ABTS Values Research Articles

Optimizing phlorotannins extraction from Fucus vesiculosus using Box-Behnken design: Unveiling techniques for enhanced antioxidant activity and metabolic enzyme inhibition

Phlorotannins, phenolic compounds found in brown macroalgae, exhibit potential bioactive effects. This study evaluated the extraction of phlorotannins from Fucus vesiculosus using conventional and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) methods, focusing on solvent-material ratio, solvent concentration, extraction time, and sonication power for UAE. The experiments, designed using a Box-Behnken design, measured total phlorotannin content (TPhC), DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS. The conventional method, under optimal conditions, produced TPhC, DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS values of 512.25 ± 14.26 mg PGE/100 g, 29.70 ± 1.40 mg TE/100 g, 589.57 ± 15.06 mg TE/100 g, and 332.73 ± 31.03 mg TE/100 g, respectively. The UAE method, under its optimal conditions, yielded higher values: 954.00 ± 33.65 mg PGE/100 g, 146.35 ± 3.30 mg TE/100 g, 1037.61 ± 32.93 mg TE/100 g, and 809.95 ± 46.58 mg TE/100 g. The extracts were tested for inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, with the purified UAE extract showing greater inhibition of α-amylase (IC50 = 7.06 ± 0.67 μg/mL) compared to acarbose (IC50 = 14.63 ± 0.28 μg/mL). For α-glucosidase, acarbose had higher activity (IC50 = 11.54 ± 0.04 μg/mL) than the UAE purified extract (IC50 = 15.04 ± 0.07 μg/mL). UHPLC-qTOF-MS analysis identified various phlorotannin derivatives, with Tetrafucotetraphlorethol (m/z 993) only in the UAE purified extract. This study concludes that purified phlorotannin extract from UAE can potentially regulate α-amylase and α-glucosidase, enzymes linked to metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity.

Effects of ultrasonic waves of different powers on the physicochemical properties, functional characteristics, and ultrastructure of bovine liver peptides

In recent years, ultrasound has emerged as a widely used technology for modifying proteins/peptides. In this study, we focused on the intrinsic mechanism of ultrasound-induced modification of bovine liver peptides, which were treated with ultrasound power of 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 W, and their physicochemical and functional properties, as well as ultrastructures, were investigated. The results show that ultrasound mainly affects hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions to change the conformation of proteins and unfolds proteins through a cavitation effect, leading to an increase in biological activity. Fourier infrared spectroscopy showed that ultrasound inhibited the formation of hydrogen bonds and reduced intermolecular cross-linking. Molecular weight distribution showed that the antioxidant components of bovine liver polypeptides were mainly concentrated in fractions of 500–1,000 Da. Maximum values of ABTS (82.66 %), DPPH (76.02 %), chelated iron (62.18 %), and reducing power (1.2447) were obtained by treating bovine liver polypeptides with 500 W ultrasound. Combined with the scanning electron microscopy results, with the intervention of ultrasound, the impact force generated by ultrasonication may lead to the loosening of the protein structure, which further promotes the release of antioxidant peptides, and these findings provide new insights into the application of ultrasound in the release of antioxidant peptides from bovine liver.

Chemometrics of the composition and antioxidant capacity of essential oils obtained from six Cupressaceae taxa

