Phenolic Compounds Research Articles

Hydroxytyrosol N-alkylcarbamate conjugates as antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial agents.

Hydroxytyrosol N-alkylcarbamate conjugates as antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial agents.

Proximate Analysis and Estimation of Total Phenolics, Flavonoids, Ascorbic Acid in Methanolic Extracts of Plant Seeds - Thymus Vulgaris, Salvia Hispanica, Nigella Sativa, Anethum Graveolens

Plant kingdom offers many herbs that are rich in micronutrients and secondary metabolites which have the potential to improve health by preventing and treating illnesses. These nutrients when consumed in the right amounts, helps to postpone aging and increase longevity. A large number of them are sold as dietary supplements. They are becoming more and more popular these days because of their nutritional worth as well as their medicinal purposes. Ginseng, Echinacea, green tea, glucosamine, omega 3, lutein, folic acid, and cod liver oil are a few well-known nutraceuticals. The usage of edible seeds and their oil has grown in popularity because they are rich in dietary fiber, proteins, vitamins, minerals, vital fatty acids, antioxidants, phenolic compounds, secondary metabolites, and carbs. In the present study four seeds namely Thymus vulgaris, Salvia hispanica, Nigella sativa, Anethum graveolens are analyzed for their phytochemicals and their nutrient content are estimated by standard methods. The results revealed that the selected seeds possess significant amount of crude fibers, proteins and secondary metabolites and thus can be used as functional foods to improve general health.

Characterizing the Role of Moringa oleifera Lam (MO) Leaves and Root Extracts on Dictyostelium discoideum Cell Behavior

Moringa oleifera Lam (MO) is a member of the Moringaceae family and has been widely used as a traditional form of treatment for various diseases due to its high nutrient content. The plant is rich in vitamins, minerals, organic acids, phenolic compounds, polyphenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids. However, the concentrations of these components in each part of the plant differ, leading to specific beneficial uses. In this study, we aimed to analyze the contents of Moringa oleifera leaf (ML) and Moringa oleifera root (MR) extracts and characterize the effects of these extracts on cell behavior. HPLC analysis data showed a higher level of flavonoids and apigenin in the ML extract compared to the MR extract. Furthermore, CG/MS analysis revealed 54 components in the ML extract, with only 3 (ethyl palmitate, ethyl linolenate, and palmitic acid, 2-(octadecyloxy)ethyl ester) of them being at high levels. In this study, Dictyostelium discoideum was used as a cellular model and D. discoideum’s cell growth, chemotaxis, and development life cycle were investigated. The data presented herein demonstrate a significant decrease in cell growth and that the completion of the development life cycle was delayed in the ML extract-treated sample. This effect was not found in the untreated cells and MR extract-treated samples. In addition, the ability of cells to stream during chemotaxis was not inhibited following treatments. These findings suggested that ML extract has an impact on cell proliferation and cell directed migration processes, where the high level of flavonoids and apigenin in this extract can be a strong factor that led to these results.

Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant, and Anti-Proliferative Activities against Human Colorectal Cancer Cells of Amazonian Fruits Copoazú (Theobroma grandiflorum) and Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa)

