–1.9 times compared to the extracts obtained via maceration. An analysis of the nematocidal activity showed that the sensitivity to the action of extracts in Caenorhabditis elegans was significantly higher than in Caenorhabditis briggsae, particularly for the acetone extract obtained from the juniper berries of 1-year maturity.

The extractive contents of three softwood species largely used in the wood industry, namely Abies alba (Silver fir), Picea abies (spruce) and Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir), have been determined quantitatively for knots and at different points chosen along their branches, before analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The results indicated that branchwood samples located in close proximity to the stem present high contents of extractives similar to those recorded for the knots. HPLC analysis showed quite similar chemical compositions, indicating that first cm of the branches could be considered as an additional source of knotwood. The antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities of knot’s extractives have been investigated with the dual objective of better understanding the role of high levels of secondary metabolites present in the knot and evaluating their potential for biorefinery applications. The antioxidant activity study showed that crude extracts of Douglas fir knotwood presented higher radical scavenging activity levels than the extracts of Silver fir and spruce, which presented more or less the same activities. Silver fir and spruce knotwood extracts presented higher antibacterial activity levels than the Douglas fir knotwood extracts did, while Douglas fir knotwood extracts presented more fungal growth inhibition than the spruce and fir knotwood extracts did. The structure–activity relationships indicate that radical scavenging and antifungal activities are associated with a higher relative quantity of flavonoids in the crude extracts, while higher relative quantities of lignans are associated with antibacterial activity.

Pfaffia glomerata extract (PGE) has a variety of biological activities. However, its ameliorative effect on and exact working mechanism in male sexual dysfunction are still poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate the ameliorative effect of PGE on paroxetine (PRX)-induced sexual dysfunction in male mice and uses molecular docking technology to investigate its underlying mechanism. In this work, PRX-induced sexual dysfunction was caused and PGE was gavaged in mice for 28 days. The results show that PGE significantly improved the sexual performance of mice and reduced the damage to testicular tissues. Further studies showed that PGE restored serum sex hormones to normal levels and increased nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels as well as nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in penile tissues, while also decreasing phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) activity, thereby maintaining normal penile erection in mice. In addition, PGE improved the activities of enzymes (LDH, ACP, and ALP) related to energy metabolism in the testis and significantly increased sperm count and viability in mice. Furthermore, the molecular docking results show that all eight compounds in PGE could form a stable complex with PDE-5 and inhibit the activity of PDE-5. In conclusion, PGE had an ameliorative effect on PRX-induced sexual dysfunction, suggesting that PGE has a potential protective effect on male sexual health.

In the current study, the ethanolic extract of the stem bark of Ceiba speciosa, the silk floss tree (SFSB), was evaluated against various phytopathogenic microorganisms, including Ralstonia solanacearum, Dickeya solani, Pectobacterium atrosepticum, P. carotovorum, Fusarium oxysporum, and Rhizoctonia solani. At 300 µg/mL concentration, the SFSB extract exhibited the highest inhibition percentages of 83.33 and 86.67 for R. solani and F. oxysporum, respectively. In addition to its antimicrobial activity, SFSB extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity (IC50 value of 140.88 g/mL). HPLC analysis of the extract revealed the presence of various phenolic acids and flavonoids. Among these compounds, naringenin (18,698.83 µg/g), chlorogenic acid (2727.49 µg/g), ferulic acid (1276.18 µg/g), syringic acid (946.26 µg/g), gallic acid (812.34 µg/g), and methyl gallate (651.73 µg/g) were found to be the most abundant constituents. GCMS analysis showed that there were antimicrobial compounds like terpenoids, benzoic acid derivatives, phthalate esters, and different fatty acids. Isopropyl myristate was the most common compound, with a relative abundance of 55.61%. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation on the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial properties of SFSB extract. Consequently, utilizing SFSB extract could hold significant potential as a sustainable and natural approach for controlling and mitigating plant diseases.

