Source Of Bioactive Compounds Research Articles

Chemical exploration of different extracts from Phytolacca americana leaves and their potential utilization for global health problems: ın silico and network pharmacology validation

Phytolacca americana L. is of great interest as a traditional additive in various folk remedies in several countries, including Turkey. We aimed to determine the chemical profile (assisted by high-Performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass apectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) experiments of three extracts obtained by different polarity solvents viz. ethyl acetate (to extract semipolar compounds), methanol and water (to extract highly polar metabolites) from P. americana leaves. Their anti-diabetic effects were investigated in vitro by assessing their inhibition toα-amylase and α-glucosidase. Assessment of the neuroprotective potential of the three extracts was carried out against acetyl-(AChE) and butyryl-(BChE) cholinesterase enzymes. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS experiments showed a total of 17 chromatographic peaks primarily classified to six flavonoids, two saponins, and six fatty acids. Antioxidant assays revealed remarkable activity for the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts. The BChE inhibition was considerably more significant (4.08 mg galantamine equivalent (GALAE)/g) for the ethyl acetate extract, whereas the methanol extract had good inhibitory efficacy for AChE (2.05 mg GALAE/g). Through network pharmacology, the compounds’ mechanism of action of targeted key gene in their associated diseases were identified. The hubb gene signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and tumour necrosis factor (TNFα) where the P. americana compound’s site of action in inflammation bowel disease. The results offer possibilities for the prospective application of P. americana in metabolic regulation, blood glucose control, and as a source of bioactive compounds with cholinesterase enzyme inhibitory characteristics which could be of relevance in the cosmetic or pharmaceutical industry for combating melanogenesis. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Endophytic fungi from Himalayan silver birch as potential source of plant growth enhancement and secondary metabolite production.

Mountain biodiversity is under unparalleled pressure due to climate change, necessitating in-depth research on high-altitude plant's microbial associations which are crucial for plant survival under stress conditions. Realizing that high-altitude tree line species of Himalaya are completely unexplored with respect to the microbial association, the present study aimed to elucidate plant growth promoting and secondary metabolite producing potential of culturable endophytic fungi of Himalayan silver birch (Betula utilis D. Don). ITS region sequencing revealed that the fungal isolates belong to Penicillium species, Pezicula radicicola, and Paraconiothyrium archidendri. These endophytes were psychrotolerant in nature with the potential to produce extracellular lytic activities. The endophytes showed plant growth promoting (PGP) traits like phosphorus solubilization and production of siderophore, indole acetic acid (IAA), and ACC deaminase. The fungal extracts also exhibited antagonistic potential against bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, the fungal extracts were found to be a potential source of bioactive compounds including the host-specific compound-betulin. Inoculation with fungal suspension improved seed germination and biomass of soybean and maize crops under net house conditions. In vitro PGP traits of the endophytes, supported by net house experiments, indicated that fungal association may support the growth and survival of the host in extreme cold conditions.

Uncovering the biotechnological capacity of marine and brackish water Planctomycetota

An appealing strategy for finding novel bioactive molecules in Nature consists in exploring underrepresented and -studied microorganisms. Here, we investigated the antimicrobial and tumoral anti-proliferative bioactivities of twenty-three marine and estuarine bacteria of the fascinating phylum Planctomycetota. This was achieved through extraction of compounds produced by the Planctomycetota cultured in oligotrophic medium followed by an antimicrobial screening against ten relevant human pathogens including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi. Cytotoxic effects of the extracts were also evaluated against five tumoral cell lines. Moderate to potent activities were obtained against Enterococcus faecalis, methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-sensitive and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. Anti-fungal effects were observed against Trichophyton rubrum, Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. The highest cytotoxic effects were observed against human breast, pancreas and melanoma tumoral cell lines. Novipirellula caenicola and Rhodopirellula spp. strains displayed the widest spectrum of bioactivities while Rubinisphaera margarita ICM_H10T affected all Gram-positive bacteria tested. LC-HRMS analysis of the extracts did not reveal the presence of any known bioactive natural product, suggesting that the observed activities are most likely caused by novel molecules, that need identification. In summary, we expanded the scope of planctomycetal species investigated for bioactivities and demonstrated that various strains are promising sources of novel bioactive compounds, which reenforces the potential biotechnological prospects offered by Planctomycetota.

