P-coumaric Acid Research Articles

Vicia faba overcomes drought stress by spraying with Xerophytic Anabasis setifera extract

Drought stress is a prevalent environmental factor significantly impacting the faba bean (Vicia faba L.) crop. Anabasis setifera, a plant extract (ASE), has been found to potentially regulate plant responses to drought stress for the first time. The study examined the effects of applying an exogenous ASE on the physiological, biochemical, and yield responses of faba bean plants under three soil water regimes: well-watered (8-day irrigation intervals), moderate drought stress (12-day irrigation intervals), and severe drought stress (16-day irrigation intervals). The HPLC analysis of ASE revealed that it contains major phenolic compounds such as rutin, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, and coumaric acid. The extract also contains catechin, quercetin, syringic acid, pyro catechol, and methyl gallate. The study found that faba bean plants showed enhanced drought resistance after treatment with ASE. This treatment improved growth parameters like shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight, leaf and flower number, and reduced the negative impacts of drought stress on chlorophyll levels and metabolic activities. The study indicates that plants treated with ASE, including catalase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase, can significantly mitigate drought stress effects, improve yield trials, and enhance seed components, making it cost-effective and ecologically beneficial.

Comprehensive biochemical profiling of coconut haustorium for innovative food industry applications

ABSTRACT Coconut haustorium is a tropical delicacy that mobilizes nutrients from the endosperm to nourish the germinating embryo. This study profiles coconut haustorium for sugars, organic acids, phenolics, and flavonoids using advanced chromatographic techniques. Fructose (62.70%) and glucose (18.21%) were the major sugars with negligible lactose, suggesting potential use in baby food and for lactose-intolerant individuals. Malic acid (71.79%), citric acid (12.80%), and shikimic acid (7.59%) were the prominent organic acids, contributing to the haustorium’s unique taste and refreshing flavor. Ferulic acid (60.96%) and p-coumaric acid (22.05%) were the prominent phenolic acids, while naringenin (35.36%) and catechin (29.68%) were the primary flavonoids. Total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity (61.18%) were also recorded, confirming the presence of bioactive compounds. The study reveals coconut haustorium as a rich source of readily available natural sugars, organic acids, phenols, and flavonoids offering potential for developing innovative nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Degradation of cinnamic acid by the rhizosphere strain <i>Achromobacter insolitus</i> LCu2

The Achromobacter insolitus LCu2 strain, isolated from the roots of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), utilized cinnamic acid, as well as its methoxy derivatives ‒ vanillic and ferulic acids ‒ as the only carbon source. Weak growth was observed on m-coumaric acid, but not on o- and p-coumaric acids. Growth on cinnamic acid was slow and diauxic. The loss of substrate from the cultivation medium was 53%, the destructive efficiency was 30 μg/mg of raw biomass for 14 days. Despite the bactericidal effect of cinnamic acid, the A. insolitus LCu2 culture remained viable for a long time. Genomic analysis revealed two gene clusters, hca and mhp, responsible for dihydroxylation of the phenyl ring (hcaA1A2CDB) and its subsequent cleavage to central metabolic products (mhpACDE), as well as a transcriptional regulator (hcaR) and a putative transporter (hcaT). A putative biochemical pathway for cinnamic acid degradation by A. insolitus strain LCu2 was predicted using genomic data.

Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles by Using In Vitro Grown Aloe vera L.

In this study, invitro grown Aloe vera L. tissues were used for AgNP synthesis. Adventitious root and callus tissues were grown in MS medium containing 1 mg/L IAA and 1 mg/L NAA. Using A. vera L. leaf, in vitro grown callus, and adventitious roots tissue extracts, AgNPs were synthesized. According to DLS analysis, PDI values and zeta potential values showed that AgNPs from adventitious root were more suitable in terms of size and surface charge. Characterization of adventitious root-derived AgNPs was performed by UV-Vis absorption spectrum, ICP/MS, SEM, FTIR, and XRD. According to HPLC results, catechin, gentisic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, polydatin, coumarin, and ellagic acid were found in adventitious roots. Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC2 7853), MRSA (ATCC 33951) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) strains were used to determine the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of AgNPs. The highest antibacterial activity was determined against P. aeruginosa. Lower concentrations of AgNPs caused changes in the structure of the biofilm formed by P. aeruginosa, which produced particularly strong biofilms, resulting in failure of biofilm maturation. Accordingly, AgNPs synthesized from Aloe vera L. adventitious roots had antibacterial and antibiofilm activity even at low concentrationsagainst the tested bacterial strains.

