Natural compounds derived from invasive plant species are increasingly recognized as promising sources of bioactive agents for drug discovery and therapeutic applications. This work explored the chemical diversity and biological potential of Tithonia diversifolia flowers (TDF) and leaves (TDL). Sequential extraction was performed using a dichloromethane/methanol mixture, followed by phytochemical screening. Quantitative analysis revealed that TDF contained higher phenolic and flavonoid levels but lower proanthocyanins compared to TDL. Antioxidant assays (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2´-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid, and ferric reducing antioxidant power) confirmed that TDF exhibited superior radical scavenging potential. Anticancer activity assessments indicated that both extracts showed cytotoxic effects against liver, colon, breast, and lung cancer cells, with minimal toxicity to normal cells. Besides, substantial α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition was displayed by TDL (half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of 38.99 ± 1.10and 49.62 ± 1.21µg/mL), compared to TDF (45.26 ± 2.61and 50.53 ± 1.82µg/mL), respectively, and the acarbose standard. Antifungal evaluation demonstrated subtle potency differences, with TDF (800.0µg/mL) displaying a lower minimum inhibitory concentration than TDL (900.0µg/mL) at day 13. Collectively, these findings highlight T. diversifolia extracts as multifunctional agents with significant antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antifungal potential, supporting their application in pharmaceutical drug development.

This research paper compared the nutritional and antioxidant properties of fresh Rwandan Alpine goat milk and 5 infant formulas that are registered by the Rwanda FDA. Samples of fresh goat milk (GM-01 to GM-05) were taken every two weeks in a smallholder farm in Bugesera District between May and August 2025, and ten production batches of five brands of infant formula (NAN Pro 1, S-26 Gold 1, Lactogen 1, Blemil Plus 1, and Frisolac Gold 1) were purchased in large-scale retail stores in Kigali. Vitamin A (retinol and β-carotene), vitamin E (α-tocopherol), vitamin C, total phenolic content (TPC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and DPPH radical-scavenging capacity were determined using validated AOAC, ISO, and spectrophotometric techniques. Goat milk had significantly more natural antioxidant activity, including β-carotene, TPC, FRAP, and DPPH inhibition (48.0 +- 1.7%), than the formula samples (all p < 0.001). Conversely, infant formulas have always had greater amounts of fortified vitamins A, E, and C, as per the regulatory standards and food manufacturing practices, with an aim of ensuring micronutrient adequacy. These results indicate that there is a nutritional trade-off: formula has a more predictable and standardized delivery of micronutrients, whereas goat milk has a more complete and natural antioxidant matrix with possible added functional values. Such a comparison view is supportive of context-specific infant-feeding policies in Rwanda, where it is important to note that fortified formulas and locally produced goat milk have complementary and not competitive roles. The findings also highlight the role of introducing safe, locally-produced dairy products into the complementary feeding programs and refer to the necessity of conducting additional research on the bioavailability and physiological impacts of these antioxidants in infants.

Many species of the genus Rosa were renowned for their high ornamental or edible value. Among them, Rosa rubus, a native species in China, boasts a pleasant aroma of its flowers that distinguishes it from roses, offering significant potential for further exploration. Nevertheless, research on the characteristics of the aroma components of its flowers remains scarce. This study initially utilized the headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupling with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method to investigate the volatile components of fresh R. rubus flowers (RHS). Meanwhile, for comparison, the GC-MS method was also employed to analyze the aroma components of essential oil (REO) and hydrosol (REH) extracted from fresh R. rubus flowers via steam distillation. Multivariate statistical methods were applied to compare and analyze the variations in volatile components between pairs. The antioxidant activities of the REO and REH were assessed using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods, and their anti-inflammatory activities using the Griess method. 265 volatile compounds were authenticated from R. rubus flowers, mainly including terpenoids, alcohols, aldehydes, etc. Among these, 184 compounds were identified from REO, 84 from RHS, and 98 from REH. These three extracts showed significant differences in metabolites. Among them, REO was dominated by terpenoids (34.60%) and alkanes (26.16%), RHS was dominated by aldehydes (30.94%) and terpenoids (27.41%), and REH was dominated by alcohols (58.76%). The aromatic characteristics of volatile compounds in REO, RHS, and REH were primarily retrieved from the Odor and FlavorDB databases. REO and REH were characterized by stronger woody and sweet notes, while RHS exhibited more prominent floral, green, and fresh profiles. The DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant activities of the REO and REH. The results showed that REO exhibited higher antioxidant activity than REH. Correspondingly, in vitro anti-inflammatory activity screening showed that REO exhibited more significant inhibitory activity on nitric oxide production compared to REH in the LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell model, with the IC50 value of 12.22 ± 0.03 µg/mL. The above results suggested that REO possesses a greater potential for development into health supplements and cosmetic products with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties compared to REH. This study revealed the unique aroma components, aroma characteristics, and biological activity of R. rubus flowers, providing insights for its broader commercial applications.

