Nutraceutical Properties Research Articles

Exogenous application of chemical elicitors affects crop yield and nutraceutical potential of yellow summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L. var. cylindrica) fruits

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of applying chitosan (CHT), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and salicylic acid (SA) during cultivation of yellow summer squash on selected nutraceutical properties. Plants treated with SA (3 mM) increased the number of fruits, fruit weight, and crop yield by 91.6, 51.4, and 188.8%, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). SA (3 mM) and MeJA (1.5 mM) increased the total phenolic content (TPC) by 19.3 and 39.8%, respectively. SA (3 mM) also increased total flavonoid content (TF) by 28.2% and the antioxidant capacity (AC) by 15.5–60.5%. The three elicitors CHT (1.5 g/L), MeJA (1.5 mM) and SA (3 mM) increased (13.3–17.4%) the cellular antioxidant activity (CCA) compared to the control. Among the treatments, SA (3 mM) was the most effective in enhancing crop yield and key nutraceutical properties while preserving postharvest quality. Although pronounced, CHT (1.5 g/L) and MeJA (1.5 mM) also contributed to crop yield, TPC, and CAA, underscoring their potential as complementary strategies to optimise the production and quality of yellow summer squash.

Nutraceutical and Ethnopharmacological Properties of Searsia lancea (L.f.) F.A.Barkley (Family Anacardiaceae): A Narrative Review.

<i>Searsia lancea </i>(L.f.) F.A.Barkley is an evergreen tree well-known for its edible fruits and is also widely used in traditional medicine. The current study was aimed at documenting medicinal and traditional uses of <i>S. lancea</i> and its phytochemical and pharmacological properties. Research articles on nutraceutical and ethnopharmacological properties of <i>S. lancea</i> were searched from online databases such as PubMed<sup>®</sup>, Web of Science, SciELO, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect<sup>®</sup>, SpringerLink<sup>®</sup> and Scopus<sup>®</sup> and also pre-electronic literature obtained from the university library. <i>Searsia lancea</i> is used as ethnoveterinary medicine and as traditional medicine for fever, measles, sores, wounds, diabetes, sexually transmitted infections, gastrointestinal problems and skin and respiratory infections. Chemical compounds identified from <i>S. lancea</i> include alcohol, alkane, amide, flavonoids, naphthalene, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, tannins, steroids, anthraquinones and volatile compounds. <i>Searsia lancea </i>crude extracts demonstrated anthelmintic, antibacterial, antimycobacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anticholinesterase (AChE), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cytotoxicity and nematicidal activities. This review highlights the need for detailed nutraceutical and ethnopharmacological studies of <i>S. lancea</i> focusing on its nutritional, phytochemical, biological and toxicological properties, <i>in vivo</i> and clinical studies.

Fruit quality retention and shelf-life extension of papaya through organic coating.

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a climacteric fruit which lose quality and shelf life quickly due to physiological decay and microbial infection after harvest. The study was conducted to evaluate newly applied clybio formulation (0.2%) along with the existing effective concentration of chitosan (1%), aloevera gel (50%), seaweed extract (1%) and uncoated papaya (control) fruits on post-harvest physicochemical properties and disease incidence when stored at 25±1°C and 85-90% relative humidity. Quality parameters were available up to 12 days of storage (DAS) for chitosan and clybio treated papaya where it was 9 DAS for aloevera gel and seaweed treated papaya and 6 DAS for control papaya. Before decay of all the coated papaya at 9 DAS, chitosan (1%) performed superior in retaining maximum reducing sugar (0.77%, 1.41% and 3.85% more than aloevera, seaweed and clybio application, respectively), β-carotene (10.94%, 12.5% and 9.89% greater than aloevera, seaweed and clybio coatings, respectively), total flavonoids content (18.36%, 29.81% and 25.29% better than aloevera, seaweed and clybio treatments, respectively), total antioxidant activity (21.85%, 68.2% and 47.91% than noted in aloevera, seaweed and clybio formulations, respectively) and potassium content (3.14% and 9.32% than aloevera and clybio treatments, respectively). In addition, clybio gave better results over chitosan up to completion of shelf life (12 DAS) such as retention of ascorbic acid (6.21%), non-reducing sugar (13.48%), magnesium content (8.31%) and disease incidence (20%). Thus, besides preserving nutraceutical property, chitosan and clybio coated papaya remained edible for further 6 days compared to control, and 3 days over aloevera gel and seaweed extract treatment. These findings suggest the use of chitosan and clybio formulation for preserving quality parameters and extending the storage life of papaya.

