P-hydroxybenzoic Acid Research Articles

Unraveling the Impact of Aspergillus sojae—A Food-Grade Fungus—On Phytoalexins, Phenolic Acids, and the Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activity of Different Legumes

Legumes are a rich source of polyphenolic compounds known for their ability to promote health. Under stress conditions, legumes have been shown to produce higher levels of secondary metabolites, as a defensive mechanism. Hence, the present study aimed to induce legume seeds (e.g., soybean, chickpea, green pea, and red kidney bean) by inoculating them with Aspergillus sojae (A. sojae) and to evaluate the extracts for phytoalexins, phenolics, and antioxidant, antiobesity, and antidiabetic potentials. The UPLC-DAD findings of A. sojae-induced legumes showed medicarpin and maackiain in chickpea, pisatin in green pea, glyceollin I-III in soybean, and kievitone and phaseollin in red kidney bean. All induced legumes exhibited a higher total polyphenol content compared to the non-induced ones. Among induced legumes, soybean exhibited a higher (4.85 mg GAE/g) polyphenol content. The UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS findings established that legumes contained substantial levels of protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, coumaric acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and caffeic acid. The results of antioxidant assays revealed a significantly higher level of activity in induced red kidney bean and soybean, whereas the level of activity in non-induced legumes was markedly lower. Moreover, induced red kidney bean effectively inhibited α-glucosidase (87.2%) and α-amylase (63.90%) at 5 mg/mL. Additionally, the maximum lipase inhibitory effects were displayed by induced soybean (72.54%) at 20 mg/mL.

Pectin-Based Bioplastics Functionalized with Polyphenols from Rose Oil Distillation Wastewater Exhibit Antioxidant Activity.

This study explored the potential of rose aqueous extract (RE), a byproduct of rose essential oil extraction, to enhance the properties of biobased food packaging materials. RE contained a high phenolic content (153 mg of GAE/g of dw), rich in hydroxybenzoic acids and flavonols. The antioxidant potential of RE, assessed by DPPH assay, was evaluated (IC50 = 2.85 μg/mL). Edible pectin films fortified with RE were prepared, and their mechanical, physical, and chemical characteristics were evaluated. RE addition increased the moisture content from 14 to 28%, while moisture uptake remained stable at around 10%. Zeta potential remained below -30 mV, indicating that particle aggregation and particle size decreased with higher RE concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy showed an improved homogeneity of the films. RE retained its antioxidant properties, enhancing the mechanical resistance of the films and offering protection against oxidative damage and UV radiation. These findings suggest the potential of RE in developing functional, eco-friendly food packaging.

Experimental and theoretical studies of a new NLO active organic salt of 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-methylpyrimidine and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid

The new monohydrate organic salt (AHMPHB) of 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-methylpyrimidine (AHMP) with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) was successfully synthesized and grown as an organic single crystal with characteristic optical quality using the slow evaporation technique (SET). The structural study of the grown crystal was performed using single-crystal XRD. The XRD results revealed that AHMPHB belongs to the triclinic system with space group P-1. Various functional groups of AHMPHB were identified using Raman and FTIR spectroscopic analyses. The optimized geometry and other theoretical results were determined by the DFT/B3LYP method at the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The H⋅⋅⋅H and O⋅⋅⋅H intermolecular forces are dominated in the crystal packing and these were explored using Hirshfeld surface and fingerprint plot analyses. TG and DTA studies demonstrate that AHMPHB remains stable up to 140 ºC. According to UV-Vis spectral analysis, AHMPHB has exhibited high transparency in the visible region with a direct band gap of 4.10 eV. The NLO measurement of AHMPHB was done using the Z-scan method. The energy of the HOMO-LUMO gap of 4.37 eV was predicted using DFT calculations. NBO analysis was performed to represent the charge transfer between localized bonds and lone pairs. Moreover, the MEP maps, HOMO-LUMO profiles and theoretical NLO parameters of AHMPHB and its constituents are also obtained.

