P-coumaric Acid Research Articles

In vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds and antioxidants of soursop (Annona muricata L.) peel and pulp

We evaluated the nutritional composition and quantified the bioactive compounds present in the soursop pulp and peel and investigated the impact of in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion on antioxidants and phenolic compounds of soursop. Soursop peel had a significant amount of fiber (17.6 g.100 g−1 w.b.), particularly insoluble fiber (16.8 g.100 g−1 w.b.), and higher levels of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity than pulp. The pulp has 30% higher levels of ascorbic acid than the peel (40.2 mg ascorbic acid 100 g−1). Gallic acid, benzoic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and hesperidin were detected in the peel and pulp of soursop. After in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion, results show that total phenolic compounds of the peel exhibited stability throughout the gastric and intestinal stages. In the pulp, simulated digestion showed an increase in total phenolic compounds on enteric II stage. About antioxidant compounds, peel showed stability in DPPH assay and higher accessibility in the enteric II stages (40% and 29%) on ABTS and FRAP assays. Soursop pulp increased accessibility in the gastric stage on DPPH and FRAP assay. In the ABTS assay, soursop pulp showed the highest values in enteric phase II. The in vitro accessibility of these compounds offers insights into their potential utilization by the organism. This knowledge holds significant implications for nutrition experts, as it can advise the development of healthier dietary habits.

Investigation of the protective role of Ginkgo biloba L. against phytotoxicity, genotoxicity and oxidative damage induced by Trifloxystrobin

Trifloxystrobin (TFS) is a widely used strobilurin class fungicide. Ginkgo biloba L. has gained popularity due to its recognized medicinal and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to determine whether Ginkgo biloba L. extract (Gbex) has a protective role against TFS-induced phytotoxicity, genotoxicity and oxidative damage in A. cepa. Different groups were formed from Allium cepa L. bulbs subjected to tap water (control), 200 mg/L Gbex (Gbex1), 400 mg/L Gbex (Gbex2), 0.8 g/L TFS solution (TFS), 200 mg/L Gbex + 0.8 g/L TFS (TFS + Gbex1) and 400 mg/L Gbex + 0.8 g/L TFS (TFS + Gbex2), respectively. The phenolic composition of Gbex and alterations in the morphological, physiological, biochemical, genotoxicity and anatomical parameters were evaluated. Rutin, protocatechuic acid, catechin, gallic acid, taxifolin, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, epicatechin, syringic acid and quercetin were the most prevalent phenolic substances in Gbex. Rooting percentage, root elongation, weight gain, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b decreased by approximately 50%, 85%, 77%, 55% and 70%, respectively, as a result of TFS treatment compared to the control. In the TFS group, the mitotic index fell by 28% compared to the control group, but chromosomal abnormalities, micronuclei frequency and tail DNA percentage increased. Fragment, vagrant chromosome, sticky chromosome, uneven chromatin distribution, bridge, vacuole-containing nucleus, reverse polarization and irregular mitosis were the chromosomal abnormalities observed in the TFS group. The levels of proline (2.17-fold) and malondialdehyde (2.71-fold), as well as the activities of catalase (2.75-fold) and superoxide dismutase (2.03-fold) were increased by TFS in comparison to the control. TFS-provoked meristematic disorders were damaged epidermis and cortex cells, flattened cell nucleus and thickened cortex cell wall. Gbex combined with TFS relieved all these TFS-induced stress signs in a dose-dependent manner. This investigation showed that Gbex can play protective role in A. cepa against the phytotoxicity, genotoxicity and oxidative damage caused by TFS. The results demonstrated that Gbex had this antioxidant and antigenotoxic potential owing to its high phenolic content.