Essential oils (EOs) are complex and susceptible to environmental conditions, they have a wide range of biological activities and are often used to differentiate between similar species. In this study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) coupled with chemometric analysis was applied to systematically analyse and evaluate EOs constituents and antioxidant activity of six Chinese Cupressaceae taxa (Platycladus orientalis Franco, P. orientalis Franco ‘Sieboldii’, P. orientalis Franco ‘Aurea’, Juniperus chinensis Roxb., J. chinensis Roxb. ‘Kaizuca’, and J. sabina L.) under identical conditions. The antioxidant activity of the EOs was evaluated using 2,2 -diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing power (FRAP), and the total phenolic content (TPC) of the EOs was determined by Folin–Ciocalteau reagent. In total, seventy individual constituents were identified with the main components being α-pinene, sabinene, d-limonene, bornyl acetate, δ-3-carene and β-myrcene. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchal cluster analysis (HCA) successfully discriminated the six taxa into three chemotypes and the unique chemotype revealed that J. chinensis ‘Kaizuca’ may be a species rather than a cultivar of J. chinensis. The results of OPLS-DA analysis showed that the three compounds screened, namely, α-pinene, sabinene, and δ-3-carene, can completely distinguish Platycladus spp. from Juniperus spp. The DPPH assay results ranged from 576.14 (J. chinensis ‘Kaizuca’) to 1146.12 (J. sabina) μmol eq Trolox/mL EO, while the ABTS values ranged from 1579.62 (P. orientalis ‘Aurea’) to 5071.82 (J. sabina) μmol eq Trolox/mL. In the FRAP assay, the values ranged from 1086.50 (J. chinensis ‘Kaizuca’) to 1191.18 (J. sabina) μmol eq Trolox/ml and the TPC of the EOs studied ranged from 15.17 (J. chinensis ‘Kaizuca’) to 39.37 (J. sabina) mg GAE/mL EO. The results consistently showed that J. sabina possessed the strongest antioxidant activity and can be preferentially used as a rich source of potentially natural antioxidants.

Exploring the pharmacological potential of Lepionurus sylvestris blume: from folklore medicinal usage to modern drug development strategies using in vitro and in silico analyses

BackgroundLepionurus sylvestris Blume has a long history of folklore medicinal usage against various ailments. However, studies on these plants were neglected particularly their pharmacological potential.MethodsThe crude extract was identified using LC-MS analysis. In vitro assays were carried out to determine the properties of antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer. Further, network pharmacology was proposed to evaluate the potential targets of the compounds against breast cancer and type II diabetes. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation were used to determine the potential compounds for the drug formulation of diabetes.ResultsVarious bioactive compounds were identfied using LC-MS and Galiposin, Fujikinetin, Boeravinone B, 4-Deoxybryaquinone, and Norbaeocystin were described for the first time from the plant. Determination of antioxidant potential showed that the IC50 value of ABTS, DPPH, and phosphomolybdate was 24.33 µg/ml, 37.81 µg/ml, 60.35 µg/ml, and reducing power assays 1.185. The antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli was determined, and the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) was found to be 5.3 mg/ml, 3.47 mg/ml, 3.33 mg/ml, and 2.7 mg/ml respectively, revealing the extracts as effective antibacterial agents. The IC50 values for the plant extract were determined to be 26 µg/ml, 30.52 µg/ml, and 24.39 µg/ml for HeLa, MCF-7, and K-562 cells, respectively, and the increasing concentration of the plant extract increased LDH release. Furthermore, the in silico network pharmacology, molecular docking which had the highest docking score for GAPDH and HIF-1 target proteins of -9.3 kcal/mol, and − 11.3 kcal/mol binding affinities, and molecular dynamic simulation analysis revealed the bioactive compound Boeravinone B present in the plant was significant for the treatment of various ailments.ConclusionBased on our findings, plant extracts could be a promising option for developing new drug formulations.

Improvement of Antioxidant Activity and Sensory Properties of Functional Cookies by Fortification with Ultrasound-Assisted Hot-Air-Drying Blackberry Powders.

In response to the global challenge of food wastage and high perishability of blackberries, this study evaluated the use of ultrasound-assisted hot air drying (US-HAD) to convert downgraded blackberries into powders, comparing it with traditional hot air drying (HAD). US-HAD reduced the drying time and achieved a final moisture content of 12%. Physicochemical analyses (colourimetry, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and total phenolic content) were conducted on fresh fruit, powders, and fortified cookies. US-HAD cookies exhibited promising antioxidant activity, with ABTS values ranging from 8.049 to 8.536 mmol TEAC/100 g and DPPH values from 8.792 to 9.232 mmol TEAC/100 g, significantly higher than control cookies. The TPC was 13.033 mgGAE/g in HAD cookies and 13.882 mgGAE/g in US-HAD cookies. UHPLC-ESI-MS analysis showed an increase in phenolic compounds content in fortified cookies compared to the control. Sensory analysis highlighted a superior blackberry flavour and overall acceptability in US-HAD cookies, with statistical analysis confirming their superior nutritional and sensory qualities. Integrating US-HAD blackberry powder into cookies helps reduce food waste and enhances the nutritional profiles of baked goods, offering functional foods with health benefits. This work provides a scientific basis for developing enriched functional cookies, offering a healthy and sustainable alternative for utilising damaged fruits.

