Bioactive Phenolics Research Articles

Enrichment of polyphenols from Cinnamomum camphora seed kernel by macroporous adsorption resins and evaluation of its antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities

The Cinnamomum camphora seed kernel (CCSK) has potential as a natural source of bioactive phenolics. However, there is limited information on the recovery and characteristics of polyphenols from the by-product of CCSK after oil extraction. In this study, an efficient macroporous adsorption resin technology was established to enrich polyphenols from CCSK (CCSK-P). HJ-18 resin was found as the most appropriate adsorbent because of its highest adsorption/desorption capacity for CCSK-P. The pseudo-second-order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm models better described the whole adsorption process. The adsorption process was spontaneous, physical, and dominated by multilinear intraparticle diffusion. The optimum enrichment procedure of CCSK-P on HJ-18 resin was as follows: for adsorption, loading flow rate and sample volume were 1.5 BV/h, and 4.79 BV, respectively; for desorption, the eluent type, elution flow rate and volume were 80% ethanol, 3.0 BV/h and 8 BV, respectively. After one-step large-scale enrichment, the total polyphenol content of CCSK-P was increased 7.11-fold with a recovery of 81.07%. Moreover, enriched CCSK-P showed significantly higher scavenging ability against DPPH radical and ABTS radical and higher inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase. In conclusion, CCSK-P was well enriched by HJ-18 resin and exhibited good antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activity, which may be applied in the food, cosmetic and pharmacy industries. This study provides a meaningful guidance for the industrial enrichment of polyphenols from CCSK.

Anticancer Potential Of Psoralea Corylifolia L. Ethanol Extract: Cytotoxicity, Apoptosis Mechanisms, And Gene Expression Analysis In Mcf7 Breast Cancer Cells Via qPCR

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profile and anticancer potential of Psoralea corylifolia L. extract, specifically focusing on its effects on breast cancer cells (MCF7) and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: The seeds of P. corylifolia were extracted using ethanol and chloroform through Soxhlet extraction. The extracts were analyzed for bioactive compounds through standard phytochemical tests. The anticancer activity of the ethanol extract was assessed using the MTT assay to determine cell viability and IC50 values. Further molecular analysis of apoptosis was performed by quantifying the expression of the Bcl-2 gene using semi-quantitative PCR and evaluating marker of apoptosis. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed that both ethanol and chloroform extracts contained alkaloids, carbohydrates, and terpenoids, with ethanol extract showing a broader range of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and proteins. The ethanol extract exhibited significant cytotoxicity against MCF7 cells, with an IC50 value of 10.1 µg/ml. Molecular analysis showed that the extract induced apoptosis through down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and activation of caspase-3 and PARP, suggesting the involvement of the mitochondrial pathway. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the anticancer potential of P. corylifolia ethanol extract against breast cancer cells, primarily through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. These findings highlight P. corylifolia as a promising candidate for further investigation as a safer, plant-based alternative in cancer treatment, particularly for breast cancer, though clinical studies are needed to confirm its therapeutic efficacy in humans.

Effect of oleocanthal-rich olive oil on postprandial oxidative stress markers of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by postprandial dysmetabolism, which has been linked to post-meal redox disturbances. Oleocanthal (OO), one of the most potent bioactive phenols of extra virgin olive oil, has shown redox modulating properties in vitro. However, its acute, in vivo antioxidant properties have never been studied before. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the kinetics of five redox markers (Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances [TBARS] and glutathione peroxidase activity in serum-GPx3 and erythrocytes (GPx1), protein carbonyls in serum) after the consumption different meals. Design: Five different isocaloric meals comprised of white bread and butter (BU) or butter plus ibuprofen (BU-IBU) or olive oil poor in OO or olive oils containing 250 and 500 mg/Kg of oleocanthal (OO250 and OO500, respectively). We hypothesized that OO-rich olive oil will reduce postprandial oxidative stress in T2DM patients compared to other lipid sources. This study involved 10 patients with T2DM and had a cross-over design. Results: The comparison of incremental Area Under Curves (iAUCs) has shown that OO-rich olive oils were able to alleviate the increments of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and GPx3 and induce a higher red blood cells (RBCs) GPx1 activity compared to OO (P < 0.05). The effect was dose and redox marker depended. Correlation analysis in the pooled sample demonstrated a positive association between postprandial ex vivo platelet sensitivity to ADP and iAUC TBARS. In conclusion, our study has shown that OO-rich olive oils can favorably modulate lipid peroxidation and RBC GPx activity in T2DM patients when consumed as part of a carbohydrate meal. Discussion: This study demonstrates for the first time that, apart from its anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet properties, OO can also exert acute antioxidant effects. Conclusion: This finding emphasizes the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, particularly those with a high OO content, for T2DM patients.

