Highest Total Flavonoid Content Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Smilax china Rhizome from Different Regions

This study aimed to investigate variations in the phytochemical compound contents and antioxidant potential of the ethanol rhizome extracts of Smilax china L., belonging to the Liliaceae family, from different parts of Korea, namely Uiwang (Mt. Gamnamugol), Gyeonggi Province (SC1); Geochang, Gyeongnam Province (SC2); Yeongwol, Gangwon Province (SC3); and Chungju, Chungbuk Province (SC4). The phenolic and flavonoid contents, radical scavenging activity, and proximate composition of the ethanol extracts from the rhizome samples were determined. The total polyphenol content (TPC) of the extracts ranged between 13.6 and 67.5 mg tannic acid equivalent/g. TPC analysis showed that TPC was higher in SC2 than in SC3, SC4, or SC1. Among the rhizome samples, the SC3 rhizomes had the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) (5.2 mg quercetin equivalents/g). Additionally, SC2 showed the highest radical scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS+ radicals. Chemical characterization using UPLC/UV revealed that the extracts contained compounds such as apiin, kaempferol-3-rutinoside, and chlorogenic acid. Specifically, in SC2, chlorogenic acid was the dominant compound, which supported the levels observed in the UPLC/UV and HPLC/ELSD investigations. Dioscin, another phytochemical, was detected in SC2, SC3, and SC4, indicating the diversity of compounds among the rhizome extracts. Variations in the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity were observed in the extracts from the different regions, underlining the role of geographical variation in the functional characteristics of S. china. The observed differences could have important implications for the medicinal use of S. china extracts in applications such as anti-inflammatory treatments, diabetes management, and potential anticancer therapies. This study underscores the critical need to consider geographical origin when sourcing and utilizing S. china for therapeutic purposes, as it may significantly impact its bioactive profile and efficacy.

Anti-Skin Aging and Cytotoxic Effects of Methanol-Extracted Solanum betaceum Red Fruit Seed Extract on Ca9-22 Gingival Carcinoma Cells.

The tamarillo, or Solanum betaceum, recognized for its comprehensive nutritional profile, has long been valued for its diverse ethnobotanical uses. This study delves into the potential therapeutic applications of S. betaceum by analyzing its polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), anti-skin aging activities against key enzymes like elastase, tyrosinase, and hyaluronidase, and its cytotoxic effects on oral carcinoma cells. Extracts from the seeds, pulp, and peel of red and yellow fruits were prepared using methanol, ethanol, and acetone. The highest TPC was found in the methanol extract from red fruit seeds (9.89 mg GAE/g), and the highest TFC was found in the methanol extract of yellow fruit peel (3.02 mg QUE/g). Some of these extracts significantly inhibited skin aging-associated enzymes with the red fruit seed extract (100 μg/mL) showing up to 50.4% inhibition of tyrosinase. Additionally, the red fruit seed extract obtained using methanol demonstrated potential anticancer effects against Ca9-22 oral carcinoma cells by inhibiting cell survival, migration, and proliferation as well as inducing apoptosis. These results underscore the potential of S. betaceum fruit extracts, especially from red fruit seeds, as promising agents for anti-skin aging and anticancer applications, meriting further exploration for therapeutic uses.

Antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Anethum graveolens L. fruit extract on castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats.

Between food and medicine, nutraceuticals are widely used in human health for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. This study aims to determine the cytoprotective effects of Anethum gravelons fruit extract (AGFAE) on castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats due to its phytochemical and antioxidant properties. Male rats were divided into six groups of six animals each: Control (C), Castor oil (CO), CO + different doses of AGFAE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.), and the CO + loperamide group (LOP, 10 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.). In vitro, the chemical composition of aqueous Dill fruit extract showed strong antioxidant activity, with a high content of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. In our invivo studies, pre-treatment with AGFAE reduced malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels and maintained normal activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in the gastric and intestinal mucosa. In addition, we found that AGFAE prophylaxis improved the stability of many plasma biochemical parameters altered by castor oil intoxication, such as C-reactive protein concentrations and alkaline phosphatase activities. We suggest that AGFAE phenolic compounds had significant protection against diarrhea involving several mechanisms such as reducing hypersecretion, peristaltic, inflammation, and preserving the endogenous antioxidant levels.

