Broccoli leaves, despite their rich bioactive content, are considered non-edible, thus wasted. High-pressure homogenization (HPH) is a non-thermal, water-based technique that is emerging as an alternative for processing agri-food waste. In this study, the effects of HPH (performed at 90MPa) on the physicochemical and phytochemical properties of broccoli leaves were evaluated and compared to a conventional blending method. HPH-treated samples exhibited smaller, greener particles with evident cell disruption. In the serum, broccoli leaves treated with HPH showed higher concentrations of amino acids and monosaccharides. Additionally, methanolic extracts of HPH-treated samples presented greater contents of total phenolics, flavonoids, and glucosinolates, as confirmed by metabolomic analysis. A total of 201 compounds were annotated, with 22 uniquely detected in HPH-treated samples and 16 in blended ones. HPH-treated extracts also exhibited higher antioxidant activity, more than doubling the activity at all concentration ranges studied. Altogether, these findings indicate that HPH improves the physicochemical properties, bioactive compound extraction, and antioxidant capacity of broccoli leaves.

Microalgae are gaining attention as promising natural sources of bioactives due to their rich nutrient content. This study investigates the effects of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) parameters (i.e., solvent composition, temperature, solid-to-solvent ratio, and time) on the extraction of phenolic compounds from Tetraselmis tetrahele. The UAE parameters were determined at a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1:75, a temperature of 25°C, and an extraction time of 15min with 75% ethanol as the solvent. Phenolic profile, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, radical scavenging activity of DPPH and ABTS, photosynthesis pigment (chlorophyll a, b, and total carotenoid), anti-collagenase activity, and metabolic profile of Tetraselmis tetrahele extract obtained using UAE were determined. Tetraselmis tetrahele extracts obtained using the selected UAE method demonstrated significantly higher (p<0.05) levels in gallic acid (1.81%), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (7.0%), total phenolic content (84.0%), total flavonoid content (56.2%), ABTS (101.3%), chlorophyll a (119.4%), chlorophyll b (174.3%), total carotenoids (173.2%) and anti-collagenase activity (15.9%) compared to the maceration method. These findings provide UAE as a green and scalable method for maximizing the phenolic yield and support the application of Tetraselmis tetrahele in the development of high-value products across pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and functional food industries.

Targeting fermentation via quality indicators mapping during the overall processing of Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge black tea: Investigation of stable metabolic pathways and key substances.

Therapeutic potential of Oxalis corniculata in circumventing Alzheimer's disease through in vitro and in silico investigations.

Unveiling the formation mechanism of Moringa oleifera leaf flavonoids aglycones during Monascus anka fermentation by using integrated widely targeted metabolomics and proteomics analysis.

Citrus flavonoid-enriched milk protects against intestinal oxidative stress and barrier dysfunction in mice.

Comprehensive evaluation and antioxidant activities of different medicinal materials based on HPLC-UVD and spectral-effect analysis.

Combining phenotypic and SSR markers to characterize genetic diversity, develop a core collection, and identify elite accessions in Nekemias grossedentata.

Processing rosehips generates substantial solid waste that retains valuable bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the effects of different treatments on the composition, phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant capacity of powders derived from rosehip waste. Rosehips were processed into purée by cold screw pressing or boiling, yielding raw and boiled processing waste fractions (RW and BW). These fractions were then dehydrated by hot-air drying or lyophilisation to obtain RWd, RWl, BWd, and BWl. Additionally, a previous cold screw pressing step was applied to the boiled processing waste, producing BWpd and BWpl. Cold screw pressing increased phenolic and flavonoid levels and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the resulting waste compared with traditional boiling. The lyophilised powder derived from raw processing waste exhibited the highest total phenolic content (TPC, 27.16 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid content (TFC, 20.35 mg QUE/g), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity by ABTS and DPPH (TEAC-ABTS, 89.13 µmol TE/g; TEAC-DPPH, 163.99 µmol TE/g), although at higher processing costs. As hot-air drying achieved comparable levels for TPC (20.01 mg GAE/g), TFC (19.53 mg QUE/g), TEAC-ABTS (58.01 µmol TE/g), and TEAC-DPPH (150.01 µmol TE/g), it may represent a more economical alternative to lyophilisation. These findings demonstrate the potential of rosehip-processing waste as a sustainable raw material for the development of functional food ingredients.