Amazonian fruits are a source of bioactive compounds, among which phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and carotenes stand out. These compounds play a crucial role in restoring oxidative balance, consequently reducing the proliferation of cancer cells. However, the content of these metabolites and their biological properties may vary significantly depending on the geographical location and the environmental conditions where plants grow. This research assessed the content of metabolites, free radical scavenging capacity, and hemolytic and antiproliferative effects of the hydro-methanolic extracts of the Amazonian fruits Theobroma grandiflorum and Mauritia flexuosa. The results revealed that the extracts derived from the seeds of Theobroma grandiflorum sourced from the Balcanes experimental farm and the pulp of Mauritia flexuosa harvested in Florencia exhibited higher contents compared to other analyzed sites: Total phenolic content (TPC) (619.41 ± 12.05 and 285.75 ± 10.06 mg GAE/100 g FW), Total flavonoid content (TFC) (569.09 ± 4.51 and 223.21 ± 3.92 mg CAT/100 g FW), and Total carotenoid content (TCC) (25.12 ± 0.16 and 48.00 ± 0.28 mg eq β-carotene/100 g FW), respectively. Also, these samples demonstrated superior scavenging capacities for the ABTS and DPPH radicals, while the peel of Mauritia flexuosa exhibited the highest scavenging capacity for the oxygen radical (526.23 ± 2.08 µmol Trolox.g−1). The hemolytic effect shows dose-dependent responses with IC50 values of 27.73 μg/mL for the Balcanes seeds and 1.27 μg/mL for the Florencia pulp. Furthermore, it was observed that treatment with the fruit-derived extracts effectively reduced the number of viable human colorectal cancer cells, using SW480 ATCC cell line, demonstrating a non-dose-dependent behavior compared to the control cells.

Designing a method to test the efficacy of different sanitizers for use in rubber footbaths as applied to dairy manufacturing.

This study designed an in vitro model to test the efficacies of footbath sanitizers for use in dairy processing plants. Efficacies of selected sanitizers for inactivation of mixed-cocktail, dairy-relevant Gram-negative bacteria in model footbaths, in the presence of milk residues, were measured over 7 days against attached and planktonic populations by plate counting and calculating log reductions achieved. A simplified practical table ranked the most to least effective sanitizers. These included: biguanide/ QAC combination > biguanide = accelerated hydrogen peroxide = ethanol/ sodium hydroxide combination > phenolic compound = amine amphoteric compounds > amphoteric surfactant > diclosan = chlorine dioxide > enzyme/ surfactants combination.

Overproduction of Phenolic Compounds in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 Through Endogen Deregulation of the Shikimate Pathway

Metabolic engineering of the shikimate pathway offers a promising strategy for enhancing the production of aromatic compounds in microbial hosts. However, feedback inhibition of key enzymes, such as the 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate synthase (DAHP synthase), often limits the yield of target products. In this study, we focused on the DAHP synthase (AroF-I) from Pseudomonas putida. Through computational modeling and experimental validation, we identified specific amino-acid residues responsible for tyrosine-mediated feedback inhibition. By targeted mutagenesis, we engineered DAHP synthase variants that exhibit reduced sensitivity to feedback inhibition. The introduction of these engineered enzymes into a metabolically engineered Pseudomonas putida strain resulted in significantly increased production of p-coumaric acid. Our findings provide valuable insights into the regulation of the shikimate pathway and demonstrate the potential of protein engineering to improve microbial production of aromatic compounds.

The Effect of Cropping System and Irrigation Regime on the Plant Growth and Biochemical Profile of Cichorium spinosum

This study evaluated the effects of three irrigation treatments (control (rain-fed plants), deficit irrigation (DI: 50% of maximum field capacity), full irrigation (FI: 100% of maximum field capacity)), and two crop-management treatments (with or without crop rotation with bean, CR, and NCR, respectively) on the plant growth and chemical composition of C. spinosum. The results indicated that deficit irrigation combined with crop rotation increased the weight of leaves per plant, followed by rain-fed plants for the same crop-management treatment. Additionally, these two factors significantly influenced the nutritional profile, free sugars, and organic acid content in a variable manner. Moreover, the control treatment and deficit irrigation increased the content of K, Na, and Mg, which are highly mobile nutrients, whereas the levels of moderately mobile nutrients such as Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn decreased. Deficit irrigation without crop rotation significantly increased the content of total tocopherols, followed by deficit irrigation with crop rotation and full irrigation without crop rotation. The main fatty acids were α-linolenic acid (C18:3n3), followed by palmitic acid (C16:0) and linoleic acid (C18:2n6), while the control and deficit irrigation treatments combined with crop rotation increased PUFA and decreased SFA content. Furthermore, deficit irrigation and crop rotation induced the accumulation of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, especially the content of the major compounds (e.g., chicoric acid, quercetin-O-hexurunoside, and luteolin-O-hexurunoside). The leaf extracts exhibited varied antioxidant activity (assessed by TBARS and OxHLIA assays), and antimicrobial activity. On the other hand, no antifungal, antiproliferative (except for AGS cell line), hepatotoxic, or anti-inflammatory effects were recorded. In conclusion, the combination of deficit irrigation and crop rotation with bean positively affected the quality traits and the fresh weight of leaves, thus suggesting that such eco-friendly practices could have beneficial effects in the cultivation of C. spinosum plants within the context of climate-change mitigation strategies.