This study examined the chemical composition and anti-coccal properties of essential oils and methanolic extracts of six different Humulus lupulus L. varieties from Poland: Iunga, Marynka, Sybilla, Magnum, Tradition and Chinook. The activity of an α-acid-enriched fraction of methanolic extracts was also studied. The chemical composition of essential oils and extracts was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS) techniques. The compounds characteristic to H. lupulus extracts include xanthohumol, α-acids, β-acids, and prenylated flavonoids. Essential oil compositions showed a high prevalence of monoterpene hydrocarbon, myrcene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, α-humulene and β-caryophyllene. The antimicrobial activity was investigated against eight human cocci pathogenic strains: Staphylococcus aureus MRSA (ATCC 43300), S. aureus MRSA (29213), S. aureus MSSA (ATCC 29213), S. epidermidis (ATCC 12228), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), E. faecalis VRE (ATCC 51299), E. faecium (ATCC 19434) and Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 10240). The lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were obtained for extracts and essential oils from Iunga hop samples. Extracts were significantly more active than essential oils. The most susceptible strain to both essential oils and extracts was M. luteus, whilst the least susceptible was E. faecium. The antimicrobial activity correlated with a high concentration of xanthohumol of active extracts rather than with the content of α-acids. Xanthohumol showed considerable activity against MRSA with an MIC value of 3.9 µg/mL. The activity of the α-acid-enriched fraction was mediocre compared to the results of all extracts.

The rising predominance of type 2 diabetes, combined with the poor medical effects seen with commercially available anti-diabetic medications, has motivated the development of innovative treatment approaches for regulating postprandial glucose levels. Natural carbohydrate digestion enzyme inhibitors might be a viable option for blocking dietary carbohydrate absorption with fewer side effects than manufactured medicines. Alpha-amylase is a metalloenzyme that facilitates digestion by breaking down polysaccharides into smaller molecules such as maltose and maltotriose. It also contributes to elevated blood glucose levels and postprandial hyperglycemia. As a result, scientists are being urged to target α-amylase and create inhibitors that can slow down the release of glucose from carbohydrate chains and prolong its absorption, thereby resulting in lower postprandial plasma glucose levels. Natural α-amylase inhibitors derived from plants have gained popularity as safe and cost-effective alternatives. The bioactive components responsible for the inhibitory actions of various plant extracts have been identified through phytochemical research, paving the way for further development and application. The majority of the findings, however, are based on in vitro investigations. Only a few animal experiments and very few human investigations have confirmed these findings. Despite some promising results, additional investigation is needed to develop feasible anti-diabetic drugs based on plant-derived pancreatic α-amylase inhibitors. This review summarizes the most recent findings from research on plant-derived pancreatic α-amylase inhibitors, including plant extracts and plant-derived bioactive compounds. Furthermore, it offers insights into the structural aspects of the crucial therapeutic target, α-amylases, in addition to their interactions with inhibitors.

Current research highlights the use of natural products or phytochemicals as drugs and functional additives to treat obesity with few side effects. Sargassum horneri (SH) and Ulva australis (UA) are marine waste resources on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. In this study, we analyzed their antioxidant and anti-obesity efficacies to confirm their potential as functional additives. We prepared SH and UA extracts using 80% ethanol and observed that free radical scavenging activity and total phenol content were high in SH extracts, and total flavonoid content was elevated in UA extracts. Additionally, 3T3-L1 cells were treated with SH and UA extracts, and the ability of the extracts to inhibit adipocyte differentiation was examined using Oil Red O staining and analysis of neutral fat content. We confirmed that the mRNA expression of the C/EBPα, PPARγ, and SREBP1c genes that act on adipocyte differentiation, and of FAS, a fatty acid synthase, was suppressed. Experiments in a mouse model of obesity showed that 12-week administration of a high-fat diet with 1% extract added to drinking water resulted in lower weight gain compared to the high-fat diet alone. These results suggest that SH and UA extracts have antioxidant properties and are effective in obesity prevention. Therefore, the two marine waste resources are potential functional additive candidates for preventing obesity.

