High Antioxidant Content Research Articles

Evaluation of the fatty acid profiles, antioxidant activities, and total phenol and vitamin E contents of three types of Saudi date seed oils

Date seed oil is well known for its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, and antioxidant compounds, such as phenols, tocopherols, phytosterols and vitamin A, which play an important role in reducing the risk of many diseases. Therefore, date seed oil extraction and processing into different pharmaceutical and cosmetic products may be economically beneficial and could be considered an important opportunity for future v industrial utilization. The main goal of this study is to investigate the fatty acid composition, antioxidant activities, and total polyphenol and vitamin E contents of oils extracted from the seeds of three types of Saudi date cultivars: Al-Raziz, Al-Khalas, and Al-Ajwa. Hexane and petroleum ether organic solvents were used for oil extraction due to the unavailability of cold extraction devices. Date seed oils extracted from the specified Saudi date cultivars were further subjected to chemical and statistical analyses using standard Methods. Total lipid extracted from the Al-Raziz, Al-Khalas, and Al-Ajwa date seeds cultivars was 10.38-12.65 g/100 g with hexane and 10.21-12.69 g /100 g with petroleum ether, with no significant differences between them. Oleic, lauric, myristic, palmitic, linoleic, and stearic acids were the most abundant fatty acids in all three types of date seed oils. Particularly, oleic acid accounted for nearly half of the total fatty acid content (48.2-51.12%) in all three types of date seed oils. Total saturated fatty acid contents were 42.2, 40.1, and 43.4% and the total unsaturated fatty acid contents were 57.8, 59.0, and 56.6% in the date seed oils of Al-Khalas, Al-Raziz, and Al-Ajwa, respectively. All date seed oils had high contents of antioxidants (41.1-63.2%), phenols (274.0-302.53%), and vitamin E (16.68-19.2%). Therefore, Al-Raziz, Al-Khalas, and AlAjwa date seed oils can be used for industrial food and caffeine-free coffee production and the development of cosmetic and pharmaceutics products for skin microbial disease and wound treatment. Here, date seed oils were very rich in antioxidants, phenols, and vitamin E, with some fatty acids, such as lauric acid, exhibiting antimicrobial activities. Future studies should investigate the degree of fat oxidation and changes in the total phenol, vitamin E, phytosterol, and phytochemical compound contents during date storage.

Increasing Productivity and Recovering Nutritional, Organoleptic, and Nutraceutical Qualities of Major Vegetable Crops for Better Dietetics

The intensive use of chemical fertilizers for vegetable cultivation to achieve higher productivity causes soil degradation, resulting in an alarming decline (25–50%) in nutritional quality and a reduction in a wide variety of nutritionally essential minerals and nutraceutical compounds in high-yielding vegetable crops over the last few decades. To restore the physio-chemical and biological qualities of soil as well as the nutritional and nutraceutical qualities of fresh produce, there is a growing desire to investigate the remedial impacts of organic sources of nutrition. This study specifically focused on the impact of six different ratios of chemical fertilizers and organic sources with microbial inoculation on vegetable productivity, nutrition quality, and soil health parameters. Results show that replacing chemical fertilizers with organic sources in the presence of a microbial consortium supports the proliferation of the microbial population in the soil rhizosphere and improves the nutritional status and physico-chemical quality of soil, which is the area around the roots of plants where maximum nutrient uptake occurs. This combination of factors significantly recovers overall soil quality, increasing crop productivity by 13.58 to 18.32 percent in tomato, brinjal, and okra. Experimental findings likewise indicate that an assortment of organic sources with a microbial consortium significantly recovers the abundance of beneficial microbes and earthworms in the rhizosphere, which leads to an improvement in nutritional, organoleptic, and nutraceutical quality, with higher antioxidant contents in all three vegetables grown in arid climate conditions.