Investigating the synergistic antibacterial effects of chlorogenic and p-coumaric acids on Shigella dysenteriae

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a well-known plant secondary metabolite exhibiting multiple physiological functions. The present study focused on screening for synergistic antibacterial combinations containing CGA. The combination of CGA and p-coumaric acid (pCA) exhibited remarkably enhanced antibacterial activity compared to that when administering the treatment only. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that a low-dose combination treatment could disrupt the Shigella dysenteriae cell membrane. A comprehensive analysis using nucleic acid and protein leakage assay, conductivity measurements, and biofilm formation inhibition experiments revealed that co-treatment increased the cell permeability and inhibited the biofilm formation substantially. Further, the polyacrylamide protein- and agarose gel-electrophoresis indicated that the proteins and DNA genome of Shigella dysenteriae severely degraded. Finally, the synergistic bactericidal effect was established for fresh-cut tomato preservation. This study demonstrates the remarkable potential of strategically selecting antibacterial agents with maximum synergistic effect and minimum dosage exhibiting excellent antibacterial activity in food preservation.

Antioxidant Enzyme, Transcriptomic, and Metabolomic Changes in Lily (Lilium spp.) Leaves Induced by Aphis gossypii Glover.

Cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover) cause harm by feeding on phloem sap and spreading plant viruses to lily. Understanding the mechanisms by which aphids infest lily plants is crucial for effective aphid management and control. In this study, we investigated the activity of antioxidants, integrated nontargeted metabolomes and transcriptomes of lilies infested by cotton aphids to explore the changes in lily leaves. Overall, the results indicated that the catalase (CAT) activity in the leaves of the lily plants was greater than that in the leaves of the control plants. A comprehensive identification of 604 substances was conducted in the leaves. Furthermore, the differentially abundant metabolite analysis revealed the enrichment of phenylalanine metabolism and α-linolenic acid metabolism. Moreover, 3574 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), whose expression tended to increase, were linked to glutathione metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. In addition, the integrated analysis revealed that the defensive response of lily leaves to aphids is manifested through antioxidant reactions, phenylpropane and flavonoid biosynthesis, and α-linolenic acid metabolism. Finally, the key metabolites were CAT, glutathione, coumaric acid, and jasmonic acid, along with the key genes chalcone synthase (CHS), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), and 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid reductase (OPR). Accordingly, the findings of this research elucidate the molecular and metabolic reactions of A. gossypii in lily plants, offering valuable insights for developing aphid resistance strategies in lily farming.

Physicochemical Characteristics, Phenolic Components, and Antioxidant Capacities of Lavender Honey (Lavandula Spp.) from Isparta Region of Türkiye.

Lavender honey is one of the most desirable blossom honeys for its unique taste and aromatic qualities and can vary significantly from one region to another. In this study, melissopalynological, physicochemical and antioxidant properties of lavender honey from the Isparta region of Türkiye were investigated. The ration of the Lavandula spp. pollen were identified ranging from 9 % to 76 % in the thirteen samples. The average pH, conductivity, moisture, Hunter Lab* and proline values were 3.72, 0.22 mS/cm, 17.17 %, L*: 66.56, a*: 66.32, b*:18.41 and 576.92 mg/kg, respectively. The average F+G and F/G were 67.66 % and 1.02, respectively. The average of total phenolic (TP) and flavonoid (TF) substance were found to be 39.40 mg GAE/100 g and 3.23 mg QUE/100 g, respectively. The average total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging activity values were found to be 178.28 μmol FeSO4 ⋅ 7H2O/100 g and 53.09 mg/mL, respectively. In the phenolic component analysis performed with HPLC-PDA, p-OH-benzoic acid, p-coumaric acid, chrysin and pinocembrin were detected as common polyphenols in the samples. Conclusively, despite considerable variability in their monofloral characteristics, no significant differences were observed in the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of lavender honeys.

Metabolomics integrated with transcriptomics provides insights into the phenylpropanoids biosynthesis pathway in Lilium davidii var. unicolor and L. lancifolium Thunb.

