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 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.

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.

To meet consumer demand for high-quality fruit and replace traditional subjective assessment methods, there is a growing interest in objective, quantitative, and non-destructive testing techniques within the agricultural and food industries. This study explores the integration of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with machine learning for the quality detection of apricot–plum hybrids, aiming to provide a rapid and efficient technical approach. Two cultivars, ‘Fengweimeigui’ and ‘Weidi’, were selected for analysis. The relationships between various quality attributes were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation. Raw spectral data were preprocessed using Savitzky–Golay (SG) smoothing, and principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to reduce the high dimensionality of the spectral data. The scores of the first 15 principal components (PCs) were extracted as input features for the subsequent models. A comparative study was conducted between backpropagation neural network (BPNN) and support vector machine (SVM) models. The results indicated that during the color-break period, significant differences existed across all quality indicators except for dry matter content, with significant correlations observed among these parameters. The results demonstrated that BPNN achieved the best predictive performance for total phenols content, peel L*, peel b*, vitamin C content, flavonoids content, soluble solids content, soluble sugars content, and soluble protein content in ‘Weidi’ and ‘Fengweimeigui’ from the color-turning to the ripening stages. The RP2 values for these indicators were 0.968, 0.966, 0.950, 0.939, 0.939, 0.923, 0.921, and 0.905, respectively, with residual predictive deviation (RPD) values exceeding 3.0. These findings indicate that near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a feasible tool for the rapid detection of plum–apricot quality. However, the model performance for Flesh a* requires further optimization. In conclusion, the combination of NIR spectroscopy and machine learning enables the rapid, efficient, and non-destructive quality assessment of plum–apricot hybrids, providing robust technical support for maturity prediction and quality control in commercial production.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the chemical profiles of bioactive compounds in extracts from different parts of Clausena excavata (C. excavata), Millettia pachycarpa (M. pachycarpa), and Uvaria grandiflora (U. grandiflora), and to examine their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects on drug-sensitive and -resistant cancer and normal cells.Material and Methods: Ethyl acetate extracts from C. excavata fruits (FCE), M. pachycarpa roots and leaves (RMP and LMP), and U. grandiflora twigs and leaves (TUG and LUG) were analyzed for total phenolic and flavonoid content and the chemical profiles of bioactive compounds. Antioxidant activities were determined using various methods. Anti-inflammatory properties were investigated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and cytotoxicity was evaluated in doxorubicin-sensitive and -resistant leukemic cells (K562 and K562/adr), breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MCF-7/adr), and normal cells (peripheral blood mononuclear cells; PBMCs). Results: The extracts contained bioactive compounds, including carbazole alkaloids, xanthones, and coumarins in FCE; isoflavonoids, coumarins, and rotenoids in RMP and LMP; and alkaloids, cyclohexenes, and flavonoids in TUG and LUG. TUG, RMP, and LMP exhibited the highest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, whereas RMP demonstrated the most potent 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and superoxide radical scavenging activities. LUG showed strong MCA, and LMP showed superior FRAP. FCE exhibited notable anti-inflammatory activity, whereas RMP showed significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and MCF-7/adr cells, with minimal toxicity to PBMCs. TUG also proved effective against drug-resistant leukemia cells.Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of these plants for use in dietary supplements and cancer treatments, especially for drug-resistant cancers.

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies, or "hidden hunger," affect over 2 billion people globally. Despite dietary guidelines, urban populations often consume less than 50% of the recommended daily intake of green leafy vegetables (GLVs). Basella rubra L. (red Malabar spinach) is an underutilized indigenous vegetable with superior nutritional density compared to conventional spinach, yet its application in functional food matrices remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel, ready-to-cook (RTC) composite nutrimix powder incorporating freeze-dried B. rubra to address urban micronutrient gaps. Methods: Five experimental formulations (N₁–N₅) were developed by varying B. rubra content (5–25%) alongside pumpkin powder, brown rice flour, and mung bean flour. Sensory evaluation (n = 30) was analyzed via Friedman's ANOVA. The optimized formulation was subjected to comprehensive proximate, mineral, vitamin, and phytochemical characterization following AOAC (2019) protocols. Results: Formulation N₂ (10% B. rubra) achieved the highest overall acceptability score (8.54 ± 0.35, p &lt; 0.001), with higher inclusion levels (≥15%) significantly reducing scores due to bitter off-flavors. The optimized nutrimix exhibited a balanced macronutrient profile (protein: 11.52 ± 0.02 g/100g) and substantial mineral density (iron: 5.23 ± 0.02 mg/100g; calcium: 125.40 ± 0.53 mg/100g). The co-presence of vitamin C (19.07 ± 0.03 mg/100g) suggests enhanced non-heme iron bioavailability. Furthermore, an exceptionally high total phenolic content (41.35 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g) was recorded, attributed to the betalain-rich B. rubra matrix. Low moisture content (7.04 ± 0.03%) indicates favorable shelf stability. Conclusion: The 10% B. rubra formulation is a sensorially acceptable and nutritionally superior functional food, as validated by standardized hedonic evaluations and AOAC nutritional profiling. This study demonstrates the viability of valorizing underutilized indigenous greens to create a scalable, shelf-stable product for improving micronutrient security in modern food systems.

