Enhanced Antioxidant Activity Research Articles

Fermenting Buckwheat Seeds (Fagopyrum esculentum) with Aspergillus and subsequent amylase treatments enhance phenolic content and antioxidant activities

This research focused on investigating the effects of fermenting processed buckwheat with different Aspergillus species and subsequent treatment with α-amylase, β-amylase, and Glucoamylase. The study found that fermenting with Aspergillus Oryzae 82-3, followed by β-amylase treatment, significantly impacted saccharification within 2 hours, leading to increased total polyphenol content, rutin, and quercetin levels. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) results showed that Asp-82-3 with β-amylase had the highest rutin and quercetin levels. The saccharified buckwheat also exhibits elevated total protein and total carbohydrate content. DPPH analysis revealed enhanced antioxidant activity in treated samples. In vitro assays demonstrated that buckwheat saccharification with amylase after Aspergillus fermentation resulted in potent production, with Asp-82-3 and β-amylase showing the highest Nitric Oxide (NO) production. The study concludes that combining Aspergillus species and amylase for buckwheat saccharification enhances its antioxidant capacity and functional value, making it valuable in the functional food industry.

The Effect of Lemon Juice (Citrus limon L.) Treated with Melatonin on the Health Status and Treatment of K14HPV16 Mice.

Lemon is a fruit rich in antioxidant properties and has several health benefits, namely the reduction of skin edema and anticarcinogenic properties, which are due to its high content of bioactive compounds. Melatonin can improve and preserve the properties of lemon for longer and also has health benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral administration of lemon juice after melatonin treatment on murinometric parameters of wild-type (WT) mice and transgenic mice carrying human papillomavirus (HPV). Two trials were performed for oral administration of the lemon extract compound: in drinking water and in diet. First of all, lemons were treated by immersion with melatonin at 10 mM. Then, lemons were squeezed, and the juice obtained was freeze-dried and stored to be subsequently added to drinking water or diet, according to the assay. Thus, mice were divided into eight groups in the drink assay (each with n = 5): group 1 (G1, WT, control), group 2 (G2, WT, 1 mL lemon), group 3 (G3, WT, 1.5 mL lemon), group 4 (G4, WT, 2 mL lemon), group 5 (G5, HPV16, control), group 6 (G6, HPV16, 1 mL lemon) group 7 (G6, HPV16, 1.5 mL lemon) and group 8 (G6, HPV16, 2 mL lemon). The diet assay was divided into four groups: group 1 (G1, WT, control), group 2 (G2, WT, 4 mL lemon), group 3 (G3, HPV16, control) and group 4 (G4, HPV16, 4 mL lemon). In the drink assay, the highest concentration of melatonin (308 ng/100 mL) was for groups 4 and 8, while in the food assay, there was only one concentration of melatonin (9.96 ng/g) for groups 2 and 4. Both trials lasted 30 days. During this time, body weight, food and water were recorded. Afterward, they were sacrificed, and samples were collected for different analyses. At the concentrations used, the lemon juice with melatonin had no adverse effects on the animals' health and showed a positive outcome in modifying weight gain and enhancing antioxidant activity in mice. Moreover, a reduction in the incidence of histological lesions was observed in treated animals. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of lemon extract on health and treatment outcomes in this animal model.

Nutrient-coated urea mitigates deleterious impacts of salinity and supports wheat performance by enhancing antioxidant activities, photosynthetic performance and nitrogen use efficiency

Soil salinization has increased over recent years and is negatively affecting crop productivity. Nutrient application is an effective strategy to improve abiotic stress tolerance in crops. The application of coated fertilizers has emerged as an excellent approach to mitigate the adverse impacts of soil salinity. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the effects of zinc and sulfur coated urea on the performance of wheat growing under saline conditions. The study comprised of diverse salinity stress levels; 0, 6 and 12 dS m-1, cross combined with normal urea (NU), zinc coated urea (ZCU) and sulfur coated urea (SCU). Salinity stress reduced wheat yield by impairing leaf water status, reducing photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes accumulation, potassium (K) and nitrogen (N) uptake while increasing sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) uptake and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte leakage (EL) accumulation. The application of ZCU increased the wheat yield by enhancing photosynthetic pigments, leaf water status, antioxidant activities, osmolytes accumulation, and reducing H2O2, MDA and EL accumulation. Furthermore, the significant increase in growth and yield of wheat with ZCU and SCU was also linked with improved K and N uptake, higher nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and reduced Na and Cl concentration. Thus, the application of ZCU could be an effective approach to improve wheat productivity under saline conditions.

