Natural Sources Research Articles

A Review of Bavachinin and Its Derivatives as Multi-therapeutic Agents.

Extracting natural active ingredients from plants is an effective way to develop and screen modern drugs. Psoralea corylifolia is a leguminous plant whose seeds have long been used as a Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat psoriasis, rheumatism, dermatitis, and other diseases. To date, several main compounds, including coumarins, flavonoids, monoterpene phenols, and benzofurans, have been identified from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia. Among them, bavachinin is a type of flavonoid with various biological activities. In this paper, the biological activities and mechanisms of action of bavachinin and its derivatives are reviewed. It includes the pharmacokinetic characteristics of bavachinin and its derivatives, as well as its prominent anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antibacterial, and antiviral pharmacological activities and related metabolic studies. Bavachinin displayed these activities through different receptors, such as PPARs, as well as multiple signaling pathways and enzyme systems. In summary, bavachinin and its derivatives have potential drug development value in many fields, such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor, nervous system disease, and diabetes. We believe that this review will lay a foundation for bavachinin-based drug development throughout the world.

Mercury patterns in lakes within a natural hotspot in the Southern Volcanic Zone of the Andes (Nahuel Huapi National Park, Patagonia, South America)

Environmental context The pristine oligotrophic lakes of Andean Patagonia are influenced by volcanic eruptions and atmospheric deposition. This study focuses on mercury (Hg) dynamics in two connected lakes in a natural Hg hotspot of the southern Andes. The lake waters have low dissolved organic carbon and moderate to high Hg concentrations, resulting in high Hg availability. These promote Hg binding to natural particulates, thereby favouring its incorporation into food webs. Rationale Mercury hotspots have been identified in pristine volcanic areas of the northern Patagonian Andes (South America). In this study, we investigated spatial and seasonal patterns of total mercury (THg) in two oligotrophic lakes in Nahuel Huapi National Park (Argentina), adjacent to the Puyehue Cordón Caulle volcanic complex (Chile). We hypothesise that THg levels in the lakes are linked to seasonal terrestrial inputs and that in-lake processes influence its distribution and availability. Methodology Water samples were collected seasonally in the connected lakes Pire (shallow) and Brazo Rincón branch of L. Nahuel Huapi (BR, deep). The concentration of THg was studied together with physicochemical variables, including the concentration and quality of dissolved organic matter (DOM). THg was measured by cold vapour atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CVAF) and DOM was characterised through absorbtion and fluorescence spectroscopy. Results Lakes showed moderate to high THg concentrations and remarkable Hg availability. THg increased downwards in the landscape and was associated with DOM terrestrial prints, indicating its co-transport from the catchment during high connectivity periods (from winter to early summer). In summer, THg levels were associated with higher mineralisation (higher dissolved inorganic carbon, DIC) and diffusion from sediments, especially in the shallow lake. THg availability and distribution were related to the quality of the DOM pool and the total suspended solids (TSS) year round. The high biotic contribution to TSS (higher chlorophyll-a:TSS) in BR indicated Hg binding to phytoplankton and incorporation into lake food webs. Discussion Pristine oligotrophic lakes influenced by natural Hg sources have a high potential for Hg accumulation in food webs because their typically high Hg and low DOC concentrations result in high Hg availability, promoting Hg binding to abiotic and biotic particles.

Development of a Highly Nutritious Vegetable Beverage Based on Kurugua (Sicana odorifera) and Chia Oil (Salvia hispanica).

Concerns over malnutrition, synthetic additives and post-harvest waste highlight the need for innovation in food technology, turning towards underutilized crops. Plant-based beverages offer sustainable dietary alternatives and the increasing demand for such products makes the exploration of native crops particularly relevant. This study focuses on the development of a beverage derived from the native South American fruit kurugua (Sicana odorifera), combined with chia oil (Salvia hispanica L.) and stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) as a natural sweetener, aiming to provide a nutritious, environmentally friendly option with appealing sensory attributes. The beverage was formulated using whole kurugua fruit flour (WKF) and chia oil (CO). Comprehensive analyses of the physicochemical properties, centesimal composition, caloric value, minerals, amino acid profile, and fatty acid content revealed that the beverage is rich in carbohydrates (2.16 ± 0.11g/100 mL), dietary fiber (1.89 ± 0.04g/100 mL), zinc (2.53 ± 0.16mg/100 mL), polyunsaturated fatty acids (2.39g/100 mL), AA (Glu + Gln, 248g AA/g of WKF and WKCOB-L protein and 168mg AA/ g of WKCOB protein/100 mL) and exhibits strong antioxidant activity. This is the first report on a product enriched with essential fatty acids with totally natural ingredients based on kurugua and chia oil, which has potential in healthy and vegan nutrition. This formulation supports the sustainable use and conservation of kurugua, offering a high-nutrient alternative for diets.

