Highest Total Phenolic Content Research Articles

Effect of common horsetail extract on growth characteristics, essential oil yield and chemical compositions of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

To investigate the effect of horsetail extract containing high silicon on morphological traits, growth, content, and compositions of essential oil of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) an experiment turned into carried out in the shape of a randomized complete block design with three replications. Foliar treatment of horsetail extract with zero, 0.5, 1, and 2% concentrations was applied on 6–8 leaf plants. The assessed traits include plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of sub-branches, leaf area index, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, total anthocyanin, the content of total phenol and total flavonoid, antioxidant activity, essential oil content, and compounds were measured. The findings demonstrated that the increase of silicon-containing horsetail extract enhanced the improved increase in growth and phytochemical trait values. The use of horsetail extract in the 2% treatment increased plant height, the number of leaves per plant, the number of sub-branches, leaf area index, fresh weight, and dry weight of the plant by 49.79, 45.61, 91.09, 99.78, 52.78 and 109.25%, respectively, compared to the control. The highest content of total phenol (2.12 mg GAE/g DW), total flavonoid (1.73 mg RE/g DW), total anthocyanin (0.83 mg C3G/g DW), and antioxidant activity (184.3 µg/ml) was observed in the 2% extract treatment. The content of essential oil increased with increasing the concentration of horsetail extract, so the highest amount of essential oil was obtained at the concentration of 2%, which increased by 134.78% compared to the control. By using GC–MS, the essential oil was analyzed. The main components of the essential oil include methyl eugenol (12.93–25.93%), eugenol (17.63–27.51%), 1,8-cineole (15.63–20.84%), linalool (8.31–19.63%) and (Z)-caryophyllene (6.02–14.93%). Increasing the concentration of horsetail extract increased the compounds of eugenol, 1,8-cineole, and linalool in essential oil compared to the control, but decreased the compounds of methyl eugenol and (Z)-caryophyllene. Foliar spraying of horsetail extract, which contains high amounts of silicon, as a stimulant and biological fertilizer, can be a beneficial ingredient in increasing the yield and production of medicinal plants, especially in organic essential oil production.

Bioprospecting of citrus (Citrus L.) germplasms against citrus canker pathogenesis in Assam, North‐East India

AbstractThe current investigation assessed the effectiveness of 30 citrus germplasms in combating citrus canker pathogenesis in Assam, North‐East India. Significant differences were observed among the examined citrus germplasms in terms of per cent disease severity and disease reduction against Xanthomonas citri pv. citri. Among the 30 different germplasms, eight germplasms, namely, Jora tenga (14.67%), Bonjora (15.58%), Holong tenga (15.75%), Latipes (17.34%), Patijora (17.75%), Birajora (18.50%), Cleopatra mandarin (20.00%) and Ada jamir (20.18%), exhibited highest disease resistance potential. The study recorded that the germplasm Latipes, which are resistant, had the highest total phenol content (21.26 mg/g dry weight), while the susceptible one, Grapefruit (7.85 mg/g dry weight), had the lowest total phenol content. Jora tenga exhibited the highest flavonoid content, measuring at 6.48 mg/g dry weight, whereas White pummelo had the lowest flavonoid content, measuring at 1.88 mg/g dry weight. Similarly, the highest alkaloid percentage was recorded in resistant germplasm, Adajamir (10.52%), while the lowest was in susceptible germplasm, Volkameriana (2.30%). The levels of total phenol, alkaloid and flavonoid contents exhibited a significant negative correlation with the per cent disease severity of citrus canker disease in both Pearson correlation and Spearmen correlation analysis. The current research on bioprospecting of citrus germplasms in relation to citrus canker pathogenesis has the potential to offer valuable insights into mitigating the transmission of bacterial pathogens and eliminating sources of infection by employing resistant cultivars and implementing approved doses of plant protection formulations.

LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS Identification and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds from Leaves of Australian Myrtles and Their Antioxidant Activities

Phenolic compounds, present in plants, provide substantial health advantages, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which enhance cardiovascular and cognitive well-being. Australia is enriched with a wide range of plants with phytopharmacological potential, which needs to be fully elucidated. In this context, we analyzed leaves of aniseed myrtle (Syzygium anisatum), lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora), and cinnamon myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia) for their complex phytochemical profile and antioxidant potential. LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS was applied for screening and characterizing these Australian myrtles’ phenolic compounds and the structure–function relation of phenolic compounds. This study identified 145 and quantified/semi-quantified 27 phenolic compounds in these Australian myrtles. Furthermore, phenolic contents (total phenolic content (TPC), total condensed tannins (TCT), and total flavonoids (TFC)) and antioxidant potential of phenolic extracts from the leaves of Australian myrtles were quantified. Aniseed myrtle was quantified with the highest TPC (52.49 ± 3.55 mg GAE/g) and total antioxidant potential than other selected myrtles. Catechin, epicatechin, isovitexin, cinnamic acid, and quercetin were quantified as Australian myrtles’ most abundant phenolic compounds. Moreover, chemometric analysis further validated the results. This study provides a new insight into the novel potent bioactive phenolic compounds from Australian myrtles that could be potentially useful for functional, nutraceutical, and therapeutic applications.

Field screening and identification of biochemical indices of pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) resistance in chickpea mutants

Chickpea pod borer (CPB) (Helicoverpa armigera) is one of the major pests, causing significant yield losses. The objectives were to screen chickpea mutants for pod borer resistance/tolerance under field conditions and identification of biochemical markers of tolerance. Chickpea mutant CM216-A/15 had highest leaf (25 trichomes/mm2) and stem trichome density (17 trichomes/mm2) with least pod damage at Kallur Kot and highest pod weight per plant (22.8 ± 2.6g) at AZRI. Higher total phenolic contents (TPCs) and antioxidant capacity were detected in tolerant mutants, i.e., CM216-A/15 and CM664/15. TPC was positively associated with pod yield and had negative correlation with pod damage. Mutants CM216-A/15, CM664/15, and CM766/15 depicted the highest resilience to CPB, owing to higher hairiness, better antioxidant defense response, and lower levels of hydrolytic enzymes and sugars. Identified biochemical markers like TPC, total oxidant status, superoxide dismutase, and pigments can be used for screening of CPB-tolerant/resistant mutants.

Antioxidant and toxicity activities of kayu manis hutan (Cinnamomum iners Reinw. Ex Blume Laureceae) leaf extracts

Cinnamomum iners Reinw. ex Blume Laureceae which is known in Malaysia as “kayu manis” has a wide range of traditional applications for certain plant parts, including the leaves, bark, and stem and it has pharmacological features, including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity. Unfortunately, there is a lack of reports regarding the antioxidant and toxicity activities of ethanolic C. iners crude leaf extracts. The objective of the study was to determine the total phenolic content and its antioxidant activities of ethanolic C. iners crude leaf extracts from two different age maturity, as well as its toxicity activity. The extracts were tested for total phenolic content and its antioxidant activities in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryllhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging- and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay. The toxicity assay was tested using brine shrimp (Artemia salina) lethality assay. The total phenolic content of the extracts for young and old leaves C. iners resulted in 248.06±12.77 and 351.11±8.62 mg GAE/g dw, respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging showed results for young and old leaf extracts were IC50 of 31.92 µg/mL and 27.62 µg/mL, respectively. Meanwhile, the value of FRAP for young and old leaf extracts were 8.574±0.21 and 9.155±0.36 TEAC mg/g dw, respectively. The ABTS antioxidant activity for the young and old leaf extracts were 305.23±7.02 and 316.86±8.22 Trolox equivalence mg/g dw, respectively. Based on the toxicity assay, both young and old leaf extracts exhibited LC50 at 19.627 and 13.201 mg/mL, respectively. The findings indicate that C. iners leaves crude extracts have exhibited high total phenolic content and antioxidant activity and the extracts were not toxic against brine shrimp. Thus, C. iners leaf extracts could be developed as potential natural antioxidant agents.

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.

Elemental and Radiological Characterisation of Arbutus unedo L. Leaves and Tea: Impact of Preparation Method on Nutritional Risk/Benefit.

The aim of this study was to characterise the elemental and radiological composition of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) leaves and tea preparations and compare it with commercial Uvin H herbal mixture, widely used in treatment of urinary tract infections. The concentration of 17 elements and the activity concentration of selected radionuclides were measured in strawberry tree leaves/Uvin H herbal mixture, as well as in herbal tea prepared by infusion or decoction of leaves for 5 or 10 min. In both leaves and tea preparations, Ca, K, Mg, and Na were the most abundant elements, while the lowest levels were measured for As, Co, Mo, and Se. Only 137Cs and 40K were detected in analysed leaves/herbal mixture, while the activity of radionuclides in tea preparations was below the detection limit. The maximum possible health benefits can be obtained by a 10-min decoction of leaves, which resulted in the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity and levels of K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, and Se in comparison to the other preparation methods evaluated in this study. The calculated intake of potentially toxic elements and radionuclides does not represent a health risk to consumers.

Bioactive Compounds and Nutrition of Thai Sauces in Retort Pouch and Physicochemical Properties Kinetics During Storage

The objectives of this study were to investigate the bioactive compounds, including carotenoids, flavonoids, total phenolics, antioxidant activity, and nutritional values of two ready-to-cook Thai sauces of stir-fry curry sauce (SCS) and spicy-sour sauce (SSS) in retort pouch and to investigate the kinetics of physicochemical properties, including lightness (L*), water activity, pH and total soluble solids, of the products during storage at 30°C and 55°C. The results showed that the temperature and time for sterilization of SCS (low acid foods) was 121°C for 43 minutes and SSS (acid foods) was 102°C for 31 minutes. The moisture content was between 57.9 and 63.2%. SCS had higher total fat, saturated fat, and calories because it contained soybean oil and chili paste, but SSS had higher sugar and sodium content than SCS. Trans fats and vitamin C were not detected in either product. SSS had a higher content of total phenols, carotenoids (especially capsanthin, zeaxanthin, and β-carotene) and antioxidants than SCS. The representation of the physicochemical properties of the products as a function of temperature and time resulted in a linear model (R2 = 0.7222 – 0.9772). L*, water activity, pH decreased, and TSS increased during the 90-day storage at both 30°C and 55°C. The change was more remarkable when stored at 55°C than 30°C.

Quality of Propolis Commercially Available on Podkarpacki Beekeeping Market

Abstract Eight samples of propolis commercially available on south-eastern Poland’s beekeeping market were compared in terms of quality, chemical composition and biological activity, including antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The organoleptic characteristics and physicochemical requirements indicated that only 50% of tested propolis samples was classified to class II regarding obligatory limits, while the others were out-class. A big variation in mineral composition was determined by the ICP-OES method but all samples were free of heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Ni). Although mesophilic bacteria, yeasts and moulds occurred in tested propolis (in general lower than 102 CFU/g), E. coli and spore-forming sulphite-reducing bacteria as well as Salmonella and Shigella bacteria were not detected. High antioxidant activity and total phenolic content for all samples was confirmed, which was correlated with antibacterial activity tested against E. coli ATCC 11775 strain. Additionally, the propolis sample with the strongest antibacterial activity (MIC 0.33 mg/mL) inhibited biofilm formation of S. aureus and S. epidermidis ATCC 35984 (MBIC 0.66 and 5.25 mg/mL, respectively). However, great variation in terms of antioxidant activity and HPLC polyphenolic profile were observed, and sakuranetin and pinobanksin were identified as the most effective antioxidant components. Moreover, the usefulness of ATR-FTIR spectra analysis was confirmed as a quick method for initial testing of propolis quality.

Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Potential of Tobacco Flower Extract in Different Solvents

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is a commercial plant that is extensively used, particularly for its leaves. Thus far, exploration on the flower part is still limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of tobacco flower extracts in different solvents. Tobacco flowers were macerated separately in methanol, ethanol, and n-hexane. Each extract was assayed by color reaction test to detect the phytochemical content. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu and DPPH methods, respectively. Flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and triterpenoids are detected in methanol and ethanol extract, anthraquinones is only detected in methanol, while glycosides and steroids are only detected in n-hexane extracts. Among the other extracts, the methanol extract was the richest in phytochemical compounds and had the highest TPC (132.589±0.662 mgGAE/g). However, tobacco flower extract in all solvents were less effective as antioxidant due to very high IC50 values (>500 µg/mL).

Exploring Bioactive Compounds in Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. Stem and their biological activities: Integration of GC-MS and LC-MS Techniques

Cajanus cajan, a well-known legume crop with nutritional significance, has been used traditionally for various therapeutic purposes. Despite its ethnomedicinal importance and rich metabolite composition, there have been limited investigations into the secondary metabolites present in its stems using advanced analytical techniques. This study aimed to enhance our understanding of the chemical composition and biological activities of underutilized C. cajan stems. GC-MS & LC-MS analysis revealed flavonoids as the stem's predominant secondary metabolites. The methanol extract exhibited potent antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans. Major bioactive compounds, including rutin, apiin, quercetrin, and aesculine, contributed to these beneficial effects. The study also revealed a high total phenolic content of 121.5 mg GAE/g in the stem extract, further establishing C. cajan stems as a valuable source of therapeutic molecules.

Survival of free and alginate-based microencapsulated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Pediococcus parvulus in sauerkraut

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of alginate and inulin-based microencapsulation on the viability of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HL4 and Pediococcus parvulus HL14 in sauerkraut. Sauerkraut maintianed the desired microencapsulated cell count (>6 log CFU/g) until the sixth week of storage. At the end of storage, MSL (samples containing L. plantarum HL4) had the highest total phenolic content (2536.50 mg GAE/L). However, at the end of storage, MSL and MSP (samples containing P. parvulus HL14) showed the highest DPPH value of 71.67% and 62.26% and ABTS+ value of 95.68% and 94.08%, respectively. The highest general assessment scores were achieved by samples containing L. plantarum HL4 and P. parvulus HL14. Consequently, the microcapsules demonstrated a protective effect on the strains, particularly P. parvulus. Furthermore, the strains have a high potential for sauerkraut production enriched with presumptive probiotics, and the final product could be acceptable to consumers.

Utilization of some fruit rinds in small ruminant feeding: nutritional characteristics determination.

Every year, thousands of tons of fruit wastes are produced worldwide while most of them remain unused and are released into the environment. Incorporation of these wastes to feedstuffs reduces competition between food and feed, and reduces environmental risks or methane yield in ruminants. Nevertheless, no comprehensive research was available on the nutritional properties of rinds of different fruits in small ruminant feeding. Hence, this research investigates the nutritional potential of some fruit's rinds (Kiwi, Tangerine, Grapefruit, Sweet lemon, Sour lemon, Banana, Mango, Orange, Apple, Peach, and Persimmon) by in vitro ruminal-microbial and standard laboratory methods. Persimmon rind had the higher total phenolic contents (TPC, 22mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry matter: DM) than the other treatments (P < 0.0001). The ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and ash contents of banana rind were greater (P < 0.0001), however its DM, relative feed value (RFV), and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) were lower than the other treatments (P < 0.0001). A different range of minerals was observed among fruit rinds along with a higher content of potassium (42.5g/kg DM) and manganese (49mg/kg DM) in banana rind (P < 0.0001). Persimmon (45.7ml/200mg DM) and sweet lemon (75.7ml/200mg DM) rinds recorded the lowest and highest potential gas production, respectively (P < 0.0001). Persimmon exhibited a lower percentage of methane (11.5%) rather than other rinds (P < 0.0001). The total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and metabolizable energy (ME) in sweet lemon, and dry matter digestibility (DMD) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) in tangerine were greater compared with other rinds. The rind of the banana exhibited the highest amounts of titratable acidity (283 mEq×10- 3), acid-buffering capacity (200 mEq×10- 3), and acid-base buffering capacity (260 mEq×10- 3) (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, the present rinds differed in chemical-nutritional characteristics. These rinds may feed as a substitute for conventional forages in the diets of small ruminants on a large scale throughout the year; however, these in vitro findings need to be scientifically validated under in vivo experiments.

