Total Phenolic Content Research Articles

Anti-advanced glycation end-products and antibacterial inhibitory activities of Neonauclea formicaria (Rubiaceae)

Neonauclea species have been studied for their phytochemical and potential pharmacological uses. However, many of its species still remained unexplored. The Philippine endemic Neonauclea formicaria has been documented for its ethnobotanical use, but little has been reported on its phytochemical and pharmacological profile. Hence, this study evaluates the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents and assesses its ethanolic leaf extracts’ antiglycation, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. N. formicaria leaf extracts at 1000 ppm gave 63.02±5.82 mg GAE/g DW TPC and 31.25±4.24 mg QE/g DW TFC. The extract showed a concentration-dependent activity in inhibiting AGE formation for the antiglycation assay, with an IC50 value of 2823.5 ppm. In antioxidant assay, the extract exhibited the highest TEAC value of 419.5±14.3 mg TE/kg DW at 250 ppm. Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were shown to be the most susceptible to the leaf extract (1000 ppm), with zones of inhibition at 16.56±5.65 mm and 14.06±2.65 mm, respectively. The results highlight that N. formicaria bears promising properties with pharmacological and nutraceutical applications.

Comparative elucidation of the phenolic profile and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of unripe and ripe Pistacia lentiscus L. fruits and their oils as affected by ripening.

Phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties of unripe and ripe mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus L.) fruits and their oils were investigated. A total of 20 phenolic compounds were identified by using liquid chromatography-diode array detection and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, among which phenolic acids were predominant. The main phenolic compound was catechin in the unripe fruit and trigalloylquinic acid in the unripe fruit oil, whereas galloylquinic acid was dominant in the ripe fruit and its oil. Unripe fruits had the highest amount of total phenolic content (TPC; 2771.4 mg kg-1), whereas the ripe fruit oils had the lowest TPC (14.1 mg kg-1). The quantity of the phenolics decreased as the fruits ripened. Tests revealed significant antimicrobial activity of the fruit extracts against Staphylococcus aureus but not on Escherichia coli, whereas fruit oils showed no antimicrobial effects. The fruits and their oils exhibited significant alterations in phenolic composition, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial effects during ripening. These findings highlight the impact of ripeness on the bioactive properties of mastic tree fruits and their potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant, and Anti-Proliferative Activities against Human Colorectal Cancer Cells of Amazonian Fruits Copoazú (Theobroma grandiflorum) and Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa)

Amazonian fruits are a source of bioactive compounds, among which phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and carotenes stand out. These compounds play a crucial role in restoring oxidative balance, consequently reducing the proliferation of cancer cells. However, the content of these metabolites and their biological properties may vary significantly depending on the geographical location and the environmental conditions where plants grow. This research assessed the content of metabolites, free radical scavenging capacity, and hemolytic and antiproliferative effects of the hydro-methanolic extracts of the Amazonian fruits Theobroma grandiflorum and Mauritia flexuosa. The results revealed that the extracts derived from the seeds of Theobroma grandiflorum sourced from the Balcanes experimental farm and the pulp of Mauritia flexuosa harvested in Florencia exhibited higher contents compared to other analyzed sites: Total phenolic content (TPC) (619.41 ± 12.05 and 285.75 ± 10.06 mg GAE/100 g FW), Total flavonoid content (TFC) (569.09 ± 4.51 and 223.21 ± 3.92 mg CAT/100 g FW), and Total carotenoid content (TCC) (25.12 ± 0.16 and 48.00 ± 0.28 mg eq β-carotene/100 g FW), respectively. Also, these samples demonstrated superior scavenging capacities for the ABTS and DPPH radicals, while the peel of Mauritia flexuosa exhibited the highest scavenging capacity for the oxygen radical (526.23 ± 2.08 µmol Trolox.g−1). The hemolytic effect shows dose-dependent responses with IC50 values of 27.73 μg/mL for the Balcanes seeds and 1.27 μg/mL for the Florencia pulp. Furthermore, it was observed that treatment with the fruit-derived extracts effectively reduced the number of viable human colorectal cancer cells, using SW480 ATCC cell line, demonstrating a non-dose-dependent behavior compared to the control cells.

Experimental ‘in-Vitro’ investigation on bio-chemical constituents, radical scavenging activity, and reducing power assay of cow urine

Abstract Cow urine (CU) – a natural bio-organic waste product with immense medicinal value has been traditionally used by human beings for centuries. Researchers have reported the multi-purpose usage of CU in various sectors such as agriculture, medical, emulsified diesel fuel, and electricity generation. The beneficial effect of CU is mainly attributed to its composition which depends on multiple factors such as dietary habit, demography, breed type etc. The CU consists of many useful elements and enzymes which are essential for maintaining the ecological balance and well-being of human society. In spite of its limited benefits, there is still a lack of knowledge on the scientific usage of CU. In this investigation, antioxidant, scavenging activity, and reducing power assay of CU from adult, pregnant, lactating cow and its calf are assessed. The quantity of bio-chemical constituents in CU of adult, pregnant, lactating cow, and calf varied significantly. The concentration of urea, urea nitrogen, uric acid, calcium and creatinine was high in pregnant CU raw sample. Whereas, the amount of sodium and chlorine were high in lactating CU sample. Total phenol concentration was found to be high in adult CU raw sample, followed by calf and pregnant CU raw samples, which is responsible for the antimicrobial activity. Results show highest potent antioxidant activity on the inhibition of DPPH, superoxide anion, nitric oxide, hydroxyl free radicals, and better reducing ability in lactating CU raw sample as compared to other CU samples. In general, the raw CU sample showed better radical scavenging activity whereas distilled CU samples have better Fe3+ reducing power assay.

Unveiling metabolome heterogeneity in three species from Coccoloba and Ruprechtia through multiple approaches of UPLC/HRMS and chemometric analysis in relation to antidiabetic, antioxidant and antiglycation activities

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a major intricate metabolic disorder, being one of the chief causes of mortality worldwide. Coccoloba and Ruprechtia are two of the most intriguing polyphenol-rich genera within the Polygonaceae family. The potential of Coccoloba uvifera, Coccoloba peltata and Ruprechtia salicifolia total extracts and fractions as antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-glycating agents was evaluated and correlated with their chemical composition via multiple approaches of metabolic profiling.ResultsAll the total ethanolic extracts of plant leaves revealed remarkable antioxidant activities in terms of scavenging DPPH and ABTS radicals, as well as ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Despite having more or less comparable total phenolic and flavonoid contents, C. uvifera extract showed the highest inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase enzyme (IC50 7.985 ± 1.08 μg/mL), being more potent than acarbose (20-fold). All total extracts demonstrated moderately high anti-AGEs (> 63% inhibition) in BSA-fructose model. Among all examined fractions, C. uvifera 50% MeOH fraction exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity in DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays (5697.33 ± 360.7, 3078.9 ± 249, 1664.02 ± 220 µM ascorbic acid equivalent/mg extract, respectively) and the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 3.36 ± 1.04 μg/mL). A total of 140 compounds, belonging to different classes, were annotated in the three species via UPLC-HRMS, where flavonoids and phenolic acids represented the major classes. Multivariate and correlation analyses revealed the key phytochemicals contributing to α-glucosidase inhibition as 1-O-vanilloyl-hexoside, 1,3-O-diferuloylglycerol, drovomifoliol-O-glucopyranoside, protocatechuic acid glucoside, digalloyl glucose and coumaric acid sulphate.ConclusionC. uvifera leaves extract and its 50% MeOH fraction had a superb potential to alleviate DM and its complications through their antioxidant, antiglycation and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities mediated by their versatile polyphenolic phytochemicals.Graphical abstract

Phytochemical Profile, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-xanthine Oxidase, and Anti-elastase Activities of Centaurea hyalolepis: An In Silico and In Vitro Analysis.

This study aimed to examine the antibacterial, antioxidant, and enzyme activity of Centaurea hyalolepis, as well as the total phenolic and carotenoid contents, and volatile and phenolic components. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for the volatile component analysis of C. hyalolepis, while liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for the phenolic component analysis. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity was evaluated using disc diffusion and microdilution techniques. The antioxidant capacity was investigated in vitro using four distinct methods (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, cupric ion-reducing antioxidant capacity, and N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylene diamine). Additionally, both in vitro and in silico studies were carried out to determine the inhibitory effect on xanthine oxidase and elastase. Consequently, it was determined that C. hyalolepis has antioxidant properties and is a highly efficient antibacterial agent against Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella aerogenes, and Candida albicans. Additionally, C. hyalolepis contains many volatile compounds, such as 2-methyl propanoic acid, 3,5-octadien-2-one, 2,6-dimethyl cyclohexanol, hexanal, pentanal, anethole, and beta-cyclocitral. It also has a large number of phenolic components, including chlorogenic acid, apigenin 7-glucuronide, quinic acid, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Moreover, C. hyalolepis was shown to inhibit xanthine oxidase and elastase.

Total phenolic, flavonoid, flavonol, and tannin contents as well as antioxidant and antiparasitic activities of aqueous methanol extract of Alhagi graecorum plant used in traditional medicine: Collected in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Geographical and ecological variations lead to distinct chemical compositions, even among the same species of plant. Medicinal plants present promising alternatives for antiparasitic treatments. An analysis was conducted on total phenols, flavonoids, flavonols, and tannins present in the aqueous methanol extract of A. graecorum (AG). The antioxidant activity of extracts from stems and leaves of AG was evaluated in vitro by the DPPH assay, and the IC50 values were established. In vitro, antiparasitic activity was assessed using five different concentrations of AG extracts (5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/ml). The oocysticidal properties of the mixture were assessed at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 h. The concentration of phenols (37.905 ± 0.9243) exceeded that of flavonoids, flavonols, and tannins, which were measured at 33.644 ± 0.3628, 10.057 ± 0.6421, and 21.160 ± 0.4310, respectively, in the extract of AG. The extract exhibited significant radical scavenging activity, showing inhibition rates between 85 and 15% across concentrations from 1,000 to 31.25 μg/ml, with an IC50 value recorded at 240.48 μg/ml. The in vitro evaluation of the antiparasitic efficacy of the findings demonstrated the most significant inhibition of oocysts at concentrations of 80 and 40 mg/ml, and the reference drug.

Physicochemical Properties, Polyphenol and Mineral Composition of Different Triticale Varieties Cultivated in the Republic of Moldova

The quality characteristics of seven triticale grain varieties were determined by different physiochemical analyses. For this purpose, the content of protein, wet gluten, fat, ash, moisture, carbohydrates, test weight, and thousand-kernel mass; mineral elements Ca, Na, Zn, Fe, and Cu; and total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), free radical scavenging activity (DPPH assay), and phenolic profile (4-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, and rosmarinic acid) were analyzed. Also, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to evaluate the quality parameters of triticale grains. According to the chemical data obtained, all triticale varieties may be used for breadmaking. A high variability was obtained among triticale varieties for mineral elements and antioxidant compounds. The highest values were recorded for Ca, followed by Fe, Na, Zn, and Cu. The TPC, TFC, DPPH, and phenolic compounds of the analyzed triticale samples increased with the increasing temperature used in the extraction method. Generally, the highest value for phenolic acid was obtained by p-coumaric acid followed by rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, and chlorogenic acid. Principal component analysis of triticale cultivars related to their physicochemical data showed close association between some varieties such as Costel; Ingen 54, Ingen 35, Ingen 33, and Ingen 93, and Ingen 40; and Fanica varieties.