Erythrina variegata L. (Fabaceae), locally known as dedap, has been reported to possess various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing activities. However, limited scientific evidence is available on the optimization of Soxhlet extraction parameters for enhancing the antioxidant potential of E. variegata leaf extracts. Therefore, this study aimed to optimize Soxhlet extraction conditions using a multi-level factorial design to maximize in vitro antioxidant activities. Solvent concentration (methanol, X1) and extraction time (X2) were selected as independent variables, while dependent variables were antioxidant assays: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (Y1), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (Y2), and total phenolic content (TPC) (Y3). The optimized extraction condition was achieved at 25% solvent concentration and 4 hours of extraction time, yielding an IC50 value of 0.229 ± 0.112 mg/mL (DPPH activity), FRAP value of 55.876 ± 0.054 mg FeSO4/mg, and TPC value of 35.956 ± 0.023 mg GAE/g. Under these conditions, the highest extraction yield (22.03%) was obtained. The results demonstrate that appropriate optimization of Soxhlet extraction parameters significantly enhances antioxidant efficiency, providing a scientific basis for the standardized extraction of bioactive compounds from E. variegata leaves.

Virgin olive oil (VOO) quality is strongly influenced by olive cultivar and fruit maturity stage, yet their combined effects remain insufficiently characterized in many traditional olive-growing regions. This study evaluated the physicochemical parameters, phenolic compounds content, antioxidant activity, fatty acid profile, volatile compounds, and sensory attributes of VOOs obtained from five autochthonous cultivars of Extremadura (Spain)—‘Corniche’, ‘Manzanilla Cacereña’, ‘Morisca’, ‘Pico Limón’, and ‘Verdial de Badajoz’—harvested at three ripening stages (Green, Verging-on-ripe, and Ripe). Early harvest oils exhibited significantly higher total phenolic content (up to 478 mg/kg expressed by caffeic acid equivalent, CAE), oxidative stability (up to 188 h), intense green-fruity notes dominated by (E)-2-hexenal and (Z)-3-hexenal, and stronger bitterness and pungency. As ripening progressed, phenolic compounds and LOX-derived C6 volatiles markedly decreased, while oil yield, linoleic acid, saturated aldehydes, and oxidation markers increased in most cultivars. Cultivar-specific responses were evident: ‘Corniche’ and ‘Manzanilla Cacereña’ maintained higher oleic acid and stability, whereas ‘Morisca’ and ‘Pico Limón’ were more prone to phenolic compound loss and sensory deterioration at full ripeness. Multivariate analysis confirmed strong genotype × maturity interactions shaping oil quality. Optimal harvest timing must therefore be tailored to each cultivar to maximize phenolic content, oxidative stability, and sensory excellence while balancing industrial yield.

The growing demand for clean-label bakery products requires a deeper understanding of how functional ingredients and physicochemical properties shape consumer perception. This study characterized nine commercial clean-label breads formulated with alternative flours, oilseeds, and functional ingredients by integrating instrumental analyses (color, porosity, free amino acids, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity) with consumer evaluation using hedonic testing and Check-All-That-Apply (CATA). Sixty-five consumers evaluated the breads under blind conditions. Results showed that flour type and seed inclusion significantly affected color, structure, and bioactive compound levels. Breads with higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity (GB-B, GB-C, GB-D, PB-I) exhibited more complex aroma profiles, whereas breads with higher porosity (GB-A, PB-G) were perceived as softer. Taste and texture showed the strongest correlation with overall liking (r &gt; 0.84). CATA and penalty analysis identified soft, easy to chew, sweet, and umami as key drivers of liking, while dry, adhesive, bran odor, and bitter negatively impacted acceptance. Data revealed that consumer preference depends on the balance between structural attributes, flavor development, and nutritional composition. These findings provide actionable insights for the formulation of clean-label breads that balance health benefits and sensory acceptance.