Enhancing Sustainable Cultivation of Organic Bell Pepper through Fulvic Acid (FA) Application: Impact on Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Capacity under Open-Field Conditions

Fulvic acid (FA) is an eco-friendly solution for reducing the reliance on agrochemicals and enhancing crop quality. The study aimed to investigate the impact of soil and foliar application of FA on the phytochemical content and antioxidant properties of organically grown bell peppers at both the green and red stages. Bell pepper cv. Revolution was grown under open-field conditions at the certified organic farm at Tennessee State University, Nashville, with nine treatments and three replications. FA was applied as a soil drench and foliar spray at four different rates (0, 2.3, 5.5, 7.8, 10.9 mL L−1). The fruits were harvested 55 days (green stage) and 86 days after transplantation (red stage). The study showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between the treatment and maturation stage. The foliar treatment of 7.8 mL L−1 resulted in the highest phenolic content in green bell peppers. The highest total flavonoid content in red bell peppers was achieved with a soil treatment of 7.8 mL L−1. Additionally, the highest level of vitamin C in red bell peppers occurred with a soil concentration of 5.5 mL L−1. In conclusion, applying FA as a biostimulant can enhance the quality of organically grown bell peppers, offering promising opportunities for sustainable agricultural practices.

Influence of hydroxyl group density in propane alcohols-based deep eutectic solvents: Physicochemical properties and potential application as an extraction medium for bioactive compounds

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) composed of citric acid monohydrate (CAM) as hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and alcohol as hydrogen bond donor (HBD) were used for separating bioactive compounds from star anise. This study prepared three propane alcohols-based DES with different hydroxyl (OH) group densities in HBD. FTIR analysis verified the presence of hydrogen bond interactions between HBA and HBD, which strengthened with increasing the OH group densities. Increasing the OH group density in DES exhibited lower water content, but higher thermal stability, higher density, higher viscosity as well as enhanced the water absorption rate. All of the propane alcohols-based DES were miscible in high and semi-polar solvents as well as it also displayed frequency independence characteristics. Moreover, propane alcohols-based DES efficiently extracted bioactive compounds from star anise with high total phenolic and flavonoid contents more than traditional solvents. High bioactive phenolic and flavonoid contents in star anise extracts were the major contributors to potent antioxidant activities of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH, 84.50 %), azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS, 85.73 %), and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP, 3.74 mM FeSO4). Therefore, DES was suggested to be a promising extraction medium for valuable bioactive compounds from natural sources that could be utilized as therapeutic agent for oxidative stress.

Implementation of RSM and ANN Optimization Approach for Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents-Based Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Orange Peel.

The present investigation has focused on developing an eco-friendly method to extract bioactive compounds from orange peel using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES). NADES-II composed of choline chloride (ChCl) and ethylene glycol (1:2) and 50% water shows the maximal extraction yield with higher antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity with a high total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) process was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) and an artificial neural network (ANN). ANN showed a higher value of R 2 and lower values of other statistical parameters when compared to RSM. The ideal extraction conditions were optimized as a 13 min rising time, 52 °C temperature, a 21 min holding time, and a 20 mL/g liquid-to-solid ratio. MAE was compared with the conventional heating-stirring extraction (HSE) method using the NADES-II solvent under optimum conditions. The results show that higher extraction yield and antioxidant capacities (DPPH and ABTS), TPC, and TFC can be obtained from orange peel using the MAE process compared to the HSE process. Overall, this study shows an optimiztic approach for the extraction of bioactive compounds from an orange peel using eco-friendly solvents and microwave technology. It also highlights the potential of this approach for valorizing orange peel waste.

Exploring fatty acid composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant properties in oils of newly developed sesame mutant lines in Morocco

AbstractSesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is renowned for its significance as a global oilseed crop, valued for its high oil content and nutritional properties. This study aimed to explore the fatty acid composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant attributes of sesame mutant oils, examining their potential applications in food industry. Nine M4 mutants, along with their parents, were grown in two contrasting environments (Taoujdate and Afourare) to investigate their seed oil, phenolic and flavonoid contents, the balance between omega‐6, omega‐9, and omega‐3 fatty acids, iodine value, and susceptibility to oxidation. Genotype and environment main effects as well as their interaction had a significant effect on the majority of the parameters studied. The mutant “US2‐1” stands out with a distinctive fatty acid profile, featuring the highest saturated fatty acids, ω‐6/ω‐9 ratio, and omega‐3 content, in addition to its high total flavonoid content and remarkable oxidative stability. “ML2‐10,” “US1‐2,” “US2‐6,” and “US2‐7” exhibit high oil content, coupled with substantial levels of phenols and flavonoids, rendering them excellent candidates for culinary and industrial applications where oxidative stability is important. “ML2‐68,” “ML2‐72,” “US06,” “US1‐DL,” and “US1‐3” offer versatile options with their moderate oil content and fatty acid profiles that resist oxidation. This research highlights the potential for breeding sesame mutants tailored to specific applications, contributing to both enhanced oil production and improved nutritional value. The insights gained here pave the way for the development of sesame varieties with superior nutritional and functional attributes, thereby promoting the sustainable production and consumption of sesame oil.

Effects of electron beam irradiation on the postharvest quality characteristics of winter jujube (Zizyphus jujuba mill. cv. Dalidongzao)

Winter jujube was irradiated with 0.5 kGy electron beam (EB) and stored at 0 °C for 60 days. The quality of winter jujube was analyzed every 10 days to explore the effect of EB on antioxidant activity of winter jujube. Results indicated that 0.5 kGy EB reduced the decay rate of winter jujube (25.95% the 60th day), maintained the hardness and cell membrane integrity, delayed the changes of total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid (AA) contents, moreover maintained high contents of total phenols (TPC) and flavonoids. Furthermore, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) increased, and the free radical scavenging ability of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) cation radicals and the ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) increased. Research demonstrated the potential of EB in the preservation of winter jujube and provided important information for the application of irradiation technology.

Investigation of chemical constituents, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and nutritional properties of oil of Persea americana (Avocado) seeds

This study investigated the phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of the oil of Persea americana seeds (OPAS). The flavonoid and total phenol compositions were quantified using standard colorimetric methods; the antioxidant potentials of the seed were determined using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, while the anti-inflammatory potentials were investigated using membrane stabilization (hypotonicity) and heat-induced hemolysis of human red blood cells (HRBC) assays. In addition, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis was employed to characterize the phytochemicals in the oil. The nutritional indices (atherogenic index, thrombogenic index, and polyene index) were also calculated. Results indicated high total phenolic and flavonoid contents (25.78 ± 0.68 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram (GAE/g) and 72.69 ± 1.11 mg quercetin equivalent per 100 mg (QE/100 mg), respectively). The oil of P. americana seeds showed dose-dependent (25–400 μg/mL) antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities compared to the standard agents used (olive oil and ascorbic acid). The GC–MS analysis showed the presence of fatty acids including tetradecanoic acid (33.33 %), 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (20.12 %), n-hexadecenoic acid (7.07 %), and oleic acid (11.60 %). Nutritional indices showed that OPAS had a very low polyunsaturated/saturated (PUFA/SFA) ratio (0.45), hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (0.26), but high atherogenicity index (IA) (4.13) and thrombogenicity index IT (9.47) values. The beneficial potentials of OPAS revealed in this study suggest that it can be harnessed as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in phytomedicine. However, the nutritional quality and culinary suitability of OPAS with different oils require further study.

Influence of extraction solvents on the chemical constituents and biological activities of Astragalus aduncusfrom Turkey flora: In vitro and in silico insights.