Cytotoxic Test of Traditional Garut Kejek Tea Leaf Infusion (Camellia sinensis L. Kuntze) Using BSLT Method

Kejek tea (Camellia sinensis L. Kuntze) is a green tea with high antioxidant content so that it has potentially cytotoxic activity. One of the toxicity tests of an extract is BSLT test using Artemia which are determined based on the number of larvae death. The purpose of this study was to determine the cytotoxic potential of kejek tea infusion against Artemia franciscana Kellogg larvae using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test. This study was an experimental study using 150 larvae of Artemia with the test concentration divided into 5 groups, 1 negative control and 4 series of infusion concentrations, each concentration containing 10 larvae with three replications. The infusion concentrations used were 1000, 500, 100 and 50 ppm, respectively. Observations were determined on larval mortality 24 hours after infusion. The results of the probit analysis showed that the LC50 of infusion of Kejek tea leaves was 6.1317 ppm. This indicated that the infusion of kejek tea leaves had cytotoxic potential against Artemia larvae according to the BSLT method with a LC50 of < 30 ppm.

Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats: Gastroprotectivity of Muscari neglectum in Water

Background and Objectives: The plant Muscari Mill. is employed in both raw and cooked forms for the treatment of gastric diseases, as an expectorant, and for the treatment of warts and the enhancement of urine. A review of the scientific literature revealed no studies investigating the effect of Muscari neglectum (MN) water extract on gastric diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a water extract of the MN plant on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats, using a series of biochemical (SOD, CAT, GSH and MDA levels) and histopathological parameters. Methods: 60 male Sprague Dawley rats were utilized for the purposes of evaluating the acute toxicity and gastric ulcer models, with a total of 36 rats employed for these experiments (n = 6). The rats were divided into six groups: intact; indomethacin; famotidine; indomethacin and MN (100, 200, 400 mg/kg). Results: The Gastric tissue examinations at biochemical, macroscopic and pathological levels showed that MN extracts effectively prevented indo-methacin-induced gastric mucosal damage. The 400 mg/kg dose exhibited the most effective antiulcer effect, with a 69% protective efficacy. This dose caused an increase in the SOD, CAT and GSH levels and a decrease in the MDA levels compared to the IND group. Furthermore, an LC-MS/MS analysis was conducted on the water extract of MN, resulting in the identification of 14 phenolic compounds. Conclusions: Biochemical analyses and histopathological examinations demonstrated that the water extract of MN exhibited a beneficial protective effect against gastric ulceration due to its high antioxidant content.

Strategic agronomic interventions for leaf yield and quality improvement in moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) under high density planting system

Moringa leaves are rich in minerals, vitamins, proteins, and soluble fiber, making them an ideal dietary supplement for addressing undernourishment, as well as iron and vitamin A deficiencies. The presence of high concentrations of potassium, iron, calcium, and magnesium, and natural antioxidants are particularly beneficial for pregnant mothers and young children. The current study carried out in 2021 and 2022, sought to standardize crop geometry and harvesting heights to enhance leaf biomass and quality in Moringa under High-Density Planting Systems . The research trial employed four different spacing configurations, incorporating single-row and double-row triangular planting at both wider and closer spacing, and included three harvesting heights. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. Observations on growth parameters, physiological traits, and yield characters were recorded at each harvest. Leaf quality parameters were analyzed in dried Moringa leaf powder. Pooled results indicated that double-row triangular planting with narrower intra-row spacing, combined with a 45 cm harvesting height, yielded substantially higher fresh and dried leaf yields of 42.76 t/ha and 7.83 t/ha, respectively. This treatment also produced superior leaf quality parameters, attributed to enhanced growth, physiological responses, and yield outcomes, leading to greater economic returns through enhanced fresh leaf yield.

