Content Of Phenolic Compounds Research Articles

Ultrasound-assisted extraction and concentration of phenolic compounds from jabuticaba sabará (Plinia peruviana (Poir.) Govaerts) peel by nanofiltration membrane

Jabuticaba peel, rich in antioxidants, offering health benefits. In this study, the extraction of phenolic compounds from jabuticaba peel using ultrasound-assisted (UA) and their subsequent concentration by nanofiltration (NF) employing a polyamide 200 Da membrane was evaluated. The UA extractions were conducted using the Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) 22 methodology, with independent variables extraction time (11.55 to 138 min) and temperature (16.87 to 53.3 °C), and fixed variables mass to ethanol solution concentration at pH 1.0 (1:25 g/mL), granulometry (1 mm), and ultrasonic power (52.8 W). The maximum concentrations obtained were 700.94 mg CE/100 g for anthocyanins, 945.21 mg QE/100 g for flavonoids, 133.19 mg GAE/g for phenols, and an antioxidant activity IC50 of 24.36 μg/mL. Key phenolic compounds identified included cyanidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-glucoside, and various acids like syringic and gallic. NF successfully concentrated these compounds, enhancing their yield by up to 45%. UA and NF integrate for sustainable extraction.

Development of energy efficient flower-shaped defective TiO2 materials for wastewater remediation of agro-industries and oil refineries

Wastewater containing high concentrations of phenolic compounds (PhCs), produced in large quantities by the world's expanding agro-industries and oil refineries, is one of the main polluters of rivers and streams. It is economically and technically reasonable to treat such wastewater using TiO2-based photocatalysis. But in order for photocatalysis to be used on a large scale, it must degrade PhCs efficiently while using less electrical energy (EE) and treating them at lower costs (t-cost). In this study, a modified hydrothermal method was used to produce the flower-shaped defective black TiO2 (BTNFs) from pre-prepared black TiO2 nanoparticles (BTNPs) as an energy saving strategy in wastewater remediation. The adsorption and photocatalytic performance, energy needs, and t-costs for both materials were examined for photodegradation of PhCs from simulated oil refinery wastewater (ORW), palm oil mill wastewater (POW), and olive oil mill wastewater (OMW). The findings revealed that BTNFs have improved properties which made them more effective in adsorption of PhCs and photocatalyzing their degradation. Combining photocatalysis and adsorption based on BTNFs led to an improved removal (49.75–98.40%) of PhCs depending on the wastewater matrix and reduced the EE consumption and t-cost by 8.96–23.86% for treating OMW, POW, and ORW.

A Comparative Study of Composition and Soluble Polysaccharide Content between Brewer's Spent Yeast and Cultured Yeast Cells.

Yeast, crucial in beer production, holds great potential owing to its ability to transform into a valuable by-product resource, known as brewer's spent yeast (BSY), with potentially beneficial physiological effects. This study aimed to compare the composition and soluble polysaccharide content of Brewer's spent yeast with those of cultured yeast strains, namely Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) and S. boulardii (SB), to facilitate the utilization of BSY as an alternative source of functional polysaccharides. BSY exhibited significantly higher carbohydrate content and lower crude protein content than SC and SB cells. The residues recovered through autolysis were 53.11%, 43.83%, and 44.99% for BSY, SC, and SB, respectively. Notably, the polysaccharide content of the BSY residue (641.90 μg/mg) was higher than that of SC (553.52 μg/mg) and SB (591.56 μg/mg). The yields of alkali-extracted water-soluble polysaccharides were 33.62%, 40.76%, and 42.97% for BSY, SC, and SB, respectively, with BSY comprising a comparable proportion of water-soluble saccharides made with SC and SB, including 49.31% mannan and 20.18% β-glucan. Furthermore, BSY demonstrated antioxidant activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), ABTS, and DPPH scavenging potential, suggesting its ability to mitigate oxidative stress. BSY also exhibited a significantly higher total phenolic compound content, indicating its potential to act as an effective functional food material.

