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To enhance the preservation of strawberries, a novel coating formulation was developed using chitosan (CH) and iron oxide (IO) nanoparticles (NPs) supplemented with ginger and garlic extracts and combined with varying concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 3% Fe3O4 NPs. The results of XRD revealed an average crystalline size of 48.1 nm for Fe3O4 NPs. SEM images identified Fe3O4 NPs as bright spots on the surface of the fruit, while FTIR confirmed their presence by detecting specific functional groups. Additional SEM analysis revealed clear visibility of CH coatings on the strawberries. Both uncoated and coated strawberry samples were stored at room temperature (27 °C), and quality parameters were systematically assessed, including weight loss, firmness, pH, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSSs), ascorbic acid content, antioxidant activity, total reducing sugars (TRSs), total phenolic compounds (TPCs), and infection rates. The obtained weight loss was 21.6% and 6% for 1.5% CH and 3% IO with 1.5% CH, whereas the obtained infection percentage was 19.65% and 13.68% for 1.5% CH and 3% IO with 1.5% CH. As strawberries are citric fruit, 3% IO with 1.5% CH contains 55.81 mg/100 g ascorbic acid. The antioxidant activity for 1.5% CH coated was around 73.89%, whereas 3% IO with 1.5% CH showed 82.89%. The studies revealed that coated samples showed better results, whereas CH that incorporates Fe3O4 NP coatings appears very promising for extending the shelf life of strawberries, preserving their quality and nutritional value during storage and transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted increasing attention in nanomedicine, with versatile applications in drug delivery, antimicrobial treatments, and cancer therapies. While chemical synthesis remains a common approach for AgNP production, ensuring environmental sustainability requires a shift toward eco-friendly, "green" synthesis techniques. This article underscores the promising role of plant extracts in the green synthesis of AgNPs, highlighting the importance of their natural sources and diverse bioactive compounds. Various characterization methods for these nanomaterials are also reviewed. Furthermore, the anticancer potential of green AgNPs (Gr-AgNPs) is examined, focusing on their mechanisms of action and the challenges to their clinical implementation. Finally, future directions in the field are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, there is a trend to enhance the properties of meat products by fortifying them with various plant-based extracts. The objective of the work was to fortify pork burgers with different concentrations of Prunus serotina extract (PSE) and to evaluate certain quality attributes (pH, cooking characteristics, color parameters, and sensory attributes) in both raw and cooked burgers. In addition, the content of total phenols and the antioxidant capacity were evaluated in burgers samples. The results revealed that the cooking characteristics were influenced by the addition of PSE in burgers. From the perspective of color parameters, the increase in the concentration of PSE results in a significant decrease (p

This study proposes efficient valorization of red pitahaya (Hylocereus sp.) peels by separating and purifying their structural and bioactive fractions to produce bioactive films through a multi-product cascade biorefinery approach. The process begins with the extraction of a betalain-rich extract (BET), followed by the separation of pectin (PEC), and finally, the production of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) from the remaining residue. The entire cascade process resulted in a successful utilization of 79.5% of the pitahaya peel. All fractions obtained were integrated into PEC-based films reinforced with CNF in the following proportions 5, 15, 30 and 45% CNF. The films were subsequently subjected to characterization in terms of their physical, chemical and mechanical properties. The optimal mechanical reinforcement effect was observed in films with 45% CNF, which exhibited an increased tensile strength of 20.47 MPa compared to 100% PEC, and higher thermal stability. Therefore, the ratio of 45% CNF was selected for the addition of the bioactive fraction, which comprised 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 50% BET. In general, all bioactive films exhibited a compact and uniform structure. Films with higher percentages of BET showed a decrease in water vapor barrier properties (50-70% increase in water vapor permeability), probably due to the hydrophilic nature of BET. Additionally, the inclusion of BET resulted in enhanced wettability, as evidenced by a reduction in water contact angles (36.36º). The UV light blocking capacity increased (57% increase) while transparency decreased (43-50%) with the addition of BET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall army worm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a polyphagous pest which causes damage to commercially important cultivated crops such as maize, rice, sorghum, cotton and also different vegetable crops. Carboxyl esterases (CarE, EC.3.1.1.1) or esterases are enzymes in the carboxyl / cholinesterase gene family that catalyze the hydrolysis of carboxyl esters. The carboxylesterases enzyme are the detoxification enzymes in FAW. Therefore, the inhibition of carboxylesterases from FAW would help in pest management. In this scenario, Isolation, purification and inhibition studies were carried out on the midgut carboxylesterase enzyme of FAW. Through a combination of steps including centrifugation, ammonium sulfate gradient precipitation, DEAE-Cellulose ion exchange chromatography, the enzyme was purified from fifth instar larvae of FAW. The final purified carboxylesterase after ion exchange chromatography had a specific activity of 7282.22 units / mg protein, 5.6 – fold of crude homogenate, and a yield of 25%. The purity of esterase was established by PAGE and SDS-PAGE. The SDS-PAGE revealed a molecular weight of approximately 45kDa to 66kDa. Our studies on the purified midgut carboxylesterase showed complete inhibition by organophosphorous inhibitor (10-4 M). The enzyme was also inhibited by 1x concentration of Lizol (disinfectant) and by different natural extracts (1x) as well.

The article explores the concept of Green Veterinary Pharmacology (GVP) and its significance in addressing climate change, environmental pollutants, and antimicrobial resistance in animal and human health. GVP aims to reduce the use of chemicals and antibiotics in veterinary medicine through sustainable strategies. The article discusses successful studies that have applied GVP approaches, such as using natural compounds with antibacterial and anthelmintic properties. It also examines alternative treatments for bovine mastitis, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, bacteriophages, herbal medicines, and vaccines. The article emphasizes the need for further research and evaluation of these alternative approaches. Additionally, it discusses the use of phytotherapeutic drugs among veterinarians, highlighting their benefits as adjuvant therapy and the importance of proper dissemination and academic training in this field. The article also mentions the potential of natural compounds derived from plants and natural products in veterinary pharmacology as a sustainable and complementary method to reduce the use of chemical substances and minimize drug resistance. The "One Health" approach, which promotes collaboration across healthcare for humans, animals, and the environment, is also discussed as a means to expand global collaborations. [Extracted from the article]

