Search Results (13,568)

Background: Gastrointestinal tract cancers represent a significant worldwide health concern, accounting for almost one-third of cancer-related deaths. The existing chemotherapy drugs used in gastrointestinal cancers are ineffective, so prognosis is poor, recurrence and metastasis rates are high, and survival time remains short, necessitating the development of novel antitumor drugs that exhibit low toxicity and less potential for the development of drug resistance. This challenge is considerable, but evidence from the past decades supports the medicinal properties and functionalities of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and acid phenolics with anticancer activities. Our purpose was to find data on the relationship between gastrointestinal cancer and bioactive compounds from Prunus species, focusing on their molecular mechanisms of action. Results: Studies highlight the potential of bioactive compounds from Prunus species to modulate the cancer cell signaling pathways involved in gastrointestinal tumorigenesis. Conclusions: The studies reviewed suggest that polyphenols from Prunus species exhibit promising gastrointestinal anticancer activities and could represent an adjunctive therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment. Further studies are necessary to validate these compounds’ therapeutic potential and their feasibility as cost-effective treatments for cancer. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

The accumulation of heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), causes environmental degradation, affecting human health and plant metabolism. Pb can alter plant physiological processes, including photosynthesis, influencing the structure of chloroplasts and leaf tissues. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing lead concentrations in soil on gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, and the anatomy of leaf tissues in Inga vera subsp. affinis and Inga laurina. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a randomized block design in a 2 × 6 factorial scheme, with Pb concentrations of 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mg dm⁻³. I. vera subsp. affinis and I. laurina maintained stable photosynthetic parameters even under high Pb concentrations. Regarding photosynthetic pigments, I. vera subsp. affinis exhibited high levels of chlorophyll a and b, even at the highest Pb concentration. Additionally, I. laurina showed a greater accumulation of carotenoids and phenolic compounds at higher Pb doses. In leaf tissues, Pb did not alter thickness. These results suggest that both species possess adaptation mechanisms to heavy metal stress, enabling the maintenance of photosynthetic activity and ensuring the completion of their life cycle under adverse conditions. Full article

The incorporation of pulse flour into gluten-free extruded snacks based on cereals improves the functional properties as well as the nutritional value of these types of products. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes induced by the extrusion process on the functional properties in terms of the concentration of total phenolic compounds (TPC), phenolic families (hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonols), and non-nutritional factors (inositol phosphates and trypsin inhibitors) of extruded snack-type products developed from novel formulations based on rice-chickpea flours and fortified with different percentages of Fibersol^® and passion-fruit-skin flour. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the studied formulations was evaluated to explore their potential for developing sustainable snack-type products with added functional value. The results demonstrated that extrusion treatment caused a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease (12–30%) in TPC. Despite this reduction, the extruded formulations preserve an interesting content of these compounds, with hydroxybenzoic acids being the majority in the analyzed formulations. The extrusion process maintained or decreased the content of phytate and total inositol phosphates in samples fortified with passion fruit and Fibersol^®. A significant reduction (p < 0.05) of trypsin inhibitor activity (between 86.7% and 95.8%) was observed when comparing extruded samples to their raw counterpart. The antioxidant activity in vitro of the formulations was assessed. The results obtained by the Folin–Ciocalteu method indicated that extrusion caused a decrease in the antioxidant activity of 50% of the analyzed samples, while in the others, no changes were observed. DPPH and FRAP assays tended to demonstrate an increase in antioxidant activity. In general, the highest values were obtained by applying the DPPH method. Additionally, the effects of the ingredients used for fortifying the formulations were investigated. The results highlighted the complexity of the analyzed formulations, revealing that their composition is influenced not only by the presence of Fibersol^® and passion fruit but also by the interaction between these two ingredients. Full article

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. Full article

Propolis has been well known for centuries as a natural preventive and therapeutic agent. Its numerous health benefits are mainly attributed to its high content of phenolic compounds that have a remarkable antioxidant activity. Since phenolics may exert a dual nature (pro-oxidant and antioxidant) the aim of this study was to investigate the safety profile of the ethanolic extract of propolis and the related flavonoid galangin and their ability to protect lymphocytes from irinotecan-induced cyto/genotoxicity in vitro. Isolated human peripheral blood lymphocytes were exposed for 3 h to three concentrations of propolis extract and galangin corresponding to the average daily dose of 0.25 mL of extract [propolis in 70% ethanol (3:7, w/w)], as well as a five- and ten-fold higher concentration. Cyto- and genoprotective effects were tested using a cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay. Treatment with propolis and galangin in the selected concentrations exerted high biocompatibility with lymphocytes and diminished the level of cytogenetic damage caused by irinotecan. Propolis at the same concentration offered a stronger protective effect than single galangin. Also, apoptosis was the prevailing mechanism of cell death in our experimental conditions. These preliminary results speak in favour of future investigations of propolis using other available cytogenetic methods and cell models. Full article