The Effect of High-Temperature Heating on Amounts of Bioactive Compounds and Antiradical Properties of Refined Rapeseed Oil Blended with Rapeseed, Coriander and Apricot Cold-Pressed Oils.

Cold-pressed oils are rich sources of bioactive substances, which may protect triacylglycerols from degradation during frying. Nevertheless, these substances may decompose under high temperature. This work considers the content of bioactive substances in blends and their changes during high-temperature heating. Blends of refined rapeseed oil with 5% or 25% in one of three cold-pressed oils (rapeseed, coriander and apricot) were heated at 170 or 200 °C in a thin layer on a pan. All non-heated blends and cold-pressed oils were tested for fatty acid profile, content and composition of phytosterols, tocochromanols, chlorophyll and radical scavenging activity (RSA) analyzed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Moreover, the stability of phytosterols, tocochromanols, DPPH and ABTS values was determined in heated blends. All tocochromanols were lost during the heating process, in particular, at 200 °C. However, there were some differences between homologues. α-Tocopherol and δ-tocopherol were the most thermolabile and the most stable, respectively. Phytosterols were characterized by very high stability at both temperatures. We observed relationships between ABTS and DPPH values and contents of total tocochromanols and α-tocopherol. The obtained results may be useful in designing a new type of fried food with improved health properties and it may be the basis for further research on this topic.

Effect of White Pomace Seasoning as a Natural Antioxidant for Chicken Products Packaged in Vacuum or Modified Atmosphere Conditions

Chicken breasts and burgers (88% breast and 12% backfat) were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and antioxidant capacity during storage in vacuum or atmosphere conditions for 18 days at 4 °C using the following two formulations: one without incorporating white pomace seasoning (WPS) and another with 3% WPS. The WPS was obtained from white grape skins, a byproduct resulting from the elaboration of white wine. The addition of the WSP decreased the L* values and increased the a* values, resulting in a significant turning toward brown tones in the chicken products. The addition of 3% of WSP led to higher values of ABTS and FRAP, regardless of the type of packaging. Both types of packaging significantly increased the levels of TBARS, although vacuum packaging proved more effective in protecting against lipid oxidation compared to modified atmosphere package (MAP). Additionally, the WSP improved the oxidative stability regarding the TBARS values. In conclusion, the WSP could be a viable alternative to chemical antioxidants and would lead to healthier and innovative chicken products.

Health-Promoting Potential of Mandarin Pomace Extracts Enriched with Phenolic Compounds.

The aim of this work was to assess the effect of in vitro human digestion on the chemical composition (carbohydrates and phenolic compounds) and bioactivity of hydro-alcoholic-acid pomace extracts from two mandarin varieties (Clemenule and Ortanique) by measuring their antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-glycative, hypolipidemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The phenolic compound profile showed that nobiletin was the main flavonoid found in the extracts and digests of Clemenule pomace and extract, while isosinensetin/sinensetin/tangeretin were the ones in the Ortanique samples. The digests of Clemenule and Ortanique extracts showed Folin reaction values of 9.74 and 9.20 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of sample, ABTS values of 83.2 and 91.7 µmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/g of sample, and ORAC-FL values of 142.8 and 891.6 µmol TE/g of sample, respectively. Extracts (50-500 µg/mL) inhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in CCD-18Co cells under physiological and oxidative-induced conditions. Clemenule and Ortanique extract digests showed IC50 values of 13.50 and 11.07 mg/mL for α-glucosidase, 28.79 and 69.64 mg/mL for α-amylase, and 16.50 and 12.77 mg/mL for AGEs, and 2.259 ± 0.267 and 0.713 ± 0.065 mg/mL for pancreatic lipase inhibition, respectively. Ortanique extract (250-1000 µg/mL) inhibited the production of nitric oxide in RAW264.7 macrophages under inflammation-induced conditions, and intracellular ROS formation. In conclusion, altogether, the results supported the potential of mandarin extracts to be used as health promoters by reducing the risk of non-communicable chronic diseases.