Disease's severity, mortality rates, and common failures to achieve clinical improvement during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic exposed the emergency need for new antiviral therapeutics with higher efficacy and fewer adverse effects. This study explores the potential to encapsulate multi-component plant extracts in liposomes as optimized delivery systems and to verify if they exert inhibitory effects against human seasonal betacoronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) in vitro. The selection of Sambucus nigra, Potentilla reptans, Allium sativum, Aesculus hippocastanum, and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. plant extracts was based on their established pharmacological and antiviral properties. The physicochemical characterization of extract-loaded liposomes was conducted by DLS and electrokinetics. Encapsulated amounts of the extract were evaluated based on the total flavonoid content (TFC) and total polyphenol content (TPC) by colorimetric methods. The BALB 3T3 neutral red uptake (NRU) phototoxicity/cytotoxicity assay was used to estimate compounds' safety. Photo irritation factors (PIFs) of the liposomes containing extracts were <2 which assigned them as non-phototoxic substances. The antiviral capacities of liposomes containing medicinal plant extracts against HCoV-OC43 were measured by the cytopathic effect inhibition test in susceptible HCT-8 cells. The antiviral activity increased by several times compared to "naked" extracts' activity reported previously. A. hippocastanum extract showed 16 times higher inhibitory properties reaching a selectivity index (SI) of 58.96. Virucidal and virus-adsorption effects were investigated using the endpoint dilution method and ∆lgs comparison with infected and untreated controls. The results confirmed that nanoparticles do not directly affect the viral surface or cell membrane, but only serve as carriers of the active substances and the observed protection is due solely to the intracellular action of the extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable oils and extracts have been used from ancient times for skin care. The aim of this study was to design and evaluate the physicochemical, organoleptic, and microbiological characteristics and the instrumental efficacy in vivo of a cosmetic formula named "ASC Cream", containing sangre de grado resin extract (Croton lechleri) and vegetable oils obtained from moriche palm (Mauritia flexuosa L.), goldenberry (Physalis peruviana), super sacha peanut (Plukenetia huayllabambana sp. nov.), and sacha peanut (Plukenetia volubilis L.). Instrumental efficacy, skin hydration and skin pH were tested in vivo in 24 healthy female volunteers between 40 and 65 years old, using non-invasive skin bioengineering equipment from Courage + Khazaka Electronics, both in the short term (30 min, 1 h and 3 h) and long term (14 and 28 days). The main findings were increased immediate hydration (132.4%) and long-term hydration (143.6%), showing a statistically significant average improvement (p < 0.05) without altering the skin pH. In conclusion, a balanced combination of the extract and oils significantly increases hydration levels while maintaining skin pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prevention of biofilm formation is essential for water treatment and industrial processes. Although there are different agents capable to inhibit bacteria proliferation, the use of natural, and in particular obtained from waste, is highly desirable in the green chemistry paradigm. The objective of this work is to obtain eco-friendly sponges that can be used to prevent biofilm formation by the action of a natural antimicrobial agent. Polyvinylalcohol (PVA) sponges were prepared by freeze-drying using malic and citric acid as green crosslinkers. Aqueous lemon peel extract was used as antimicrobial agent for PVA dissolution. Some sponges were coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in order to increase the stability in aqueous media and provide flexibility. Sponges were characterized by ATR-FTIR, TGA, DSC, nitrogen adsorption isotherms and SEM. Water contact angles and swelling degrees of all the prepared sponges were measured. Kinetic release measurements of the yellow pigment, present in the lemon extract, were analyzed under different pH and ionic strength conditions. The obtained sponges were incubated for 24 h at room temperature with Pseudomonas protegens. The surface of the sponges after incubation was characterized by Raman spectroscopy and observed at the microscope to determine the presence of biofilm. UV–Vis spectrophotometry with crystal violet were employed to quantify biofilm formation and optical density at 600 nm was measured in the liquid media to determine the bacterial cell concentration. Sponges show high mechanical and chemical resistance and incorporation of lemon extract prevent biofilm formation as high as 70% with respect to sponges without the extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the effect of herbal extract, mordant and mordanting process on antibacterial activity, color fastness, and durable and comfort properties of the cotton fabric. In the current research, 100% gray cotton fabric, rind of pomegranate, manjistha, and moduga are used. The selected herbals were aqueous extracted and tested for phytochemical screening to find the presence of active ingredients. The cotton fabric is processed, and herbal extracts were applied with standard methods. The dyed materials were tested for antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli and color fastness, durable, and comfort properties. The rind of pomegranate has high antibacterial property, biomass reduction, and excellent color fastness. All the dyed samples showed useful, sustainable, and comfort features. Furthermore, a garment (salwar cum churidar), designed and developed, was analyzed for wear study by 50 students, and they reported that it has excellent comfort and fit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of a mouthwash containing Lespedeza cuneata extract (LCE) on halitosis as an alternative to chemical mouthwashes. The effect of this natural mouthwash on halitosis-causing bacteria (HCB) was clinically evaluated. Materials and Methods: A total of 84 subjects among 103 participants were recruited from the M Dental Clinic (Busan, South Korea) in this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The participants were divided into two groups: 41 in the saline-gargle group (saline group) and 43 in the LCE-gargle group (LCE group). A week before the experiment, scaling and oral health education were conducted to standardise the subjects' oral condition. For clinical evaluation, halitosis and HCB were evaluated pre-gargle (baseline), immediately after gargling (treatment), and 5 days after gargling (5 days post-treatment). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows. Results: The level of subjective improvement was statistically significantly greater in the LCE group than the saline group (p < 0.05). Compared with the saline group, the LCE group showed reduced halitosis after 5 days of application. Furthermore, halitosis statistically significantly decreased over time (p < 0.05). Moreover, the LCE group showed a statistically significant decrease in the number of all six HCBs (p < 0.05). Conclusion: LCE gargle was effective in reducing halitosis both subjectively and objectively, suggesting an antibacterial effect on HCBs in the oral cavity. Thus, LCE, which can be used as a safe mouthwash ingredient, can promote oral health and will be valuable for the oral healthcare product industry. It might also be helpful for people suffering from halitosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the interaction and antioxidant effects of the combination of natural extract and complex phosphate on the quality characteristics of yak mince during cold storage. In this study, rosemary, grape seed extract and complex phosphate were mixed at the ratio of 0.015%, 0.02% and 0.10%, and the edible quality, rheological properties, lipid oxidation and protein oxidation of yak meat were measured after the meat was refrigerated at 4 ℃ for 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 h. The results showed that with the extension of refrigeration time, the pH of yak mince treated with rosemary, grape seed extract and complex phosphate decreased significantly, and the water retention increased significantly (P

There is a growing shift from the use of conventional pharmaceutical oral care products to the use of herbal extracts and traditional remedies in dental caries prevention. This is attributed to the potential environmental and health implications of contemporary oral products. This comprehensive review aims at the analysis of plant-derived compounds as preventive modalities in dental caries research. It focuses on data collected from 2019 until recently, trying to emphasize current trends in this topic. The research findings suggest that several plant-derived compounds, either aqueous or ethanolic, exhibit notable antibacterial effects against Streptococcus mutans and other bacteria related to dental caries, with some extracts demonstrating an efficacy comparable to that of chlorhexidine. Furthermore, in vivo studies using plant-derived compounds incorporated in food derivatives, such as lollipops, have shown promising results by significantly reducing Streptococcus mutans in high-risk caries children. In vitro studies on plant-derived compounds have revealed bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity against S. mutans, suggesting their potential use as dental caries preventive agents. Medicinal plants, plant-derived phytochemicals, essential oils, and other food compounds have exhibited promising antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens, either by their anti-adhesion activity, the inhibition of extracellular microbial enzymes, or their direct action on microbial species and acid production. However, further research is needed to assess their antimicrobial activity and to evaluate the cytotoxicity and safety profiles of these plant-derived compounds before their widespread clinical use can be recommended.

