Phenolic Compounds Research Articles

Carvacrol and Streptomycin in Combination Weaken Streptomycin Resistance in Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum

Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc) is a major phytopathogen responsible for soft rot in vegetables, affecting various staple crops such as carrots and potatoes. However, the recent emergence of streptomycin-resistant strains of Pcc has compromised the effectiveness of streptomycin for treating disease in agriculture. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the phenolic compounds carvacrol, streptomycin, and a combination of both on the antibacterial activity, cell membrane integrity, and virulence factors of a streptomycin-resistant strain of Pcc (SP). The results revealed that the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of carvacrol and streptomycin against the SP strain were 200 μL/L and 50 g/L, respectively. In particular, their combined application had an additive effect on SP (fractional inhibitory concentration index, FICI = 0.625), leading to 2-fold and 8-fold reductions in the concentrations of the combined use of carvacrol and streptomycin, respectively, compared to when used alone. Follow-up control tests using detached Chinese cabbage, potato, and carrot samples showed that the combined treatment significantly alleviates the severity of soft rot disease and inhibits the relative conductivity, motility, and extracellular hydrolase secretion of SP. The scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy observations further confirmed the disruption of SP’s cell membrane permeability and cell wall integrity after treatment with both carvacrol and streptomycin. Additionally, the transcriptome analysis indicated that their combined use enhanced the suppression of SP by regulating genes associated with its membrane integrity, virulence factors, and resistance mechanisms. In conclusion, applying the phenol–antibiotic combination of carvacrol and streptomycin significantly reduces the streptomycin dose needed against SP and can effectively control soft rot in vegetables prone to it, offering a potential management strategy for controlling SP-induced soft rot during postharvest storage.

SuFEx reactions when shaken not stirred

Click reactions display many of the goals desired for more sustainable chemical conversions. Yet, the solvent used is an often overlooked aspect in determining the environmental impact of reactions. In the current paper we develop the first mechanochemical method for the efficient and solvent‐free SuFEx reaction of sulfonyl fluorides with a wide range of phenols. After outlining the optimization process, which yields an easy‐to‐use and robust method, we provide indications of the very wide scope of this approach, and demonstrate this potential via the application to a range of natural phenols that also display other functionalities, and several gram‐scale syntheses.

Potent inhibition of human monoamine oxidase A and B by phenolic compounds and polyunsaturated fatty acids in tobacco smoke.

Potent inhibition of human monoamine oxidase A and B by phenolic compounds and polyunsaturated fatty acids in tobacco smoke.

Phenolic compounds and safety of improved and local peanut varieties grown in Burkina Faso

Peanuts are a tropical crop widely cultivated throughout the world. The seed is the most important part of the peanut. Burkina Faso is the 16th largest producer of peanuts in the world. Despite its economic and nutritional potential, peanut growers are subject to aflatoxin contamination. This present study aimed to evaluate the phenolic compounds and safety of various improved and local peanut varieties. The aflatoxin contents of the different varieties were determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). A UV-visible spectrophotometer quantified the phenolic contents. For all samples, results showed that water content varied from 3.85 ± 0.08 to 4.21 ± 0.06%, and pH from 6.11 ± 0.02 to 6.48 ± 0.02. Toxicological results showed total aflatoxin levels ranging from 0.04 to 1.86 µg/kg. Polyphenols had the highest values in peanut extracts, ranging from 5.64 ± 1.35 to 14.94 ± 2.79 mg GAE/g. Flavonoids ranged from 1.23 ± 0.11 to 2.24 ± 0.15 mg QE/g and flavonols from 0.14 ± 0.09 to 0.85 ± 0.36 mg QE/g. Condensed tannin contents range from 0.14 ± 0.02 to 0.26 ± 0.02 mg TAE/100 g and hydrolysable tannins from 0.03 ± 0 a to 0.16 ± 0.09 a mg TAE/g. TC tannins ranged from 0.14 ± 0.02 to 0.26 ± 0.02 mg TAE/100 g and THs from 0.03 ± 0 a to 0.16 ± 0.09 a mg TAE/g. Peanut seeds have interesting levels of phytonutrients. They could therefore be considered foods with therapeutic potential. Low levels of aflatoxins testify to the safety of the seeds.