A novel film spray containing curcumin inhibits SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus infection and enhances mucosal immunity

BackgroundInfection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza virus is still a major worldwide health concern. Plants are a good source of bioactive compounds to be used as preventive measures for both inhibiting the virus binding and enhancing mucosal innate immunity. Curcumin has been shown to possess antiviral activity and modulate innate immunity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop an oro-nasal film spray containing curcumin and determine its antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus infection, as well as its effects on mucosal innate immunity and inflammatory cytokines in vitro.MethodsThe antiviral activity of the film spray against SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and influenza B was assessed in vitro by plaque reduction assay. Cytotoxicity of the film spray to oral keratinocytes and nasal epithelial cells was assessed by MTT assay, and cytotoxicity to Vero and MDCK cells was assessed by an MTS-based cytotoxicity assay. Oral and nasal innate immune markers in response to the film spray were determined by ELISA and by a commercial Milliplex Map Kit, respectively.ResultsOur data show that the film spray containing curcumin can inhibit both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus infections while maintaining cell viability. Results obtained among 4 viruses revealed that curcumin film spray demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 with the lowest EC50 of 3.15 µg/ml and the highest SI value of 4.62, followed by influenza B (EC50 = 6.32 µg/ml, SI = 2.04), influenza A/H1N1 (EC50 = 7.24 µg/ml, SI = 1.78), and influenza A/H3N2 (EC50 > 12.5 µg/ml, SI < 1.03), respectively. Antimicrobial peptides LL-37 and HD-5, IL-6 and TNF-α produced by oral keratinocytes were significantly induced by the film spray, while hBD2 was significantly reduced.ConclusionFilm spray containing curcumin possesses multiple actions against SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting ACE-2 binding in target cells and enhancing mucosal innate immunity. The film spray can also inhibit influenza virus infection. Therefore, the curcumin film spray may be effective in preventing the viral infection of both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza.

From waste to bioactive compounds: A response surface methodology approach to extract antioxidants from Pistacia vera shells for postprandial hyperglycaemia management

Pistacia vera shells, an abundant agricultural by-product, are a rich source of undiscovered bioactive compounds. This study employed a response surface methodology (RSM) approach to optimize the microwave-assisted extraction of antioxidants. The highest total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity were achieved under the optimized extraction conditions (20 % ethanol, 1000 W, 135 s, and solvent-to-solid ratio of 27 mL/g). The resulting extract (OPVS-E) included gallic acid derivatives, hydrolysable tannins, flavonoids, fatty acids, and anacardic acids. Remarkably, OPVS-E displayed potent inhibitory activity against α-amylase (IC50 = 2.05 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 41.07 μg/mL), by far more powerful than the anti-diabetic drug acarbose, OPVS-E exhibited a strong antiradical capacity against reactive oxygen species (ROS) without causing toxicity in intestinal cells (HT29-MTX and Caco-2). These findings introduce OPVS-E as a potential novel dual-action nutraceutical ingredient, able to mitigate postprandial hyperglycemia and counteract the ROS overproduction occurring in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

In vitro antibacterial and anti-biofilm potential of an endophytic Schizophyllum commune

The emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogens is one of the major health concerns facing mankind as different bacterial strains have developed resistance to antibiotics over the period of time due to overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Besides this, ability to form biofilms is another major factor contributing to antibiotic resistance, which has necessitated the need for exploration for novel and effective compounds with ability to inhibit biofilm formation. Endophytic fungi are reported to exhibit antibacterial and anti-biofilm potential and could serve as a potent source of novel antibacterial compounds. Majority of the bioactivities have been reported from fungi belonging to phylum Ascomycota. Endophytic basidiomycetes, inspite of their profound ability to serve as a source of bioactive compounds have not been exploited extensively. In present study, an attempt was made to assess the antibacterial, anti-biofilm and biofilm dispersion potential of an endophytic basidiomycetous fungus Schizophyllum commune procured from the culture collection of our lab. Ethyl acetate extract of S. commune showed good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica and Vibrio cholerae. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of the extract were in the range of 1.25-10 mg/ml against the tested bacterial pathogens. The mode of action was determined to be bactericidal which was further confirmed by time kill studies. Good anti-biofilm activity of S. commune extract was recorded against K. pneumoniae and S. enterica, which was further validated by fluorescence microscopy. The present study highlights the importance of endophytic basidiomycetes as source of therapeutic compounds.

Evaluation of the Effect of an Olive Phenolic Extract on the Secondary Shelf Life of a Fresh Pesto.