Effects of Green Husks of Hungarian-Bred Cultivars on Their Walnut Bacterial Blight Susceptivity

The Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) is one of Central Europe's most grown nut trees. In the green husks of walnuts, among the most important bioactive compounds are phenolics (hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, naphthoquinones), which play an important role in the plant defense mechanisms against stress caused by various pathogens e.g., Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis, furthermore mentioned as Xaj. The study examined the full Hungarian walnut assortment to detect the difference in phenolic profiles of their green husk and the relationship between the concentration of phenolic compounds, as well as their effects on tolerance against Xaj. All the phenological stages were recorded by Ctifl scheme. The phenolic compounds were determined by HPLC-DAD-ESI-QDA method, after which susceptibility test was carried out. The results show that concentration of the phenolic compounds varied by cultivars; it was higher in the locally-bred cultivars compared to ‘Chandler’, a more widespread cultivar. Phenolic compounds inhibited the artificial Xaj infection in the green husk. This effect had a strong correlation with the high phenols’ concentration, except for ‘Bonifác’. It is likely that the phenolics’ concentration in the walnut green husk has an important role in their defense against Xaj infection.

Exploring the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of Chelidonium majus extracts against oral microorganisms

Chelidonium majus (Papaveraceae) is a widely utilized medicinal plant species known for its various effective biological activities. This study investigated the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of C. majus against oral microorganisms. To assess its biological activities, C. majus fractions were obtained using 80% methanol, n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol (BuOH), and water. Antioxidant assays, including DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging tests, as well as total polyphenol and flavonoid content determination, were conducted. Notably, the EtOAc fraction exhibited the highest antioxidant activity than that of the other fractions, both in terms of DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. Furthermore, it contained the highest contents of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the EtOAc extract (212.00 mg CAE/g, 135.70 mg NE/g). In addition, antimicrobial assays using various antimicrobial tests against oral microorganisms, namely S. mutans, S. gordonii, S. sobrinus, and S. sanguinis, were conducted to investigate the antibacterial effect, revealing that the EtOAc fraction showed the greatest inhibition. Furthermore, LC-MS analysis of the EtOAc fraction identified biologically active compounds, including phenolic compounds such as fisetin, quercetin, and coumaroylimalic acid. Based on these findings, C. majus, with its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, is a promising candidate for improving oral health.

Inhibitory activity against α-amylase and glucose adsorption capacity of the aqueous decoctate of Chamaecrista nigricans (Vahl) Greene

Diabetes management involves preventing its risk factors. Inhibition of glucosidases and adsorption of excess free glucose are approaches to the prevention of postprandial hyperglycemia. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity, glucose adsorption capacity, and α-amylase inhibitory activity in vitro of the aqueous extract of Chamaecrista nigricans. Determination of phenolic compounds content was performed using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and the aluminum chloride method was used for total flavonoids one. The glucose oxidase peroxidase kit was used to determine the adsorption capacity of glucose while the 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid method was used to assess the inhibitory activity against α-amylase. Levels ranging from 33.87 ± 2.48 mg GAE/100 mg dry extract (DE) for total phenolic compounds and 1.98 ± 0.51 mg QE/100 mg DE for total flavonoids were observed. The adsorption capacity was correlated with the glucose concentration of the solution (r = 0.95) and was up to 36.61 μmol/g DE for a glucose concentration of 30 mM. The extract from the November collection was most active against α-amylase with IC50 = 0.17 mg DE/mL. Observations confirm the traditional use of this species as a preventive measure in recipes for the treatment of diabetes. This data provides a basis for future pharmaceutical prospecting.

Can Storage Stability and Simulated Gastrointestinal Behavior Change the Cytotoxic Effects of Concentrated Guava Leaves Extract against Human Lung Cancer Cells?