Enhanced antioxidant activity in Imidazolium-based protic organic salts: An insight into structure activity relationship via experimental and modelling approaches

Sulfonyl hydroxide functionalized imidazolium based protic ionic liquids (PILs) have been evaluated as a new form of antioxidants. The antioxidant activity was performed using free radical quenching using UV–visible spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The studies confirmed that the investigated ILs with variable anions exhibited substantial radical scavenging activity. In UV–Visible study, Glutamine based-IL ([1MeimPS][Gln]) showed least IC50 value of 95 µM indicating maximum radical quenching activity as an oxidant, while proline based-IL ([1MeimPS]Pro]) exhibited highest IC50 value of 675 µM, demonstrating least anti-oxidant activity. Moreover, cyclic voltammetry results complemented well the UV–visible findings with least IC50 value of 90 µM for [1MeimPS][Gln], showing maximum antioxidant activity, and highest IC50 value of 593 µM for [1MeimPS]Pro], exhibiting the least antioxidant activity. The presence of two primary amines moieties in glutaminate anion may be responsible for enhanced antioxidant activity by providing more active sites for radical quenching. Contrarily, lack of primary amine functionality in prolinate anion may contribute to reduced antioxidant activity of respective IL. The Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations predicted that the trend of radical scavenging potential was comparable with the experimentally obtained IC50 values. Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MESP) Maps illustrated that [1MeimPS][Pro] has the maximum red zones indicating a poor potential against electron scavenging capacity among all the studied ILs, while blue region in [1MeimPS][Gln], corresponding to low electron density, suggested strong attraction for the incoming electrons. Also, the high electronic distribution of HOMO orbital, appreciable stability, and significant chemical potential to attack on radical species provided by [1MeimPS][Gln] with the maximum radical scavenging potential. Furthermore, the associated LUMO energy for [1MeimPS][Pro] (−1.297 eV) is quite higher than that of [1MeimPS][Gln] (−1.422 eV) which reduced the ability of [1MeimPS][Pro] to attack free radicals of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and thus have higher associated IC50 values. This is also supported by the results of chemical hardness (η) and chemical potential (μ) descriptors values indicating [1MeimPS][Pro] is least stable and reactive than [1MeimPS][Gln]. These findings further explain the least IC50 values observed experimentally and consequent enhanced antioxidant potential of [1MeimPS][Gln].

Enhanced antioxidant activity in Curcuma caesia Roxb. microrhizomes treated with silver nanoparticles

Curcuma caesia Roxb. is a highly valuable, endangered herb of therapeutic importance that resides in their rhizomes. In the present investigation, the effect of ½ strength liquid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1 mg/l Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and different sucrose concentrations (1.5%, 3%, 6%, 9%, or 12%) was studied on microrhizomes induction of C. caesia. The shoot length, root length and microrhizomes dry weight of C. caesia decreased significantly at 6% sucrose and above. When compared to the control (1.5% sucrose), the current water content significantly decreased at 6% sucrose. The optimum concentration for in vitro microrhizomes induction in C. caesia was 6% sucrose. Therefore for further experiments, the 6% sucrose was used. We also studied the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) on microrhizome induction and antioxidant activity in C. caesia cultures. Field-grown C. caesia rhizomes extract was used in the green synthesis of AgNP. The synthesized AgNP was further characterized through scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The AgNP, ranging from 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075 or 0.1 mg/l was supplemented in ½ strength liquid MS medium with 6% sucrose and 1 mg/l IBA. The MS medium with 0.05 mg/l AgNP found with significant morphological changes in C. caesia cultures (root number, root length and microrhizomes fresh weight). For the total phenolic and total terpenoids content estimation as well as for antioxidant activity analysis, the extracts of un-treated cultures (6% sucrose + 1 mg/l IBA, without AgNP), AgNP treated cultures (6% sucrose + 1 mg/l IBA with 0.025 and 0.05 mg/l AgNP) was used. The 0.025 and 0.05 mg/l AgNP enhanced the phenolic and terpenoid content in the cultures compared to the field-grown mother plant. The antioxidant activity of the cultures treated with AgNP also increased compared to un-treated cultures and field-grown mother plant. The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that the extract treated with 0.05 mg/l AgNP had increased production of monoterpene (camphor) and sesquiterpenes (β-elemenone and curcumenone). These increased terpenes could be responsible for the enhanced antioxidant activity of C. caesia cultures.

