Source Of Phenolic Compounds Research Articles

Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril L.) Pod Residue: A Source of Phenolic Compounds as Valuable Biomolecules

This study aimed at investigating the chemical composition and a selected group of bioactivities of jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril L.) pod residue. An aqueous extract (deionized water; AE) and a hydroethanolic extract (ethanol: deionized water, 70:30 v/v; ETOH) were obtained via maceration. Ten phenolic compounds were characterized via LC-DAD-ESI/MSn: seven procyanidins, two quercetin derivatives and one taxifolin derivative, with dimers and trimers of procyanidins being the main components of both extracts. Total phenolic compound levels of 2.42 ± 0.06 and 11 ± 1 mg/g were found in AE and ETOH, respectively; however, only seven compounds were identified in ETOH. The jatoba pod residue extracts showed notable antioxidant activities: ETOH had greater antioxidant potential in the OxHLIA and DPPH assays (IC50 = 25.4 μg/mL and 0.71 μg/mL, respectively); however, EA demonstrated greater potential in the FRAP system (IC50 = 2001.0 µM TE/mg). Only AE showed antiproliferative potential, being effective against cell lines of gastric (GI50 = 35 ± 1 µg/mL) and breast (GI50 = 89 ± 4 µg/mL) adenocarcinomas. Likewise, only AE showed modest anti-inflammatory potential (IC50 = 225 ± 2 µg/mL) in mouse macrophages. Bacteriostatic effects against bacteria were exerted by both extracts. Enterococcus faecalis and Listeria monocytogenes (MICs = 2.5 mg/mL) were especially sensitive to the ETOH extract. Taken together, the results suggest potential for jatoba pod residue as a source of molecules with biological activities and with possible industrial applications.

Influence of temperature, solvent and extraction procedure on the content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of <i>Aloysia citriodora</i> Palau leaves

Introduction: The leaves of Aloysia citriodora Palau are a source of phenolic compounds that have antioxidant properties. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effects of temperature, type of solvent, maceration, and ultrasound processes in the extraction of phenolic compounds from A. citriodora Palau leaves that allow for maintaining the highest antioxidant capacity. Methods: In this study, phenolic compounds were extracted from A. citriodora by two methods, maceration, and ultrasonic treatment, using water and 80% ethanol as solvents and extraction temperatures of 25 °C, 45 °C, and 65 °C. Total phenolic compounds (TPhen), total flavonoid compounds (TFlav), and antioxidant capacity, evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assay, were characterized and reported as inhibition concentration (IC50). Results: The highest CPhen content was obtained with ethanolic extract using the ultrasonic method at 65 °C, with a value of 15.32 mg EAG/mL at 65 °C. For TFlav, the highest value was obtained with the ultrasonic treatment at 45 °C using ethanol as solvent, obtaining a value of 6.52 mg EQ/mL. The best antioxidant capacity was shown by the sonication with ethanol at 65 and 45 °C, with IC50 values of 27.10 µg/mL and 20.40 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Ultrasound extraction at higher temperatures (45°C and 65°C) proved more effective than maceration, yielding greater amounts of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and exhibiting better antioxidant capacity.”. Keywords: Aloysia citrodora, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, inhibitory concentration IC50.

In Vitro Antioxidant Assessment of Methanol and Water Extracts of Anthemis kotschyana Boiss. var. kotschyana

The genus Anthemis, with approximately 130 species globally, is significant within the Asteraceae family and is widely used in traditional medicine. Studies on the biological activity of Anthemis kotschyana, an endemic species found in Turkey, are limited. This study investigated the chemical constituents and antioxidant activity of Anthemis kotschyana using two different extracts, methanol and water. The major components of the plant were determined by GC‒MS. According to the data obtained, the major component was found to be "2-propenoic acid, a tridecyl ester" in the water extract and "cyclododecane" in the methanol extract. When the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities were analysed, the methanol extract was found to be more active than the water extract in the DPPH experiment, while the opposite was observed in the ABTS experiment. The TPC was greater than the TFC based on the acquired results. The TPC of the water extract was 83.7 ± 15.6 mg GAE/g, the TPC of the MeOH extract was 170.7 ± 17.4 mg GAE/g, and the TFC of the water extract was 24.3 ± 7.2 QE/g, while the TFC of the MeOH extract was 65.6 ± 5.3 QE/g. For both substances, the amount of methanol extract was greater than that of the water extract. In conclusion, further studies on this species, known for its antioxidant activity and potential as a source of phenolic compounds, could support its use as a therapeutic agent in the future.