A flavoromics approach to investigate the effect of Saskatoon berry powder on the sensory attributes, acceptability, volatile components, and electronic nose responses of a low-fat frozen yogurt

IntroductionSaskatoon berries are grown in Canada and some northwestern states in the United States, and are notable for containing abundant antioxidant polyphenols, vitamins, metal elements, and fiber. To increase consumer interest in and accessibility to Saskatoon berries, some producers have begun to develop processes for refining Saskatoon berries into a powder with an extended shelf life that can be incorporated into a variety of value-added food products. To assess the desirability of this approach, this study sought to determine how the sensory attributes, consumer acceptability, and volatile and non-volatile composition of a plain, Greek-style frozen yogurt (PY) changed when fortified with 16% Saskatoon berry powder (SBP). Greek-style frozen yogurt was chosen as the food to be fortified for this study due to its low fat and relatively high calcium and protein content as well as its popularity among consumers.ResultsDescriptive analysis of the two yogurt formulations by 11 participants determined that SBY was higher in berry aroma, berry flavor, and sweetness, and lower in cream aroma, dairy aroma, and sourness compared to PY. SBY was lower in iciness and degree of smoothness and higher in viscosity and mouth coating compared to PY. Untrained participants (n = 112), found no significant differences in color, flavor, and overall acceptability between SBY and PY. However, SBY was significantly less acceptable than PY for texture and aroma. Iciness was the most influential variable related to texture acceptability. For aroma acceptability, berry flavor (negatively related) and berry aroma (positively related) were the most influential attributes. The exposure of Saskatoon berry powder (SBP), PY, and SBY to e-nose sensors showed consistencies in replicate analysis (n = 25 measurements/sample), and cross validation of the PCA showed that the model could sort samples into the correct class with 98.7% accuracy. Key volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for berry and fruity aroma in SBP were also found to be retained in the SBY. Several key phenolic compounds with therapeutic effects such as baicalein, chlorogenate, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, and syringic acid were also identified in both SBP and SBY samples, potentially indicating that the SBY may retain some of the health benefits associated with the consumption of raw Saskatoon berries.

Decolorizing of seaweed extract by electrocoagulation

Electrocoagulation (EC) is a technique commonly used in wastewater treatment to remove biological and chemical contaminants, but the process has the potential to be used in clarifying plant extracts for the isolation and identification of secondary metabolites. Seaweed extracts contain copious amounts of chlorophyll and other pigments that obscure the characterization of secondary metabolites such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. In place of conventional methods that utilize solvents, EC can potentially be applied to clarify and fractionate extracts. In this research, an EC duration of 30 min (22 V, 0.3–0.5A) with aluminum electrodes resulted in a significant decrease, about 76%, of chlorophyll and 70% of carotenoids from seaweed extract measured at 666 nm and 410 nm. The decrease in extract green and yellow color intensity also mirrored a decrease in total phenolic content (TPC) of the extract from 54 ± 1.55 mg GAE/g DW to 3.2 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g DW after 30 min of EC. However, the phenolic acid profile of the extract after electrocoagulation via HPLC-RP indicated the removal of an interference probably caused by polymeric compounds from the extract, thus leaving the simple phenolic acids in solution for detection. The major phenolic acids detected in seaweed crude extract were p-coumaric, o-coumaric, ferulic and syringic acid. Flavonoids detected included catechin, epicatechin, quercetin-3-glucoside and rutin. The results of this study show the potential of replacing conventional plant extract purification methods with a green method that requires no additional solvent.Graphical

Hydroxycinnamic Acid Extraction from Multiple Lignocellulosic Sources: Correlations with Substrate Composition and Taxonomy for Flavoring and Antioxidant Applications.

The extraction of hydroxycinnamic acids (HCADs) is a strategy for lignocellulosic biomass valorization due to their high value-added nature and the possibility of application as flavoring and antioxidants. This study proposes correlations between the composition and taxonomy of 28 globally available agro-industrial feedstocks with the production of HCADs using chemometric tools. Principal component analysis indicated strong correlations between ferulic acid release and hemicellulose type and content, especially in grass biomasses. Conversely, p-coumaric acid release was mainly correlated with cellulose content across diverse taxonomic origins. Among the evaluated agro-industrial feedstocks, corn-based biomasses were identified as prime sources of ferulic acid after mild alkaline treatment, releasing up to 10.5 g kg-1 and producing hydrolysates with an antioxidant capacity up to 3.3 mmol Trolox equivalents g-1. Notably, sugar cane bagasse was the best source of p-coumaric acid, yielding 4.8 g kg-1. Corn hydrolysates were successfully converted into 4-vinylguaiacol using a genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, achieving high yields of 0.75 g L-1. This work enhances our understanding of HCAD sources and biomass valorization strategies, demonstrating potential applications in the food and cosmetics sectors.