(1) Background: Chronic renal disorders (CRD) are associated with significant comorbidities and necessitate complex therapeutic management. As time passed, Perilla frutescens (PF) became a promising therapeutic option for CRD. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to outline the therapeutic effects of PF extracts on various models of immunoglobulin a (IgA) nephropathy; (2) Methods: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were used to find relevant studies. All prospective interventional studies that evaluated the effect of PF extract versus placebo on rat models of chronic renal disorders were assessed according to the international guidelines; (3) Results: Our search yielded 23 unique records, out of which only five were included in the analysis. Our results showed that administration of PF extracts led to a statistically significant reduction in proteinuria and PCNA levels in rats that received high doses of the extract as well as in the PCNA level and DNA synthesis in rats that received low doses of the extract. The evaluated outcomes benefited from a low degree of heterogeneity; (4) Conclusions: Some of the evaluated outcomes were significantly reduced by both high and low doses of extracts from Perilla frutescens. Further studies are needed to determine the exact effect over IgA nephropathy in human subjects.

Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) (ELJ) is a plant in the Simaroubaceae family. Its roots are used in traditional Thai medicine to treat inflammation, pain, and fever; however, the antiulcer abilities of its ethanolic extract have not been studied. This study examined the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antipyretic, and gastroprotective effects of ethanolic ELJ extract in animal models and found that ELJ effectively reduced EPP-induced ear edema in a dose-dependent manner and that a high dose of ELJ inhibited carrageenan-induced hind paw edema formation. In cotton-pellet-induced granuloma formation, a high dose of ELJ suppressed the increases in wet granuloma weight but not dry or transudative weight. In the formalin-induced nociception study, ELJ had a significant dose-dependent inhibitory impact. Additionally, the study found that yeast-induced hyperthermia could be significantly reduced by antipyretic action at the highest dose of ELJ. In all the gastric ulcer models induced by chemical substances or physical activity, ELJ extracts at 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg also effectively prevented gastric ulcer formation. In the pyloric ligation model, however, the effects of ELJ extract on gastric volume, gastric pH, and total acidity were statistically insignificant. These findings support the current widespread use of Eurycoma longifolia Jack in traditional medicine, suggest the plant’s medicinal potential for development of phytomedicines with anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic properties, and support its use in the treatment of gastric ulcers due to its gastroprotective properties.

Numerous strategies have been suggested to reduce dependence on synthetic products, such as physical, microbial, and natural methods. Among the natural remedies, plant extracts have emerged as a popular option owing to their eco-friendly character, ease of degradation, and harmless nature to humans. In our study, we used the acetone and hexane extracts of Rhaphiolepis indica fruit to combat two fungal pathogens that were isolated from infected bean plants and showed root rot symptoms. The two pathogens were confirmed to be pathogenic by pathogenicity assays conducted in vivo. The morphological and molecular identification by ITS-region sequencing revealed that the two isolates were Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium solani, and they were assigned accession numbers OQ880457 and OQ820158, respectively. Our data showed that both hexane and acetone extracts caused a significant decrease in the linear growth of F. solani at all concentrations used (1%, 2%, and 3%), compared to the control. However, at a concentration of 3%, the hexane extract caused much greater inhibition than the acetone extract. For R. solani, the hexane extract, shows a significant inhibition percentage at all concentrations, which further increases to 85.24% at 3% concentration. The HPLC of both extracts indicated the presence and absence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The obtained results revealed that five acetonic phenolic extract compounds were ferulic, p-coumaric, gallic, p-OH benzoic, and cinnamic, with concentrations of 5.31, 10.36, 7.24, 6.08, and 0.89 mg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, the five hexanoic phenolic compounds were catechol, caffeic, chlorogenic, p-OH benzoic, and cinnamic acids, with concentrations of 3.66, 5.14, 0.69, 6.31, and 13.47 mg/mL, respectively. The identified acetonic flavonoid extract compounds, namely rutin, chrysin, quercetin, kaempferol, chrysoeriol, 7-OH flavone, and naringin, had respective concentrations of 5.36, 10.23, 4.32, 15.33, 1.06, 0.087, and 0.069 mg/mL, respectively. In contrast, it was observed that the seven hexanoic flavonoid extracts comprised of rutin, quercetin, kampferol, luteolin, chrysoeriol, 7-OH flavone, and catechin exhibited concentrations of 5.36, 7.15, 18.20, 6.04, 2.04, 10.24, and 13.43 mg/mL, respectively. The results of the study suggest that plant extracts may be a useful natural remedy for combating fungal pathogens and reducing dependence on synthetic products.

Apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) have a great agricultural and economic impact worldwide; they also present an interesting nutritional value, and their consumption has been associated with beneficial health effects. In this study, 15 apple varieties (three commercial, 12 autochthonous genotypes) were collected from mountainous areas in Spain and were evaluated for their phenolic content, antioxidant, anti-obesity and antidiabetic activities. Quercetin was tested as the reference substance in bioassays due to its role as one of the most common flavonoids in apples and other vegetables. Total Phenolic Content (TPC) of apple pulp extracts was quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The antioxidant activity was determined by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and xanthine/xanthine oxidase (X/XO) scavenging assays. Antidiabetic and anti-obesity potential were evaluated by inhibition of alpha-glucosidase (α-GLU), advance glycation end products (AGEs) formation and pancreatic lipase. The results showed in general higher phenol content in autochthonous varieties than in commercial apple pulp extracts. Phenolic-rich extracts showed better antioxidant profiles and significantly inhibited AGEs production and the α-glucosidase enzyme in a dose-dependent manner. None of them showed pancreatic lipase inhibitory effects but in general, the genotype known as “Amarilla de Octubre” was the best in terms of TPC and bioactive properties.

Fish represent one of the most perishable food groups. Therefore, it is important to find viable alternatives that contribute to the preservation of quality and increase the shelf life of fishery products, and one alternative is to use natural extracts with antimicrobial activity. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a natural extract prepared with garlic (NGE) on the quality and shelf life of tilapia fillets stored on ice for 18 days. For this purpose, NGE was prepared by homogenizing peeled garlic cloves with distilled water, which were then centrifuged to obtain the extract (NGE); then, the fish fillets were immersed in the extract and were coated in NGE. The fillets with NGE were packed in high-density polyethylene bags and stored in crushed ice for 18 days. The adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) and degradation products, K-value, color, texture, water holding capacity, pH, total mesophilic count, and total volatile bases (TVB-N) were monitored during storage. The ATP content, K-value, pH, total microbial count, and TVB-N changed with respect to ice storage time, and the results between fillets with NGE and control fillets differed. In conclusion, the application of NGE increased the shelf life of fillets stored on ice by 6 days, obtaining a shelf life of 18 days on ice, which shows its potential to improve the utilization of the species.

The ear- to shell-shaped fruiting bodies of the genus Auricularia are widely used as food and in traditional medicinal remedies. This study was primarily focused on the composition, properties and potential use of the gel-forming extract from Auricularia heimuer. The dried extract contained 50% soluble homo- and heteropolysaccharides, which were mainly composed of mannose and glucose, acetyl residues, glucuronic acid and a small amount of xylose, galactose, glucosamine, fucose, arabinose and rhamnose. The minerals observed in the extract included approximately 70% potassium followed by calcium. Among the fatty and amino acids, 60% unsaturated fatty acids and 35% essential amino acids could be calculated. At both acidic (pH 4) and alkaline (pH 10) conditions, the thickness of the 5 mg/mL extract did not change in a temperature range from −24 °C to room temperature, but decreased statistically significantly after storage at elevated temperature. At neutral pH, the studied extract demonstrated good thermal and storage stability, as well as a moisture retention capacity comparable to the high molecular weight sodium hyaluronate, a well-known moisturizer. Hydrocolloids that can be sustainably produced from Auricularia fruiting bodies offer great application potential in the food and cosmetic industries.