Antioxidant capacity and peptidomic analysis of in vitro digested Camelina sativa L. Crantz and Cynara cardunculus co-products

In recent decades, the food system has been faced with the significant problem of increasing food waste. Therefore, the feed industry, supported by scientific research, is attempting to valorise the use of discarded biomass as co-products for the livestock sector, in line with EU objectives. In parallel, the search for functional products that can ensure animal health and performances is a common fundamental goal for both animal husbandry and feeding. In this context, camelina cake (CAMC), cardoon cake (CC) and cardoon meal (CM), due valuable nutritional profile, represent prospective alternatives. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the antioxidant activity of CAMC, CC and CM following in vitro digestion using 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. Total phenolic content (TPC) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, actively involved in modulating antioxidant properties, were also studied. Further, a peptidomic analysis was adopted to substantiate the presence of bioactive peptides after in vitro digestion. The results obtained confirmed an interesting nutritional profile of CAMC, CC and CM and relevant antioxidant and ACE inhibitory activities. In particular, considering antioxidant profile, CM and CC revealed a significantly higher (10969.80 ± 18.93 mg TE/100 g and 10451.40 ± 149.17 mg TE/100 g, respectively; p < 0.05) ABTS value than CAMC (9511.18 ± 315.29 mg TE/100 g); a trend also confirmed with the FRAP assay (306.74 ± 5.68 mg FeSO4/100 g; 272.84 ± 11.02 mg FeSO4/100 g; 103.84 ± 3.27 mg FeSO4/100 g, for CC, CM and CAMC, respectively). Similar results were obtained for TPC, demonstrating the involvement of phenols in modulating antioxidant activity. Finally, CAMC was found to have a higher ACE inhibitory activity (40.34 ± 10.11%) than the other matrices. Furthermore, potentially bioactive peptides associated with ACE inhibitory, anti-hypertensive, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antithrombotic, DPP-IV inhibitory and PEP-inhibitory activities were identified in CAMC. This profile was broader than that of CC and CM. The presence of such peptides corroborates the antioxidant and ACE profile of the sample. Although the data obtained report the important antioxidant profile of CAMC, CC, and CM and support their possible use, future investigations, particularly in vivo trials will be critical to evaluate and further investigate their effects on the health and performance of farm animals.

Nutritional and bioactive compound analysis of mangosteen fruit in hill and flat land plantations, during both the season and off-season, in provinces along the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea

This study examined the nutritional, physicochemical, and bioactive compounds in mangosteen grown in southern Thailand from 2022 to 2024, encompassing hilly areas (Nakhon Si Thammarat range, Tenasserim range) and flat lands during both the fruit season and off-season. The influence of coastal regions (Gulf of Thailand and Andaman coast) on mangosteen nutrition was explored. The impact of high-level plantation and harvesting (during the fruit season) on mangosteen size and levels of bioactive compounds with high antioxidant capacity in mangosteen flesh was found to be greater than that of flat plantations (during the off-season). Mangosteens grown in flatlands during the fruit season exhibited brighter flesh color and faster ripening compared to those grown in hilly areas. Mangosteens from these results contained carbohydrates ranging from 10.3% to 16.9%. Mangosteens cultivated along the Andaman coast exhibited elevated levels of minerals (K 349 mg/100 g, Na 7.76 mg/100 g, and Mn 1.63 mg/100 g) and vitamins, especially B2 (0.10 mg/kg), B6 (0.20 mg/kg), B12 (0.03 mg/kg), and vitamin C (9.25 mg/kg). Conversely, the highest total phenolic content, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were observed in hilly areas during the fruit season along the Gulf of Thailand (55 mg GAE/100 g, 32 mg QE/100 g, and ABTS values of 88%, respectively). However, mangosteens from hilly areas ripened faster than those from flatlands due to higher total soluble solids and lower fruit firmness. These findings provide valuable insights into the effects of the environment and location, enhancing understanding for year-round mangosteen plantation preparation.

Chemical Composition of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Ethanol Extract and Its Antimicrobial Activities and Free Radical Scavenging Capacities.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a perennial tuberous plant from the genus Curcuma (Zingiberaceae) and has been widely used in foods for thousands of years. The present study examined the ethanol extract of turmeric for its chemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and free radical scavenging properties. UHPLC-MS/MS analysis tentatively identified eight compounds in the turmeric extract. Potential antimicrobial effects of 0.1, 1.0, and 10 mg turmeric equivalents (TE)/mL were evaluated in vitro against a variety of Gram-negative bacteria (i.e., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas sp.) and Gram-positive bacteria (i.e., Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria innocua, and Staphylococcus aureus). Concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0 mg TE/mL inhibited the growth of S. aureus and significantly suppressed that of Pseudomonas sp., E. faecalis, and L. innocua. The growth of all strains, including E. coli, was inhibited by 10 mg TE/mL. Moreover, free radical scavenging capacities were determined using HO●, ABTS●+, and DPPH● (HOSC, ABTS, and RDSC, respectively) radicals. The turmeric ethanol extract had a TPC value of 27.12 mg GAE/g, together with HOSC, RDSC, and ABTS values of 1524.59, 56.38, and 1.70 μmol TE/g, respectively. Our results suggest that turmeric extract has potential applications for use in functional foods to reduce microbial burdens and oxidative stress-related health problems.

Antioxidant proficiency in Serbian mushrooms: a comparative study on Hydnum repandum L. 1753 from mycorrhizal and edible niches

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of autochthonous Hydnum repandum through LC-MS/MS profiling, total phenolic content (TP), total protein content (TPR), and antioxidant capabilities (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays) across various extracts (CHCl3, acetone, 70% EtOH, 80% MeOH, and hot water). LC-MS/MS analysis revealed a predominant presence of quinic acid in polar solvents (ranging from 531.37 to 676.07 ng/mL), while EtOH and MeOH extracts exhibited elevated total phenolic levels (27.44 ± 0.32 and 28.29 ± 3.62 mg GAE/g d.w., respectively). Impressively, H. repandum showcased remarkable antioxidant properties, as evidenced by its FRAP values (57.29 to 199.96 mg AAE/g d.w.), ABTS values (5.69 to 29.95 mg TE/g d.w.), and IC50 values in the DPPH assay (91.40 to 372.55 μg/mL), which exhibited a strong correlation with TP. Notably, the acetone extract exhibited the most robust antioxidant activity where the highest TPR was observed, suggesting synergism of primary and secondary metabolites.

Enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial activities of chitosan/zein nanoparticle Pickering emulsion-incorporated chitosan coatings in the presence of cinnamaldehyde and tea polyphenol

Pickering emulsions were prepared by using zein/chitosan nanoparticles as stabilizer and then incorporated into chitosan coatings. To improve the stability and performances, tea polyphenol and cinnamaldehyde (CA) were used to modulate the formation and functionalities of Pickering emulsions. The oil phase in Pickering emulsions were set at 5 % and 20 % to alter the hydrophobicity of chitosan coatings. Physical, structural, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of chitosan coatings with Pickering emulsions were characterized. Tea polyphenol significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity of chitosan coatings from 2.09 % to 57.61 % of DPPH value and from 2.63 % to 38.85 % of ABTS value. CA effectively increased the antibacterial activity of chitosan coatings against S. aureus and E. coli. Under 20 % oil content, the inhibition zones on S. aureus and E. coli increased from 3.03 ± 0.23 mm to 18.39 ± 1.22 mm and 7.66 ± 1.61 mm to 15.70 ± 1.75 mm, respectively. The preservative effect of chitosan coatings on fresh pork was further confirmed that the shelf-life of fresh pork could be extended by >4 days. These results suggested a great potential application of Pickering emulsion-incorporated chitosan coatings in the preservation of fresh pork.