Bench to Any Side—The Pharmacology and Applications of Natural and Synthetic Alkylated Hydroxy Cinnamates and Cinnamides

Natural alkylated hydroxy cinnamates (AHCs) isolated from medicinal plants and the thereby designed and synthesized cinnamides are derivatives of hydroxy cinnamic acids such as p-coumaric, sinapic, ferulic, and caffeic acids, which are naturally derived from human dietary sources. The pharmacological properties displayed by AHCs based on their inherent structure range include antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, anti-tyrosinase, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease therapy, anticancer therapy, metabolic disease therapy, and biopesticides, which have not been reviewed together. Based on their inherent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and UV absorption and their structure–activity relationships, these cinnamyl esters and amides can be used for food preservation in emulsions and oils, as sun-protective components of skin care formulations, and in many other multifunctional applications. In conclusion, the fine-tuning of the structural features such as the type of hydroxy cinnamic acid used, the length of alkyl chains for variable lipophilicity, conversion from cinnamic to propanoic for antioxidants, the increase in methoxy or the change to amino groups to increase the molar absorption coefficient and loss of absorption values, the substitution by halides or amino groups for potent biopesticides, and conversion from esters to amide bonds leads to different AHCs for biomedical, cosmetic, and agriculture applications as an emerging field of investigation that can overall provide natural, safe, biodegradable, and sustainable molecules.

Optimisation of coumaric acid production from aromatic amino acids in Kluyveromyces marxianus

Yeasts are attractive hosts for the production of heterologous products due to their genetic tractability and relative ease of growth. While the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a powerful workhorse of the biotechnology industry, the species has metabolic limitations and it is critical that we develop alternative platforms that will facilitate the development of bioprocesses that rely on sustainable feedstocks. In this study, we used synthetic biology tools to construct coumaric acid–producing strains of Kluyveromyces marxianus, a yeast whose physiological traits render it attractive for biotechnology applications. Coumaric acid is a building block in the synthesis of many different families of aromatics and is a key precursor for the synthesis of complect phenylpropanoid molecules, including many flavours and aromas. The starting point for this work was a K. marxianus chassis strain that has increased flux towards the synthesis of tyrosine and phenylalanine, the aromatic amino acids that can serve as starting points for coumaric acid synthesis. Following principles of synthetic biology, a modular approach was taken to identify the best solution to different metabolic possibilities and these were then combined in different ways. For the first step, it was established that the route from phenylalanine was superior to that from tyrosine and the combined overexpression of PlPAL, AtC4H and AtCPR1 delivered the highest yield of coumaric acid. Next, it was established that while Pdc5 and Aro10 both had phenylpyruvate decarboxylase activity, inactivation of ARO10 was sufficient to prevent flux loss in the pathway. Since phenylalanine is the starting point, efforts were made to improve efficiency of its production. It was found that glutamate was a preferred nitrogen source for coumaric acid production, and this knowledge was used to engineer a strain that overexpressed S. cerevisiae GDH1 and delivered higher yields of coumaric acid. Ultimately, this strategy led to the development of strains that has yields of up to 48mg coumaric acid /g glucose. Strains were evaluated in bioreactors to investigate the effects of different process parameters. These analyses indicated that engineered strains face some redox balance challenges and further work will be required overcome these to develop strains that can perform well under industrial conditions.

