*2.1. Chemicals*

Analytical-grade n-hexane, acetone, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchromane-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox), acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, aluminum chloride, ethanol, Folin–Ciocâlteu reagent, gallic acid, pectin, and methanol were purchased from Sigma Aldrich Steinheim (Darmstadt, Germany). Other reagents such as sodium bicarbonate were purchased from Honeywell, Fluka (Seelze, Germany), and *Lacticaseibacillus casei (L. casei)* 431® strain was purchased from Chr. Hansen (Hoersholm, Denmark). The probiotic character of *L. casei* 431® strain has been described in several studies [23,24] and has been associated with health benefits in several areas of health, including immune health, respiratory health, and bowel function. De Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe agar (MRS agar) was purchased from Merck (Darmstadt, Germany). All reagents and solvents were of analytical and HPLC grade.