Bioactives derived from Brazilian native flora with antimicrobial and anticancer activity

BackgroundThe development of new drugs that act against multidrug-resistant microorganisms and malignant tumors is necessary owing to the limited therapeutic options and high mortality rates associated with these pathologies. In this study, we evaluated the phytochemical groups present in seven plants from the Brazilian Cerrado even as their antioxidant, antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities.MethodsThe extracts were obtained by the maceration technique and secondary metabolites were determined by phytochemical analysis. The antioxidant activity was assessed by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging method. The antiproliferative activity of the extracts was assessed using human breast, kidney, and liver neoplastic cells. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in a non-neoplastic cell line — NIH/3T3. The antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts against resistant bacteria and yeasts was determined using disk diffusion assays, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the broth microdilution technique.ResultsPhytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, and saponins in all of the extracts, with Smilax fluminensis showing the highest levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. All tested extracts exhibited antioxidant activity above 50%, notably Tapiria obtusa (82.36 ± 0.44). The T. obtusa extract showed potent antiproliferative activity against the 786-0 cell line (GI50 10.16 ± 2.33 µg/mL) and a significantly greater SI (SI = 24.61) than the control (SI = 3.23, doxorubicin), indicating its selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells and its potential as a therapeutic agent against renal cancer. No cytotoxicity was observed in non-tumor cells. Extracts of S. fluminensis leaves showed fungicidal effects on Candida glabrata (MIC = 500 µg/mL). This study is the first to demonstrate the antibacterial activity of T. obtusa leaf ethanolic extract against MRSA (MIC = 1,000 µg/mL).ConclusionsThe ethanolic extract of T. obtusa demonstrated antioxidant activity, antiproliferative effects against the 786-0 cell line, and antibacterial activity against MRSA. The ethanolic extract of S. fluminensis leaves exhibited a fungicidal effect against C. glabrata. These findings may pave the way for more effective and safer treatments for managing oncological and infectious diseases.

Camellia sinensis phytochemical profiling, drug-likeness, and antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria: in vitro and in silico insights

BackgroundCamellia sinensis extracts have a rich phytochemical profile and therapeutic properties. The plant contains bioactive compounds, such as catechins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which are associated with various health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities.AimTo investigate the bioactive potential of a Camellia sinensis extract, particularly its antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and its drug-like properties.MethodPhenolic compounds in C. sinensis extract were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Its antibacterial activity was assessed against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli). Drug-likeness, toxicity, and molecular properties of the identified compounds were investigated using computational approaches. Additionally, binding affinities of selected compounds were predicted via molecular docking to elucidate potential antibacterial mechanisms.ResultsHPLC identified caffeic acid (10.32 mg/g), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, 8.74 mg/g), syringic acid (6.21 mg/g), and quercetin (15.29 mg/g). Antibacterial activity testing revealed inhibition zones ranging from 10.62 mm for Gram-negative E. coli to 18.65 mm for Gram-positive S. aureus, comparable to gentamicin (19.42 mm). Molecular docking predicted that EGCG (−9.8 kcal/mol) was the most potent compound against Gram-negative P. aeruginosa RNase PH, followed by quercetin (−8.7 kcal/mol). Drug-likeness modeling indicated favorable profiles for most compounds, although EGCG violated Lipinski’s rule due to its molecular weight (458.4 g/mol). Density Functional Theory analysis revealed significant variations in electronic properties among the selected compounds, with quercetin exhibiting the smallest HOMO-LUMO gap (2.31 eV), suggesting high reactivity. MD simulations confirmed the stability of the EGCG-protein complex, with RMSD values (∼2.5–3.0 Å), reduced RMSF at key residues, and stable Rg (∼18–20 Å).DiscussionThe results highlight that C. sinensis is a valuable source of bioactive phenolic compounds with promising antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, particularly EGCG. Quercetin, the most abundant compound, showed better chemical stability (higher HOMO-LUMO gap), but its lower binding affinity suggests that EGCG is a more effective therapeutic candidate. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of these compounds positions them as potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Future research should focus on in vivo validation, structure-activity optimization, and formulation development to improve bioavailability and clinical applicability.

