Valuable Bioactive Compounds Research Articles

Towards a zero-waste sustainable biorefinery of Codium sp. seaweed: From bioactives application to soil enhancement materials

In the pursuit of sustainability and circularity, this study aimed to develop a multi-purpose biorefinery pipeline using extracts from the green seaweed Codium sp. and transforming its post-extracted biomass into biochars, emphasizing holistic resource utilization. Five extracts from Codium sp. were evaluated, testing their antioxidant potential, cytotoxicity, photoprotective effects, anti-inflammatory activity, and inhibitory capabilities against enzymes hyaluronidase, collagenase, and elastase.The ethyl acetate extract showed the highest values in the ORAC assay, indicating antioxidant activity. However, no relevant antioxidant activity was observed in the FRAP and DPPH assays for the other extracts. The hydroethanolic extract exhibited the best anti-enzymatic capacity, inhibiting elastase by 88% at 200 μg/mL. It also demonstrated a photoprotective effect and reduced ROS production (30%) induced by UVB exposure. The hydroethanolic and ethanol extracts significantly reduced the concentration of the tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in response to LPS stimulation, indicating anti-inflammatory activity.The hydroethanolic post-extracted biomass was converted into biochars using conventional slow pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), and acid-mediated carbonization (AMC). The biochars contained 56–75% C and 22–30% O and the one synthesized by HTC had the highest textural development. The biochar obtained by AMC showed better performance in improving soil water retention capacity, suggesting that acid surface chemistry plays a more significant role than porosity.The Codium sp. extracts and biochars produced from the post-extracted biomass have demonstrated potential as a source of valuable bioactive compounds and biomaterials for a circular economy framework and biorefinery pipeline with wide-ranging applications.

Dehydration, Rehydration and Thermal Treatment: Effect on Bioactive Compounds of Red Seaweeds Porphyra umbilicalis and Porphyra linearis.

The nutritional and bioactive value of seaweeds is widely recognized, making them a valuable food source. To use seaweeds as food, drying and thermal treatments are required, but these treatments may have a negative impact on valuable bioactive compounds. In this study, the effects of dehydration, rehydration, and thermal treatment on the bioactive compounds (carotenoids, phycobiliproteins, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC)), antioxidant (ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities) and anti-Alzheimer's (Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitory activities, and color properties of Porphyra umbilicalis and Porphyra linearis seaweeds were evaluated. The results revealed significant reductions in carotenoids, TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities after the seaweeds' processing, with differences observed between species. Thermal treatment led to the most pronounced reductions in bioactive compound contents and antioxidant activity. AchE inhibitory activity remained relatively high in all samples, with P. umbilicalis showing higher activity than P. linearis. Changes in color (ΔE) were significant after seaweeds' dehydration, rehydration and thermal treatment, especially in P. umbilicalis. Overall, optimizing processing methods is crucial for preserving the bioactive compounds and biological activities of seaweeds, thus maximizing their potential as sustainable and nutritious food sources or as nutraceutical ingredients.

Fabrication of textured functional ingredient based on apple: Sesame by-product

The search for new sources of fortified components from low-cost and sustainable sources has become a trend in the last decade. Food byproducts containing valuable bioactive compounds such as dietary fiber, protein, and phytochemicals are being used as substrates for obtaining beneficial components that can promote health. Extrusion is an efficient technology for converting food by-products into nutrient-rich food ingredients. The objective of this work was to optimize the extrusion process to obtain the best combination of moisture content (14, 18 and 22%) and screw speed (SS) (120,150 and180 rpm), apple pomace (AP): semi-defatted sesame cake (SDSC) blends (25:75, 50:50 and 75:25 w/w) to fabricate textured functional ingredients (TFI) with high values of expansion ratio (ER), water absorption index (WAI), brightness level, total phenolic compounds (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) and lower hardness based on a central composite design. The optimal treatment was determined at 176 rpm SS, 18% moisture content and a ratio of (75:25) AP: SDSC. The desirability value has indicated an appropriate match between the predicted and the observed response. TFI exhibited higher soluble dietary fiber fraction (WAI) values and lower plate count values during 30 days of storage compared to the unprocessed by-product, suggesting that TFI could be successfully used for the manufacture of innovative, high quality products such as porridge, beverages, cookies, soups and others that could provide health benefits based on the values obtained.