The slow discovery of new antibiotics combined with the alarming emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria underscores the need for alternative treatments. In this regard, fish skin mucus has been demonstrated to contain a diverse array of bioactive molecules with antimicrobial properties, including peptides, proteins, and other metabolites. This review aims to provide an overview of the antimicrobial molecules found in fish skin mucus and its reported in vitro antimicrobial capacity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Additionally, the different methods of mucus extraction, which can be grouped as aqueous, organic, and acidic extractions, are presented. Finally, omic techniques (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and multiomics) are described as key tools for the identification and isolation of new antimicrobial compounds. Overall, this study provides valuable insight into the potential of fish skin mucus as a promising source for the discovery of new antimicrobial agents.

The formulation of plant extracts in phospholipid vesicles is a promising strategy to exploit their biological properties while solving problems related to poor solubility in water, high instability, and low skin permeation and retention time. In this study, Ceratonia siliqua ripe pods were used for the preparation of a hydro-ethanolic extract, which showed antioxidant properties owing to the presence of biologically active compounds identified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (e.g., hydroxybenzoic acid and flavonoid derivatives). To improve the applicability of the extract in therapy, a topical formulation based on liposomes was explored. The vesicles were characterized by small size (around 100 nm), negative charge (−13 mV), and high entrapment efficiency (>90%). Furthermore, they displayed both spherical and elongated shapes, with oligolamellar structure. Their biocompatibility was demonstrated in cells, including erythrocytes and representative skin cell lines. The antioxidant activity of the extract was proved by the scavenging of free radicals, the reduction of ferric ions, and the protection of skin cells from oxidative damage.

The liver is an organ with several important biofunctions, for which there are very few effective and safe preparations that promote the functioning, protection, and regeneration of cells. Sufficiently safe preparations with hepatoprotective activity can be found in plants. The aim of our study was to investigate the chemical composition of an extract made from American cranberry (Oxycoccus macrocarpus (Ait.) Pursh) leaves and its amino-acids preparations as well as their possible hepatoprotective activity. Using the UPLC-MS/MS method, we identified 19 phenolic compounds (8 flavonoids (flavones and flavonols), 4 anthocyanins, 3 hydroxycinnamic acids, and 2 catechins). The prophylactic and therapeutic administration of the American cranberry-leaves extracts led to a decrease in the lipid-peroxidation process during a study of tetrachloromethane acute toxic damage in the liver of rats. As a result of animal studies, the most effective hepatoprotective activity was found in the extract preparations with valine and arginine.

Thyme is a colloquial term for number of aromatic species belonging to the genus Thymus L., known for their expressed biological activities and therefore used worldwide for seasoning and in folk medicine. In the present paper, the content of the total polyphenols (TP), total flavonoids (TF), and antioxidant capacity were assessed in the extracts of four traditionally used thyme species. Moreover, a comprehensive metabolomic study of thyme bioactive compounds was performed, and the obtained data were processed using multivariate statistical tests. The results clearly demonstrated the positive correlation between the content of the TP, TF, and antioxidant activity, and TF was more significant than TP. The findings revealed that four selected thyme species contained 528 secondary metabolites, including 289 flavonoids and 146 phenolic acids. Thymus marschallianus had a higher concentration of active ingredients, which improve its antioxidant capacity. Differentially accumulated metabolites were formed by complex pathways such as flavonoid, flavone, flavonol, isoflavonoid, and anthocyanin biosynthesis. Correlation analysis showed that 59 metabolites (including 28 flavonoids, 18 phenolic acids, and 7 terpenoid compounds) were significantly correlated with obtained values of the antioxidant capacity. The results suggested that selected thyme species exhibit a great diversity in antioxidant-related components, whereas flavonoids may be responsible for the high antioxidant capacity of all studied thyme species. The present study greatly expands our understanding of the complex phytochemical profiles and related applications of selected medicinal plants.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) is widely used in herbal medicine. In this study, we developed a method for the large-scale production of GP cells using plant tissue culture techniques combined with bioreactors. Six metabolites (uridine, adenosine, guanosine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan) were identified in GP extracts. Transcriptome analyses of HaCaT cells treated with GP extracts using three independent methods were conducted. Most differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the GP-all condition (combination of three GP extracts) showed similar gene expression on treatment with the three individual GP extracts. The most significantly upregulated gene was LTBP1. Additionally, 125 and 51 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in response to the GP extracts. The upregulated genes were associated with the response to growth factors and heart development. Some of these genes encode components of elastic fibers and the extracellular matrix and are associated with many cancers. Genes related to folate biosynthesis and vitamin D metabolism were also upregulated. In contrast, many downregulated genes were associated with cell adhesion. Moreover, many DEGs were targeted to the synaptic and neuronal projections. Our study has revealed the functional mechanisms of GP extracts’ anti-aging and photoprotective effects on the skin using RNA sequencing.