Tocols are commonly known as vitamin E, which comprise tocopherols and tocotrienols. Although vegetable oils are natural sources of tocols, deodorizer distillates (DDs) are attractive feedstock due to their potential abundance from oil refining processes and economic price. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are a family of neoteric solvents that show promising performance for tocols extraction. Besides their characters occupying the green chemistry concept, this review presents the current research on the potential performances of DESs in extracting tocols selectively and efficiently from DDs. The application of DESs in tocols extraction is presented considering three different ways: mono-phasic, in situ DESs formation, and bi-phasic systems. The basic principles of intermolecular interactions (H-bond, van der Walls bond, and misfit interaction) between DESs or their components with tocols are discussed to understand the mechanism by which DESs selectively extract tocols from the mixture. This is mainly observed to be a function of the intrinsic properties of DESs and/or tocols, which could be beneficial for tuning the appropriate DESs for extracting tocols selectively and effectively under mild operation conditions. This review is expected to provide insight in the potential application of DESs in the extracting of natural compounds with a phenolic structure and also briefly discusses the toxicity of DESs. Full article

Background/Objectives: The food industry produces substantial amounts of fruit byproducts, which are often discarded despite their high content of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications. Pyrus communis (pear) residues, which are particularly rich in phenolic compounds, represent a valuable yet underutilized resource. These byproducts have demonstrated significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties, suggesting their potential for medical and pharmaceutical applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the phenolic profile of P. communis byproducts, emphasizing their antioxidant and antibacterial mechanisms and their prospective use in combating oxidative stress and antibacterial resistance. Methods: A comprehensive review of the key phenolic compounds from P. communis residues was conducted using ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases (from 2014 to 2024). Studies assessing antioxidant and antibacterial activities were reviewed, with a focus on their mechanisms of action against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Results: A minimum of 14 distinct phenolic compounds were identified among P. communis residues. However, chlorogenic acid and catechin were identified as the primary contributors to the antioxidant activity of P. communis residues. Hydroquinone and chlorogenic acid exhibited strong antibacterial effects through membrane disruption, enzyme inhibition, and metabolic interference. Despite this potential, hydroquinone’s cytotoxicity and regulatory concerns limit its direct pharmaceutical application. Conclusions: While P. communis phenolics show promise as natural antibacterial agents, future research should address bioavailability, extraction standardization, and safe formulation strategies. Investigating their synergy with conventional antibiotics and improving stability for cosmetic applications are key steps toward their practical use. In vivo and clinical studies are crucial to validating their therapeutic potential and ensuring regulatory approval. Full article

Diplotaxis muralis (L.) DC (Brassicaceae) is an edible plant commonly used in Mediterranean diets. This study investigates its nutritional composition, secondary metabolites, and antioxidant activity. The results show that this plant is rich in fibre and essential minerals. Analysis of amino acids shows a diverse profile, with glutamic acid and aspartic acid being the most abundant. Regarding fatty acids, α-linolenic acid was identified as predominant. Importantly, levels of toxic metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury were found to be within established safety limits, confirming the plant’s suitability for consumption. A leaf decoction using 80% methanol exhibited the highest concentrations of total phenolic compounds (68.36 mg eq. gallic acid g⁻¹), total flavonoids (3.50 mg eq. quercetin g⁻¹), and antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ of 78.87 µg mL⁻¹ for ABTS, 392.95 µg mL⁻¹ for DPPH, and a FRAP value of 731.20 µmol Fe(II) g⁻¹). HPLC-PDA-ESI-MSⁿ characterization identified flavonols as the main polyphenols. Additionally, several glucosinolates were identified. These compounds, along with their hydrolysis products, not only contribute to the health benefits of D. muralis, but also impart its distinctive pungent and spicy notes, playing a crucial role in shaping its unique sensory profile. These findings highlight the contribution of phenolic compounds and glucosinolates to the health benefits of D. muralis, reinforcing its potential as a promising plant for the development of new functional foods. Full article