Therapeutic mechanism of Cornus Officinalis Fruit Coreon on ALI by AKT/Nrf2 pathway and gut microbiota

BackgroundAcute liver injury (ALI) often precipitates severe liver function impairment and is associated with high mortality rates. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has demonstrated efficacy in mitigating hepatic damage by exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects, enhancing antioxidant activity, and modulating gut microbiota (GM). Numerous studies have identified similar or identical bioactive compounds within the Cornus Officinalis Fruit Coreon(COFO) and its flesh. Notably, Cornus Officinalis has been shown to possess potent hepatoprotective properties. However, studies on the pharmacological effects and mechanism of action of COFO for hepatoprotection have received little attention. PurposeTo elucidate the mechanisms underlying the COFO effect in ALI by integrating GM gene sequencing, quantifying Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), and examining relevant signaling pathways. Materials and MethodsA rat model for carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced ALI was established, and the best liver protective components of COFO were selected by pathological observation and biochemical determination. The therapeutic efficacy of COFO in mitigating liver injury was elucidated through an integrated approach that included network pharmacology, biochemical indexes, 16S rDNA sequencing analyses, short-chain fatty acids, Western blotting analysis of protein levels, and immunohistochemical evaluations. ResultsPharmacological evaluation established that the n-butanol fraction (CNBP) provided optimal hepatoprotective effects. Firstly, the chemical constituents of CNBP were characterized, and its principal anti-ALI targets, such as ALI, AKT1, TNF, and IL-6, were identified through network pharmacology analysis. Secondly, experimental validation revealed that CNBP may enhance the genetic diversity of the GM, augmenting the diversity of the microbial community, increasing the levels of three SCFAs, and activating key proteins in the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway (AKT1, TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB p65, Nrf2, and HO-1). Consequently, CNBP exhibited hepatoprotective effects, with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. ConclusionCNBP may mitigate GM-induced disturbances, augment the levels of three SCFAs, activate the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, and exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, thereby conferring hepatoprotective benefits.

Assessment of Pyracantha fortuneana fruit extract as a nitrite substitute on the physicochemical properties, sensorial profile, safety risks and functional properties of fermented beef sausages

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Pyracantha fortuneana fruit extract (PFE) as a nitrite substitute on the quality, flavor, contents of biogenic amines and the formation of antioxidant peptides of fermented beef sausages during storage. Compared with the control group, the fermented beef sausages treated with PFE showed elevated L* and a × values, enhanced antioxidant activity, and increased resistance to microbial growth and lipid and protein oxidation. In particular, there were 2.44 ± 0.02 mg MDA/kg thiobarbituric acid reactive substances after 35 d. Interestingly, PFE had a positive effect on the texture, flavor, and antioxidant protection of fermented beef sausages that was superior to that of nitrite. PFE not only improved the microstructure of fermented beef sausage but also delayed the degradation of myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins as shown in SDS-PAGE analysis, which resulted in a significant improvement in the sausage flavor and reduction of biogenic amines (P < 0.05). The LC-MS/MS results showed that PFE-treated fermented sausages significantly promoted peptide formation and had high 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (P < 0.05). Therefore, PFE has the potential to be effective and promising substitute for nitrite in industrial production and application in fermented sausages.

CRISPR-mediated BnaNRAMP1 homologous copies editing create a low Cd-accumulation oilseed rape germplasm with unaffected yield

Brassica napus, one of the most important oil crops cultivated globally, is severely impacted by prolonged soil contamination with cadmium (Cd), resulting in decreased yields and poor seed quality. This crop exhibits a high adsorption capacity for Cd, thereby making the creation of seed resources with low Cd-accumulation as an essential strategy to alleviate this challenge. To address this issue, we genetically edited BnaNRAMP1 in B. napus by targeting three different exon regions, resulting in new germplasm resources with significant differences in Cd accumulation capacity and unaffected yield. Among these, the mutant K140-22, specifically targeting the seventh exon, is distinguished by its substantially reduced Cd accumulation. Further, enzyme assays of the antioxidant defense system in both roots and shoots of K140-22 revealed its enhanced antioxidant activity, which contributes to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of plant tolerance to heavy metal stress. Remarkably, this mutant also maintained equivalent agronomic traits and seed quality, which highlights its potential as a germplasm resource for rapeseed breeding for low Cd accumulation, as well as for elevating rapeseed economic value in Cd contaminated soil.