Development of Rice By-Products Based Hair Tonic Mixed with Traditional Thai Herbal Extracts: A Sustainable Approach for Hair Care

Previously, byproducts from Thai rice mill industry including crude riceberry oil (CRO) and broken riceberry (BRB) showed antioxidant and tyrosinase-stimulating activities. This work aimed to develop 5 hair tonic formulae by mixing CRO (0.2-1.0%) and BRB (0.4-2.0%) with three Thai traditional herbal ethanolic extracts (2.0%) of Catunaregam tomentosa (CT), Acacia concinna (AC) and Tinospora crispa (TC) in 4:3:3 (v/v). The results showed that formula 5 (F5) containing 2% BRB, 1.0% CRO and 2% herbal extracts exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH scavenging capacity at 16.6 TEAC mg/g, FRAP value at 1.18 FeSO4 mg/g, and ABTS value at 14.9 TEAC mg/g) and tyrosinase-stimulating activity of 38%. This hair tonic was safe to use based on skin irritation test, and stable over 8-week storage at room temperature. Hence, F5 hair tonic (coded (R)) was tested on 20 subjects divided in 2 groups (older and younger age groups) with 10 individuals each in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental design with split-head method where treatments were conducted as intra-individual trial for 10, 20 and 30 days. The hair tonic coded C (Control without BRB, CRO or herbal extracts) and the commercial hair tonic coded G were tested for comparison. Adverse reactions were not noticed during the study. The hair tonic R was able to reduce hair loss by 48-71% in 2 groups with no significant difference from the commercial hair tonic. In comparison with the efficacy in the reduction of gray hair of the 2 groups at each time interval, the 2experimental (R) hair tonic product was found to be more effective in group 2 (younger age). However, the efficacy in the reduction of gray hair was lower than that in the reduction of hair loss. The experimental hair tonic R was more effective in dandruff reduction in group 1 (older age). The R hair tonic product received a satisfactory score of 6.79±0.32 out of 9.0 (moderate-to-high likeness) with the highest score from the aroma and the lowest score from the opaque color resulting from mixing aqueous herbal extract and oil. This is a sustainable way to add value to byproducts from rice mill industry and Thai traditional herbs as cosmetic elements in the formulation of hair products.

Influence of ultrasonic-assisted osmotic dehydration pretreatment on hot air-assisted radio frequency drying of bitter gourd

Bitter gourd is a versatile vegetable that brings health-promoting benefits to consumers. To maintain its high nutrition values and ensure year-round availability, proper post-harvest processes are essential for preserving its original properties. However, there is limited knowledge regarding how pretreatment methods impact the physicochemical properties of pretreated bitter gourd and the performance of subsequent hot air-assisted radio frequency drying (HARFD) process. In the present study, bitter gourd underwent osmotic dehydration (OD) and ultrasonic-assisted osmotic dehydration (UAOD) pretreatment with different ultrasound power levels (400, 800, and 1200 W). The physicochemical properties of the pretreated samples, such as mass transfer behavior, water migration status, dielectric loss factor, and others, were compared. The drying duration, energy consumption, and various quality attributes (e.g., color index, rehydration, nutritional compositions, antioxidant activity, etc.) of the HARFD dried products were also examined. The microstructure observations demonstrated that acoustic waves induced the structural changes and created microchannels. Additionally, physicochemical properties of the pretreated samples showed that OD and UAOD methods significantly facilitated water migration status and increased the dielectric loss factor. Compared to control and OD methods, three UAOD methods successfully reduced the drying duration by 7.9%–30.3% and total energy consumption by 5.8%–28.3% for the entire processing steps. Furthermore, UAOD methods improved the total phenolic content, total chlorophyll retention, DPPH and ABTS values of dried bitter gourds by 32.3%–36.7%, 12.6%–20.3%, 23.4%–31.6%, and 20.7%–26.3%, respectively, compared to the control methods. Overall, UAOD-400 W samples after drying exhibited improved quality characteristics, including reduced color difference, increased retention of bioactive compounds, higher rehydration ratio, and enhanced antioxidant capacity. This study underscores the effectiveness of UAOD application in improving both processing efficiency and quality of bitter gourds produced by HARFD.