Impact of exercise frequency, race distance, age, and pregnancy stage on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism in purebred Arabian mares.

Antimicrobial resistance, largely driven by bacterial biofilm formation, remains a major challenge in treating immunocompromised patients, including those undergoing cancer therapy. In this study, magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) were synthesized via a green approach using Spirulina platensis extract. X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed their crystalline structure, uniform spherical morphology, and an average size of 20.19nm. The NPs exhibited notable antioxidant activity (IC50 = 82.75µg/mL, DPPH assay) and strong reducing power in the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. Antimicrobial testing showed broad-spectrum activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria as well as Candida albicans, with a low minimum inhibitory concentration value (7.81µg/mL). Moreover, MgO NPs disrupted preformed biofilms with 77.6% inhibition. Anticancer activity evaluation on HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells revealed dose-dependent cytotoxicity at 24h, while non-cancerous cells retainedhigh biocompatibility. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of green-synthesized MgO NPs as eco-friendly multifunctional agents against biofilm-associated infections and cancer.

Tordylium trachycarpum Boiss. (Apiaceae) has long been used by traditional healers in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to alleviate gastrointestinal disorders and oral inflammation; however, its phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties remain scientifically unverified. In this study, we report the first phytochemical profiling and plant-assisted synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using the methanolic extract of T. trachycarpum as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses, confirming their nanoscale formation, crystallinity, and elemental composition. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) identified 22 bioactive metabolites, with methoxsalen (30.91%), triphenylphosphine oxide (12.54%), desulphosinigrin (10.79%), isopimpinellin (6.72%), and α-glyceryl linolenate (6.39%) as the predominant constituents. Both the crude extract and the biosynthesized CuNPs were evaluated for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory activities. The CuNPs displayed enhanced antimicrobial potency, with MIC values of 250 µg/mL against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans, and 500 µg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis. They also exhibited superior antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and metal chelating activity (MCA) assays, along with moderate inhibition of key metabolic and neurological enzymes, including acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase. These findings highlight T. trachycarpum as a promising phytochemical source for sustainable nanoparticle synthesis and reveal the multifunctional potential of biosynthesized CuNPs as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents with prospective applications in drug discovery and nanomedicine.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) represents a major public health concern in India, affecting mostly women of reproductive age due to increased iron demands throughout their reproductive life. However, specific erythrocyte morphology and its possible consequences in this population remain unexplored. This study systematically examined erythrocyte abnormalities in reproductive-age women with IDA. Twenty-five women diagnosed with IDA and 25 age-matched healthy women were recruited. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), flow cytometry, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and spectrophotometry were used in this study. Patients with IDA showed significant counts of elliptocytes, microcytes, stomatocytes, and spherocytes, which were negatively correlated with hemoglobin concentration. Serum iron and total iron binding capacity were strongly correlated with microcytes and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. AFM revealed a notable presence of disrupted membrane topology and roughness in IDA patients. Redox balance assessed by ferric reducing antioxidant power of plasma and intracellular ROS levels was significantly impaired. IDA erythrocytes also showed increased intracellular Ca2⁺ and phosphatidyl serine externalization. Patients with IDA exhibited not only significant hematologic impairment but also morphologically altered erythrocytes and redox imbalance, which could promote eryptosis.