Effect of Sucrose Addition on Viscosity, pH, Total Yeast, and Hedonic Quality of Water Kefir Roselle

Red Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is a plant known for its high antioxidant content, making it a suitable ingredient for probiotic water kefir beverages. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different sucrose concentrations in roselle water kefir on viscosity, pH, total yeast count, and hedonic quality. The experimental design used was a Completely Randomized Design. The treatments varied based on sucrose concentrations 6%, 9%, 12%, and 15% (w/v). The findings revealed that the addition of 12% sucrose resulted in a viscosity of 1.22 cP, pH of 2.93, total yeast count of 2.15 CFU/ml, and the highest hedonic quality. In conclusion, the addition of 12% sucrose (w/v) proved to be the optimal treatment, yielding a beverage with suitable viscosity, acceptable pH, favorable total yeast count, and an overall hedonic quality embraced by the panelists.

Enhancing the content of biologically active components in cluster tomatoes using organic fertilizers

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are a vital agricultural crop with significant nutritional value, attributed to their high content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The antioxidant properties of tomatoes contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular and oncological diseases, positioning them as an important component of a balanced diet and beneficial for public health. The application of organic fertilizers containing fulvic and humic acids is particularly relevant to ensure the production of high-quality and nutritious tomatoes. These compounds, recognized as bio stimulants in plant cultivation, enhance physiological processes in plant cells. They stimulate protein and nucleic acid synthesis, activate enzymatic activity, and regulate metabolic pathways, thereby improving the biochemical composition of tomato fruits, increasing their nutritional quality, and enriching the content of bioactive compounds. The objective of this study is to evaluate the accumulation of bioactive compounds such as lycopene, total phenols, vitamin C, total sugars, and dry matter in cluster tomato fruits using an Armenian fertilizer containing fulvic and humic acids. Additionally, the research aims to provide practical insights into sustainable agriculture by identifying optimal agronomic practices that enhance the accumulation of these bioactive compounds in cluster tomatoes. The research was conducted on greenhouse-grown cluster tomato hybrids: Syune F1 (Armenian breeding), Prodezo F1 (Rijk Zwaan), Santiano F1 (Rijk Zwaan), Adventure F1 (Rijk Zwaan), and Climbo F1 (Syngenta) during the spring growing seasons from the years 2022 to 2024. The experiment utilized an organic fertilizer, and applied by abiding the following treatment scheme: 1. Control (St) — no organic fertilizer application, 2. Root treatment (RT), 3. Foliar treatment (FT), 4. Combined root and foliar treatment (RT-FT). Biochemical analyses of the tomato fruits were performed to quantify lycopene, total phenols, ascorbic acid, and total sugars using spectrophotometry, while dry matter content was determined via refractometry. Statistical data analysis was conducted using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The study demonstrated that all treatment types with fulvic-humic fertilizer contributed to improving tomato fruit quality and the accumulation of biologically active components. The most effective treatment was the combined root and foliar application (RT-FT), which resulted in the highest values across all measured parameters. Depending on the hybrid, lycopene content increased by 11.1–15.9%, total phenols by 14.7–22.8%, when vitamin C by 13.1–15.9%, total sugars by 13.5–21.7%, and dry matter by 14.6–22.5% compared to the control. The 'Syune' and 'Climbo' hybrids exhibited the highest accumulation of lycopene and phenols, highlighting their potential for enhancing antioxidant properties. The 'Santiana' and 'Adventure' hybrids were notable for their elevated ascorbic acid content, making them particularly valuable for improving nutritional quality. The best results for sugar and dry matter accumulation were observed in the 'Syune' and 'Prodezo' hybrids, indicating improved flavor profiles in these tomato varieties. Keywords: tomatoes, lycopene, total phenols, ascorbic acids, total sugars, dry matter, organic fertilizer, fulvic acids, humic acids