Osteoarthritis (OA) stands as a prevalent and progressively debilitating clinical condition globally, impacting joint structures and leading to their gradual deterioration through inflammatory mechanisms. While both non-modifiable and modifiable factors contribute to its onset, numerous aspects of OA pathophysiology remain elusive despite considerable research strides. Presently, diagnosis heavily relies on clinician expertise and meticulous differential diagnosis to exclude other joint-affecting conditions. Therapeutic approaches for OA predominantly focus on patient education for self-management alongside tailored exercise regimens, often complemented by various pharmacological interventions primarily targeting pain alleviation. However, pharmacological treatments typically exhibit short-term efficacy and local and/or systemic side effects, with prosthetic surgery being the ultimate resolution in severe cases. Thus, exploring the potential integration or substitution of conventional drug therapies with natural compounds and extracts emerges as a promising frontier in enhancing OA management. These alternatives offer improved safety profiles and possess the potential to target specific dysregulated pathways implicated in OA pathogenesis, thereby presenting a holistic approach to address the condition’s complexities.

Viral infections have caused wide-scale suffering and death globally throughout the history, very recent being the deadly Covid-19 infection. Many bacterial infections also result in various serious diseases. It is well known that microbial, especially viral infections are mainly transmitted between individuals through the respiratory and oral tract. Several chemicals based antimicrobial substances, like sanitizers and disinfectants are available to break this chain of transmission and prevent the development of disease. But these have some long-lasting side effects in human e.g. making the skin rough and scaly, depletion of beneficial microflora and even contributing to antimicrobial resistance. On the other hand, the use of natural and herbal based products addresses these drawbacks quite effectively. India has been traditionally known to possess a rich source of many plants and herbs, possessing potent antimicrobial, especially antiviral property. Thus, in the present study, the antiviral property of certain natural extracts e.g. beet, orange, drumsticks, cinnamon, ginger, neem and oregano, was evaluated by checking their inhibitory potential against bacteriophages, as bacteriophages are viruses with similar morphological and physiological features. It was observed that among these cinnamon, ginger and oregano exhibited the highest activity against the bacteriophages, which clearly demonstrated their potential to be used as antiviral therapeutics. Further this study also highlighted the need for further exploration of other natural extracts for treatment and prevention of various diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorella vulgaris (C.V) is known for its high protein and nutrient contents and has been touted as a potential functional ingredient in food products. For this study, beef burgers were formulated with varying levels of Chlorella vulgaris fortification (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% by weight). The nutritional composition, including proximate analysis and mineral content, was determined for each treatment group. The quality characteristics evaluated included thiobarbituric acid (TBA), total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN), pH, and total acidity. The study included extracting the active substances from Chlorella vulgaris using three solvents, 50% ethanol, 95% ethanol, and water, to evaluate the effect on the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The results showed that the water extract had the highest total phenolic content (183.5 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram) and the highest flavonoid content (54 mg quercetin per gram). The aqueous extract had the highest content of total antioxidants, followed by the 95% ethanol and 50% ethanol extracts. Meanwhile, the 50% ethanol extract showed the best antimicrobial activity, while the aqueous extract had less of an effect on Gram-positive bacteria and no effect on E. coli. For the burger treatments, at the end of the storage period, it was observed that the microbial load of the treatments decreased compared to the control, and there was a high stability in the total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN) values for the treatments compared to the control, reaching a value of 22.4 at month 5, which is well above the acceptable limit, indicating spoilage. The pH values were higher for all of the treatments, with a lower total acidity for all of the treatments compared to the control. In conclusion, utilizing Chlorella vulgaris algae as a natural preservative to extend the freshness of burgers is a sustainable and innovative approach to food preservation. By harnessing the power of this green superfood, we not only enhance the shelf life of our food products but also contribute to a healthier and more environmentally friendly food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study investigates the chemical composition, nutritional, and biological properties of extracts obtained from A. melanocarpa berries using different extraction methods and solvents. Hydrodistillation and supercritical fluid extraction with CO2 allowed us to isolate fruit essential oil (HDEX) and fixed oil (SFEEX), respectively. A phenol-enriched extract was obtained using a mild ultrasound-assisted maceration with methanol (UAMM). The HDEX most abundant component, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), was italicene epoxide (17.2%), followed by hexadecanoic acid (12.4%), khusinol (10.5%), limonene (9.7%), dodecanoic acid (9.7%), and (E)-anethole (6.1%). Linoleic (348.9 mg/g of extract, 70.5%), oleic (88.9 mg/g, 17.9%), and palmitic (40.8 mg/g, 8.2%) acids, followed by α-linolenic and stearic acids, were the main fatty acids in SFEEX determined using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector and an evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-DAD/ELSD). HPLC-DAD analyses of SFEEX identified β-carotene as the main carotenoid (1.7 mg/g), while HPLC with fluorescence detection (FLU) evidenced α-tocopherol (1.2 mg/g) as the most abundant tocopherol isoform in SFEEX. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-MS (LC-ESI-MS) analysis of UAMM showed the presence of quercetin-sulfate (15.6%, major component), malvidin 3-O-(6-O-p-coumaroyl) glucoside-4-vinylphenol adduct (pigment B) (9.3%), di-caffeoyl coumaroyl spermidine (7.6%), methyl-epigallocatechin (5.68%), and phloretin (4.1%), while flavonoids (70.5%) and phenolic acids (23.9%) emerged as the most abundant polyphenol classes. UAMM exerted a complete inhibition of the cholesterol oxidative degradation at 140 °C from 75 μg of extract, showing 50% protection at 30.6 μg (IA50). Furthermore, UAMM significantly reduced viability (31–48%) in A375 melanoma cells in the range of 500–2000 μg/mL after 96 h of incubation (MTT assay), with a low toxic effect in normal HaCaT keratinocytes. The results of this research extend the knowledge of the nutritional and biological properties of A. melanocarpa berries, providing useful information on specific extracts for potential food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles for diverse applications is an active research area that involves physical and chemical methods, which typically are expensive, involve hazardous chemical reagents, use complex equipment and synthesis conditions, and consume large amounts of time and energy. Thus, green synthesis methods have emerged as eco-friendly and easy alternatives for inorganic nanoparticle synthesis, particularly the use of plant-based extracts from fruit juice, leaves, seeds, peel, stem, barks, and roots, which act as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals and circular economy principles. Therefore, diverse inorganic nanoparticles have been synthesized using plant-based extracts, including gold, silver, titanium dioxide, zinc, copper, platinum, zirconium, iron, selenium, magnesium, nickel, sulfur, cobalt, palladium, and indium nanoparticles, which exhibit different biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, dye degradation, cytotoxic, analgesic, sedative, wound-healing, skin protection, sensor development, and plant-growth-promoting effects. Therefore, this review summarizes the advantages and limitations of plant-based extracts as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents for inorganic nanoparticle green synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology is one of the newest directions for plant-based therapies. Chronic venous disease often predisposes to long-term and invasive treatment. This research focused on the inclusion of vegetal extracts from Sophorae flos (SE), Calendulae flos (CE), and Ginkgo bilobae folium (GE) in formulations with PHB and PLGA polymers and their physicochemical characterization as a preliminary stage for possible use in the development of a complex therapeutic product. The samples were prepared by an oil–water emulsification and solvent evaporation technique, resulting in suspensions with high spreadability and a pH of 5.5. ATR-FTIR analysis revealed bands for stretching vibrations (O-H, C=O, and C-H in symmetric and asymmetric methyl and methylene) in the same regions as the base components, but switched to high or low wavenumbers and absorbance, highlighting the formation of adducts/complexes between the extracts and polymers. The obtained formulations were in the amorphous phase, as confirmed by XRD analysis. AFM analysis emphasized the morphological peculiarities of the extract–polymer nanoformulations. It could be noticed that, in the case of SE-based formulations, the dominant characteristics for SE-PHB and SE-PLGA composition were the formation of random large (SE-PHB) and smaller uniform (SE-PLGA) particles; further on, these particles tended to aggregate in the case of SE-PHB-PLGA. For the CE- and GE-based formulations, the dominant surface morphology was their porosity, generally with small pores, but larger cavities were observed in some cases (CE- and GE-PHB). The highest roughness values at the (8 µm × 8 μm) scale were found for the following samples and succession: CE-PHB < SE-PLGA < SE-PHB-PLGA. In addition, by thermogravimetric analysis, impregnation in the matrix of compression stockings was evaluated, which varied in the following order: CE-polymer > SE-polymer > GE-polymer. In conclusion, nine vegetal extract–polymer nanoformulations were prepared and preliminarily characterized (by advanced physicochemical methods) as a starting point for further optimization, stability studies, and possible use in complex pharmaceutical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuropathy affects 7–10% of the general population and is caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory system. The limitations of current therapies highlight the necessity of a new innovative approach to treating neuropathic pain (NP) based on the close correlation between oxidative stress, inflammatory process, and antioxidant action. The advantageous outcomes of a novel combination composed of Hop extract, Propolis, Ginkgo Biloba, Vitamin B, and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) used as a treatment was evaluated in this study. To assess the absorption and biodistribution of the combination, its bioavailability was first examined in a 3D intestinal barrier model that replicated intestinal absorption. Further, a 3D nerve tissue model was developed to study the biological impacts of the combination during the essential pathways involved in NP. Our findings show that the combination could cross the intestinal barrier and reach the peripheral nervous system, where it modulates the oxidative stress, inflammation levels, and myelination mechanism (increased NRG, MPZ, ERB, and p75 levels) under Schwann cells damaging. This study proves the effectiveness of Ginkgo Biloba, Propolis, Hop extract, Vitamin B, and PEA in avoiding nerve damage and suggests a potential alternative nutraceutical treatment for NP and neuropathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aims to study the possibilities of developing silver nanoparticles using natural extracts of grape pomace wastes originating from the native variety of Fetească Neagră 6 Șt. This study focused on investigating the influence of grape pomace extract obtained by two different extraction methods (classical temperature extraction and microwave-assisted extraction) in the phytosynthesis process of metal nanoparticles. The total phenolic content of the extracts was assessed using the spectrophotometric method with the Folin–Ciocâlteu reagent, while the identification and quantification of specific components were conducted through high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), along with assessing their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive bacteria. The data collected from the experiments indicated that the nanoparticles were formed in a relatively short period of time (96 h) and, for the experimental variant involving the use of a 1:1 ratio (v/v, grape pomace extract: silver nitrate) for the nanoparticle phytosynthesis, the smallest crystallite sizes (from X-ray diffraction—4.58 nm and 5.14 nm) as well as spherical or semispherical nanoparticles with the lowest average diameters were obtained (19.99–23 nm, from TEM analysis). The phytosynthesis process was shown to enhance the antioxidant properties (determined using the DPPH assay) and the antimicrobial potential (tested against Gram-positive strains) of the nanoparticles, as evidenced by comparing their properties with those of the parent extracts; at the same time, the nanoparticles exhibited a selectivity in action, being active against the Staphylococcus aureus strain while presenting no antimicrobial potential against the Enterococcus faecalis strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of viruses that cause diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, Zika, and Chikungunya, leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality in humans and substantial healthcare costs. The most common method for mosquito control involves the use of synthetic insecticides; however, continuous use of these substances leads to species resistance and environmental contamination. In response to these challenges, natural extracts have emerged as a promising alternative for vector control as they contain components potentially toxic to mosquitoes. The aim of this review is to present the current state of the use of natural extracts as a strategy for controlling both larval and adult Ae. aegypti. By means of information retrieval from databases, considering original articles published from 2018 to 2023, we sought information related to the plant part used for extract obtainment, extraction methods, and solvents used. A total of 676 articles were found, of which 35 met the established criteria. In these publications, 38 families, 69 genera, and 87 species of plants were identified, with a particular emphasis on the Asteraceae, Anacardiaceae, Myrtaceae, and Lamiaceae families due to their higher number of species used in research. On the other hand, the most commonly used methods for obtaining extracts included maceration with subsequent filtration, as well as Soxhlet extraction. Meanwhile, the preferred solvents for extract obtainment were ethanol and water. In conclusion, there is widespread use of plant extracts as insecticides, with extraordinary potential to control vector populations such as Ae. aegypti and, in turn, contribute to the reduction of arbovirus transmission by this mosquito. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presbyopia is a global problem with an estimated 1.3 billion patients worldwide. In the area of functional food applications, dietary supplements or herbs, there are very few reports describing the positive effects of their use. In the available literature, there is a lack of studies in humans as well as on an animal model of extracts containing, simultaneously, compounds from the polyphenol group (in particular, anthocyanins) and iridoids, so we undertook a study of the effects of a preparation composed of these compounds on a condition of the organ of vision. Our previous experience on a rabbit model proved the positive effect of taking an oral extract of Cornus mas in stabilizing the intraocular pressure of the eye. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an orally administered ternary compound preparation on the status of physiological parameters of the ocular organ. The preparation contained an extract of the chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa, the honeysuckle berry Lonicera caerulea L., and the bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus (hereafter AKB) standardized for anthocyanins and iridoids, as bioactive compounds known from the literature. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over study lasting with a "wash-out" period of 17 weeks evaluated a group of 23 people over the age of 50, who were subjects with presbyopia and burdened by prolonged work in front of screen monitors. The group of volunteers was recruited from people who perform white-collar jobs on a daily basis. The effects of the test substances contained in the preparation on visual acuity for distance and near, sense of contrast for distance and near, intraocular pressure, and conjunctival lubrication, tested by Schirmer test, LIPCOF index and TBUT test, and visual field test were evaluated. Anthocyanins (including cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, delphinidin 3-O-arabinoside, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside, cyanidin 3-O-arabinoside) and iridoids (including loganin, sweroside, loganic acid) were identified as substances present in the extract obtained by HPLC-MS. The preliminary results showed that the composition of AKB applied orally does not change visual acuity in the first 6 weeks of administration. Only in the next cycle of the study was an improvement in near visual acuity observed in 92.3% of the patients. This may indicate potential to correct near vision in presbyopic patients. On the other hand, an improvement in conjunctival wetting was observed in the Schirmer test at the beginning of week 6 of administration in 80% of patients. This effect was weakened in subsequent weeks of conducting the experiment to 61.5%. The improvement in conjunctival hydration in the Schirmer test shows the potential beneficial effect of the AKB formulation in a group of patients with dry eye syndrome. This is the first study of a preparation based on natural, standardized extracts of chokeberry, honeysuckle berry, and bilberry. Preliminary studies show an improvement in near visual acuity and conjunctival hydration on the Schirmer test, but this needs to be confirmed in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of viruses that cause diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, Zika, and Chikungunya, leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality in humans and substantial healthcare costs. The most common method for mosquito control involves the use of synthetic insecticides; however, continuous use of these substances leads to species resistance and environmental contamination. In response to these challenges, natural extracts have emerged as a promising alternative for vector control as they contain components potentially toxic to mosquitoes. The aim of this review is to present the current state of the use of natural extracts as a strategy for controlling both larval and adult Ae. aegypti. By means of information retrieval from databases, considering original articles published from 2018 to 2023, we sought information related to the plant part used for extract obtainment, extraction methods, and solvents used. A total of 676 articles were found, of which 35 met the established criteria. In these publications, 38 families, 69 genera, and 87 species of plants were identified, with a particular emphasis on the Asteraceae, Anacardiaceae, Myrtaceae, and Lamiaceae families due to their higher number of species used in research. On the other hand, the most commonly used methods for obtaining extracts included maceration with subsequent filtration, as well as Soxhlet extraction. Meanwhile, the preferred solvents for extract obtainment were ethanol and water. In conclusion, there is widespread use of plant extracts as insecticides, with extraordinary potential to control vector populations such as Ae. aegypti and, in turn, contribute to the reduction of arbovirus transmission by this mosquito.

