Alternative Source Of Bioactive Compounds Research Articles

Kinetic modeling of valuable phenolic compounds extraction from strawberry and apple agro‐industrial by‐products

AbstractExtracting valuable compounds from waste plant tissues is a challenging process. To better understand this process, kinetic modeling was used to study the extraction of phenolic compounds from the waste tissues of industrial strawberry (RF) and apple (GS) processing using green solvents. The experimental design variables included type of solvent (W: water, EtOH: ethanol 80%), solid–liquid ratio (1:20, 1:30, 1:40), and temperature (20, 70°C). The model of Peleg (MI) and an empirical model (MII) were applied to determine the kinetic constants for total phenolic compounds (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AC). The phenolic compound profile was determined at each experimental assay. The extraction variables affected (p < 0.001) TPC and AC of RF and GS extracts. Using EtOH increased TPC extraction yields from both tissues (up to 62% for RF). The highest AC was determined in EtOH extracts at 20°C (119 and 25 μmol TE/g for RF and GS, respectively). Temperature, extraction ratio, and solvent type significantly affected the kinetic constants of both models. The study identified nine phenolic compounds from both waste tissues, with Agrimoniin being the main compound in RF (0.49 g/kg) and quercetin pentoxide being the main compound in GS (0.23 g/kg). There was no significant increase in TPC and AC of the extracts after 90 min at 20°C and 60 min at 70°C. The kinetic modeling of phenolic compound extraction from strawberry and apple agro‐industrial by‐products using green solvents enabled the determination of the best extraction conditions, promoting the use of these waste tissues by obtaining bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential.Practical ApplicationsThis study provides valuable insight into the effective use of green solvents in extracting bioactive compounds, thereby promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste in the industrial processing of strawberries and apples. The kinetic modeling approach for recovering phenolic compounds from strawberry and apple agro‐industrial by‐products improves our comprehension of the influence of the extraction process variables on the phenolic compound profile and antioxidant capacity of these tissues. These findings highlight the potential of these waste tissues as an alternative source of bioactive compounds. By standardizing the extraction process and optimizing the utilization of agro‐industrial by‐products, the food industry can effectively reduce the environmental impact of these waste tissues and promote sustainable operations. Additionally, using green solvents aligns with the increasing demand for environmentally friendly practices, making it easier to turn strawberry and apple agro‐industrial processes into circular processes by eco‐friendly valorization of these biowastes.

Fungal Endophytes - An Alternative Source of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Species for Prospective Applications – Review

Plant derived compounds have a strong antagonistic activity on pathogenic microorganisms using tremendous natural bioactive compounds accumulated in different parts of plants. Limonoids are important group of metabolically altered triterpene in Meliaceae. Out of 300 limonoids known today, Melia azedarach (melianone, meliarachin, meliacine), Melia dubia (nimbin, meliacarpin) and Azadirachta indica (azadirachtin, nimbolide) contributes about one-third of limonoids. Endophytic fungi are plant symbionts that act as an elicitor for the production of secondary metabolites which serves as an excellent source of drugs for various ailments. It has a great potential to synthesize several novel bioactive compounds which paved a way for commercial exploitation of secondary metabolites for pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors. Many dominant endophytic fungi isolated from these plants includes Colletotrichum sp, Trichoderma sp, Penicillium citrinum, Fusarium solani, Aspergillus sp, Nigrospora sp and Alternaria sp which acts on human pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans common causative agents for Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) predominantly occurring in women. This review aims to delineate the overview on sources of limonoids present in the leaves and the endophytic fungi isolated from these leaves of Meliaceae. The isolated endophytic fungi from the leaves exhibited antagonistic activity on UTI causing pathogens which often leads to infertility among young women. Thus, the sources of limonoids and isolation of endophytic fungi can be enhanced by reinforcing the production of commercial bioactive secondary metabolites that can be substantially utilized by pharmaceutical and agricultural industries to safeguard human beings.

Chemical Composition, Lipid-Soluble Bioactive Compounds and Potential Health Benefits of the Moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw.

Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. is the main species for Moss surveys (ICP Vegetation programme) in Southeastern Europe and is widely distributed in the region. In addition to their biomonitoring role, mosses are applied in some countries as a traditional medicine for the treatment of eczema, cuts, burns, eye diseases, etc. Therefore, the chemical and lipid composition of the moss H. cupressiforme is of interest to establish their possible application in different fields. The chemical composition of the moss was examined regarding total lipids, proteins, carbohydrates (i.e., fibres), ash, and moisture content. The main lipid-soluble bioactive components were determined as sterols, tocopherols, phospholipids and fatty acids. The major fatty acids were linoleic (14.9%), oleic (13.8%), palmitic (12.5%) and α-linolenic (11.3%) acids. Unsaturated fatty acids (56.4%) prevailed in the glyceride oil, in which the polyunsaturated ones constituted 32.5%. The lipid indices (atherogenicity, thrombogenicity, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio, peroxidability, and oxidation stability index) were also theoretically calculated based on the fatty acid composition of the moss lipids to establish their health benefits and the rate of oxidation. The primary results of this study revealed H. cupressiforme to be a promising alternative source of bioactive compounds that could be implemented in supplements with health-promoting effects.

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. leaves as an alternative source of bioactive compounds obtained through high pressure technologies

The aim of the present study was to obtain bioactive compounds from hibiscus leaves through supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). For SFE, temperature, pressure, and co-solvent were evaluated on extraction yield (X0), content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity (AA). For PLE, temperature and solvent composition were evaluated on the same responses. The highest X0 was observed at 60 °C, 300 bar and 15% of co-solvent for SFE, and at 100 °C and ethanol 75% for PLE. For bioactive compounds, different results were observed. For SFE, the best condition was at 60 ºC, 100 bar and 15% of co-solvent, and for PLE at 80 ºC with ethanol 99.5%. Regarding AA, SFE extracts presented highest values at 60 ºC, 100 bar and 5% of co-solvent while PLE presented better results at 60 °C and 99.5%. Chlorogenic acid and quercetin were the main compounds identified in the extracts.

Emulsion-Based Delivery Systems to Enhance the Functionality of Bioactive Compounds: Towards the Use of Ingredients from Natural, Sustainable Sources.

In recent years, the trend in the population towards consuming more natural and sustainable foods has increased significantly. This claim has led to the search for new sources of bioactive compounds and extraction methods that have less impact on the environment. Moreover, the formulation of systems to protect these compounds is also focusing on the use of ingredients of natural origin. This article reviews novel, natural alternative sources of bioactive compounds with a positive impact on sustainability. In addition, it also contains information on the most recent studies based on the use of natural (especially from plants) emulsifiers in the design of emulsion-based delivery systems to protect bioactive compounds. The properties of these natural-based emulsion-delivery systems, as well as their functionality, including in vitro and in vivo studies, are also discussed. This review provides relevant information on the latest advances in the development of emulsion delivery systems based on ingredients from sustainable natural sources.

Moringa oleifera L. Screening: SFE-CO2 Optimisation and Chemical Composition of Seed, Leaf, and Root Extracts as Potential Cosmetic Ingredients

Moringa oleifera L. tree (Mo) has emerged as a rich alternative source of bioactive compounds to design cosmetic formulations. Supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction (SFE-CO2) was successfully applied on the screening of Mo seed, leaf, and root extracts. The extraction yield was evaluated by response surface methodology (RSM), for pressure and temperature ranges of 117–273 bar and 41–60 °C, respectively, using a design of experiments (DOE). The pressure significantly affected the results (α=0.05), with the highest extraction efficiency obtained at conditions above 195 bar. The extracts’ composition, evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS), revealed an increasing correlation between the pressure, total extract solubility, and mass of extract at a constant temperature, due to the higher extraction yield. Seed extracts presented more than 80% of oleic acid in relative composition (8.04 mgcompound∙gplantpart−1). Leaf extracts performed well for the obtainment of linolenic acid (>20%; 3.10 mg∙g−1), nonacosane (>22%; 0.46 mg∙g−1), and α-tocopherol (>20%; 0.21 mg∙g−1). Mo root resulted in higher relative composition for sterol molecules, despite its very low affinity with CO2. The most promising bioactive compounds, oleic acid and α-tocopherol, were more abundant when operating at 250 bar at 45 °C and 195 bar at 55 °C, for Mo seed and leaf SFE-CO2 extracts, respectively.