Dynamics of alkaloid accumulation in Narcissus cv.Hawera: a source of Sceletium-type alkaloids.

The Sceletium-type alkaloids, known for their anxiolytic and antidepressant activities, have been recently found to be biosynthesized in Narcissus cv. Hawera, which is largely used as an ornamental plant. An alkaloid fraction enriched with Sceletium-type alkaloids from the plant has shown promising antidepressant and anxiolytic activities. In the present study, qualitative and quantitative analyses of the alkaloids in the plant organs were performed during one vegetation season by GC-MS. The alkaloid pattern and total alkaloid content was found to depend strongly on the stage of development and plant organ. The alkaloid content of bulbs was found to be highest during the dormancy period and lowest in sprouting bulbs. The leaves showed the highest alkaloid content during the intensive vegetative growth andlowest during flowering. In total, 13 alkaloids were detected in the methanol extracts of Narcissus cv. Hawera, six Sceletium-type and seven typical Amaryllidaceae alkaloids. Major alkaloids in the alkaloid pattern were lycorine, 6-epi-mesembrenol, mesembrenone, sanguinine, and galanthamine. The leaves of flowering plants were found to have the highest amount of 6-epi-mesembrenol. Mesembrenone was found to be dominant alkaloid in the leaves of sprouting bulbs and in the flowers. Considering the biomass of the plant, the dormant bulbs are the best source of alkaloid fractions enriched with 6-epi-mesembrenol. Theflowers and the young leaves can be used for preparation of alkaloid fractions enriched with mesembrenone. Theresults indicates that Narcissus cv. Hawera is an emerging source of valuable bioactive compounds and its utilization can be extended as a medicinal plant.

Dietary Salicornia ramosissima improves the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) inflammatory response against Photobacterium damselae piscicida.

Modern fish farming faces challenges in sourcing feed ingredients, most related with their prices, 21 availability, and specifically for plant protein sources, competition for the limited cultivation space for 22 vegetable crops. In that sense, halophytes have the added value of being rich in valuable bioactive compounds and salt tolerant. This study assessed the inclusion of non-food fractions of S. ramosissima in European seabass diets. Different levels (2.5%, 5%, and 10%) were incorporated into seabass diets, replacing wheat meal (diets ST2.5, ST5, and ST10) or without inclusion (CTRL). Experimental diets were administered to seabass juveniles (8.62 ± 0.63g) for 34 and 62 days and subsequent inflammatory responses to a heat-inactivated Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Phdp) were evaluated in a time-course manner (4, 24, 48, and 72h after the challenge). At each sampling point, seabass haematological profile, plasma immune parameters, and head-kidney immune-related gene expression were evaluated. After both feeding periods, most parameters remained unaltered by S. ramosissima inclusion; nonetheless, seabass fed ST10 showed an upregulation of macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor 1 (mcsf1r1) and cluster of differentiation 8 (cd8β) compared with those fed CTRL after 62 days of feeding. Regarding the inflammatory response, seabass fed ST10 showed lower plasma lysozyme levels than their counterparts fed ST2.5 and ST5 at 24h following injection, while 4h after the inflammatory stimulus, seabass fed ST10 presented higher numbers of peritoneal leucocytes than fish fed CTRL. Moreover, at 4h, fish fed ST2.5, ST5, and ST10 showed a higher expression of interleukin 1β (il1β), while fish fed ST5 showed higher levels of ornithine decarboxylase (odc) than those fed CTRL. An upregulation of macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor 1 (mcsf1r1) and glutathione peroxidase (gpx) was also observed at 72h in fish fed ST10 or ST5 and ST10 compared with CTRL, respectively. In conclusion, incorporating up to 10% of the non-food fraction S. ramosissima in feed did not compromise seabass growth or immune status after 62 days, aligning with circular economy principles. However, S. ramosissima inclusion improved the leucocyte response and upregulated key immune-related genes in seabass challenged with an inactivated pathogen.