CMDmpnn: Combining Comparative Molecular Dynamics and ProteinMPNN to Rapidly Expand Enzyme Substrate Spectrum.

Expanding enzyme substrate spectra enhances industrial applications and drives sustainable biocatalysis. Despite advances, challenges in modification efficiency and high-throughput screening persist. Here, we developed a virtual screening method called CMDmpnn that combines comparative molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and ProteinMPNN to broaden enzyme substrate spectra without compromising other industrially important properties of enzymes, such as thermostability. Using glycosyltransferase as a model, we first established a dynamic model library of the wild-type enzyme through MD simulations and performed clustering. Subsequently, we utilized ProteinMPNN to generate a comprehensive set of new sequences for the entire library, enabling rapid identification of all possible enzyme variants. Short MD simulations were then conducted on variant-substrate complex models, with results compared to those of the wild-type enzyme. By analyzing catalytically relevant information such as substrate binding modes and key atomic distances, we identified multiple variants capable of catalyzing a broad spectrum of phenolic compounds, all within a timeframe of less than 2 weeks. The CMDmpnn method offers a powerful and efficient tool for rapidly expanding enzyme substrate spectra.

Comparative Metabolomic Analysis of Phenolic Compounds in Different Ramulus Mori (Sangzhi) Based on UPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS

Comparative Metabolomic Analysis of Phenolic Compounds in Different Ramulus Mori (Sangzhi) Based on UPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS

CYP98A monooxygenases: a key enzyme family in plant phenolic compound biosynthesis

Abstract Phenolic compounds are derived from the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathways of plants and include phenylpropionic acids, lignins, coumarins and flavonoids. These compounds are among the most abundant and diverse classes of secondary metabolites found throughout the plant kingdom. Phenolic compounds play critical roles in the growth, development, and stress resistance of horticultural plants. Moreover, some phenolic compounds exhibit substantial biological activities, and they are widely utilized across various sectors, such as the pharmaceutical and food industries. The cytochrome P450 monooxygenase 98A subfamily (CYP98A) is involved mainly in the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds, mediating the meta-hydroxylation of aromatic rings in the common phenylpropane biosynthesis pathways of phenolic compounds. However, research on this family of oxidases is currently fragmented, and a systematic and comprehensive review has not yet been conducted. This review offers an exhaustive summary of the molecular features of the CYP98A family and the functions of CYP98A monooxygenases in the biosynthesis of different types of phenolic compounds. In addition, this study provides a reference for the exploration and functional study of plant CYP98A family enzymes. An enhanced understanding of CYP98A monooxygenases can help in the cultivation of high-quality horticultural plants with increased resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and increased accumulation of natural bioactive compounds via metabolic engineering strategies. Moreover, the structural optimization and modification of CYP98A monooxygenases can provide additional potential targets for synthetic biology, enabling the efficient in vitro production of important phenolic compounds to address production supply conflicts.

Exploring the Molecular Pathways Underlying the Anti‐Diabetic Effects of Millets

ABSTRACTDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemic conditions resulting from inadequate insulin production or sensitivity. Globally, the prevalence of DM is drastically increasing, especially in low‐and middle‐income countries. Therefore, there is a need to explore effective DM management strategies. DM pathogenesis includes disruption in the insulin signaling pathway, gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, β‐cell dysfunction, inflammation, and gut dysbiosis. Millets are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, which may improve insulin sensitivity by promoting adiponectin levels and inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV) activity. Additionally, they may inhibit α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase, thus affecting the digestion and absorption of glucose. The other potential mechanisms may include modulation of gluconeogenesis and glycolysis via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway (increased glucose uptake and utilization), improving glucose transporters (increased glucose uptake by cells), increased leptin levels (appetite regulation), inhibition of NF‐κB pathway, less production of cytokine, and mitigation of oxidative and nitrosative stress. The complex carbohydrate, fiber, and phenolic compounds may increase the abundance of probiotics and short‐chain fatty acids concentration. This review article provides valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals on how dietary interventions play a crucial role in diabetes management.

Increase in Lead (Pb) Concentration in the Soil Can Cause Morphophysiological Changes in the Leaves of Inga vera subsp. affinis (DC.) T.D.Penn. and Inga laurina (Sw.) Willd.

The accumulation of heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), causes environmental degradation, affecting human health and plant metabolism. Pb can alter plant physiological processes, including photosynthesis, influencing the structure of chloroplasts and leaf tissues. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing lead concentrations in soil on gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, and the anatomy of leaf tissues in Inga vera subsp. affinis and Inga laurina. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a randomized block design in a 2 × 6 factorial scheme, with Pb concentrations of 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mg dm−3. I. vera subsp. affinis and I. laurina maintained stable photosynthetic parameters even under high Pb concentrations. Regarding photosynthetic pigments, I. vera subsp. affinis exhibited high levels of chlorophyll a and b, even at the highest Pb concentration. Additionally, I. laurina showed a greater accumulation of carotenoids and phenolic compounds at higher Pb doses. In leaf tissues, Pb did not alter thickness. These results suggest that both species possess adaptation mechanisms to heavy metal stress, enabling the maintenance of photosynthetic activity and ensuring the completion of their life cycle under adverse conditions.

Moisture-dependent physicochemical characteristics and microstructure of karonda (Carissa carandas L.) fruit

Karonda (Carissa carandas L.) fruits hold significant importance in traditional medicine due to its rich composition of "bioactive compounds" including anthocyanin, quercetin and tannins. It is abundant in antioxidants such as vitamin C, flavonoids and phenolic compounds and boasts anti-diabetic, hepato-protective and immune-boosting properties. The present study examined physico-chemical characteristics of karonda at different moisture levels (74 % to 82 %) due to their susceptibility to moisture content during processing. Moisture content of fruit at the time of harvest was found to be 77.99 ± 0.82 % (wet basis). Dimensional characteristics increased while sphericity and aspect ratio decreased with rise in moisture level. Average polar, equatorial and minor diameters ranged from 12.7 to 19.2 mm, 12.3 to 15.0 mm and 12.1 to 14.7 mm, respectively. Gravimetric properties, such as thousand fruit mass, bulk density, true density and porosity declined with decreasing moisture content. Frictional properties exhibited decrement with decreasing moisture level, indicating changes in the fruit's surface characteristics. The mean coefficients of friction for steel, plywood and rubber were 4.10, 3.8 and 3.36, respectively. Firmness decreased from 5.4 N to 1.9 N. Color attributes were affected by increased redness and colour intensity at higher moisture levels. Overall, the study underscores the necessity of understanding the moisture-dependent physical and chemical properties of karonda for optimizing fruit utilization in the form of value-added products.