Abstract Chemoresistance and severe toxicities represent major drawbacks of chemotherapy. Natural extracts, including the essential oils of Pistacia lentiscus (PLEO), exhibit substantial anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities where different cancers are reported to dramatically recess following targeting with PLEO. PLEO has promising antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the therapeutic properties of PLEO are restricted by limited stability, bioavailability, and targeting ability. PLEO nanoformulation can maximize their physicochemical and therapeutic properties, overcoming their shortcomings. Hence, PLEO was extracted and its chemical composition was determined by GC–MS. PLEO and 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) were electrospun into poly-ε-caprolactone nanofibers (PCL-NFs), of 290.71 nm to 680.95 nm diameter, to investigate their anticancer and potential synergistic activities against triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), human adenocarcinoma breast cancer cells (MCF-7), and human skin melanoma cell line (A375). The prepared nanofibers (NFs) showed enhanced thermal stability and remarkable physical integrity and tensile strength. Biodegradability studies showed prolonged stability over 42 days, supporting the NFs use as a localized therapy of breast tissues (postmastectomy) or melanoma. Release studies revealed sustainable release behaviors over 168 h, with higher released amounts of 5FU and PLEO at pH 5.4, indicating higher targeting abilities towards cancer tissues. NFs loaded with PLEO showed strong antioxidant properties. Finally, NFs loaded with either PLEO or 5FU depicted greater anticancer activities compared to free compounds. The highest anticancer activities were observed with NFs co-loaded with PLEO and 5FU. The developed 5FU-PLEO-PCL-NFs hold potential as a local treatment of breast cancer tissues (post-mastectomy) and melanoma to minimize their possible recurrence. Graphical Abstract