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity and phytochemicals of different parts of C. gigantea. Material and Methods: The flower, leaf, stem bark, and latex of C. gigantea were extracted using 50%, 70%, and 95% ethanol. Phenolic and flavonoid content were measured using colorimetric assays. The disc diffusion method was used to evaluate antimicrobial activity against a panel of microorganisms.Results: The ethanolic extracts of C. gigantea (2 mg/disc) from the tested parts contained total phenolic and flavonoid contents ranging from 13-38 mg GAE/ g extract and 1-175 mg RTE/ g extract. Extracts from the flower, leaf, and stem bark showed similar inhibitory effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa TISTR 1467. Additionally, extracts from the flower and leaf demonstrated inhibition zones against Candida tropicalis TISTR 5136. No inhibitory activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606, Candida albicans TISTR 5554, and Candida krusei TISTR 5351 from any of the tested samples. Conclusion: The ethanolic extracts from various parts of C. gigantea contained a high amount of phenolics and flavonoids, and exhibited antimicrobial activity, particularly against P. aeruginosa and C. tropicalis. These findings suggest that C. gigantea may be a promising natural source for further isolation and purification, which could enable the discovery of new antimicrobial agents.

The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential of the ethanolic extract of Cucumis sativus peel (EECS) using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. The extract was obtained as a greenish-brown solid with a percentage yield of 21.5%. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds. Quantitative estimation demonstrated a high total phenolic content (161.05 ± 1.23 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (124.26 ± 2.12 mg QE/g), indicating strong antioxidant potential. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity assessed by hypotonicity-induced human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization showed concentration-dependent protection, with 72.97% inhibition of hemolysis at 1000 µg/mL, comparable to diclofenac. In the carrageenan-induced paw edema model, EECS exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity, particularly at 400 mg/kg, reducing paw volume in both acute and repeated administration studies. Repeated administration showed greater inhibition of edema across different time intervals compared to single-dose treatment. Furthermore, cytokine analysis revealed that EECS significantly decreased serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, especially after repeated administration. These findings confirm the immunomodulatory potential of EECS. The study concludes that EECS possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity, possibly mediated through inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators and modulation of cytokine responses, suggesting its potential therapeutic application in inflammatory disorders

Introduction: Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) is a widely consumed vegetable valued for its rich nutritional content and diverse bioactive compounds. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the extraction yield, phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of hydro-ethanolic extract of fresh fruit pericarp of late-maturity okra from six accessions grown in Biskra (South Algeria) where the pericarp is considered as an agricultural by-product. Methods: Total phenolic and flavonoids contents were analysed by Folin Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride assays, respectively. Antioxidant capacity was studied in vitro by using DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS and phenanthroline assays. Phenolic compounds were analysed by LC-ESI-MS/MS. Results: The hydroethanolic extract from the BA accession collected from Beni Abbes region had the highest extraction rate at 17.910.37%. The GH accession collected from Ghardaia region exhibited the highest values of total phenolic contents (38.772.6 g GA/mgDE). This accession showed the highest activity in the DPPH assay (IC50=372.992.84 μg/ml). The extracts from BI1 accession exhibited a higher capacity to scavenge the ABTS•+ radical (IC50=187.027.00 μg/ml). The extracts from the AD accessions collected from Adrar region demonstrated strong antioxidant capacity in reducing metallic ions (A0.5 values=159.7517.32 μg/ml). Ten distinct phenolic compounds were identified, with most of these compounds being reported for the first time. Notably, p-coumaric, caffeic, o-coumaric, and salicylic acids were found in the extracts of all accessions. Conclusion: Okra fruit pericarp at late-stage maturity is considered an important and diverse source of medically phenolic compounds.