This study investigates the phytochemical composition and pharmacological potential of Verbascum thapsus L. leaf extracts. Cold maceration with solvents of increasing polarity (hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and methanol) yielded extracts rich in phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins, as confirmed by phytochemical screening and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) detection of aldehydes, ketones, and aliphatic and aromatic groups. LC-MS analysis further identified key bioactive constituents, including daidzein, ellagic acid, sinapinic acid, and scutellarin. Among the tested extracts, polar solvents exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity. The methanol extract showed notable activity in the DPPH assay (IC50=275.16±14.68µg/mL) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay (302.82±26.39µM), while the ethanol extract also demonstrated strong activity in both the DPPH assay (IC50=303.31±2.64µg/mL) and FRAP assay (334.75±13.12µM). In antibacterial assessments, the ethanolic extract was most effective, exhibiting significant potency against Staphylococcus aureus with an inhibition zone of 16.8mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 31.5µg/mL. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the remarkable bioactivities of V. thapsus are directly linked to its rich profile of antioxidant and antimicrobial phytochemicals, strongly supporting its potential as a valuable source of natural therapeutic agents.

Brain aging significantly affects human lives, particularly among the elderly, leading to various diseases and constituting memory and cognitive decline. Hippocampal neurogenesis, the process of generating new neurons throughout life, decline with aging, which contribute to cognitive decline and dementia. D-galactose (D-gal) induces brain aging by increasing oxidative stress and inflammation, resulting in neurodegeneration and memory dysfunction. Oroxylum indicum fruit extract (OIFE), a traditional Thai herb, possesses strong antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. We investigated whether OIFE extract mitigates D-gal-induced memory decline, assessing its phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity and neuroprotective effects. The results revealed that OIFE possessed strong phytochemical properties using measures such as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and high-performance liquid chromatography–ultraviolet (HPLC–UV). Liver and kidney function tests on blood samples showed no significant differences among the groups. For memory function testing, sixty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into six groups and treated with OIFE (125 or 250 mg/kg, p.o.) and D-gal (50 mg/kg, i.p.) for eight weeks. D-gal administration resulted in significant memory deficits (accessed via the novel object location [NOL] and novel object recognition [NOR] test). These deficits were correlated with a decrease in the number of immature neurons and reduced neuronal cell survival in the subgranular zone (SGZ), as observed using doublecortin (DCX) and 5-Bromo-2′-deoxyuridine/Neuronal nuclear protein (BrdU/NeuN) immunofluorescence staining, respectively. However, co-treatment with OIFE ameliorates D-gal-induced these impairments. Therefore, OIFE could mitigate memory and neurogenesis impairments in D-gal-induced brain aging in rats.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-27042-5.

Valorization and application of coffee husks extracts in cassava starch-based biodegradable packaging.

Fermented goat milk enriched with milk thistle seeds powder and its bioactive compounds: Chemical composition, color, texture, antioxidant activity, microbial quality, and volatile compounds profile.

Vitex chrysocarpa is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine across the native parts of tropical Africa for treatment of various health conditions including anxiety, epilepsy, oxidative stress, microbial infections and inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, anxiolytic and anti-epileptogenic activities of Vitex chrysocarpa leaf methanol extract using established models. The 2,2, azino-bis(3ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) free radical scavenging activity, total flavonoid, total phenolic, ferric reducing antioxidant power and total capacity assays was used to measure the antioxidant activity, while Lorke’s method was used to evaluate the oral acute toxicity (LD50) of the extract in mice. Elevated plus maze model was used to evaluate the anxiolytic activity while pentyleneterazole-induced seizure model was used to evaluate the anti-epileptogenic activity of the extract in mice. In the anxiolytic and anti-epileptogenic studies, graded doses of the extract (200 – 800 mg/kg p.o) were evaluated, while diazepam served as positive control. Results from the study revealed that the LD50 of the extract in mice was greater than 5000 mg/kg. The extract demonstrated good antioxidant activity that had 47.28% inhibition at 400 µg/ mL in the ABTS assay. The extract also had significant (p ˂ 0.05) anxiolytic and anti-epileptogenic effects during the study. The study outcome thus shows that Vitex Chrysocarpa leaf extract had potent antioxidant, anxiolytic and anti-epileptogenic activities hence may serve as scientific justification for its use in ethnomedicine.

Chemometric dissection of typical tropical rambutan: revealing the unique metabolite profiles.