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

Featured Application: This article reports the bioactivity activity of macroalgae pigments against fungal agents of human skin diseases. Since this topic has not been thoroughly explored, this article presents a compilation of techniques to obtain the highest pigment yield, optimizing the methodology for both the extraction and separation of pigments, together with the anti-dermatophytic activity. Seaweeds have been explored as a natural resource of compounds of interest due to their bioactivities. Although many studies report the interest and the application of seaweeds in various areas, from food or human health to the economy, these data mostly focus on raw extracts and not on specific compounds, such as seaweed pigments. Fungal infections of the skin, nails, and hair caused by dermatophytes are the most common fungal infections worldwide. These pathologies require long periods of topical and/or systemic treatment associated with adverse effects and increased antifungal resistance. So, this study had two objectives: the first was to isolate and characterize the pigments of the seaweeds Calliblepharis jubata and Fucus vesiculosus; the second was to assess their antifungal activity. The extraction of pigments was performed using a method of extraction by exhaustion, and the purification was achieved via column chromatography. Three techniques were used to characterize the pigments: thin-layer chromatography (TLC), UV–visible spectrophotometry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The antifungal activity against the three most common dermatophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum canis, was evaluated using a microdilution methodology, following the EUCAST international standards. It was possible to observe that the extracts obtained from the seaweed C. jubata, corresponding to the purified pigment phycobiliprotein, and the crude extract (an enriched extract) showed antifungal activity against the three fungal agents of human skin infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal calf diarrhoea (NCD) poses a significant health challenge in cattle herds, resulting in considerable economic losses and antimicrobial use. In response to the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance, viable alternatives are imperative, aligning with European policies. This study evaluated the in-milk supplementation of the chestnut and quebracho tannin extract in preweaning calves on performance, diarrhoea occurrence, Cryptosporidium spp. shedding, protein digestibility, and intestinal health. Twenty newborn calves were divided, after colostrum administration, into two experimental groups for 30 days as follows: the control (CTRL) was fed with whole milk and solid feed, and tannins (TAN) were fed whole milk supplemented with 6/g day of tannin extract and solid feed. Faecal samples were collected on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 30 for the evaluation of Cryptosporidium oocyst shedding and protein digestibility. Faecal consistency was evaluated during the sampling using the faecal score scale (0–3 scale, considering diarrhoea > 1). The results showed a significant reduction in diarrhoea frequency in the TAN compared to the CTRL group (p < 0.05) over 30 days of the trial. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was generally low (12%), considering all analysed samples. Protein digestibility revealed comparable values for the TAN and CTRL groups, suggesting that tannins did not negatively affect milk protein availability. In conclusion, the in-milk supplementation of 6/g day of the chestnut and quebracho tannin extract could be considered a valuable functional feed additive to decrease NCD occurrence, thus supporting animal health and decreasing antibiotic use in livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the search of materials valid for direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing and with special interest for the biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, the development of bioactive inks for DIW is of great interest. For that purpose, in this work bioactive waterborne polyurethane–urea inks were prepared by addition of natural extracts (logwood, chestnut, and alder buckthorn) and cellulose nanofibers (CNF). The rheological behavior of the inks proved to be strongly dependent on the extract type and content, and the addition route used. Inks prepared by ex-situ incorporation of the extracts showed a strong gel-like behavior, as did inks prepared with chestnut and alder buckthorn extracts, which, in turn, hindered a continuous flow during the printing process, resulting in 3D printed parts with poor shape fidelity. On the other hand, inks prepared in-situ and with logwood extract showed more facility to flow and higher homogeneity, which translated in better printability and better shape fidelity, further enhanced for CNF containing inks. 3D printed composites showed reinforced mechanical behavior, as well as in materials with enhanced antibacterial behavior. Overall, the possibility to successfully prepare bioactive inks valid for 3D printing was proven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper presents a comprehensive study on a novel ultrasound-assisted extraction process for Rosa canina, utilizing both dry and fresh fruits, and explores the potential application of Rosa canina extraction as a natural dye and functional agent for cotton fabrics. The ultrasound-assisted extraction employed different solvents, including distilled water, methanol, and a water/methanol mixture (50/50% v/v), conducted at 60 °C for 60 min. The extracted compounds were characterized through ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet spectroscopy (HPLC-UV) analysis to assess the chemical composition. Textile applications were then performed using bio-mordant chitosan in a pre-mordanting process, and the treated cotton fabrics underwent analysis for surface chemistry and chemical composition using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Untreated and treated fabrics, both with and without mordant, were evaluated for their UV protection and antibacterial properties. Color measurements and dyeability properties of the extractions were also assessed. Furthermore, waste solutions from textile applications were analyzed by UV-Vis spectroscopy to investigate the potential transfer of active compounds to the fabrics. Results indicate that Rosa canina, as a plant-based extract, holds significant potential for sustainable dyeing and functional finishing of cotton fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mango (Mangifera indica) is a fruit highly consumed for its flavor and nutrient content. The mango peel is rich in compounds with biological functionality, such as antioxidant activity among others. The influence of microwave-assisted extraction variables on total phenol compounds (TPC) and antioxidant activity (TEAC) of natural extracts obtained from mango peel var. Tommy and Sugar were studied using a response surface methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). TPC of mango peel extract var. Tommy was significantly influenced by time extraction (X1), solvent/plant ratio (X2) and concentration of ethanol (X3) and while mango peel extract var. Sugar was influenced by X2. TEAC by ABTS was significantly influenced by X3. Maximum of TPC (121.3 mg GAE / g of extract) and TEAC (1185.9 μmol Trolox/g extract) for mango peel extract var. Tommy were obtained at X1=23.9s, X2=12.6mL/gand X3=63.2%, and for mango peel extract var. Sugar, the maximum content of TPC (224.86 mg GAE/g extract) and TEAC (2117.7 μmol Trolox/g extract) were obtained at X1=40s, X2=10mL/g and X3=74.9%. The ANN model presented a higher predictive capacity than the RSM (RANN2>RRSM2,RMSEANN

Background and purpose: The osteogenic differentiation of MSCs plays a key role in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, making it essential to explore natural compounds that may enhance this process. This aim this study was to investigate the osteogenic potential of both aqueous and alcoholic extracts derived from the root of Rubia tinctorum on rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). Materials and methods: Aqueous and alcoholic extracts were prepared from the root of Rubia tinctorum. Rat BM-MSCs were isolated and cultured and their osteogenic differentiation was assessed in the presence of varying concentrations of the extracts using alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Cytotoxic effect of root extract of Rubia tinctorum was evaluated using MTT assay. Results: The MTT assay demonstrated that the root extract of Rubia tinctorum was cytotoxic at 1000 µg/ml. Additionally, the alizarin red assay showed that the most significant color intensity at 1 and 10 µg/ml concentrations on the 14th day. In terms of bone differentiation induction which measured via the alkaline phosphatase test, both the aqueous and alcoholic extracts at 1 and 10 µg/ml concentrations led to substantial increases (14.9- and 14.57-fold for the aqueous extract and approximately 7.37- and 7-fold for the alcoholic extract, respectively) in alkaline phosphatase activity compared to the negative control. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the osteogenic effects of Rubia tinctorum root extracts, emphasizing their potential as natural agents in promoting bone regeneration and tissue engineering applications. Further investigations into the underlying molecular mechanisms and in vivo studies are warranted to comprehensively evaluate the feasibility of utilizing these extracts for therapeutic bone regeneration purposes

Disease’s severity, mortality rates, and common failures to achieve clinical improvement during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic exposed the emergency need for new antiviral therapeutics with higher efficacy and fewer adverse effects. This study explores the potential to encapsulate multi-component plant extracts in liposomes as optimized delivery systems and to verify if they exert inhibitory effects against human seasonal betacoronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) in vitro. The selection of Sambucus nigra, Potentilla reptans, Allium sativum, Aesculus hippocastanum, and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. plant extracts was based on their established pharmacological and antiviral properties. The physicochemical characterization of extract-loaded liposomes was conducted by DLS and electrokinetics. Encapsulated amounts of the extract were evaluated based on the total flavonoid content (TFC) and total polyphenol content (TPC) by colorimetric methods. The BALB 3T3 neutral red uptake (NRU) phototoxicity/cytotoxicity assay was used to estimate compounds’ safety. Photo irritation factors (PIFs) of the liposomes containing extracts were A. hippocastanum extract showed 16 times higher inhibitory properties reaching a selectivity index (SI) of 58.96. Virucidal and virus-adsorption effects were investigated using the endpoint dilution method and ∆lgs comparison with infected and untreated controls. The results confirmed that nanoparticles do not directly affect the viral surface or cell membrane, but only serve as carriers of the active substances and the observed protection is due solely to the intracellular action of the extracts.