Antimicrobial Activities Evaluation and Phytochemical Screening of Some Selected Plant Materials Used in Traditional Medicine.

Plant extracts are a source of valuable ingredients that can be used in many industries. This paper presents research on the content of selected bioactive compounds in extracts obtained from various plant materials. Raw materials have a documented use in traditional medicine not only in Poland. The tested plants were: bitter melon (fruit), elderberry (flowers, fruit, leaves), wild rose (fruit, flesh, seeds), mountain ash (fruit), guelder rose (fruit), and sea buckthorn (fruit, leaves, pomace). The main goal of these tests is to indicate the potential raw materials that may constitute an alternative source of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activity. The plant material was tested for the content of bioactive antioxidant compounds and possible antimicrobial activity. The content of polyphenols (phenolic acids and flavonoids) was analyzed using UPLC/PDA, sterols, organic acids, and other bioactive compounds. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined. The total free phenolic acids (TPC) and total free flavonoids (TFC) of all plant raw materials was varied and ranged from 0.21 (mg RUTE/1 g of extract) to 38.30 mg RUTE/1 g of extract) for TFC. The concentration of sterols was, on average, about 10 mg/1 g of extract. The value of approx. 20 mg/1 g of the extract was recorded for bitter melon and beach rose. The content of organic acids was about 1.5 mg/1 g of the extract to even 13 mg/1 g of the extract for sea buckthorn berries. The most sensitive to the extracts' activity were the following bacteria: M. luteus, P. mirabilis, P. fragii, S. enteritidis, and E. coli. The tested plant materials can be used in various industries as a source of bioactive compounds of an antibacterial nature.

Cytotoxic Effect of Rosmarinus officinalis Extract on Glioblastoma and Rhabdomyosarcoma Cell Lines.

Rosmarinus officinalis is a well-studied plant, known for its therapeutic properties. However, its biological activity against several diseases is not known in detail. The aim of this study is to present new data regarding the cytotoxic activity of a hydroethanolic extract of Rosmarinus officinalis on glioblastoma (A172) and rhabdomyosarcoma (TE671) cancer cell lines. The chemical composition of the extract is evaluated using liquid chromatography combined with time-of-flight mass spectrometry, alongside its total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The extract showed a promising time- and dose-dependent cytotoxic activity against both cell lines. The lowest IC50 values for both cell lines were calculated at 72 h after treatment and correspond to 0.249 ± 1.09 mg/mL for TE671 cell line and 0.577 ± 0.98 mg/mL for A172 cell line. The extract presented high phenolic content, equal to 35.65 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g of dry material as well as a strong antioxidant activity. The IC50 values for the antioxidant assays were estimated at 12.8 ± 2.7 μg/mL (DPPH assay) and 6.98 ± 1.9 μg/mL (ABTS assay). The compound detected in abundance was carnosol, a phenolic diterpene, followed by the polyphenol rosmarinic acid, while the presence of phenolic compounds such as rhamnetin glucoside, hesperidin, cirsimaritin was notable. These preliminary results suggest that R. officinalis is a potential, alternative source of bioactive compounds to further examine for abilities against glioblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma.