ABSTRACT The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of branch and leaf extracts from Knema globularia, K. tonkinensis, and K. lenta were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Antioxidant capacity was assessed by DPPH and ABTS assays, together with total phenolic and flavonoid contents. K. lenta leaf extract showed the highest phenolic (157.70 ± 5.68 mg GAE g⁻¹) and flavonoid (175.02 ± 4.45 mg QE g⁻¹) contents, and the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ 26.17 ± 0.82 μg mL⁻¹; ABTS IC₅₀ 34.20 ± 1.75 μg mL⁻¹). It also significantly inhibited NO production (IC₅₀ 22.07 ± 0.35 μg mL⁻¹), indicating potent anti-inflammatory potential.

Species of the genus Mentha are valued for their aroma and bioactivity. This study presents a comprehensive 3-year (2022-2024) evaluation of two Mentha spicata and three Mentha×piperita genotypes. Methanolic extracts were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (AA) using spectrophotometry; individual phenolic compounds were determined by HPLC-DAD, and essential oils (EOs) were characterized by GC-MS. Significant inter- and intra-species variability was observed. M.×piperita showed higher phytochemical levels (TPC: 33.61-55.23mg GAE/g DW; TFC: 27.56-43.01mg CE/g DW; and AA: 46.48-103.93mg TE/g DW) than M. spicata (TPC: 28.92-39.57mg GAE/g DW; TFC: 23.48-35.11mg CE/g DW; and AA: 40.09-93.59mg TE/g DW). Rosmarinic acid predominated in all samples (6227.11 to 29321.70µg/g DW), with elevated levels observed in M.×piperita. EO yields ranged from 0.55% to 2.31% (v/w), with carvone dominant in M. spicata and menthone, dl-menthol, or piperitenone oxide in M.×piperita. Principal component analysis confirmed distinct chemical differentiation among genotypes. Genotype had a strong, and year a moderate, effect on phytochemical profiles. These results highlight the species-specific potential of Mentha for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.

Solvent dielectric constant as a predictor of polyphenol yield and antioxidant activity in extracts from moringa.

Screening of a feruloyl esterase-producing lactobacillus strain and its application in citrus whole-fruit pulp fermentation: organic acids, volatile compounds, and sensory evaluation.

Enhancing functional metabolites and flavor volatiles of kiwifruit juice fermented with selenium-enriched Limosilactobacillus fermentum Ln-9.

Medicinal plants are major sources of bioactive polyphenols. The plants of Rheum genus contain valuable phenolic compounds which exhibit various important pharmacological activities. The current study was designed to investigate the polyphenols in Rheum wittrockii roots through bioassays and extraction/ isolate them via chromatophilic methods. The roots biomass of R. wittrockii was extracted with methanol and fractionated into four sub-fractions, i.e. n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol (FG1-FG4). Total Phenolic Content (TPC) assay was used to affirm the number of total phenolic contents equivalent to gallic acid. Antioxidant activities were measured via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. α-amylase enzyme inhibition activities were performed using standard methods. Antibacterial activities were performed against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in dose dependent manner for all the fractions. The FG2 fraction was subjected to series of chromatographic separation using silica gel column to isolate the main phenolic compounds. Chloroform fraction (FG2) showed TPC of 12.5 mg/g GAE, strong antioxidant activities i.e. 85±0.22% at dose of 100 mg/mL (IC50= 6.25 mg/mL) against DPPH and also showed strong α-amylase inhibition activities with IC50 values of 432 µg/mL, compared to IC50 of standard acarbose (125 µg/mL). It was active antibacterial against MRSA at lower doses. The FG2 fraction was further subjected to various chromatographic separations to obtain three known phenolic compounds, protocatecutic acid (1), isovanilliic acid (2) and epipinoresinol (3) in appreciable quantities for the first time from this plant. The structures of all the three compounds were elucidated through FT-IR, NMR and Mass spectral studies. The present investigation concluded that the roots of Rheum wittrockii is a good source of phenolics. Its chloroform fraction showed potent antioxidant, anti-diabetic and antibacterial effects probably due to its three compounds isolated for the first time. The compounds are valuable pharmaceuticals with promising biological actions.

Fabrication and characterization of chickpea-based supplements for their functional, structural, and organoleptic properties.

Experimental evaluation of avocado honey's wound healing properties: Physicochemical, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and proliferative effects combined with in silico toxicity and molecular docking analysis.

Evaluation of poultry meat freshness at post slaughter condition through Beta vulgaris L. extract: A natural alternative to synthetic antioxidant.

Antinociceptive activity of 80% methanolic leaf extract of Pterolobium stellatum (Forssk.) Brenan (Fabaceae) in mice.

From lemongrass to cellulose nanocrystals: Synthesis, characterization, and application in postharvest quality control of cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum).