Mg Of Gallic Acid Equivalents Research Articles

Cold plasma/alkaline pretreatment facilitates corn stalk fractionation and valorization towards zero-waste approach

The present study employed alkaline hydrogen peroxide pretreatment coupled with cold plasma for corn stalk’s complex biopolymers fractionation and valorization through enzymatic hydrolysis. This hurdle approach enables the prolonged generation of reactive oxidative species, initiating chemical reactions otherwise hardly possible under ambient conditions. A delignification rate between 76±1 and 86±2 % was obtained under different process parameters in a significantly shorter time compared to conventional alkaline pretreatment. Up to 94±4 % of cellulose in treated biomass was converted to glucose after enzymatic hydrolysis, achieving around 3.5 times higher glucose yield than the raw biomass. Different spectroscopic analyses confirmed specific alterations in the structure of the lignin-rich fraction caused by cold plasma. Micro- and nanoscale lignin particles obtained were rich in total phenolic content, reaching up to 140±20 and 107±12 µg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per mg of lignin, respectively. The proposed concept of corn stalk fractionation through biorefinery can open new opportunities for valorizing different agricultural waste types.

Maximizing Bioactive Compound Extraction from Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) Peels through Green Pretreatment Techniques

This study explored the use of mandarin peels as an important source of health-promoting compounds by utilizing green methods (i.e., pulsed electric field and ultrasound-assisted extraction), along with conventional stirring. The impact of several extraction parameters, such as extraction duration, temperature, and solvent composition, on the recovery of bioactive compounds was evaluated through a response surface methodology. To identify the most effective conditions for all assays, a partial least-squares analysis was implemented. It was revealed that a combination of the above techniques was optimal at 80 °C for 30 min, with 75% v/v of ethanol in water as the extraction solvent. The concentration of bioactive compounds in the optimum extract had a total polyphenol content of 18.69 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram of dry weight (dw), and an ascorbic acid concentration of 18.25 mg/g dw. However, correlation analyses revealed a rather negative relationship between these bioactive compounds. The chromatographic analysis of optimum extracts supported this result by quantifying 20.53 mg/g dw of total individual polyphenols, with hesperidin being the dominant compound (13.98 mg/g dw). The antioxidant assays, including ferric-reducing antioxidant power and DPPH• inhibition activity, were measured at 123.21 and 65.12 μmol of ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE) per gram of dw, respectively. This research enhances the valorization of mandarin peels as a renewable source of bioactive compounds, providing the opportunity to generate high-added-value products from food waste in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Phytochemical Profiling and <i>In-vitro</i> Assessment of Antiproliferative Effects of Extracts of Freshwater Microalgae, <i>Poterioochromonas malhamensis</i>

The development of anticancer drugs remains a formidable challenge. Poterioochromonas malhamensis, known for its predatory nature on microbes and plankton, was investigated for anticancer properties. This study screened and quantified phytochemicals using LC-MS and evaluated the anticancer effects of aqueous ethanol extracts of P. malhamensis from Tavanampalli's freshwater bodies. Phytochemical analysis by HR-LCMS detected proteins, phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The extract contained 87.75 mg of quercetin equivalents, 134.55 mg of gallic acid equivalents, and 72.64 mg of bovine serum albumin equivalents per gram of dry weight. LC-MS also identified amino acids, fatty acids, amides, and esters in the extract. Antiproliferative activity was assessed using MTT assay, AO/ETBR, and Annexin V/Propidium iodide (PI) staining assays. The extract exhibited IC50 values of 95.09 µg, 103.63 µg, 162.14 µg, 339.30 µg, and 355.18 µg with A375, HepG2, HeLa, HT29, and A549 cell lines, respectively, outperforming cisplatin, which had IC50 values of 3.56 µg, 4.87 µg, 3.88 µg, 7.23 µg, and 4.65 µg. This study is the first to report the antiproliferative activity of P. malhamensis, broadening the scope of research in anticancer compound discovery.

ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS FROM MYRTUS COMMUNIS CALLUS

This study was aimed to evaluate atotal phenolic content, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant activity of M. communis callus extracts were evaluated. Callus induction in general Murashige and Skoog (MS) media is completed by the Benzil adenine's unique knowledge of callus formation. A well diffusion experiment was used to examine antibacterial interest in Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The DPPH radical scavenging activity test was used to measure antioxidant activity. FTIR and HPLC have been used to pinpoint the presence of polyphenol compounds in calluses. The total phenol content of plant leaves extract (0.1, 0.5, and 1) mg/ml was 42.12, 94.08, and 189 mg of Gallic acid equivalents GAE/g, respectively. Bacterial growth was greatly inhibited by the polyphenol extract from the callus. In comparison to ascorbic acid, the polyphenol extract from the sample has a very high level of 90.17 percent with substantial at P ≤0.05 antioxidant capabilities. There was evidence of phenolic–OH stretching, C-H stretching, aromatic C=C, and C–O stretching in the polyphenol fraction of the M. communis callus that was analyzed using FTIR. According to past research, this is a good fit HPLC revealed the presence of phenolic compounds in the callus. The antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the callus polyphenol may be extrapolated from this study.

Guide for Optimization of Olive Leaf Extraction and Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesis as an Initial Step for Pilot Plant Design.

This account presents the results of two successful optimization processes. First, a polyphenol-rich aqueous olive extract was obtained and then silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized with high efficiency. Selected parameters for both processes were optimized based on the procedure of the Box-Behnken multifactorial design. The independent variables in the extraction process were the biomass/water ratio, temperature, and time. For AgNPs synthesis, the independent variables were the volume of olive extract, temperature, and process duration. The relationship between the process parameters was visualized graphically by using the response surface methodology. A high fit of the experimental data with the predicted models was shown. The regression coefficients were high, 0.9936 for extraction and 0.9757 for AgNPs biosynthesis. The extraction efficiency under its optimal conditions was as follows: biomass/solvent ratio 0.016, temperature 80 °C for 80 min, and yield 160.67 [μg GAE (gallic acid equivalent)/mL]. The highest yield of AgNPs synthesis, equal to 1.955, was obtained when it was carried out for 50 min at 75 °C with the application of 11 mL of extract. Studies on the AgNPs suspension's stability depending on the extract amount were demonstrated. A physicochemical analysis using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy images, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for AgNPs obtained under optimal conditions was shown. Finally, a pilot-scale biosynthesis of AgNPs was designed.

Isolation and Identification of Lichen Photobionts Collected from Different Environments in North of Portugal and Evaluation of Bioactivities of Their Extracts.

Lichens are organisms constituted by a symbiotic relationship between a fungus (mycobiont) and a photoautotrophic partner (photobiont). Lichens produce several bioactive compounds; however, the biotechnological exploitation of this organism is hampered by its slow growth. To start studying the possibility of exploiting lichens as alternative sources of bioactive compounds, eighteen lichens were collected in the north of Portugal in order to isolate and study the bioactivity of their photobionts. It was possible to isolate and cultivate only eight photobionts. Three of them, LFR1, LFA2 and LCF3, belong to the Coelastrella genus, the other two (LFA1 and LCF1) belong to the Chlorella genus and for the remaining three photobionts, LFS1, LCA1 and LCR1, it was impossible to isolate their microalgae. These only grow in consortium with bacteria and/or cyanobacteria. All extracts showed antioxidant activity, mainly at a concentration of 10 mg.mL-1. LFS1, a consortium extract, showed the highest antioxidant power, as well as the highest concentration of phenolic compounds (5.16 ± 0.53 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE).g-1). The extracts under study did not show significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Listeria or Salmonella. The Coelastrella sp. and LFA1 extracts showed the highest hyaluronidase inhibition. The LFR1 extract at a concentration of 5 mg.mL-1 showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity (79.77 ± 7.66%). The extracts of Coelastrella sp. and LFA1 also showed greater antidiabetic activity, demonstrating the high inhibitory power of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. LFR1 at a concentration of 5 mg.mL-1, due to its selective cytotoxicity inhibiting the growth of cancer cells (Caco-2 cells), is a promising anticancer agent.