Ultrasound assisted extraction of carotenoids from green and orange biomasses of Dunaliella Salina DunaDZ1

Microalgae are described as a potential alternative source of bioactive compounds that are environmentally friendly. Dunaliella on its own is well known due to its potential to accumulate large amounts of carotenoids, especially β-carotene. Green and orange biomasses from a new Dunaliella salina strain DunaDZ1 isolated from an Algerian Salt Lake were evaluated for carotenoids composition and antioxidant activity. Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) was employed using different extracting solvents. Furthermore, UAE extracts were then analyzed for their chemical composition by TLC, HPLC-DAD and for the antioxidant activity. Lutein was the main carotenoid in the green biomass, with the highest amount for ethyl acetate extract (393.19 mg/g). However, for the orange biomass, the main carotenoid was trans, β-carotene (131.83 mg/g) in the acetonic extract. Moreover, several others carotenoids were detected, belonging to xanthophylls and carotenes. Additionally, ultrasonic-assisted extraction with ethyl acetate produced the extract with the highest antioxidant activity for both D. salina biomasses. These extracts could be used as a natural antioxidant and as an ingredient for functional foods formulation.

Variation of morphological characteristics, total phenolic, and total flavonoid in Adenostemma lavenia, A. madurense, and A. platyphyllum

Abstract. Nurlela, Nurfalah R, Ananda F, Ridwan T, Ilmiawati A, Nurcholis W, Takemori H, Batubara I. 2022. Variation of morphological characteristics, total phenolic, and total flavonoid in Adenostemma lavenia, A. madurense, and A. platyphyllum. Biodiversitas 23: 3999-4005. Adenostemma has long been used as a herbal medication. Despite some studies regarding the morphology and potency of Adenostemma carried out, the variation of morphological traits, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) on different species of Adenostemma has been poorly investigated. This study was designed to observe the morphological characteristics, TPC, and TFC of Adenostemma lavenia, A. madurense, and A. platyphyllum. Morphological characteristics were observed using qualitative and quantitative parameters. The colorimetric method determined TPC and TFC in plant leaf ethanol extracts. The plants were morphologically diverse, which significant variation among the three species in plant height, length and width of leaf, and internodes distance. Morphological traits such as leaf length and width, plant height, and internodes distance significantly correlate with phenolic and flavonoid content in Adenostemma. These may be used as important selection criteria in Adenostemma for obtaining high phenolic and flavonoid content. The study revealed that different species of these plants with varying morphological traits substantially impact the content of their chemical compounds. The highest TPC and TFC were found in A. lavenia, suggesting that it is potentially an alternative source of bioactive compounds as herbal medicine.

Chemical Characteristics of Mango Leaf Tea Prepared From Different Varieties of Mangifera indica L. Leaves

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to compare bioactive components in five teas prepared from varieties of M. indica leaves (Tommy Atkins, Keitt, Kensington Pride, Carabao, and a commercial tea). Mango leaf tea is suggested to be rich in bioactive substances that may improve human health and provide medicinal properties. These include antioxidants, polyphenols, tannins, and Mangiferin, a major mango plant constituent. MethodsMangiferin content was measured via LC-MS/MS with column Kinetex XB-C18 (2.6 um, 100A, 150 × 3 mm) and quantified from the standard curve at 254 nm. Total polyphenols, tannins, and antioxidants were assessed by UV-VIS spectrophotometer. ResultsSignificant differences (P < 0.05) in total polyphenols were found in all varieties except commercial tea and Tommy Atkins; the highest value was in Carabao. Higher antioxidant activity (65%) tea varieties were Carabao, commercial tea, and Kensington Pride. Keitt and Tommy Atkins had lower antioxidant activity (61%). Tannin levels were highest in Tommy Adkins and Keitt varieties. Mangiferin was highest in commercial tea and Carabao and varied significantly except between Tommy Atkins and Keitt. ConclusionsThe polyphenol, antioxidant, and Mangiferin levels in teas made from M. indica leaves make them good candidates for an alternative source of bioactive compounds that may improve human health. Of the mango varieties studied, Carabao had superior bioactive attributes. Funding SourcesNational Mango Board.

Comparative Analysis of In Vitro Enzyme Inhibitory Activities and Phytochemicals from Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco via Solvent Partitioning Method.