Vegetable oils and extracts have been used from ancient times for skin care. The aim of this study was to design and evaluate the physicochemical, organoleptic, and microbiological characteristics and the instrumental efficacy in vivo of a cosmetic formula named “ASC Cream”, containing sangre de grado resin extract (Croton lechleri) and vegetable oils obtained from moriche palm (Mauritia flexuosa L.), goldenberry (Physalis peruviana), super sacha peanut (Plukenetia huayllabambana sp. nov.), and sacha peanut (Plukenetia volubilis L.). Instrumental efficacy, skin hydration and skin pH were tested in vivo in 24 healthy female volunteers between 40 and 65 years old, using non-invasive skin bioengineering equipment from Courage + Khazaka Electronics, both in the short term (30 min, 1 h and 3 h) and long term (14 and 28 days). The main findings were increased immediate hydration (132.4%) and long-term hydration (143.6%), showing a statistically significant average improvement (p < 0.05) without altering the skin pH. In conclusion, a balanced combination of the extract and oils significantly increases hydration levels while maintaining skin pH.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of lid scrubbing using a gel combining different natural extracts on ocular signs and symptoms of dry eye patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 19 dry eye patients (51.1±16.0y). Non-invasive tear break-up time, tear meniscus height, meibomian gland loss, lipid layer thickness, conjunctival redness, corneal staining, ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and ocular pain intensity were measured before (baseline), 1wk, and 2mo after lid scrubbing with a gel containing different natural extracts (okra extract, aloe vera leaf juice, hydrolysed soy protein, caffeine, citrus unshiu peel extract, and raspberry seed oil). RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, there was a statistically significant improvement in both first (P=0.048) and average (P=0.026) non-invasive tear break-up time 2mo after treatment, as well as in corneal staining (P=0.043, 0.012), OSDI (P

Over the years, science and technology have enabled improvement in various sectors of society through the development of products, services, and applications. Despite the tremendous scientific development, it is necessary to understand and pay attention to the environmental, social, and clinical consequences generated by developing a new product and service. Bionanotechnology emerges as a multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary science capable of presenting strategies based on sustainability and biocompatibility with living beings. Therefore, it seeks to solve, with plurality, the emerging problems through manipulating matter at atomic and molecular scales and its application in biological systems. One of the bionanotechnological alternatives that this review will address is the use of nanoparticles synthesized from natural extracts with various applications that can solve emerging problems on the planet, such as the excessive use of agrochemicals, resistant pathogenic microorganisms, the misuse of natural resources and improper disposal of plastics. This review aims to present bionanotechnology as a strategy for sustainable development in emerging problems in health, agriculture, and maintaining biodiversity and population problems.

Simple Summary: Semi-intensive and extensive captive rearing systems for cashmere goats have been gradually adopted due to the limited availability of pasture and the seasonal imbalance of nutrients in grazing pastures in China. However, intensive rearing increases cashmere goat oxidative stress risk while improving lamb productivity and economic efficiency. Crude polysaccharide from Artemisia ordosica has excellent hydrophilicity and various biological activities. It can alleviate oxidative stress with its antioxidant, antitumor, and immunity-enhancing effects. In this laboratory, the addition of 0.3% Artemisia ordosica crude polysaccharide (AOCP) improved rumen fermentation in cashmere goats, as confirmed by in vitro rumen fermentation analysis. This experiment investigated the effect of AOCP supplementation in the ration on the antioxidant and immune functions of the cashmere goat. The results of the study indicated that the addition of 0.3% AOCP to the ration improved rumen fermentation, antioxidant and immune functions, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of cashmere goats by altering rumen flora distribution, promoting beneficial bacterial colonization, and decreasing the colonization of potentially pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, AOCP may be a viable source of antioxidants for cashmere goats. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with Artemisia ordosica crude polysaccharide (AOCP) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant and immunity capacity, rumen fermentation parameters, and the microbiota of cashmere goats. A total of 12 cashmere goats (2 years old) with similar weight (38.03 ± 2.42 kg of BW ± SD) were randomly divided into two dietary treatments with six replicates. The treatments were as follows: (1) control (CON, basal diet); and (2) AOCP treatment (AOCP, basal diet with 0.3% AOCP). Pre-feeding was conducted for 7 days, followed by an experimental period of 21 days. The results showed that the ADG; feed/gain (F/G); and the digestibility of DM, CP, and ADF of cashmere goats in the AOCP group were greater than in the CON group (p < 0.05). Still, there was no significant effect on the digestibility of EE, NDF, Ca, and P (p > 0.05). Compared to the CON group, AOCP increased BCP, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate, isovalerate, and TVFA concentrations (p < 0.05), but it reduced the protozoa numbers of acetate and A/P (p < 0.05). The serum CAT, GSH-Px, T-SOD, 1L-6, and NO levels were higher in AOCP than in the CON group (p < 0.05). The addition of AOCP increased the Sobs and Ace estimators (p < 0.05) and reduced the Simpson estimator in the ruminal fluid compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the AOCP group increased the colonization of beneficial bacteria by positively influencing GSH-Px and IL-6 (norank_f__F082, unclassified_p__Firmicutes), as well as bacteria negatively associated with F/G (norank_f__norank_o__Bacteroidales, unclassified_p__Firmicutes, and norank_f__F082). It decreased the colonization of potential pathogenic bacteria (Aeromonas and Escherichia-Shigella) (p < 0.05) compared to the CON group. In conclusion, 0.3% AOCP improves the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant status, immune function, rumen fermentation, and microflora of cashmere goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cox and Merz rules are empirical correlations between the apparent viscosity of polymers with the effect of shear rate and the complex dynamic viscosity with the effect of frequency. In this study, the rheological properties of mayonnaise-type emulsions enriched with Averrhoa carambola extracts were investigated using small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) and steady shear flow. The results showed that the shear-thinning behavior of the samples was non-Newtonian with yield stress and had time-dependent characteristics, as evidenced by curves from non-oscillatory measurements. It was observed that the experimental data on the complex and apparent viscosity of the samples obeyed the Cox–Merz rule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethosomes are novel lipid‐based vesicular systems that demonstrate unique improvements in drug delivery with respect to other nanoparticles, especially for transdermal applications. Their high ethanol content strongly improves flexibility and deformability, which allows squeezing through the intercellular spaces without any drug leakage. The ethanol, moreover, contributes to increase the fluidity of the lipids of the cell membranes in dermal layers, allowing an in‐depth penetration of the nanostructures. Moreover, the high ethanol content of ethosomes allows the promotion of the encapsulation of either hydrophilic or lipophilic active agents, a feature particularly useful when it deals with natural extracts, a family of compounds characterized by a huge chemical variability. As a further advantage, being natural extracts often obtained in ethanol‐based solutions, their incorporation in ethosomes makes not necessarily expensive and time‐consuming procedures finalized at solvent removal. Following the initial exploitation of ethosomes, research focuses on the development of variants such as invasomes and transethosomes, which show improved drug encapsulation and delivery capacity. This review provides the state‐of‐the‐art on ethosomal research, with special attention on the encapsulation and delivery of natural extracts and their transdermal delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorella vulgaris (C.V) is known for its high protein and nutrient contents and has been touted as a potential functional ingredient in food products. For this study, beef burgers were formulated with varying levels of Chlorella vulgaris fortification (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% by weight). The nutritional composition, including proximate analysis and mineral content, was determined for each treatment group. The quality characteristics evaluated included thiobarbituric acid (TBA), total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN), pH, and total acidity. The study included extracting the active substances from Chlorella vulgaris using three solvents, 50% ethanol, 95% ethanol, and water, to evaluate the effect on the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The results showed that the water extract had the highest total phenolic content (183.5 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram) and the highest flavonoid content (54 mg quercetin per gram). The aqueous extract had the highest content of total antioxidants, followed by the 95% ethanol and 50% ethanol extracts. Meanwhile, the 50% ethanol extract showed the best antimicrobial activity, while the aqueous extract had less of an effect on Gram-positive bacteria and no effect on E. coli. For the burger treatments, at the end of the storage period, it was observed that the microbial load of the treatments decreased compared to the control, and there was a high stability in the total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN) values for the treatments compared to the control, reaching a value of 22.4 at month 5, which is well above the acceptable limit, indicating spoilage. The pH values were higher for all of the treatments, with a lower total acidity for all of the treatments compared to the control. In conclusion, utilizing Chlorella vulgaris algae as a natural preservative to extend the freshness of burgers is a sustainable and innovative approach to food preservation. By harnessing the power of this green superfood, we not only enhance the shelf life of our food products but also contribute to a healthier and more environmentally friendly food industry.

The synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles for diverse applications is an active research area that involves physical and chemical methods, which typically are expensive, involve hazardous chemical reagents, use complex equipment and synthesis conditions, and consume large amounts of time and energy. Thus, green synthesis methods have emerged as eco-friendly and easy alternatives for inorganic nanoparticle synthesis, particularly the use of plant-based extracts from fruit juice, leaves, seeds, peel, stem, barks, and roots, which act as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals and circular economy principles. Therefore, diverse inorganic nanoparticles have been synthesized using plant-based extracts, including gold, silver, titanium dioxide, zinc, copper, platinum, zirconium, iron, selenium, magnesium, nickel, sulfur, cobalt, palladium, and indium nanoparticles, which exhibit different biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, dye degradation, cytotoxic, analgesic, sedative, wound-healing, skin protection, sensor development, and plant-growth-promoting effects. Therefore, this review summarizes the advantages and limitations of plant-based extracts as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents for inorganic nanoparticle green synthesis.

This study investigates the chemical composition, nutritional, and biological properties of extracts obtained from A. melanocarpa berries using different extraction methods and solvents. Hydrodistillation and supercritical fluid extraction with CO2 allowed us to isolate fruit essential oil (HDEX) and fixed oil (SFEEX), respectively. A phenol-enriched extract was obtained using a mild ultrasound-assisted maceration with methanol (UAMM). The HDEX most abundant component, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), was italicene epoxide (17.2%), followed by hexadecanoic acid (12.4%), khusinol (10.5%), limonene (9.7%), dodecanoic acid (9.7%), and (E)-anethole (6.1%). Linoleic (348.9 mg/g of extract, 70.5%), oleic (88.9 mg/g, 17.9%), and palmitic (40.8 mg/g, 8.2%) acids, followed by α-linolenic and stearic acids, were the main fatty acids in SFEEX determined using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector and an evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-DAD/ELSD). HPLC-DAD analyses of SFEEX identified β-carotene as the main carotenoid (1.7 mg/g), while HPLC with fluorescence detection (FLU) evidenced α-tocopherol (1.2 mg/g) as the most abundant tocopherol isoform in SFEEX. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-MS (LC-ESI-MS) analysis of UAMM showed the presence of quercetin-sulfate (15.6%, major component), malvidin 3-O-(6-O-p-coumaroyl) glucoside-4-vinylphenol adduct (pigment B) (9.3%), di-caffeoyl coumaroyl spermidine (7.6%), methyl-epigallocatechin (5.68%), and phloretin (4.1%), while flavonoids (70.5%) and phenolic acids (23.9%) emerged as the most abundant polyphenol classes. UAMM exerted a complete inhibition of the cholesterol oxidative degradation at 140 °C from 75 μg of extract, showing 50% protection at 30.6 μg (IA50). Furthermore, UAMM significantly reduced viability (31–48%) in A375 melanoma cells in the range of 500–2000 μg/mL after 96 h of incubation (MTT assay), with a low toxic effect in normal HaCaT keratinocytes. The results of this research extend the knowledge of the nutritional and biological properties of A. melanocarpa berries, providing useful information on specific extracts for potential food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications.

Ethosomes are novel lipid‐based vesicular systems that demonstrate unique improvements in drug delivery with respect to other nanoparticles, especially for transdermal applications. Their high ethanol content strongly improves flexibility and deformability, which allows squeezing through the intercellular spaces without any drug leakage. The ethanol, moreover, contributes to increase the fluidity of the lipids of the cell membranes in dermal layers, allowing an in‐depth penetration of the nanostructures. Moreover, the high ethanol content of ethosomes allows the promotion of the encapsulation of either hydrophilic or lipophilic active agents, a feature particularly useful when it deals with natural extracts, a family of compounds characterized by a huge chemical variability. As a further advantage, being natural extracts often obtained in ethanol‐based solutions, their incorporation in ethosomes makes not necessarily expensive and time‐consuming procedures finalized at solvent removal. Following the initial exploitation of ethosomes, research focuses on the development of variants such as invasomes and transethosomes, which show improved drug encapsulation and delivery capacity. This review provides the state‐of‐the‐art on ethosomal research, with special attention on the encapsulation and delivery of natural extracts and their transdermal delivery.