Comparative UHPLC-MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomics analysis, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic activities of six walnut cultivars

Walnuts are important stone fruits that are commonly consumed as food or used in food products. However, most studies have focused on specific compounds found in walnuts. Therefore, this study aimed to compare untargeted UHPLC-MS/MS metabolite profiles and determine the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of six walnut cultivars. A total of 135 metabolites belonging to fourteen different classes were identified including amino acids, lipids, carboxylic acids and amides, phenyl alcohols and aldehydes, ketones, flavonoids, oxygenated hydrocarbons, glycosides, phenolic acids, hydrocarbons, sugar alcohols and acids, and vitamins. The main classes of metabolites were amino acids, lipids, oxygenated hydrocarbons, carboxylic acids and amides, phospholipids, and phenolic acids. The six cultivars were divided into two groups based on PCA, and PLS-DA score with significant differences in the number of distinct metabolites between the two groups. Hierarchical cluster analysis further confirmed these groups by comparing the similarities and differences of all metabolites in the six cultivars. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the most prominent metabolic pathways in walnuts were related to amino acids, followed by flavonoids and vitamins. The antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of walnuts varied significantly among the cultivars. Group A, which had higher levels of upregulated metabolites, showed greater IC50 values for ABTS, and DPPH scavenging, as well as α-glucosidase activities. On the other hand, walnuts 4, 5, and 6 in group B had more downregulated metabolites and higher IC50 values for α-amylase inhibition. These findings suggest that walnuts contain key metabolites with antioxidant and antidiabetic properties, which occur at cultivar-dependent levels.

Antioxidant activity, anthocyanin profile, and mineral compositions of colored wheats

The antioxidant activities (ABTS and CUPRAC) of 40 different colored wheat genotypes were investigated, and some of the diverse wheat genotypes were selected to investigate their anthocyanin profiles and mineral compositions. The ABTS values of free and bound fractions were in the range of 15.61-157.36 mg TE/100 g and 33.26-189.48 mg TE/100 g, respectively. For the free and bound fractions of the colored wheat samples, the CUPRAC values were determined between 25.73 and 229.20 mg TE/100 g, and between 82.00 and 348.93 mg TE/100 g, respectively. The anthocyanin profiles of the colored wheats varied depending on the genotypes. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside chloride was abundant in the samples w3, w8, w17, w18 and w20 while malvidin-3-O-glucoside chloride was the major anthocyanin for the samples w13, w23, w14, w30 and w34. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside chloride was significantly higher in w18 than others (p&lt;0.05). Cyanidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside was only found in the free extracts of the two samples (w17 and w20). The best accessions with high antioxidant activity and anthocyanin profile were identified for their potential utilization in wheat breeding programs. According to the results, the w17 sample (line BW 49880–Dark colored P, F4) was chosen as the best sample due to its highest antioxidant activity (p&lt;0.05) and the best anthocyanin profile. The macronutrients Ca, K, and Mg highly varied among the genotypes studied. The trace elements, Zn and Fe were significantly higher in purple-grained lines than that of the red-grained variety. The study’s outcomes are likely to support breeding programs to generate new wheat cultivars with greater nutritional benefits.

Impact of Cooking Methods on Phenolic Acid Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Starch Digestibility of Chinese Triticale Porridges: A Comparative Study between Atmospheric Pressure and High Pressure Boiling.