The extraction of plant bioactive compounds from Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco remains a great challenge due to the different chemical groups. This study aimed to compare the bioactive compounds with enzyme inhibitory effect from P. orientalis via solvent partitioning method. Dried leaf samples were macerated and fractionated with six solvents of different polarities. The phenolic, flavonoid, tannin, saponin, alkaloid and pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antioxidant and anti-glycation potential were compared across the six plant fractions. Toxicity assessment was performed with an in vivo brine shrimp model. The varying levels of bioactive compounds in ethyl acetate (phenolics, flavonoids), hexane (saponins, tannins) and chloroform (alkaloids) fractions clearly demonstrated the significant impact of solvent polarity on the extraction of bioactive compounds. The reducing potential (r = 0.67), IC50 of α-amylase inhibition (r = -0.71), IC50 of advanced glycation end-product inhibition (r = -0.93) and dicarbonyl compound inhibition (r = 0.57) in the plant fractions were correlated (p<0.05) with the flavonoids. Besides, the alkaloid, saponin and tannin were associated with cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitory activity. Principal component analysis confirmed that solvent polarity (23.9%) and plant extraction yield (37.1%) collectively contributed to 61% of bioactivity variation in P. orientalis. Among the six plant fractions, ethyl acetate fraction exhibited relatively high anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antioxidant and anti-glycation potential while the non-toxic methanolic and aqueous fractions displayed optimal hyaluronidase and lipoxygenase inhibitory activities, respectively. The current study has identified semi-polar ethyl acetate fraction of P. orientalis as a good alternative source of bioactive compounds for future pharmaceutical product development.

Licania rigida leaf extract: Protective effect on oxidative stress, associated with cytotoxic, mutagenic and preclinical aspects

ABSTRACT Brazilian plant biodiversity is a rich alternative source of bioactive compounds since plant-derived extracts and/or their secondary metabolites exhibit potential properties to treat several diseases. In this context, Licania rigida Benth (Chrysobalanaceae Family), a large evergreen tree distributed in Brazilian semi-arid regions, deserves attention for its widespread use in popular medicine, although its biological properties are still poorly studied. The aim of this study was to examine (1) acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity at 2000 mg/kg dose; (2) in vitro cytotoxicity at 0.1; 1; 10; 100 or 1000 µg/ml; (3) in vivo mutagenicity at 5, 10 or 20 mg/ml, and (4) potential antioxidant protective effect of L. rigida aqueous leaf extract of (AELr). No marked apparent toxic and genotoxic effects were observed using in vitro and in vivo assays after in vitro treatment of Chinese hamster ovary cell line (CHO-K1) with AELr or in vivo exposure of Wistar rats and Drosophila melanogaster to different extract concentrations. Concerning the antioxidant effect, the extract exhibited a protective effect by decreasing lipid peroxidation as determined by malondialdehyde levels. No significant changes were observed for glutathione (GSH) levels and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Data demonstrate the beneficial potential of AELr to be employed for therapeutic purposes. However, further studies are required to validate the pharmacological application of this plant extract to develop as a phytotherapeutic formulation.

Geroprotective potential of in vitro bioactive compounds isolated from yarrow (Achilleae millefolii L.) cell cultures

Introduction. There is an urgent need for geroprotectors that prevent premature aging, especially antioxidants of plant origin. Due to the shortage of medicinal plant materials, scientists look for alternative sources of bioactive compounds of phenolic nature, for example, cell cultures and organs of higher plants. This paper describes a study of the geroprotective potential of in vitro bioactive compounds isolated from yarrow (Achilleae millefolii L.) cell cultures.&#x0D; Study objects and methods. Callus, suspension and hairy root cultures of A. millefolii were obtained by in vitro cultivation on modified nutrient media. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyze the composition of the cell cultures and ethanol extracts. The extracts’ antimicrobial activity was studied by the disk diffusion method and their antioxidant activity was measured based on titration of a potassium permanganate solution.&#x0D; Results and discussion. The biomass of all yarrow cell cultures contained essential oils, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic acids, carotenoids, as well as vitamins C and E. The suspension culture had a higher content of essential oils, flavonoids and glycosides than the callus and hairy root cultures. The extracts of the A. millefolii suspension culture also contained geroprotectors – phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, and simple phenols, with a prevalence of caffeic acid, cynaroside, 4,5-dicofeylquinic acid, apigenin, and luteolin. In addition, HPLC revealed the presence of cumic aldehyde, umbelliferone, 3-caffeylquinic acid, and caffeic acid – the bioactive compounds previously not reported in yarrow. In vitro experiments with the extracts proved their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.&#x0D; Conclusion. The complex of bioactive compounds isolated from the biomass of yarrow suspension culture provides this plant with potential geroprotective properties. Thus, yarrow can be used to create nutraceuticals that prevent premature aging.