The n-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, ethanol/water (70% ethanol), and water extracts of Astragalus aduncus aerial parts were investigated for their antioxidant potential, enzyme inhibition activity (anti-acetylcholinesterase [AChE], anti-butyrylcholinesterase [BChE],antityrosinase, antiamylase, and antiglucosidase) and antiproliferative effect (against colon adenocarcinoma cell line[HT-29], gastric cancer cell line[HGC-27], prostate carcinoma cell line[DU-145], breast adenocarcinoma cell line[MDA-MB-231],and cervix adenocarcinoma cell line [HeLa]). In addition, the phytochemical profile of the extracts was evaluated using validated spectrophotometric and high-pressure liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/tandem mass spectroscopymethods. Generally, the 70% ethanol extract demonstrated the strongest antioxidant properties, and it was the richest source of total phenolic constituents. Our findings indicated that the ethyl acetate extract was the most potent BChE inhibitor (11.44 mg galantamine equivalents [GALAE]/g) followed by the ethanol extract (8.51 mg GALAE/g), while the ethanol extract was the most promising AChE inhibitor (3.42 mg GALAE/g) followed by the ethanol/water extract (3.17 mg GALAE/g).Excellent tyrosinase inhibitory activity (66.25 mg kojic acid equivalent/g) was observed in ethanol/water extracts of the aerial part of A. aduncus. Тhese results showed that the most cytotoxic effects were exhibited by the ethyl acetate extract against HGC-27 cells (IC50: 36.76 µg/mL), the ethanol extract against HT-29 cells (IC50: 30.79 µg/mL), and the water extract against DU-145 cells (IC50: 37.01 µg/mL). A strong correlation was observed between the highest total flavonoid content and the highest content of individual compounds in the ethanol extract, including rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, delphinidin-3,5-diglucoside (delphinidin-3,5-O-diglucoside), and kaempferol-3-glucoside (kaempferol-3-O-glucoside). In the present study, the A. aduncus plant was considered a new source of antioxidants, enzyme inhibitors, and anticancer agents and could be used as a future health-benefit natural product.

Postharvest quality and ripening behaviour of un-explored genotypes of Himalayan plain mango diversity

India is renowned for its mango diversity, with more than 1000 genotypes reported. However, the Himalayan plains bear some elite genotypes which supposed to bear high postharvest value, the systemic postharvest study of which is yet to be attempted. The aim of present study is to evaluate the postharvest quality and ripening behviour of these important genotypes. Thus, 15 un-explored mango genotypes of this region were selected and evaluated for ripening behaviour and detailed postharvest profiling via internal (total phenolic and total flavonoid content), nutritional attributes (Brix: acid ratio, total carotenoid concentration, ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity), sensory evaluation, fruit softening enzymes (polygalactouronase, pectin methylesterase and lipoxygenase), shelf life attributes (respiration rate, physiological loss in weight and storage life in days) external attributes (fruit weight, fruit firmness, peel thickness, fruit shape and dry seed weight) and mineral contents (Calcium, potassium and phosphorous) under ambient storage (25 ± 4 °C and 65 ± 5 % RH). The results revealed that the highest total flavonoid content (682.40 μg g−1), ascorbic acid (46.88 mg 100 g−1) and antioxidant activity (4.84 μmol TE g−1) exhibited by ‘Sukul’. The total phenolic content was recorded as the highest in ‘Safed Malda’ (510.42 μg GAE g-1 FW), and total carotenoid concentration was recorded as the highest in ‘Sipiya’ (7.30 mg 100 g-1) ‘Zardalu’ (7.04 mg 100 g-1) and ‘Mithua’ (6.98 mg 100 g-1). Interestingly, genotypes such as ‘Sukul’, Sipiya’ and ‘Krishna Bhog ‘exhibited a 4–5 days higher storage life than other selected genotypes. Screened genotypes exhibited a high diversity of nutritional and biochemical contents. The results of this study bear practical utility for research (quality improvement programme) and the processing industry.

Nutrient content, phytochemical profile and anti-methanogen potential of Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) leaf extracts

Abstract Chaya leaves (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) contain many nutrients and phytochemicals expected to reduce ruminants’ methane emissions. This study aims to determine the nutritional quality, phytochemical content and potential inhibitory power of Chaya leaf extract against the growth of rumen fluid methanogen bacteria. The methods used to determine nutrient content were proximate and fibre analysis. The phytochemical content tested were total phenols, tannins and flavonoids. Anti-methanogen test through inhibitory power using liquid culture selective media for methanogens. The results showed that Chaya leaves are a source of fibre feed, which also contains high crude protein (23 - 29%). The highest total phenol and tannin content in ethanol extract of Chaya leaves is 8.62 mg/g and 31.34 ppm, respectively. In contrast, ethyl acetate extract’s highest total flavonoid content is 13.96 mg/g. The highest potential inhibitory power against methanogen bacteria was shown by ethanol extract (50 mg/mL), causing inhibition of 44.56%. This study concludes that Chaya leaves have the potential to be used as ruminant animal feed and as a suppressor of methanogen bacteria, and further tests are recommended for methane gas production in vitro.