Exploring the Bioactives and Therapeutic Properties of Traditional Rice Landraces for Human Health and Food Security: A Review

Rice has been found to have anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory properties and it is believed to be due to its antioxidant properties. The research work on characterization of rice landraces for nutritional and medicinal properties is gaining importance due to increase in lifestyle related health issues such as diabetes, cancer, heart problems, obesity etc and increasing trend among consumers and profitable market is reversing and focusing towards traditional rice landraces. These rice land races exploited by the rural folks to treat to treat skin diseases, blood pressure, fever rheumatism, lactation and also uses as health tonic. Some of the rice landraces used in sidda and ayurvedic for exploiting curative value and is used in many medicinal preparations. Based on Vedic evidences, India was had more than 2,00,000 (2 lakh) rice varieties which is an huge biodiversity, genetically rich nation, no other nation in the world as that resources. The rice landraces cultivation are confined to certain pockets depending on the suitability of local climate and soil type, under varied quantity of water requirement, also having resistance to pest and diseases. Currently, a few hundreds of traditional landraces are in existenceand being cultivated in small pockets by farmers. Conserve the available landraces, the nutraceutical and nutritional properties in rice landraces, needs to be examined and validated with popularization. Indigenous cultivars will help for explore the scientific basis of therapeutic values by the scientist for sustaining food as well as the nutritional security and human health.

Anti-Obesogenic and Antioxidant Potential of Lychee Seed Flour in Zebrafish Fed a High-Fat Diet

Objective Obesity has become one of the major public health issues and is associated with various comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Lychee seeds are considered promising ingredients for developing functional foods owing to their nutraceutical properties and phytochemical composition. This study aimed to induce obesity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) through a hyperlipidic diet supplemented with different concentrations of lychee seed flour and to evaluate its effects on adipose tissue, biochemical parameters, oxidative stress, and caudal fin regeneration. Methods A total of 200 adult zebrafish were u anded and divided into five experimental groups: control, hyperlipidic diet (HFD), and HFD supplemented with 2%, 4%, and 6% lychee seed flour. After 12 wk of feeding, biochemical parameters (glycemia, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-HDL, aspartate aminotransferase-AST, alanine aminotransferase-ALT, and cortisol) and oxidative stress biomarkers, such as Catalase (CAT), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST), Glutathione (GSH), and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), were evaluated. Results The results showed that the HFD4% group exhibited a significant reduction in the diameter of visceral adipocytes compared with the control, HFD, and HFD2% groups. There was a higher prevalence of severe steatosis in the control and HFD groups and mild steatosis in the HFD6% group. The HFD4% and HFD6% groups had the lowest glycemic levels, whereas the HFD6% group had the highest HDL levels. Supplementation with lychee seed flour also positively modulated oxidative stress biomarkers, with increased CAT and GST activity in the HFD6% group and reduced ROS in the HFD4% and HFD6% groups compared with the HFD group. Conclusion It was concluded that adding 4 to 6% lychee seed flour may have beneficial effects on biochemical parameters and oxidative stress markers in HFD-fed zebrafish. The results indicate that lychee seed flour shows promise for use in foods and supplements targeting obesity prevention and management.

Peels of Edible Plants as Treasure Trove of Remarkable Nutraceutical Properties: Prospects for Medical Nutrition Therapy

Background: Despite the valuable bioactive compounds and potential health benefits, the peels of various plants, such as mango, pomegranate, yam, banana, red potato, pineapple etc, are commonly discarded. Recent discoveries have highlighted the pharmacological importance of these peels, which could have many therapeutic properties. Objective: This review aims to highlight the importance of edible peels in preventing and managing illnesses. The pharmacological features and nutritional contents of these peels are explored. Method: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on recent research that investigates the bioactive compounds, nutritional composition, and pharmacological effects of fruit peels. This information was retrieved from databases such as Pubmed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Research Gate. Results: This review's findings showed that some fruits' peels contain higher levels of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and essential minerals. Recycling plant peels can effectively reduce waste and implement efficient waste management practices. These by-products have been reported to contain abundant bioactive compounds that can be used in diverse industrial applications to enhance health and provide nutritional advantages. Conclusion: The pharmacological properties of edible peels emphasise their importance as natural therapeutic substances and functional foods. This review advocates for incorporating these by-products in dietary guidelines and medicinal therapies. Future research should focus on elucidating the processes by which the bioactive compounds in these peels exert their effects and exploring their potential therapeutic applications. This will help facilitate their integration into diets designed to enhance overall health.