Extraction of Bioactive Phenolics from Various Anthocyanin-Rich Plant Materials and Comparison of Their Heat Stability

Extraction of Bioactive Phenolics from Various Anthocyanin-Rich Plant Materials and Comparison of Their Heat Stability

Brassica Vegetables - An Undervalued Nutritional Goldmine

Abstract The genus Brassica includes six species and over 15 types of vegetables that are widely cultivated and consumed globally. This group of vegetables is rich in bioactive compounds, including glucosinolates, vitamins (such as vitamin C, folate, tocopherol, and phylloquinone), carotenoids, phenols, and minerals, which are crucial for enriching diets and maintaining human health. However, the full extent of these phytonutrients and their significant health benefits remain to be fully elucidated. This review highlights the nutrient compositions and health advantages of Brassica vegetables and discusses the impacts of various processing methods on their nutritional value. Additionally, we discuss potential strategies for enhancing the nutrition of Brassica crops through agronomic biofortification, conventional breeding, and biotechnological or metabolic engineering approaches. This review lays the foundation for the nutritional improvement of Brassica crops.

Phenolic Content, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Hawthorn (Crataegus orientalis) Fruit Extracts Obtained via Carbohydrase-Assisted Extraction

The enzyme-assisted approaches for plant phenolics extraction are more eco-friendly methods compared to acid or alkaline hydrolysis. Carbohydrase enzymes can release free phenolics from plant materials by cleaving the glycosidic bonds between phenolic compounds and cell wall polymers. In this study, the efficiency of carbohydrase-assisted treatment approaches was evaluated to extract bioactive phenolics from hawthorn (Crataegus orientalis) fruit residues. Enzymatic treatment of the fruits was operated by using a crude cellulolytic enzyme cocktail from Rhizomucor miehei NRRL 5282 and a pectinase preparate from Aspergillus niger. Both cellulase and combined cellulase–pectinase treatments improved the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of extracts. The TPC increased to 1899 ± 27 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g dry matter during the combined enzyme treatment, showing a strong correlation with the average antioxidant capacity determined by ferric-reducing antioxidant power (1.7-fold increment) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (1.15-fold increment) reagents. The major phenolics in enzyme-treated extracts were vanillic and ferulic acids, the concentrations of which increased 115.6-fold and 93.9-fold, respectively, during carbohydrase treatment. The planktonic growth of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Chromobacterium violaceum was slightly inhibited by the extracts with minimum inhibitory concentration values between 15.0 and 77.9 mg/mL, while the yeasts tested were quite resistant to the samples. B. subtilis and yeast biofilms were sensitive to the enzyme-treated extracts, which also showed quorum-sensing inhibitory effects against C. violaceum. The obtained bioactive hawthorn extracts hold potential as a natural source of antioxidants and antimicrobials.

Comparative Effects of Crude Extracts and Bioactive Compounds from Bidens pilosa and Bidens alba on Nonspecific Immune Responses and Antibacterial Activity Against Vibrio sp. in Coculture with Lactic Acid Bacteria in Hybrid Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂).