Effect of the production of dried fruit and fruit chips on chemical, sensory and bioactive properties

Aim: Dried fruits are consumed by many people around the world as a convenient alternative to fresh fruits with a long shelf life. As well as dried fruits, the manufacturing of baked chips based on fruits having good nutrition and sensory properties represents an alternative to healthier food. The aim of this study is to determine the different chemical properties of dried fruits and fruit chips when they are being fried in ovens. Another aim was to evaluate the changes in total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid and hydroxy methyl furfural (HMF) content of chips and dried forms. Methods: In this study, apple, pear, orange, and kiwi were dried in a convection oven at 100°–120°C. Moreover, apple-orange (A-O) and kiwi-pear (K-P) chips were produced in order to develop an alternative product. Dry matter, ash, TPC, ascorbic acid and HMF contents, pH, total acidity and antioxidant activity were determined in fresh, dried and chips samples. Sensory analysis was also carried out in the prepared fruit chips samples using the hedonic scale test. Results: The results revealed that dry matter and ash content increased in dried fruit and fruit chip samples. Drying caused a slight increase in pH and total acidity of all fruit samples. The ascorbic acid contents of kiwi and apple significantly decreased during the drying process. The drying process significantly impacted the total phenol content and antioxidant activity in dried slices. The dramatic increase of HMF was observed during oven-drying and chip production. Conclusions: Based on results, it can be concluded that drying and baking processes had variable effects on the chemical, sensory and bioactive properties of fruit samples. Sensory analysis revealed that A-O chips were more acceptable in terms of sensorial properties compared to K-P chips.

Characterization of Genetic Diversity of Mulberry (Morus alba) Genotypes Growing Naturally in Northeastern Türkiye (Kelkit Valley) Using Morphological, Biochemical, and Molecular Markers

Türkiye has a unique position globally as it connects the Asian and European continents. In this study, the genetic diversity of a total of 27 mulberry (Morus alba) genotypes collected from northeastern Türkiye was evaluated in terms of morphological, biochemical, and molecular characteristics. In the fruits of the mulberry genotypes, the fruit weight (FW) ranged from 2.00 to 5.13 g, fruit width (Fw) ranged from 12.64 to 16.93 mm, and fruit length (FL) ranged from 20.89 to 32.34 mm. Total soluble solids (TSS) ranged from 16.56% to 26.00%, fruit pH ranged from 3.87 to 5.10, total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 72.69 to 171.34 mg GAE/100 g, total flavonoid content (TFC) ranged from 75.55 to 86.85 mg QE 100/g, and antioxidant activity (AA) ranged from 42.35% to 74.93%. According to principal component analysis (PCA), the first three principal components (eigenvalue ≥ 1.00) explain 54.05% of the total variation. In general, the fruit and leaf characteristics were more effective in the first two principal components, while the biochemical traits were more effective in the third principal component. As a result of molecular analysis using 13 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers, 94.23% of the total of 76 bands was polymorphic. Molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) showed that within the population, genetic variation was 79%, and among the populations, the variation was 21%. The similarities of the genotypes in the UPGMA dendrogram created according to the results of the molecular analysis varied between 0.74 and 0.98, and the genotypes were divided into two main groups. This study guides breeders in future studies by evaluating mulberry genotypes from morphological, biochemical, and molecular perspectives and explaining the wide variation among genotypes.

Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant Activity of True Leaves and Cotyledons of Adenocaulon himalaicum