Measurement of antioxidant synergy between phenolic bioactives in traditional food combinations (legume/non-legume/fruit) of (semi) arid regions: insights into the development of sustainable functional foods

Numerous under-researched edible plants are present in the desert regions of the world. These plants could be potential candidates to ensure food security and provide valuable bioactive compounds through diet. In general, the bioactives present in food manifest synergistic, additive, or antagonistic interactions. The current study investigates such interactions between food combinations traditionally consumed in (semi) arid regions. Five edible plants (representing three food categories) were selected: Prosopis cineraria and Acacia senegal (legume), Capparis decidua and Cordia dichotoma (non-legume), and Mangifera indica (fruit), in which the first four are largely underutilized. The antioxidant capacities of individual plant extracts and their binary mixtures were analyzed by DPPH free radical scavenging and FRAP assays. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were also determined. The highest antioxidant activity was obtained for Prosopis cineraria extract (EC50—1.24 ± 0.02 mg/ml, FRAP value—380.58 ± 11.17 μM/g), while Mangifera indica exhibited the lowest antioxidant activity (EC50—2.54 ± 0.05 mg/ml, FRAP value—48.91 ± 4.34 μM/g). Binary mixture of Prosopis cineraria (legume) and Mangifera indica (fruit) manifested maximum synergy (experimental EC50—0.89 ± 0.01 mg/ml, theoretical EC50—3.79 ± 0.05 mg/ml). Correlation studies [Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) and Principal component analysis (PCA)] showed a high correlation of TFC with DPPH and TPC with FRAP values. LC–MS analysis of methanolic plant extracts detected 43 phenolic compounds (including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and isoflavonoids), possibly responsible for the observed food synergy. For edible plants of the (semi) arid zones, this study is a first-of-its-kind and provides scientific validation to the traditional wisdom of consuming these foods together. Such indigenous food combinations derived from desert flora could offer valuable insights into development of sustainable functional foods and nutraceuticals.Graphical

Enhancement of specialized metabolites using CRISPR/Cas gene editing technology in medicinal plants.

Plants are the richest source of specialized metabolites. The specialized metabolites offer a variety of physiological benefits and many adaptive evolutionary advantages and frequently linked to plant defense mechanisms. Medicinal plants are a vital source of nutrition and active pharmaceutical agents. The production of valuable specialized metabolites and bioactive compounds has increased with the improvement of transgenic techniques like gene silencing and gene overexpression. These techniques are beneficial for decreasing production costs and increasing nutritional value. Utilizing biotechnological applications to enhance specialized metabolites in medicinal plants needs characterization and identification of genes within an elucidated pathway. The breakthrough and advancement of CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing in improving the production of specific metabolites in medicinal plants have gained significant importance in contemporary times. This article imparts a comprehensive recapitulation of the latest advancements made in the implementation of CRISPR-gene editing techniques for the purpose of augmenting specific metabolites in medicinal plants. We also provide further insights and perspectives for improving metabolic engineering scenarios in medicinal plants.

The effects of ultrasonic processing on the antioxidant activity of Geotrichum candidum LG-8 and its cell wall extracts.

Extraction techniques that influence cell wall polysaccharides (EPS) is crucial for maximizing their bioactivity. This study evaluates ultrasound technology for extracting antioxidant polysaccharides from Geotrichum candidum LG-8, assessing its impacton antioxidant activity. Ultrasound extraction of EPS from G. candidum LG-8 was optimized (18 min, pH 7.0, 40 W/cm2, 0.75 M NaCl). ABTS scavenging efficiency and monosaccharide composition of LG-EPS1 and LG-EPS3 were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Results showed that ultrasonic treatment markedly increased the ABTS radical scavenging efficiency of LG-8 cells by 47%. At a concentration of 1 mg/mL, the ultrasonically extracted LG-EPS1 and LG-EPS3 polysaccharides exhibited significant ABTS radical scavenging efficiencies of 26% and 51%, respectively. Monosaccharide composition analysis identified mannose and glucose in LG-EPS1, while LG-EPS3 was primarily composed of mannose. FTIR spectra verified the polysaccharides' presence, and SEM provided visual confirmation of the nanoparticle structures characteristic of LG-EPS1 and LG-EPS3. This research not only underscores the technological merits of ultrasound in polysaccharide extraction but also highlights the potential of G. candidum LG-8 derived polysaccharides as valuable bioactive compounds for antioxidant utilization.

Improved Cardiovascular Effects of a Novel Pomegranate Byproduct Extract Obtained through Hydrodynamic Cavitation.