Selected Aspects Related to Medicinal and Aromatic Plants as Alternative Sources of Bioactive Compounds.

Natural compounds obtained from different medicinal and aromatic plants have gained respect as alternative treatments to synthetic drugs, as well as raw materials for different applications (cosmetic, food and feed industries, environment protection, and many others). Based on a literature survey on dedicated databases, the aim of the present work is to be a critical discussion of aspects regarding classical extraction versus modern extraction techniques; possibilities to scale up (advantages and disadvantages of different extraction methods usually applied and the influence of extraction parameters); and different medicinal and aromatic plants’ different applications (medical and industrial applications, as well as the potential use in nanotechnology). As nowadays, research studies are directed toward the development of modern, innovative applications of the medicinal and aromatic plants, aspects regarding future perspectives are also discussed.

Plant Cell and Callus Cultures as an Alternative Source of Bioactive Compounds with Therapeutic Potential against Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Plant cell and callus cultures are important tools for the mass production of bioactive compounds (secondary metabolites) from plants cell or tissue under a controlled environment. From past few decades the bioactive compounds assumed to play a key role in the development of novel drugs against several viral diseases, causing serious threat and even death to thousands of human lives. The recent, pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak upraised the importance of developing an effective therapeutic drug or vaccine as quick as possible to treat or prevent further spread. The research studies are in progress to find coronavirus therapeutics among existing antiviral drugs. Of these drugs, hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin have emerged as frontrunners and shown early promising results in treating COVID-19 in both in vitro and in vivo studies. However, these drugs have adverse side-effects and they became ineffectual due to eventual drug-resistance. Research is continuing by several means in search of potential therapeutics with minimal side-effects. The natural bioactive compounds from a plant sources generally have minimal toxicity can exert inhibitory capacity against coronavirus is of great interest. Up to now, various phytochemical compounds, namely arctiin, scutellarin, forsythoside, kaempferol, secoxyloganin, nicotianamine, saikosaponin, reported to have anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. The mechanism of action appears to be inhibiting virus replication and blocking viral infection. Due to time taking cultivation, expensive extraction and isolation of bioactive constituents, it is essential to develop alternative techniques for the mass production of bioactive compounds in a less timeframe using in vitro methods of plant cell and callus culture methods. In the present work, we highlighted the importance of modern biotechnological approaches including cell or tissue or callus culture methods and plant-based antiviral compounds currently being tested to treat novel coronavirus.

Bioactive Products from Endophytic Fungi of Sages (Salvia spp.)

In the aim of implementing new technologies, sustainable solutions and disruptive innovation to sustain biodiversity and reduce environmental pollution, there is a growing interest by researchers all over the world in bioprospecting endophytic microbial communities as an alternative source of bioactive compounds to be used for industrial applications. Medicinal plants represent a considerable source of endophytic fungi of outstanding importance, which highlights the opportunity of identifying and screening endophytes associated with this unique group of plants, widespread in diverse locations and biotopes, in view of assessing their biotechnological potential. As the first contribution of a series of papers dedicated to the Lamiaceae, this article reviews the occurrence and properties of endophytic fungi associated with sages (Salvia spp.).

Phytochemical and Biological Activity Studies on Nasturtium officinale (Watercress) Microshoot Cultures Grown in RITA® Temporary Immersion Systems.