Literature Study: Potential of Garcinia latissima Miq. for Skin Care

The species Garcinia Latissima Miq. is native to Southeast Asia's tropical rain forests, primarily in Papua and Maluku. This plant is well-known for its thick-skinned fruit, used as a spice in traditional recipes. Garcinia Latissima Miq is also used in traditional medicine. Its use as a traditional medicine is because Garcinia Latissima Miq. has long been recognized as a source of phenolic compounds, and earlier research has shown that the chemicals extracted have biological activity as antioxidants, antibacterials, and antimicrobials. This study aimed to gather adequate information on the Garcinia Latissima Miq. plant's potential for usage as a cosmetic or skincare ingredient. A literature review was done in this study to obtain data from prior investigations. According to the findings of this investigation, the Garcinia Latissima Miq. plant possesses anti-elastase, which helps maintain skin elasticity, and contains flavonoids that inhibit tyrosinase in melanogenesis. Garcinia Latissima Miq. plant has the potential to maintain skin elasticity and brightness.

Sustainable pectin-based film for carrying phenolic compounds and essential oil from Citrus sinensis peel waste

Currently, food science faces the challenge of finding methods to deliver functional and nutritional compounds in ready-to-eat products. Biopolymeric films enriched with essential oils are an emerging strategy for incorporating valuable components into edible carrier matrices. This study investigated the wastewater from orange peel hydrodistillation as a source of phenolic compounds and an innovative ingredient to develop bioactive limonene-loaded pectin-based films, addressing waste disposal challenges by developing a multi-functional packaging material. The objective was to evaluate the effects of formulation synergies, particularly pectin-phenolic interactions, on the physicochemical, rheological properties, and essential oil retention capacity of film-forming emulsions, and then assess the effects on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the films. Films were analyzed for morphology, water vapor permeability, light transmittance, mechanical, chemical, and physical properties, and encapsulation efficiency. Three formulations were evaluated: pectin control (PC), pectin with Tween-80 surfactant (PT), and pectin with phenolic-rich wastewater (PPW). PPW emulsions displayed higher viscosity, consistency, kinetic stability, and essential oil retention compared to PC. The resulting environmentally-friendly films exhibited increased thickness, improved oil droplet distribution, a more crystalline structure, lower clarity, better flexibility, and increased water vapor permeability. Altered FTIR spectrum bands suggested potential pectin-phenolic interactions, influencing film physicochemical properties through mechanisms such as enhanced crosslinking. The PT film-forming emulsion demonstrated lower kinetic stability and less homogeneity than PC and PPW, showing that the use of the commercial surfactant (0.1g/100 g of film-forming emulsion) led to less favorable performance in terms of emulsion stability and film properties compared to PPW and PC. Conclusively, utilizing orange residue for bioactive pectin-based films offers valuable insights for promoting shelf life, reducing the need for formulation surfactants, and adding nutritional value in food applications, while simultaneously repurposing underutilized waste. This research also contributes to insights into the development of more stable emulsions for creating uniform films.

Exploring Phenolic Compounds Extraction from Saffron (C. sativus) Floral By-Products Using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction, and Subcritical Water Extraction.

Saffron (Crocus sativus) floral by-products are a source of phenolic compounds that can be recovered and used in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic industries. This study aimed to evaluate the phenolic compounds' extraction using green extraction techniques (GETs) in saffron floral by-products and to explore the influence of selected extraction techniques on the phytochemical composition of the extracts. Specifically, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), subcritical water extraction (SWE), and deep eutectic solvents extraction (DESE) were used. Phenolic compounds were identified with (HR) LC-ESI-QTOF MS/MS analysis, and the quantitative analysis was performed with HPLC-PDA. Concerning the extraction techniques, UAE showed the highest amount for both anthocyanins and flavonoids with 50:50% v/v ethanol/water as solvent (93.43 ± 4.67 mg/g of dry plant, dp). Among SWE, extraction with 96% ethanol and t = 125 °C gave the best quantitative results. The 16 different solvent mixtures used for the DESE showed the highest amount of flavonoids (110.95 ± 5.55-73.25 ± 3.66 mg/g dp), while anthocyanins were better extracted with choline chloride:butane-1,4-diol (16.0 ± 0.80 mg/g dp). Consequently, GETs can be employed to extract the bioactive compounds from saffron floral by-products, implementing recycling and reduction of waste and fitting into the broader circular economy discussion.