The healthy properties of pomegranate fruit, a highly consumed food, have been known for a long time. However, the pomegranate supply chain is still rather inefficient, with the non-edible fraction, whose weight is roughly half the total and is endowed with plenty of valuable bioactive compounds, either disposed of or underutilized. A novel extract obtained from non-edible byproducts (called PPE), using hydrodynamic cavitation, a green, efficient, and scalable technique, was investigated for its cardiovascular effects in vivo. PPE showed efficacy in an acute phenylephrine (PE)-induced hypertensive rat model, similar to the extract of whole fruit (PFE) obtained using the same extractive technique, along with good intestinal bioaccessibility after oral administration. Finally, when chronically administered for 6 weeks to spontaneously hypertensive rats, PPE was shown to significantly contain the increase in systolic blood pressure, comparable to the reference drug Captopril, and at a dose remarkably lower than the reported effective dose of ellagic acid. The extract from the non-edible fraction of the pomegranate fruit also showed good anti-inflammation and anti-fibrotic effects. The findings of this study, along with the extraction technique, could contribute to enhancing the value of the pomegranate supply chain, relieve the related environmental burden, and potentially improve public health.

Valorizing Assorted Logging Residues: Response Surface Methodology in the Extraction Optimization of a Green Norway Spruce Needle-Rich Fraction To Obtain Valuable Bioactive Compounds.

During stemwood harvesting, substantial volumes of logging residues are produced as a side stream. Nevertheless, industrially feasible processing methods supporting their use for other than energy generation purposes are scarce. Thus, the present study focuses on biorefinery processing, employing response surface methodology to optimize the pressurized extraction of industrially assorted needle-rich spruce logging residues with four solvents. Eighteen experimental points, including eight center point replicates, were used to optimize the extraction temperature (40-135 °C) and time (10-70 min). The extraction optimization for water, water with Na2CO3 + NaHSO3 addition, and aqueous ethanol was performed using yield, total dissolved solids (TDS), antioxidant activity (FRAP, ORAC), antibacterial properties (E. coli, S. aureus), total phenolic content (TPC), condensed tannin content, and degree of polymerization. For limonene, evaluated responses were yield, TDS, antioxidant activity (CUPRAC, DPPH), and TPC. Desirability surfaces were created using the responses showing a coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.7, statistical significance (p ≤ 0.05), precision > 4, and statistically insignificant lack-of-fit (p > 0.1). The optimal extraction conditions were 125 °C and 68 min for aqueous ethanol, 120 °C and 10 min for water, 111 °C and 49 min for water with Na2CO3 + NaHSO3 addition, and 134 °C and 41 min for limonene. The outcomes contribute insights to industrial logging residue utilization for value-added purposes.

High‐pressure processing‐assisted in‐situ extraction of caffeine, chlorogenic acid, phenolic content, and antioxidant properties of green coffee bean

AbstractThis research aimed to efficiently extract valuable bioactive compounds from green coffee beans (GCBs), meeting the rising demand for natural compounds in the pharmaceutical and food industries. The study sought to overcome the limitations of conventional extraction techniques, such as low efficiency, prolonged processing, and heat‐sensitive compound degradation, by employing an eco‐friendly solvent and high‐pressure assisted extraction. Experiments were conducted at different pressure levels (300, 400, and 500 MPa), treatment times (10, 20, and 30 min), and using water, ethanol, and their combination (1:1) as solvents. The study evaluated the impact of these variables on radical scavenging activity (RSA), caffeine content, chlorogenic acid (CGA) levels, total phenolic content (TPC), pH, cyclic voltammetry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Results were compared with conventional extraction and untreated extracts. High‐pressure processing (HPP) significantly enhanced RSA, reaching a maximum of 94.872 ± 0.290%, except for ethanol extracts. CGA content decreased with increasing pressure, correlating with improved antioxidant activity. Caffeine content remained higher even at shorter treatment times (1.170 ± 0.131 mg/mL). The ethanolic extract at the lowest pressure and time yielded the highest TPC (74.130 ± 1.141 mg of GAE/mL). Importantly, pH showed no significant variations. SEM analysis revealed a denser microstructure in the residual green coffee powder. Voltammetric tests confirm potent antioxidant properties due to its polyphenolics oxidizing within the potential range. This study demonstrates HPP as an eco‐friendly method for extracting bioactive compounds from GCBs. It effectively addresses the limitations of conventional extraction techniques, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative.Practical applicationsHigh‐pressure‐assisted extraction is a novel method of extracting bioactives from natural products. The current study proposes the innovative approach to optimize the processing parameters for extracting the bioactives (total phenols, CGA, and caffeine) from the GCB under HPP with improved antioxidant properties. This greener approach of high‐pressure‐assisted extraction is an alternative method to conventional extraction. This can be achieved with limited time of extraction using water or ethanol:water as a prospective alternative solvent devoid of harmful chemicals to extract with higher natural antioxidant capacity. Also, extensive research on green coffee extracts has demonstrated that extracted bioactives find applications as functional ingredients, natural preservatives, and potential natural antioxidants in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Isolation, Cytotoxicity, and In-silico Screening of Coumarins from Psoralea corylifolia Linn.