Underutilized Mexican crop, runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus): A comprehensive review of nutritional and functional implications

Introduction. The scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.), also known as the runner or ayocote bean, is one of five Phaseolus species domesticated in Mesoamerica. It holds considerable economic importance, ranking third after P. vulgaris and P. lunatus. Despite its relevance, research on its bioactive compounds and potential health benefits still needs to be conducted. Objective: This review explores the nutritional composition, anti-nutritional factors, and bioactive compound levels of P. coccineus, emphasizing their implications for consumer health. Methodology: A comprehensive literature review, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, was conducted across electronic databases, identifying 163 relevant studies. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 studies were selected for analysis. Results: These studies highlighted P. coccineus as a potential source of nutraceutical properties and innovative food products aimed at enhancing nutritional quality. The bioactive compounds, including antioxidants and peptides, suggest benefits in preventing chronic diseases and promoting food security. Conclusions: However, further research is required to fully understand the composition of phenolic compounds, bioactive peptides, and anti-nutritional factors in P. coccineus, promoting its consumption as a functional food and novel dietary ingredient. Expanding its use in novel food formulations could enhance its dietary value and positively impact public health.

Quantification of cultivated edible mushrooms and wild edible mushrooms traded around Virunga National Park, in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo

The aim of this study was to estimate the quantities of cultivated edible mushrooms (CEM) and wild edible mushrooms (WEM) traded in the Virunga National Park (ViNP) in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Two hundred and sixteen (216) respondents were selected randomly as the sample size and they were divided evenly between growers and gatherers along each of the sites surveyed. The quantitative analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 26, at the 5% threshold. On the Beni-Mutwanga and Beni-Mangina axes, nine WEM species were identified in total. On the Goma-Rutshuru axis, there were six species, and on the Goma-Kitshanga-Mweso axis, there were five species. In all locations surveyed, only one species, Pleurotus ostreatus, was recognized by any of the growers. Termitomyces microcarpus had been chosen by fifty percent of respondents. The average yield that was acquired was 359 kg per crop cycle for all growers, while pickers got 78 kg during the short season (the rainy season from March to May) and 130 kg during the long season (the rainy season from September to January). Additionally, mushrooms provide essential nutrients, including selenium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin D, proteins and fiber. Given their long history as a food source, mushrooms are of significant importance in traditional medicine due to their healing capacities and properties. It has been demonstrated that mushrooms have beneficial effects on human health and the treatment of certain diseases. A number of nutraceutical properties have been identified in mushrooms, including the prevention and treatment of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, hypertension and high-risk stroke. Additionally, they are employed to diminish the probability of cancer invasion and metastasis due to their anti-tumoral characteristics. That is why, the introduction and training of farmers in the production of particular edible mushroom varieties may provide a new profitable annual income. These findings support the wild edible domestication (WED) (cultivation) of wild edible mushrooms in the surveyed areas, with the goal of increasing household income and thus contributing to in the conservation of the ViNP's ecosystems. Key words: North Kivu, quantification, wild edible mushrooms, cultivated edible mushrooms

Nutraceutical Properties of Thai Mulberry (Morus alba L.) and Their Effects on Metabolic and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Individuals with Obesity: A Randomized, Single-Blind Crossover Trial.

Background/Objectives: Mulberries exhibit antioxidant properties that may attenuate metabolic abnormalities. Kamphaeng Saen mulberry (KPS-MB-42-1) contains anthocyanins, polyphenols, and nutrients, but few studies have explored its benefits for human health. This study investigated the effects of a concentrated mulberry drink (CMD) from the KPS-MB-42-1 cultivar on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in obese individuals. Methods: A single-blind, randomized crossover clinical pilot trial was performed on individuals with obesity. Participants consumed 100 g of CMD daily, alternating with placebo for 6 weeks. Body composition, blood pressure, and blood samples were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results: This study was completed with 12 participants (7 men, 5 women, aged 30-55 years, BMI 32.1 ± 5.98 kg/m2) consuming CMD with 1041.90 mg total phenolic compounds and 35.34 mg total anthocyanins. No significant changes in body composition were observed. CMD consumption significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure, compared to baseline and placebo periods (p < 0.05). While total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C remained unchanged, triglycerides were significantly lower during CMD consumption compared to placebo periods (p < 0.05). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels were stable during CMD consumption but increased significantly with the placebo period (p < 0.05). C-reactive protein levels were also significantly lower during CMD consumption compared to placebo periods (p < 0.05). No changes in blood coagulation indicators (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and the international normalized ratio) were found. Conclusions: CMD improved metabolic markers, particularly regarding its antihypertensive effects. These findings highlight CMD's potential as a health drink for managing metabolic syndrome and preventing chronic diseases.