Deciphering of the morpho-physiological traits of two native grasses from Argentina with contrasting drought resistance strategies

Context Semiarid environments, such as the Patagonian shrublands, are characterised by having shrubby patches surrounded by grasses with different ecophysiological strategies to tolerate long dry periods. Aims We hypothesised that coexisting grasses of the Patagonian rangeland, already classified as drought-escaping or drought-tolerant, have different traits according to the season and the annual rainfall events. Methods Two dominant native grasses were selected: Pappostipa speciosa (evergreen) and Poa ligularis (deciduous). Samples were collected in the four seasons for the term of 1 year. Rainfall events and soil water content of each season were determined. Spring was the wettest season and autumn the driest. Physiological (relative water content, pigments, hormones), biochemical (polyphenols, antioxidant activity) and morphological traits were measured in the four seasons. Key results P. speciosa was characterised by keeping evergreen leaves with high production of polyphenols as secondary metabolites with high antioxidant capacity during the dry autumn and winter seasons. P. ligularis was characterised by high contents of gibberellin (GA1), auxin (IAA), total phenols, total flavonoids and tartaric acid esters, and high antioxidant capacity in roots during the autumn dry season. In addition, P. ligularis leaves had higher content of carotenoids and polyphenols than P. speciosa during the summer dry season. Conclusions The major adaptive strategy to tolerate dry periods is the high activity of the secondary metabolism, mainly in leaves in P. speciosa (a drought-tolerant grass) and in roots in P. ligularis (a drought-escaping grass). Implications Rainfall variations during a year can affect the phenological growth stages and the metabolism of two native grasses from Argentina characterised by different drought resistance mechanisms.

Thermal fixation technologies affect phenolic profile, ginkgolides, bilobalide, product quality, and ginkgolic acids in Ginkgo biloba leaf tea.

Ginkgo biloba leaves (GBLs) contain high phytoconstituents, but ginkgolic acids (GAs, the main toxic compound in GBLs) have limited its applications. Processing Ginkgo biloba dark tea (GBDT) using fixation technology could decrease the toxic compounds; retain flavonoids, ginkgolides, and bilobalide; and improve the product quality. For the first time, various thermal fixations (hot air fixation [HAF], iron pot fixation [IPF], and boiled water fixation [BWF]) followed by rolling, fermentation, and drying were applied to produce GBDT. A comprehensive analysis of the toxicants (GAs), main bioactive compounds (ginkgolides and bilobalide, flavonoids, antioxidants, and phenolic profiles), and product qualities (moisture content, reducing sugar [RS], free amino acids [FAAs], enzyme activity, color properties, antioxidant capacity, etc.) were evaluated. The results revealed that thermal fixations BWF and HAF significantly reduced the GA contents (41.1%-34.6%). Most terpene lactones showed significant differences in control, IPF, and HAF. The HAF had lower total flavonoid content (TFC) than BWF and IPF. The control group (unfixated) had the highest toxic components (GA), terpene trilactones, and TFC compared with various fixations. Adding different fixations to rolling, fermentation, and drying had various impacts on GBDT, and principal component analysis supported the results. Among four thermal fixations, HAF yielded the best results in RS, FAA, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activities, while IPF had the highest TFC. BWF had the lowest content for GA. In conclusion, HAF (6) was chosen as the best technique for producing GBDT since it preserved GBDT's bioactive components while lowering its toxic components.

Post-operative epidural haematoma as complication of overconsumption of dried fruit in lumbar spinal surgery: a case report and review of the literature

PurposeMebos, a traditional South Africa confection consisting of dried, pulped, and sugared apricots, is rich in fibre and vitamins, but also contains salicylic acid, flavonoids, and citric acid. We report a case of postoperative surgical site bleeding in a healthy patient who consumed approximately 2 kg of mebos per day prior to his elective spinal surgery.MethodsThe clinical course of a previously healthy 54-year-old male patient with cauda equina syndrome secondary to lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent surgical intervention with subsequent bleeding into the surgical site is discussed. The cause was investigated through biochemical analysis, thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) and mass and absorption spectrometry were applied to assess flavonoid, citric acid, and salicylic acid content.ResultsROTEM® revealed an abnormal clotting profile with an increased clot forming time, suggesting intrinsic coagulopathy. Mass and absorption spectrometry revealed a high total flavonoid content as well as citric acid concentration in the mebos. Salicylic acid was at detection limits of the instrument.ConclusionResults highlighted the effect of flavonoids and citric acid and therefore explain the abnormal clotting profile in this patient. Inhibition of coagulation prior to elective surgery is a known contraindication and may pose great risks in spinal surgery. In the present report, we demonstrated an association between inhibition of coagulation and an excess of the flavonoids content and citric acid concentration in mebos consumed in the days prior to elective spinal surgery.