Nutritional, Textural and Sensory Quality of Cookies Supplemented with Moringa oleifera and Spinacia oleracea

Iron deficiency is a prevalent global nutritional issue, especially in developing countries. This study focuses on developing iron-rich cookies by incorporating Moringa oleifera and Spinacia oleracea leaf powders, which are excellent sources of essential nutrients such as iron, protein, magnesium, and vitamins. Both ingredients were selected for their ability to improve the nutritional profile of the cookies while providing a natural source of iron to address anemia. The cookies were subjected to extensive physico chemical analyses, including moisture content, diameter, shape, thickness, and color, with results comparable to standard values. Nutritional analysis revealed that the fortified cookies contained increased levels of protein (7.2 g), iron (5.1 mg for sweet cookies and 5.6 mg for khara or savory cookies), magnesium (0.9 mg), and vitamin C (21.1 mg), providing a significant boost over conventional cookies. Sensory evaluation was conducted using a 9-point hedonic scale to assess appearance, texture, taste, flavor, and overall acceptability. The panel, consisting of untrained members, showed a favorable response to both sweet and savory varieties of the cookies. The antioxidant properties of the cookies were also evaluated using DPPH free radical scavenging activity, demonstrating strong antioxidant potential with a radical scavenging activity of 95.99% at a concentration of 10 µg/ml. Moreover, work such as stability test has to be done to check the shelf life and storage condition of the product. These nutrient-enriched cookies not only meet sensory quality expectations but also provide health benefits, making them a functional food product with potential market appeal.

Isolation, identification, and in silico characterisation of antimicrobial peptides from mangrove plants, Suaeda nigra and Suaeda maritima

Infectious diseases continue to be the primary cause of death, representing a significant public health issue globally. While antibiotics are an effective remedy, bacterial infections have developed resistance to these drugs, resulting in antibiotic treatment failure. Hence there is a quest for novel antibacterial agents from natural sources, including plants and other creatures. Plants possess the tendency to synthesise substances to defend themselves from challenging surroundings. This has prompted the investigation of antimicrobial peptides that are commonly derived and possess strong efficacy against pathogens. Moreover, the utilisation of mangroves in traditional medicine is garnering significant attention due to its reputation as an exceptional reservoir of bioactive substances for the treatment of cancer, diabetes, and others. Therefore, the current study concentrated on identifying the antimicrobial peptides from Suaeda nigra and Suaeda maritima. The analysis of leaf proteomes in S. nigra and S. maritima showed that the 15 and 20 KDa peptides exhibited strong antimicrobial activity, which were identified as Alpha-2-purothionin precursor and Vicin-like antimicrobial peptides-2-2-like proteins. The physicochemical characterization of Alpha-2-purothionin and Vicin-like antimicrobial peptides shows respective molecular weights of 14557.8 and 16353.78 Da. As well as their pI values were calculated as 5.13 and 6.11. The 3D structural analysis revealed that the Alpha-2-purothionin precursor and Vicin-like antimicrobial peptides showed an accurate model more similar to the templates PDB ID: 1nbl and PDB ID: 1fxzA. This study concluded that the identified proteins have significant antimicrobial potential against bacterial and fungal species, and their predicted structures were reliable.

Unveiling astaxanthin: biotechnological advances, delivery systems and versatile applications in nutraceuticals and cosmetics.