Lilium spp. is a world-famous bulbous flower with outstanding ornamental, edible, and medicinal value. Evaluating the taste of edible lilies and identifying important active substances and genes are necessary for germplasm improvement, new variety breeding, and industrial application. To better understand the phenylpropanoids and regalosides biosynthesis, L. davidii var. unicolor and L. lancifolium Thunb. bulbs were used for transcriptome and metabolite analysis. Results showed that the phenols and flavonoid contents in JT were lower than in LT, while the saponins and alkaloid contents in JT were higher than in LT. A total of 20,520 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 383 differential metabolites were searched. Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis showed that phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis were differentially altered. Ninety-nine unigenes encoding ten phenolic acids and two flavonoids were identified as candidate genes involved in phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis. WGCNA analysis showed 76 phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis-related unigenes were verified as likely to be involved in phenylpropanoid metabolism and regalosides accumulation. Among them, 15 genes were used for qRT-PCR, and four genes were utilized for tissue-specific expression pattern analysis. Down-regulation of LdPAL2 and LdC4H1 in bulbs of L. davidii var. unicolor via virus induced gene silence (VIGS) reduced the contents of p-coumaric acid and cinnamic acid. These results contribute to understanding phenylpropanoid metabolism and identifying potential functional genes for improving the regalosides and flavonoids content in Lilium bulbs.

The Effects of Nitrogen Application and Varietal Variation on the Product Quality and In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds of Baby Spinach Varieties Grown in a Soilless Growth Medium.

Baby spinach is becoming increasingly popular as a salad ingredient and needs high fertiliser rates to grow well and attain higher-quality leaves (dark green leaves). Chemical fertilisers, especially nitrogen (N), boost yields. There are many risks associated with nitrogen fertilisation. Additionally, spinach contains phenolic compounds and carotenoids. Nitrogen fertilisation affects growth, development, yield and metabolites. This study examined the impact of lower concentrations of N (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 mg/L) on yield and colour properties [light intensity (L*) colour coordinates, unique for green colour (a*) and yellow colour (b*)], as well as the impact of varying N concentrations on the total phenolic content and p-coumaric acid, quercetin, ferulic acid, kaempferol, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene and antioxidant activities in the baby spinach varieties 'Acadia', 'Crosstrek' and 'Traverse', and it was established that N fertilisation improves phytochemical bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity. In a split strip plot design, three baby spinach varieties were treated with different N concentrations, including 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 mg/L. For 40 days, three baby spinach varieties were grown on soilless Mikskaar Professional substrate 300. During both seasons, 'Crosstrek' had the highest fresh mass (921.4 g/m2, 856.3 g/m2) at 120 mg/L N, while 'Traverse' had the highest fresh mass at 554.8 g/m2 and at 564.3 g/m2 at 90 mg/L N and did not differ significantly from 90 to 150 mg/L N during either season. During both seasons, 'Acadia' at 90 mg/L N increased fresh mass to 599 g/m2 and 557.9 g/m2. The variety × N supply interaction significantly affected the leaf colour; chlorophyll content across seasons; the levels of bioactive compounds, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, ferulic acid, kaempferol, lutein, zeaxanthin and β-carotene in spinach varieties; the in vitro bioaccessibility; and the antioxidant activity. Varietal differences influenced the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds and carotenoid components. The appropriate N levels can be used during plant cultivation to optimise the bioaccessibility of this spinach variety. Thus, fertilising 'Traverse' with 90 mg/N mL increased the in vitro bioaccessibility of β-carotene (35.2%), p-coumaric acid (7.13%), quercetin (8.29%) and ferulic acid (1.92%) without compromising the yield.

Effects of synergistic action of courgette polysaccharide and coumalic acid on pasting, rheological, and thermal properties of potato starch

AbstractThe effects of courgette polysaccharides (CP) and coumalic acid (COA) on gelatinization, rheology, thermodynamics, microstructure, freeze–thaw stability, and in vitro digestibility of potato starch (PS) were studied. The synergistic effect of CP and COA on PS was further analyzed. The results showed that peak viscosity (PV) decreased from 6649.00 to 3462.50 mPa s and 3825.00 mPa s, respectively, after CP and COA were added. Under the combined effect of the two, it will be as low as 3225.50 mPa s. Besides, trough viscosity (TV), breakdown viscosity (BV), and final viscosity (FV) had the same trend. The presence of CP and COA can significantly delay the short‐term retrogradation of PS, especially in the case of high dose of CP and low dose of COA. Rheological tests showed that all sample gels belonged to the weak gel system (tan δ < 1) and pseudoplastic fluids. Meanwhile, the results of thermodynamic, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopy exhibited that the presence of CP and COA significantly retarded the retrogradation of PS, especially at higher levels. In addition, the presence of CP and COA significantly reduced the formation of PS gel structures, especially when acting together. Furthermore, CP and COA reduced the content of rapidly digestible starch in PS and increased the content of resistant starch. Differently, CP can increase the slowly digestible starch content, whereas COA did the opposite. In the ternary composite system, CP and COA will also interact and restrict each other. Hence, the characteristics of PS can be better improved by adjusting the ratio of CP and COA. Meanwhile, the results of the study can provide potential possibilities for the application of CP and COA in food and improve the quality of PS‐related products.

Evaluating larvicidal, ovicidal and growth inhibiting activity of five medicinal plant extracts on Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae), the West Nile virus vector

Mosquitoes, one of the deadliest animals on the planet, cause millions of fatalities each year by transmitting several human illnesses. Synthetic pesticides were previously used to prevent the spread of diseases by mosquitoes, which was effective in protecting humans but caused serious human health problems, environmental damage, and developed mosquito pesticide resistance. This research focuses on exploring new, more effective, safer, and environmentally friendly compounds to improve mosquito vector management. Phytochemicals are possible biological agents for controlling pests and many are target-specific, rapidly biodegradable, and eco-friendly. The potential of extracts of Lantana camara, Melia azedarach, Nerium oleander, Ricinus communis, and Withania somnifera against 3rd instar Culex pipiens (Common house mosquito) larvae was evaluated. Methanol extracts had more toxic effects against Cx. pipiens larvae (95–100%, 24 h post-treatment) than aqueous extracts (63–91%, 24 h post-treatment). The methanol extracts of Nerium oleander (LC50 = 158.92 ppm) and Ricinus communis (LC50 = 175.04 ppm) were very effective at killing mosquito larvae, 24 h after treatment. N. oleander (LC50 = 373.29 ppm) showed high efficacy in aqueous plant extracts. Among the different extracts of the five plants screened, the methanol extract of R. communis recorded the highest ovicidal activity of 5% at 800 ppm concentration. Total developmental duration and growth index were highly affected by R. communis and M. azedarach methanol extracts. In field tests it was clear that plant extracts decreased mosquito larval density, especially when mixed with mosquito Bti briquette, with stability up to seven days for N. oleander. GC–MS results showed that the methanol extract had a higher number of chemical compounds, particularly with more terpene compounds. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique was used to detect the existence of non-volatile polyphenols and flavonoids. All five methanol extracts showed high concentrations of active ingredients such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid (more than 100 μg/ml) and the rosmarinic acid was also found in all the five extracts in addition to 17 active polyphenols and flavonoids presented at moderate to low concentrations. Molecular modeling of 18 active ingredients detected by the HPLC were performed to the vicinity of one of the fatty acid binding proteins of lm-FABP (PDB code: 2FLJ). Rutin, Caffeic acid, coumaric acid and rosmarinic acid which presented densely in R. communis and N. oleander showed multiple and stable intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions. The inhibition ability of the fatty acid binding protein, FABP4, was evaluated with remarkable receptor inhibition evident, especially with R. communis and N. oleander having inhibitory concentrations of IC50 = 0.425 and 0.599 µg/mL, respectively. The active phytochemical compounds in the plants suggest promising larvicidal and ovicidal activity, and have potential as a safe and effective alternative to synthetic insecticides.

Propolis: a natural compound with potential as an adjuvant in cancer therapy - a review of signaling pathways.

Propolis is a natural product used in cancer treatment, which is produced by bees via different sources. The chemical composition of Propolis is determined based on the climatic and geographical conditions, as well as harvesting time and method. This compound has been the subject of numerous investigational endeavors due to its expansive therapeutic capacity which includes antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, and anti-cancer effects. The growing incidence rate of different cancers necessitates the need for developing novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and stem cell therapy have proved effective in cancer treatment, regardless of the adverse events associated with these modalities. Clinical application of natural compounds such as Propolis may confer promise as an adjuvant therapeutic intervention, particularly in certain subpopulations of patients that develop adverse events associated with anticancer regimens. The diverse biologically active compounds of propolis are believed to confer anti-cancer potential by modulation of critical signaling cascades such as caffeic acid phenethyl ester, Galangin, Artepillin C, Chrysin, Quercetin, Caffeic acid, Nymphaeols A and C, Frondoside A, Genistein, p-coumaric acid, and Propolin C. This review article aims to deliver a mechanistic account of anti-cancer effects of propolis and its components. Propolis can prevent angiogenesis by downregulating pathways involving Jun-N terminal kinase, ERK1/2, Akt and NF-ƘB, while counteracting metastatic progression of cancer by inhibiting Wtn2 and FAK, and MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Moreover, propolis or its main components show regulatory effects on cyclin D, CDK2/4/6, and their inhibitors. Additionally, propolis-induced up-regulation of p21 and p27 may result in cell cycle arrest at G2/M or G0/G1. The broad anti-apoptotic effects of propolis are mediated through upregulation of TRAIL, Bax, p53, and downregulation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Considering the growing body of evidence regarding different anti-cancers effects of propolis and its active components, this natural compound could be considered an effective adjuvant therapy aimed at reducing related side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Antimicrobial activities and metabolites profiling of Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk. methanolic extract

In the present study, Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk. methanolic extract was tested for its antibacterial activities against Pectobacterium carotovorum, P. atrosepticum, Ralstonia solanacearum, and Streptomyces scabiei bacterial strains. The plant extract was also tested for its antifungal properties against strains of Fusarium oxysporum, Botrytis cinerea, and Rhizoctonia solani. The potent antibacterial activities were recorded against R. solanacearum after treatment with the extract at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL with an inhibition zone of 9.67 ±0.57 mm. The methanolic extract also showed promising antifungal effects against B. cinerea and F. oxysporum, with fungal growth inhibition percentages of 86.22 ±0.33% and 82.00 ±0.55%, respectively, which were higher than the standard antifungal drug. The plant extract’s HPLC analysis identified 12 phenolic compounds and 6 flavonoid compounds, with HPLC peaks matching the used standards. Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, coffeic acid, ellagic acid, coumaric acid, syringic acid, methyl gallate, ferulic acid, vanillin, pyrocatechol, and cinnamic acid were the phenolic compounds that were identified. The flavonoid compounds found in the extracts were daidzein, naringenin, quercetin, kaempferol, hesperetin, apigenin, and rutin, arranged from high to low abundance. Furthermore, according to the GC-MS analysis, the most abundant compounds detected in the plant extract were n-hexadecanoic acid, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (z,z), á-sitosterol, betulin, phorbol, cis-13-octadecenoic acid, and octadecanoic acid. These compounds in HPLC and GC-MS analyses were proven to have antibacterial as well as antifungal properties. Based on the obtained antimicrobial results, H. bacciferum methanolic extracts could be recommended as a promising antibacterial and antifungal agent, as well as a safe alternative to many antimicrobial pesticides for the environment and human health.

Growth inhibitory potential of quinone-rich fraction of Plumbago zeylanica L. Against MG-63 osteosarcoma cells via Bax/Bcl-2 modulation

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to explore the cytotoxic potential of different fractions (Hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol) of Plumbago zeylanica L. root powder. MethodologyIn this study, PzMH, PzMC, PzME, and PzMM fractions from the root powder of P. zeylanica were obtained through the cold maceration technique. The cytotoxic properties of these fractions on MG-63 cells were assessed using the MTT assay. The most potent fraction was further analyzed to understand its cytotoxic mechanism. To explore its apoptosis-inducing potential, microscopic and flow cytometric studies were conducted. Additionally, western blot analysis was used to examine the expression levels of proteins associated with apoptotic pathways. ResultsPzMH showed the highest cytotoxicity against MG-63 osteosarcoma cells, with a GI50 value of 53.07 µg/ml. Flow cytometric studies revealed an upsurge in reactive oxygen species and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. The highest concentration of PzMH fraction (183.48 µg/ml) led to 62 % cell population arrest at G0/G1 stage. The anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2 was downregulated, with p53, cleaved-caspase 9, cleaved-caspase3, Bad and Bax expression upregulated. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of lawsone, p-coumaric acid, plumbagin, and 4-hydroxy benzaldehyde, indicating that the quinone-rich fraction of Plumbago zeylanica L. attenuates the proliferation of MG-63 osteosarcoma cells through the Bax/Bcl-2 pathway. ConclusionTo the best of our current knowledge, this marks the first documented case where the hexane fraction enriched with quinones extracted from the roots of P. zeylanica demonstrates its ability to induce apoptosis by influencing the Bax/Bcl2 pathway.

Significant contribution of amino acids to antioxidant capacity of Japanese rice wine (sake).

Various antioxidant components have been reported in Japanese rice wine (sake), while the contribution ratio of each component to the antioxidant capacity of whole sake has not been well understood. In this study, we evaluated the radical absorption capacity (H-ORAC and/or DPPH radical scavenging ability) and antioxidant components of commercially available sake, and estimated the major components contributing to antioxidant capacity. Water-soluble components with a molecular weight of less than 3000 contributed more than 90% to H-ORAC of sake by measuring the ultrafiltered fraction. The Maillard reaction seemed to have little influence on H-ORAC by browning experiments. The radical absorption capacity of sake showed a strong positive correlation with the amounts of four antioxidant amino acids (Cys, Met, Tyr, Trp) and two phenolic acids (ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid). Evaluating H-ORAC of a sake model solution composed of these antioxidants revealed that the four amino acids showed a clearly higher contribution (25.7-58.2%) than the phenolic acids. In addition, there was a slight synergistic effect when the four amino acids were mixed, whereas such effects were not seen when mixed with the phenolic acids and other sake major components (organic acids, glucose and ethanol). We concluded that the contribution of free amino acids to the radical absorption capacity is quite important in sake. These findings will provide a new perspective for antioxidant researches of sake and many fermented foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Preparation of Polyphenol-Rich Herbal Beverages from White Willow (Salix alba) Bark with Potential Alzheimer’s Disease Inhibitory Activity In Silico

White willow (Salix alba) is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat pain and inflammation. The aims of this study were to produce polyphenol-rich herbal beverages from willow bark with different ethanol content, temperatures, and solvent pH and to explore neuroprotective potentials of willow polyphenols. The phenolic compounds quantified in the willow infusions were salicin, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, p-salicylic acid, and p-coumaric acid; the former three compounds exhibited promising inhibitory potentials against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in molecular docking studies. Total phenol content and antioxidant activity were maximum when prepared with 50% ethanol-in-water at room temperature. Although aqueous infusions contained fewer total phenols than those extracted with 50% hydroalcoholic solutions, they enhanced the extraction of chlorogenic acid and salicin content, which may possess promising neuroprotective potentials. The addition of citric acids in hot water infusions led to a higher proportion of non-tannins and had a lighter appearance, which may result in less astringent mouthfeel and better consumer acceptance. Overall, the obtained results indicate that willow bark prepared with hot water and/or with addition of citric acids is rich in bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity and possible neuroprotective activities in silico, which could serve as valuable ingredients for inclusion in functional beverages.

Influence of germination time on free amino acids, phenolic compounds and γ-aminobutyric acid in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth) seeds

This research studied the influence of phytochemical compounds on the germination time of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth). Over the 72 hours germination period, the contents of total and most individual free amino acids, particularly histidine, showed substantial increases. The content of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was also greatly increased, from 0.24 µg/g to 2.7 µg/g, representing a nearly ninefold increase. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were positively related with germination time, with TPC highest at 62.49 mg GAE/100 g DW at 72 h, and TFC increased from 18.87 mg RE/100 g DW to 30.05 mg RE/100g.DW at 72 hours. The contents of individual phenolic acids and flavonoids, such as, protocatechuic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid and rutin, experienced noticeable increases. However, vanillic and catechin were only detectable at 72 hours, respectively. Antioxidant capacity measured by DPPH and FRAP assays increased from 102.30 to 128.95 mgTE/100g DW and 694.13 to 836.93 mg FeSO4/100g DW mmol/g, respectively, and therefore highlighting the enhanced antioxidant potential of germinated pigeon pea. The results from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) supported these findings. The study emphasizes the potential of germination to enhance the phytochemical compounds of pigeon pea seeds.

Investigation of the Effects of Energy-Efficient Drying Techniques and Extraction Methods on the Bioactive and Functional Activity of Banana Inflorescence

Plant-derived foods with therapeutic potential have strong connection with both the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. The effectiveness of these therapeutic properties is heavily influenced by the thermal treatment during drying and extraction methods. Traditional convective drying is a very energy incentive and lengthy process. Although some advanced and hybrid drying methods have been developed, these have not been applied in drying of banana inflorescence. In this study, we investigated the effects of freeze-drying (FD) and intermittent microwave convective drying (IMCD), as well as traditional convective oven drying (CD), on the polyphenol profile of banana inflorescence when extracted using the energy-efficient Accelerated Solvent Extraction method (ASE). Our findings revealed that the freeze-dried banana inflorescence powder exhibited the highest extraction of bioactive compounds when using 75% methanol at 100 °C as a solvent. It recovered 2906.3 ± 20.83 mg/100 g of the phenolic compounds and 63.12 ± 0.25% antioxidant activity under the optimal extraction conditions. While IMCD was found to be the second-best drying method in terms of preserving bioactive compounds, its operational time and cost were significantly lower compared to freeze-drying. Furthermore, our study confirmed the presence of medicinal compounds such as gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, catechin, ferulic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin in banana inflorescence. The development of innovative functional foods and pharmaceutical ingredients through green extraction methods and optimal drying conditions holds significant potential to save energy in the process, enhance human health, and promote environmental sustainability and circular economy processes. These efforts align with supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 12.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Composition of Different Monofloral and Polyfloral Brazilian Honey Extracts.

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of phenolic extracts from monofloral and polyfloral honey samples obtained from different Brazilian regions. The chemical composition (total content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids) of extracts were measured by using colorimetric assays and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC-DAD). The antioxidant activity was evaluated by chemical and biochemical assays (reducing power assay, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH⋅) and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic) acid (ABTS⋅+) scavenger assays. It was also investigated the ability of extracts in attenuate lipid peroxidation induced by Fe2+ in phospholipids. The obtained results clearly demonstrated that the botanical origin and geographical region of honey collection influenced the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of extracts. Furthermore, the samples were constituted by phenolic acids and flavonoids, which p-coumaric acid was predominant among the compounds identified. All samples were able to scavenge free radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation, and good correlations were obtained between the flavonoid content and honey color. In conclusion, the obtained extracts were constituted by antioxidant compounds, which reinforce the usage of honey in human diets, and demonstrated that the region of honey collection strong influenced in the chemical composition and, consequently, its biological effect.

The Comparative Study of the Antioxidant and Antibacterial Effects of Propolis Extracts in Veterinary Medicine.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to human and animal health. Efforts to combat AMR include the introduction of antimicrobial drugs as alternative treatment options. To contribute to an effective plan for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, the development of new antimicrobial agents is increasingly being explored. Propolis has garnered significant attention from both scientists and industry due to its extensive spectrum of biological activity. The growing interest in polyphenols of natural origin and their plant sources further encourages the investigation of their chemical composition and biological effects. Propolis serves as a rich source of phenolic compounds. Baltic region propolis, classified as poplar-type propolis, was selected for this study, and extracts were prepared using raw propolis materials from various Baltic countries. The production of liquid extracts utilized a combination of 70 percent ethanol, a mixture of water and poloxamer P407, and DES (deep eutectic solvent). The research aims to produce liquid propolis extracts using different solvents and to assess their chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity against different veterinary pathogens. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), revealing antioxidant activity in all extracts, with results correlating with the total phenolic compound content. It was found that p-coumaric acid predominated in the studied propolis extracts (in ethanol extracts 1155.90-1506.65 mg/g, in DES extracts 321.13-954.76 mg/g, and in polymeric extracts 5.34-30.80 mg/g), with smaller amounts of ferulic acid and vanillin detected. Clinical and reference bacterial strains were collected from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, the Academy of Veterinary Medicine, and the Institute of Microbiology and Virology. To effectively treat bacterial infections, the antimicrobial activity of propolis extracts was tested against six pathogenic bacterial species and one pathogenic fungus (S. aureus, S. agalactiae, B. cereus, E. faecalis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans). Antimicrobial activity studies demonstrated that DES propolis extracts exhibited stronger antimicrobial activity compared to ethanolic propolis extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of DES propolis extracts against the tested strains ranged between 50 and 1000 μg/mL. Considering the study results, it can be concluded that propolis from the Baltic region is abundant in phenolic compounds exhibiting antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

IMPACT OF ENRICHED CO2 IN MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING ON THE PRESERVATION OF “PALMARITAS” STRAWBERRIES AND THE EXTENSION OF THEIR SHELF LIFE

This study evaluated the effect of modified atmospheres (MAPs) with low oxygen levels (2.5%) and high carbon dioxide levels (from 5 to 20%) on strawberries. During 12 days of storage at 4°C, various quality and chemical content parameters were evaluated. These including decay, color, weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids, total polyphenols, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, as well as antioxidant capacity and individual phenolic compounds (quercetin, caffeic acid, gallic acid, (-) epicatechin, and p-coumaric acid). Results showed that high CO2 levels had a positive impact on strawberry preservation: weight loss was reduced, anthocyanin content increased, decay and softening were significantly reduced, and vitamin C content was maintained. At the same time, these high concentrations of CO2 did not affect sugar content, color, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic compounds, or total flavonoid compounds of strawberries. A storage time of 12 days at 4°C, under MAP with an initial gas condition of 2.5% O2 + 15% CO2 + 82.5% N2 or 2.5% O2 + 20% CO2 + 77.5% N2, was found to be ideal for preserving the quality of fresh strawberries.

Mitigation of ultraviolet-induced erythema and inflammation by para-hydroxycinnamic acid in human skin.

To evaluate whether p-hydroxycinnamic acid (pHCA) alone and in combination with niacinamide (Nam) can mitigate UV-induced erythema, barrier disruption, and inflammation. Three independent placebo-controlled double-blinded studies were conducted on female panellists who were pretreated on sites on their backs for 2 weeks with skin care formulations which contained 0.3% or 1% pHCA with 5% Nam, 1% pHCA alone, 1.8% octinoxate, or control formula. Treated sites were then exposed to 1.5 minimal erythemal dose (MED) solar simulated radiation (SSR) and had chromameter and expert grading measures for erythema, barrier integrity via TEWL, and the skin surface IL-1RA/IL-1α inflammatory biomarkers isolated from D-Squame tapes. Across the three independent studies, pHCA alone or in combination with Nam showed a significant mitigation of UV-induced erythema, barrier disruption, and levels of the surface inflammatory biomarkers IL-1RA/IL-1α. The cinnamate analogue Octinoxate did not replicate the effects of pHCA. The study results show that pHCA alone or in combination with Nam can mitigate UV-induced damage to skin. These include mitigation of UV-induced erythema as measured by instrument and expert grade visualization. Additionally, pHCA with Nam protected damage to the barrier and reduced the induction of the SASP-related surface inflammatory biomarker IL-1RA/IL-1α. The inability of Octinoxate to have any protective effect and the detection of low levels of pHCA on skin surface after 24 h of application supports that these effects are based on a biological response to pHCA. These findings add to the body of evidence that pHCA alone or in combination with Nam can enhance the skin's biological response to UV-induced damage. This supports pHCA can potentially impact aging and senescence, thereby maintain skin's functionality and appearance.