Mechanism-based antioxidant activity of Rubiaceae species collected from Ilocos Norte, Philippines

The Rubiaceae family, comprising 550 species in the Philippines, is a significant source of bioactive components with ethnopharmacological uses. This study assessed the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity of six Rubiaceae species, collected in Ilocos Norte, Philippines: Guettardella microphylla (Bartl. ex DC.) Merr., Timonius ternifolius (Bartl. ex DC.) Fern.-Vill., Kanapia monstrosa (A. Rich.) Arriola & Alejandro, Pyrostria triflora Arriola, Calaramo & Alejandro, Pyrostria subsessilifolia (Merr.) Arriola & Alejandro, and Psychotria luzoniensis (Cham. & Schltdl.) Fern.-Vill. Identification of the plant species was done using morphological characterization. The TFC results ranged between 1.86-3.81 mg quercetin equivalent/g dry weight (GAE/g DW), while TPC indicated 5.47-17.17 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight (QE/g DW). G. microphylla showed the highest TFC (3.81±0.20 mg QE/g DW) while P. triflora exhibited the highest TPC (17.17±0.83 mg GAE/g DW). Antioxidant profiling showed P. luzoniensis exhibiting the highest activity in the NOS, ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. G. microphylla showed the highest hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, while T. ternifolius demonstrated the highest hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Findings suggest that the crude methanolic extracts of the Rubiaceae species have relatively high TPC and TFC values and exhibit promising antioxidant capacities.

A multidimensional study for design functional foods: Chemical profiling, antioxidant potential, enzyme inhibition, and cytotoxic effects of Alkanna tubulosa extracts

This study focuses on the extraction of plant species Alkanna tubulosa growing in Turkey, using solvents of different polarities (ethyl acetate, ethanol, ethanol/water, and water) and determining their chemical composition and biological activity. The extracts were subjected to qualitative LC-MS/MS analyses, which resulted in the identification of even 50 different secondary metabolites in some extracts. The existence of total phenols and flavonoids was determined. of total phenols and flavonoids was determined. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by various in vitro assays, as well as the enzyme inhibitory capacity against cholinesterases (AChE and BChE), tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase, as well as human isoforms of carbonic anhydrase. In addition, the cytotoxic activity of the extracts was also examined. The results showed that the ethanol/water extract showed the strongest antioxidant activity (225.55 mg TE/g extract in ABTS and 381.14 mg TE/g extract in CUPRAC), probably due to the high total phenol (105.17 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoids (20.12 mg RE/g extract) content, while the ethanol extract showed the strongest enzyme inhibitory potential. These chemical and biological findings provide valuable insights for potential future products based on the A. tubulosa extracts which could be used in various industries.

Impact of Thermal, Ultrasonication, and Thermosonication Processes on the Quality Profile of Watermelon-Beetroot Juice Blend: A Comparative Study

Fruit juices are popular beverages that provide various health benefits due to their rich nutritional profile, but they are prone to microbial spoilage and quality deterioration. Thermal pasteurization is the conventional method to preserve fruit juices, but it causes undesirable changes in the physicochemical and nutritional value of the juices. Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative methods to ensure the microbial safety and quality of fruit juices. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of thermal (95-100°C for 4 min), ultrasonication (US) (25 kHz for 5 and 10 min), and thermosonication (TS) (25 kHz at 40 and 50°C) processes on the quality profile of watermelon-beetroot juice blend, a novel juice formulation with enhanced nutritional and functional properties with 50 : 50 formulation. The samples were analysed for physicochemical (colour, pH, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity), bioactive (phenolic, flavonoid, antioxidant, and ascorbic acid contents), and microbiological (total plate count and yeast/molds) properties. The results showed that all the processed samples retained high total phenolic (756.33-842.33 μg GAE/g), total flavonoid (435.33-512.67 μg CE/g), and ascorbic acid (45.23-50.34 mg/100 mL) contents along with a high antioxidant potential (total antioxidant capacity (274.14-305.33 μg AAE/g) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (33.05-42.18%)) while preserving the normal physicochemical characteristics and decreasing the microbial counts of all the processed blend juices. In conclusion, the US treatment (10 min) produced the juice blends with the best quality. The findings of this research suggest that thermal, US, and TS processes are promising technologies for the preservation of fruit juices and that watermelon-beetroot juice blend is a novel juice formulation with high nutritional and functional value. The results of this research might be useful to the processed fruit juice industry and the consumers who are looking for healthy and safe fruit juices.