Vitex negundo L. is a potential medicinal and aromatic plant that is important for herbal medicine production. In this study, to evaluate the morphological and phytochemical variability among fifty accessions of V. negundo from South Gujarat of India. The result revealed that among the fifty accessions, VN 47 (Waghai, Dang) observed the highest plant height (5.50 m), plant girth (52 cm), number of primary branches (28) and crown spread (4.80 m²). And VN 20 (Mahuva, Surat) was identified as a promising accession for phytochemical parameters, exhibiting the highest Total Phenol Content (22.19 ± 0.04 mg GAE/100 g DW), Total Flavonoid Content (102.80 ± 1.47 mg QE/100 g DW), antioxidant activity (88.55 %) and essential oil content (0.193 %). Differences at the 5 % level (P &lt; 0.05) were statistically significant. The principal component analysis of V. negundo accessions which revealed nine principal components that contributed to 76.6 % of the total variation in morphological and phytochemical parameters such as TFC, TPC, AA and EO have strong positive loading on PC1 and morphological plant height, canopy spread and number of primary branches were negatively correlated with PC1 and grouped in three main clusters, indicating that the observed diversity was largely driven by the influence of diverse genetic variability within accessions. This suggests superior accessions like VN 20 and VN 47 can be selected as chemotypes for further breeding programs, improvement and industrial application of V. negundo.

Abstract The genus Crataegus (Rosaceae) exhibits remarkable taxonomic diversity in Iran, with seventeen recognized taxa distributed across contrasting ecological zones. In recent years, hawthorn has gained prominence as a valuable botanical resource, with applications spanning both herbal medicine and functional food development. Historically, various plant organs, particularly fruits, leaves, and flowers, have been employed in traditional remedies targeting cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension, arrhythmias, and other cardiac complications. These therapeutic properties are primarily attributed to the rich array of secondary metabolites characteristic of hawthorn, notably phenolic compounds and anthocyanin pigments, which underlie its antispasmodic and analgesic effects. We investigated the morphological, biochemical, and phytochemical diversity of eight Iranian Crataegus pontica ecotypes collected from geographically distinct regions. Ecotype origin and environmental conditions significantly influenced all measured parameters ( p &lt; 0.05). Substantial variation was observed in fruit morphometrics, with CPE3 (Miyaneh) and CPE5 (Taleqan) producing the largest fruits, while CPE6 (Sanandaj) and CPE7 (Khorramabad) yielded considerably smaller ones. Biochemical profiling revealed marked ecotypic differences in total soluble solids, soluble carbohydrates, vitamin C, carotenoids, and anthocyanins, reflecting the profound influence of environmental conditions on primary and secondary metabolism. High-altitude ecotypes, particularly CPE3, CPE4 (Alamut), and CPE5, consistently exhibited the highest concentrations of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity. HPLC-based phenolic profiling identified chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol as predominant compounds, with ecotype-specific accumulation patterns distinguishing high-antioxidant genotypes such as CPE5, CPE6, and CPE1 (Mahabad). Strong positive correlations among total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and FRAP values confirmed phenolic compounds as primary determinants of antioxidant potential. Multivariate analyses classified the ecotypes into three functional groups: sugar-rich, large-fruited types (CPE3–CPE4); phenolic- and antioxidant-enriched types (CPE5–CPE6); and intermediate types with moderate metabolite profiles (CPE1, CPE2, CPE7, CPE8). Canonical correspondence analysis revealed altitude, precipitation, and temperature as key environmental drivers shaping phytochemical biosynthesis. We conclude that C. pontica exhibits substantial metabolic plasticity in response to environmental variation, with high-altitude ecotypes demonstrating superior phytochemical profiles as promising candidates for breeding programs and nutraceutical development.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the impact of cryogenic ultra-freezing on the antioxidant profile of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) pulp. Fresh pulp samples (control) were compared against treatment groups subjected to ultra-freezing via liquid nitrogen immersion until reaching a core temperature of −40°C. The research followed a completely randomized design, and all analyses were performed in technical triplicate (n = 3) to ensure statistical reliability. Parameters assessed included total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ascorbic acid concentration, and overall antioxidant capacity measured by the DPPH radical scavenging assay. The results demonstrated that cryogenic treatment induced significant biochemical alterations (p < .05); the antioxidant capacity was reduced by 23.6%, while TPC and TFC decreased by 40.3% and 35.7%, respectively (reaching 123.67 mg GAE/100 g and 1.08 mg RE/L), compared to the fresh control. In contrast, ascorbic acid content exhibited high stability, with measured values ranging from 38.08 to 38.43 mg/100 g. Statistical analysis directly measured parameters confirmed that while ultra-freezing is highly effective for the retention of vitamin C, it leads to a substantial degradation of the phenolic and flavonoid fractions. These findings provide critical quantitative data on the selective preservation of bioactive compounds in tropical fruit matrices under extreme thermal conditions.