Elucidation of heavy metal content, phenolic profiles, and antioxidant activities of kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) and arugula (Brassica eruca L.) grown in urban gardens in Istanbul.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of two distances: close (0-10m) and far (60m) from the heavy traffic roadside, at three different cultivation sites (MS: Mevlanakapi-Silivrikapi, SB: Silivrikapi-Belgradkapi, and BY: Belgradkapi-Yedikule kapi) along the road line. First, the phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and physicochemical properties in kale and arugula vegetables were examined. Second, heavy metal concentrations in vegetables, soil, and irrigated water were investigated. In both vegetables, the highest total phenolic content was detected in samples obtained from far distance in SB site (3880.3mg/kg) for kale and in BY site (1459.9mg/kg) for arugula, whereas the lowest content was found at the close distance in MS site for both kale (448.5mg/kg) and arugula (586.4mg/kg). The antioxidant activity values [mg Trolox/kg (dw)] ranged from 366.74 to 586.10 and 2349.00 to 3757.4 for kale and from 520.00 to 945.60 and 3323.00 to 5814.70 for arugula in 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl methods, respectively. The levels of Cd and Hg in kale and arugula and Fe content in arugula exceeded FAO/WHO permissible limits, making them unsafe for human consumption. Meanwhile, the Pb content in kale and arugula and Fe content in kale were observed to be within acceptable limits set by FAO/WHO. In the irrigated water, the Pb value was below the permissible limit, whereas the Cd value was above it and no Hg and Fe were detected. In the soil samples, the Pb and Fe values were below the limit, whereas the Cd and Hg values were higher.

Phytochemical Contents, GC-MS Analysis and Hepatoprotective Effect of the Methanol Leaf Extract of Camelliasinensis (L.) Kuntze on Paracetamol-Induced Liver Injury in Wistar Rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: _Camellia sinensis_ is a tree popularly called green tea used as a strong antioxidant and for treating diseases such as cancer. This present study was aimed at assessing the phytochemicals and evaluating the hepatoprotective activity of leaf extract in Wistar rats. METHODS: The phytochemical screening was performed by standard methods, GC-MS analysis was carried out in Agilent 7890 A GC coupled to a MS detector, acute toxicity study was evaluated by the OECD guidelines, and hepatoprotective activity were evaluated in randomly groups of five rats of six rats in paracetamol-induced liver toxicity, while liver biomarkers were evaluated using automated methods. RESULTS: The phytochemical screening of leaf extract revealed the presence of major metabolites. The GC-MS analysis showed 18 bioactive compounds which are mainly fatty acids with retention times between 7.436 and 18.462 min. A high total phenolic content (TPC) of 1425.22 mg GAE/g and a total flavonoid content (TFC) of 802.01 mg QE/g were obtained. The acute toxicity did not produce any sign of toxicity at a dose of 5,000 mg/kg of extract. The extract produced a dose-dependent activity on the liver. These protections were statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) when compared to the standard drug silymarin. There were no elevated values in liver function biomarkers in all the animal groups as well as histopathological damages to the liver after eight weeks of treatment at 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. of extract doses. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the study showed that _C. sinensis_ methanol leaf extract contains important phytochemicals that are protective against paracetamol-induced liver injuries, thus, the plant was considered safe for use as ethnomedicinal remedies for liver disease in traditional medicine.