Green Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO/α‐Fe2O3 Nanocomposites Using Hydrocotyle umbellata Leaf Extract and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial Properties

ABSTRACTIn this study, ZnO/α‐Fe2O3 nanocomposites were synthesized via a green coprecipitation method using Hydrocotyle umbellata leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesis involved Zn (NO₃)₂.6H₂O, ferric chloride, and sodium hydroxide in various molar ratios of ZnO/α‐Fe₂O₃ (9:1, 8:2, 7:3), followed by calcination at 400°C. The synthesized nanocomposites were analyzed using XRD, FTIR, UV‐Vis, and SEM to determine their crystalline structure, functional groups, optical properties, and surface morphology. The XRD analysis confirmed the formation of ZnO and α‐Fe₂O₃ phases, whereas FTIR confirmed the presence of metal‐oxygen bonds and phenolic compounds from the plant extract. UV‐vis analysis showed a redshift in the absorption spectra, indicating a reduction in bandgap energy in ZnO/α‐Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites compared to pure ZnO. The SEM results confirmed that the ZnO/α‐Fe2O3 composites exhibit excellent crystallinity, with an average crystal size of approximately 39 nm, calculated using the Debye–Scherrer equation. The antimicrobial activity of ZnO/α‐Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites was evaluated using the disk diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Aspergillus niger. The ZnO/α‐Fe₂O₃ (8:2) formulation showed the strongest antibacterial effect against S. aureus, highlighting its potential for eco‐friendly antimicrobial applications.

Bioactive Potential of a Grape Stem Blend: A Sustainable Approach to Skin Regeneration

The European wine industry is embracing sustainability through circular economy principles, particularly by valorizing by-products, such as grape stems. Grape stems are rich in phenolic compounds with recognized health benefits. This study investigates the bioactive potential of molecules extracted from a blend of grape stems (GS blend extract). The GS blend extract was chemically characterized in terms of total phenolic content (TPC), ortho-diphenol content (ODC), and flavonoid content (FC), with key compounds identified via HPLC-MS. The extract’s antioxidant capacity was assessed using ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH assays, while its anti-aging and depigmenting properties were evaluated through elastase and tyrosinase inhibition assays. Additionally, in vitro assays were conducted to assess its effects on skin cells, including morphology, metabolic activity, cell cycle, and cell migration. The GS blend extract was found to be rich in proanthocyanidins and exhibited notable antioxidant and depigmenting properties. In vitro assays demonstrated that the extract had no significant impact on cellular metabolic activity or cell morphology, although a reorganization of the cell monolayer was observed. Furthermore, deviations in cell migration and cell cycle regulation suggest that the GS blend extract may aid in scar formation management. Notably, the extract arrested fibroblasts in the Sub G0-G1 phase and inhibited HaCaT cell migration, supporting its potential application in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations aimed at scar modulation and skin health.

Selective Transformation of Biomass and the Derivatives for Aryl Compounds and Hydrogen via Visible-Light-Induced Radicals.

ConspectusFor sustainable development, exploring renewable resources is an urgent priority. Nonfood biomass, one of the largest renewable resources on Earth, primarily comprises three key components: lignin (ca. 15-30%), cellulose (ca. 35-50%), and hemicellulose (ca. 20-30%). Theoretically, nonfood biomass can be converted into green chemicals and energy. However, most studies have focused on the generation of chemicals and carbon-based energy under harsh conditions, often resulting in lower selectivities. Therefore, further efforts to explore efficient and selective methods for producing chemicals and hydrogen (H2) are essential to promoting the practical applications of renewable biomass. In this Account, we summarize our contributions to the efficient and selective transformation of biomass and its derivatives into aryl compounds and H2. These transformations were achieved using visible-light-induced photocatalytic systems that generate active radicals to selectively cleave C-C, C-O, C-H, and O-H bonds under mild conditions, without using noble metals. First, aryl compound production was achieved by chemoselective cleavage of C-C and C-O bonds using aryl carboxyl radicals and aryl ether radical cations. Specifically, the aryl carboxyl radical in the charge-transfer complex induced the chemoselective cleavage of C-C bonds of aryl carboxylic acids, which are platform molecules derived from lignin oxidation; the aryl carboxyl radical in free form facilitated the chemoselective cleavage of C-O bonds in the model of the 4-O-5 lignin linkage. Moreover, arenols and aryl alcohols were obtained via cooperation of the aryl ether radical cation and the vanadate-induced chemoselective cleavage of the C-O bonds of the models of various lignin linkages. Second, we developed a streamlined strategy for H2 production from biomass using a one-pot, two-step route with formic acid (HCO2H) as an intermediate for H2 storage by thermocatalysis. Using this strategy by photoredox catalysis, HCO2H was initially obtained via the alkoxy radical-induced gradual cleavage of C-C bonds in cellulose, hemicellulose, glucose, and their derivatives. Subsequently, efficient H2 production from biomass-based HCO2H was realized via hydroxyl radical (·OH)-induced C-H and the following cleavage of the O-H bonds, with cooperation of the nickel catalysis. Third, the highest H2 production capability from biomass was achieved via efficient water reforming. This process utilized alkoxy radicals followed by generated carbon cations via electrocatalysis, inducing a well-organized cleavage of C-C, O-H, and C-H bonds. We anticipate that these insights will inspire the development of more efficient, stable, and cost-effective catalytic systems, accelerating the utilization of biomass as a renewable resource and driving other related significant transformations.

