Optimization and Bioactive Evaluation of Bifurcaria bifurcata Antioxidant-Rich Extracts for Functional Food and Pharmaceutical Applications.

SummaryLactulose is a synthetic disaccharide. It can be obtained from lactose by chemical, enzymatic or by electro‐activation synthesis. This review provides the comprehension of lactulose production and its application in medical, pharmaceutical and functional food applications. Lactulose can be used in medical and pharmaceutical applications for the treatment of diseases such as chronic constipation, therapy of portal systemic encephalopathy, inflammatory bowel disease, reducing blood ammonia levels, colon carcinogenesis, tumour prevention and immunology, mineral absorption and for the inhibition of the secondary bile acid formation. However, with the growing interest in functional foods, the use of nondigestible oligosaccharides such as prebiotic ingredients has increased considerably during the recent years. In this context, lactulose as a well‐recognised prebiotic offers excellent possibilities to develop new functional foods. It can be added to several foods.

Turmeric ( Curcuma longa ) has been extensively researched due to the wide spectrum of pharmacological properties and potential health benefits. Turmeric has been on the rise lately, largely due to its health-promoting properties. The present comprehensive review summarizes curcumin, starting from its extraction to its potential applications in pharmaceuticals and functional foods. Several extraction procedures, including their yields and efficiency, are also highlighted using both traditional and modern/advance extraction strategies. In spite of having several benefits, curcumin comes with a few drawbacks such as low stability and bioavailability, which appear to be primarily caused by poor absorption, fast metabolism, and rapid elimination, and prevent it from having the related health benefits when taken alone. These challenges are critically evaluated, and potential strategies to overcome such limitations are discussed. This comprehensive review discusses both the opportunities and constraints associated with curcumin, providing an in-depth foundation for researchers, food technologists, and pharmaceutical scientists. It encompasses aspects ranging from its physicochemical properties in the native form to its diverse applications in functional foods and pharmaceutical formulations.

Liposomes play a significant role in encapsulation of various bioactive compounds (BACs), including functional food ingredients to improve the stability of core. This technology can be used for promoting an effective application in functional food and nutraceuticals. Incorporation of traditional and emerging methods for the developments of liposome for loading BACs resulted in viable and stable liposome formulations for industrial applications. Thus, the advance technologies such as supercritical fluidic methods, microfluidization, ultrasonication with traditional methods are revisited. Liposomes loaded with plant and animal BACs have been introduced for functional food and nutraceutical applications. In general, application of liposome systems improves stability, delivery, and bioavailability of BACs in functional food systems and nutraceuticals. This review covers the current techniques and methodologies developed and practiced in liposomal preparation and application in functional foods.

This study looks at the chemical profiles of three types of red seaweed—Eucheuma cottonii, Gracilaria sp., and Gelidium sp.—using a method called microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) with a mix of ethanol and water for 7, 8, and 9 minutes. Qualitative screening was performed for seven secondary metabolites: alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, triterpenoids, and steroids. The results showed that flavonoids and phenolic compounds were found in all the seaweed samples, but saponins were only found in the Gelidium sp. extracts. In contrast, alkaloids, tannins, triterpenoids, and steroids were not detected in any seaweed species. Phenolic compounds exhibited the highest positive intensity, while the flavonoid content appeared relatively low. Solvent composition and extraction duration influenced the extraction efficiency of the MAE method for bioactive compounds. These findings provide a valuable basis for future studies on the potential bioactivities of red seaweeds as natural sources in functional food and pharmaceutical applications. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):SDG 3: Good Health and Well-beingSDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and InfrastructureSDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionSDG 14: Life Below Water

Lansium domesticum, Duku, leaves contain bioactive compounds with significant health benefits, particularly as antioxidants. However, an efficient and sustainable extraction method is essential to maximize their potential. This study investigates ultrasonic-assisted green extraction (UAE) as an eco-friendly approach for optimizing the extraction of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The optimization process involved three key parameters: solvent ratio (1:10, 1:20, 1:30, 1:40, 1:50), extraction temperature (40, 50, 60, 70, 80 °C), and extraction time (20, 40, 60, 80, 100 min), using a completely randomized design. The bioactive compound stability was assessed under various conditions, and antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The results demonstrated that solvent ratio and extraction temperature significantly influenced extract yield, phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity, while extraction time affected yield and bioactive content but not antioxidant activity. The optimal extraction condition is a 1:20 powder-to-solvent ratio, 50 °C temperature, and 80 min extraction time. Yielded 5.98 ± 0.1% extract, 40.49 ± 0.9 mg AGE/g phenolic content, 185 ± 3.9 mg QE/g flavonoid content, and 38.28 ± 0.2% antioxidant activity. These findings highlight the UAE as a sustainable and effective method for extracting bioactive compounds, with promising applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and functional food.

