Bioactive Content Research Articles

Nutritional Evaluation and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Nano-formulated Selenium-Moringa Peregrine Seed Extract as a Promising Suppressor of TGF-β1/P38/NF-kβ Signaling Pathway in HgCl2 Intoxicated-Mice.

Moringa peregrina, renowned for its extensive health benefits, continues to reveal its therapeutic potential through ongoing research. The synthesis of Moringa peregrina extract-selenium nanoparticles (MPE-SeNPs) has emerged as a promising approach in developing versatile therapeutic agents. To evaluate the protective effects of MPE-SeNPs against oxidative damage and inflammation caused by HgCl2 exposure in mice. The study involved extracting and characterizing the dried powdered seeds of Moringa peregrina to determine their nutritional and bioactive contents. MPE-SeNPs were synthesized using plant extracts and characterized through TEM, UV-Vis, and FT-IR techniques to assess their chelating and superoxide radical scavenging activities. The LD50 of MPE-SeNPs was determined, and doses of 1/50 and 1/20 of the LD50 were administered to HgCl₂-exposed mice to evaluate lung protective effects. Biochemical analyses measured plasma lipid profiles and lung antioxidant status, while gene expression of TGF-β1, P38, and NF-kβ in lung tissue was analyzed. Histopathological examinations of lung tissues were conducted to observe structural changes and fibrosis, providing a comprehensive assessment of the protective efficacy of MPE-SeNPs against oxidative damage and inflammation. The raw Moringa peregrine seeds contain approximately 27.81% fat, 32.10% protein, 13.11% fiber, 4.11% ash and 22.93% carbohydrate content. The phenolic and flavonoid content in debittered seeds is approximately 76.42 mg of GAE/g DE), and 15.55 mg of QE/g DE, respectively. However, MPE and MPESeNPs exhibited chelating activity with 54 and 80.64% after 60 min. Additionally, at a concentration of 120 μg/mL, the superoxide radical scavenging activity was 71% for MPE and 93% for MPE-SeNPs after 5 minutes of incubation. The IC50 values recorded for MPE and MPE-SeNPs were 80.38 and 48.01 μg/mL, respectively. MPE-SeNPs had an average size of approximately 130.63 nm. UV-Vis spectrum peaks and FTIR identified functional groups associated with phenolics and flavonoids. LD50 of MPE-SeNPs was estimated to be 773 mg/kg body weight. Oral administration of MPE and MPE-SeNPs led to improvements in plasma lipid profile as well as lung antioxidant status. Moreover, downregulation of lung TGF-β1, P38, and NF-kβ gene expression in HgCl2-intoxicated mice when treated with MPE-SeNPs. In addition, MPE-SeNPs improve lung tissue by enhancing antioxidant enzymes, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and scavenging free radicals. The study reveals that Moringa peregrina extract combined with selenium nanoparticles (MPESeNPs) offers significant protection against oxidative damage induced by HgCl₂ exposure. The enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of MPE-SeNPs, particularly at a dose of 38.65 mg/kg body weight, demonstrate their potential as a powerful natural therapy for pulmonary fibrosis. These findings underscore the promise of MPE-SeNPs in improving lung health by mitigating oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair, paving the way for innovative treatments in respiratory medicine.

Unlocking Nutraceutical Potential: Metabolomic Analysis Reveals Therapeutic Compounds in Rice