Nutraceutical Enrichment of Cracker with Incorporation of Bamboo Shoot and Green Gram Flour

Functional food products in the form of ready to eat (RTE) foods are gaining attention in recent years. Consumers are looking for the RTE with enhanced nutritional components and nutraceutical properties. In the present study, a functional food of cracker (RTE) is formulated by combination of Joha rice, bamboo shoot and green gram flours as main ingredients. The results revealed that protein and dietary fiber contents of the cracker were found to be 17.05 and 15.77 g/100g, respectively. The B-group vitamins of B3, B5, B6 and B9 in cracker were found to be 2.04, 2.50, 0.57 and 12.59 mg/100 g, respectively. Among the fat-soluble vitamins, the predominant vitamin in the cracker was vitamin E (11.655 µg/1000g) followed with vitamin A (24.09 µg/1000g) and vitamin K (0.59 µg/1000g). The predominant fatty acids in crackers were linoleic acid (46.28%) and palmitic acid (22.34%). Polyphenolic profile analysis revealed the higher content of gallic acid followed with protocatechuic acid, ferulic acid and luteolin in the cracker. The phenolic composition was analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), total proanthocyanidin content (TPAC) and total carotenoid content (TCC). Antioxidant activity was analyzed by the DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and ORAC assays. Enzyme inhibition activity for α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes was found to be 62.43 and 47.97 of IC50 μg GAE/mL in the cracker, respectively. The developed functional food (cracker) was found with higher retention percentage of prime nutrients including protein, dietary fiber and vitamins along with vital polyphenols.

Nutritional, Nutraceutical, and Medicinal Potential of Cantharellus cibarius Fr.: A Comprehensive Review.

Mushrooms are considered as nutraceutical foods that can effectively prevent diseases such as cancer and other serious life-threatening conditions include neurodegeneration, hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia. The Cantharellus cibarius, also known as the "Golden chanterelle" or "Golden girolle," is a significant wild edible ectomycorrhizal mushroom. It is renowned for its delicious, apricot-like aroma and is highly valued in various culinary traditions worldwide. It is well known for its nutritional, nutraceutical, and therapeutic properties. The high nutritional value of C. cibarius is attributed to its abundant carbohydrates, proteins, β-glucans, dietary fiber, and low-fat content. It also contains medicinal polysaccharides (β-glucans), proteins (lectins and selenoproteins), important fatty acids (linoleic and omega-6), vitamins, and minerals (N, P, K, Ca, Zn, Ag, Se, etc.). The sporocarp of C. cibarius contains a diverse array of bioactive metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolics, sterols, fatty acids, organic acids, indole groups, carbohydrates, vitamins (tocopherols), amino acids, enzymes, bioelements, carotenoids, and 5'-nucleotides. C. cibarius has a wide array of biological properties, such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, anthelmintic, insecticidal, antihypoxia, antihyperglycemic, wound-healing, cytotoxic, and iron-chelating activity. Thus, the present review gives an overview of C. cibarius, covering its chemical composition, ecological significance, postharvest preservation strategies, and potential applications in dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. It also dives into the etymology, taxonomy, and global distribution of the renowned "Golden Chanterelle." Furthermore, there is a need to valorize waste materials created during production and processing, as well as to acquire a thorough understanding of the mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds in mushrooms.

Morphological Characterization of P. serotina subsp. capuli Collected in Ecuador

Prunus serotina (black cherry) is native to America and has five subspecies: serotina, eximia, hirsuta, virens, and capuli. P. serotina subsp. capuli is found in Central and South America with superior fruits found in Ecuador. These have large, juicy, and tasty fruits used for human consumption. They are available in produce markets and have important nutraceutical properties. However, no commercial cultivars of capuli are currently available. The main goal of this research was to understand if different morphological characters can differentiate unique populations of P. serotina subsp. capuli present in Ecuador. Morphological traits (tree, leaf, and flower) of plants grown from the OP seeds of 44 capuli accessions collected from three provinces of Ecuador (Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Tungurahua) were characterized in 2019 and 2020. Tree measurements included the number of primary branches and growth habit. Leaf measurements included petiole length, leaf area, leaf height, leaf width, leaf apex angle, and leaf basal angle. Flower measurements included pedicel length, flower width, and flower length. Raceme length, number of racemes per branch, and number of flowers per raceme were also characterized. ANOVA were performed with significant differences observed among capuli accessions for all variables measured. No clear differences were observed across regions with PCA and cluster analysis that may support the presence of different populations.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and nutraceutical potential of horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum): A systematicreview.