The main compounds in both extracts were gluconasturtiin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin and rutoside, the amounts of which were, respectively, determined as 182.93, 58.86 and 23.24 mg/100 g dry weight (DW) in biomass extracts and 640.94, 23.47 and 7.20 mg/100 g DW in plant herb extracts. The antioxidant potential of all the studied extracts evaluated using CUPRAC (CUPric Reducing Antioxidant Activity), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma), and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assays was comparable. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was tested based on the inhibition of 15-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and phospholipase A2. The results demonstrate significantly higher inhibition of COX-2 for in vitro cultured biomass compared with the herb extracts (75.4 and 41.1%, respectively). Moreover, all the studied extracts showed almost similar antibacterial and antifungal potential. Based on these findings, and due to the fact that the growth of in vitro microshoots is independent of environmental conditions and unaffected by environmental pollution, we propose that biomass that can be rapidly grown in RITA® bioreactors can serve as an alternative source of bioactive compounds with valuable biological properties.

The Chemical and Biological Profiles of Leaves from Commercial Blueberry Varieties.

Blueberries have seen an ascending production line boosted by World Health Organization (WHO) approvals for their contributions to a healthy diet and the evidence that they act against different diseases. This increase resulted in significant amounts of discarded leaves, which could be a valuable source of bioactive compounds. In the present study, ultrasound-assisted extraction technology was used to determine and compare the chemical and biological profiles of leaves from six commercial blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) varieties. Feruloylquinic acid was the major compound identified, ranging from 19.23 ± 0.18 mg/g (at the lowest level, registered in the Spartan variety) to 49.62 ± 0.41 mg/g (at the highest level, registered in the Nelson variety). Rutin was the second major compound identified, for which Toro, Nelson, and Elliot leaves registered the highest values, with 35.77 ± 0.19 mg/g, 32.50 ± 0.20 mg/g, and 31.53 ± 0.1 mg/g, respectively. Even though analogous polyphenols were detected in the six cultivars, their concentrations and amounts were different. The leaf extracts of the cultivars Toro, Elliot, and Nelson appear to be good sources of antioxidants, registering high percentage inhibitions of DPPH radicals, of 70.41%, 68.42%, and 58.69%, respectively. The blueberry leaf extracts had a strong antibacterial activity and a low antifungal capacity, and a low-to-moderate antimutagenic capacity towards Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains, with Toro leaf being the best candidate. All of these biological activities indicate health-related benefits, recommending them as suitable candidates for medical and pharmaceutical applications. The present paper adds significant knowledge to the field of blueberry leaves via chemical and biological profiles, supporting the ultrasound-assisted extraction technique as a useful and green method to provide alternative sources of bioactive compounds.

Antioxidant Activity of Some Edible Flowers Water Extracts from Bulgaria

Recently, there has been a considerable interest in finding natural antioxidants from plant materials to replace the synthetic ones. The edible flowers represent a valuable alternative source of bioactive compounds and have been used as food and herbs with increasing interest. The antioxidant properties of 7 edible flowers of the South Bulgaria, including Viola tricolor L., Cucurbita pepo L., Sambucus nigra L., Calendula officinalis L., Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L., Rosa damascena Mill., and Allium ursinum L. were evaluated. The contents of flower chemicals, such as total phenolics and total flavonoids content, were determined as well. By comparing decoction and infusion as methods of extraction, the decoction ones revealed to be the most appropriate in respect of the evaluated compounds. The results showed that the highest antioxidant activity was found in the Rosa damascena and Viola tricolor ones. The established total polyphenol content and total flavonoids in the decocts of Rosa damascena and Viola tricolor were 56.66 ± 0.48 and 135.82 ± 1.50 mg GAE/g dw and 28.60 ± 0.43 and 15.87± 0.52 mg QЕ/g dw, respectively. The present research extends the traditional knowledge and revealed an opportunity to obtain biological active substances of the nature and edible flowers in particular.