Antioxidant Potential of Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) Extract Fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum B1765

Jicama is a source of phenolic compounds that function as antioxidants. However, the presence of polyphenol oxidase and naturally bound phenolic compounds limits its antioxidant potential. Fermentation is one method to enhance the antioxidant potential of jicama. This study investigates the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), pH, total titratable acidity (TTA), total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity of jicama extract (Pachyrhizus erosus) using L. plantarum B1765 as a starter culture which was fermented for 2, 12, 24, and 36 hours at 37°C. Total LAB is measured using the whole plate count technique, pH using a pH meter, TTA by acid-base titration, TPC using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method represented by IC50. The fermentation duration of jicama extract increased the growth of LAB to 108 CFU/mL and reached its optimum at 12 hours. However, reducing pH, increasing TTA to 0.223%, increasing TPC, and antioxidant activity still occur up to 36 hours of fermentation. Antioxidant activity was classified as vital. Duration of fermentation increased the growth of total LAB until the defined time, secreted β-glucosidase and inulinase enzymes, and also produced acid as their metabolism product, which hydrolyzed the glycoside bond and reduced pH, both act to free phenolic and increased antioxidant activity. This product has met Indonesian National Standards for beverage-fermented types and could be an antioxidant agent.

Anacardato de cálcio como fonte de compostos fenólicos na dieta para coelhas Nova Zelândia Branco

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the dietary addition of calcium anacardate as a source of phenolic compounds on the reproductive performance and blood antioxidant parameters of New Zealand White female rabbits. Twenty-seven New Zealand White female rabbits were distributed in a randomized complete block design with three treatments and nine replicates, considering one animal as the experimental unit. The treatments consisted of pelleted diets with different inclusion levels of calcium anacardate (0, 0.5, and 1.0%). The inclusion of calcium anacardate in the diets increased the concentration of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity in the blood of lactating female rabbits. Calcium anacardate at the level of 1.0% improves the feed conversion ratio during gestation and increases the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity in the blood serum of female rabbits at 21 days of lactation.

PHENOLIC COMPOUND AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF Hebeloma sinapizans MUSHROOM

Mushrooms have been used for both culinary and medicinal reasons for a very long time. Mushrooms are useful as both a food and a medication due to their high nutritional, protein, vitamin, and phenolic content. The current research aims to determine the antioxidant activity and phenolic content of Hebeloma sinapizans. Multiple epidemiological research looked at the possible link between polyphenol consumption and cardiovascular illness. Antioxidant, antiplatelet, antiinflammatory, antilipidemic, and antihypertensive are the categories used to classify the actions of phenolic substances. HPLC was used to isolate the phenolic compounds (HPLC). Measurements of oxidative stress, total oxidant levels, and total antioxidant levels were all calculated with the use of Rel Assay kits. The mushroom's TAS, TOS, and OSI values were measured, and its gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and cinnamic acid concentrations were identified. Due to its high levels of phenolic compounds, H. synapizans is thought to be a source of phenolic compounds. High TAS and TOS values and low OSI values indicate that the mushroom has antioxidant potential. As a result, it has been seen that H. synapizans can be a good source of antioxidants.

Nutritional, chemical and functional potential of Inga laurina (Fabaceae): A barely used edible species