Astaxanthin (ASX), "king of carotenoids", is a xanthophyll carotenoid that is characterized by a distinct reddish-orange hue, procured from diverse sources including plants, microalgae, fungi, yeast, and lichens. It exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-ageing properties and has been demonstrated to mitigate ultraviolet-induced cellular and DNA damage, enhance immune system function, and improve cardiovascular diseases. Despite its broad utilization across nutraceutical, cosmetic, aquaculture, and pharmaceutical sectors, the large-scale production and application of ASX are constrained by the limited availability of natural sources, low production yields and stringent production requirements. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of ASX applications, emphasizing its dual roles in cosmetic and nutraceutical fields. It integrates insights into the qualitative differences of ASX from various natural sources and assesses biosynthetic pathways across organisms. Advanced biotechnological strategies for industrial-scale production are explored alongside innovative delivery systems, such as emulsions, films, microcapsules, nanoliposomes, and nanoparticles, designed to enhance ASX's bioavailability and functional efficacy. By unifying perspectives on its nutraceutical and cosmetic applications, this review highlights the challenges and advancements in formulation and commercialization. Prospective research directions for optimizing ASX's production and applications are also discussed, providing a roadmap for its future development.

Potential risk of heavy metals release in sediments and soils of the Yellow River Basin (Henan section): A perspective on bioavailability and bioaccessibility.

The ecology of watersheds plays an important role in regulating regional climate and human activities. The sediment-soil system in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River Basin (Henan section) was explored. The spatial distribution characteristics of heavy metals (HMs) showed that tributaries, which are affected by anthropogenic activities, contain higher concentrations of HMs than the main channel. Sequential extraction experiments indicated that Cd had the strongest potential to be released, followed by Mn. In vitro simulation experiments showed that gastric and pulmonary fluids rendered these two orders of magnitude more bioaccessible compared to sweat. Moreover, Cd exhibited the highest bioaccessibility in both gastric and lung fluids. When bioaccessibility was considered in the evaluation of health risks, more than 82 % of reductions in non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk indices were observed in children and adults. A positive matrix factorization model was utilized to determine the potential sources of HMs: industrial sources, natural sources, and mixed agricultural and transportation sources were identified as the three main sources of HMs in sediments and soils. In addition, mining activities were also an HMs source in sediments.

Antimicrobial Lobophorins from Endophytic Strain Streptomyces sp. R6 Obtained from Azadirachta indica

Endophytic bacteria are an important source for developing antimicrobial substances. With the aim to find eco-friendly antimicrobial agents from natural sources, Streptomyces sp. R6 was isolated from Azadirachta indica. After that, a new spirotetronate natural product, lobophorin S (compound 2), together with lobophorin H8 (compound 1) and a known macrolide compound divergolide C (compound 3) were isolated from the cultural solution of strain R6. These compounds mark the first isolation of marine-derived microbial natural products known as lobophorins (LOBs) from endophytic bacteria. The structures of these three compounds were identified by extensive NMR and HRMS analyses. The antimicrobial activities of these three compounds against eight fungal and four bacterial phytopathogens were separately evaluated. Compound 1 demonstrated better antibacterial activity against Erwinia carotovora, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, and P. syringae pv. lachrymans with MIC values of 3.91, 7.81, and 15.63 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, compounds 1–3 all showed antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea, with the MIC values of 1.95, 7.81, and 15.63 μg/mL, respectively. Notably, the in vivo antifungal effect of 1 against B. cinerea was up to 78.51 ± 3.80% at 1.95 µg/mL, significantly surpassing polyoxin B (70.70 ± 3.81%). These results highlight the potential of lobophorins as promising lead compounds for the development of new, sustainable agents to control plant diseases.

Triatoma venosa and Panstrongylus geniculatus challenge the certification of interruption of vectorial Trypanosoma cruzi transmission by Rhodnius prolixus in eastern Colombia.