In order to utilize the benefits of blackthorn flower polyphenols and provide their stabilization during processing and storage, and to facilitate their application in functional food products, this study aimed to evaluate the encapsulation parameters during the spray-drying process of blackthorn flower extract. The effect of the type of wall material (maltodextrin (MD) and its mixtures with gum arabic (GA) and inulin (IN)), its ratio to extract dry matter (0.5, 1, and 2) and drying temperature (120, 150, and 180 °C) on the concentration of different polyphenolic groups was studied. While the lowest applied amount of wall material at the lowest drying temperature enabled efficient encapsulation of all polyphenolic groups, the type of wall material applied caused significant differences in retention. The highest concentrations of both phenolic acids and flavonoids were achieved with the addition of 25% of GA in MD. Unlike the addition of GA, mixtures of MD with IN did not show a positive effect on the retention of polyphenols. Selected encapsulation parameters ensured the high retention of total phenolics, namely 87.87% of the content determined in the liquid extract prior to spray drying, thereby providing a polyphenol-rich product with great potential for application in functional food and the nutraceutical industry.

Brown algae have gained significant attention due to their abundance of bioactive compounds with promising bioactivities. This review comprehensively examines the primary bioactive compounds found in brown algae, including fucoidan, laminarin, alginates, phlorotannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, fucoxanthin, fatty acids, fucosterol, and various vitamins and minerals. The bioactivities of these compounds are explored, focusing on their antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties. By analyzing studies conducted between 2014 and 2024, this review provides a current and comprehensive understanding of these compounds’ effects and potential health benefits. Additionally, it discusses their present and future applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and functional foods, highlighting their market potential. This review also addresses key challenges such as regulatory compliance and chemical composition variability. Additionally, future perspectives are presented to guide upcoming research and development efforts to overcome these challenges and fully exploit these marine resources.

Background and purpose: This study investigated the extracts obtained from both the roots and above-ground parts of Anacamptis sancta. A. sancta, an orchid species traditionally used for its potential health benefits due to its rich phytochemical composition, was the focus. The primary aim of this research was to analyze the phytochemical components of A. sancta extracts and evaluate their antioxidant potential. By conducting comprehensive phytochemical analyses and assessing antioxidant activities, this study seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the medicinal properties of A. sancta and contribute to its applications in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. Materials and methods: In this study, extracts derived from both the tubers and above-ground parts of A. sancta were investigated. Plant samples were collected from the Ondokuz Mayıs University Botanical Garden. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was conducted using a Perkin Elmer Spectrum 400 spectrophotometer. Glucomannan content was measured calorimetrically using the Megazyme K-GLUM 03/20 analysis kit and UV-visible spectrophotometer. Analysis of secondary metabolites in the above-ground parts included determination of total phenolic, flavonoid, flavanol, tannin, and proanthocyanidin contents using Folin-Ciocalteu, AlCl3, and other appropriate methods. Antioxidant capacity was assessed through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and compound identification in the above-ground parts was performed using gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Results: In the tubers, a glucomannan content of 17.93% was detected, and FTIR analyses revealed the characteristic peaks of glucomannan. The extracts demonstrated high antioxidant potential, with total phenolic content measured at 120.61 mg GAE/g extract, total flavonoid content at 295.46 mg QE/g extract, flavanol content at 32.30 mg QE/g extract, total tannin content at 3.05 mg GAE/g extract, and total proanthocyanidin content at 119.43 mg CAE/g extract. The IC50 value for DPPH radical scavenging activity was calculated to be 47.79 mg/mL. GC-MS analysis of the above-ground parts of the plant identified the presence of significant bioactive compounds, including hydroxyacetic acid, hydrazide (42.52%), propane, 1,1-dipropoxy- (16.94%), and 1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol, 2-ethyl (12.86%). In summary, this study presents a comprehensive analysis of the phytochemical profile of A. sancta. Conclusions: The findings highlight its significant glucomannan content in tubers and strong antioxidant activity. Additionally, bioactive compounds were identified in the above-ground parts. This research provides valuable insights into potential medicinal and industrial applications of A. sancta.