Adenocaulon himalaicum is widely distributed across Asia. In its early growth stages, A. himalaicum is traditionally consumed as a food source in Korea. Although previous research has identified the presence of bioactive compounds in A. himalaicum extract, suggesting its potential as a medicinal resource, the phytochemical profile of A. himalaicum extract has not been extensively determined. This investigation aimed to identify the phytochemicals present in the true leaf and cotyledon of A. himalaicum (TLA and CLA, respectively) and evaluate their radical-scavenging activity. By performing LC-MS/MS and HPLC, varying amounts of isochlorogenic acid A, cryptochlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid B, rutin, chlorogenic acid, hyperin, and neochlorogenic acid were detected in the TLA and CLA extracts. Chlorogenic acid (9.002 mg/g DW), isochlorogenic acid A (28.512 mg/g DW), and isochlorogenic acid B (12.223 mg/g DW) were the most abundant in TLA. TLA exhibited higher phytochemical content (49.737 mg/g DW), total phenolic content (45.51 mg tannic acid equivalent/g extract), and total flavonoid content (16.24 mg quercetin equivalent/g extract) than CLA. Moreover, the radical-scavenging activity of TLA was two times higher than that of CLA. The young leaf of A. himalaicum has a rich phytochemical profile and robust antioxidant activity; hence, it has potential as natural antioxidant sources for human health and valuable pharmacognosy raw materials for pharmaceutical and functional food applications.

Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Functional Properties of Rice Bran from White and Brown Rice in Sri Lanka: A Study of Bg 300 and At 362

Rice bran (RB), a by-product of rice milling, is increasingly recognized for its versatile applications across various industries. This study analyzes and compares the physicochemical, nutritional and functional properties of RB from two high-yielding and highly consumed Sri Lankan rice varieties: Bg 300, a white rice bran and At 362, a brown rice bran. Bg 300 exhibited higher bulk density (0.40±0.01 mg/mL), oil absorption capacity (192.33±9.82%), water holding capacity (2.91±0.03 g/g), foaming capacity (13.95±2.12%), and foaming stability (64.8±13.1%). In contrast, At 362 demonstrated superior water absorption (261.1±15.9%), swelling power (3.8±0.08 g/g), and water solubility index (3.7±0.05 g/g). Nutritionally, Bg 300 contained higher fat (20.43±0.32 g/100 g), protein (11.09±0.22 g/100 g), and fiber (5.6±0.19%) contents, and potassium (0.54±1.0 g/100g) and sodium (0.007±2.12 g/100g) contents. In contrast, At 362 had significantly higher total flavonoid content (5.52±0.08 mg quercetin equivalent /g), total phenolic content (3.13±0.02 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g), and antioxidant capacity (27.12±0.80 mmol Trolox/g). Thus, Bg 300 excelled in physical and nutritional properties, while At 362 was superior in antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds. As a whole, both Bg 300 and At 362 rice brans were rich in physicochemical, nutritional and functional properties, making them promising potential ingredients in functional foods.

Phytochemical analysis of Anacamptis sancta: Glucomannan, phenolic components, and antioxidant activity

Background and purpose: This study investigated the extracts obtained from both the roots and above-ground parts of Anacamptis sancta. A. sancta, an orchid species traditionally used for its potential health benefits due to its rich phytochemical composition, was the focus. The primary aim of this research was to analyze the phytochemical components of A. sancta extracts and evaluate their antioxidant potential. By conducting comprehensive phytochemical analyses and assessing antioxidant activities, this study seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the medicinal properties of A. sancta and contribute to its applications in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. Materials and methods: In this study, extracts derived from both the tubers and above-ground parts of A. sancta were investigated. Plant samples were collected from the Ondokuz Mayıs University Botanical Garden. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was conducted using a Perkin Elmer Spectrum 400 spectrophotometer. Glucomannan content was measured calorimetrically using the Megazyme K-GLUM 03/20 analysis kit and UV-visible spectrophotometer. Analysis of secondary metabolites in the above-ground parts included determination of total phenolic, flavonoid, flavanol, tannin, and proanthocyanidin contents using Folin-Ciocalteu, AlCl3, and other appropriate methods. Antioxidant capacity was assessed through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and compound identification in the above-ground parts was performed using gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Results: In the tubers, a glucomannan content of 17.93% was detected, and FTIR analyses revealed the characteristic peaks of glucomannan. The extracts demonstrated high antioxidant potential, with total phenolic content measured at 120.61 mg GAE/g extract, total flavonoid content at 295.46 mg QE/g extract, flavanol content at 32.30 mg QE/g extract, total tannin content at 3.05 mg GAE/g extract, and total proanthocyanidin content at 119.43 mg CAE/g extract. The IC50 value for DPPH radical scavenging activity was calculated to be 47.79 mg/mL. GC-MS analysis of the above-ground parts of the plant identified the presence of significant bioactive compounds, including hydroxyacetic acid, hydrazide (42.52%), propane, 1,1-dipropoxy- (16.94%), and 1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol, 2-ethyl (12.86%). In summary, this study presents a comprehensive analysis of the phytochemical profile of A. sancta. Conclusions: The findings highlight its significant glucomannan content in tubers and strong antioxidant activity. Additionally, bioactive compounds were identified in the above-ground parts. This research provides valuable insights into potential medicinal and industrial applications of A. sancta.