Development of miniaturized fluorometric system for the detection of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and benzoic acid in skincare products based on peroxidase-like catalysts

4-Hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) and benzoic acid are common preservatives in many skincare products. However, their excessive, long-term consumption can adversely affect internal and external organs. Herein, a small-volume fluorometric analysis method for preservatives, using PHBA and benzoic acid as model targets, was developed for the first time using Ni-MnFe-layered double hydroxides (Ni-MnFe-LDHs) as peroxidase-like mimics. Based on the intrinsic peroxidase-like activity of Ni-MnFe-LDHs, in the presence of preservatives, the generated hydroxy radical (•OH) from H2O2 decomposition was then consumed by PHBA or benzoic acid to form phenoxy radical, resulting in less •OH to oxidize o-phenylenediamine (OPD). On the other hand, in the absence of PHBA or benzoic acid, Ni-MnFe-LDHs and generated •OH could effectively catalyze OPD into the yellow-fluorescent product 2, 3-diamino phenazine. The fluorescence change of the solution captured by a smartphone under a UV-controlled lightbox was inversely related to preservative concentration. The detection platform was miniaturized using a 96-well plate. Under optimal conditions, with a total volume of only 100 µL, the developed sensing platform can quantitatively detect PHBA and benzoic acid in the concentration ranges of 0.008–1.0, with a limit of detections of 0.0011 and 0.0036 mmol L−1 for PHBA, and 0.0011 and 0.0040 mmol L−1 for benzoic acid, respectively. Our proposed method was successfully validated by quantitatively analyzing the residual preservatives in skincare samples, and the results showed agreement with those obtained using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Antidiabetic potential of Lavandula stoechas aqueous extract: insights into pancreatic lipase inhibition, antioxidant activity, antiglycation at multiple stages and anti-inflammatory effects

BackgroundWith the increasing global prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity, there is a pressing need for novel therapeutic interventions. Lavandula stoechas, a medicinal plant traditionally used for various ailments, holds promise as a potential agent for T2D management, particularly in Morocco, where it is commonly used to treat diabetes. This study aims to evaluate the pharmacological potential of L. stoechas aqueous extract (AqLs) by assessing its lipase inhibition antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, identifying phenolic compounds, and examining its efficacy in reducing diabetic complications.MethodsThe pharmacological potential of L. stoechas aqueous extract was investigated using in vitro assays. The inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase, antioxidant power (FRAP), and anti-inflammatory activity (albumin denaturation method) was assessed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified phenolic compounds. Additionally, albumin glycation was evaluated by estimating fructosamine, carbonyl groups, and amyloid β-structures to assess efficacy in mitigating diabetic complications.ResultsThe extract demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of pancreatic lipase (IC50 = 0.132 ± 0.006 mg/mL), potent antioxidant activity (IC50 = 604.99 ± 1.01 μg/mL), and dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects (IC50 = 207.01 ± 34.94 mg/mL). HPLC analysis revealed phenolic compounds: naringin (38.28%), syringic acid (25.72%), and cinnamic acid (15.88%) were the most abundant, with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, hydrated catechin, and catechin ranging from 9.60% to 5.24%, and p-coumaric acid (1.73%). Furthermore, the extract inhibited albumin glycation and fructosamine production, suggesting efficacy in mitigating diabetic complications.ConclusionThese findings highlight the multifaceted pharmacological potential of L. stoechas aqueous extract in T2D management, suggesting that this plant can be highly beneficial for diabetic individuals.

Oxidation of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid in strongly alkaline and high-salt solutions via ultrasonic-assisted ozone: Helping radioactive waste disposal and environmental safety

4-Hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA), as a gibbsite dissolution inhibitor and typical personal care products (PPCPs), seriously troubles radioactive waste disposal and environmental safety. This work studies the degradation mechanism of 4-HBA in ultrasonic-assisted ozonation in strongly alkaline and high-salt solutions, and comprehensively evaluates its environmental lifetime. Ultrasonic can significantly increase the effect of ozone by 1.52 times, making the degradation rate of 4-HBA reach 63.49 % within 60 min. The better electrochemical performance indicates that the redox reaction between US/O3 system and 4-HBA is more prominent. Experimental analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the effects of OH, 1O2, O2−, and others on the degradation of 4-HBA are 56.6 %, 17.8 %, 22.1 %, and 3.5 % respectively, and HO3 is the most important precursor for OH evolution. Mechanistic exploration and DFT calculations show that degradation behavior of 4-HBA in strongly alkaline and high-salt solutions, i.e., decarboxylation reaction, ring opening, hydroxylation, aldol condensation, and hydrogenation, is significantly different from acidic or neutral solutions. Based on the environmental lifetime assessment of the intermediate product, US/O3 technology can help reduce the toxicity of 4-HBA. The US/O3 process is used to remove 4-HBA from strongly alkaline and high-salt solutions, which has huge potential economic benefits in the fields of nuclear waste chemistry and environment.