Background Rice varieties enriched with potential bioactive compounds are poised to make a significant contribution to global health. It is anticipated that edible medications made from rice seeds will lead to novel therapeutics. Purpose High-yielding popular pigmented and nonpigmented rice varieties were selected for in-depth analysis of bioactive contents. Nutraceutical potential of high-yielding rice varieties often goes underexplored compared to low-yielding specialty rice varieties. This study addresses the gap by metabolomic profiling of popular rice varieties to uncover bioactive compounds with significant pharmaceutical and nutritional benefits. Methods Untargeted metabolomic profiling of the brown rice of pigmented and nonpigmented varieties was conducted by Orbitrap-high-resolution liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, and primary and secondary metabolites were identified and annotated. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging (RS) assay was carried out to identify the variety with superior antioxidant activity. Correlation analysis by using Metaboanalyst software identified major metabolites with RS potential. Over-representation analysis was performed for the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, and major pathways were identified for metabolites with nutraceutical potential in pigmented rice. Results Major metabolites with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties were identified from rice varieties. Bioactive compounds detected from brown rice included choline, didodecyl-3,3-thiodipropionate, conjugated linoleic acid, oleic acid, 13( S)-HOTrE, monoolein, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid, isoquinoline, trigonelline, corymboside, ferulic acid, and 2,4-quinolinediol. The DPPH RS assay revealed superior antioxidant activity in the pigmented rice, with differential metabolites from the pathways of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids showing a significant correlation ( p < .01) with RS potential. Conclusion Catechin, (–)-epicatechin, (±)12(13)-DiHOME, 4-guanidinobutyric acid, and 5-methoxysalicylic acid are key metabolites that emphasize the antioxidant potential of red-colored rice as a functional food with significant health benefits. The study highlights the therapeutic promise of pigmented whole-grain rice.

Optimization of Pretreatment and Convective Drying Temperature for Better Nutritional and Bioactive Contents of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes Flour

Optimization of Pretreatment and Convective Drying Temperature for Better Nutritional and Bioactive Contents of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes Flour

Effectiveness of Brewing Time Antioxidant Functional Tea Drink from Forest Plant Leaves Of Sapar (Fordia splendidissima (Miq) Buijsen)

radiation, fast food, limited exercise time, stress due to work cannot be avoided, and also from the results of oxidation processes in the body. The development of degenerative diseases caused by free radicals can be inhibited by antioxidant compounds which are able to ward off free radicals. Therefore, the body needs important substances - antioxidants - that help protect it from attacks by free radicals and radical compounds. At certain concentrations, antioxidants can inhibit or slow down the damage caused by oxidative processes. Brewing time has an important role in determining the taste, aroma and active compound content of tea. The need for clear guidance regarding brewing times is becoming increasingly important, especially with the increasing interest in premium tea drinks and the influence of healthy lifestyles. This research aims to know the relationship between brewing time and tea quality in terms of dissolved antioxidant bioactivity content. This research activity tested the antioxidant activity of Sapar leaf tea with different brewing times, namely 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 minutes. Antioxidant activity testing uses the DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy,) method. From the test results it was found that Sapar leaf tea (Fordia splendidissima (Miq) Buijsen) with a brewing time of 3 minutes had the highest antioxidant bioactivity with a radical inhibition value of 81.46% and the antioxidant bioactivity decreased as the brewing time for the leaf tea became longer.

Effects of harvest time and plant part on essential oils, phenolics, and antioxidant activity in Lippia citriodora

This study investigates the effects of harvest time and plant parts on the concentrations of essential oils, phenolic content, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities (ABTS and DPPH) in the Lippia citriodora plant to determine the best outcome. The experiment consists of four different harvest times during flowering period and two plant parts (upper and lower). Harvest times were scheduled at weekly intervals.Significant variations were observed during experiment, Essential oil (EO) content reached peak value at the first harvest in upper parts of plants (L1U: 1.18%) and lowest value in lower parts by the fourth harvest (L4L: 0.25%). The highest phenolic content determined at the first harvest (L1: 44.04 mg GAE/g DW), while flavonoid levels reached peak value at the fourth harvest (L4: 314.07 mg rutin/g DW). Antioxidant activities, measured by ABTS and DPPH assays, were significantly greater in lower plant parts. Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) and Principal Component Analysis Discriminant Analysis (PCA-DA) confirmed clear distinctions between the upper and lower parts of the plant regarding bioactive compounds concentrations. The findings shows the importance of targeted harvest timing and plant parts in optimizing bioactive compound in Lippia citriodora, with implications for getting better benefits from plant.