This study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, molecular interactions, and anticancer activity of the ethanolic flower extract derived from Combretum indicum. Qualitative analysis showed a rich presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and quinones, alongside moderate amounts of saponins, cardiac glycosides, and steroids. The extract demonstrated concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in both the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power and phosphomolybdenum assays, showing IC₅₀ values of 150 and 106.78 µg/mL, respectively. Major phytoconstituents, such as α-amyrin, 6-cyanoquinoline, supraene, trans-linalool, n-hexadecanoic acid, and hentriacontane, performed molecular docking studies with retinoblastoma protein (Rb, PDB ID: 3N5U). α-Amyrin exhibited the highest binding affinity (–8.6 kcal/mol), exceeding that of the standard drug methotrexate, indicating considerable inhibitory potential. In vitro cytotoxicity assays carried out on Y79 retinoblastoma cells demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability (IC₅₀ = 118.07 µg/mL), along with morphological alterations indicative of apoptosis. AO/EB dual staining, Annexin V/PI flow cytometry, and DNA fragmentation assays validated that apoptosis is the primary mechanism of cell death. The findings suggest that C. indicum flower extract, especially α-amyrin, has strong antioxidant and anticancer effects, emphasizing its potential as a natural treatment option for retinoblastoma.

Background: The degradation of ozone layer is in part due to human activities, climate change. These have led to many skin diseases. Scientists are investigating for new alternative sun protection agents having low toxicity. Therefore, analogues of ketamine (benzylidenes) were investigated for sun protection ability. Objective: In this present research work, derivatives of ketamine synthesized from the department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Niger Delta Uniersity Bayelsa state (D11-D15) were experimented for sun protection factor. Also, antioxidant and in vitro anti-elastase and anti-collagenase activities and in silico studies were carried out Methods: in vitro spectrophotometric determination of derivatives of ketamine were carried out, DPPH antiradical scavenging ability of D11-D15, total antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power were also evaluated on the compounds (D11-D15). Also in vitro spectrophotometric assays on anti-elastase and anti-collagenase were also carried out on (D11-D12) and lastly molecuar docking studies were carried out on (D11-D12) against the enzymes elastase and collagenase. Results: The results from the study revealed that D11-D15 at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 µg/ml shows higher SPF values. Also, the total antioxidant capacity reported as microgram ascorbic acid equivalent/g compound shows that D14 > D11 > D13 > D12 > D15. Also, the DPPH radical scavenging potentials and ferric reducing antioxidant power reported as percentages and microgram gallic acid equivalent/g compound revealed higher values. The anti-elastase and anti-collagenase targeted with ketamine analogues showed that (D11-D15) inhibited elastase and collagenase activity results presented as IC50; these results were confirmed by the docking studies as the analogues bind more tightly to the active sites of elastase and collagenase better than sivelestat and acetylcysteine respectively. Conclusion: Our result shows that D11-D15 could serve as sun protection agents, antioxidants and antiaging especially in the cosmetic industry.

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana L.) root (HRP) and leaf (HLP) pomaces, by-products of juice production by cold-pressing, were analyzed as a novel potential source of natural antioxidants. Chromatography analysis (UHPLC Q-ToF MS) of the bioactive compounds of pomaces was performed along with spectrophotometric determination of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic acid (hydroxycinnamic) content (TPAC), and antioxidant capacity (via 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic-acid) (ABTS•+) radicals’ scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)). The concentrations of TPC, TFC, and TPAC differed among the pomaces, significantly favoring HLP. However, both horseradish pomaces (HRP and HLP) contained a considerable amount of various phenolics, with kaempferol and its glucosides dominating. In addition, they exhibit pronounced antioxidant activity, which is confirmed by all three methods used (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP). These results highlight the potential of valorizing horseradish processing waste as a natural, reliable source of health-promoting bioactive compounds and functional ingredients in food products, thereby fortifying food, preventing oxidation, and prolonging shelf-life. In addition, this study supports endeavors to reduce food waste by providing new insights into the valorization of horseradish pomace, thus contributing to sustainable development and environmental protection.