The influence of storage stability and simulated gastrointestinal behavior of different extracts of guava leaves extracts (NC: not concentrated, and C10 and C20: concentrated by nanofiltration) was evaluated based on their total phenolic compound (TPC) contents and antioxidant activity as well as on their cytotoxic effects on A549 and Vero cells. The results showed that C10 and C20 presented high stability for 125 days probably due to their high TPC contents and antioxidant activity. The simulated gastrointestinal behavior modified their TPC contents; however, after all digestion steps, the TPC values were higher than 70%, which means that they were still available to exert their bioactivities. Additionally, the cytotoxic effects of these extracts were evaluated before and after the simulated gastrointestinal behavior or under different storage conditions. C10 presented the best selectivity indices (SI) values (IC50 Vero cells/IC50 A549 cells) at both conditions suggesting that it can be considered a potential extract to be developed as a functional food due to its resistance to the gastrointestinal digestion and storage conditions tested.

Exploring In Vitro Immunomodulatory Properties of Moss Atrichum undulatum Extracts.

Bryophytes are rich sources of diverse secondary metabolites with a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antimicrobial effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of extracts from two different genotypes (Serbian and Hungarian) of the axenic moss Atrichum undulatum and evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of the prepared extracts in vitro. Both genotypes of moss samples were cultivated in vitro and subsequently extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus with methanol or ethyl acetate. The highest concentration of total phenolic compounds was found in the methanolic extract of the Serbian genotype (54.25 mg GAE/g extract), while the ethyl acetate extract of the Hungarian genotype showed the highest concentration of phenolic acids (163.20 mg CAE/extract), flavonoids (35.57 mg QE/extract), and flavonols (2.25 mg QE/extract). The extracts showed anti-neuroinflammatory properties by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and tumor necrosis factor alpha by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated microglial cells. Moreover, they mitigated the cytotoxic effects of the pro-inflammatory mediators produced by activated microglia on neurons. The data obtained suggest that extracts from A. undulatum moss have promising anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective properties, making them interesting candidates for further research to combat neuroinflammation.

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS IN CACHICHÍN NUTS (Oecopetalum mexicanum Greenm. & C.H. Thomps.) EXPOSED TO DIFFERENT THERMAL TREATMENTS

The cachichín tree (Oecopetalum mexicanum Greenm. & C.H. Thomps.), present in the Sierra de Misantla, Veracruz, Mexico, produces fruits with bitter-tasting nuts, traditionally consumed as a healthy snack, boiled or toasted. These nuts have significant concentrations of lipids, proteins, fiber, and ash, although their antioxidant capacity and phenolic profile in response to different thermal treatments have not been explored. The objective of this study was to analyze the antioxidant activity and determine the concentrations of free and total phenolic compounds in the raw (T1) cachichín nuts and nuts subjected to different thermal treatments, including boiled (T2), commercial toast (T3), and controlled toast at laboratory level (T4). The nuts subjected to controlled toasting (T4) showed the highest mean in antioxidant activity (20.73 %), followed by commercial toasting (T3; 19.41 %) and raw nuts (T1; 15.38 %), while the boiled nuts (T2) showed the lowest values (9.68 %). Regarding free phenols, the highest concentration of catechin was found in raw nuts (T1), with 278.91 mg g-1 fresh biomass weight (FBW). Trans-ferulic acid was more abundant in the toasting treatments (7.09 ng g-1 FBW in T3 and 6.13 ng g-1 FBW in T4) compared to raw nuts (T1; 3.77 ng g-1 FBW). Trans-coumaric acid was higher with controlled toasting (T4; 2.67 ng g-1 FBW). In terms of total phenols, raw nuts (T1) showed the highest concentration of catechin (613.95 mg g-1 FBW), while chlorogenic acid was more abundant in commercial toasting (T3; 89.12 ng g-1 FBW). Total trans-ferulic acid was higher in boiled and toasted nuts (T2, T3, and T4), while trans-coumaric acid was highest in controlled toasting (T4) and lowest in boiled (T2). Cachichín nuts are concluded to contain phenolic compounds with beneficial functions, whose concentrations can be altered in response to the thermal treatments applied.