Comparative Investigation of Untargeted and Targeted Metabolomics in Turmeric Dietary Supplements and Rhizomes.

In the present study, we analyzed the bioactive curcuminoids content in eight capsules (DS-1-DS-7 and DS-9), one tablet (DS-8), three ground turmeric samples (DS-10-DS-12), and three ground turmeric rhizomes (TR-1, TR-2, and TR-3). Initial screening with infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy coupled with a principal component analysis (PCA) revealed distinct differences between the samples analyzed. Hence, targeted and untargeted analyses were performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry detections. The results show that the total curcuminoids content ranged from 1.3 to 69.8 mg/100 mg and the volatile component ranged from 0.7 to 9.1 mg/100 mg. The percentage ratio of the three prominent curcuminoids, bisdesmethoxycurcumin (BMC), desmethoxycurcumin (DMC), and curcumin (CUR), also varied remarkably compared to the expected ratio (BMC:DMC:CUR ratio of 1:2:6) described in the literature. The three prominent volatile compounds identified in most samples were ar-turmerone, turmerone, and curlone. The results demonstrated significant differences in the volatile compound levels among the DS and dried rhizome samples. The non-targeted analysis resulted in the identification of over 40 compounds, including bioactives such as piperine, phenolic acids, and amino acids. A disintegration study was performed on limited DS according to the United States Pharmacopeia protocol. The results reveal that all the selected DS samples passed the disintegration test. An analysis of curcuminoids from DS samples in neutral and acidic solutions demonstrated that all curcuminoids (BMC, DMC, and CUR) existed in the keto and enol forms and their concentrations changed with pH. This study will be of significant interest to manufacturers, consumers, and pharmacologists to accurately understand the bioactivities of three curcuminoids in different isomeric forms.

Anticholinesterase Activity and Bioactive Compound Profiling of Six Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) Varieties.

Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) are widely recognized for their use in brewing, but they also possess significant pharmacological properties due to their rich bioactive compounds, with many varieties exhibiting diverse characteristics. This study investigates the chemical composition and biological activities of extracts from six hop varieties, focusing on quantifying xanthohumol and lupulone using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Total Phenolic Content (TPC) analysis. The hop varieties demonstrated significant variability in bioactive compound concentrations, with Aurora showing the highest xanthohumol (0.665 mg/g) and Zwiegniowski the highest lupulone (9.228 mg/g). TPC analysis revealed Aurora also had the highest phenolic content (22.47 mg GAE/g). Antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP assays, with Aurora and Oregon Fuggle displaying the most potent capacities. Aurora, in particular, showed the highest activity across multiple assays, including significant acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and tyrosinase inhibition, with IC50 values of 24.39 mg/mL, 20.38 mg/mL, and 9.37 mg/mL, respectively. The chelating activity was also assessed, with Apolon demonstrating the strongest metal ion binding capacity (IC50 = 1.04 mg/mL). Additionally, Aurora exhibited the most effective hyaluronidase inhibition (IC50 = 10.27 mg/mL), highlighting its potential for anti-inflammatory applications. The results underscore the influence of genetic and environmental factors on the bioactive compound profiles of hop varieties and their biological activity offering promising avenues for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the potential interactions between hop cones components.

Bioactive Content and Antioxidant Properties of Spray-Dried Microencapsulates of Peumus boldus M. Leaf Extracts.