Unlocking the potential of phenolated kraft lignin as a versatile feed additive

Lignin, a renewable natural antioxidant and bacteriostat, holds promise as a versatile, cost-effective feed additive. However, traditional industrial lignin faces limitations, including low reactivity, poor uniformity, and unstable properties, necessitating chemical modification. Complex modification methods pose economic and toxicity challenges, so this study adopted a relatively simple alkali-catalyzed phenolization approach, using phenol, catechol, and pyrogallol to modify kraft lignin, and characterized the resulting products using various techniques. Subsequently, their antioxidant, antibacterial, adsorption properties for heavy metal ions and mycotoxins, growth-promoting properties, and antiviral abilities were assessed. The phenolation process led to lignin depolymerization and a notable increase in phenolic hydroxyl content, particularly in pyrogallol-phenolated lignin (Py-L), rising from 3.08 to 4.68 mmol/g. These modified lignins exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity, with over 99 % inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus, and remarkable adsorption capacities for heavy metal ions and mycotoxins. Importantly, Py-L improved the growth performance of mice and reduced influenza mortality. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations elucidated the mechanism behind the enhanced antioxidant properties. This study presents a promising avenue for developing versatile feed additives to address challenges related to animal feed antioxidant supplementation, bacterial control, and growth promotion.

Efficacy of coconut liquid endosperm as natural agent inhibiting browning and maintaining quality of fresh-cut mature mangoes by comparison with cysteine

The use of natural substances to preserve the freshness of fresh-cut products has been receiving a lot of attention recently. The aim of the present work was to determine the efficacy of coconut liquid endosperm (CLE) immersion on browning retardation and quality maintenance of fresh-cut mature green mangoes by using ‘Kaew Kamin’ mango as fresh-cut fruit model compared with cysteine (Cys) immersion during refrigeration at 4°C. In the preliminary investigation, the treatment of CLE or Cys retarded the colour change ( hue angle) and browning development during refrigeration. The optimal concentrations of CLE and Cys were 100 and 1.5%, respectively. Compared with untreated samples (100% CLE), 1.5% Cys and Cys + CLE immersions maintained firmness, superficial colour, and visual appearance, as well as inhibited the browning and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity of the fresh-cut mangoes. Interestingly, Cys immersion enhanced antioxidant activity and the total phenolic compounds of the fresh-cut mangoes. The total phenolic content of the fresh-cut mangoes was unaffected by CLE immersion. Compared to Cys, CLE is a natural substance that prevents browning, and maintains the freshness of fresh-cut mature green mangoes throughout refrigeration.

Room-temperature stable Perillaldehyde—Natural cyclodextrin inclusion complexes: Preparation, characterization, thermal stability, water solubility, antioxidant activity and slow–release performance

The compound Perillaldehyde (PA) is a bioactive constituent found in natural Perilla oil, exhibiting remarkable antibacterial and antioxidant activity. However, the instability of this compound caused by the easy oxidation of its aldehyde and olefin groups imposes limitations on its extensive applications. Therefore, it is crucial to develop effective strategies for enhancing the stability of PA. This study focuses on utilizing a series of natural cyclodextrins (CDs) to synthesize inclusion complexes (ICs) with PA, aiming to improve water solubility and achieve exceptional stability at room temperature, which is essential for their potential applications in biomedicine or food industries. The hydrophobic cavity of CDs can accommodate the hexatomic ring and hydrophobic chains of PA based on the well-known size-matching effect and hydrophobic interaction, thereby forming stable ICs. Additionally, the hydrophilic outer wall of CDs imparts excellent water solubility to ICs. Phase solubility investigations demonstrate successful construction of α-CD-PA IC and β-CD-PA IC with an inclusion ratio of 1:1. Their respective stability constant (KC) are determined as 342 L/mol and 180 L/mol, indicating superior stability for α-CD-PA IC compared to β-CD-PA IC. Conversely, γ-CD with a larger cavity fails to form a stable inclusion complex with PA due to inadequate size matching. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Hydrogen Spectroscopy (1H and 2D NMR) studies reveal that PA enters the CDs cavity (α-CD or β-CD) from its wide rim with almost the entire molecule being obliquely embedded within it. Thermogravimetry Analysis (TGA) confirm that after inclusion with CDs, PA exhibits expected stability at 25 ℃. Furthermore, CDs-PA ICs demonstrate significantly improved water solubility compared to pure PA along with enhanced antioxidant activity and slow-release performance, rendering them highly favorable for various applications.