Impact of Sustainable Biostimulators on Yield and Phytochemical Traits of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria L.)

Lagenaria siceraria is a nutritionally and medicinally important crop. Biostimulants offer a sustainable alternative to agrochemicals, yet their effects on bottle gourd remain largely unexplored. This study was conducted over two consecutive seasons (2021 and 2022) under open-field conditions. The aim was to evaluate the impact of eco-friendly biostimulants—salicylic acid (SA), humic acid (HA), and seaweed extract (SW)—on the growth, yield, and phytochemical composition of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria). A randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement was implemented, including ten treatments with three concentrations of SA, HA, and SW, alongside a control. The results demonstrated that these sustainable growth enhancers significantly improved plant growth parameters. The application of 1.2 g L−1 HA produced the longest plants with the highest leaf and flower number, while fruit traits such as length and diameter were notably enhanced by the 3 mL L−1 SW and 0.8 g L−1 SA treatments. Fruit and seed dry weights were also significantly increased, with the 2 mL L−1 SW and 0.16 g L−1 SA treatments yielding the heaviest fruits, and the 3 mL L−1 SW treatment leading to the highest seed dry weight per fruit. Higher concentrations of SA, HA, and SW, particularly 3 mL L−1 SW, resulted in significant increases in total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. Additionally, biostimulant treatments influenced fixed oil content and composition, with variations in fatty acid profiles. GC analysis identified 21 compounds, with linoleic acid as the dominant fatty acid, reaching its highest concentration under the 1 mL L−1 SW treatment. These findings highlight the potential of sustainable biostimulants in enhancing the productivity and nutritional quality of bottle gourd, supporting the adoption of organic and eco-friendly farming practices in open-field vegetable production.

The Anti-Cancer, Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-Oxidant and Phytochemical Investigation of Flowers and Stems of Anacyclus Clavatus Plant Extracts

The alternative medications have been used in Libya for many years. Libya is considered rich in medicinal plants. Thousands of these plants grow naturally throughout the country, particularly in the Al-Jabal Al-Akhtar region. This study aims to estimate the antioxidant activity, phytochemical screening, total phenols contents, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer investigations of the flowers and steams of Anacyclus Clavatus extracts. Two different extracts were applied in this study (Aqueous and Alcohol). The results showed the presence of some active natural compounds as carbohydrates and/or glycosides, sterols and/or triterpenes, tannins, flavonoids, and cardiac glycosides in all studied plant species with different amounts. The total phenols and antioxidant activity contents were 9.1 and 11.40 ppm for stems and flowers, respectively. On the other side, the contents of antioxidants were 3.26 and 3.93 ppm in stems and flowers of the studied extracts. The antibacterial and antifungal applications showed that the extracts gave inhibition activities on the selected bacteria species of (Staph and Klebsiella) and fungi species of (Aspergilluis and Penicillium). For the anti-inflammatory investigation. The extracts of flowers and stems gave indicating that the compound with less Hemolysis Inhibition % results in good inhibitory activity. The anti-cancer activities of the plant extracts were applied on Cancer cell lines (HePG2). The plant extract was shown to have potential antitumor action against cell lines. The cytotoxicity of the plant extract was tested using human Liver (HepG 2) cell lines.