Wine Phenolic Compounds: Chemistry, Functionality and Health Benefits

Wine phenolic compounds, often known as polyphenols, are a diverse group of secondary bioactive compounds derived from grapes. They play a crucial role in defining the sensory characteristics, functionality, and health benefits of wine. This review explores the complex chemistry of these compounds, focusing on key classes such as flavonoids, which include flavanones, flavonols, anthocyanins, and flavan-3-ols, and non-flavonoids, such as hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, and stilbenes. The health benefits of wine phenolics, particularly their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, are also discussed in relation to preventing and reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and neurodegenerative conditions. Furthermore, this review summarized the most current data from human population-based research that investigated the bioactivity of these red wine phytochemicals with relevant health benefits for NCDs. Finally, this review proposes some perspectives for future research to better understand the bioavailability, metabolism, and long-term health effects of these compounds.

Functional, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Activity of Edible Flowers

Edible flowers have been used since ancient times, but their potential for improving human health has not been explored. This study aimed to evaluate the profile of bioactive compounds (organic acids, phenolics, and carotenoids) and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of nine flower varieties with high concentrations of carotenoids or total phenolic compounds. Ninety-three edible flowers were analysed for physicochemical characteristics, total phenolic and carotenoid concentrations, and antioxidant activity (ABTS). Bioactive profiles were determined by rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC), and antimicrobial activity was determined against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Chrysanthemum x hybrid orange, Helianthus annuus yellow, Tagetes patula orange, Canna indica red, and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (orange1 and yellow) showed significant concentrations of total carotenoids. In contrast, Pelargonium hortorum orange2, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis red1, and Rosa x hybrid variety medium yellow showed high levels of total phenolics. The predominant compounds in these species were citric acid (991.4 mg/g DW in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis red1), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (936.2 mg/100 g DW in P. hortorum orange2), kaempferol (971. 9 mg/100 g DW in T. patula orange), quercetin glucoside (958.8 in C. x hybrid), quercetin (919.3 mg/100 g DW in T. patula), α-carotene, and β-carotene in T. patula orange (989.5 and 601.2 mg/100 g DW, respectively). Regarding antimicrobial activity, T. patula orange and P. hortorum orange2 inhibited bacterial growth, while C. x hybrid orange and P. hortorum orange2 inhibited Candida albicans, and the latter inhibited Candida tropicalis. These results indicate the potential of edible flowers as a natural source of bioactive compounds and as a tool in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Recent Advances in the Health Benefits of Phenolic Acids in Whole Grains and the Impact of Processing Techniques on Phenolic Acids: A Comprehensive Review.

Phenolic acids, essential compounds in whole grains, are renowned for their health-enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Variations in concentration, particularly of hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, are observed among grain types. Their antiobesity and antidiabetes effects are linked to their modulation of key signaling pathways like AMPK and PI3K, crucial for metabolic regulation and the body's response to inflammation and oxidative stress. Processing methods significantly influence phenolic acid content and bioavailability in whole grains. Thermal techniques like boiling, baking, or roasting can degrade these compounds, with loss influenced by processing conditions. Nonthermal methods such as germination, fermentation, or their combination, can protect or enhance phenolic acid content under ideal conditions. Novel nonthermal approaches like ultrahigh pressure (UHP), irradiation, and pulsed electric fields (PEF) show promise in preserving these compounds. Further research is needed to fully comprehend the impact mechanisms of these innovative methods on the nutritional and sensory attributes of cereals.