Design of three-component essential oil extract mixture from Cymbopogon flexuosus, Carum carvi, and Acorus calamus with enhanced antioxidant activity

The development of novel antioxidant compounds with high efficacy and low toxicity is of utmost importance in the medicine and food industries. Moreover, with increasing concerns about the safety of synthetic components, scientists are beginning to search for natural sources of antioxidants, especially essential oils (EOs). The combination of EOs may produce a higher scavenging profile than a single oil due to better chemical diversity in the mixture. Therefore, this exploratory study aims to assess the antioxidant activity of three EOs extracted from Cymbopogon flexuosus, Carum carvi, and Acorus calamus in individual and combined forms using the augmented-simplex design methodology. The in vitro antioxidant assays were performed using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging approaches. The results of the Chromatography Gas-Mass spectrometry (CG-MS) characterization showed that citral (29.62%) and niral (27.32%) are the main components for C. flexuosus, while d-carvone (62.09%) and d-limonene (29.58%) are the most dominant substances in C. carvi. By contrast, β-asarone (69.11%) was identified as the principal component of A. calamus (30.2%). The individual EO exhibits variable scavenging activities against ABTS and DPPH radicals. These effects were enhanced through the mixture of the three EOs. The optimal antioxidant formulation consisted of 20% C. flexuosus, 53% C. carvi, and 27% A. calamus for DPPHIC50. Whereas 17% C. flexuosus, 43% C. carvi, and 40% A. calamus is the best combination leading to the highest scavenging activity against ABTS radical. These findings suggest a new research avenue for EOs combinations to be developed as novel natural formulations useful in food and biopharmaceutical products.

An Effective Method to Prepare Curcumin-Loaded Soy Protein Isolate Nanoparticles Co-Stabilized by Carrageenan and Fucoidan.

In this study, a novel and simple strategy is proposed based on 3D network formed by easily blending polysaccharide carrageenan (Car) and fucoidan (Fuc) without a crosslinker. The Fuc/Car dual coating effectively assists the self-assembly of soy protein-isolated (SPI)/curcumin (Cur, C) composite microcapsules (SPI/C) and achieves an excellent curcumin encapsulation efficiency (EE) up to 95.28% with a 4.16% loading capacity (LC) under optimal conditions. The resulting nanocomposites achieved a satisfying redispersibility in aqueous solution and enhanced the water solubility with a lower size dispersity index (PDI) of 0.12 and a larger zeta potential of -29.67 mV. The Fuc/Car double-layer network not only dramatically improved its thermal stability and photostability, but also provided controlled release and enhanced antioxidant activity in in vitro conditions. The underlying mechanism of the self-assembly of the curcumin-loaded nanoparticles was also addressed. The results proved the feasibility of the encapsulation of unstable hydrophobic bioactive substances (curcumin) with the dual anionic polysaccharide Fuc/Car co-stabilized SPI nanoparticles. This study paves the way for an alternative way of developing novel curcumin delivery systems and will have broad prospects in the pharmaceutical industries.

Enhancing Stability and Antioxidant Activity of Resveratrol-Loaded Emulsions by Ovalbumin-Dextran Conjugates.

A reliable strategy for improving the stability and shelf life of protein-stabilized systems is by covalently attaching the protein onto a polysaccharide. In this study, ovalbumin (OVA) was modified with dextran (DEX) of different molecular weights by the Maillard reaction, and was used to enhance the stability of emulsions loaded with resveratrol. The surface hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and FT-IR spectroscopy of the OVA-DEX conjugates were evaluated. The results showed that the surface hydrophobicity of OVA decreased, while the thermal stability of OVA was significantly improved after DEX covalent modification. The OVA-DEX1k-stabilized emulsion exhibited high encapsulation efficiency of resveratrol, with the value of 89.0%. In addition, OVA-DEX was considerably more effective in droplet stabilization against different environmental stresses (heat, pH, and ionic strength). After 28 days of storage at 25 °C, the OVA-stabilized emulsion showed faster decomposition of resveratrol, whereas the OVA-DEX-conjugate-stabilized emulsion had approximately 73% retention of resveratrol. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of resveratrol-loaded emulsions stabilized by OVA-DEX was higher during storage under different temperatures. These results proved that the OVA-DEX conjugates had the potential to form stable, food-grade emulsion-based delivery systems against environmental stresses, which strongly supports their potential in the field of food and biomedical applications.