Recent advances in the olive oil sector aim to develop sustainable strategies for the valorisation of mechanical extraction co-products as a rich source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. In this work, we studied the effectiveness of a phenolic extract (PE) from olive vegetation water (OVW) as a new antioxidant of natural origin for improving the quality and extending the secondary shelf life (SSL) of a fresh basil pesto sold as a served loose product at the deli counter, simulating the storage conditions after packaging, opening, and serving. For that, the PE was mixed with the oily phase of fresh pesto in two different concentrations and compared to a control pesto (CTRL) made with the addition of common additives (ascorbic acid (E300) and sorbic acid (E200)). The physicochemical parameters, phenolic and volatile composition, sensory profiles, and antioxidant capacity of the experimental pesto samples were evaluated after opening. The results proved that the enrichment with the PE improved the stability of the pesto and, hence, its overall quality. The PE provided higher protection than the CTRL against primary and secondary oxidation at both concentrations tested and delayed the accumulation of the volatile compounds responsible for the 'rancid' off-flavour up to 7 days after first opening, while also preserving higher levels of the pesto phytonutrients (such as the rosmarinic, caffeic, and chicoric acids and α-tocopherol). These results show that the generation of food waste in households, catering chains, retail, and/or restaurants can be reduced, improving the sustainability of the food industry and the competitiveness of the olive oil sector.

Exploring the potential of phenolic and antioxidant compounds in new Rosaceae fruits.

Rosaceae fruits have been used in traditional medicine for the prevention and treatment of diseases. However, these fruits have not extensively been studied regarding their phenolic composition. Thus, this research focuses on the determination of phenolic compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, flavan-3-ols by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, and the antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and ferric reducing antioxidant power of the fruits of five species of genera Crataegus and Sorbus (Rosaceae). We found a total of 71 phenolic compounds from which 30 were identified in these berries for the first time. Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus laciniata revealed higher total phenolic and flavan-3-ol contents than the other species and the highest antioxidant activities. Therefore, the fruits evaluated have demonstrated to be important sources of bioactive compounds with huge potential for being used in nutraceutical or food scopes. Additional studies could be needed to evaluate the influence of the different production areas on the phenolic content. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Isolation and Identification of Pigment-Producing Endophytic Fungi from the Amazonian Species Fridericia chica.

Pigments of fungal origin have aroused increasing interest in the food dye and cosmetic industries since the global demand for natural dyes has grown. Endophytic microorganisms are a source of bioactive compounds, and Amazonian plant species can harbor fungi with a wide range of biotechnological applications. Popularly known in Brazil as crajiru, Fridericia chica is a medicinal plant that produces a red pigment. In this study, a total of 121 fungi were isolated in potato dextrose agar from three plants. We identified nine pigment-producing endophytic fungi isolated from branches and leaves of F. chica. The isolates that showed pigment production in solid media were molecularly identified via multilocus analysis as Aspergillus welwitschiae, A. sydowii, Curvularia sp., Diaporthe cerradensis (two strains), Hypoxylon investiens, Neoscytalidium sp. (two strains) and Penicillium rubens. These isolates were subjected to submerged fermentation in two culture media to obtain metabolic extracts. The extracts obtained were analyzed in terms of their absorbance between 400 and 700 nm. The pigmented extract produced by H. investiens in medium containing yeast extract showed maximum absorbance in the red absorption range (UA700 = 0.550) and significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. This isolate can thus be considered a new source of extracellular pigment.

Potential of Deep Eutectic Solvents in the Extraction of Organic Compounds from Food Industry By-Products and Agro-Industrial Waste

Global food waste has a huge impact on the environment, as it is a source of greenhouse gas emissions and wasted natural resources. Across the world, over 30% of food is lost or wasted each year. Aside from this, the food industry, as well, is one of the biggest sources of agro-industrial waste and by-products, which can be valorized and used for different purposes. Such waste is a good source of bioactive organic compounds that can be extracted without altering their properties, where deep eutectic solvents can serve as green solvents and as an excellent replacement for volatile organic solvents. Isolated compounds can be used in innovative food production, chemical production, cosmetics and other industries. Deep eutectic solvents have attracted extraordinary attention due to their advantages such as environmental friendliness, availability and easy preparation, easy handling and utilization of non-toxic components for their formation. Due to these properties, they are a greener alternative to classic organic solvents for many processes, including extractions. In this paper, we review the utilization of deep eutectic solvents as potential green media for the extraction of organic compounds such as polyphenols, carbohydrates, proteins and alkaloids from by-products of the food industry and from agro-industrial waste.