Abstract The study investigated the impact of adding ultrasound-assisted Agaricus bisporus (J. E. Lange) lmbach dried powder (5-15 %) to biscuits and evaluated their antioxidant activity, antimicrobial behaviour, nutritional value, physicochemical traits, and sensory quality during 60 days of storage. The nutritional composition of Agaricus bisporus dried powder supplemented biscuits ABB5-ABB15 (i.e., 5-15% supplementation level), elucidated significant increase (p&amp;lt;0.05) in crude protein, ash and fibre from 7.3-9, 0.9-1.4 and 1-2.1, respectively. The textural attributes showed increase in oil and water holding capacity, and reduction in hardness for ABB5-ABB15 i.e., 2-4.3, 2.5-4.8 g/g, and 7.6-6.4, respectively. Moreover, DPPH, total phenolic content, total flavonoids content and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay results showed significant increase (p&amp;lt;0.05) for ABB5-ABB15 i.e., 32-45%, 2.8-5.8 mg GAE/g, 0.9-1.4 mg QE/g, and 1-1.6 μmol TE/g, at storage days of 0-60, respectively. The L*, b*, h0, and C* values reported significant decline i.e., 59.5-45.2, 27.5-21.3, 76.1-71, and 28.3-22.5, for B0-ABB15 (i.e., 0-15% supplementation level), at 0-60 days. The total plate counts, mould and yeast counts demonstrated significant reduction (p&amp;lt;0.05) for ABB5-ABB15 from 3.3-2.7, 1.7-1.3 Log10 CFU/g, as compared to control i.e., 3.7, and 2.5 Log10 CFU/g over 60th days of storage, respectively. The sensory panel rated sample ABB15 with best organoleptic properties for taste, colour, texture, aroma, and overall acceptability. Principal component analysis indicated positive correlations among antioxidant attributes and negative associations with microbial load. Overall, incorporating 15% ultrasound-assisted Agaricus bisporus powder yielded the greatest nutritional, functional, and sensory benefits in biscuits, supporting its broader application in food formulations.

The purpose of this investigation was to develop and physicochemically characterize two natural O/W cosmetic cream prototypes (LC1, LC2) containing 5% (w/w) of a Vaccinium vitis-idaea (lingonberry) fruit extract (LE) together with their corresponding blank formulations (LC1-BL, LC2-BL). The extract was obtained by hydroalcoholic maceration followed by solvent removal and was characterized for total phenolic, flavonoid, and monomeric anthocyanin content. Its antioxidant capacity was evaluated using DPPH, FRAP, CUPRAC, and ABTS assays. The phenolic profile was further explored by HPLC–DAD–ESI(+), enabling tentative identification of phenolic subclasses previously reported in the literature to be associated with antioxidant properties. The prepared creams were evaluated for qualitative organoleptic properties, pH, texture (hardness, adhesiveness, and spreadability), viscosity, and accelerated conditions of stability. All formulations were stable, and no phase separation occurred; however, the addition of the extract modified their color and odor and decreased the pH to values within the physiological skin pH range. An in-silico safety evaluation of the constituents (MoS and TTC) found a good toxicological profile at concentrations employed. Overall, the results support the feasibility of incorporating lingonberry fruit extract into O/W cosmetic cream systems and demonstrate that appropriate formulation design allows the development of stable products with defined physicochemical and mechanical characteristics.