Boldo (Peumus boldus M.), an plant endemic to central and southern Chile, has been recognized as a medicinal herb, especially its leaves that are rich in bioactive compounds with beneficial properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and antimicrobial properties, among others. This research aimed to evaluate solid-liquid extraction using a response surface methodology to obtain phenolic-rich extracts from boldo leaves and to encapsulate them through spray-drying. A Box-Behnken design was applied to optimize extraction process variables (temperature, time, and solid-liquid ratio). Extracts were characterized in terms of their total phenolic content, with the maximum value obtained being 37.78 mg GAE/g using extraction conditions of a temperature of 100 °C, a time of 60 min, and a solid-liquid ratio of 1:100. The developed microcapsules containing the optimal boldo extracts were characterized (moisture, water activity, scanning electron microscopy, zeta potential, FTIR, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and phenolic profile by HPLC-DAD), highlighting their high phenolic content (5.38-5.49 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant capacity, as well as their bioactive content in terms of catechin (445 ± 37 mg/100 g), pyrogallol (304 ± 24 mg/100 g), and epigallocatechin (156 ± 12 mg/100 g). Overall, this study revealed an efficient technique by which to isolate and stabilize bioactive compounds from boldo leaves, with the microcapsules being promising candidates as high added-value ingredients.

Targeted Circulating Lipid Mediators and Immune Cell Gene Transcripts After ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Residual inflammation drives atherogenesis to atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, which triggers acute inflammation. In preclinical studies, polyunsaturated fatty acids-derived specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) have been shown to promote recovery after MI, in contrast to pro-inflammatory lipid mediators (PIMs). However, the dynamic changes of lipid mediators after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), particularly after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and respective gene transcripts, are poorly understood. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the early dynamic changes in circulating lipid mediators and lipid pathway transcripts in STEMI patients who undergo PCI. In this prospective observational clinical study, patients with STEMI (n=10) and control subjects (n=6) were included. Plasma samples for lipid mediator profiling (targeted oxylipids) and whole blood for inflammation-related transcript expression were collected at baseline before PCI, 2 hours, and 24 hours post-PCI. A total of 10 STEMI patients received PCI with a mean age of 53.3 years, 90% male. Linoleic acid and DPA levels were higher in STEMI patients. A subset of PIM levels (HETEs, PGE2) were elevated at the baseline, with a subsequent decrease in circulating levels at 2 hours after PCI (TXB2, LTB4, 20-OH-LTB4). A subset of SPM levels (HEPEs) were elevated at the baseline of STEMI suggestive overlap of inflammation-resolution signaling. The temporal kinetics of LMs showed that both the initiation of inflammation and the resolution process start simultaneously and continue as an endogenous repair mechanism during STEMI. Therefore, approaches to increase these endogenous bioactive resolution mediators content and/or efficacy before PCI should be considered in treating MI patients.

Bioactive Content and in vitro Antioxidant and Enzyme-Inhibitory Potential of Leaf and Fruits of Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L. subsp. Urens)

Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L. subsp. urens) is one of the species of Pastinaca genus. This plant has been traditionally used worldwide for the treatment of various diseases and cultivated for its nutritional values. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial and enzyme-inhibitory potentials of the fruits and leaves of parsnips as well as their bioactive properties such as their antioxidant activities, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in their hexane and ethanol extracts. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. The antioxidant activities of extracts were determined by three methods of DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities and iron-chelating ability. In the leaves, the highest total phenolic content (60.94 mg GAE/g extract) was found in ethanol extracts while the highest total flavonoid content (21.47 mg RuE/g extract) was determined in hexane extracts. Ethanol extracts of leaves showed the highest radical scavenging activities in both assays of DPPH and ABTS with the IC50 values of 1039±1.35 and 150.7±0.81 µg/mL, respectively. Growth inhibition zone diameters (mm) of PSFE, PSLE, PSFH, PSLH (2 mg/mL) against reference microorganisms were -/-/15/15, -/-/15/14, 10/10/22/15, -/-/15/14 and MIC values -20>/20>/20>/20>, 20>/20>/20>/2.5, 0.625/10/-/-, 20>/20>/20>/20> mg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538, Micrococcus luteus ATCC9341, Bacillus subtilis ATCC6633, Candida albicans ATCC14053, respectively. Antimicrobial activity was not determined against other reference microorganisms.