Influence of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Inoculation on Phenolic Content and Key Biosynthesis-Related Processes in Ocimum basilicum Under Spodoptera frugiperda Herbivory

Plants are naturally subjected to various types of biotic stresses, including pathogenic microorganisms and herbivory by insects, which trigger different signaling pathways and related defense mechanisms. Inoculation with microorganisms, such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), can be seen as a form of stress because it triggers a systemic resistance response in plants similar to that caused by insect herbivory. However, these interactions have typically been studied independently, which has limited the understanding of their combined effects. This study examines the effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GB03 inoculation and Spodoptera frugiperda herbivory on the total phenolic contents of Ocimum basilicum. We also analyze the levels of endogenous phytohormones and the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), a crucial enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of phenolic defense-related metabolites. The results indicate that the total phenolic content significantly increased only in plants that were both inoculated by GB03 and damaged by larvae. Additionally, PAL activity showed an increase in plants that were damaged by larvae and in those subjected to the combined treatment of larval damage and inoculation with GB03. Regarding phytohormones, in plants damaged by insects, the levels of salicylic acid (SA) increased, regardless of whether they were inoculated or not, while the levels of jasmonic acid–isoleucine (JA-ile) rose in all treatments compared to the control. This study highlights the intricate relationships among beneficial microbes, herbivores, and plant defense mechanisms, emphasizing their potential impact on improving plant resilience and the production of secondary metabolites. Furthermore, understanding the independent effects of PGPR inoculation, beyond its interaction with herbivory, could provide valuable insights into its role as a sustainable alternative for enhancing plant defense responses and promoting crop productivity.

Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Optimization of Chitosan Nanoparticles Using Blumea balsamifera Extract

Chitosan nanoparticles are nontoxic polymers with diverse biomedical applications. Traditional nanoparticle synthesis often involves harmful chemicals or results in reduced desirable properties, sparking interest in green synthesis methods for nanoparticle production. Utilizing plant-based phytochemicals as reducing and capping agents offers advantages like biocompatibility, sustainability, and safety. This study explored Blumea balsamifera leaf extract for chitosan nanoparticle (CNP) synthesis. CNPs were synthesized using pH-induced gelation and characterized by DLS and SEM. B. balsamifera extract, prepared using ethanol, achieved a total phenolic content of 19.37 ± 6.35 mg GAE/g dry weight. DLS characterization revealed a broad size distribution, with an average particle diameter of 908.9 ± 93.6 nm and peaks at 11.11 ± 0.97 nm, 164.45 ± 6.13 nm, and 1672.04 ± 338.75 nm. SEM measurements showed spherical particles with a diameter of 56.8–63.0 nm. UV-Vis analysis, with an absorption peak at 286.5 ± 0.5 nm, was used to optimize CNP biosynthesis through a Face-Centered Central Composite Design (FCCCD). Higher concentrations of B. balsamifera extract (0.05 g/mL) and chitosan (19.1 mg/mL) maximized nanoparticle yield with a mass of 100 μg/mL. Antibacterial testing against E. coli demonstrated a minimum inhibitory concentration of 25 μg/mL. B. balsamifera extract effectively synthesized nanochitosan particles, showing potential for antibacterial applications.