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Flour: Effect of Drying Method and Variety on the Quality and Bioactivity.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is a nutrient-dense crop rich in fibre, minerals, and antioxidant compounds, including carotenoids and phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins. Dehydrating sweet potato (SP) for flour production enhances its value and produces shelf-stable, health-promoting food products. This study investigated the effects of hot-air drying (HAD: 75 °C/20 h) and freeze-drying (FD: -41-30 °C/70 h) on the bioactive composition of flours from three SP varieties: Bonita (white-fleshed), Bellevue (orange-fleshed), and NP1648 (purple-fleshed). Key assessments included the total phenolic content (TPC), the total carotenoid content (TCC), and the total anthocyanin content (TAC) and the antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP). The results revealed distinct raw materials' bioactive profiles: Bellevue was rich in TCC (49.3 mg of β-carotene/100 g db), NP1648 showed elevated TAC (27.3 mg of cyanidin-3-glucoside/100 g db), and Bonita exhibited minimal content of bioactive compounds. Both drying methods yielded significant losses of bioactive compounds, with the TPC decreasing by over 60%, while TAC and TCC losses did not exceed 32%, revealing higher stability. Multivariate analysis indicated that the variety significantly influenced the bioactive profiles more than the drying method. The interaction between carotenoids and anthocyanins and the SP fibrous composition likely contributed to their stability during drying, indicating that FD showed no advantages over HAD. The appealing colours and high antioxidant content of Bellevue and NP1648 flours suggest their potential as ingredients for enhancing foods' bioactivity and sensory acceptance.

The effects of coating type and drying temperature on the physicochemical properties of the mixture of lemongrass and apple powdered drinks

Fresh beverages from fruits and herbal plants that contain antioxidants are able to enhance the immunity of the human body. However, such fresh beverage products generally have a short shelf life. As an alternative, the products must be converted into powdered drinks. Coating materials are thus needed to avoid the loss of antioxidant compounds during the drying process. This study aimed to scrutinize the effects of coating type and drying temperature on the quality of lemongrass and Malang apple powdered drinks. The study employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors and two replications. The first factor was the coating type with 3 levels (maltodextrin, dextrin, gum arabic) and the second factor was the drying temperature with 3 levels (40℃, 45℃, 50℃). The data were analyzed using Analysis of variance one-way (ANOVA) test and Duncan's further test if the treatment was significantly different. The results showed that the type of coating significantly affected the parameters of stability, dissolution time, ash content, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Meanwhile, the drying time significantly affected the parameters of stability, dissolution time, water content, ash content, vitamin C, and antioxidants. There was an interaction between the coating type and drying time that affected the bulk density, stability, dissolution time, ash content, vitamin C, and antioxidants. The best result based on the high content of antioxidants was obtained on the dextrin coating type with a drying temperature of 45℃. Product characteristics included a solubility of 0.96 seconds, a bulk density of 0.58 g/mL, a stability of 89.19%, a water content of 2.38%, an ash content of 1.21%, a vitamin C content of 70.22%, an antioxidant inhibition percentage of 50.97%, an IC50 content of 1.29, and a water activity of 0.50.

Improvement in Kidney damage resulting from stanozolol intramuscular injections in rats by Natural Cocoa Powder (NCP) Administration.

BackgroundStanozolol, an anabolic steroid, has been shown to induce kidney damage through mechanisms involving oxidative stress and inflammation. Natural Cocoa Powder (NCP), known for its high antioxidant content, may offer protective effects against such damage. AimThis study aimed to evaluate the potential of Natural Cocoa Powder (NCP) in ameliorating kidney damage caused by stanozolol intramuscular injections in rats. MethodsThirty rats were randomly assigned into five groups (G1–G5) and fed with standard rat chow. G1 and G3 received 2 mg/kg stanozolol intramuscularly twice weekly, G2 and G4 received 5 mg/kg stanozolol twice weekly, while G5 served as the control with no stanozolol. G1, G2, and G5 had 24-hour access to water, while G3 and G4 had water replaced with 2% NCP from 6 am to 6 pm daily. After 8 weeks, kidneys were perfusion-fixed and analyzed histomorphometrically for proximal/distal tubules, Bowman's space, glomerular tuft, and renal corpuscle composition.Before and after treatments, renal function was measured by serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, whilst systemic inflammation was monitored by erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum C-reactive protein tests. Results & DiscussionStanozolol administration significantly increased kidney damage in a dose-dependent manner, with marked rises in the volume densities of the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), distal convoluted tubule (DCT), glomerular tuft, and renal corpuscle. At higher doses, PCT and DCT volume densities increased by 143% and 223%, respectively, compared to controls. Natural cocoa powder (NCP) mitigated these effects, reducing PCT, DCT, and glomerular tuft volume densities by 92%, 77%, and 86%, respectively. Stanozolol also elevated serum markers of kidney dysfunction and inflammation, such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), and C-reactive protein (CRP). While NCP significantly lowered BUN and SCr levels, it did not fully normalize CRP, which remained elevated in stanozolol-treated rats. ConclusionIncreased volume density of kidney components indicated hypertrophy, which was associated with elevated serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, reflecting impaired renal function and heightened systemic inflammation. The reduction in these markers with NCP ingestion suggests its potential to mitigate stanozolol-induced renal damage. It is proposed that the antioxidant properties of NCP may have reduced inflammation by counteracting oxidative stress, thereby contributing to the observed improvement in kidney function and structure.