In vitro antimicrobial, anticancer and antioxidant activities and bioactive contents of endemic Acanthus dioscoridis L. var. dioscoridis flowers from Türkiye

A. dioscoridis is a member of the Acanthaceae family and is represented by approximately 30 species. In Türkiye, 8 species, 6 of which are endemic, are distributed in Eastern and Central Anatolia. In the presented study, the antimicrobial, antiradical, and anticancer properties of flower extracts of endemic A. dioscoridis L. var. dioscoridis were investigated for the first time. The antiradical activity and phytochemical contents of this plant were also investigated. According to our study results, endemic A. dioscoridis flowers extract show anticancer activity against MCF-7, HCT-116 and LNCaP cancer cell lines, high antiradical activity against ABTS radicals, and effective antimicrobial activity against some microorganism-caused infection in humans. In conclusion, this study can be the first report about the anticancer, antiradical, and antimicrobial properties of endemic A. dioscoridis L. var. dioscoridis flower extracts.

How does fertilizer management strategy in soilless blueberry cultivation change the phytochemical profile and phenoloxidases activity during fruit ripening?

Highbush blueberry fruits have attracted a lot of attention from consumers due to their exquisite taste and considerable quantities of bioactive compounds. This premium-class foodstuff also contains antioxidant enzymes (phenoloxidases) implicated in the degradation of polyphenols that lead to discoloration and loss of antioxidant activity during fruit ripening. Despite substantial progress in research focused on fruit quality, unanswered questions remain about the effect of fertilizer strategy in soilless blueberry cultivation on the phytochemical content and phenoloxidases activities. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the individual effect of mineral fertilizers (Min treatment) and combined application of organic and mineral fertilizers (Org-Min treatment) the content of targeted primary and secondary metabolites, as well as phenoloxidases activities of blueberry cultivar 'Bluecrop' grown in pots. The sugar content and sweetness index were not affected by the fertilizer treatment, while the predominant organic acids content (citrate and malate) increased significantly by the Org-Min treatment in both years studied. The Org-Min treatment also stimulated the synthesis of phenolic acids, primarily chlorogenic and p-coumaric acid, while the Min treatment contributed to significant increase in polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in both years of the study. The Org-Min treatment in annual amounts of 72 kg ha-1 nitrogen, 48 kg ha-1 phosphorus, and 68 kg ha-1 potassium had the most pronounced positive effect on the content of phenolic bioactives, which indicates that a partial replacement of mineral by organic fertilizers can be recommended in soilless cultivation of blueberries. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Proximate analysis of Pleurotus florida influenced by magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) in submerged and solid-state cultivation

Pleurotus florida is a widely consumed and easily cultivated mushroom, valued for its high nutritional content. This study aimed to enhance its mineral content through substrate fortification, specifically using magnesium sulfate, to create more nutrient-rich food products. Since minerals are crucial for mushroom growth, supplementing substrates can significantly improve both incubation and fructification, addressing the need for higher-quality mushrooms in functional foods and dietary supplements. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at the Mushroom Technology Laboratory, School of Studies in Biotechnology, Pt Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, India, to examine the effects of Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) on P. florida during the rainy season (July–October 2022) in both submerged and solid-state cultivation. Different concentration of MgSO4 (Control, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg) was supplemented to PDA media and paddy straw for cultivation of P.floridamushroom. The study assessed fruiting body production, mycelial biomass yield, protein content, and antioxidant activity. Results showed that MgSO4 significantly increased biomass production (28.67mg/100ml and 89.06g/500g of substrate for T3 for both mycelia and fruiting body), antioxidant activity (88.90 and 96.86% for control), and bioactive content (protein 20.28and 20.72 mg/100g for both mycelia and fruiting body respectively at treatment T4), notably affecting the mushrooms' metabolic profile (p less than 0.05). These findings suggest that mineral-fortified P. florida mushrooms are rich in essential nutrients and have potential as valuable pharmaceutical products.