Macrotyloma uniflorum is known for being a rich source of protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and micronutrients. Since ancient times, it has been used as a pulse and traditional remedy in the Himalayan Mountains for curing kidney and bladder stones, bronchitis, asthma, piles, leukoderma, and heart diseases. Horse gram contains bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, which contribute to its health advantages. These bioactive compounds demonstrated antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, and neuroprotective effects. These horse gram products are now considered superfoods and are widely utilized in worldwide cuisines. Horse gram and its crude extracts or fractions have been shown to exhibit a wide range of in vivo and in vitro pharmacological and nutraceutical properties. However, there is currently a scarcity of structure-activity investigations of isolated compounds and mechanistic research on this species. This review demonstrates that horse gram, despite its traditional usage by diverse cultures, has a profusion of bioactive chemicals with a wide range of biological effects that might be employed as biopharmaceuticals and adopted by nutraceutical industries. This study focuses on the thorough phytochemistry, folk medicinal applications, and pharmacological properties of this versatile legume plant. Furthermore, we discussed the value of plants as a source of functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Flavonoids from Clerodendrum genus and their biological activities.

Many studies have been performed to identify new sources, their optimal isolation, and the biological activities of flavonoids due to nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical properties. This review describes the method for flavonoid isolation and characteristic from the Clerodendrum genus and their biological activities with the indication of the most active ones. To perform a comprehensive review, a thorough literature review using Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct was performed with keyword alone or in combination with other words. The isolation and identification of flavonoids from the Clerodendrum genus have revealed a variety of compounds using various methods. Various studies conducted in vivo, in vitro and in silico also reported bioactivities of these flavonoids. Several factors determine the flavonoid content in the Clerodendrum genus, among others, the different parts of the plant, extraction techniques, and solvent combination used. Isolated flavonoids also show significant biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobials, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-tyrosinase, and neuroprotective agents.

Stingless bee honey: Nutraceutical properties and urgent call for proposed global standards

Stingless bee honey: Nutraceutical properties and urgent call for proposed global standards

A comprehensive review on nutraceutical properties and pharmacological benefits for human healthcare in Jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels)

A comprehensive review on nutraceutical properties and pharmacological benefits for human healthcare in Jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels)

Pot-Pollen Volatiles, Bioactivity, Synergism with Antibiotics, and Bibliometrics Overview, Including Direct Injection in Food Flavor.

Stingless bees (Hymenoptera; Apidae; Meliponini), with a biodiversity of 605 species, harvest and transport corbicula pollen to the nest, like Apis mellifera, but process and store the pollen in cerumen pots instead of beeswax combs. Therefore, the meliponine pollen processed in the nest was named pot-pollen instead of bee bread. Pot-pollen has nutraceutical properties for bees and humans; it is a natural medicinal food supplement with applications in health, food science, and technology, and pharmaceutical developments are promising. Demonstrated synergism between Tetragonisca angustula pot-pollen ethanolic extracts, and antibiotics against extensively drug-resistant (XDR) bacteria revealed potential to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Reviewed pot-pollen VOC richness was compared between Australian Austroplebeia australis (27), Tetragonula carbonaria (31), and Tetragonula hogkingsi (28), as well as the Venezuelan Tetragonisca angustula (95). Bioactivity and olfactory attributes of the most abundant VOCs were revisited. Bibliometric analyses with the Scopus database were planned for two unrelated topics in the literature for potential scientific advances. The top ten most prolific authors, institutions, countries, funding sponsors, and sources engaged to disseminate original research and reviews on pot-pollen (2014-2023) and direct injection food flavor (1976-2023) were ranked. Selected metrics and plots were visualized using the Bibliometrix-R package. A scholarly approach gained scientific insight into the interaction between an ancient fermented medicinal pot-pollen and a powerful bioanalytical technique for fermented products, which should attract interest from research teams for joint projects on direct injection in pot-pollen flavor, and proposals on stingless bee nest materials. Novel anti-antimicrobial-resistant agents and synergism with conventional antibiotics can fill the gap in the emerging potential to overcome antimicrobial resistance.