Sargassum mcclurei, a brown seaweed, is a rich source of bioactive polyphenols with promising applications in pharmaceuticals and functional foods. This study used enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) method to enhance yield and bioactivity, followed by ethyl acetate fractionation. The total phenolic content (TPC) was quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant activity was evaluated through total antioxidant capacity, DPPH radical scavenging, and Fe²⁺ chelation assays. The inhibitory effect on alginate lyase activity was assessed by measuring residual enzyme activity after incubation with polyphenol extracts. The ethanol extraction yielded 2.66% (w/w dry algae), while the ethyl acetate fraction accounted for 37% (w/w ethanol extract). The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited a higher TPC (499.61 ± 1.45 mg PGE/g extract) compared to the ethanol extract (303.04 ± 1.58 mg PGE/g extract) and demonstrated superior antioxidant activity (203.24 ± 1.47 mg AAE/g extract, IC50 = 30.38 µg/mL). Additionally, alginate lyase activity was inhibited dose-dependently, with a 40% reduction observed at 0.5 mg/mL of polyphenol extract. These results highlight the effectiveness of EAE in improving polyphenol yield and bioactivity. The strong antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties of S. mcclurei polyphenols suggest potential applications in oxidative stress management, microbial biofilm inhibition, and the development of natural therapeutics.

Laminaran, a bioactive β-glucan derived from brown algae, has garnered significant attention due to its diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and mucosal protective effects. Despite promising research highlighting its potential applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals, the commercial utilization of laminaran remains limited, primarily due to challenges in extraction efficiency, structural complexity, and a lack of standardized methodologies. This review critically examines recent advancements in the extraction, purification, structural characterization, and biological evaluation of laminaran. Both conventional and emerging extraction methods-including ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and enzymatic techniques-are evaluated for their efficiency, scalability, and sustainability. Analytical tools, such as high-performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry, are discussed for their roles in elucidating key structural features, such as molecular weight, degree of polymerization, and glycosidic linkage patterns, which are closely tied to laminaran's biological activity. Innovative extraction technologies have improved yield and purity, while structural insights have deepened the understanding of structure-function relationships. Interdisciplinary collaboration will be critical to advance laminaran from a marine-derived polysaccharide to a commercially viable bioactive compound for health, nutrition, and biomaterial applications.

Brown seaweeds have shown high potential of bioactivity and provide health benefits as an important functional food ingredient. Therefore, four abundantly growing tropical brown seaweeds—Iyengaria stellata, Spatoglossum asperum, Sargassum linearifolium, and Stoechospermum polypodioides—were collected from the Saurashtra Coast of the Arabian Sea. They were analyzed for metabolite profiling, biochemical activities (including total antioxidant, reducing, scavenging, and anti-proliferative characteristics), and total phenolic and flavonoid contents. A concentration-dependent antioxidant, reducing, and scavenging activities were observed for all four brown seaweeds. The S. asperum and I. stellata extracts showed maximum total antioxidant activity. S. asperum also showed high scavenging and reducing activities compared to other studied brown seaweeds. Further, S. asperum contained high total phenolic and flavonoid content compared to other brown seaweeds collected from the same coast. A multivariate correlation study confirmed a positive correlation between total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and biochemical activities (total antioxidant, scavenging and reducing) for all brown seaweeds. About 35% anti-proliferative activity was observed with S. asperum extract on Huh7 cells; in contrast S. polypodioide showed about 44% proliferation inhibition of Huh7 cells. Similarly, 26% proliferation inhibition of HeLa cells was observed with S. asperum extract. Overall, S. asperum possesses high total flavonoid and phenolic amounts, and showed potential antioxidant, scavenging and reducing characteristics. The study confirmed the nutraceutical potential of S. asperum and that it could be a promising functional food ingredient.

Anticholinergic, antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of Anatolian pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)-analysis of its polyphenol contents by LC-MS/MS

Grape seeds derived from winemaking pomace represent a significant waste stream with potential for valorization due to their rich phenolic content. The present study aimed to assess the phenolic composition and antioxidant potency of defatted grape seeds powder (DP) resulting after oil extraction through three different methods (i.e., cold stirring (ST), ultrasound-assisted extraction (US), and microwave-assisted extraction (MW)) from two grape varieties (i.e., Fetească Regală and Merlot) grown under organic farming conditions. The phenolic profile was determined using High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and mass spectrometry operating in electrospray ionization positive mode, while the total phenolic content was determined using an adapted Folin-Ciocalteu technique, The samples' antioxidant properties were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging ability assessments, as well as Cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity and Ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. The phenolic qualitative profile differed between the two varieties and was unaffected by the defatting method. Instead, at the level of each variety, significant variations (p<0.05) were observed in the quantity of phenolic compounds, depending on the defatting method. Moreover, the total phenolic content was significantly higher in the MW-DP compared to ST-DP and US-DP (p<0.05), particularly from Fetească Regală grape seeds. The DPPH assay demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity in MW-DP from Fetească Regală. The study underscores the importance of the extraction methods and grape variety on the phenolic profile and antioxidant potency of DP. These findings suggest potential applications in pharmaceuticals, functional foods, and cosmetics, offering sustainable solutions for grape pomace utilization.

Sulfated modification of polysaccharides from Sophora flavescens: Impact on antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activities.

Looking beyond Arthrospira: Comparison of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ten cyanobacteria strains