Antibacterial Activity Of Sago Caterpillar Oil (Rhynchoporus bilineatus L.) From Minahasa Against Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus

Sago caterpillars are ethnomedically used as food and medicine by the people of several tribes in Indonesia. Sago caterpillar oil contains active compounds, especially fatty acids that have antibacterial potential. Research has been carried out which aims to obtain the bioactive content of sago worm oil and the antibacterial activity of Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Sago caterpillars are obtained from the Minahasa region. Four to six instar sago caterpillars are used for oil isolation. Analysis of the content of sago worm oil using the Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry method. Meanwhile, the antibacterial test used the agar diffusion method using pure cultures of Salmonella thypii and Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that the average sago caterpillar oil was 0.26 to 0.28 ml per head. The results of the antibacterial test showed the highest inhibition of S. aureus at a concentration of 1000 mg/L, namely 8.04 mm, while the inhibition of growth of S. thypii was highest at a concentration of 1000 mg/L, namely 7.69 mm. Sago caterpillar oil has antibacterial potential.

Purine nucleosides as selective inhibitors of butyrylcholinesterase - a multidisciplinary study.

The computational study of the most relevant interactions of the nanomolar purine nucleoside BuChE selective inhibitor has shown that the benzyl group at position 2 and the purine acetamido group are required for activity. In addition, the synthesis of a 6-iodinated radiolabelled analogue and the study of in vivo bioavailability have shown a low percentage of uptake by the brain after 1 hour. These results encouraged the synthesis of a small library of new compounds, focussing on deoxygenation at other positions aiming to access active and more bioavailable structures. Deoxygenation at positions 4 and 3,4 afforded new nucleosides that displayed low inhibition of both cholinesterases, while deoxygenation at position 6 and the lyxopyranosyl group afforded the two most active compounds (IC50 ranging from 3.7 to 7.8 μM); one of them was not cytotoxic at the bioactive concentration, while the other one showed a slight cytotoxicity. Interestingly, these structures exhibited the same anomeric stereochemistry and were purine N7-linked, similar to the lead compound 3 (IC50 = 50 nM), thus confirming the importance of the αDN7 purine nucleoside structure. Thus, optimization of the purine nucleoside synthetic procedure was carried out by changing the reaction temperature, the anomeric leaving group or the Lewis acid. The most satisfactory reaction yields and regioselectivity were obtained by using the original N-glycosylation conditions at 25 °C, which afforded the highest yield of 25% when compared to the 8% of the αDN7 purine nucleoside, and an increase in N7 regioselectivity, with the total N7 nucleoside yield increasing from 36% to 52%.

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) leaves: A comprehensive analysis of bioactive profile and health-promoting potential of an untapped resource.

Carob is a resilient plant with ecological and nutritional significance. A comprehensive study of Ceratonia siliqua leaves (CSL) was conducted to explore its chemical composition and health-promoting potential, aiming at improving the carob-crop sustainability through valorization of this untapped co-product. UHPLC-DAD-HRMS/MS quali-quantitative profiling of CSL revealed high levels of n-galloylated glucoses (129-196mgg-1) and flavonol-glycosides (36-42mgg-1), with siliquapyranone (39-56mgg-1), 1,2,3,6-tetragalloylglusose (47-69mgg-1) and myricitrin (27-33mgg-1) as main markers. Highest bioactive content and antioxidant capacity (5.0 and 3.1 TEAC) was obtained during pods harvesting. Besides significant antioxidant potential, CSL exhibited strong-high inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase (IC50, 0.51, 13.5 and 58.0μgmL-1, respectively). 1,2,3,6-tetragalloylglusose and siliquapyranone are the main contributors to antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory capacities. Excellent ability of extract and 1,2,3,6-tetragalloylglusose (IC50, 0.05μM) in selectively inhibiting α-glucosidase, make them promising candidates to manage hyperglycemia with fewer side effects.

Nutritional Value and Therapeutic Benefits of Dragon Fruit: A Comprehensive Review with Implications for Establishing Australian Industry Standards.