Physical and Sensory Characteristics of Mayonnaise Using Functional Ingredients of Galo-galo Honey (Tetrigona apicallis)

Mayonnaise results from an emulsion of vegetable oil in acid stabilized by lecithin (egg yolk). As one of the main components, acetic acid is a synthetic material that has side effects if it is consumed at high levels and over a long period. An effective natural acidifying ingredient, as a substitute for vinegar, is the galo-galo honey of the Tetrigona apical species, which has a low pH of 2.70. It has high organic acid content, gluconic acid content, and high antioxidant, antimicrobial, flavonoid, and phenolic contents. This study aimed to determine the effect of adding galo-galo honey on the physical and sensory properties of mayonnaise. This study used an experimental method with a completely randomized design, five treatments, and four replications. The treatments given were the percentage of galo-galo honey as much as A (0%), B (0.5%), C (1.5%), D (2.5%), and E (3.5%) of the weight of the oil. This study revealed that using gallo-galo honey during mayonnaise affected the moisture content, viscosity, and sensory characteristics but did not influence emulsion stability. The use of 3.5% galo-galo honey for mayonnaise is the best treatment with average values, namely, a moisture content of 20.03%, viscosity of 2347 cP, and emulsion stability of 100%, and the sensory test results were rather similar to aroma, texture, color, taste, and overall acceptability. The addition of galo-galo honey, which comes from stingless bees native to West Sumatra as a functional ingredient, will produce mayonnaise, which has benefits for the body's health.

Fiber Optical Sensor for Antioxidant Detection Levels in Blueberries Using Wavelength-Based LED Light Sources

Blueberries' high antioxidant content, which includes flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids, greatly enhances their nutritional and therapeutic value. These substances are crucial targets for food quality and nutrition research because they neutralize free radicals and lower oxidative stress. However, conventional techniques for quantifying antioxidants, such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), are expensive, time-consuming, and frequently needed for destructive sample preparation. This study suggests a fiber-optical sensor (FOS) system as a unique, destructive method for identifying and measuring antioxidants in blueberries. Blueberry samples are illuminated by the system using wavelength-specific LED light sources, which are guided to and from the sample via fiber optics for interaction. Using the distinctive absorption and scattering characteristics of the compounds at particular wavelengths, the reflected or transmitted light is captured by a photodetector and evaluated to calculate antioxidant amounts. This proposed system is a useful tool for the food sector because of its many benefits, which include its capacity to offer real-time analysis, portability, and adaptability to in-field applications. This paper examines the sensor's design principles, assesses how well it performs in comparison to traditional techniques, and emphasizes how useful it could be for agricultural research and quality control.