Fractionation of lignin from corncob with high−yield p − coumaric acid production in deep eutectic solvents followed by pyrolysis to produce monophenols

Two distinctive aromatic units, p − coumarate and ferulate, exist in corncob lignin, which have the potential to yield p − coumaric acid (pCA) and ferulic acid (FA). Although pCA and FA are primarily extracted from corncob lignin utilizing strong acids and bases, extremely acidic or alkaline conditions result in the disruption of the aromatic unit structure of the residual lignin. Herein, lactic acid coupled with choline chloride was utilized as acidic deep eutectic solvent (DES), while K2CO3 with glycerin was used as alkaline DES, thereby facilitating the extraction of pCA, FA and lignin from corncob in a mild environment. Furthermore, the differences in monophenol yields from pyrolysis of lignin were investigated. The alkaline DES exhibited a stronger extraction capacity for these acids. The yields of pCA and FA were 15.47 mg/g and 7.44 mg/g (based on the weight of corncob). Contrastively, the subsequent pyrolysis process yielded a higher amount of monophenol from the lignin extracted using acidic DES, with notably greater quantities of low methoxy phenolic monomers. This renders it a preferred option for subsequent processing into high−calorific biofuels. This work presents a straightforward and efficient strategy for the deconstruction of the lignin from corncob to enhance the utilization value of agricultural waste.

Redefining the waste: Sustainable management of olive mill waste for the recovery of phenolic compounds and organic acids

The olive oil industry generates significant amounts of olive mill waste (OMW), which poses environmental challenges due to its high organic load and phenolic content. This study investigates an eco-friendly approach to managing OMW by recovering valuable phenolic compounds (PCs) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) through an integrated process. The methodology involves a filter press, followed by a self-cleaning mechanical vapor recompression (SCMVR) process for water and volatile compounds separation, and a subsequent liquid-liquid extraction for PCs. 99 % of the VFAs were recovered as organic acid salts from the SCMVR distillate and characterized using X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) of response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction process, considering variables such as solvent type, pH, temperature, and extraction time. The liquid-liquid extraction process yielded a 98 % recovery of PCs with two-stage extraction process, including key phenolic species such as vanillic acid, caffeic acid, oleuropein, coumaric acid and gallic acid, identified by LC-MS/MS. This study highlights the potential for converting olive mill waste into valuable resources, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting a circular economy in the olive oil industry.

Pea protein-p-coumaric acid conjugate-based antioxidant film: The relationship between protein structure and film properties after covalent bonding

In this study, pea protein isolates (PPI) have been used to make conjugates by covalent binding with p-coumaric acid (p-CA), and the effect of conjugation on PPI structural characteristics and the structural, optical, mechanical, and physicochemical properties of conjugate-based films were investigated. The conjugation with p-CA unfolds the tertiary structure of PPI and significantly reduces the surface charge. A tendency of aggregation with increasing p-CA addition was proposed. The conjugate-based films show stronger tensile strength (TS) and better water barrier properties than PPI-based films. However, no significant improvement of the elongation at break (EAB) and thermal stability was found for conjugate-based films. FTIR spectroscopic and zeta-potential analyses indicated that such improved film properties could be attributed to the enhancement of hydrogen bonds and weakening of electrostatic repulsion between conjugate-conjugate. Additionally, the conjugates impart the antioxidant activity to the films as confirmed by DPPH scavenging capacity. This study demonstrates the potential of using pea protein-phenolic acid conjugate to make PPI-based films with improved mechanical properties, water barrier properties, and antioxidant activity.

Exploring the unique antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of aging black lemon (Citrus limon L. Brum. F.)

The aging black lemon is a dried citrus fruit, generally made from lemon, which is lightly thermal processed until it takes on the appearance of blackish-brown leather. This study aimed to determine the phenolic and flavonoid components in aqueous black lemon extract (ABLE). FRAP was used to determine the antioxidant capacity of ABLE. The effects of ABLE on LPS-induced NO production in macrophages (RAW264.7) were investigated by measuring the amount of nitrite released into the culture medium using the Griess reaction. For the anti-inflammatory effects, pro-inflammatory mediators, including iNOS, TNF-α, and NF-κB, were examined by Western blotting. In addition, UPLC/MS/MS data of ABLE presented higher concentrations of gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, luteolin, naringenin, hesperetin, and diosmetin than fresh lemon. Based on the results, we consider ABLE to have outstanding anti-inflammation properties by polyphenols and flavonoids and is a great functional food for inflammation-related diseases.

Functional characteristics of whole-food arabinoxylans from sweet maize varieties

A comparative study was conducted to elucidate differences in the functional properties of arabinoxylans (AXs) derived from different sweet maize fibers (AX2, AX6, and AX39). AX39 had the highest A/X value of 0.68 and the largest Mw, while AX6 contained more disubstituted xylose. The difference in Mw led to the changes in viscosity of AXs. When the concentration was 9%, the difference in viscosity of AXs was obvious: AX39 > AX6 > AX2, and AX39 showed distinct shear thinning property. Moreover, ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid were the dominant phenolic acids in AXs. The content of ferulic acid was proportional to antioxidant activity, and AX2 with the highest content of ferulic acid (96.13 μg/g) had the highest antioxidant activity. The contents of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced during the in vitro fermentation of AXs were influenced by their structural properties. The total SCFAs of AX39 and AX2 were higher than that in AX6 due to their higher A/X and ferulic acid content. These results indicate that AX from different sources has different structural and functional characteristics, appropriate AXs can be selected according to actual needs to enhance the texture or nutritional value of the food.

Underutilized edible Himalayan herb, Viola canescens Wall.; chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against respiratory tract pathogens

Understanding the intricacies of herbs and foods against bacterial infections is paramount for informed therapeutic choices. Delving into this domain, current study was focused to assess antimicrobial properties of Viola canescens organ specific extracts against prevalent respiratory tract pathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumonia). Our methodology entailed proximate composition, TPC, TFC, Total condensed tannins and comprehensive chemical profiling by GC-MS, UPLC-PDA, and UPLC-MS/MS. Further, in-vitro, antioxidant potential through ABTS ֹ+ and DPPH ֹ radical scavenging assays was assessed. The root showed higher amount of proximate composition than its counterparts. Further, ethanol extract showed highest TPC (32.15±0.92mg GAE/g), TFC (125.61±2.28mg RE/g), and comparable TCT with methanol extract (34±0.19mg CE/g). UPLC analysis showed that p-coumaric acid was most predominant followed by rutin and luteolin among the V. canescens parts. In GC/MS analysis, methyl linoleate emerged as a major component as 10.70%, 17.62%, and 35.90% in flowers, leaves, and roots, respectively. Further, UHPLC- MS/MS data-based METLIN search revealed the presence of flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, and fatty acid derivatives etc. Chemo-metric analysis also showed variations of metabolites in different parts. All samples showed significant antioxidant activity with highest in methanol and ethanol flower extracts (0.037±0.001, 0.071±0.001 DPPHֹ and ABTS ֹ + IC50 mg/mL). The study suggested aerial parts can be a promising source of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents that may protect against respiratory tract pathogens similar to azithromycin. This substantiates the potential of V. canescens as a foundational ingredient for novel therapeutics.

Nephroprotective and diuretic effect of Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze leaf extract; acute and sub-acute toxicity assessment.

Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze of the family Amaranthaceae has been extensively used in traditional medicinal practices in Brazil and India for its reputed efficacy in promoting diuresis, as well as treating wounds, inflammation, postnatal symptoms, diarrhea, and cough. Its selection for this study was driven not only by its ethnomedicinal significance but also by its rich phytochemical composition, including bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids, which are known to exhibit nephroprotective and diuretic effects. Additionally, while many species from the Amaranthaceae family have demonstrated similar therapeutic properties, A. brasiliana remains underexplored in this context. Therefore, this research aimed to scientifically evaluate its potential nephroprotective and diuretic activities, providing a pharmacological basis for its traditional uses. This experiment was designed to determine nephroprotective effect against cisplatin-induced kidney injury and diuretic effect of Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) in rats. This study also aimed to evaluate the toxicity of plant's extract by performing acute and sub-acute toxicity trials. In current study, the nephroprotective effect of aqueous-ethanol extract of A. brasiliana was evaluated after induction of kidney injury with cisplatin. Extract was given in three doses as 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. A diuretic activity was also performed by comparing results with control and standard (furosemide). Extract was given in three doses as 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. A 14 day trial for acute toxicity assessment was performed at doses 2000 mg/kg and 3000 mg/kg, whereas a 28 day trial for sub-acute toxicity assessment was performed at doses 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg. The biological active ingredients were identified and determined using HPLC technique. The aqueous-ethanol extract of A. brasiliana (ABAE) safeguarded the rats from toxic effects of cisplatin. This extract also enhanced urine output. The protective effect of ABAE increased with increasing dose and produced maximum nephroprotective effect and diuresis at a dose 300 mg/kg. The outcomes from acute toxicity trials suggested that LD50 lied beyond 3000 mg/kg, and no antagonizing effects occurred in sub-acute toxicity trials at doses 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg. ABAE posed no toxicities on kidney, liver, and heart tissues as evident from histopathological, hematological, and serum biochemical analysis. HPLC-DAD analysis of ABAE indicated the presence of betanin, kaempherol, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid and oxalic acid. These results demonstrate an abundant supply of bioactive chemicals found in A. brasiliana (L.) extracts, which should be taken into account to improve renal functions with fewer negative effects.