Reactivation of Trypanosoma cruzi transmission by native vectors with different domiciliation capabilities is a major concern for Chagas disease control programs. T. cruzi transmission via intra-domestic Rhodnius prolixus was certified as interrupted by the Pan American Health Organization in Miraflores municipality (Boyacá, Colombia) in 2019. However, Triatoma venosa, a native vector infected with T. cruzi has been increasingly found inside human dwellings across rural areas. In this study, the aim was to describe the eco-epidemiological aspects of T. cruzi transmission in the rural area of Miraflores. For this, we designed a comprehensive, multi-faceted study in 6 rural villages and performed: (i) A cross-sectional serological and molecular study enrolling 155 people and 58 domestic dogs living within 80 households, (ii) a domestic entomological survey, (iii) a determination of the natural infection and blood meal source in collected triatomine bugs, and (iv) an evaluation of synanthropic mammal infection by parasitological and molecular tools. The T. cruzi seroprevalence rates in humans and dogs were 9.03% (14/155) and 22.4% (13/58), respectively. Most infected humans were adults between the ages of 55 and 85 years old. No evidence of T. cruzi DNA was found using qPCR in human blood samples, but we found high parasitemia levels in the infected dogs. In total, 38 triatomine bugs were collected inside dwellings and peridomestic areas: 68.4% (26/38) Triatoma venosa, 29% (11/38) Panstrongylus geniculatus, and 2.6% (1/38) P. rufotuberculatus. Natural infection prevalence was 88% (22/25) for T. venosa, 100% (12/12) for P. geniculatus, and 100% (1/1) P. rufotuberculatus: only TcI was found. No evidence of R. prolixus was found in the area. Two feeding sources were identified in T. venosa (humans and cats), while P. geniculatus fed on cows and bats. Lastly, seven D. marsupialis were captured in peridomestic areas, three were infected with T. cruzi (TcI). The results suggest the existence of T. cruzi transmission cycle between triatomines, dogs, and opossums representing a risk of infection for the human population in rural areas of Miraflores. Despite PAHO declaring Miraflores municipality, Colombia an area of T. cruzi transmission interruption in 2019, this study documents evidence of a secondary vector establishing in domestic settings. T. venosa entomological surveillance is warranted to evaluate prospective human transmission risk in an otherwise 'no-risk' perceived Chagas disease region.

Coffea arabica: An Emerging Active Ingredient in Dermato-Cosmetic Applications

Background: Coffea arabica, commonly known as Arabica coffee, has garnered attention in recent years for its potential applications in dermato-cosmetic formulations. This review aims to critically evaluate the emerging role of Coffea arabica as an active ingredient in skin care products, focusing on its bioactive compounds derived from both the leaves and beans, mechanisms of action, and efficacy in dermatological applications. A comparative analysis between the bioactive profiles of the leaves and beans is also presented to elucidate their respective contributions to dermato-cosmetic efficacy. Results: This review synthesizes findings from various studies that highlight the presence of key bioactive compounds in Coffea arabica, including caffeine, chlorogenic acids, and flavonoids. Notably, the leaves exhibit a higher concentration of certain phenolic compounds compared to the beans, suggesting unique properties that may enhance skin health. These compounds have demonstrated significant anticellulite, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, photoprotective, anti-aging, antibacterial, and moisturizing properties. Discussion: This article delves into the biochemical pathways through which bioactive compounds derived from both the leaves and beans of Coffea arabica exert their beneficial effects on skin and hair health. Furthermore, this review highlights the growing trend of incorporating natural ingredients in cosmetic formulations and the consumer demand for products with scientifically substantiated benefits. Conclusions: The findings of this review underscore the potential of Coffea arabica as a valuable active ingredient in dermato-cosmetic applications. Its multifaceted bioactivity suggests that it can contribute significantly to skin health and cosmetic efficacy. Future research should focus on clinical trials to further validate these benefits and explore optimal formulation strategies for enhanced delivery and stability in cosmetic products.

Therapeutic Effect of Dietary Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Growth Performance, Hematology Profile and Immunity Parameters of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Medicinal plants are rich in diverse nutrients and antioxidants that promote growth and have immunostimulating activities for fish. In aquaculture phytomedicines have gained importance worldwide because they are easily available, non-toxic to aquatic life. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is among the most suitable natural ingredient due to its biological effects. Therefore, a study has been conducted to determine the effect of turmeric on the growth performance, hematology and immunity of common carp Cyprinus carpio. For this purpose, 180 fingerlings of common carp with average initial weight (30.23±0.04 g) were divided into six groups containing five treatment groups. Each tank was stocked with 10 fingerlings. Treatments were maintained in triplicates. Fish were fed with basal diet supplemented with graded level of turmeric at different concentrations i.e. TE0 (control), TE1 (1.0%), TE2 (2.0%), TE3 (3.0%), TE4 (4.0%) and TE5 (5.0%). Fish were fed twice a day at 3% body weight for 12 weeks. Results showed that fish growth was higher in all treatments as compared to the control group. The feed efficiency ratio (FER), feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR) and condition factor (K), of fish fed with turmeric enriched diet were found to be better than the control group. TE4 diet exposed to 4% Turmeric, showed maximum growth in terms of growth performance and feed utilization. Moreover, haematology profile and immunity parameters also improved by turmeric supplementation. The result of the present study shows that turmeric has the potential to enhance the growth performance of common carp. Overall, the TE4 % dietary group showed better growth performance and immunity than the control group and other treated groups.

Evaluation of the importance of sediment organic matter composition for CH4 production by microcosm tests with and without addition of natural sources (cyanobacterial biomass and riparian pasture) in two subtropical, eutrophic reservoirs.

The biochemical composition of sediments, which depends on the origin of the organic matter (OM), is decisive in methane (CH4) production. This study aimed to determine the CH4 produced under anaerobic conditions from different substrates: native reservoir sediments and sediments with the addition of complex OM from Microcystis spp. blooms and terrestrial plants (pasture), alongside the biochemical characterization of the substrates used. The biochemical composition of the sediments explained the differences in CH4 production rate (µmol/g OM/day). Positive correlations were found between CH4 production rate and proteins (PRT) (r = 0.695), lipids (LIP) (r = 0.582), TN (r = 0.605), and biopolymeric carbon (BPC) (r = 0.784). Principal component analysis showed an association of CH4 production rate with PRT, LIP, TN, and BPC concentrations, sharing the same direction of the vectors. The addition of Microcystis bloom and pasture to the sediments significantly increased the rate and production of CH4 compared to native sediments, with higher values for bloom addition. In the studied reservoirs, cyanobacteria biomass is a very important source of organic matter to the sediments and a support for methanogenesis. Nonetheless, OM from surrounding vegetation, mainly pastures, could also play a significant role during events that increase reservoir levels, generating important CH4 emission "hot spots" at the periphery of the reservoirs.

Banana rachis nanocellulose: a natural stabilizer for Pickering nanoemulsion and its potential as a carrier of β-carotene in food systems.

Incorporating β-carotene into food systems improves nutritional value by providing a natural source of vitamin A. However, maintaining its stability during processing and storage is a significant barrier for its bioavailability. This study investigated the utilization of banana rachis nanocellulose (BRNC) as a natural stabilizer in the formulation of Pickering nanoemulsion (PNE). Parameters were optimized for developing PNE using BNRC. A 20 g kg -1 concentration of BNRC was found to be suitable in terms of particle size and zeta potential. The PNE, with a particle size of 196 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.463, remained stable for 35 days. β-Carotene (1 g kg-1) on encapsulation in PNE showed enhanced chemical stability with a retention rate of 0.81. The BRNC-based PNE demonstrated enhanced stability against phase separation. Additionally, β-carotene-infused PNE mayonnaise was developed and characterized. Hydroperoxide formation in developed mayonnaise increased in control sample up to day 14, while samples with β-carotene showed no significant increase (P > 0.05) throughout the analysis period. Furthermore, mayonnaise added with the BRNC-based PNE enriched with β-carotene exhibited improved functionality, including enhanced rheological (R2 = 0.99), textural, and colour attributes. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed 612.6 ± 0.8 μg β-carotene kg -1 of mayonnaise. The developed mayonnaise successfully reduces fat content while enhancing its overall functionality. The potential of BRNC as a promising bio-based stabilizer was thus elucidated for the development of functional food products with improved nutritional value and stability. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Light Absorbing Particles Deposited to Snow Cover Across the Upper Colorado River Basin, Colorado, 2013–2016: Interannual Variations From Multiple Natural and Anthropogenic Sources

AbstractAtmospheric particulate matter (PM) as light‐absorbing particles (LAPs) deposited to snow cover can result in early onset and rapid snow melting, challenging management of downstream water resources. We identified LAPs in 38 snow samples (water years 2013–2016) from the mountainous Upper Colorado River basin by comparing among laboratory‐measured spectral reflectance, chemical, physical, and magnetic properties. Dust sample reflectance, averaged over the wavelength range of 0.35–2.50 μm, varied by a factor of 1.9 (range, 0.2300–0.4444) and was suppressed mainly by three components: (a) carbonaceous matter measured as total organic carbon (1.6–22.5 wt. %) including inferred black carbon, natural organic matter, and carbon‐based synthetic, black road‐tire‐wear particles, (b) dark rock and mineral particles, indicated by amounts of magnetite (0.11–0.37 wt. %) as their proxy, and (c) ferric oxide minerals identified by reflectance spectroscopy and magnetic properties. Fundamental compositional differences were associated with different iron oxide groups defined by dominant hematite, goethite, or magnetite. These differences in iron oxide mineralogy are attributed to temporally varying source‐area contributions implying strong interannual changes in regional source behavior, dust‐storm frequency, and (or) transport tracks. Observations of dust‐storm activity in the western U.S. and particle‐size averages for all samples (median, 25 μm) indicated that regional dust from deserts dominated mineral‐dust masses. Fugitive contaminants, nevertheless, contributed important amounts of LAPs from many types of anthropogenic sources.