Ethanolic extract of Dayak onion (Eleutherine palmifolia) prevented sperm membran damage in mice exposed to monosodium glutamate

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) could cause increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing oxidative stress in the testicles, which adversely affected sperm quality. Dayak onion extract which is known for its high antioxidant content, could help alleviate oxidative stress caused by MSG. This research examined the effect of Dayak onion (Eleutherine palmifolia) on sperm abnormalities and plasma membrane integrity in mice (Mus musculus) exposed to MSG. Twenty-five male mice, 8 weeks old with a body weight approximately 20g, were divided into five groups, C– (received 0.5% Na-CMC), C+ (received 4 mg/g bw MSG), and three treatment groups (T1, T2, T3) which were given 4 mg/g bw MSG accompanied by Dayak onion extract at doses of 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg bw respectively. All treatments lasted for 52 days. Significant differences (p <0.05) in sperm abnormalities and plasma membrane integrity were observed among the groups. Sperm abnormalities found were (12.3 ± 1.92), (61.1 ± 3.10), (41.6 ± 2.87), (30.4± 1.91), and (18.2 ± 2.10) % respectively for C–, C+, T1, T2 and T3. Meanwhile, sperm plasma membrane integrity found were (33.0 ± 3.24), (69.3 ± 2.32), (41.8 ± 2.42), (55.4 ± 3.11), and (64.2 ± 1.27) % respectively for C–, C+, T1, T2 and T3. These results indicate that Dayak onion extract could help reduce sperm abnormalities and maintain plasma membrane integrity in mice exposed to MSG.

A Comparative Study on the Antioxidant Potentials of Hybrid and Generic Papayas Available in Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Generic papaya is a tropical plant abundant in Sri Lanka. Traditionally, it has been used therapeutically as it is a good source of polyphenols, carotenoids and an excellent source of vitamins that are powerful antioxidants. Specially, unripe fruit and leaf of papaya are recognized as a remedy for cancer and heart diseases due to their high antioxidant content. Recently, consumption of hybrid papaya fruits has increased as they are readily available in the local markets. However, the phytochemical constituents and quantity of these hybrid papaya varieties may differ from those available in the generic plant and hence their antioxidant potentials may also vary. Meanwhile there is concern within the community whether hybrid papaya has the same nutritional values as generic papaya. However, there have been no investigation done on the antioxidant activity of hybrid papaya available in Jaffna. Therefore, this study focused on investigating the in-vitro antioxidant potential of leaf and unripe fruit of generic and selected hybrid papaya varieties using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The unripe fruits and leaves of generic and selected hybrid (Red lady, Maradona, Tanin and Vega F1) varieties were collected from the Agricultural Research and Training Centre in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The unripe fruit was sliced after removing the skin and seeds. The sliced unripe fruit and leaves were shade dried and powdered. The powdered plant materials were macerated with methanol and ethyl acetate separately for 48 hours at room temperature. The DPPH assay was carried out on the methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of the individual plant materials by employing ascorbic acid as the standard. The obtained data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA at 5% significance level and a significant difference between the antioxidant activities of the standard (IC50 value = 12.394 μg/mL) and the selected papaya extracts (IC50 values vary from 430.641 – 6,652.267 μg/mL) was found. Further, the selected hybrid papayas exhibited better antioxidant properties than the generic one; but, did not show a common trend within them. The leaf extracts were found to possess more antioxidant potential than the unripe fruit extracts of the same papaya variety. With respect to the solvents employed in extraction, methanolic extracts of the selected papayas showed better antioxidant activity than the corresponding ethyl acetate extracts. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the leaf and unripe fruit extracts of hybrid papayas revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols and glycosides, which could be responsible for their antioxidant activity. The finding of the study revealed that hybrid papaya could be used as a raw material for functional food as generic papaya. However, there is a need to evaluate the other nutritional values to confirm it further.

The Influence of Temperature on the Antioxidants of Aronia mitschurinii Fruit Juice and Drinks.