Characterization of Bioactive Metabolites and Antioxidant Activities in Solid and Liquid Fractions of Fresh Duckweed (Wolffia globosa) Subjected to Different Cell Wall Rupture Methods.

Fresh Wolffia globosa, the smallest flowering plant well-known for its favorable nutrient composition and rich content of bioactive compounds, was subjected to boiling, freeze-thawing, and mechanical crushing to reduce its excessive (95-96%) moisture level and consequent drying time. The resultant three wolffia matrixes were filtered through a plankton net to fractionate into the residue and the filtrate. The proximate composition, bioactive metabolites, antioxidant activity, and characterization of bioactive metabolites by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were made from oven-dried residues and filtrates. Among residues, crude protein (29.84%), crude lipid (5.77%), total carotenoids (TCC; 722.8 μg/g), and vitamin C (70.02 mg/100 g) were the highest (p < 0.05) for freeze-thawing against higher ash (7.99%), total phenolic content (TPC; 191.47 mg GAE g-1 dry weight), total flavonoid content (TFC; 91.54 mg QE g-1 dry weight), DPPH activity (47.46%), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity (570.19 μmol FeSO4 equiv/mg) for the crushed counterpart and Chl-b in residues from boiling. No significant variation was evident in the total tannin content (TTC). Among filtrates, higher total phenolic content (773.29 mg GAE g-1 dry weight), TFC (392.77 mg QE g-1 dry weight), TTC (22.51 mg TAE g-1), and antioxidant activity as DPPH activity (66.46%) and FRAP (891.62 μmol FeSO4 equiv/mg) were evident for boiling, while that from crushing exhibited the highest TCC (1997.38 μg/g DM). LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis identified 72 phenolic compounds with the maximum in residue (33) and filtrate (33) from freeze-thawing, followed by crushing (18 and 19) and boiling (14 and 13) in order, respectively. The results indicated that the predrying cell rupturing method significantly impacted quantitative, as well as qualitative compositions of residues and filtrates from fresh wolffia.

Evaluation of Blue Honeysuckle Berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) Dried at Different Temperatures: Basic Quality, Sensory Attributes, Bioactive Compounds, and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity.

This study aims to comprehensively investigate the effects of hot-air dehydration on the quality of blue honeysuckle berries (Lonicera caerulea L.). The results demonstrated that drying with hot air at 40-65 °C for 7-72 h resulted in blue honeysuckle berries with a moisture content of 0.21-1.10 g H2O/g dry weight. Generally, low to medium temperatures (40-55 °C) showed a better effect on the quality than high temperatures (60-65 °C). Specifically, drying at 40 °C exclusively resulted in better retention of cuticular wax, the best sensory appearance, and the highest total phenolic content. Drying at 45 °C and 50 °C resulted in the highest antioxidant capacity and the optimal sensory flavor. Drying at 55 °C led to the highest soluble solid/acid ratio, ascorbic acid concentration, total flavonoid, and total anthocyanin. The work introduces an innovative raw berry product and provides a comprehensive practical and theoretical framework for convective dehydration of blue honeysuckle berries.

Shining insights: Deciphering the biogenic synthesis of Ajuga bracteosa-mediated gold nanoparticles with advanced microscopy techniques.