Inga laurina is a plant species which produces edible fruits, and until now there is little information available concerning its nutritional, chemical and bioactive composition. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the proximate composition and mineral contents in its fruit (peel, pulp and seed), that is the traditionally consumed part. The seeds obtained the highest protein (19.52 g/100 g), carbohydrate (22.5 g/100 g) and mineral contents, mainly Cu, Cr, P, Mn, Se and Zn. The peel and pulp were excellent sources of fiber (4.5 and 11.05 g/100 g) as well as mineral content, with Cr and Cu standing out in the pulp. This study is notably the first to provide a detailed assessment of the nutritional compositions of traditionally consumed and not consumed parts of this fruit. Sensory analysis of the pulp was also performed, which indicated good acceptance. The antioxidant properties were characterized in the fruit, peels and leaves. The ABTS test showed that leaf supernatant hydroethanolic crude extract (EC50 = 2.70 μg/mL) and its corresponding ethyl acetate (EC50 = 1.68 µg/mL) and butanol (EC50 = 2.48 µg/mL) partitions presented higher antioxidant potential compared to the control Ginkgo biloba (EC50 = 12.17 µg/mL). The most active precipitate extract regarding DPPH was from the peel (EC50 = 13.30 μg /mL) and the most active partition was the ethyl acetate (EC50 = 13.37 μg/mL), both with better activity compared to the control Ginkgo biloba (EC50 = 46.97 μg/mL). The ethyl acetate partition (EC50 = 13.45 μg/mL) and butanol partition (EC50 = 7.97 μg/mL) from the leaves showed the highest antioxidant capacity. Thus, extracts and partitions from the peels and leaves were studied from a phytochemical point of view due to presenting the best results for antioxidant capacity. The presence of phenolic compounds such as myricetin-3-O-rhamnopyranoside, myricetin-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl)-rhamnopyranoside and myricetin-3-O-(2″,4″-di-O-galloyl)-arabinopentoside-methyl ether were observed in the leaf crude extract and polar partitions, being reported for the first time in the Inga genus and Fabaceae family. Moreover, quercetin, quercetin-3-O-galatoctoside, quercetin-3-O-rhamnopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl)-rhamnoside, and quercetin tri-hexose were identified in the peel crude extract and ethyl acetate partition, in which the galloyl derivative of quercetin was identified for the first time in I. laurina fruit peels. GC–MS enabled separating and identifying substances such as palmitic and stearic acids, and ethyl oleate. It is possible to conclude that I. laurina pulp can be a supplementary food as a source of phenolic compounds, and the other organs of the plant (leaves and peel) are rich in flavonoids with great antioxidant capacity, making this species a promising source of antioxidants.

Maracuyá (Passiflora edulis): Composición nutricional, compuestos bioactivos, aprovechamiento de subproductos, biocontrol y fertilización orgánica en el cultivo

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is a tropical fruit appreciated for its attractiveness and nutritional value. The yellow variety (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) and the purple variety (Passiflora edulis f. edulis) are the best-known species, both rich in carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and bioactive compounds. Despite their potential, passion fruit by-products, such as seeds and peel, are underutilized, despite being sources of phenolic compounds and carotenoids. The leaves are considered insignificant, yet they contain nutrients and medicinal effects beneficial to health. Nevertheless, these by-products have diverse uses and applications. In this sense, this work seeks to document research on passion fruit and its by-products, emphasizing their composition and possible uses in agroindustrial products. In addition to propose pest biocontrol strategies to preserve the quality of the crop and the implementation of organic fertilizers in crops, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. In this sense, it is urgent not only to diversify the agroindustry and develop new products, but also to contribute to the reduction of environmental impact and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The integrated use of passion fruit emerges as a key strategy for moving towards more efficient and sustainable production.

Food-grade phytosome vesicles for nanoencapsulation of labile C-glucosylated xanthones and dihydrochalcones present in a plant extract matrix-Effect of process conditions and stability assessment.

Phytosomes consist of a phytochemical bound to the hydrophilic choline head of a phospholipid. Their use in food products is gaining interest. However, literature on the use of food-grade solvents, crude plant extracts as opposed to pure compounds, and unrefined phospholipids to prepare phytosomes is limited. Furthermore, studies on compound stability are lacking. This study aimed to develop nano-phytosome vesicles prepared from inexpensive food-grade ingredients to improve the stability of polyphenolic compounds. Cyclopia subternata extract (CSE) was selected as a source of phenolic compounds. It contains substantial quantities of C-glucosyl xanthones, benzophenones, and dihydrochalcones, compounds largely neglected to date. The effect of process conditions on the complexation of CSE polyphenols with minimally refined food-grade fat-free soybean lecithin (PC) was studied. The PC:CSE ratio, sonication time, and reaction temperature were varied. This resulted in phytosomes ranging in vesicle size (113.7-312.7 nm), polydispersity index (0.31-0.48), and zeta potential (-55.0 to -38.9 mV). Variation was also observed in the yield (93.5%-96.0%), encapsulation efficiency (3.7%-79.0%), and loading capacity (LC, 1.3%-14.7%). Vesicle size and LC could be tailored by adjusting the sonication time and PC:CSE ratio, respectively. Chemical interaction between the lipid and the phenolic compounds was confirmed with nuclear magnetic resonance. Phytosomal formulation protected the compounds against degradation when freeze-dried samples were stored at 25 and 40°C for 6 months at low relative humidity. The study provided valuable information on the importance of specific process parameters in producing food-grade phytosomes with improved phenolic stability.