Background/Objectives: Musk is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine derived from musk deer that has the pharmacological effects of “activating blood dredging collateral” and “consciousness-restoring resuscitation”. Its volatile compounds (VCs) play a key role in these effects, especially in the treatment of stroke. However, there have been no comprehensive studies on the differences in the VCs of these different musks. This study investigated the differences in the VCs of different musks and the potential targets and mechanisms of action for stroke. Methods: Different musks were studied via GC–MS, and the potential targets and mechanisms of VCs associated with stroke were investigated using network pharmacology. Results: A total of 99 VCs were detected in 79 musk samples. The most important VCs of different colours and forms were muscone, phenol, acetic acid, and isovaleric acid. Further study revealed that the change in organic acids and ketones was the cause of the significant difference between white musk and other types of musk. In addition, network pharmacological analyses identified 180 potential targets of the major volatile compounds of musk associated with stroke, and five key targets (SRC, EGFR, ESR1, PTGS2, and DRD2). Enrichment analysis showed that these key targets play an important role in neural related pathways. The molecular docking results confirmed that the key targets can effectively bind with the main VCs (muscone and phenol). Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights into the distinct volatile compositions of various types of musk and underscore the significant potential of volatile compounds (VCs) in stroke treatment. Full article

A novel series of oleanolic acid (OA, 1) derivatives incorporating phenolic and coumarin moieties were synthesized. This acid was extracted from olive pomace (Olea europaea L.) using an ultrasound-assisted method. The structures of these novel derivatives of OA were characterized through the utilization of ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and ESI-HRMS analyses. An evaluation of some biological activities of the prepared derivatives was conducted. The evaluation focused principally on the capacity of these structures to inhibit 15-lipoxygenase and α-glucosidase, as well as their anticancer properties when tested against tumour cell lines (HCT-116 and LS-174T) and a non-tumour cell line (HEK-293). In terms of their cytotoxic activity, the majority of the compounds exhibited notable inhibitory effects compared to the starting molecule, OA. Derivatives 4d, 4k and 4m exhibited particularly strong inhibitory effects against the HCT-116 cell line, with IC₅₀ values of 38.5, 39.3, 40.0 µM, respectively. Derivatives 4l, 4e and 5d demonstrated the most effective inhibition against the LS-174T cell line, with IC₅₀ values of 44.0, 44.3, 38.0 µM, respectively. However, compound 2a was the most effective, exhibiting the most potent inhibition of 15-lipoxygenase and α-glucosidase, with IC₅₀ values of 52.4 and 59.5 µM, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking studies supported in vitro cytotoxic activity, revealing that the most potent compounds exhibited low binding energies and interacted effectively within the EGFR enzyme’s active pocket (PDB: 1M17). These findings highlight the potential of these derivatives as anticancer agents and enzymatic inhibitors, warranting further investigation. Full article

Breast cancer (BC) tops the list of causes for female fatalities globally, with the elusive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) constituting 10–20% of all cases. Current clinical strategies for combating TNBC encompass a multifaceted approach, including surgical intervention, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and advanced targeted drugs and immunotherapies. While these modalities have catalyzed significant advancements in TNBC management, lingering limitations continue to pose formidable challenges. There is an acute need for novel therapeutics in the realm of TNBC treatment. Natural products (NPs) have emerged as a rich reservoir for pharmaceutical innovation, owing to their extraordinary range of structures and physicochemical properties. Scholars have reported diverse evidence of NPs’ efficacy against TNBC. This review aims to comprehensively explore the bioactive constituents, specifics and commonalities of chemical structure, and pharmacological mechanisms of NPs, specifically examining their multifaceted roles in impeding TNBC. NPs, which have recently garnered significant interest, are intriguing in terms of their capacity to combat TNBC through multifaceted mechanisms, including the suppression of tumor cell proliferation, the induction of apoptosis, and the inhibition of tumor metastasis. These natural agents primarily encompass a range of compounds, including terpenoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids. An in-depth exploration has unveiled their involvement in key signaling pathways, including the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), Wingless/Int-1 (Wnt) /β-catenin, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Meanwhile, this review also looks at the challenges and opportunities that arise from harnessing natural compounds to influence TNBC, while outlining the prospective trajectory for future research in the field of NPs. Full article