Antioxidant Activity of Carob Tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) Leaf Extracts Obtained by Advanced Extraction Techniques

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a widely spread Mediterranean evergreen tree whose plant parts are rich in bioactive compounds with potential for application in functional food production. Carob leaves are the least explored part of the plant, and the main compounds of interest are polyphenols. Advanced extraction techniques, such as pressurized liquid (PLE), microwave-assisted (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted (UAE) extraction have not been sufficiently explored for their potential in extracting these compounds. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to optimize the parameters (temperature and time) of PLE, MAE and UAE of carob leaf polyphenols, characterize the individual compounds by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS2) and determine the antioxidant activity of the extracts. The optimal temperature and time were 160 °C/5 min for PLE, resulting in a total phenolic content of 68.21 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) g−1. For MAE and UAE, the optimal conditions were 70 °C/10 min, under which total phenolic contents of 78.80 and 55.98 mg GAE g−1 were achieved, respectively. A total of 26 compounds, represented mainly by myricetin, quercetin-3-rhamnoside and gallic acid, were identified in extracts obtained by all three extraction techniques. All extracts showed high antioxidant activity (0.46–1.05 and 0.50–0.58 mmol TE g−1 for FRAP and DPPH, respectively), which correlated with the polyphenolic content and was affected by the concentration of ascorbic acid (0.03–0.52 mg mL−1), confirming that carob leaf extracts obtained by advanced extraction possess high potential for application in functional food products.

The Effects of Different Drying Methods on the In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Phenolics, Antioxidant Capacity, and Morphology of European Plums (Prunes domestica L.).

Four different drying methods, hot-air-drying (HAD), vacuum-drying (VD), ultrasound-assisted vacuum-drying (US-VD), and freeze-drying (FD), were used to obtain dried plums (Prunes domesticaL.). These prunes were evaluated for their physical properties (such as color, rehydration ratio, and microstructural properties), phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activities before and after being subjected to in vitro digestion. TPC (total phenolic content) of plums ranged from 196.84 to 919.58 mg of GAE (gallic acid equivalent)/100 g of dw, and neochlorogenic acid was the most abundant phenolic compound. FD prunes had the highest levels of phenolics, whereas US-VD caused the most significant loss. During in vitro digestion, the phenolics were present at higher levels at the gastric medium but failed to maintain their stability at the small intestinal stage. Among the samples, FD along with HAD prunes exhibited a higher bioaccessibility index for most of the phenolic compounds. The ratios of TPC, TFC (total flavonoid content), and individual phenolics determined in the digested residues to the initial values of the undigested samples ranged from 0.23 to 31.03%. It could be concluded that the majority of the phenolics were extracted during digestion. Our findings showed that the different drying methods would alter the microstructure, which would affect the extractability and release of phenolics in the simulated digestion model.

Investigation on the antioxidant compounds and antioxidant capacity of Romanian Prunus species

The current investigation delineates the application of the photochemiluminescence assay in two distinct extracts, namely hydrophilic and lipophilic, alongside the utilization of the DPPH method to quantify the antioxidative potential of five fruits belonging to the Prunus genus (sweet cherry, sour cherry, apricot, peach and plum). The findings of this study revealed that the analyzed fruit samples exhibited noticeable concentrations of phenolic compounds ranging from 31.14 ± 0.29 to 171.61 ± 0.98 mg of Gallic Acid Equivalent per 100 g of fresh weight. In reference to the flavonoid content, the observed concentrations ranged from 8.61±0.19 to 22.15 ± 0.31 mg Rutin Equivalent per 100 g fresh weight, whereas the anthocyanin content displayed concentrations ranging between 0.26 ± 0.01 and 5.26 ± 0.51 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent per 100 g fresh weight. Remarkably, the sour cherry exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity among the tested fruits in both hydrophilic and lipophilic systems, followed by sweet cherry and apricot.

Seasonal effect on phenolic content and antioxidant activity of young, mature and senescent leaves from Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis (Basellaceae).

Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis is a vine species native to Brazil that is considered an unconventional food plant and a medicinal species whose phenolic compounds exert antioxidant activity. Since the production of metabolites is determined by environmental factors and leaf maturity, it is important to track these changes in order to determine the best time to harvest. This study aimed to verify whether leaf phenology and seasonality cause variations in the amount of phenolic compounds and in the antioxidant activity of this species. The leaves were collected in different seasons between September 2018 and April 2019, and separated according to maturity: young, mature, and senescent. Daily atmospheric temperature and rainfall data were used to characterize the collection period. The total phenolic content (TPC), determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method, was significantly higher in the young leaves collected in winter, a season of lower temperatures. These leaves showed 54.4 mg of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g of dry matter (mg GAE 100 g-1DM). Other results averaged 25.6 mg GAE 100 g-1DM. The highest antioxidant activity, assessed via the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, regardless of leaf phenology, was observed in leaves harvested in autumn (73.7%) and winter (71.1%), seasons with lower rainfall. Leaves harvested in summer and spring had lower antioxidant action rates (54.3 e 37.5%, respectively). There was no significant correlation between the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Thus, the phenolic composition of A. cordifolia, and consequently its activity on free radicals, varies seasonally in response to temperature and rainfall, and may or may not interact with the age of the leaves.