Enhancement of phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of black glutinous rice (Oryza sativa var. glutinosa) due to tape fermentation

Black glutinous rice (BGR) naturally contains phenolic compounds in free and conjugated form or bound to the structural matrix, which may affect its bioactivity. The degradation of the matrix cell wall by microbial activity during fermentation may endorse the release of bound phenolic compounds and enhance the availability of the compounds. This study aimed to assess the impact of tape fermentation on the profile of individual phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of BGR. Fermentation up to 72 h at 30 °C was performed by adding the cooked BGR with a tape starter (0.3% w/w). The fermentation for over 48 h increased free phenolic compounds while altering the composition of free, free-conjugated, and bound phenolic compounds. In comparison to the initial material, significant enhancement in the level of protocatechuic aldehyde (13 × ), caffeic acid (2 × ), vanillic acid (1 × ), vanillin (1 × ), p-coumaric acid (1 × ), ferulic acid (1 × ), and isoferulic acid (1 × ) was acknowledged in the final fermented product while sinapic and 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzoic acid was merely detected after 24 h of fermentation. As a result, antioxidant activity was also increased notably (p < 0.05) starting from 48 h of fermentation, while principal component analysis revealed that the activity was strongly contributed by 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzoic acid. Henceforth, the resulting tape fermentation of BGR can be considered a source of phenolic compounds that provide high antioxidant activity.

Eutectic solvents for the valorisation of the aqueous phase from hydrothermally liquefied black liquor

The potential valorisation of the aqueous phase obtained after the hydrothermal liquefaction of Kraft black liquor by means of liquid-liquid extraction with new generation solvents was analysed for the first time ever. For this purpose, hydrophobic eutectic solvents (ES), based on combinations of menthol or thymol with octanoic, decanoic or dodecanoic acid, were tested to recover phenolic compounds from this wastewater. All of them showed high affinity for phenolic compounds and ethanol, but low affinity for the rest of the compounds, leaving a more biodegradable raffinate. Regarding phenolic compounds, the average extraction yields ranged from 66 % to 91 % with menthol-based ES and from 34 % to 98 % with thymol-based ES. The best solvent in terms of recovery and selectivity for phenolic compounds was 1:1 Menthol:Octanoic acid, with separation factors of 104.2 and 29.2 for phenolic compounds to volatile fatty acids and alcohols, respectively. In this regard, the results obtained open the simultaneous valorisation of the extract as a source of phenolic compounds, regenerating the ES, and the raffinate as a sustainable feedstock for further fermentation or catalytic processes.

HPLC-DAD analysis of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids in Aster novi-belgii L.

Aster novi-belgii is a perennial ornamental herb native to eastern Canada and the United States of America, cultivated in Ukraine. This species should be considered a possible source of phenolic compounds, principally hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids. Therefore, in this study, the aim was to determine these compounds in Aster novi-belgii by HPLC-DAD analysis, and validation of this chromatographic method and lay a scientific and technical basis for the utilization and development of the plant resources of the cultivated plants of the genus Aster. The HPLC-DAD method determined the flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids composition and content in the herb of Aster novi-belgii L. The HPLC-DAD method allowed the detection of 13 phenolic compounds, namely 6 hydroxycinnamic acids (chlorogenic, sinapic, caffeic, syringic, trans-cinnamic, trans-ferulic acids), and 7 flavonoids (kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-glucoside, naringin, quercetin, luteolin, rutin, kaempferol, rhamnetin). The quantitative detection showed that the main hydroxycinnamic acids were chlorogenic acids (15069.21 ± 0.34 µg/g) and sinapic acids (949.95 ±0.22 µg/g). Concerning flavonoids, the largest amounts were kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-glucoside (8989.79 ±0.31 µg/g) and naringin (2092.02 ± 0.26 µg/g). HPLC-DAD method was evaluated in terms of linearity, precision, accuracy, limits of quantification, and limits of detection. The calibration curves of reference substances were linear (R2 ≥ 0.997), the LODs were in the range of 0.21–1.71 µg/mL, and the LOQs – of 0.48–5.19 µg/mL, respectively. Our phytochemical research confirms that the study material is a rich source of hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids. Findings mean that Aster novi-belgii is a promising plant because of the important role of these phenolic compounds in many biological processes.