Comparison of α-Fe2O3 Nanocatalyst Synthesized with Various Surfactants and its Application in Phenol Degradation

Breaking down organic pollutants like phenol is possible with the use of a sophisticated oxidation process called photo-Fenton. The α-Fe2O3 catalyst was chosen because it has a small bandgap value so it is effective in degrading organic compounds through a clean photocatalytic reaction mechanism. This study aims to synthesize α-Fe2O3 nanocatalysts to be applied in the phenol degradation process through the photo-Fenton reaction mechanism. The catalysts were made using a variety of surfactants in surfactant-assisted coprecipitation. In a batch setup, phenol degradations were performed with an initial concentration of 50 mg/L and reaction times of 120 min where the optimum pH value was searched initially. The concentration of phenol was analysed using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The characterization results showed that particle agglomeration of α-Fe2O3 catalysts was reduced by adding surfactant resulting in moreordered nanoparticles. The XRD pattern also showed that the α-Fe2O3 nanocatalyst with hexagonal structure was successfully formed where the average crystal size based on the Scherrer equation was 38 nm. The BET test results showed that the α-Fe2O3-SDS nanocatalyst had the largest surface area of 17 m2/g compared to the α-Fe2O3-CTAB and α-Fe2O3-PEG nanocatalysts. The results of the catalyst activity test showed that the α-Fe2O3 nanocatalyst could degrade phenol compounds with the largest degradation percentage of 47% obtained with the photo-Fenton process using a catalyst synthesized with SDS surfactant. The results of this study also prove that the photo-Fenton process can degrade phenol better than the Fenton process using the α-Fe2O3 nanocatalyst.

Biodegradation of olive mill solid waste by Anthracophyllum discolor and Stereum hirsutum: effect of copper and manganese supplementation

Anthracophyllum hirsutum and Stereum hirsutum produce manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase to break down lignin, a potential biological pretreatment for lignocellulosic biomass. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) added to olive mill solid waste (OMSW) inoculated with A. discolor and S. hirsutum on ligninolytic enzyme activity, lignin degradation, and phenolic compound removal. Different optimal metal dosages were determined for each fungal strain. For S. hirsutum, the addition of 6.1 mg Cu kg⁻1 and 7.3 mg Mn kg⁻1 resulted in 173 ± 5 U·L⁻1 MnP activity (an 863% increase compared to no metal addition) and 42 ± 3% lignin degradation (183% higher than with no metal addition, 15 ± 3%). These conditions also led to 65–75% phenol removal efficiencies in OMSW at 25 days and 80–95% in leachates between 20 and 30 days. For A. discolor, 14.6 mg Mn kg⁻1 yielded 37 ± 7 U·L⁻1 MnP activity (a 142% increase compared to no metal addition) and 38 ± 7% lignin degradation (150% higher than with no metal addition, 15 ± 3%). Under these conditions, A. discolor achieved 80–90% phenol removal in leachates at 20 days. These results demonstrate the positive effect of optimised metal supplementation, highlighting the potential of S. hirsutum and A. discolor for effective lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment and future mycoremediation processes.Graphical

Physicochemical Properties, Polyphenol and Mineral Composition of Different Triticale Varieties Cultivated in the Republic of Moldova

The quality characteristics of seven triticale grain varieties were determined by different physiochemical analyses. For this purpose, the content of protein, wet gluten, fat, ash, moisture, carbohydrates, test weight, and thousand-kernel mass; mineral elements Ca, Na, Zn, Fe, and Cu; and total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), free radical scavenging activity (DPPH assay), and phenolic profile (4-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, and rosmarinic acid) were analyzed. Also, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to evaluate the quality parameters of triticale grains. According to the chemical data obtained, all triticale varieties may be used for breadmaking. A high variability was obtained among triticale varieties for mineral elements and antioxidant compounds. The highest values were recorded for Ca, followed by Fe, Na, Zn, and Cu. The TPC, TFC, DPPH, and phenolic compounds of the analyzed triticale samples increased with the increasing temperature used in the extraction method. Generally, the highest value for phenolic acid was obtained by p-coumaric acid followed by rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, and chlorogenic acid. Principal component analysis of triticale cultivars related to their physicochemical data showed close association between some varieties such as Costel; Ingen 54, Ingen 35, Ingen 33, and Ingen 93, and Ingen 40; and Fanica varieties.