The aim of the present study was to correlate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from the aerial parts of three Dracocephalum moldavica L. cultivars with their polyphenolic compositions. The polyphenols were identified and quantified using spectrophotometrical methods and LC–MS analysis. Their antioxidant capacities were assessed using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. Their in vitro antimicrobial efficacies were assessed using the agar well diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Their cytotoxicity was investigated on normal diploid foreskin fibroblasts (BJ) and on colorectal adenocarcinoma (DLD-1) cell lines. The results pointed out significant amounts of polyphenolic compounds in the compositions of the tested cultivars, with rosmarinic acid as the main compound (amounts ranging between 5.337 ± 0.0411 and 6.320 ± 0.0535 mg/mL). All three cultivars displayed significant antioxidant (IC50 ranging between 35.542 ± 0.043 and 40.901 ± 0.161 µg/mL for the DPPH assay, and for the FRAP assay 293.194 ± 0.213 and 330.165 ± 0.754 µmol Trolox equivalent/mg dry vegetal material) and antimicrobial potential (especially towards the Gram-positive bacteria), as well as a selective toxicity towards the tumoral line. A significant positive correlation was found between antioxidant activity and the total phenolic acids (r2 = 0.987) and polyphenols (r2 = 0.951). These findings bring further arguments for strongly considering D. moldavica cultivars as promising vegetal products, which warrants further investigation.

In this study we developed a new extract, by the use of conventional solid-solvent extraction and a food-grade hydroalcoholic solvent, rich in phenolic and triterpenoid components from almon hull to be employed as functional ingredient in food, pharma and cosmetic sectors. Two autochthonous Sicilian cultivars (‘Pizzuta’ and ‘Romana’) and an Apulian modern cultivar (‘Tuono’) have been tested for the production of the extract. Results showed that the two Sicilian varieties, and in particular the ‘Romana’ one, present the best characteristics to obtain extracts rich in triterpenoids and hydroxycinnamic acids, useful for the production of nutraceutical supplements. About triterpenoids, the performance of the hydroalcoholic extraction process allowed to never go below 46% of recovery for ‘Pizzuta’ samples, with significantly higher percentages of recovery for ‘Tuono’ and ‘Romana’ extracts (62.61% and 73.13%, respectively) while hydroxycinnamic acids were recovered at higher recovery rate (84%, 89% and 88% for ‘Pizzuta’, ‘Romana’ and ‘Tuono’ extracts, respectively). Invitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities exerted by the extracts showed promising results with P. aeruginosa being the most affected strain, inhibited up to the 1/8 dilution with ‘Romana’ extract. All the three tested extracts exerted an antimicrobial action up to 1/4 dilutions but ‘Romana’ and ‘Pizzuta’ extracts always showed the greatest efficacy.