Kombucha - fermented tea rich in nutrients and its impact on health - review

Introduction and purpose: Kombucha is a fermented beverage, usually made by fermenting sugared black or green tea with the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). Kombucha has gained increasing popularity in recent years, mainly due to the fact that it has been associated with some health effects. The aim of the study is to review the articles available in the PubMed database in order to learn about the health benefits of Kombucha consumption. State of knowledge: Kombucha is a source of phenolic compounds, vitamins and minerals, amino acids, enzymes, proteins and other compounds which influence biological activity. Scientific research on Kombucha has shown that it exhibits antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerogenic and antidiabetic properties. It also has a good influence on the digestive system. Kombucha consumption helps to lower cholesterol level, stimulates liver detoxification processes and also supports the proper functioning of the immune system. These properties depend on the various factors such as used products, concentration of bacteria and yeast, duration of fermentation or temperature. Summary: Kombucha tea is known as a nutraceutical. It could be used as a dietary supplement. Most of the trials have been conducted on rats or mice. Kombucha has only been involved or tested in a few human trials. It is important to spread awareness among the population about this product and its impact on people’s health, conduct more research and standardise the production methods of this beverage.

Spray-dried microencapsulation of bean coat flour (Phaselus vulgaris, L.) bioactive compounds: optimization, functional activity, and storage

ABSTRACT Common beans are a source of phenolic compounds. However, they are sensitive to different factors. Microencapsulation may protect those bioactive compounds (BC). Hence, it is important to study the effects of microencapsulation and increase BC stability. A mix of methanolic extract of bean coat flour was prepared with N-lok as wall material. Inlet air temperature and total solids of wall material were evaluated. Air inlet temperature (115°C) and 28.54% total solids were the optimal conditions for the drying process, obtaining the highest concentration of BC. The particle size of microcapsules was ≈20 μm, and microencapsulation efficiency reached 96.29%. The stability conditions at two temperatures (30°C and 7°C) and two water activities (0.329 and 0.765) showed that encapsulation maintained BC stability in time as compared to control. The bean coat extract can be used as a functional microencapsulate with high BC content in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Ruellia angustiflora (Nees) Lindau ex Rambo: extraction and characterization of phenolic compounds and evaluation of antiradical, photoprotective and antimicrobial activities

Ruellia angustiflora is a shrub popularly known as flower of fire, used in traditional medicine as a healing agent. This study aims to verify the presence of characteristics of pharmaceutical interest in extracts from the root, stem and leaves of this species. The ideal time for ultrasound-assisted extraction is 60 min with a solid-liquid ratio of 1% (w/v). The kinetics of the reaction of the extracts with DPPH is biphasic, and IC50 values are related to the total phenolic compounds. Five phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts, where ferulic acid, rutin and quercetin showed to be the main responsible for the antiradical activity. The extracts displayed considerable photoprotective activity, mainly Ra-LE (SPF = 23). Ra-RE showed an inhibition halo similar to erythromycin against Streptococcus pyogenes. Taken together, these data reveal that Ruellia angustiflora is a source of phenolic compounds and has relevant antiradical, photoprotective and antibacterial activities.

African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) seed coat: A source of phenolic compounds

Parkia biglobosa is a versatile plant species used extensively by local communities in arid Africa. The seeds of this plant are valued for their high polyphenol content, highlighting their therapeutic antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and antihypertensive properties. The aim of this study was to optimize the conditions for the extraction of the polyphenol content of the seed coat of P. biglobosa. Five extraction factors, namely solvent concentration, time, temperature, solid-liquid ratio, and pH, were optimized using the response surface technique. The optimization screening design results showed that temperature, time and solvent concentration were the most important variables with significant effects on polyphenol yield in a two-stage Placket-Burman design (p0.05). Box Behnken and Response Surface Analysis were applied to further investigate the mutual interactions between these variables and determine the ideal values that give the highest possible phenolic yield. The results showed the following ideal extraction conditions: 45 °C temperature, 240 min extraction time and 47.5 % solvent concentration. The TPC value obtained under the ideal extraction conditions was 54.023 ± 2.05 mg GAE /g. The antioxidant activity results of the concentrates showed 72.389 % inhibition of 2, 2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate and antioxidant capacity of 80.96 ± 1.16 mg AA /g. The results of the study show that the model is suitable for maximizing polyphenol extraction from the dried seed coat of P. biglobosa, as there is good agreement between the laboratory experiments and the estimated values

Composition and chronic toxicity of dry methanol-aqueous extract of wild-growing Satureja montana.

Saturejamontana is a wild growing medicinal plant, part of the Lamiaceae family. This herb is well known as a source of phenolic compounds, which can vary in a broad range depending on different factors and exert many pharmacological activities.