Dragon fruit, which is native to northern South America and Mexico, has become a significant crop in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Vietnam, China, and Australia. The fruit (Hylocereus spp.) is rich in various bioactive phytochemical compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and pigments such as betalains and anthocyanins, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. This comprehensive review introduces the origin, classification, and global production of dragon fruit, with a particular focus on its bioactive phytochemicals and therapeutic potential. Additionally, it critically evaluates the current industry standards for fresh dragon fruit production across key producing countries. While these standards primarily focus on quality, classification, and grading criteria, they lack focus on parameters related to the fruit's bioactive content. The absence of established quality standards for fresh produce in the Australian dragon fruit industry presents a unique opportunity to develop guidelines that align with both international benchmarks and the therapeutic potential of the fruit. By addressing this gap, this review can potentially help Australia to position its dragon fruit industry to achieve greater consistency, competitiveness, and consumer appeal. As the demand for functional foods continues to rise, aligning Australian production practices with global standards becomes critical to meeting domestic market expectations. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of dragon fruit's nutritional and therapeutic significance and highlights its potential role in establishing a robust standard for the Australian dragon fruit industry. A review of global industry standards reveled that Australian standard could incorporate classifications of dragon fruits, including external factors like appearance, size, and defect tolerance. Future research is needed to prioritize understanding of the impact of cultivation practices and environmental factors on the bioactive composition of dragon fruit, enabling the development of best practices for growers. Additionally, further studies are needed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of these bioactive properties through clinical trials, particularly their potential in preventing chronic diseases. The advancement of analytical methods for quantifying bioactive compounds will provide deeper insights into their health benefits and support the establishment of bioactive-oriented industry standards. Moreover, investigations of post-harvest handling and processing techniques could optimize the preservation of these valuable compounds, enhancing dragon fruit's role as a functional food.

Effects of Red Dragon Fruit Puree Application on Physicochemical Properties of Selected Bakery Products

Bakery products are a popular staple food made from wheat flour and other ingredients. Common bread-making methods include baking, steaming, and frying. Recent trends focus on developing value-added bakery products by incorporating various health-promoting ingredients like fruit. Dragon fruit can be used in bread formulations due to its high fiber, bioactive content, and antioxidant activity. However, adding red dragon fruit can also be challenging in obtaining a high-quality bakery product because it will affect the physicochemical and sensory properties. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of different red dragon fruit puree concentrations on the physicochemical and sensory properties of bread made with red dragon fruit. Three bakery products were made: white bread, steamed buns, and donuts. The red dragon fruit puree concentrations were 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%, respectively. The treatment was repeated four times. Meanwhile, the analyses included moisture content, specific volume, hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, color, phenolic, DPPH, superoxide radical scavenging activity, and sensory properties. The presence of red dragon fruit puree increased the moisture content of white bread (0.3% to 2.1%), steamed buns (1.75% to 18.21%), and donuts (2.30% to 13.81%). Meanwhile, the presence of the puree decreased the capability of bread to expand, which ranged from 4.07 to 2.82 cm3/g for white bread, 3.14 to 2.78 cm3/g for steamed buns, and 3.47 to 2.87 cm3/g for donuts, resulting in a decrease in specific volume. The concentration of red dragon fruit puree also plays an important role in increasing the hardness and cohesiveness and decreasing springiness. The increase in red dragon fruit puree concentration affects the color parameters. Furthermore, the presence of red dragon fruit puree can maintain its high phenolic content, which was 15.25–59.11 mg GAE/100 g for white bread, 17.98–59.82 mg GAE/100 g for steamed buns, and 11.56–46.33 mg GAE/100 g for donuts, and dietary fiber, which was 1.32–2.03% for white bread, steamed buns 1.27–1.96%, and donuts 1.27–1.95%. Furthermore, the higher concentration of red dragon fruit puree contributes to higher phenolic and dietary fiber content. Bakery products could be developed as functional food, as reflected by their high antioxidant activity. Meanwhile, the sensory tests revealed that panelists could accept all three products.