Drying Characteristics of Moutan Cortex by Rotary Wheel Microwave Vacuum Drying and Its Influence on Quality

To enhance the quality of Moutan Cortex for medicinal purposes, this study was conducted to analyze the impact of rotary microwave vacuum drying on its drying characteristics and overall quality. Experimental variables including drying temperature, rotor speed, and vacuum were examined to evaluate their effects on the microstructure, effective components, and drying properties of Moutan Cortex. The back propagation (BP) neural network was optimized by the northern eagle algorithm (NGO) to predict the moisture ratio throughout the drying process. Results indicated that increasing the drying temperature, vacuum level, and rotation speed led to an acceleration in the drying rate of Moutan Cortex, thereby reducing the drying time. The quality and color of dried products after microwave vacuum drying were superior to those achieved through natural drying. Notably, at the drying temperature of 50 °C, the Moutan Cortex demonstrated the highest total phenol content (451.33 mg/g) and antioxidant capacity (78.95%). With an increase in drying temperature, vacuum, and rotational speed, the polysaccharide showed an upward trend, and the highest value (681.37 mg/g) was obtained at 50 Hz. The highest total flavonoid content (1.08 mg/g) was observed at vacuum of −70 kPa. Optimal conditions for preserving the internal organization and maximizing the contents of gallic acid, paeoni-florin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, and paeonol were identified at a drying temperature of 45 °C, vacuum level of −65 kPa, and rotation rate of 35 Hz. Overall, the study concluded that the microwave vacuum drying of Moutan Cortex can significantly improve its medicinal value, offering valuable insights for the industrial processing of Moutan Cortex.

Insights into the Pharmacognostic Elucidation of Harumanis Mango (Mangifera Indica Linn.) Leaves Extracts as Therapeutic Agent

Mangifera indica L. (mango) of the Anacardiaceae family is a fruit with many phytochemicals that are extensively used in various traditional systems of medicine to prevent and treat various diseases. In Malaysia, harumanis is a local variety of mango widely cultivated in the northern region, namely Perlis. However, the drawback of this harumanis variety of mango is that research and information on its therapeutics are scarce and limited. Therefore, localized harumanis leaves were introduced to a series of pharmacognostic studies to provide critical details explaining harumanis as a potential therapeutic agent. Initially, the harumanis leaves were introduced to quality analysis tests, unveiling that the raw material used abided by proper post-harvesting protocols. Then, the harumanis leaves were extracted using ultrasonic aided extraction (UAE) with 100% methanol (13.73±0.24 %), 50% methanol (14.47±0.19 %), 100% ethanol (10.35±0.19 %), 50% ethanol (12.61±0.26 %), and distilled water (8.09±0.21 %). Next, the initial phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and saponins in all extracts. Subsequently, the phenolic and flavonoid content were quantified with the 50% methanol extracts recorded the highest total phenolic content (5.76 ± 0.02 mg/g), 50% ethanol extracts had the highest total flavonoid content (4.38 ± 0.04 mg/g). Fingerprinting analysis via FTIR spectroscopy was used to identify phytochemicals confirming the presence of flavonoids and phenolics compounds in all extracts. The extracts were then introduced to a DPPH inhibition assay with the highest IC50 value obtained from 50% methanol with 75.2 ± 0.22 microgram per milliliter. Next, the antimicrobial capabilities were tested using a disc diffusion study on E. coli, B. subtilis, and Face normal flora showing that the methanolic extract has superior abilities in microbial inhibitions with the value recorded at 13mm, 22mm, and 14mm respectively. Overall, we obtained valuable pharmacognostic data on the harumanis leaves extracts as potential antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.