Decoding Variation among the Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Some Finger Millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] Landraces Grown in Maharashtra, India

Background: The profiles of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities of ten finger millet landraces harvested from the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra were investigated. Methods: The antioxidant activity of methanol extracts of ten landraces were assessed using H2O2, FRAP and Phosphomolybdenum assays. Result: Results of the H2O2 scavenging assay exhibit variation in their inhibition activity (59 -90.12 %). The highest H2O2 scavenging activity was shown by T1, followed by T2, T3, T5, T8, T10 and T29 (90.12, 82, 79.8, 82.9, 79 and 85.78 respectively) when compared the control sample T had significantly lower activity (55.87%). While the reducing power was in the range of 1.02-1.76 mM of Fe (II)/gm and the reducing capacity was in the range of 73.86-158.71 equivalents of ascorbic acid in µg/gm of extract. The highest reducing power was shown by T2, T15 and T8 as 1.98, 1.94 and 1.89 mM of Fe (II)/gm respectively; while lower values were recorded in T19 (0.89 mM of Fe (II)/gm) and T1 (1.02 mM of Fe (II)/gm). The total antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract was calculated as ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE) per gram. Based on the results, T2, T5, T8 and T10 had a high reducing potential (158.71, 143.2, 149.5 and 152.65 AAE of a sample, respectively) with reducing capacities ranging from 73.86 to 158.71 AAE. A total of seventeen phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts including seven ûavonoids, with catechin, Iso –orientin and Iso-vitexin being the predominant flavonoids. Ten phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts, with p-hydroxybenzoic acid, genistic acid and gaillic acid being the predominant ones. In conclusion, based on the antiradical activities, the landraces T2, T5, T8, T10 and T29 could be potential cultivars and certainly effective sources of natural antioxidants for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Investigation of the chemical composition and biological activities of Eremurus spectabilis M. Bieb through antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, COX-2 and iNOS assessment.

Eremurus spectabilis is widespread and used primarily for medicinal and culinary purposes. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antiradical and antioxidant activities, enzyme inhibitory activities, and anti-inflammatory properties of various extracts from the aerial parts of E. spectabilis. Various assays were used to investigate the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties. The chemical composition of the tested extracts was analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). Additionally, the extracts were tested on isolated mouse colon tissue challenged with E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to replicate the inflammation and oxidative stress burden characteristic of inflammatory bowel diseases. In the chemical composition, vanillic, ferulic, 4-hydroxybenzoic acids were the prominent compounds. The greatest antioxidant activity was observed in the methanol and water extracts from the aerial parts. Enzyme inhibition tests showed that the ethyl acetate extract had the highest anti-acetylcholinesterase activity. The gene expression of pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and pro-oxidant inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) biomarkers were assayed. Among the extracts, the methanol extract was the most effective in blunting LPS-induced gene expression of COX-2. E. spectabilis may serve as a valuable source of phytochemicals for combating oxidative stress and inflammation-driven diseases, with a particular emphasis on colon inflammatory condition.

Mechanistic in vitro study of the effect of Cucurbita moschata (Cucurbitaceae) on carbohydrate digestive enzymes.

Diabetes is marked by postprandial hyperglycemia (PHG), an abnormal rise in blood glucose after meals. A key therapeutic goal to reduce PHG is the inhibition of α-amylase (αAM) and α-glucosidase (αGL), enzymes that break down carbohydrates into sugars. Cucurbita moschata has been shown to inhibit both enzymes. However, its inhibition mechanism has not been explored. This study investigated the in vitro inhibition mechanisms of αAM and αGL and conducted a metabolomic analysis of C. moschata (edible part) water-extract (CME), aiming to preliminarily identify its bioactive compounds (BCs). The inhibitory mechanisms were determined using Lineweaver-Burk plots. The BCs were identified and quantified using HPLC-QTOF-MS, employing both targeted and untargeted metabolomic approaches. CME had a significant higher effect (p<0.05) on αAM activity than against αGL with IC50 of 28.99 and 698.42mg/mL, respectively. The extract showed mixed and uncompetitive type inhibitions on αAM and αGL, respectively. The lowest inhibition constant (Ki) was 47.68mg/mL on αAM activity at 20mg/mL. Untargeted metabolic profiling by UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF putatively identified 30 compounds in CME, such as amino acids, vitamins, phytohormones, fatty acids, cucurbitacins and phenolic acids, and flavonoids. Functional analysis of CME identified significant pathways, including pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis and phenylpropanoids, among others. The targeted analysis by UPLC-MS-ESI-QqQ allowed us to identify 12 compounds, with l-phenylalanine, p-hydroxybenzoic, and p-coumaric acid as majors. This study demonstrated the inhibitory potential of CME on αAM and αGL activities, which may be attributed to its metabolites. Thus, this plant represents a valuable source of BC against PHG. Practical Application: The research highlights that Cucurbita moschata has significant potential in managing postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetic patients by inhibiting enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase. In addition, the identification of its compounds emphasizes its importance as a source of bioactive compounds. Therefore, C. moschata could be effectively utilized in the development of nutraceuticals or as an ingredient in functional foods specifically designed for postprandial hyperglycemia management. Thus, integrating C. moschata as part of the daily diet could offer patients with diabetes a natural alternative to control their blood glucose levels after eating.