The synergistic potential of orange peel extract: A comprehensive investigation into its phenolic composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and functional fortification properties in yogurt

The study explores the potential of orange peel extract (OPE) as a versatile natural resource, focusing on its phenolic composition, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, as well as its application in fortifying yogurt. Analysis revealed significant concentrations of phenolic compounds in OPE. OPE exhibited notable antibacterial efficacy against pathogenic bacteria, particularly marine Escherichia coli, with synergistic effects observed when combined with Amikacin. Incorporating OPE into yogurt led to changes in chemical composition, enhancing total proteins, fat, and ash content. Fortified yogurt showed increased antioxidant activity and potential anti-cancer properties against HCT116 cell lines. In conclusion, OPE emerges as a rich source of bioactive compounds with diverse applications, from its antioxidant and antibacterial properties to its potential in fortifying functional foods like yogurt. This comprehensive exploration provides valuable insights into the multifaceted benefits of OPE, paving the way for its utilization in various industries and health-related applications.

Phytochemical Profile and GC-MS-Identified Bioactive Compounds in Pluchea ovalis (Pers.) DC. Leaves

Background: Pluchea ovalis is a significant medicinal plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is also known as “Woolly Camphor-Weed” and has traditionally been used in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Folk medicine for treating numerous ailments, particularly Jaundice, Piles, Bronchial Asthma, inflammation, and Carcinoma. Purpose: Phytochemical Profile and GC-MS-Identified Bioactive Compounds in Pluchea ovalis Research Design: The phytochemical composition of P. ovalis leaves was screened using a Soxhlet apparatus after hot, continuous, and consecutive extraction. A variety of solvents were used for the qualitative assay. Different solvents were used in increasing polarity order to carry out the extraction operation. Total content of tannins, phenolic compounds, alkaloids (bromocresol green), and flavonoids (aluminum chloride) quantified (Folin-Ciocalteu). Additionally, quick and precise GC was used in conjunction with the Mass Hunter tool and mass spectrometry method to examine the absorbed components and determine the complete elements. Results: The qualitative phytochemical screening revealed that alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids & terpenoids, phenols, tannins, glycosides, phytosterols, coumarins, quinones resins, cardiac glycosides, leuco anthocyanins, anthraquinones and fixed oils were found in all the extracts, the quantification of alkaloids in methanol, showcasing a remarkable concentration of 502 mg/g equivalent, while chloroform exhibits a substantial alkaloid content of 310 mg/g, flavonoids, yielding the highest concentration in methanol at 520 mg/g and ethyl acetate at 440 mg/g. Phenols and tannins in methanol 390 mg/g and 320 mg/g . Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of P. ovalis leaf methanol extract revealed 50 peaks, identifying bioactive compounds based on retention time, molecular formula, structure, weight, and concentration (peak area%). The results indicated that the single major component, dodecanoic acid, 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester (C39H74O6), had a peak area of 38.16%, a molecular weight of 638, and was reported to have hypercholesterolemic, anti-arthritic, nematocidal and hepatoprotective activity. 2-Ethoxyethylamine (C4H11NO), on the other hand, had the second-highest peak area, at 26.46%

Bee honey of the Pajeú hinterland, Pernambuco, Brazil: Physicochemical characterization and biological activity

The state of Pernambuco, in the northeast Brazil, is one the biggest bee honey producers in the country, especially in semiarid microregions called “Sertão", or hinterlands. Its unique biome characterized by xerophyte Caatinga vegetation presents a unique flora with many medicinal properties. One of these microregions, Sertão do Pajeú, has stood out for its growing honey production. The present work reported for the first time a characterization of this honey and evaluated its potential for the production of alternative nutraceutical products. Samples from Sertão do Pajeú and two other regions of the State were collected and subjected to analyses as recommended by the Brazilian legislation. As the most striking characteristics, honeys from this microregion showed darker colour, higher content of phenolic compounds and elevated antioxidant activity than that from other locations. The high content of 5-HMF, together with high diastase activity, indicated that it is an intrinsic property of this honey. And finally, fermented worts containing the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii were supplemented with honey and sucrose as reference. The results showed that samples stocked in the presence of honey presented high level of cell longevity over 60 days of storage under refrigeration. In addition, those cells became very tolerant to the simulation of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, this honey greatly increased the probiotic potential of the yeast. This shows the nutraceutical potential of honey from Sertão do Pajeú.

Extraction of bioactive compounds from pecan nutshell: An added-value and low-cost alternative for an industrial waste

The pecan nutshell [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh) C. Koch] (PNS) is a source of bioactives with important beneficial properties for the human health. PNS represents between 40–50 % of total mass of the nut, resulting as waste without any added value for the food industry. Even though a variety of methods were already developed for bioactive extraction from this waste, unconventional methodologies, or those which apart from green chemistry principles, were discarded considering the cost of production, the sustainable development goals of United Nations and the feasibility of real inclusion of the technology in the food chain. Then, to add-value to this waste, a low-cost, green and easy-scalable extraction methodology was developed based on the determination of seven relevant factors by means of a factorial design and a Response Surface Methodology, allowing the extraction of bioactives with antioxidant capacity. The pecan nutshell extract had a high concentration of phenolic compounds (166 mg gallic acid equivalents-GAE/g dry weight-dw), flavonoids (90 mg catechin equivalent-CE/g dw) and condensed tannins (189 mg CE/g dw) −related also to the polymeric color (74.6 %)-, with high antioxidant capacities of ABTS+. radical inhibition (3665 µmol Trolox Equivalent-TE/g dw) and of iron reduction (1305 µmol TE/g dw). Several compounds associated with these determinations were identified by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS, such as [Epi]catechin-[Epi]catechin-[Epi]gallocatechin, myricetin, dihydroquercetins, dimers A and B of protoanthocyanidins, ellagitannins and ellagic acid derivatives. Hence, through the methodology developed here, we obtained a phenolic rich extract with possible benefits for human health, and of high industrial scalability for this co-product transformation.

Microwave-assisted extraction of Tiliacora triandra leaves for functional ice cream production

Ice cream is widely enjoyed by consumers of all ages, but its high sugar and fat content may have adverse effects on health. This research aims to develop a functional form of ice cream by incorporating Tiliacora triandra leaves, which are rich in antioxidants. The substances from the leaves were extracted using high-power microwaves at 600 W for 30 sec, repeated three times. These extracts were then incorporated into the ice cream recipe, which utilized skim milk powder instead of fresh milk and stevia syrup instead of sugar. The antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays, while the total phenolic compounds were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The findings indicated that ice cream supplemented with the extract at a 20% leaf ratio (T20) exhibited the highest antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS, with values of 54.30 ± 1.42% and 73.83 ± 1.90%, respectively. Additionally, the highest total phenolic compounds content was observed at 3.48 ± 0.10 mg GAE/g sample. The addition of T. triandra leaf extract resulted in a significantly darker green color and a firmer texture. However, the ice cream’s ability to resist melting showed slight change. Sensory assessment revealed that ice cream enhanced with 5% (T5) and 10% leaf ratios (T10) of the extract received higher scores for taste, color, odor, and overall acceptance compared to T20, and showed no difference from the control (T0). These finding suggest that T10 could serve as a viable alternative for health-conscious consumers seeking functional ice cream options.

Can the galling mite Eriophyes tiliae alter the phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of Tilia platyphyllos in a high UV radiation environment?

AbstractLeaves of large‐leaved lime, Tilia platyphyllos Scop. (Malvaceae), harbor colonies of Eriophyes tiliae (Pagenstecher) (Acari: Eriophyidae), capable of modifying the leaf structure (inducer of nail‐galls) and physiology. The aerial organs of T. platyphyllos have traditionally been consumed for their high antioxidant capacity, related to the rich polyphenol profile. Here, we investigated the polyphenol profiles and antioxidant activity of T. platyphyllos non‐galled leaves and galls to determine the changes induced by the mite in a Chilean environment with high ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Phenolic compound identification in the methanol extracts of non‐galled leaves and galls was carried out through HPLC. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the extracts was quantified through spectrophotometry, and it was compared with the standards of the three major phenolic compounds of both organs. Nine phenolic compounds were detected in non‐galled leaves and galls, with no differences between the two organs, except for the absence of gallic acid in galls. The concentration of phenolic compounds did differ significantly between the two conditions. In leaf galls, epicatechin and cyanidin‐3‐glucoside concentrations and antioxidant capacity increased significantly compared to non‐galled leaves. As chlorogenic acid and cyanidin‐3‐glucoside are active phenols responding to UV radiation stress, their concentration in T. platyphyllos leaves could be a response to the high UV radiation occurring in Chile during spring and summer. The phenolic compounds detected here have been reported to be potent antioxidants, that are probably potentiated by E. tiliae for its own protection against UV‐B radiation, as the two most abundant compounds in the galls exhibited the highest capacity to reduce ABTS and DPPH radicals. However, we do not rule out the participation of phenolics in protection against natural enemies of the gall mite, as chlorogenic acid and epicatechin are powerful antifeedants.

Circular bioeconomy for cocoa by-product industry: Development of whey protein-cocoa bean shell concentrate particles obtained by spray-drying and freeze-drying for commercial applications

The revalorization of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) processing wastes, mainly cocoa bean shells, involve some strategies to obtaining maximum benefits of the bioactive compounds and reducing the amounts of waste through its use in new products in the context of the circular bioeconomy. Cocoa bean shells were used to obtain a phenol concentrated and formulate a matrix with isolated whey protein particles. Spray-drying and freeze-drying were used to pulverize the samples. The results indicated that both methods improve the stability of the compounds and the antioxidant capacity of the phenol-protein matrix powder, with significative differences (p<0.05), being the spray-dried matrix the sample with the higher amounts of the total polyphenols. Different amounts of the phenol-protein matrix powder obtained by spray-drying and freeze-drying were used for the formulation of the cookies, and significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in the physicochemical characteristics, proximal analysis, bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity, among the formulations. The cookies with the highest protein content were those to which a 12.5 and 20% of the matrix obtained by freeze-drying was added. While the cookies with the highest content of total phenolic compounds (4118.72±27.43) and highest values of antioxidant capacity (521.33±33.68 mmol Trolox/g and 4249.10±51.24 FeSO4/g, by DPPH and FRAP assay, respectively) were those that were added with 20% matrix obtained by spray drying. Likewise, the discriminating variables identified between the cookie formulations were the results of polyphenols, DPPH, FRAP and proteins. This indicate that the addition of a phenol-protein matrix powder as an ingredient in cookies, as comercial application, exhibited an increasing of proteins and polyphenols content, including higher values of antioxidant capacity, in the final product.

Antidiabetic, antioxidant, and phytochemical profile of Pennisetum glaucum cultivated in central-southern Morocco and imported from India

Alternative methods of producing food sustainably are being considered due to rapid expanding population, increasing food needs, declining agricultural soils fertility, and ongoing drought. To achieve that, we examined the pharmacological, functional, and nutritional characteristics of two cultivars of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), which are distinguished by their ability to tolerate a variety of climates compared to other cereal grains. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of two seeds cultivars: one cultivated in Morocco and the other grown in India. In addition to having a higher energy value (403.91 Kcal), higher protein (9.13 %) and lipid content (7.11 %), and a lower capacity for self-oxidation than the Indian variety due to its fatty acid composition, the content of phenolic compounds of Moroccan millet is well concentrated in its seeds, making it more powerful as an antioxidant and hypoglycemic plant. The ethanolic extract of Moroccan pearl millet showed the greatest total phenolic content (36.278 mg GAE/g extract), DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 152.286 and 252.480 μg/mL respectively), α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 84.439 μg/mL and 224.103 μg/mL respectively). The evidence gathered in this study indicates that P.glaucum possesses characteristics that qualify it as a food, medicinal, and productive plant.

A Mediterranean diet improves glycation markers in healthy people and in those with chronic diseases: a systematic review of clinical trials.