Formulation of Antioxidant Gummies Based on Gelatin Enriched with Citrus Fruit Peels Extract.

In this work, the peels of red and blonde oranges as well as lemons were efficiently (5.75-9.65% yield) extracted by hydroalcoholic solution with ultrasound assistance and employed as active molecule sources in the preparation of functional gummies. Antioxidant performances of the hydroalcoholic extracts were characterized by colorimetric assays, whereas LC-HRMS analyses identified the main bioactive compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids). The highest scavenging activity was recorded for lemon extract in an aqueous environment (IC50 = 0.081 mg mL-1). An ecofriendly grafting procedure was performed to anchor polyphenols to gelatin chains, providing macromolecular systems characterized by thermal analysis and antioxidant properties. Scavenger abilities (IC50 = 0.201-0.454 mg mL-1) allowed the employment of the conjugates as functional ingredients in the preparation of gummies with remarkable antioxidant and rheological properties over time (14 days). These findings confirmed the possible employment of highly polluting wastes as valuable sources of bioactive compounds for functional gummies preparation.

Margarida avocado oil: Effect of processing on quality, bioactive compounds and fatty acid profile

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different pulp drying processes and extracting methods of avocado oil (Margarida), determined by quality indices, bioactive compounds and fatty acid profile. The avocado pulp was dried in air circulation oven at 40 °C and 60 °C, and in vacuum oven at 60 °C. The oil was extracted by mechanical press or by Soxhlet method. The acidity, peroxide value, iodine, refractive indices; phenolic compounds; carotenoids; chlorophyll; tocopherols; antioxidant activity; fatty acid profiles; ratio between hypocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic fatty acids (h/H); atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, besides avocado pulp characteristics were evaluated. The best oil quality was found for pulp dried at 60 °C under vacuum combined with Soxhlet extraction. The content of bioactive compounds was higher when the pulp was dried at 60 °C in an oven with air circulation combined with mechanical pressing. No significant effect was observed on the fatty acid profile. The atherogenic and thrombogenic indices showed low values and h/H ratio, within the desirable. The results showed advantage in drying the pulp at 60 °C. The oil evidenced being a good source of bioactive compounds, presenting an interesting fatty acid profile, h/h ratio, atherogenic and thrombogenic indices.

Blueberry Pruning Wastes: From an Undervalued Agricultural Residue to a Safe and Valuable Source of Antioxidant Compounds for the Food Industry.

Blueberry fruits have been widely explored for their rich composition of bioactive compounds with recognized health benefits. In contrast, blueberry pruning waste (BPW), generated during the pruning stages of blueberries, has been typically overlooked, even though it can represent a potential source of natural antioxidants. This study aims to characterize the value-added compounds extracted from BPW using green techniques, namely microwave-assisted and subcritical water extraction. The total phenolic content ranged from 157 ± 5 to 335 ± 12 mg GAE/g dw, while the radical scavenging activity determined by a DPPH assay varied from 223 ± 21 to 453 ± 21 mg Trolox equivalents/g dw. Additionally, to ensure the safe application of BPW and its extracts, a screening of pesticides and several environmental contaminants was conducted. Chlorpyrifos-methyl was quantified at a concentration of 4.27 µg/kg in a Bluecrop variety collected in 2019; however, none of the studied compounds were found in the extracts. Despite the presence of a pesticide, this level was below the maximum residue limits for blueberry crops. The results of this study demonstrated the potential of this agro-industrial residue as a natural source of bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity for food industry applications.

Fractionation of the Caspian sand goby epidermal exudates using membrane ultrafiltration and reversed-phase chromatography: an investigation on bioactivities.

Bioactive peptide-based drugs have gained exceeding attention as promising treatments for infectious and oxidative-stress-related diseases, are exacerbated by the advent and spread of various multidrug-resistant bacteria and industrial lifestyles. Fish skin mucus has been recognized as a potential source of bioactive peptides, providing the first line of fish defense against invading pathogens which are targeted here to be explored as a new source of biopharmaceutics. Peptide fractions were isolated from the epidermal exudates of Caspian sand goby, Neogobius fluviatilis pallasi, by solid-phase extraction (SPE), ultrafiltration, and reversed-phase chromatography. The resulting fractions were characterized for their antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and results showed that the molecular weight fraction < 5kDa represented the highest (p < 0.05) bacterial inhibition activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis as well as scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals. Overall, these results introduce the epidermal mucus of Caspian sand goby as a valuable source of bioactive compounds that can be considered new and efficient biopharmaceutics.