Psoralea corylifolia (syn. Cullen corylifolium), commonly called bawachi, is a medicinal plant extensively used for skin conditions like leukoderma, vitiligo, and psoriasis. It is notably rich in valuable bioactive compounds, particularly coumarins and furanocoumarins. This study isolated fourteen coumarins from P. corylifolia which were tested for cytotoxicity using the MTT assay, with compound 10 showing good cytotoxicity against A549 cells (IC50 0.9 μM), while compound 1, compound 2, and compound 3 displaying potential cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells (IC50 0.49 μM, 0.56 μM, and 0.84 μM respectively). Additionally, the compounds' interaction with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) protein, highly expressed in both cell lines, was investigated through molecular modeling studies, that aligned well with cytotoxicity results. The findings revealed the remarkable cytotoxic potential of four coumarins 1, 2, 3, and 10 against A549 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines.

Seasonal and Root-Specific Metabolomic Profiles of Panax Ginseng Meyer by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) and Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA)

The chemical composition of ginseng varies by several factors such as age, harvest season, and region. Each part of fresh ginseng contains certain valuable bioactive compounds; however, chemical studies of ginseng have focused on the ginsenoside content. In this study, we examine the chemical composition of Panax ginseng Meyer as related to harvest season and specific root parts via untargeted metabolomics using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). Multivariate statistical analysis such as partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to select significant metabolites distinguishing ginseng harvested in different seasons and various ginseng parts. The selected thirteen metabolites were identified as amino acids, ginsenosides, and fatty acid amides through MS fragment pattern analysis. Additional chemometric analysis revealed chemical consistency between main and fine roots regardless of harvest time, indicating a stable chemical composition in P. ginseng among seasons. Furthermore, most ginsenosides among the thirteen selected metabolites had higher abundance in fine roots than in main roots, while primary metabolites were more abundant in main roots, highlighting a unique chemical composition dependent on the specific root parts.

Photoelectrochemical Sensor Based on MoS2/BI2MoO6 Heterojunction for Triptriolide Detection

Thunder God Vine has multiple effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-fertility. One of its main active ingredients, triptriolide, can exert anti-tumor effects by targeting transcription factors, kinases, or inhibiting the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway to inhibit cell proliferation and promote tumor cell apoptosis. However, its high toxicity and poor water solubility limit its application. This study aims to develop a novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor based on MoS2/Bi2MoO6 nanohybrids for the rapid and accurate detection of triptriolide. The PEC sensor is a fundamental tool for extracting and identifying valuable bioactive compounds from this plant. Under optimal conditions, 0.01–10[Formula: see text]ng[Formula: see text]mL[Formula: see text] of triptriolide could be identified, with the detection limit being as low as 0.005[Formula: see text]ng[Formula: see text]mL[Formula: see text]. With advantages like rapid response, high sensitivity and preferable stability, the developed sensor is suitable for real-time monitoring of triptriolide levels in actual samples.