Consumption of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has beneficial effects on cardiometabolic health and aging. This systematic review aimed to critically investigate the effect of the MedDiet on glycation markers in healthy or overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched, using the terms "Mediterranean diet" AND "glycation end products, advanced". Three randomized and 3 nonrandomized clinical trials, containing data on 2935 adult and elderly individuals with normal weight or overweight, were included. All extracted data were compiled, compared, and critically analyzed. The authors of most of the studies demonstrated a reduction in serum concentrations of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), such as εN-carboxymethyllysine and methylglyoxal, and in skin autofluorescence levels after at least 4 weeks of adherence to the MedDiet. The MedDiet also led to positive effects on gene expression of receptors for AGEs, as RAGE and AGER1, and an enzyme involved in detoxification (glyoxalase I). There is no evidence that short-term adherence affects glycation markers. Glycation markers improved in response to the MedDiet. The possible mechanisms involved may be related to the low AGE and refined sugars content of the diet, as well as its high monounsaturated fatty acid, phenolic compound, and dietary fiber contents. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021284006.

Phenolic compound profiling and antioxidant potential of different types of Schisandra henryi in vitro cultures.

Schisandra henryi is an endemic species of medicinal potential known from traditional Chinese medicine. As part of this study, a complex biotechnological and phytochemical assessment was conducted on S. henryi with a focus on phenolic compounds and antioxidant profiling. The following in vitro cultures were tested: microshoot agar and callus, microshoot agitated, and suspension, along with the microshoot culture in PlantForm bioreactors. Qualitative profiling was performed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector coupled with ion-trap mass spectrophotometry with electrospray ionization and then quantitative analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector using standards. In the extracts, mainly the compounds from procyanidins were identified as well as phenolic acids (neochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid) and catechin. The highest content of phenolic compounds was found for in vitro agar microshoot culture (max. total content 229.87mg/100g DW) and agitated culture (max. total content 22.82mg/100g DW). The max. TPC measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay was equal to 1240.51mg GAE/100g DW (agar microshoot culture). The extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant potential by the DPPH, FRAP, and chelate iron ion assays. The highest potential was indicated for agar microshoot culture (90% of inhibition and 59.31nM/L TEAC, respectively). The research conducted on the polyphenol profiling and antioxidant potential of S. henryi in vitro culture extracts indicates the high therapeutic potential of this species. KEY POINTS: • Different types of S. henryi in vitro cultures were compared for the first time. • The S. henryi in vitro culture strong antioxidant potential was determined for the first time. • The polyphenol profiling of different types of S. henryi in vitro cultures was shown.

Industrial byproduct pine nut skin factorial design optimization for production of subcritical water extracts rich in pectic polysaccharides, xyloglucans, and phenolic compounds by microwave extraction

Pine nut skin (Pinus pinea L.) is a poorly explored industrial byproduct with potential to be utilized as a food ingredient. Subcritical water extraction (SWE), an eco-friendly extraction technique with higher efficiency than hot-water extraction (HWE), was studied to evaluate its suitability in producing extracts rich in soluble fiber and phenolic compounds. For this, a factorial design was developed considering temperature (120–180 °C), time (2–10 min), and mass/volume ratio (1–3 g/60 mL) under microwave irradiation. This design aimed to maximize the extraction of carbohydrates, while achieving the highest content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. SWE produced higher yields (2.6-fold in relation to HWE) of extracts rich in polysaccharides, determined by methylation analysis, oligosaccharides, determined by GC-qMS as alditol acetates, and phenolic compounds, determined by HPLC-ESI-MS. SWE increased the recovery of pectic oligosaccharides (10-fold) and xyloglucans (2-fold), and allowed to recover pectic polysaccharides, type II arabinogalactans and insoluble-bound phenolic compounds. Mono-, oligo- and polysaccharides were not hydrolyzed during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, showing potential prebiotic functionality. Although phenolic compounds suffered a 23 % (gallic acid equivalents) decrease, phenolic acids and aldehydes were released or conserved upon intestinal phase. These results highlight the potential of PNS valorization as functional food ingredients through the subcritical water solubilization of polysaccharides and phenolic compounds.