Phenolic Class Analysis in Honey: Comparison of Classical and Single UV Spectrum Methodologies

The analytical results from a study of 16 honey samples (extra white to dark honey color range) of phenolic compounds obtained using the single UV spectrum methodology and classical spectrophotometric methods (Folin–Ciocalteu and AlCl3 methods) are presented. The first method quantified all classes of phenolic compounds in honey’s SPE-C18 extract: the total hydroxybenzoic acid content (concentrations between 0.37 ± 0.05 and 4.46 ± 0.37 mg of gallic acid/g of honey), total hydroxycinnamic acid content (0.13 ± 0.03 and 2.76 ± 0.13 mg of ferulic acid/g of honey), and total flavonoid content (0.15 ± 0.03 and 1.63 ± 0.17 mg of quercetin/g of honey). The total phenolic contents were, on average, 1.86 ± 0.72 and 1.78 ± 0.79 times higher than the results obtained for raw honey and the SPE-C18 extract, respectively, using the classical Folin–Ciocalteu method. The total flavonoid contents, on average, were 6.02 ± 3.14 times larger and 0.66 ± 0.33 times smaller than the results obtained using the classical AlCl3 method for raw honey and SPE-C18 extract, respectively.

Optimization of the Cold Water Extraction Method for High-Value Bioactive Compounds from Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Flower Heads Through Chemometrics.

This study focused on optimizing a cold water extraction method to obtain bioactive compounds from chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), addressing increasing consumer demand for natural products and nutraceuticals. A full-factorial design was employed to evaluate the effects of temperature, time, and chamomile amount on the polyphenolic profile of extracts. The samples were characterized by HPLC-DAD and UV-Vis coupled with chemometrics; the analysis showed that extraction time negatively affected extract quality, as did the interaction between time and temperature. In addition, a significant positive quadratic effect for temperature and a positive coefficient for chamomile amount was found. ASCA was used to assess the UV-Vis profile, offering an alternative untargeted method for understanding the variable effects. The optimal extraction conditions (25 °C, 32 min, and 2.5 g of chamomile) produced samples high in hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids and flavanol derivatives. Using A face-centered design, this study also monitored antioxidant activity via a DPPH scavenging assay, confirming that the optimal conditions yielded samples within the range of maximum antioxidant activity in the studied experimental domain.

Extraction of bioactive components from date palm waste, various extraction processes and their applications: A review

Dates are vital sources of nutrients and bioactive components which are widely consumed throughout the world. Agro-industrial waste, such as date palm waste, has been recognized as a potential candidate of bioactive chemicals and essential oils for utilization in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Date fruit and seed are well-known for their nutritional worth, which includes high sugar, vitamins, and mineral content that includes potassium and magnesium. Presence of phenolic compounds diverges the attention of researchers towards efficient extraction processes. Various traditional e.g., soxhlet, maceration, infusion, and digesting and advanced extraction techniques, i.e., pressurised fluid extraction (PFE), enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and supercritical CO2 extraction (SC-CO2) have been discussed briefly to extract bioactive components for instance flavonoids, tocopherols, tannins, carotenoids, tocotrienols and hydroxybenzoic acid from date palm fruit, seed, and leaves. The findings reveal that the higher total phenolic content in a shorter time can be obtained by combining ultrasonic with PLE or SFE extraction techniques. These bioactive components can be used in the food and pharmaceutical industries for pre-treatment of certain ailments. Moreover, the natural bioactive components with potential therapeutic benefits, such as non-starch polysaccharides and selenium. The purpose of this study is to highlight the advances achieved in understanding bioactive components e.g., phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins hydroxycinnamic, hydroxybenzoic and bio-oil of date palm fruits, including their synthesis, probable functions, and health advantages, to find prospective uses for date-derived materials in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food sector.