Supercritical antisolvent precipitation as a green technology to fractionate an Origanum majorana extract: Relationship between fractions cellular antioxidant activity and phytochemical composition.

The aim of this work was to determine the optimal conditions to fractionate a marjoram extract using supercritical antisolvent precipitation (SAS) technology in order to improve its antioxidant activity. This activity was evaluated using a cellular antioxidant assay (CAA) and compared to a chemical method (ABTS). After extract fractionation, most of the phenolics were recovered in the precipitate, except for the less polar ones that were found in the separators, along with essential oil components, non-volatile terpenes and fatty acids. Precipitate fractions obtained at 40 °C and 20–25 MPa showed the best TEAC values (1.7 mmol Trolox/g extract). Nevertheless, no precipitate fraction exerted better CAA than the unfractionated extract. This activity was related to the presence of arbutin and rosmarinic acid in their composition. In contrast, separators showed a low TEAC value (0.3 mmol Trolox/g), but a higher cellular antioxidant activity, especially fractions obtained at 15–20 MPa and 40–50 °C. This enhanced antioxidant activity was mainly attributed to the presence of ursolic acid, sterubin, menthol, sabinene hydrate and terpineol, compounds with a less polar character that therefore could cross more easily the cell membrane and exert their antioxidant activity inside the cells. Thus, separator fractions obtained at 20 MPa and 40 °C increased a 30% the CAA value respect to UAE extract and could be used for designing nutraceuticals or functional foods with cellular antioxidant activity. Precipitate fractions, at these extraction conditions, also showed an increase in TEAC value (40%) and could be employed as natural antioxidants in food formulations.

Comparative Analysis of Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Pectin from Extracted Dragon Fruit Waste by Different Techniques.

Dragon fruit peel, often discarded, is a valuable source of commercial pectin. This study investigates different extraction methods, including cold-water (CW), hot-water (HW), ultrasound (US), and novel enzyme extraction (xylanase: EZX), to extract pectins from dragon fruit peel and compare their characteristics. The pectin yield ranged from 10.93% to 20.22%, with significant variations in physicochemical properties across methods (p < 0.05). FTIR analysis revealed that extraction methods did not alter the primary structural configuration of the pectins. However, molecular weights (Mws) varied significantly, from 0.84 to 1.21 × 103 kDa, and the degree of esterification varied from 46.82% to 51.79% (p < 0.05). Monosaccharide analysis identified both homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) pectic configurations in all pectins, predominantly comprising galacturonic acid (77.21-83.12 %mol) and rhamnose (8.11-9.51 %mol), alongside minor side-chain sugars. These properties significantly influenced pectin functionalities. In the aqueous state, a higher Mw impacted viscosity and emulsification performance, while a lower Mw enhanced antioxidant activities and promoted the prebiotic function of pectin (Lactis brevies growth). This study highlights the impact of extraction methods on dragon fruit peel pectin functionalities and their structure-function relationship, providing valuable insights into predicting dragon fruit peel's potential as a food-grade ingredient in various products.

Optimizing ultrasonic-assisted extraction and untargeted metabolite identification from red water lily (Nymphaea rubra) leaves with enhanced antioxidant activity

This study aimed to optimize the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of polyphenolic compounds from red water lily (Nymphaea rubra) leaves (NRL) with heightened antioxidant activities and perform untargeted metabolite identification. Response surface methodology, employing Box-Behnken design, determined optimal conditions: 53.0 % ethanol, 32.0 min extraction time, and 53.0 °C temperature. The resulting extraction demonstrated significant total phenolic content of 45.12 ± 1.12 mgGAE/g and total flavonoid content of 44.05 ± 1.65 mgCAE/g. High-resolution mass spectrometry identified 150 secondary metabolites, encompassing phenols, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and fatty acids. The optimized NRL extract exhibited notably increased radical scavenging abilities (19.21 ± 1.71 μM ASCE/g for DPPH and 24.59 ± 1.35 μM ASCE/g for ABTS) along with elevated reducing power potential (63.35 ± 4.28 μM ASCE/g for CUPRAC and 61.32 ± 2.56 μM ASCE/g for FRAP) in comparison to traditional extracts, which ranged from (7.23 ± 1.58 to 15.13 ± 1.79 μM ASCE/g, 13.29 ± 1.32 to 19.29 ± 1.69 μM ASCE/g, 22.74 ± 1.68 to 54.37 ± 3.38 μM ASCE/g, 24.14 ± 2.00 to 52.77 ± 2.33 μM ASCE/g for DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC and FRAP, respectively). This suggests its promising potential for incorporation into antioxidant-rich functional foods. These findings underscore NRL's promise for commercial applications in the nutraceutical, food, and pharmaceutical industries.