The Diversity of Morphological Traits and Seed Metabolomic Composition in Buckwheat Genetic Resources

This study examines the impact of environmental conditions on the growth, yield, and biochemical composition of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) across two locations in Central Europe over three consecutive growing seasons (2019–2021). Significant variations in meteorological conditions, including temperature fluctuations and rainfall, were observed between two locations: Austria (AT) and the Czech Republic (CZ). The study highlights the role of these environmental factors in influencing morphological traits such as plant height, leaf dimensions, and 1000-seed weight (TSW), as well as nutritional and bioactive compound content. Buckwheat plants in Austria generally exhibited higher mean values for plant height and TSW compared to the Czech Republic, with significant variability observed across varieties and years. In terms of nutritional quality, crude protein content ranged between 12.56 and 14.71% dw, with the highest protein levels linked to cooler, low-rainfall conditions. The study also investigated phenolic compounds, particularly rutin, which showed a significant increase in content in 2021, likely due to extreme weather conditions. Varieties such as Sweden-1, Tempest, and Zamira exhibited stable, high rutin levels across all years. Overall, this research highlights the complexity of environmental influences on the agronomic and nutritional traits of buckwheat and provides valuable insights for future breeding programs aimed at improving yield and nutritional value under changing climatic conditions.

Influence of organic mulches and soil properties on the phenolic profile of leaves, canes and grape skins in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.).

Applying organic amendments to vineyard soil improves soil properties and vine development by increasing soil water retention and nutrient content. However, little is known about how organic mulches modify grapevine phenolic composition. This study analysed the phenolic profile in the leaves, canes, and grape skins of Tempranillo over 3 years in two vineyard locations with three organic mulches: spent mushroom compost (SMC), grapevine pruning debris (GPD) and straw (STR), as well as two conventional soil practices: herbicide (HERB) and tillage (TILL). Seventy phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in leaves, canes and grape skins. The phenolic biosynthetic accumulation differed among the soil management practices according to field conditions. In nutrient-deficient soils, the nutrient-rich SMC mulch enhanced plant nutrition resources for primary metabolism, reducing the phenolic accumulation in grapevine tissues. However, this behaviour was not described in a non-limited soil nutritional content. The GPD and STR mulches, with slow decomposition rates, slightly differed from conventional practices and could have a long-term effect on plant phenolic accumulation. Despite the variations observed between soil treatments, the grape phenolic profile did not change enough to affect the grape quality significantly. This research represents the most detailed study on the impact of organic mulches on the phenolic profile of grapevine tissues. These findings suggest that organic mulches in vineyards constitute a viable alternative for soil management, benefiting both soil physical and chemical properties and plant development without altering the grape quality. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Organic and Conventional Coffee Beans, Infusions, and Grounds as a Rich Sources of Phenolic Compounds in Coffees from Different Origins

Organic and Conventional Coffee Beans, Infusions, and Grounds as a Rich Sources of Phenolic Compounds in Coffees from Different Origins

Changes in phenolic contents and biological activities of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lamiaceae) leaf extracts resulting from pectinase and cellulase treatments

Abstract Enzyme-assisted extraction has emerged as an ecofriendly and effective method for enhancing the yield of phenolic compounds from plant materials. This study examined the effectiveness of pectinase and cellulase in extracting phenolic compounds from Plectranthus amboinicus leaves (PAL) and evaluated the biological activities of the resulting extracts. The effect of key extraction factors, including enzyme concentration, extraction time, and solid-to-liquid ratio, on the total phenolic content (TPC) was examined. Under optimal conditions, cellulase treatment increased TPC by 24%, 39%, and 56% compared to pectinase, 30% ethanol, and water extractions, respectively. Phenolic-rich extracts obtained through enzymatic methods exhibited significantly superior bioactivities, including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, compared to conventional methods. Among the tested extracts, the cellulase-treated extract demonstrated the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 value of 57.81 μg/mL), albumin denaturation inhibition (IC50 value of 136.36 μg/mL), and α-amylase inhibition (IC50 value of 135.25 μg/mL). Hierarchical clustering and principal component analyses further revealed strong correlations between the biological activities of PAL extracts and the extraction method employed. These findings highlight cellulase-assisted extraction as a promising eco-friendly and efficient alternative to solvent-based techniques for recovering phenolic compounds with enhanced bioactivities, offering potential applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and herbal medicine.

Comparative elucidation of the phenolic profile and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of unripe and ripe Pistacia lentiscus L. fruits and their oils as affected by ripening.

Phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties of unripe and ripe mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus L.) fruits and their oils were investigated. A total of 20 phenolic compounds were identified by using liquid chromatography-diode array detection and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, among which phenolic acids were predominant. The main phenolic compound was catechin in the unripe fruit and trigalloylquinic acid in the unripe fruit oil, whereas galloylquinic acid was dominant in the ripe fruit and its oil. Unripe fruits had the highest amount of total phenolic content (TPC; 2771.4 mg kg-1), whereas the ripe fruit oils had the lowest TPC (14.1 mg kg-1). The quantity of the phenolics decreased as the fruits ripened. Tests revealed significant antimicrobial activity of the fruit extracts against Staphylococcus aureus but not on Escherichia coli, whereas fruit oils showed no antimicrobial effects. The fruits and their oils exhibited significant alterations in phenolic composition, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial effects during ripening. These findings highlight the impact of ripeness on the bioactive properties of mastic tree fruits and their potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Technology for obtaining linseed protein concentrate minimized in antinutritional factors.

The linseed processing was carried out on a laboratory scale to obtain the linseed protein concentrate (LPC), using the physical method. The analyzes were carried out on whole grains (WG), demucilated grains (DG) and LPC. In the fractions obtained, the chemical composition (dry matter, ash, lipids, crude protein, total dietary fiber, soluble fiber and insoluble fiber), total phenolic compounds and physicochemical properties were evaluated in the obtained fractions. The amino acid profile was determined for WG, GD and LPC. Protein molecular weight electrophoresis was determined for WG, GD and LPC. The results indicated that, in the physical process for protein concentration, LPC presented a protein content 96% higher than that of linseed grains and obtained less than 8% of lipids in its composition. Furthermore, LPC improved the amino acid profile and at the phenolic compounds of the different fractions of flaxseed, The contents of phenolic compounds were concentrated in LPC, which was 83.75% higher than the WG. The electrophoresis results demonstrate that physical processing caused a reduction in the molecular weight of the reducing and non-reducing flaxseed proteins. This study concludes that it is possible to separate flaxseed into different fractions, using physical processes, obtaining a protective concentrate. The inclusion of these products in animal feed needs to be evaluated to determine levels of acceptance, with preliminary digestibility tests, to expand future research.

Optimizing ethanol-modified supercritical CO₂ extraction for enhanced bioactive compound recovery in hemp seed oil

This work aimed to extract hemp seed oil using modified supercritical CO2 with ethanol, while optimizing the overall process through response surface methodology. The effects of extraction temperature (30–60 °C), pressure (10–20 MPa), and time (120–300 min) on oil yield, total phenols (TPC), total tocopherols, oxidative stability index (OSI), total chlorophylls, total carotenoids, quality indices, and color were assessed. For a maximum yield of 28.83 g/100 g of fresh seeds, the oil was extracted at 50 °C and 20 MPa for 244 min. In addition, CO2 modified with different proportions of ethanol (2.5–20%) under the optimized SFE conditions was also tested for enhancing phenolic compound extractability in hemp seed oil. The best proportion was 10% ethanol, which significantly increased the oil yield to 30.13%, TPC to 294.15 GAE mg/kg, total tocopherols to 484.38 mg/kg, and OSI to 28.01 h, without affecting the quality parameters and the fatty acid profile. Furthermore, the phenolic compounds in the extracted oils were analyzed via HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS2. These findings indicated that CO2 modified with ethanol enhanced the extraction of phenolic compounds, 26 of which were identified. Among these, the most abundant compounds were N-trans-caffeoyltyramine, and cannabisins A and B, with concentrations of 50.32, 13.72, and 16.11 mg/kg oil, respectively. The oil obtained by SFE with SC-CO2 + ethanol could be valorized by evaluating its biological activities and its anti-aging, dermato-protective and antimicrobial properties for use in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food applications.

Physiological characterization of asparagus decline syndrome

Abstract Background and aims Asparagus Decline Syndrome (ADS) threatens the sustainability and productivity of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) cultivation. This study aimed to characterize the physiological responses of asparagus plants to ADS, focusing on oxidative metabolism, hormonal regulation, and phenolic compounds profiles to understand the underlying mechanisms and inform management strategies. Methods A field trial was conducted in the south of Spain comparing asparagus plants grown in soil from a plot previously affected by the ADS with a control soil (not affected). The key parameters assessed included biomass and oxidative stress indicators, phytohormone and phenolic compounds profiles in the root and shoot, and the soil phenolic compounds. Results ADS-affected plants exhibited lower fresh and dry weight and volume, and elevated oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 levels, along with enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Hormonal analysis revealed higher concentrations of abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid, alongside a concurrent reduction in indoleacetic, suggesting a stress-induced response likely contributing to growth inhibition. Furthermore, the depletion of caffeic acid in roots, alterations in flavonoid profiles in shoot tissues, and increased PPO activity were observed, potentially worsening oxidative stress and depleting antioxidant reserves. Finally, ferulic acid derivatives in the soil were identified as potential allelopathic compounds. Conclusion These findings highlight the complexity of ADS and underscore the importance of integrated management strategies, including soil health management, resistant varieties selection, and targeted modulation of plant physiological responses to mitigate the impacts of ADS on asparagus production.

Thymol Alleviates Colitis by Modulating Intestinal Barrier Damage, Gut Microbiota, and Amino Acid Metabolic Pathways.

Thymol (THY) is a phenolic monoterpene compound that has garnered attention due to its various biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulatory effects. The purpose of this study was to determine the therapeutic and protective effects of THY in colitic mice, with a particular focus on the mechanisms involving gut microbiota. The results showed that early intervention with THY (40 and 80 mg/kg) not only alleviated the clinical symptoms and colonic damage in mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis but also suppressed the colonic production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18) and enhanced the expression of mucins (MUC1 and MUC2) and trefoil factor family 3 (TFF3), thereby improving the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier. In addition, THY altered the composition of the gut microbiota in colitis mice by increasing the abundance of Bacteroides and reducing the abundance of Proteobacteria. Fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) results demonstrated that FM from THY donor mice significantly improved symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), confirming the crucial role of the gut microbiota. Metagenomic and untargeted metabolomic studies found that the characteristic microbiota of THY is Prevotellaceae, and THY significantly upregulated the amino acid metabolic pathways related to arginine and proline metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. In summary, THY holds significant potential as a functional additive to enhance host intestinal activity.

Agri-food waste to phenolic compounds: Life cycle and eco-efficiency assessments.

Agri-food waste to phenolic compounds: Life cycle and eco-efficiency assessments.

Isoleucine treatment prevents postharvest browning and maintains quality by elevating antioxidative defence system of 'Surkh' loquat fruit.

Isoleucine treatment prevents postharvest browning and maintains quality by elevating antioxidative defence system of 'Surkh' loquat fruit.

Chlorogenic acid attenuates pyrrolizidine alkaloid-induced liver injury through modulation of the SIRT1/FXR signaling pathway

BackgroundPyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), recognized globally for their hepatotoxic properties, significantly contribute to liver damage through an imbalance in bile acid homeostasis. Addressing this imbalance is crucial for therapeutic interventions in PA-related liver injuries. Chlorogenic acid (Cga), a phenolic compound derived from medicinal plants, has demonstrated hepato-protective effects across a spectrum of liver disorders. The specific influence and underlying mechanisms by which Cga mitigates PA-induced liver damage have not been clearly defined.Materials and methodsTo explore the protective effects of Cga against acute PA toxicity, a murine model was established. The influence of Cga on bile acid metabolism was confirmed through a variety of molecular biology techniques. These included RNA sequencing, western blotting, and immunoprecipitation, along with quantitative analyses of bile acid concentrations.ResultsOur findings indicate that Cga enhances sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activation and increases farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling, which are crucial for maintaining bile acid balance in PA-induced hepatic injury. When mice subjected to PA-induced hepatic injury were treated with SIRT1 inhibitors alongside Cga, the hepatoprotective effects of Cga were significantly reduced. In Fxr-KO mice, the ability of Cga to mitigate liver damage induced by PAs was substantially reduced, which underscores the role of the SIRT1/FXR signaling axis in mediating the protective effects of Cga.ConclusionOur research suggests that Cga can serve as an effective treatment for PA-mediated hepatotoxicity. It appears that influencing the SIRT1/FXR signaling pathway might provide an innovative pharmacological approach to address liver damage caused by PAs.

Hydroxytyrosol N-alkylcarbamate conjugates as antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial agents.

Hydroxytyrosol N-alkylcarbamate conjugates as antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial agents.