Physicochemical Characteristics, Antioxidant Properties, and Identification of Bioactive Compounds in Australian Stingless Bee Honey Using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography

This study investigates the physiochemical properties, chemical composition, and antioxidant activity of Australian stingless bee honey blends from two bee species, Tetragonula carbonaria and Tetragonula hockingsi, harvested in Burpengary East, Queensland at different times of the year. The moisture content of the honey samples ranged from 26.5% to 30.0%, total soluble solids from 70.0 to 73.5° Brix, and pH from 3.57 to 4.19. The main sugars identified were trehalulose (13.9 to 30.3 g/100 g), fructose (12.9 to 32.3 g/100 g), and glucose (4.80 to 23.7 g/100 g). The total phenolic content (TPC), measured using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay, ranged from 26.1 to 58.6 mg of gallic acid equivalents/100 g. The antioxidant activity was investigated with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, with values ranging from 1.39 to 6.08 mmol of Trolox equivalents/kg. Antioxidant constituents were determined using a High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)-DPPH assay. The HPTLC-DPPH analysis revealed that honey samples collected in May 2022 contained the highest number of antioxidant compounds. Some constituents were identified using an HPTLC-derived database and also quantified utilising HPTLC analysis. Lumichrome was present in all honey samples, while luteolin and kaempferide were detected only in some. Kaempferol or isorhamnetin was also found to be present, although a definitive distinction between these two chemically closely related compounds could not be made by HPTLC analysis. The results showed that honey produced by Tetragonula hockingsi and Tetragonula carbonaria shares similar properties and composition when harvested at the same time, with only minor differences in moisture, fructose, and glucose content.

Seasonal Variation in Nutritional Substances in Varieties of Leafy Chinese Kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra): A Pilot Trial

Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra), a native Chinese vegetable, is usually grown for its bolting stems as the common edible part. However, the tender leaves of the vegetable have higher nutritional value. To investigate the effects of cultivation seasons on the nutritional substances in leafy Chinese kale, we conducted a pilot trial to analyze the differences in the content of nutritional substances, including glucosinolates, in five varieties of leafy Chinese kale (JLYC-01, JLYC-02, JLYC-03, JLYC-04, JLYC-05) cultured in fall, winter, and spring. The plant weight was 27.2 g–40.4 g in spring, 20.0 g–38.6 g in winter, and 20.3 g–34.0 g in fall, and the JLYC-05 variety showed superiority among the varieties, with weights of 34.0 g in fall, 38.6 g in winter, and 39.7 g in winter. Overall, the nutritional substance content in leafy Chinese kale cultivated in spring and fall was better than that of those cultivated in winter, providing a key reference for leafy Chinese kale planting. Among the five varieties, JLYC-04 and JLYC-05 are excellent candidates for future breeding programs, since JLYC-04 has a higher content of total phenols (10.1 mg GAE g−1 DW–10.7 mg GAE g−1 DW) and glucosinolates (5.8 μmol g−1 DW–7.1 μmol g−1 DW), exhibiting strong antioxidant capacity, while JLYC-05 contains more chlorophyll (157 mg 100 g−1 FW–214 mg 100 g−1 FW) and carotenoids (31.8 mg 100 g−1 FW–39.1 mg 100 g−1 FW).

Phytohormone and Amino Acid Changes in Cherry Radish as Metabolic Adaptive Response to Arsenic Single and Multi-Contamination

This study investigated the metabolic adaptive responses to As contamination and As co-contamination with cadmium, lead, and zinc in the leaves and tubers of cherry radish (Raphanus sativus var. sativus Pers.). The response was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde levels, total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin pigment (TAC), growth and stress phytohormone concentration, and free amino acid content. The characteristic As accumulation of single contamination resulted in a decrease in tuber growth. However, in the case of co-contamination, As uptake was influenced by the presence of other potentially toxic elements (PTEs), mainly zinc, with no significant effect on growth. Both contaminated treatments exhibited significant differences in metabolite levels among the organs, along with notable changes in their contents. Increases in malondialdehyde, TPC, and TAC indicated induced oxidative stress and an antioxidant response that was more pronounced by As co-contamination. Also, the results for phytohormones, which showed both increases and decreases, along with selected free amino acids (which showed increases), demonstrated a more significant influence of As co-contamination. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the response of cherry radish to contaminated treatments exhibited significant differences in the studied parameters, along with variability in the results, reflecting the extent of the effects of PTEs that induce oxidative stress.