This study investigated the effect of substances on nonspecific immune responses of head kidney leukocytes, the antimicrobial activity against Vibrio sp., as well as the time-kill of Vibrio sp. by combining the substances with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Pediococcus sp. The substances are B. pilosa hot water extract, B. pilosa powder extract, B. pilosa methanol extract, B. pilosa ethanol extract, B. alba hot water extract, B. alba powder extract, B. alba methanol extract, B. alba ethanol extract, and bioactive compounds, namely cytopiloyne, flavonoid, phenol, ethyl caffeate, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, butein, and linoleic acid. The results showed that some of them were nontoxic to the head kidney leukocytes, which can increase the phagocytic rate, phagocytic index, and respiratory burst. These substances were able to inhibit the growth of Vibrio sp.; they can even completely kill the pathogenic bacteria. The largest of the inhibition zone formed from the EC group at a concentration range of 5-50 µg/mL against V. parahaemolyticus, V. alginolyticus, and V. harveyi with a value of 19.7 ± 0.56, 19.3 ± 1.53, and 20.6 ± 1.53 mm. Furthermore, the time-kill studies showed that the LAB and P. acidilactici can completely kill the Vibrio sp. at 6 h incubation time, mainly in the group of combination with EC.

Vanillin and Its Derivatives: A Critical Review of Their Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Infective, Wound-Healing, Neuroprotective, and Anti-Cancer Health-Promoting Benefits

Inflammation and thrombosis are implicated in several non-communicable chronic disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, renal and neurodegenerative disorders, skin diseases, and especially in cancer. Natural bioactives and especially phytochemicals like phenolic compounds have been proposed to reduce the inflammatory burden with several health benefits against these disorders. Vanillin is a phenolic compound found in the seeds of various species of vanilla plants. It has been known since ancient times for its aromatic and soothing properties; however, recent outcomes have outlined several other pleiotropic actions for this phenolic bioactive compound. Within this article, the potent anti-inflammatory activities of vanillin and its derivatives are thoroughly reviewed, with emphasis on their anti-cancer, anti-infective, wound-healing, and neuroprotective health-promoting properties. The mechanisms of their action(s), along with recent outcomes from in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical trials, on the benefits of these vanillin-based phenolic bioactives against each of these disorders, and especially against specific types of cancer, are also outlined. Limitations and future perspectives of their use solely as bioactive ingredients, as ingredients in several functional products—such as functional foods, supplements, nutraceuticals, or even cosmetics and drugs—and even as adjuvant therapies are also discussed.

Cold plasma at various voltage, gas flow rate, and time assisted extraction of blue pea flower: Quantitative UPLC-ESI/MS/MS analysis of bioactive compounds, phenolics, and anthocyanin content

Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) is a rich source of anthocyanins and has gained popularity as an herbal tea. However, conventional thermal processing could degrade its thermolabile bioactive components, necessitating alternative non-thermal processing to promote its commercial applications in the food industry. This study aims to assess the effects of sample preparation (powder vs. aqueous solution) and cold plasma treatment conditions (applied voltages, treatment times, and gas flow rates) on the extractability and stability of bioactive compounds in butterfly pea flowers. Quantitative analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was performed to assess the yield, bioactive compounds, and chemical composition of the extracts. Besides, response surface methodology and principal component analysis (PCA) were employed to elucidate the impact of experimental variables on extract characteristics. Results indicated significant concentrations of delphinidin, cyanidin, and their derivatives in all extracts. Aqueous samples treated at higher voltages and for longer durations exhibited increased total anthocyanin (+92 % for 5 min at 180 V) and phenolic content (+32 % for 3 min at 100 V). PCA revealed strong correlations between independent variables and extracts' biochemical properties, highlighting the importance of optimizing treatment parameters. Furthermore, anthocyanins with increased side chains were observed to be more resistant to degradation under plasma carrier gas flow rate and plasma processing. Powder samples experienced more significant degradation when treated with plasma due to increased free radical generation. These findings elucidated the interaction between plasma and the plant matrix, demonstrating the potential of cold plasma technology for enhancing extraction in an eco-friendly manner and promoting more sustainable food production.

CAPE derivatives: Multifaceted agents for chronic wound healing.

Chronic wounds significantly impact the patients' quality of life, creating an urgent interdisciplinary clinical challenge. The development of novel agents capable of accelerating the healing process is essential. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) has demonstrated positive effects on skin regeneration. However, its susceptibility to degradation limits its pharmaceutical application. Chemical modification of the structure improves the pharmacokinetics of this bioactive phenol. Hence, two novel series of CAPE hybrids were designed, synthesized, and investigated as potential skin regenerative agents. To enhance the stability and therapeutic efficacy, a caffeic acid frame was combined with quinolines or isoquinolines by an ester (1a-f) or an amide linkage (2a-f). The effects on cell viability of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and HaCaT cells were evaluated at different concentrations; they are not cytotoxic, and some proved to stimulate cell proliferation. The most promising compounds underwent a wound-healing assay in HGFs and HaCaT at the lowest concentrations. Antimicrobial antioxidant properties were also explored. The chemical and thermal stabilities of the best compounds were assessed. In silico predictions were employed to anticipate skin penetration capabilities. Our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) derivatives 1a and 1d as skin regenerative agents, being able to stimulate cell proliferation, control bacterial growth, regulate ROS levels, and being thermally and chemically stable. An interesting structure-activity relationship was discussed to suggest a promising multitargeted approach for enhanced wound healing.

Physicochemical and phytochemical analysis of siddha formulation thoothuvalaiyathi chooranam

Aim And Objective: This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties and phytochemical composition of siddha formulation thoothuvalaiyathi chooranam. Materials And Methods: Thoothuvalaiyathi Chooranam is one Of the Siddha formulation chosen from Sarabenthira vaithya muraigal kasa swasa sikichai , Page No. 153 which is indicated for Eraippu ,Kasam ,swasam, kabarogangkal. The drug prepared as per the Siddha literature. The drug is subjected to physico chemical analysis such as loss on ignition, loss on drying, water soluble ash etc and phytochemical analysis as per the PLIM guidelines. Results And Conclusion: Phytochemical analysis of this drug was done such as pH (7.10), Loss on ignition (92.10%), Acid Insoluble ash (5.10±0.100), Water soluble extractive (9.30±0.500), Alcohol soluble extractive (8.10±0.200),Loss on drying (0.90±0.500) .The results revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds, including Alkaloids, Carbohydrates, Glycosides, Saponins, Phenols, Triterpenoids, Flavanoids, Proteins and amino acids, Anthocyanin , Tannins.The results indicate the standard quality ,safety and standardization for their use.

Assessment of some parameters of the chemical composition of Thymus kotschyanus Boiss. Growing in different ecological zones of the Republic of Armenia

Background: Thymus kotschyanus Boiss., commonly known as thyme, is a small semi-shrub valued for its aromatic and medicinal properties. Found throughout the Middle East and the Caucasus, it adapts to various ecological conditions and is rich in biologically active compounds, including essential oils, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Its diverse chemical profile has made it a focus of pharmacological research for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, highlighting its potential therapeutic applications. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the bioactive compounds in wild T. kotschyanus Boiss. plants grown under diverse ecological conditions, with an emphasis on how these compounds change in response to varying environmental contexts. Materials and Methods: The chemical composition of Thymus kotschyanus Boiss. was investigated during its flowering phenophase. Aerial parts of plants were collected from the Tavush (40°880518N, 45°427958E) and Kotayk (40°17’56"N, 44°33’15"E) regions in Armenia between 2021 and 2023. The study focused on analyzing ash and moisture content, phytochemical screening, and mineral content. Results: The ethanolic extracts of Thymus kotschyanus Boiss from both regions contained a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including coumarins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenols, carbohydrates, proteins, and saponins. Plants from the Tavush region exhibited a moisture content 1.83% higher than those from the Kotayk region, reflecting a 36.1% increase. Similarly, the ash content was 1.3% higher in Tavush plants, resulting in a 17.1% increase compared to Kotayk plants. Analysis of macro- and microminerals revealed that potassium was the most abundant macromineral, followed by calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium. Among the microminerals, iron had the highest concentration, followed by zinc and copper. Conclusion: The study demonstrated significant differences in the biologically active compounds, mineral composition, moisture, and ash content of T. kotschyanus Boiss. from different ecological zones in Armenia. Plants from the Tavush region exhibited higher moisture and ash content, as well as elevated levels of vitamins A and C, phenolic content, and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, compared to those from the Kotayk region. These findings underscore the impact of environmental conditions on the quality and composition of T. kotschyanus Boiss., highlighting its potential as a valuable source of biologically active compounds and essential minerals. Keywords: aromatic plants, bioactive compounds, essential minerals, wild thyme, T. kotschyanus Boiss

Assessment of intranasal in-situ gel efficacy of ethanolic extract of Mimosa pudica for anxiolytic and antidepressant activity: Formulation optimization and stability studies.

This research delves into the therapeutic potential of Mimosa pudica, known as chuimui or lajwanti in Hindi, for alleviating anxiety and depression, capitalizing on its diverse pharmacological activities. Renowned for analgesic, antidiarrheal, antiinflammatory, hepatoprotective, antiasthmatic, anti-ulcer, and antioxidant properties, the plant emerges as a promising herbal remedy for mental health. The study specifically accentuates its antidepressant and anxiolytic properties, aiming for minimal side effects compared to synthetic alternatives. Pre-formulation considerations involve optimizing the concentration of polymer for in-situ gelation. Preliminary phytochemical screening unveils the presence of bioactive compounds, including terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, quinines, phenols, tannins, and saponins, known for modulating neurotransmission and exhibiting anxiolytic effects. The concentration of deacetylated gellan gum for gelation is fine-tuned using simulated nasal fluid, emphasizing minimal viscosity. Compatibility studies using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirm the absence of significant drug-polymer interactions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) provides insights into thermal behavior. Six trial batches with varying concentrations are prepared, and final formulations are evaluated for different physicochemical parameters. Stability studies are conducted under different conditions for three months. The comprehensive investigation aims to inspire advanced research into the manifold benefits of Mimosa pudica, particularly in mental health treatment, paving the way for potential herbal formulations with reduced side effects.

Evaluation of Proximate Composition, Multielement, and Bioactive Phenolics Contents of Different Coix Seed Varieties using Multivariate Analysis Techniques

Coix lacryma-jobi L. is a plant that serves as a source of food, medicine, cosmetics, and forage in Asian countries. Due to the distinct geographic environments, Coix seed germplasm resources are extremely diverse. In this study, we evaluated the proximate composition, multi-elemental content by ICP-OES, and phenolic bioactives by UPLC-QTOF/MS of five varieties of Coix seeds from different Asian countries, including China, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) were used to classify the different varieties of Coix seeds. The C. lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen seeds from Origin 1 (China) and Origin 2 (Thailand) contained high levels of energy, total fat, and calcium, while C. lacryma-jobi var. agrotis (Indonesia) and C. lacryma-jobi var. lacryma-jobi (Malaysia) had high levels of crude fiber and carbohydrates. Twenty-three phenolic compounds were identified. Protein, carbohydrate, crude fiber, magnesium, zinc, meliadanoside, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside were the dominant variables and contributed the most to data variability in PCA. The HCA results were consistent with the PCA, classifying the samples into three groups: those rich in nutrients, those rich in phenolics, and those with a mixture of nutrients and phenolics. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the nutritional and bioactive composition of Coix seed varieties, with potential applications in nutrition, food science, and pharmaceuticals.

Insights into the in vitro biological properties of Australian beach‐cast brown seaweed phenolics

AbstractFive Australian seaweed species, Phyllosphora comosa, Ecklonia radiata, Durvillaea potatorum, Sargassum fallax, and Cystophora siliquosa, thrive along the country's shorelines. Some of these seaweeds have recognized health benefits but have not been fully investigated in terms of their bioactive components and mechanisms of action. We employed ultrasonication with 70% methanol to extract phenolic compounds from these seaweeds and investigated a range of bioactivities for these extracts, including anti‐inflammatory activity exploring urease inhibition, nitric oxide scavenging activity, protein denaturation inhibition, and protease inhibition. Anti‐diabetic activities were investigated using α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition assays. Anti‐proliferative and anti‐mitotic activities were evaluated using yeast‐cell and green‐gram models, respectively. Our findings showed that C. siliquosa inhibited nitric oxide, urease, and protease activities, with S. fallax, P. comosa, and E. radiata exhibiting substantial inhibition of protein denaturation. E. radiata displayed inhibitory effects on both α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase, whereas P. comosa targeted only the α‐glucosidase enzyme, indicating different mechanisms of anti‐diabetic activity. In these anti‐mitotic assays, C. siliquosa exhibited low cell viability and a significant anti‐proliferative effect, particularly within 24 h, while E. radiata demonstrated notable inhibition at 48 h. LC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS investigation identified 48 phenolic compounds, including 19 phenolic acids, 20 flavonoids, and 9 other polyphenols. The presence of these compounds in extracts correlated with observed biological activities. These results support the potential health benefits of these seaweeds and link this activity to the presence of bioactive phenolics.

LED light treatments enhance neuroprotective properties and differentially impact phenolic compounds and triterpenoid content in Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.)

Due to an array of medicinal properties being attributed to Gotu kola (Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.), there is a growing demand for the incorporation of the plant as an herbal ingredient in drugs, cosmetics but mainly in dietary supplements and herbal drugs, which has been causing a gradual decline on its wild population. A possible way might be the improvement of the content in bioactive constituents that, in this specific matter, have been mainly labelled as being pentacyclic triterpenoids. We hypothesize that using light-emitting diode (LED) treatments can enhance its content in bioactives and improve its neuroprotective effects.Specific LED light treatments caused a metabolic shift, globally reducing the concentrations of the triterpenoids madecassoside, asiaticoside, and their corresponding aglycones. However, LED light treatments caused a pronounced increase in specific phenolic bioactives in comparison with samples obtained under sunlight, mostly pronounced in the concentrations of di-O-caffeoylquinic acids. Principal component analysis corroborated that the improvement on the neuroinflammatory status in BV-2 microglial cells and enhanced inhibition of tyrosinase are correlated with the increase in specific phenolic constituents resulting from LED light treatments.While the anti-neuroinflammatory effects in BV-2 microglial cells are demonstrated here for the first time, our core findings are mostly crucial for meeting the increased demand for C. asiatica in herbal products, as our LED light treatment boosts yields in specific phenolic bioactives and improves neuroprotective effects.

Antimicrobial activities of Alchornea cordifolia leaf extract on Candida albican and some selected Probiotics

The quest for novel and effective antimicrobial agents has become increasingly urgent because of the increasing threat of drug-resistant microbial pathogens. Alchornea cordifolia, a plant species widely used in traditional medicine, has been reported to possess antimicrobial properties. However, its antifungal activity and interactions with beneficial probiotic microorganisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal efficacy of Alchornea cordifolia extracts and their bioactive components against Candida albicans and explore their interactions with probiotic microorganisms, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Sacchromyces bourdii, which are often used for control. By elucidating the antimicrobial potential and probiotic interactions of Alchornea cordifolia, this study aims to contribute to the development of innovative and sustainable solutions for the prevention and treatment of Candida albicans infections while also promoting a balanced microbiota. The crude extract was subjected to phytochemical screening. The bioactive components were isolated and purified via column chromatography and thin layer chromatography, whereas FTIR was used to analyse the functional groups present in the extract and isolated components. The extract and isolated components were further subjected to antimicrobial, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal/bactericidal concentration (MFC/MBC) assays against C. albicans, S. bourdii and L. acidophilus via the agar diffusion and broth macrodilution technique. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive components, including tannins, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, alkaloids, anthocyanins, cardiac glycosides, cyanogenic glycosides, oxalates, carotene and sterols. Four spots with Rf values between 0.73 and 0.75, 0.83 and 0.73, 0.87 and 0.98 and 0.32 and 0.23 assigned as components A, B, C and D, respectively, were isolated after elution with a gradient of solvents. The FTIR results of the crude extract revealed functional groups consistent with those of secondary metabolites, such as hydroxyl groups (O-H, peaks at 3812–3500 cm-1), amines (N–H stretching peaks at 3431 cm-1), alkenes (C-H stretching CH3 CH2, CH peaks at 3175–2800 cm-1), and C=C peaks at 1623 cm-1. These functional groups were identified during preliminary tests. The crude extract and components A, B, and C exhibited similar activities against Candida albicans, with inhibition zones ranging from 21 mm to 32 mm. Component C had the highest activity, with an inhibition zone of 32 mm. Component D showed moderate activity, with an inhibition zone of 26 mm. Antimicrobial activity against Sacromyces boulardii and Lactobacillus acidophilus varied among the components, with Component C showing the highest activity against Sacromyces boulardii. There was some selectivity for the pathogen rated as the crude extract ˃C ˃B = A ˃D. The crude extract and components A, B, and C had MICs of 100 µg/ml against Candida albicans. Component C had an MIC of 1000 µg/ml against Sacromyces boulardii. Component D had an MIC of 10 µg/ml against Candida albicans. The methanol crude extract and its components have shown promising antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, making it a potential natural solution for candidiasis management. Further research will be crucial to unlock its full potential and explore its use in combination with probiotics. Keywords: Alchornea cordifolia, candidiasis, probiotics and antimicrobial

Pea protein-coated nanoliposomal encapsulation of jujube phenolic extract with different stabilizers; characterization and in vitro release

Jujube, a fruit rich in phenolic compounds, is renowned for its potential health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, and exhibiting anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects, attributed to its potent antioxidant properties. However, the application of these phenolics in food products is limited by their instability and low concentration in plant tissues. This study investigates the nanoencapsulation of jujube extract (JE) using nanoliposomes (NLs) coated with pea protein isolate (PPI) to enhance stability and bioavailability. NLs were prepared via the ethanol injection method and optimized through comprehensive characterization, including dynamic light scattering, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. The encapsulated JE showed improved antioxidant activity and controlled release profiles in simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid. This research highlights the potential of PPI-coated NLs in stabilizing and enhancing the bioactivity of jujube phenolics, providing a promising approach for their integration into functional foods.

Fermentation of enzymatical feijoa fruit juice by probiotic bacteria: nutritional composition, bioactive phenolics, and antioxidant activities

Fermentation of enzymatical feijoa fruit juice by probiotic bacteria: nutritional composition, bioactive phenolics, and antioxidant activities

Bioactive (Poly)phenol Concentrations in Plant-Based Milk Alternatives in the US Market.

Plant-based milk alternatives (PBMAs) are increasingly consumed as a dairy alternative [Olson, S. Milk and Non-Dairy Milk - US - 2021, 2021.]. Plant foods are rich sources of (poly)phenols, but concentrations of these bioactive phytochemicals in processed PBMAs are not well documented. We procured twenty-seven PBMA products of 6 types (almond, coconut, oat, pea, rice, and soy) for (poly)phenol analysis. Samples were analyzed via ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array with mass spectrometry. The (poly)phenol content of PBMAs varies and is dependent on plant source, brand, and added flavorings. Soy milk had the highest concentration and rice milk had the lowest (91.9 ± 2.7 and 0.9 ± 0.2 mean mg ± SD/cup serving, respectively). Almond milk, the most widely consumed PBMA, averaged 12.1 ± 8.2 mg/cup serving, but the majority of (poly)phenols are derived from added flavorings. PBMAs contain a wide range of potentially bioactive (poly)phenols and may contribute significantly to overall dietary (poly)phenol intake with the potential to impact health outcomes.