Evaluating citrus juice: A comparative study of physicochemical, nutraceutical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of citrus juices from Nepal

Citrus fruit juice is highly beneficial to human health, providing essential nutrients like carbohydrates, vitamins, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Juices from citrus fruit varieties grown in various regions of Nepal were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, nutraceutical content, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The pH of the juices ranged between 2.09 and 3.62, while total soluble solids (TSS) varied from 7° Brix to 12.3 °Brix. Among varieties, C. aurantifolia exhibited the highest titratable acidity at 7.39 g/100 mL. C. limon showed the highest moisture content (94.74 %), C. reticulata had the highest carbohydrate content (14.6 ± 0.4 g/100 mL, n = 3), and C. aurantifolia presented the highest protein content (34.1 ± 0.7 mg/100 mL). C. sinensis recorded the highest flavonoid content (91.4 ± 0.3 mg/100 mL), C. reticulata had the highest phenolic content (65.8 ± 0.6 mg/100 mL), and C. limon exhibited the highest ascorbic acid content (45.1 ± 0.4 mg/100 mL). The methanolic extracts of all citrus fruit juices demonstrated robust antioxidant properties, as determined by DPPH assay. Notably, C. limon and C. aurantifolia juice extracts demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microbes. This study highlights the variation in nutrient and phytochemicals compositions among different citrus fruit juices, underscoring the nutritional and medicinal benefits of citrus species.

A Multidisciplinary Approach for the Assessment of the Last Surviving ‘Marrone di Chiusa Pesio’ Chestnut Trees in the Piemonte Region (Italy)

Chestnut orchards are a multifunctional resource, providing not only fruit or wood but also playing a role in the conservation of mountain and hillside landscapes. In the Piemonte Region, Italy, a rich genetic heritage of chestnut genotypes has contributed to considerable biodiversity and environmental value. The study aimed to valorize an important example of the chestnut agrobiodiversity in the Piemonte Region by focusing on the ‘Marrone di Chiusa Pesio’ (MCP) cultivar (cv). A multidisciplinary approach was applied, involving genetic and morphological analyses, Visual Tree Assessment (VTA), and phytochemical and nutritional profiling. The plant census provided identification and geolocation of 187 MCP specimens; the 20 most representative trees were genetically analyzed, and then, through the VTA, their morpho-functional status was evaluated. The nutraceutical properties and phytochemical composition were assessed by measuring the total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (AOC), and other phytochemical classes through spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods. The results showed significantly higher TPC values (ranged from 36.51 ± 1.60 mgGAE/100 g of dried weight—DW to 103.14 ± 1.24 mgGAE/100 g DW) compared to other ‘Marrone-type’ cultivars, along with high levels of key phenolic markers, bioactive compounds, and nutritional substances. These included tannins (about 22–28 mg/100 g DW) and cinnamic acids (about 23–25 mg/100 g DW), followed by flavonols, benzoic acids, organic acids, monoterpenes, vitamin C, and catechins, listed in order of predominance. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed to observe the distribution of the samples and their correlations based on the chemical composition. The results confirmed the interesting phytochemical properties of the ‘Marrone di Chiusa Pesio’ nuts, together with their good morphological and functional properties. Given the ongoing genetic erosion of Castanea sativa cultivars, due to cultivation abandonment and climate change, the main factors contributing to the progressive loss of biodiversity worldwide, the presented approach aimed to provide an overview of the conservation status of the local agrobiodiversity. This study highlighted the value of a local chestnut cultivar, presenting the low conservation status of the few remaining specimens. The goal was to define the significant phenotypic variation regarding MCP in the considered area due to environmental variations, which may be of interest in its genetic adaptation to climate change. The study may potentially encourage the development of strategies for actively conserving the forest agrobiodiversity and hillside ecosystem services in the highly diverse landscapes of the Alpine valleys.

Development of a Process for Polyphenol Extraction and the Production of a Functional Powder for Food Fortification

The valorisation of co-products from food supply chains is consistent with the objectives of the national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP), which favours issues relating to the “green revolution and ecological transition”. The nutraceutical characteristics (antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-cancer, etc.) of grape pomace extracts are due to the presence of polyphenols. The objective of the following research was to develop an innovative extraction process in order to produce a special powder with high technological and nutraceutical value (polyphenols). For the experimentation, red grape pomace from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes was used. The first phase of the experimentation allowed the development of the extraction methods; the second involved the use of a pilot system for the extraction, filtration, and distillation phases. The result obtained is a powder with compositional characteristics suitable for the fortification of alcoholic and non-alcoholic food matrices, due to its colouring and antioxidant and nutraceutical properties.