Structure-guided engineering of 4-coumarate: CoA ligase for efficient production of rosmarinic acid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The utilization of genetically modified microbial cells for rosmarinic acid (RA) production is gaining increased attention as a cost-effective and sustainable approach. However, the substrate promiscuity of 4-coumarate: CoA ligase and RA synthase has been considered as a critical factor for low RA yields. In this study, we rationally engineered the substrate preference of 4-coumarate: CoA ligase (OPc4CL2) from Petroselinum crispum, resulting in a significant enhancement in RA production. Particularly, the introduction of the Y240C mutation led to a remarkable 176% increase in RA yield. Subsequent enzymatic analysis of OPc4CL2 variants revealed diminished activity towards p-coumaric acid, resulting in insufficient time for the transformation of p-coumaric acid to 4-coumaroyl CoA to generate byproduct. Furthermore, to minimize the formation of undesired byproducts, the overexpression of 4-hydroxyphenylacetate 3-monooxygenase (OHpaB) and NADPH-flavin oxidoreductase (HpaC) was carried out to facilitate the conversion of p-coumaric acid to caffeic acid and 4-hydroxyphenyllactate to salvianic acid A, thus achieving a significant increase in RA yield of up to 329.9mg/L (16.5mg/g yield on glucose) in shake-flask cultivation. Finally, the engineered strain YRA113-24BHM achieved a notable RA production of 3.6g/L (about 20.2mg/g yield on glucose) by fed-batch fermentation. This study serves as a foundation for the sustainable biosynthesis of RA and other caffeic acid derivatives.

DFT and molecular docking analyses of the effects of solvent polarity and temperature on the structural, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of p-coumaric acid: Insights for anti-cancer applications

DFT and molecular docking analyses of the effects of solvent polarity and temperature on the structural, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of p-coumaric acid: Insights for anti-cancer applications

Extraction and characterization of phytochemicals from Bauhinia variegata flowers using ultrasound and microwave techniques

This research investigates the efficacy of three distinct extraction techniques; ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and conventional extraction (CE) for the isolation of phytochemicals from the flowers of Bauhinia variegata. The findings demonstrated that both UAE and MAE surpass CE, yielding higher concentrations of bioactive compounds while significantly reducing the extraction time. UAE demonstrated the highest extraction efficiency, followed by MAE. The UAE yielded significantly higher levels of total phenolic content (43.97 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid content (24.08 mg QE/g), total anthocyanin content (16.37 mg CGE/g), DPPH antioxidant activity (19.29 mg TE/g), and FRAP antioxidant activity (16.75 mg TE/g) compared to MAE and conventional extraction methods. GC-MS analysis revealed a diverse array of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids, with some compounds showing higher concentrations in UAE. Reverse phase HPLC profiling further confirmed the enhanced extraction of phenolic compounds using UAE, including gallic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, quercetin, and kaempferol. This study reveals the efficiency, time-saving, and eco-friendliness of UAE for extracting valuable bioactive compounds from B. variegata flowers. The findings optimize extraction processes in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries.

Effect of bioactive compounds from culinary herbs against cholesterol thermo-oxidation in omelets during home cooking processes

The prooxidant environment created during cooking induces cholesterol oxidation, compromising the safety of homemade foods. Thus, this study investigated the potential of basil and oregano as anti-cholesterol oxidation agents during omelet preparation by air frying and oil-free pan frying. Cooking induced cholesterol oxidation, as the content of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) in control samples was higher after air frying (821.05 ± 13.77 μg/g) and pan frying (311.07 ± 13.84 μg/g) compared to the raw samples (40.69 ± 2.26 μg/g). However, both herbs effectively mitigated cholesterol oxide formation. While oregano yielded better results during air frying (from 152.04 ± 5.85 to 377.8 ± 6.4 μg/g of total COPs), similar effects were observed for both herbs in pan-fried samples (from 72.8 ± 7.7 to 272.1 ± 3.8 μg/g). UHPLC-ESI-MS analyses revealed the presence of antioxidants in herbs, primarily phenolic acids like p-Coumaric, vanillic, caffeic, and rosmarinic acids, but the impact of cooking on herbs’ antioxidant constituents was also demonstrated since some of them were no longer detected in cooked omelets containing the herbs. Despite it, this study suggests the use of basil and oregano as a viable method to minimize the formation and, consequent, consumption of cholesterol oxidation products.