Light-Emitting Diodes improve yield, quality and inhibitory effects on digestive enzymes of strawberry

Strawberries are a widely consumed fruit that are increasingly popular due to the perceived health benefits associated with their consumption. Fruit quality is highly dependent on the growing environment where light is one of the most significant environmental factors influencing plant physiology and metabolism. In the present work we sought to test the hypothesis that manipulation of the light environment in a commercial growing environment would influence fruit yield and quality. Fruit were grown with supplemental light-emitting diodes in the red (623 nm), far-red (727 nm) and blue (470 nm) regions of the spectrum at three different densities. The majority of light treatments resulted in increased fruit yield. All treatments also significantly enhanced contents of anthocyanins and polyphenols. Furthermore fruit exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity. Individual strawberry sugars showed differences depending on sampling date whereas Brix, acidity and ascorbic acid was not affected by the LED lights. Strawberry fruit extracts from all treatments exhibited the capacity to inhibit the digestive enzymes pancreatic lipase and α-amylase activity in vitro, extract from fruit grown under supplemental lighting had a greater inhibitory capacity. These data suggest that strawberry fruit grown in the presence of supplemental light may impart health benefits via enhanced functional compounds and by limiting calorific assimilation. The findings of this study provide the first evidence that the use of light-emitting diodes increase the inhibitory effects of polyphenols on digestive enzymes in strawberry.

Indian Gooseberry and Barley Sprout Complex Prevent Oxidative Stress and Photoaging of the Skin in Ultraviolet B-Irradiated SHK-I Mice.

This study investigated the protective effects of a complex of Indian gooseberry and barley sprout (IB complex) on oxidative stress and skin damage caused by ultraviolet B irradiation in SHK-I hairless mice. The study examined the impact of IB complex on skin hydration, wrinkle formation, and melanogenesis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis. The IB complex reduced skin hydration loss and wrinkle formation, while also demonstrating enhanced antioxidant activities. The IB complex maintained skin hydration via upregulation of hyaluronic acid and ceramide synthesis, including the regulation of hyaluronic acid synthase, long-chain ceramide formation, dihydroceramide desaturase 1 activity, and type I collagen production. The IB complex prevented wrinkle formation via downregulating JNK and upregulating TGF-β pathways. Moreover, IB complex blocked melanin production via inhibition of protein kinase A, cAMP response element-binding protein, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor pathways. These results suggest that IB complex is a potential agent to protect the skin against photodamage caused by exposure to UVB radiation. The research protocols underwent approval from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Kyung Hee University (KHGASP-21-577), ensuring compliance with ethical standards.

Correction of peroxidation of lipids with upadacitinib, a Janus kinase 1 inhibitor, in patients with true eczema

Objective. To study the effect of upadacitinib (UPA), a Janus kinase inhibitor 1 kinase, on the status of peroxidation of lipids (POL) and the antioxidant system in patients with true eczema. Subjects and methods. The investigation involved 64 patiens (43 males and 21 females) with true eczema (the mean age was 58.5±3.4 years). The patients were randomized into 2 groups: 1) 33 patients who received basic drug therapy (BDT); 2) 31 patients who received the Janus kinase 1 inhibitor UPA 15 mg/day during 2 months. The components of the antioxidant system and the state of POL were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Results. After 2 months of therapy, Group 1 showed no statistically significant changes in the analyzed parameters from the baseline level (p&gt;0.05). In Group 2, the total oxidative capacity of blood reduced by 1.27 tines; the level of oxidized low-density lipoproteins decreased by 1.28 times; the total antioxidant activity of blood increased by 1.24 times; the level of superoxidase dismutase increased by 1.43 times (p &lt; 0.001 for all values). Conclusion. The combined use of BDT and the JAK1 inhibitor UPA in patients with true eczema contributed to a statistically significant decline in the oxidative capacity of blood and POL products along with the enhanced antioxidant activity of blood.