In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were bioreduced from Ajuga bracteosa, a medicinal herb known for its therapeutic properties against various diseases. Different fractions of the plant extract were used, including the methanolic fraction (ABMF), the n-hexane fraction (ABHF), the chloroform fraction (ABCF), and the aqueous extract for AuNPs synthesis. The characterization of AuNPs was performed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, FT-IR, XRD, EDX, and TEM. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed the formation of AuNPs, with peaks observed at 555 nm. FT-IR analysis indicated strong capping of phytochemicals on the surface of AuNPs, which was supported by higher total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) in AuNPs. XRD results showed high crystallinity and a smaller size distribution of AuNPs. TEM analysis revealed the spherical shape of AuNPs, with an average size of 29 ± 10 nm. The biologically synthesized AuNPs exhibited superior antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities compared to the plant extract fractions. The presence of active biomolecules in A. bracteosa, such as neoclerodan flavonol glycosides, diterpenoids, phytoecdysone, and iridoid glycosides, contributed to the enhanced biological activities of AuNPs. Overall, this research highlights the potential of A. bracteosa-derived AuNPs for various biomedical applications due to their remarkable therapeutic properties and effective capping by phytochemicals. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: This research underscores the growing significance of herbal medicine in contemporary healthcare by exploring the therapeutic potential of Ajuga bracteosa and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The study highlights the notable efficacy of A. bracteosa leaf extracts and AuNPs in treating bacterial infections, demonstrating their bactericidal effects on a range of strains. The anti-inflammatory properties of plant extracts and nanoparticles are evidenced through paw edema method suggesting their applicability in managing inflammatory conditions. These findings position A. bracteosa and AuNPs as potential candidates for alternative and effective approaches to modern medication.

The use of Phytochemical, GC-MS Analysis and Hepatoprotective Effect of the Methanol Leaf Extract of Camellia Sinensis (L.) Kuntze on Paracetamol-Induced Liver Injury in Wistar Rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Camellia sinensis is a tree popularly called green tea used as a strong antioxidant and for treating diseases such as cancer. This present study was aimed at assessing the phytochemicals and evaluating the hepatoprotective activity of leaf extract in Wistar rats. METHODS: The phytochemical screening was performed by standard methods, acute toxicity study and hepatoprotective activity were evaluated in randomly groups of five rats or six rats in paracetamol-induced liver toxicity. RESULTS: The phytochemical screening of leaf extract revealed the presence of major metabolites. The GC-MS analysis showed 18 bioactive compounds which are mainly fatty acids with retention times between 7.436 and 18.462 min. A high total phenolic content (TPC) of 1425.22 mg GAE/g and a total flavonoid content (TFC) of 802.01 mg QE/g were obtained. The acute toxicity did not produce any sign of toxicity at a dose of 5,000 mg/kg of extract. The extract produced a dose-dependent activity on the liver. These protections were statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) when compared to the standard drug silymarin. There were no elevated values in liver function biomarkers in all the animal groups as well as histopathological damages to the liver after eight weeks of treatment at 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. of extract doses. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the study showed that C. sinensis methanol leaf extract contains important phytochemicals that are protective against paracetamol-induced liver injuries, thus, the plant was considered safe for use as ethnomedicinal remedies for liver disease in traditional medicine.

Preparation, Characterization and Application of Active Food Packaging Films Based on Sodium Alginate and Twelve Varieties of Mandarin Peel Powder.

The industrial processing of mandarin fruits yields a large amount of peel waste, resulting in economic losses and environmental pollution. The peels of mandarin fruits are a good source of biomass and active substances that can be used to produce food packaging systems. In this study, active food packaging films were prepared based on sodium alginate and twelve varieties of mandarin peel powder. The structures, properties, and corn oil packaging performance of the films were compared. Results showed that the twelve varieties of mandarin peel powder differed in pectin, lipid, protein, crude fiber, and total phenol contents. The prepared films all exhibited a yellow color, 117.73-152.45 μm thickness, 16.39-23.62% moisture content, 26.03-90.75° water contact angle, 5.38-8.31 × 10-11 g m-1 s-1 Pa-1 water vapor permeability, 5.26-12.91 × 10-20 m2 s-1 Pa-1 oxygen permeability, 4.87-7.90 MPa tensile strength, and 13.37-24.62% elongation at break. Notably, the films containing mandarin peel powder with high pectin and lipid contents showed high moisture/oxygen barrier ability and mechanical properties. The films containing mandarin peel powder with high total phenol content exhibited high antioxidant- and antimicrobial-releasing abilities and good performance in delaying corn oil oxidation. Overall, the results suggested that the films have good application potential in active food packaging.