Integrating a greener RP-HPLC method and chemical pattern recognition for the identification of Acorus calamus L. and its common adulterants in Indian markets.

This work deals with the development of a greener RP-HPLC method and chemical pattern recognition for the identification of Acorus calamus L. collected from different natural sources and samples traded as 'Vacha' in Indian herbal drug markets. The simultaneous quantification of α- and β-asarone was performed using 0.10% orthophosphoric acid (A) and acetonitrile (B) as solvents in an isocratic manner (35 : 65 v/v) at 0.70 mL min-1. The developed method was found to be greener using various metrics such as AES, GAPI, NEMI, AGREE, and AGREEprep than existing methods. The LC chromatogram obtained in this study showed 11 common peaks, with β-asarone (peak 10) and α-asarone (peak 11) as major markers, which were identified at an Rt of 10.69 ± 0.08 and 10 ± 0.06 minutes, respectively, while their content varied from 0.02 ± 0.001 to 0.71 ± 0.07 and 2.76 ± 0.03 to 39.26 ± 0.14 μg mg-1, respectively. Chemical pattern recognition was applied for quality evaluation of Acorus samples, and hierarchical cluster analysis bifurcated 17 samples into two categories. Principal component analysis integrated with orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis showed that the first two principal components efficiently reflect the similarity and differences among populations. Further, the components P7, P10 (β-asarone) and P11 (α-asarone) will serve as 'landmark components' for quality evaluation of natural and marketed samples. Results show that traded Vacha samples share chemical similarity with authentic Acorus, while common adulterants (Costus speciosus, Typha angustifolia, and Alpinia galanga) have entirely different profiles. The integration of HPLC fingerprint and chemical pattern recognition will provide a scientific rationale for the identification of the authentic raw drug and quality control of its adulterants/substitutes.

Bamboo-inspired ultra-strong nanofiber-reinforced composite hydrogels

Biological materials, such as bamboo, are naturally optimized composites with exceptional mechanical properties. Inspired by such natural composites, traditional methods involve extracting nanofibers from natural sources and applying them in composite materials, which, however, often results in less ideal mechanical properties. To address this, this study develops a bottom-up nanofiber assembly strategy to create strong fiber-reinforced composite hydrogels inspired by the hierarchical assembly of bamboo. Self-assembled chitosan-sodium alginate nanofibers (CSNFs) are combined with tannic acid (TA) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as the interfacial crosslinker and hydrogel matrix, respectively, to emulate the fundamental cellulose-lignin-hemicellulose composition unit of bamboo. Strong interfacial electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding form between the functional groups of these components. These molecular interactions can be further reinforced by constructing higher-order structure through stretch-induced orientation. The resulting composite hydrogel achieves good mechanical performance, including a high tensile strength of up to 60.2 MPa and a simultaneous high strength of 48.0 MPa and ultimate strain of 470%. This approach demonstrates a hierarchical bottom-up strategy to construct strong and robust composite hydrogels by effectively leveraging fundamental molecular interactions. By mimicking bamboo’s highly integrated structural composition, it offers a promising solution for creating advanced bioinspired materials with excellent mechanical properties.

Synthesis and preclinical evaluation of tigilanol tiglate analogs as latency-reversing agents for the eradication of HIV.