The increasing proliferation of strains that are multidrug-resistant to conventional antibiotics has created a pressing need to explore alternative bioactive compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of different organs of Anchomanes difformis, a medicinal plant widely used in the traditional pharmacopoeia of West Africa, against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Candida albicans. Total hydroethanolic extracts from the leaves, bulbs, and rhizomes were obtained by maceration. The phytochemical composition of the extracts was assessed qualitatively using standard staining techniques to identify major secondary metabolite groups. Total flavonoid content was quantified spectrophotometrically. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using two complementary methods: the phosphomolybdate reduction assay and the FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) test. In vitro antimicrobial activity was assessed by solid diffusion methods (well and disk diffusion assays). The highest hydroethanolic extraction yield was recorded for the leaf bark extract of A. difformis (9.47%). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, and reducing sugars. The bulb extract exhibited the highest total flavonoid content (33.78µg R Eq /mg DE). The leaf extract demonstrated strong in vitro antioxidant potential, with 37.79 AA Eq /g DE and 270.50 µmol FeSO4 Eq /mg DE. However, none of the extracts produced visible inhibition zones in the antimicrobial assays performed by either diffusion method. The findings indicate that hydroethanolic extracts from the organs of Anchomanes difformis did not exhibit antibacterial or antifungal activity against the tested microorganisms. Nonetheless, further investigations into other biological activities of this plant could help elucidate the basis of its traditional medicinal use.

Background and Objectives: This study investigated the antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and hepatoprotective effects of two fenugreek seed varieties, Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) and Trigonella corniculata (TC), and analyzed their bioactive potential using various solvents, doses, and biochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant analyses, including ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, were conducted, and interventional studies were performed on rats divided into groups receiving disease + standard basal diet (G0), standard basal diet only (G1), and disease + standard basal diet supplemented with TC or TFG at 400 mg/kg/day (G2, G3) and 800 mg/kg/day (G4, G5). Biochemical blood tests assessing lipid profiles and liver function parameters, coupled with histopathological examination of the liver and heart tissues, were also performed. Results: Antioxidant assessments indicated that TFG exhibited greater free radical scavenging ability, higher total phenolic content, and stronger ferric-reducing power than TC did. In the in vivo experiments, both TFG and TC significantly enhanced lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol VLDL-c, and triglycerides while boosting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels (p < 0.001). Liver function tests indicated significant decreases in bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels with dose and plant effects, particularly at 800 mg/kg (G5). Histopathological examination revealed that TFG at a dose of 800 mg/kg led to an almost normal liver structure and intact myocardial fibers with minimal inflammation, whereas TC groups displayed slight vacuolation of hepatocytes and some inflammatory responses. Conclusions: In conclusion, TFG shows the superior functional food properties of TFG in managing oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia in comparison to TC. Future studies should aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms, optimize dosing regimens, and evaluate long-term safety and efficacy to support clinical applications.

Fortification of chamomile and saffron in dry yogurt production: Effects on its physicochemical and sensory properties.

ABSTRACTWith increasing interest in food sustainability and waste valorization, plant‐based by‐products have been explored as sources of functional compounds. Stem lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. angustana), which is commonly consumed in East Asia, generates substantial peel waste that is largely underutilized. This study investigated the potential of stem lettuce peel as an upcycled functional food ingredient by evaluating its physicochemical characteristics, phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, and anti‐inflammatory properties. Two sample types were prepared: unpeeled stem lettuce (USL) and peeled stem lettuce (PSL). The physicochemical characteristics were analyzed using conventional methods, and the phytochemicals were identified and quantified using UHPLC‐Triple TOF‐ESI‐MS/MS. Functional evaluations were conducted exclusively on USL and PSL samples, which were freeze‐dried and extracted using 70% ethanol. Antioxidant activity was assessed using total polyphenol and flavonoid content, and DPPH, ABTS, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Anti‐inflammatory effects were tested in LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7, using the WST‐1 viability assay, nitric oxide (NO) production, and expression of inflammation‐related genes. USL showed significantly higher antioxidant activity and phenolic content than PSL. In total, 29 phytochemicals were identified, including hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, and sesquiterpene lactones such as lactucopicrin and lactucin, predominantly in peel‐containing samples. USL markedly reduced NO production and inflammatory gene expression in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas PSL had minimal effects. These findings suggest that the stem lettuce peel has strong potential as a sustainable and functional ingredient for future food applications.