Aronia mitschurinii is a cultivated species originating from crossbreeding the wild species Aronia melanocarpa, also known as the black chokeberry, and European mountain ash Sorbus aucuparia. The aronia fruit is dark purple, which can be attributed to the high content of anthocyanins, other flavonoids, and polyphenols. Aronia's reputation as a superberry entices small farms to use it as a prospective specialty crop. The fruit's high antioxidant content is a likely ingredient in several new products, such as jellies, jams, vitamin supplements, and beverages. Food applications of any fruit require high-temperature pasteurization as a major step in fruit processing. Many also require cooking. However, there are some major effects higher temperatures may have on antioxidants, such as isomerization and decomposition, both of which result in a loss of bioavailability of these key compounds. Here, we present a detailed investigation of the effect of temperature and time on the antioxidant content of Aronia mitschurinii juice and power aid drink. UV/vis methods were used to determine the total concentrations of anthocyanins, flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins and to determine the optimal pasteurization and/or thermal processing conditions that would prevent significant loss in the antioxidant content in aronia products.

Investigation of Algerian Crataegus monogyna Jacq Phenolic Compounds (Using LC-ESI-MS/MS Analysis, Antioxidant Activity, and Enzyme Inhibition) and Their Potential Implications for Food and Nutraceutical Applications.

Investigations into the phenolic constituents of the butanolic fraction of Crataegus monogyna were optimized using LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis, identifying and quantifying at least 23 fingerprint phytochemical compounds. The major phenolic compounds were epicatechin (99.916 ± 2.208 mg/g), isoquercetrin (53.31 ± 1.172 mg/g), chlorogenic acid (47.457 ± 1.010 mg/g), quinic acid (37.819 ± 1.406 mg/g), rutin (29.98 ± 0.740 mg/g), hesperidin (5.296 ± 0.177 mg/g, detected for the first time in the C. monogyna species), astragalin (1.774 ± 0.020 mg/g), and nicotiflorin (1.482 ± 0.016 mg/g). The antioxidant properties of the lyophilized butanolic fraction were evaluated using DPPH, GOR, ABTS, CUPRAC, and reducing power assays, all of which demonstrated that there was strong activity. Additionally, the neuroprotective effect was evaluated in vitro, showing a potent inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with an IC50 of 43.65 ± 2.10 µg/mL. The antidiabetic effect was investigated through α-amylase inhibition (IC50 = 91.19 ± 0.10 µg/mL), showing high inhibitory activity. In addition, the butanolic extract exhibited significant urease inhibition with an IC50 of 26.36 ± 0.05 µg/mL. These results suggest that Algerian C. monogyna has potential as a therapeutic agent for managing diabetes complications and as a natural source of AChE inhibitors, making it a promising subject for the treatment of urease-related conditions. Its high concentrations of natural antioxidants, such as epicatechin, isoquercetrin, chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, rutin, hesperidin, and astragalin, make it suitable for integration into medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and the food sector.

Investigation of the association between gene expression levels and phenolic compound content in the leaves of Sonchus arvensis plants under salinity stress

Sonchus arvensis is recognized for its high content of phenolic compounds and antioxidants, exhibiting various medicinal benefits, including anti-diabetic, anti-depressant, and anti-cancer properties. This has positioned the plant as a significant candidate for commercial food, medicinal, and antioxidant supplements. Salinity may enhance the level of chlorogenic and caffeic acid, which are key secondary metabolites in S. arvensis. To investigate this, a completely randomized design experiment with three replications was implemented in a greenhouse to examine the impact of salinity on the expression of six genes responsible for the biosynthesis of chlorogenic acid. Additionally, the study examined how salinity affects the accumulation of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, chicoric acid, and apigenin in the lower and middle leaves of plants. Salinity stress treatments were applied at four different levels: 0 (control), 50, 100, and 150 mM of NaCl. The results indicated that the expression levels of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H), 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL), and p-coumaroyl ester 3′-hydroxylase (C3′H) were highest in the middle leaves at a concentration of 150 mM NaCl. Notably, there was an eight-fold increase in C4H expression in these leaves under the same salinity conditions. Conversely, the expression of shikimate/quinate O-hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT) and quinate O-hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HQT) genes decreased across all salinity treatments. Additionally, the levels of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and chicoric acid were significantly elevated at 50 mM NaCl in both the lower and middle leaves, suggesting that cultivating S. arvensis in mildly saline environments could be beneficial. Furthermore, the findings from this study may serve as a preliminary step towards the cloning and full characterization of the genes examined in S. arvensis.