The root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi has been used as an oriental medicine resource for heat patterns with high fever. The current study is aimed at assessing in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of S. baicalensis. The disc diffusion and minimal inhibitoty concentration (MIC) method was used to measure the antimicrobial activity of three fractions of ethanol extract from S. baicalensis against three Gram-positive strains, three Gram-negative strains and one yeast. The ether and ethyl acetate fraction of root extract from S. baicalensis demonstrated the lowest MIC value of 0.5 mg/ml or 1.0 mg/ml against the tested microorganisms. All of the tested fractions of the root and shoot exhibited lower MIC value against Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans; on the other hand, Lactobacillus brevis and Escherichia coli were not detected for MIC against any tested fractions. The antioxidant activity of the plant was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assay. The 70% ethanol extract of the shoot had an IC50 value of 274.84±6.78 µg/mL against DPPH and 103.95±2.82 µg/mL against ABTS, while the 70% ethanol extract of the root had an IC50 value of 302.71±7.82 µg/mL against DPPH and 115.45±3.16 µg/mL against ABTS. The 70% ethanol extract of the shoot exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The root fraction exhibited higher antimicrobial activity than the shoot fraction; on the other hand, the shoot extract exhibited higher antioxidant activity than the root extract. Therefore, the shoot of Scutellaria baicalensis, like the roots, has the potential for natural resources for the food and pharmaceutical industry.

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of substrates and illumination using light-emitting diodes on the total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) of roselle microgreens. Light-emitting diodes such as red, blue, a combination of red and blue (RB) and white were used as artificial lights of the roselle microgreens. Cocopeat, carbonized rice hull (CRH) and vermiculite are the substrates of microgreens. Newly sown seeds were exposed to 48 hr of darkness followed by light exposure. Light exposure of 10 hr was done, depending on the LEDs (red (R), blue (B), RB and white), while 14 hr of darkness until 7 days after sowing (DAS), the time of harvesting (with true leaves). Roselle microgreens were grown under ambient conditions (temperature: 28 ± 3 °C; relative humidity: 60 ± 5 %). For a fresh yield of microgreens, blue LED + CRH and red LED + vermiculite obtained the highest. Roselle microgreens grow best in RB LED + cocopeat to obtain higher TPC and TFC. The antioxidant activity was higher in roselle microgreens grown under cocopeat and vermiculite with either blue, red, or RB LEDs. The availability of the substrate may be considered when combining it with the LED, using the following combinations to obtain high TPC and TFC. For TPC, these include cocopeat + RB, CRH + RB or white and vermiculite + white. For TFC, the suitable substrates are cocopeat and CRH + RB, as well as vermiculite + white.

Tortillas are an essential food staple in the Mexican diet due to their nutritional value. Blue corn tortillas have been reported as a source of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Likewise, the blue corn tortillas have been studied to enhance the nutritional and nutraceutical composition. In this sense, Quelites are a large family of plants with macronutrient and micronutrient content, as well as a source of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and carotenoids. Among these, Amaranthus hybridus L. could fortify the blue corn tortilla composition. Therefore, this study aims to fortify blue corn tortillas with different concentrations of Quelites flours. The total flavonoid and phenolic compounds content, as well as the antioxidant capacity and identification of phenolic compounds, were evaluated on tortillas fortified with Quelites. The addition of Quelites to blue corn tortillas reduced the lipid and protein content, carbohydrate, and flavonoid content, and enhance the antioxidant capacity of tortillas as measured by FRAP, ORAC, and TEAC assays. Also, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid were identified on blue corn tortillas fortified with Quelites. These results support the use of A. hybridus L. as an ingredient to improve the nutrient and nutraceutical composition of foods.