Water boiling under atmospheric pressure (CAP) and water boiling under high pressure (CHP) are two popular domestic cooking methods for Chinese porridge making. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of these two methods on the phenolic acid composition, antioxidant activity, and starch digestibility of triticale porridges. The contents of total free and total bound phenolic acids in the CHP sample were 1.3 and 1.6 times higher than those in the CAP counterpart, respectively, although the DPPH and ABTS values of these two samples were comparable. CAP induced more small pieces of starch than CHP, and the gelatinization enthalpy was 19% higher in the CHP sample than that in the CAP. Both cooking methods increased the starch digestibility, while the CHP sample (58.84) showed a lower GI than the CAP (61.52). These results may promote the application of triticale in health-promoting staple foods.

Comparative extraction and antioxidant potential of bioactive compounds from Fucus vesiculosus: Kinetic modeling and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS phenolic profiling

This study explores efficient bioactive compounds extraction from Fucus vesiculosus (FV) seaweed using Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and Solid Liquid Extraction (SLE). Varied ultrasound intensities (UI) (58.8, 103.1 and 164.5 kW m−2 for U1, U2 and U3, respectively) were employed, and Peleg's model simulated extraction kinetics, revealing UAE's remarkable 10-min equilibrium contrasted with SLE's 3 h, showcasing UAE's time efficiency. UAE, particularly at U3, yielded significantly higher Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Uronic Acid Content (UAC) compared to SLE, reaching maximum concentrations of 2.26 ± 0.01 g PGE 100 g−1 DFV and 7.87 ± 0.11 g GAE 100 g−1, respectively. Increased UI enhanced DPPH and ABTS antioxidant activities, while low UI resulted in higher FRAP values. After 20 min of extraction, U3 demonstrated superior DPPH scavenging activity (5.75 ± 0.23 μM TE g−1 DFV), surpassing that of SLE after 20 h of extraction (4.76 ± 0.11 μM TE g−1 DFV). Additionally, U3 displayed elevated ABTS values (8.92 ± 0.33 μM TE g−1 DFV) compared to 6.46 ± 0.41 μM TE g−1 DFV for SLE, with no significant difference observed in FRAP values. These results highlight U3's enhanced antioxidant potential in comparison to SLE. The chromatographic analysis identified six main compounds through UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and HPLC. Higher concentrations of phloroglucinol, gallic acid, catechin, protocatechuic acid, and chlorogenic acid were observed in U3. However, SLE exhibited a higher ferulic acid content. Future research aims to explore phloroglucinol derivatives and FC, contributing to FV' potential applications.

Astragalus grahamianus extract: a novel source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and neuroprotective activities.

The Astragalus grahamianus (AG) Royle ex. Benth is traditionally used for the treatment of various human disorders. The current research work is aimed to explore the neuroprotective anti-Parkinson effects of various fractions of Astragalus grahamianus (A. grahamianus). Fine powder of Astragalus grahamianus was extracted with 70% methanol and then fractionated with various solvents on the basis of polarity. Standard protocols were used to investigate the bioactive constituents present in the various plant fractions. In-vitro antioxidant potential of various fractions was checked using diverse free radicals. In-vivo rats model was used to determined the neuroprotective effects of methanol fraction of A. grahamianus. The results revealed that various fractions of A. grahamianus contain flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, gums, terpenes, proteins, and carbohydrates except chloroform fraction lake the presence of steroids, cardiac glycosides, gums and saponins, aqueous fraction of steroids, terpenoids, gums and saponins, n-Hexane fraction steroids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, gums and flavonoids. The highest amount of total phenolic contents was found in AGME (32.67 ± 2.3 mg GAE / g). The AGME also showed enhanced free radicals cations potential against DPPH, ABTS and H2O2, respectively. The correlation between AOA (antioxidant activity) and TPC (total phenolic contents) revealed to be substantial. Relative R2 values for ABTS, H2O2, and DPPH activity are 0.9974, 0.9845, and 0.9678, respectively. The in-vivo neuroprotective activities showed significant results. Our findings highlight significant antioxidant, and neuroprotective possessions of AGME attributed to powerful bioactive compounds.