Allelochemicals Released from Rice Straw Inhibit Wheat Seed Germination and Seedling Growth

Recently, returning rice straw to soil has become a common problem in wheat production because it causes decreased wheat seedling emergence. Allelopathy is an important factor affecting seed germination. However, the effects of rice straw extracts on wheat seed germination and seedling growth remain unclear. Wheat seeds and seedlings were treated with 30 g L−1 of rice leaf extracts (L1), 60 g L−1 of rice leaf extracts (L2), 30 g L−1 of rice stem extracts (S1), 60 g L−1 of rice stem extracts (S2) and sterile water (CK) to study the allelopathic effects of rice straw extracts on wheat seed germination and seedling growth. The α-amylase and antioxidant enzyme activities in wheat seeds; the agronomic traits, photosynthetic indicators, and nutrient contents of wheat seedlings; and the phenolic acids in rice stem extracts were determined. Common allelochemicals, including 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, vanillic acid, benzoic acid, protocatechualdehyde, caffeic acid, syringic acid, sinapic acid, and salicylic acid, were detected in rice stem extracts. Low-concentration rice leaf and stem extracts (30 g L−1) had no effect on the germination rate of wheat seeds. High-concentration (60 g L−1) rice stem and leaf extracts decreased the seed germination rate by 11.00% and 12.02%. Rice stem extract (60 g L−1) decreased the α-amylase activity, and gibberellin content of wheat seeds but increased superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities and malondialdehyde content in wheat seeds. Allelochemicals entered the internal tissues of wheat seeds, where they decreased the gibberellin content and α-amylase activity and increased the antioxidant enzyme activity, ultimately leading to an inhibitory effect on seed germination. Rice stem and leaf extracts decreased the SPAD value and photosynthetic indicators of wheat seedlings. Rice stem extract (60 g L−1) decreased the fresh weight and root length of wheat seedlings by 31.37% and 45.46%. Low-concentration rice leaf and stem extract (30 g L−1) had no effect on the nutrient contents of wheat seedlings. Rice leaf and stem extracts (60 g L−1) decreased the nitrogen and potassium contents of wheat seedlings. These results indicated that low-concentration rice leaf and stem extract (30 g L−1) had no effect on wheat seed germination and the high-concentration rice stem extract (60 g L−1) released allelochemicals and inhibited wheat seed germination and seedling growth. These findings provide a basis for the improvement of straw return techniques.

Improved thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties of thermotropic liquid crystalline poly(ester amide)s containing lactam-derived segmental units

We prepared two different series of thermotropic liquid crystalline poly(ester amide)s (TPEAs) via bulk polycondensation reactions of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA, 75.0 mol %) and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (HNA, 25.0–17.5 mol %) with ε-caprolactam (CL, 0.0–7.5 mol %) or γ-butyrolactam (BL, 0.0–7.5 mol %). Our investigation aimed to explore the impact of lactam-derived aliphatic amide units’ length and content on the liquid crystalline feature, microstructure, thermal transition, thermal stability, mechanical/relaxational/rheological behavior, and dielectric characteristics of TPEAs. The molecular structure and fibrillar formation of TPEAs containing aliphatic amide units were confirmed through FT-IR and SEM analysis. With increasing CL or BL-derived units from 1.0 mol % to 5.0 mol %, we observed an increase in crystallinity, glass transition temperature, melting temperature, complex melt viscosity, and storage modulus of TPEAs, attributed to the enhanced intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions. However, at 7.5 mol % CL or BL-derived unit content, these properties decreased due to increased chain irregularity as well as lowered crystallinity. Notably, the dielectric constants (3.31–3.04 at 2 MHz) of TPEAs decreased with the increase of lactam-derived aliphatic amide units owing to the restricted chain mobility by intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions. We believe that the TPEAs synthesized in this study hold significant potential for applications in technical plastics, superfibers, and printed circuit board materials.

Polyphenolic Content and Sensory Characteristics of New Zealand Honey Ice Cream

The natural sweetness, unique flavour, and potential health benefits of honey make it a desirable ingredient for ice cream that can increase its appeal for consumers. The aim of this study was to investigate the polyphenolic content and sensory properties of ice cream made using a variety of New Zealand honey (clover, bush, pōhutukawa, rewarewa, kamahi, and thyme honey). The major polyphenols in honey ice cream were quinic acid, pinocembrin, hydroxybenzoic acid, pinobanksin and chrysin. Thyme and clover honey ice cream had the highest concentration of polyphenols. Ice cream sweetened with sucrose, as well as pōhutukawa, rewarewa and kāmahi honey were the most liked ice cream in terms of overall liking.