Comparison of Forsythia suspensa leaf fermented tea in the four different regions of Shanxi Province: quality, functional ingredients, and bioactivity

BackgroundForsythia suspensa (F. suspensa) is a plant of the Oleaceae family that is used as a medicinal plant. It is a traditional Chinese medicine that functions in clearing heat and detoxification. F. suspensa contains various phytochemicals, such as lignans, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and phenylethanolic glycosides; however, the main active phytochemical in F. suspensa is phillygenin, which has lipid-lowering, antioxidant, antihypertensive, and tyrosinase inhibitory effects. However, the content of phillygenin in F. suspensa is very low, limiting its application.MethodsThis study used wild F. suspensa leaves (FSL) from Lingchuan County (LC), Anze County (AC), Pingshun County (PS), and Pingding County (PD) in Shanxi Province as experimental materials. Through a single factor and orthogonal experimental design, the fermentation time, temperature, and humidity of F. suspensa leaf fermented tea (FSLFT) were optimized using a black tea fermentation machine. By comparing the differences in phillygrin and phillygenin content in FSL and FSLFT, the optimal production process for increasing phillygenin content in FSLFT was sought. This study also compared the differences in bioactive substance content and in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial functions of wild FSLFT from the four counties to evaluate the quality of wild FSLFT from the four counties.ResultsThe optimal technological parameters of Forsythia suspensa leaf fermented tea (FSLFT): fermentation time of 2 h, fermentation humidity of 80%, fermentation temperature of 35°C, the experimental results showed that the order of influence of each factor on phillygenin content was C (fermentation temperature) > A (fermentation time) > B (fermentation humidity). The cellulase activity of FSLFT was significantly higher than that of FSL (P < 0.05). The total volatile compounds of the wild FSLFT from the four counties were 87 volatile aroma components, 13 of which were common aroma components, and the PCA scores ranged from high to low as follows: AZ-FSLFT > LC-FSLFT > PS-FSLFT > PD-FSLFT. The antioxidant effects of the FSLFT were as follows: AZ-FSLFT > LC-FSLFT > PS-FSLFT > PD-FSLFT. PD-FSLFT had the least inhibitory effect on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whereas AZ-FSLFT had the greatest inhibitory effect.ConclusionFermentation promoted the conversion of phillygrin to phillygenin in FSL, which might be related to the increased cellulase activity in FSL during fermentation. The AZ-FSLFT had the best quality and functional activity, which made sense given its active ingredient content. The AZ-FSLFT had the best quality and functional activity, which made sense given its active ingredient content. This study contributes to the comprehensive development and utilization of F. suspensa leaves for economic and healthcare purposes.

Phytochemical Characterization and Assessment of Antioxidant and Anti-Alzheimer Effects of Algerian Seseli Tortuosum.

HPLC analysis, phytochemical screening, thin layer chromatography, polyphenols and flavonoid contents were conducted to determine the bioactive contents of the Algerian Seseli tortuosum plant. Antioxidant activity was tested using DPPH and ABTS scavenging assays, reducing power, phenanthroline and silver nanoparticle (SNP) assays. The anti-Alzheimer's activity of extracts was also performed in vitro and in silico. Phytochemical analysis highlighted the richness ofthe extracts in terms of coumarins, terpenoids and quercetin. The quantitative determination of total polyphenols and flavonoids showed that the highest amounts occurredinthe dichloromethane (DCME) and methanolic (MeOH) extracts. The antioxidant activities indicated a moderate potential. Compared with galantamine, DCME had a significantly greater anti-Alzheimer effect on BChE(CI50=9.14±1.74 μg/ml and 34.75±1.99 μg/ml respectively). An in silicostudy of anti-Alzheimer activity revealed a significant effect of quercetin(-30,13 KJ/mol). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the richness of the phytochemical components of seseli tortuosum,which are responsible for several biological properties, mainly their anti-Alzheimer potential.