Tigilanol tiglate (EBC-46) is a selective modulator of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms that is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the treatment of mast cell tumors in canines with up to an 88% cure rate. Recently, it has been FDA approved for the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas in humans. The role of EBC-46 and, especially, its analogs in efforts to eradicate HIV, treat neurological and cardiovascular disorders, or enhance antigen density in antigen-targeted chimeric antigen receptor-T cell and chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer cell immunotherapies has not been reported. Enabled by our previously reported scalable synthesis of EBC-46, we report herein the systematic design, synthesis, and evaluation of EBC-46 analogs, including those inaccessible from the natural source and their PKC affinities, ability to translocate PKC, nuclear factor κB activity, and efficacy in reversing HIV latency in Jurkat-Latency cells. Leading analogs show exceptional PKC affinities, isoform selectivities, and functional activities, serving as promising candidates for therapeutic applications.

Potential Transformation of Food Resveratrol: Mechanisms and Biological Impact

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring phenolic compound found in foods like grapes, berries, and peanuts. It has attracted substantial interest for its potential human health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Research indicates that resveratrol may contribute to cardiovascular health, protect cognitive function, and exhibit anticancer properties. However, various factors such as pH levels, exposure to light, specific enzymes, and metal ions can alter its chemical structure, affecting its biological activities. These reactions can lead to the formation of different metabolites and polymers, which may affect the stability and bioactivity of resveratrol. This review examines the transformation of resveratrol from its natural sources to its consumption by humans. Additionally, we explore the biological activities of the resulting compounds of resveratrol transformations.

QFD és a Kano-modell integrálása egy étrend-kiegészítő tabletta bevezetéséhez

The University of Debrecen (UD) is aiming to enter the dietary supplements market with its own branded and self-manufactured products. The goal of our research is to determine the product characteristics which provide a competitive advantage for a dietary supplement capsule about to be launched and translate them into technological parameters of manufacturing. In this research, we aim to find out (K1) which product characteristics contribute the most and (K2) which technological parameters need to be focused on during production. To answer these questions, we integrated the Kano Model was integrated into the "House of Quality" (QFD) model and cluster analysis was conducted. By applying these methods together, we can get a clearer picture of which product characteristics to focus on in product development to achieve the highest increase in customers’ satisfaction. The responses of 298 individuals were analysed based on their consumption habits. According to our results, natural ingredients, scientific background of the University of Debrecen, and safety were attractive factors for identifiable target groups, moreover, the first two attributes contributing the most to customers’ satisfaction. Therefore, we also recommend indicating these on the packaging. Based on the House of Quality analysis, bioactive ingredients emerged as the most important technical parameter, so we recommend its adaption in production.JEL codes: I12, L11 L66

Optimization of Extraction Process, Structural Characterization, and Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Activity Evaluation of Polysaccharides From the Medicinal and Edible Plant: Cistanche deserticola Ma.

Cistanche deserticola Ma (CD), an edible and medicinal plant native to Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Gansu in China, is rich in bioactive polysaccharides known for their health-promoting properties. The polysaccharides of C. deserticola (CDPs) have been shown to possess a range of beneficial activities, including immunomodulatory, anti-aging, antioxidant, and anti-osteoporosis effects. This study seeks to identify the optimal conditions for extracting CDPs using hot water. Additionally, it aims to evaluate their chemical properties, antioxidant activity, hypoglycemic effects, and cytotoxicity. The findings will provide a theoretical foundation for the potential use of CDPs in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. The study employed response surface methodology to optimize the hot water extraction conditions for CDPs. The extracted CDPs were characterized using a range of chemical, spectroscopic, and instrumental analyses. Furthermore, their antioxidant activity, hypoglycemic effects, and cytotoxicity were evaluated through relevant assays to assess their potential health benefits. Under optimal conditions, the yield of CDPs was 45.85% ± 1.91%. CDPs were identified as acidic heteropolysaccharides with a wide molecular weight distribution, ranging from 0.3 to 128.2 kDa. They were composed primarily of glucose (51.21%), arabinose (32.86%), galactose (17.88%), and smaller amounts of galacturonic acid (4.66%), rhamnose (1.85%), mannose (1.32%), glucosamine hydrochloride (1.08%), and xylose (0.56%). Antioxidant assays demonstrated that CDPs exhibited significant free radical scavenging activity, metal ion chelation, and reducing power. Additionally, CDPs inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase invitro through a mixed-type mechanism, as well as static fluorescence quenching. Cytotoxicity assays showed that CDPs were nontoxic to L02 and AML12 cells. This study offers a theoretical foundation for the potential use of CDPs in functional foods and pharmaceuticals and provides valuable insights for the development of new antioxidant and hypoglycemic agents from natural sources.