Growth Performance of a Newly Isolated and Culturable Thraustochytrid Strain from Sea Squirt Colonies

The world’s oceans and seas host >100 known strains of thraustochytrids, a common group of marine eukaryotic unicellular protists, residing in diverse marine habitats, with many others to be isolated and cultivated. The thraustochytrids have become of considerable industrial interest due to health benefits gained from their high percentages of valuable bioactive compounds, revealing the needs for the isolation of new potential strains. Employing a recently developed isolation methodology (use of cell culture medium), we assess initial culture conditions and growth paces of newly isolated thraustochytrid cells (thraustochytrid sp. BSH), originated from the colonial tunicate Botryllus schlosseri, residing on Helgoland Island, Germany. Cells were cultivated under static versus agitated conditions, along with two inoculation sizes (0.5 × 106 and 1 × 106 cells/dish) and in three vessel types (35 mm Petri dishes and T25 and T75 flasks; containing 3, 5 and 15 mL medium, respectively). Cultures were observed under regular microscopy, confocal microscopy and H&E staining. While cells in all conditions grew fast, results revealed the superiority of agitated cultivation in T75 flasks inoculated with 0.5 × 106 cells/dish (6.41 ± 1.91-fold increase/week). Further, 18S rDNA revealed high similarities (99.5–99.8) of strain BSH to two thraustochytrid strains from Monterey, California (USA), B. schlosseri colonies, elucidating a new understanding of these animals-protists associations.

Analytical Validation Study with Uncertainty Evaluation of the Method for Quantitative Determination of Hesperidin in the Extracted Product and Mandarin Processing Waste

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an alternative, selective, reproducible, and high-yield extraction-based method by ultrasound-assisted technique combined with an effective, specific, sensitive, and rapid analytical HPLC procedure for obtaining hesperidin from mandarin (Citrus unshiu) peel as waste material in citrus processing industries and its quantitative determination in the obtained extracted product and citrus waste materials as well. The evaluation of the uncertainty of the developed method is also described in the present work. The proposed method is focused not only on obtaining hesperidin but also provides the possibility for obtaining other valuable bioactive compounds within the single stepwise extraction process. The proposed method was validated concerning the following validation parameters: robustness, system suitability test, specificity, linearity range, precision, accuracy, sensitivity, limits of quantification (LOQ), and detection (LOD). A design of experiments using the Placket-Burman approach was used for the robustness study of the combined method. The measurement uncertainty of the proposed method was evaluated based on the four-step process using a combination of two appropriate - bottom-up and top-down approaches using the method validation data. The LOD and LOQ of the analytical procedure were 0.00001 mg/mL and 0.000025 mg/mL, respectively. The calibration curve (0.000025-0.5 mg/mL) is linear and the square of the correlation coefficient is equal to 0.99992. The determined average amount of hesperidin in the dry citrus peel samples is equal to 35.36 ± 3.14 mg/g (k=2, 95 % level of confidence). The mean recovery of the combined method is 91.48 %. The purity of the dry-extracted product of hesperidin is not less than 90 %.

Behavior of whey protein aggregates‐alginate beads filled with astaxanthin and chia oil during in vitro digestion

AbstractThe addition of whey proteins to alginate beads can enhance the functionality of encapsulation systems and improve the stability of the encapsulated bioactive compounds. In this work, chia oil (rich in omega‐3 fatty acids) and astaxanthin were encapsulated in alginate (100SA) and whey protein aggregates‐alginate (25WPA75SA) beads. The behavior of both types of beads during gastrointestinal digestion was assessed using the standardized INFOGEST in vitro methodology. Different mathematical models were used to analyze the release profile of the encapsulated bioactive compounds. Both types of beads protected the bioactive compounds during the gastric phase with release percentages lower than 10% and allowed their release during the intestinal phase with release percentages of up to 90%. The addition of whey protein aggregates did not affect the amount of bioactive compounds released. Furthermore, Korsmeyer‐Peppas model showed a highly accurate fit and the release coefficient (k) values indicated a higher release rate of the bioactive compounds from 25WPA75SA beads (25WPA75SA beads: k = 9.18 × 10−4 s−n and k = 1.07 × 10−3 s−n, 100SA beads: k = 3.80 × 10−5 s−n and k = 2.20 × 10−5 s−n, for astaxanthin and omega‐3 release, respectively). On the other hand, encapsulation slightly increased the chia oil lipolysis, but no differences were found between both types of beads. Finally, the bioaccessibility of both bioactive compounds were not influenced by the addition of whey protein aggregates.Practical applicationsChia oil (source of omega‐3 fatty acids) and the pigment astaxanthin are valuable bioactive compounds for the formulation of healthy foods. The encapsulation system developed combining sodium alginate and whey protein aggregates allowed the protection of the bioactive compounds during gastric digestion and their controlled release during intestinal phase. Our findings show a promising strategy that can be satisfactorily used to deliver lipophilic active compounds.