Unlocking the potential of pomegranate peels as a valuable source of bioactive compounds through effective drying strategies

Pomegranate peels are a great resource of bioactive compounds that have potential for various applications, including functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. However, the drying process is an important consideration that can affect the quality and properties of pomegranate peels. This investigation sought to assess the results of different drying procedures that affect the physicochemical, functional, and antioxidant properties of pomegranate peels. Four alternative drying techniques were used such as freeze drying, microwave drying at 900 W, oven drying at 50 °C, and sun drying. According to the findings, the freeze-drying method exhibited the highest total phenolic content (186.24 mg GAE/g DM), DPPH radical scavenging activity (77.86 %), vitamin C (77.5 mg AA/100 g DM), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (31.1 mg AAE/g DM). The sun-drying technique, on the other hand, had the lowest level of quality parameters. The oven and microwave drying methods exhibited comparable results. These findings provide essential information for the optimization of pomegranate peel drying conditions, enhancing its potential to use as a significant source of bioactive compounds for a range of industrial applications. The freeze-drying method is recommended for preserving the quality of pomegranate peels and can be applied in various industries to produce high-quality products.

Blackcurrant Pomace as a Rich Source of Anthocyanins: Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction under Different Parameters

The industry is currently trying to manage the waste generated during juice pressing. Berry pomace is an especially rich source of many bioactive compounds. Blackcurrant pomace is particularly valuable because of the large amount of extractable anthocyanins remaining in the fruit skin. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) parameters on the content of anthocyanins and color parameters of blackcurrant pomace extracts. The pomace used for the study was very rich in anthocyanins—an average content of 853.2 mg/100 g fresh weight. The effect of temperature (25, 35, 45 °C), time (15, 30, 60 min) and material/solvent ratio (1:20 or 1:7) on extraction yield was analyzed. The extracts were obtained using two solvents: water–ethanol acidified with HCl and water acidified with citric acid. Either solvent type, as well as the other parameters of the extraction process, have an impact on the level of anthocyanins in the extracts. The lowest range of extraction yield (63–68%) was obtained for a 1:7 ratio with water–citric acid solvent. The highest range of extraction yield (74–93%) was obtained for a 1:7 ratio with water–ethanol solvent. The most efficient method was extraction in a water–ethanol solvent (50/50 v/v) acidified with HCl, at a 1:7 material/solvent ratio, at 35 °C, for 15 min, providing 93% process efficiency. A strong relationship (r &gt; 0.991) was also found between anthocyanin content and color saturation (C*) or hue (h°) in the obtained extracts. Based on the E1% coloring strength results, all the extracts obtained can be considered strong colorants, especially those obtained with the water–citric acid solvent. Ultrasonic extraction can be successfully applied to extract pigments from blackcurrant pomace and obtain, for example, food coloring.

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in three types of Korean watery kimchi

Watery kimchi is a traditional fermented food served with its soup. In this study, we collected 21 samples of yeolmu mul kimchi (YMK), dongchimi (DC), and nabak kimchi (NK), respectively, which are the most popular watery kimchi in Korea. A composite sample of each watery kimchi was prepared for estimation of their bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities. Of the three kimchi types, YMK had the highest total carotenoid content (63.78 ± 4.88 mg/100 g, of which lutein, capsanthin, and β-carotene were the main carotenoids), and DC had the lowest (3.50 ± 0.12 mg/100 g). YMK also had the highest contents of chlorophyll (250.1 ± 3.91 mg/100 g), ascorbic acid (447.16 ± 8.95 mg/100 g), and capsaicinoids (2.51 ± 0.09 mg/100 g) compared to DC and NK. The lactic acid content was highest in NK (582.72 ± 29.10 mg/100 g). Moreover, YMK showed significantly higher antioxidant activity (ABTS and DPPH) than DC and NK (p < 0.05). Chlorophyll and antioxidant activity showed a strong positive correlation (p < 0.01). The results of this study highlighted watery kimchi as a potentially valuable source of bioactive compounds, and the carotenoids and capsaicinoids were affected by the supporting ingredients used in watery kimchi. Furthermore, watery kimchi provides 4.11% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A according to the 2020 Korean dietary reference intakes.

Phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity activities of Schinus molle (L.) extracts

AbstractSchinus molle seeds and leaves are frequently employed in traditional medicine to treat a range of diseases. This study aims to explore the potential of Schinus mole (L.) seed and leaf extracts in terms of their phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities. The study utilized GC-MS spectroscopy, antimicrobials, antioxidants, and cytotoxicity techniques to evaluate the extracts. The result of phytochemical analysis revealed that Schinus molle seed extract contains seven peaks with a major compound, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (59.11%), followed by n-hexadecanoic acid (10.84), while Schinus molle leaf extract exhibits sixteen peaks with a main compound, squalene (16.87%), followed by azulene (14.88%) and lupeol (12.4%). The Schinus molle seeds and leaf exhibited the high antimicrobial activity with inhibition zones ranging from 15 ± 0.57 to 27.33 ± 0.88 mm against tested microorganisms. In addition, it was investigated that the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of different extracts against microbial strains, including Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883, and Cryptococcus neoformans, were found to be 62.5 μg/ml, while Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has a MIC of 125 μg/ml with seed extract and 250 μg/ml with leaf extract. The other strains, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, have a MIC of 500 μg/ml in both seed and leaf extracts. Schinus molle seeds and leaf exhibited considerable antioxidant action compared with ascorbic acid. Moreover, significant variation in the effects on Allium cepa root tips was observed upon treatment with Schinus molle seed and leaf extracts. The mitotic index in the group receiving Schinus molle seed and leaf extract showed a significant decrease when compared to the control cells. This decrease was based on the duration and dosage of exposure. On the other hand, there was a clear increase in the occurrence of chromosomal abnormalities. Finally, the findings showed that Schinus molle seed and leaf extract exhibit antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticytotoxic activities and revealed that they are a significant source of bioactive compounds with the possibility of use in biomedical applications.

Matrix characteristics modulate black rice phenolic compounds bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity during simulated gastrointestinal digestion

Black rice (Oryza sativaL.) is a valuable source of bioactive phenolic compounds. This study aimed to explore the impact of the rice matrix on the recovery and bioaccessibility of total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), phenolic composition, and total antioxidant activity (TAA) quantified as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, 2,2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical cation, and ferric reducing activity power (FRAP) during simulated gastrointestinal digestion, in addition to physicochemical characterization of the samples. Freshly cooked black rice (CBR) and black rice phenolic extract (BRE) were subjected to three-phase simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The results showed that the CBR showed a lower recovery index for TPC, TAC, and TAA than that of the BRE during oral and gastric digestion. However, intestinal digestion of CBR increased the TPC and TAC recovery indices compared with the BRE matrix. Digestion of the CBR matrix resulted in a marked improvement (p < 0.05) in the bioaccessibility of monomeric anthocyanins and FRAP activity while maintaining comparable levels (p > 0.05) of TPC, ABTS, and gallic acid to the BRE matrix. Cyanidin-3-glucoside decomposition was evident during the intestinal digestion of both samples, followed by a notable surge in gallic acid and protocatechuic acid. Isolated starch (BRS) demonstrated superior starch digestibility during oral and intestinal digestion compared with CBR. The samples displayed distinct matrix characteristics, which were confirmed by the DSC, FTIR, and XRD patterns. These findings highlight the significance of the digestion matrix in determining the bioavailability and antioxidant capacity of rice-derived phenolic compounds.

Chemical Composition of Wild Collected and Cultivated Edible Plants (Sonchus oleraceus L. and Sonchus tenerrimus L.).

The present work investigates the nutritional and bioactive composition, as well as the organoleptic and sensory properties, of S. oleraceus and S. tenerrimus, two wild plant species traditionally used in the gastronomy of the Mediterranean area. Additionally, the effect of cultivation on leaf composition was assessed to explore their potential for large-scale production and commercialization from the point of view of possible losses or gains in quality. Both species were characterized as a good source of bioactive compounds, such as vitamins, pro-vitamins and carotenoids, with health-promoting and antioxidant properties that are highly appreciated. The sensory profile revealed a good general acceptance of S. oleraceus and S. tenerrimus, indicating that they could be included in the diet. Although the cultivation of S. oleraceus resulted in a decrease in the concentration of phenolic compounds when compared to wild-harvested plants, the opposite occurred for vitamin C. In S. tenerrimus, cultivation also increased the concentration of other compounds with important nutritional and healthy properties, such as sugars, organic acids and β-carotene. The results of the composition, organoleptic and sensory properties of S. oleraceus and S. tenerrimus support the idea of their potential to be used as edible leafy vegetables and as promising assets for functional foods.