Fungi of the Candida genus are responsible for invasive candidiasis, which affects people all over the world and has high mortality rates. This is due to their virulence factors, which give them great resistance and pathogenicity. In addition, the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains makes it difficult to treat these infections. In this way, natural products have emerged as an alternative to standard drugs, where plants known for their medicinal properties such as Turnera subulata become attractive to research. The present work aimed to analyze the ethanol extract of Turnera subulata leaves against standard strains of Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis using broth microdilution techniques. The identification of the compounds in T. subulata leaves by LC-MS revealed the presence of a wide variety of substances such as carboxylic acids and terpenes, with flavonoids and fatty acids being more evident. The antifungal assays showed that the extract was not able to inhibit the growth of the tested strains at concentrations with a clinical relevance. However, at higher concentrations, it was able to inhibit the fungal dimorphism of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. It is possible that the T. subulata extract has potential as an inhibitor of fungal virulence factors without affecting the cell viability. Further research should be carried out in order to assess its inhibitory potential for other fungal virulence factors.

Oxidative stress is a phenomenon caused by an imbalance between the production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species in cells and tissues that eventually leads to the production of various diseases. Here, we investigated the antioxidant effects of the extract from Sonchus brachyotus DC. (SBE) based on the 0.2% oxazolone-induced intestinal oxidative stress model of zebrafish. Compared to the model group, the treatment group alleviated oxazolone-induced intestinal tissue damage and reduced the contents of malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, IL-1β, and TNF-α and then increased the contents of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and IL-10. The 16s rDNA gene sequencing findings demonstrated that SBE could increase the relative abundance of Fusobacteriota, Actinobacteriota, and Firmicutes and decrease the relative abundance of Proteobacteria. Based on the correlation analysis between the oxidative stress biomarkers and intestinal flora, we found that the trends of oxidative stress biomarkers were significantly correlated with intestinal microorganisms, especially at the genus level. The correlations of MDA, IL-1β, and TNF-α were significantly negative with Shewanella, while SOD, GSH-Px, and IL-10 were significantly positive with Cetobacterium, Gemmobacter, and Flavobacterium. Consequently, we concluded that the antioxidant effect of SBE was realized through the interaction between oxidative stress biomarkers and gut microbiota.

The growing interest in polyphenols of natural origin and their plant sources encourages the study of their chemical composition and biological activity. Propolis is widely used as a source of phenolic compounds. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and sun protection factor (SPF) of the ethanolic extracts of the poplar buds, birch buds and pine buds of propolis plant precursors collected in Lithuania. The IC50 concentration of the extracts was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS methods. Extracts of poplar buds, birch buds and propolis showed a lower IC50 concentration by ABTS and DPPH methods compared with pine buds extracts. Poplar buds and propolis extracts showed the highest SPF value, while birch and pine buds extracts showed a lower SPF value. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis results showed that phenolic acids, such as p-coumaric acid and cinnamic acid, and flavonoids, such as pinobanksin and pinocembrin, were identified in all the tested extracts. Salicin has been identified only in poplar buds extracts. The results of antioxidant activity showed that propolis poplar and birch buds are a promising source of biologically active polyphenols.

Psychological stress exerts its effects mainly through the release of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), which activates inflammatory pathways in skin (inter alia), resulting in redness, extracellular matrix degradation, loss of skin elasticity and firmness, and the appearance of wrinkles—namely, accelerated skin aging. In order to propose a solution to this neurogenic aging phenomenon, we report here on studies using a myricitrin-rich extract of Cistus incanus, a Mediterranean shrub used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory and other diseases. These studies include a CRH receptor (CRH-R1) blocking assay; in vitro inflammatory cytokine reduction under CRH stimulation, and ex vivo NF-kB inhibition; and a double-blind clinical trial performed on highly stressed panelists, evaluating skin inflammation and wrinkling (active formulation vs. placebo control, applied split-face following a computer-generated randomization scheme; 36 subjects recruited and randomized, 30 analyzed; no adverse effects recorded; EMA/INFARMED registration #118505, internally funded). The results show that this extract can effectively block the CRH-R1 receptor, preventing NF-κB activation and the production of related pro-inflammatory cytokines. In a clinical setting, this same extract delivered significant anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects. Taken together, these results demonstrate the value of this extract as a cosmetic active to counter neurogenic inflammation and skin aging.