New Gluten-Free Extruded Snack-Type Products Based on Rice and Chickpea and Fortified with Passion Fruit Skin: Extrusion Cooking Effect on Phenolic Composition, Non-Nutritional Factors, and Antioxidant Properties

The incorporation of pulse flour into gluten-free extruded snacks based on cereals improves the functional properties as well as the nutritional value of these types of products. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes induced by the extrusion process on the functional properties in terms of the concentration of total phenolic compounds (TPC), phenolic families (hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonols), and non-nutritional factors (inositol phosphates and trypsin inhibitors) of extruded snack-type products developed from novel formulations based on rice-chickpea flours and fortified with different percentages of Fibersol® and passion-fruit-skin flour. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the studied formulations was evaluated to explore their potential for developing sustainable snack-type products with added functional value. The results demonstrated that extrusion treatment caused a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease (12–30%) in TPC. Despite this reduction, the extruded formulations preserve an interesting content of these compounds, with hydroxybenzoic acids being the majority in the analyzed formulations. The extrusion process maintained or decreased the content of phytate and total inositol phosphates in samples fortified with passion fruit and Fibersol®. A significant reduction (p < 0.05) of trypsin inhibitor activity (between 86.7% and 95.8%) was observed when comparing extruded samples to their raw counterpart. The antioxidant activity in vitro of the formulations was assessed. The results obtained by the Folin–Ciocalteu method indicated that extrusion caused a decrease in the antioxidant activity of 50% of the analyzed samples, while in the others, no changes were observed. DPPH and FRAP assays tended to demonstrate an increase in antioxidant activity. In general, the highest values were obtained by applying the DPPH method. Additionally, the effects of the ingredients used for fortifying the formulations were investigated. The results highlighted the complexity of the analyzed formulations, revealing that their composition is influenced not only by the presence of Fibersol® and passion fruit but also by the interaction between these two ingredients.

Phenolic Compounds from Pyrus communis Residues: Mechanisms of Antibacterial Action and Therapeutic Applications

Background/Objectives: The food industry produces substantial amounts of fruit byproducts, which are often discarded despite their high content of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications. Pyrus communis (pear) residues, which are particularly rich in phenolic compounds, represent a valuable yet underutilized resource. These byproducts have demonstrated significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties, suggesting their potential for medical and pharmaceutical applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the phenolic profile of P. communis byproducts, emphasizing their antioxidant and antibacterial mechanisms and their prospective use in combating oxidative stress and antibacterial resistance. Methods: A comprehensive review of the key phenolic compounds from P. communis residues was conducted using ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases (from 2014 to 2024). Studies assessing antioxidant and antibacterial activities were reviewed, with a focus on their mechanisms of action against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Results: A minimum of 14 distinct phenolic compounds were identified among P. communis residues. However, chlorogenic acid and catechin were identified as the primary contributors to the antioxidant activity of P. communis residues. Hydroquinone and chlorogenic acid exhibited strong antibacterial effects through membrane disruption, enzyme inhibition, and metabolic interference. Despite this potential, hydroquinone’s cytotoxicity and regulatory concerns limit its direct pharmaceutical application. Conclusions: While P. communis phenolics show promise as natural antibacterial agents, future research should address bioavailability, extraction standardization, and safe formulation strategies. Investigating their synergy with conventional antibiotics and improving stability for cosmetic applications are key steps toward their practical use. In vivo and clinical studies are crucial to validating their therapeutic potential and ensuring regulatory approval.