Tomato Seed (Solanum lycopersicum) Meal Derived From Agrifood Waste as Functional Ingredient: Nutritional Value, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities, and Functional Properties

Agrifood wastes derived from fruits and vegetables are a major source of valuable bioactive compounds. They are therefore a potential functional ingredient that can be used for improving the physicochemical, and sensory, properties; health benefits; and shelf life of food. This study was aimed at evaluating the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of tomato seed (Solanum lycopersicum) meal derived from agrifood waste to be used as a functional ingredient for food preservation. To this end, proximate composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial ability, and functional properties were evaluated using relevant methods. The seeds are the most nutrient‐rich part of the tomato. They contain major macronutrients such as proteins (29.97%, dw), lipids (28.32%, dw), carbohydrates (17.19%, dw), and dietary fibers (20.93%, dw). They are rich in minerals (3.57%, dw), and bioactive molecules include total phenolic (4.8 mg/100 g) and carotenoids (with 43.65 μg/g for lycopene and 23.62 μg/g for β‐carotene). Owing to their content of biomolecules, tomato seed meal extracts inhibited the growth of certain food‐borne pathogens and food spoilage microorganisms with inhibition diameters of up to 25 cm. Methanolic extracts of these meals showed significant antioxidant activity (25.03% inhibition percentage of diphenyl‐picryl‐hydrazyl). Our findings highlight the importance of making better valorization of tomato seeds. Tomato seed meal has interesting potential as a functional ingredient, capable of improving the physicochemical properties, enriching the nutritional quality, and extending the shelf life of foods.

Isolation of Phytochemical and Pharmacological Bioactive Compounds From Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.): A Scoping Review

Introduction: This scoping review aimed to provide a comprehensive summary and evaluation of solvents and methods for the extraction of bioactive compounds with pharmacological properties from Mitragyna speciosa (M. speciosa) Korth. Methods: The relevant articles were screened on electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and Science Direct and verified their qualities based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guideline. Results: We selected 41 articles according to two features; the extraction of bioactive compounds and pharmacological properties of M. speciosa extract that involved different solvents and methods. Evidence shows that methanol was the commonly used solvent along with the maceration process in the extraction of M. speciosa to obtain valuable bioactive compounds with clinical benefits. Alternatively, Soxhlet provides less exertion to the extraction process with similar value. Conclusion: Despite various potential modern techniques and solvents available, the synergy between traditional maceration and Soxhlet and methanol was found to potentially attain pharmacological values and bioactive substances in M. speciosa.

Quantitative Determination and Source Variation of Rutin in Fagopyrum Tataricum

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum sp.) is a traditional crop of Uttarakhand (India) known for its high Rutin content, a bioflavonoid with significant medicinal properties. This study explores the quantitative measurement of Rutin in various buckwheat varieties grown in different regions of Uttarakhand using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). Twelve seed sources of Fagopyrum tataricum from the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, along with Fagopyrum esculentum seeds for comparison, were collected. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and carbohydrates, with methanolic extracts showing higher concentrations. TLC analysis was employed to determine the most effective solvent system for Rutin separation, leading to the identification of three samples with substantial Rutin content. HPTLC was then used for quantitative Rutin assessment, with a calibration curve established using standard Rutin solutions. The three selected samples, along with the standard, were applied to HPTLC plates, and the Rutin content was measured based on peak areas and peak heights. The sample collected from Joshimath, Uttarakhand, known as "JOG," exhibited the highest Rutin content. This study provides valuable insights into the phytochemical composition of buckwheat varieties in Uttarakhand, which can inform the development of high-quality functional foods. Rutin, a potent antioxidant with various health benefits, underscores the significance of buckwheat as a naturally occurring functional food source. The results contribute to understanding the Rutin-rich potential of buckwheat grown in Uttarakhand and its applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Further research in this field can promote the cultivation and utilization of buckwheat as a source of this valuable bioactive compound with numerous health benefits.