PHYTOCHEMICAL, PROXIMATE AND IN-VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ANALYSES OF Ageratum conyzoides LEAF

Before the emergence of pharmaceuticals, different cultures worldwide depended on medicinal plants to combat diseases. Ageratum conyzoides, an annual herb that possesses a rich record of medicinal use has been recognized for its pharmacological properties. This study aimed to examine the proximate content analysis, phytochemical components plus in-vitro antioxidant potentials of ethanol extract of A. conyzoides leaf (ELEAC). Standard procedures were employed to conduct proximate and mineral composition analysis as well as qualitative and quantitative phytochemical assessments, while in vitro antioxidant assays were done using 1,1- Diphenyl2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), Total Phenol Content (TPC) assays. Qualitative phytochemical assessment recorded the presence of saponins, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenols, and flavonoids. Proximate and mineral analysis revealed high carbohydrate content (84.97%), along with crude protein (1.53%), crude fat (3.27%), moisture (9.00%), Magnesium (42.30 mg/L), Sodium (73.21 mg/L) and Iron (4.30 mg/L). The extract exhibited a % DPPH radical scavenging activity of 44.63 at 200 µg/ml and 56.05 at 1000 µg/mL while the FRAP assay indicated a concentration-dependent increase in absorbance from 0.544 at 20 µg/mL to 0.756 at 100 µg/ml. TPC of the extract was quantified as 1.40 µg gallic acid equivalent/ mg of residue at 200 µg/mL and 2.22 µg gallic acid equivalent/ mg of residue at 1000 µg/mL. In conclusion, this study affirms the presence of medicinal phytochemicals in A. conyzoides. The identified phytochemicals, nutrients, and minerals with the demonstrated antioxidant activities, lend credibility to the traditional use of A, conyzoides in herbal medicine.

Broccoli Leaves (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) as a Source of Bioactive Compounds and Chemical Building Blocks: Optimal Extraction Using Dynamic Maceration and Life Cycle Assessment

Bioactive compounds (BACs) and chemical building blocks (CBBs) play a pivotal role in driving economic growth. These compounds, known for their diverse applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and manufacturing, have become integral to meeting the increasing demand for sustainable and innovative products. In this research, we used and characterized dynamic maceration to extract BACs and CBBs from broccoli leaves (BLs). A central composite design (CCD) was selected to evaluate the effect of temperature (from 4 °C to 70 °C), ethanol concentration (from 30% to 70% (v/v)), and exposition time (15 to 60 min) on total phenolic content (TPC) (mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAEs) per 100 g of dry biomass (db)). A confirmation experiment (CE) was performed to reproduce the optimal conditions (50 °C, 36.92 min, and 30% (v/v)) for BAC extraction. Results indicated a GAE concentration of 112.95 ± 0.92 mg/100 g db, while the statistical model predicted a value of 111.87 mg of GAEs/100 g db (error of 0.95%) with a rate constant (k) value of 0.0154 mg/g·min (R2 of 0.9894). BACs and CBBs were identified with gas chromatography–electron impact mass spectrometry detecting l-isoleucine, l-leucine, malonic acid, and succinic acid, among others. Finally, a life cycle inventory (LCI) was developed to determine global warming (GW) and water consumption (WC), among others, for 10 g of BL extract. Findings reported herein prove the sustainability of eco-friendly extraction of BACs and CBBs for the effective use of agricultural by-products.

Cladonia rangiformis Acetone Extract— New Insight into the Chemical Composition and Biological Activity

Introduction Cladonia rangiformis, also known as reindeer lichen, has been used for various remedies in folk medicine. The rich nutritional value of this lichen is reflected in the fact that it contains atranorin, which has been proven to have numerous biological activities. Objective The chemical composition, antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antigenotoxic activities of the C. rangiformis acetone extract were investigated. The novelty of this work is that anticholinesterase activity, protective effect on human lymphocytes, and antioxidant activity by the cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) method of C. rangiformis extract were determined for the first time, as well as gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profile. Methods Chemical composition was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-diode array detector and GC-MS. Antigenotoxic effect was evaluated in human lymphocytes by cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. Total phenolic content, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging capacities, CUPRAC, and total reducing power were determined spectrophotometrically. Determination of acetylcholinesterase activity was performed by Ellman's colorimetry assay. The statistical analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA) was performed using Origin software package version 7.0. Results HPLC method was used to identified 3 compounds with atranorin as predominant constituent (97.2%). Fumarprotocetraric and atraric acid were represented in a much smaller mutually approximate amount, 0.3 and 0.5%, respectively. Rangiformic acid was the most abundant volatile compound. Acetone extract of C. rangiformis (2 μg/mL) decreased the frequency of micronuclei by 15.5% while the radioprotectant amifostine reduced the frequency of occurrence of micronuclei by 11.4%. On the contrary, at a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL the extract exhibited an activating effect on cholinesterase (2.0%), while at a concentration of 10.0 mg/mL it showed a weak inhibitory effect (7.3%). The total phenol content was 132.71 μg gallic acid equivalents per mg of dry extract. The IC50 value for the DPPH experiment was 16.19 mg/mL and for ABTS was 11.80 mg/mL. Cupric reducing capacity and total reducing power were 17.81 μg Trolox equivalents per mg of dry extract and 0.45 μg ascorbic acid equivalents per mg of dry extract, respectively. Conclusion In addition to previously identified compounds in the acetone extract, atraric acid was identified for the first time by using HPLC method, and orcinol, β-orcinol, lauric alcohol, atranol, and rangiformic acid by using GC-MS method. The results of biological activity proved that acetone extract had antioxidant capacity and weak anticholinesterase activity. Reduction of the number of micronuclei in human lymphocytes, classified C. rangiformis as promising substances source with beneficial effects on DNA damage.

Influence of microwave pretreatment on the total phenolics, antioxidant activity, moisture diffusivity, and rehydration rate of dried sweet cherry.

The target of this work was to investigate the influence of microwave pretreatments (at five levels of 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 s) on the total phenolics content, antioxidant potential, mass transfer rate, effective moisture diffusivity (D eff), and rehydration rate of sweet cherries (SC). The drying duration of microwave-treated SC was shorter than the untreated sample. The average drying time of fresh SC microwaved for 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 s were 220, 205, 190, 175, and 150 min, respectively. The D eff values, total phenolics, and antioxidant capacity of microwave-treated SC were higher than the untreated sample. In this study, the SC D eff as determined by the second Fick law varied from 8.73 × 10-10 to 1.41 × 10-9 m2/s. The experimental data for the dehydration curves were fitted to different thin-layer equations, and the Midilli equation using the experimental constants best described the drying rate of SC. As the microwave pretreatment time increased from 0 to 120 s, the total phenolics and antioxidant capacity of dried SC increased from 1491.4 μg Gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry to 2272.1 μg GAE/g dry, and 54.47%-62.59% (p < .05). The microwave pretreatment enhanced the rehydration rate of dried SC. The rehydration percent of dried SC microwaved for 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 s were 127.27%, 136.63%, 136.91%, 137.07%, and 136.72%, respectively.

The Study on Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Taraxacum platycarpum H. Dahlstedt, Lonicera japonica Thunberg and Leonurus japonicus Houtt. Complex

Objectives: This study was designed to experiment with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of &lt;i&gt;Taraxacum platycarpum&lt;/i&gt; H. Dahlstedt, &lt;i&gt;Lonicera japonica&lt;/i&gt; Thunberg, and &lt;i&gt;Leonurus japonicus&lt;/i&gt; Houtt. complex (TLL) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell.Methods: The antioxidant activity of TLL was measured by FRAP assay, DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity. Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of TLL were measured by using standard methods. The anti-inflammatory effects of TLL were measured by NO production, biomarker production (PGE&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;, IL-1&lt;i&gt;β&lt;/i&gt;, IL-6, TNF-&lt;i&gt;α&lt;/i&gt;), mRNA expression level (iNOS, COX-2, IL-1&lt;i&gt;β&lt;/i&gt;, IL-6, TNF-&lt;i&gt;α&lt;/i&gt;) and protein expression level (ERK, JNK, p38).Results: Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents in TLL were 58.03±1.02 ㎎ of Gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g and 16.58±0.60 mg of Quercetin equivalents (QE)/g respectively. In FRAP assay, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity, a concentration-dependent increase in TLL was observed. To explore antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of TLL, RAW 264.7 cells were treated with TLL and LPS for 24 hours. Cell viability of RAW 264.7 cells were measured by adding EZ-Cytox, It was remarkably increased at 50, 100, 200 ㎍/㎖ concentrations of TLL. NO, ROS, iNOS, IL-1&lt;i&gt;β&lt;/i&gt;, IL-6, TNF-&lt;i&gt;α&lt;/i&gt;, ERK, JNK and p38 were remarkably decreased at 50, 100, 200 ㎍/㎖ concentrations of TLL compared to the control group. PGE&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; and COX-2 were remarkably decreased at 100, 200 ㎍/㎖ concentrationsConclusion: These results suggest that TLL complex has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Optimizing Ultrasonic-Assisted and Microwave-Assisted Extraction Processes to Recover Phenolics and Flavonoids from Passion Fruit Peels.

This study optimized the ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) processes to acquire phenolics and flavonoids from passion fruit peels using a mixture of ethanol, acetone, and water. An augmented simplex-centroid design was employed to find the suitable volume ratio among solvent ingredients to attain the highest extraction yield of phenolics and flavonoids. One-factor experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of UAE and MAE parameters on the recovery yield of phenolics and flavonoids before the two processes were optimized using Box-Behnken Design (BBD) models. The optimal UAE conditions for recovering phenolics and flavonoids from passion fruit peel powder (PFP) were 28 mL/g of liquid-to-solid ratio (LSR), 608 W of ultrasonic power, and 63 °C for 20 min to acquire total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) at 39.38 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram of dried basis (mg GAE/g db) and 25.79 mg of rutin equivalents per gram of dried basis (mg RE/g db), respectively. MAE conditions for attaining phenolics and flavonoids from PFP were 26 mL/g of LSR and 606 W of microwave power for 2 min to recover TPC and TFC at 17.74 mg GAE/g db and 8.11 mg RE/g db, respectively. The second-order kinetic model was employed to determine the UAE and MAE mechanism of TPC and TFC and the thermodynamic parameters of the extraction processes. The antioxidant activities of passion fruit peel extracts at optimal conditions were examined to compare the efficiency of UAE and MAE. This study establishes an effective approach for obtaining phenolics and flavonoids from passion fruit peels.

Effects of Antidesma thwaitesianum Müll. Arg. Fruit Extract on Radical Scavenging and Apoptotic Properties

Antidesma thwaitesianum Müll. Arg. is one of a tropical fruit which is a good source of phenolic compounds. Here, we investigated the in vitro radical scavenging activity and effect of chlorogenic acid (CGA) and A. thwaitesianum fruit extract (AFE) against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Chemical components in the extract were analyzed by colorimetric method and high performance liquid chromatography. The results exhibited that the amount of total phenolic and total flavonoid contents in AFE were 25.486 ± 0.370 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g extract and 7.264 ± 0.312 mg of catechin equivalents (CE)/g extract, respectively, while 114 μg/g crude extract CGA was detected in AFE. AFE showed scavenging activity against ABTS and DPPH radicals, with a 50% inhibition concentration of 11.435 ± 0.381 and 2.063 ± 0.022 mg/mL, respectively. Pretreatment with both CGA (10 µg/mL) and AFE (400 µg/mL) significantly restored cell viability in H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 macrophage cells, and only CGA at the concentrations of 5 and 10 µg/mL could protect cells from apoptosis. In conclusion, CGA-containing AFE has potent in vitro antioxidant activity and can increase the cell survival in H2O2-induced RAW264.7 macrophage cells. These results support the nutritional and medical value of A. thwaitesianum fruit for health-promoting benefits. Keywords: Antidesma thwaitesianum Müll. Arg., Chlorogenic acid, Antioxidant activity, Anti-apoptotic activity, RAW264.7 macrophage cells

Response Surface Optimization for the Enhancement of the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Citrus limon Peel.

Citrus limon is among the species of the genus Citrus that dominates the world market. It is highly nutritious for humans as it contains twice the amount of the suggested daily intake of ascorbic acid and is also a good source of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and other bioactive compounds. This study aimed to identify the optimal extraction procedures and parameters to obtain the maximum quantity of bioactive components from lemon peel by-products. Various extraction techniques, including stirring, ultrasound, and pulsed electric field, were evaluated, along with factors such as extraction time, temperature, and solvent composition. The results revealed that simple stirring for 150 min at 20 °C proved to be the most effective and practical method. The ideal solvent mixture consisted of 75% ethanol and 25% water, highlighting the crucial role of solvent composition in maximizing extraction efficiency. Among the extracted compounds were phenolics, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids. Under optimum extraction conditions, the extract was found to contain high total phenolic content (TPC) (51.2 mg of gallic acid equivalents, GAE/g dry weight), total flavonoid content (TFC) (7.1 mg of rutin equivalents, RtE/g dry weight), amounts of ascorbic acid (3.7 mg/g dry weight), and total carotenoids content (TCC) (64.9 μg of β-carotene equivalents, CtE/g). Notably, the extracts demonstrated potent antioxidant properties (128.9 μmol of ascorbic acid equivalents, AAE/g; and 30.3 μmol of AAE/g as evidenced by FRAP and DPPH assays, respectively), making it a promising ingredient for functional foods and cosmetics. The study's implications lie in promoting sustainable practices by converting lemon peel into valuable resources and supporting human health and wellness through the consumption of natural antioxidants.

Comparison of Conventional and Green Extraction Techniques for the Isolation of Phenolic Antioxidants from Sea Fennel

In this study, different extraction methods were compared for the isolation of bioactive phenolic compounds from sea fennel: microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and conventional solvent extraction (CSE). Total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins were determined spectrophotometrically. In contrast, the determination of individual phenolics was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with an ultraviolet/visible detector (HPLC-UV/VIS). Two in vitro assays (ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH)) were performed to determine antioxidant activity. The maximum extraction of phenolic compounds was achieved with 50% ethanol, while the MAE method showed the highest extraction efficiency, with a total phenolic content of more than 25 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mg and a chlorogenic acid content of more than 10 mg/g, respectively. The highest antioxidant potential was also observed in the samples from MAE (the FRAP value ranged from 173 to 185 µmol Fe2+/g, and the DPPH inhibition ranged from 55 to 59%), which was consistent with the extraction results. Although the phenolic antioxidants of sea fennel have been extensively studied recently, to the authors’ knowledge, this study was the first to evaluate the application of the new techniques for their isolation and to show the advantages of MAE compared to the other techniques used.

Biochemical, Nutritional and Microbiological Quality of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Fruit Pulp Marketed in Ouagadougou

Baobab pulp is consumed in Burkina Faso for its nutritional and health properties. This study aimed to evaluate biochemical, nutritional and microbiological quality of baobab pulp sold on the markets of Ouagadougou. A total of five samples were collected in five markets. Total aerobic mesophilic flora, Salmonella, Sighella, yeasts and molds, water content, total sugars, protein content, dry matter, pH, Ash content and total phenolic content were determined by standard methods. Water content were ranged between 9.25 and 9.85% with an average of 9.63%; Ash content, between 4.07 to and 9.98 % with an average of 5.67%; total sugars were from 49.84 to 56.85 % with an average of 52.58 %; dry matter ranged, from 90.14 to 90.74 with an average of 90.36 and a low protein content (2.95 to 5.30%) with an average of 3.95%. pH and total phenolic values are respectively from 4.78 to 5.06 with an average 4.96 and 1790.64 to 2385 with an average of 2029.31 mg of gallic acid equivalent. Total aerobic mesophilic flora (TMFA) revealed load of 7.73×107 to 1.06×108 CFU/mL and an absence of Salmonella and Sighella (SS) in 25 g. As for yeasts and molds, they varied from 1.00×105 CFU/mL to 2.91×105 CFU/mL. The biochemichal characteristics revealed the nutritional quality but the microbiological results, cases of non-compliance. However, cases of conformity were observed for Salmonella, Sighella, yeasts and molds. An interesting total sugars and total phenols and low proportions of protein were revealed. It is important to focus on microbiological quality to preserve consumer health.