Dietary modulation of human milk bioactives is associated with maternal FUT2 secretor phenotype: an exploratory analysis of carotenoids and polyphenol metabolites.

Maternal diet modifies profiles of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), carotenoids, and polyphenols in human milk (HM). However, substantial variability in profiles exists between women, highlighting the complexity of non-dietary factors modulating these profiles. The objective of this study was to carry out a secondary analysis exploring the effect of maternal diet on HM carotenoids and polyphenols and relationships between dietary modulation of HM bioactives (carotenoids, polyphenols, and oligosaccharides) and maternal α1,2-fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) secretor phenotype. In this pilot study, 16 exclusively breastfeeding women with obesity were enrolled between 4 and 5 months postpartum. The women were provided a 4-week meal plan consistent with the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). HM was collected for 24 h at baseline and post-intervention. Maternal FUT2 secretor phenotype was determined by 2'-fucosyllactose concentration in HM (non-secretor: < 100 nmol/ml; secretor: ≥100 nmol/ml). Concentrations of carotenoids and HMOs were determined by LC and polyphenol metabolites by UPLC-MS/MS. Thirteen women completed the study (6 secretors, 7 non-secretors). The change in HM concentrations of the HMOs lacto-N-tetraose (LNT, p = 0.007), lacto-N-fucopentaose II (LNFP II, p = 0.02), difucosyllacto-N-tetraose (DFLNT, p = 0.003), and disialyllacto-N-tetraose (DSLNT, p = 0.003) and polyphenol metabolites 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA, p = 0.08) and ferulic acid (p = 0.02) over the intervention time frame was differentially associated with maternal secretor status. 4-HBA and ferulic acid positively correlated with HMOs LNT and DSLNT (rrm = 0.82-0.90, p = 0.03-0.06) for secretors but not for non-secretors. Only secretors demonstrated a negative correlation between 4-HBA and DFLNT (rrm = -0.94, p = 0.001). The influence of maternal diet on composition of HMOs and polyphenol metabolites in HM differs based on maternal secretor status. Consideration of non-dietary factors is needed to evaluate differences in response of HM bioactives to dietary modulation.

α-GLUCOSIDASE AND TYROSINASE INHIBITORY GUIDED ISOLATION, IDENTIFICATION OF MAJOR COMPOUND AND IN SILICO STUDY FROM EDIBLE MUSHROOM COPRINUS COMATUS

Coprinus comatus is an edible and medicinal mushroom. The crude hexane, EtOAc and methanol extracts were extracted successively from C. Comatus. All the crude extracts were evaluated for anti-a-glucosidase and tyrosinase. The results showed that %inhibition valued for the crude hexane, EtOAc and methanol extracts of anti-a-glucosidase were 98.58 ± 0.09, 98.90 ± 0.21, and 6.68 ± 0.79, respectively. The anti-tyrosinase for the crude hexane, EtOAc and methanol extracts were 97.31 ± 2.77, 97.31 ± 3.34 and 64.94 ± 3.34, respectively. Notably, the bioassay-guided showed that the crude hexane and EtOAc were the highest for anti-a-glucosidase and tyrosinase activities, which led to the interest in purifying the major compound. The isolation and purification were successively done using chromatographic techniques. The pure compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis (UV, FTIR, and NMR) and comparison with previously reported. The isolation led to three compounds (1-3), ergosterol (1), indole-3-carbaldehyde (2), and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (3). The molecular docking of compounds 1-3, reported as α-glucosidase and tyrosinase inhibitors, was done by the AutoDockTools 1.5.6 (ADT) software. The results revealed that ergosterol (1) provides the highest binding free energy (-9.91 kcal/mol) to the active site of a-glucosidase, indicating that it is quite specific to this enzyme. Moreover, ergosterol (1) has strong binding energy (-9.64 kcal/mol) to tyrosinase but not significant tyrosinase specificity. This evidence supports that C. Comatus would be applicable for a functional food for controlling glucose blood levels.