Effect of giving rosella flower extract (hibiscus sabdariffa) after physical exercise on uric acid levels in healthy men

The aim of this study was to test whether rosella flower extract can reduce uric acid levels after physical activity. Pre- and post-control groups were used in this experimental investigation. Purposive sampling was used to select the individuals, and once they were chosen, they were split into two groups: the treatment group (P) received 500 mg of rosella flower extract, and the control group (K) received a placebo. A total of 20 healthy men aged 19-25 years participated in this study. Data collection was carried out for 1 day starting with collecting data on subject characteristics. After that, the subjects were asked to warm up. Physical activity was carried out afterwards. The activity included running 2400 meters with moderate intensity. Then the baseline data was taken by checking uric acid levels. Then the samples were given a placebo and rosella flower extract to drink directly. 60 minutes later the post-test uric acid level data was taken. The results of this study showed that there was a decrease in uric acid levels in both the control and treatment groups. However, a significant decrease occurred in the group with 500 mg of rosella flower extract intervention. Given its high antioxidant content, we recommend consuming roselle flower extract as an additional supplement after exercise.

“TELANG TEA TIME”, MINUMAN SEHAT PENANGKAL HIPERTENSI

Hypertension is characterized by blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg and is an alarm of hemodynamic imbalance in the body. Hypertension is a silent killer. One of the efforts that can be made to stabilize blood pressure is by consuming telang (Clitoria ternatea L.) flower herbal drinks. The high antioxidant content in telang flowers is beneficial for health. To introduce the benefits of flowers to the community, community service activities were carried out in Tunge Village, Kediri Regency. This community service was carried out using the Participatory Action Research (PAR) method with a total of 238 participants. The community service was carried out in July-August 2024. It was divided into three activity groups. In each implementation, the activity was divided into six stages, namely: health screening, pretest, hypertension education, demonstration of making telang flower tea, tester, and testimony, then was closed with a post-test. There were several results obtained from the implementation of the community service activities, which were the increase in residents' knowledge about hypertension, the benefits of Clitoria ternatea L. flowers for health, and how to process Clitoria ternatea L. flowers into herbal drinks that are efficacious for health. In the processing into herbal drinks, the flower can be combined with other herbal ingredients to obtain other properties and a more delicious taste.

Machine learning-aided enhancement of white tea extraction efficiency using hybridized GMDH models in microwave-assisted extraction

White tea is valuable for having a high antioxidant content, which is considered to possess numerous beneficial effects on health. This study investigated the application of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) for the extraction of total phenolic compounds from white tea. The experimental setup included four independent variables: microwave power (ranging from 100 to 300 W), extraction time (ranging from 10 to 40 min), temperature (ranging from 35 to 50 °C), and the ratio of food to solvent (ranging from 0.25 to 0.5 g/10 mL). The responses that were evaluated were IC50 (ppm) and total phenolic content (mg/g). The experimental design consisted of thirty runs conducted within the MAE system. The group method of data handling (GMDH) models were used to predict important efficiency measures (IC50 and total phenol content) in the extraction process. The models were assessed based on their ability to capture the relationships between input conditions and efficiency outputs. Three GMDH variants were compared: baseline GMDH, GMDH optimized with a genetic algorithm (GMDH-GA), and GMDH optimized with a harmony search algorithm (GMDH-HS). While all models achieved high predictive ability on a test set, GMDH-HS emerged as the superior performer. It achieved near-perfect agreement with observations (d-index > 0.998), minimal errors (NRMSE < 0.02), and effectively captured data variance (NSE > 0.99) for both outputs. Correlation diagrams and Taylor diagrams confirmed the superior performance of GMDH-HS in terms of linearity, correlation, and error minimization. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of hybridizing GMDH with a harmony search algorithm for complex modeling tasks, paving the way for improved efficiency and yield optimization in extraction processes.