Search Results (2,412)

The present study reported, for the first time, the fabrication and characterization of electrospun nanofibers based on arabinoxylans (AXs) alone. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum of ferulated water-extractable AXs recovered from wheat endosperm confirmed the molecule identity. The carbon and oxygen signals in X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) were recorded for this molecule. The AXs had weight-average molar mass, intrinsic viscosity, radius of gyration, and hydrodynamic radius values of 769 kDa, 4.51 dL/g, 55 nm, and 31 nm, respectively. The calculated AX characteristic ratio and persistence length were 10.7 and 3.2 nm, respectively, while the Mark–Houwink–Sakurada α and K constants were 0.31 and 9.4, respectively. These macromolecular characteristics indicate a molecular random coil structure in the polysaccharide. Using aqueous acetic acid 50% (v/v) as a solvent favored the Taylor cone establishment and the fabrication of electrospun nanofibers. The morphology of nanofibers was revealed by scanning electron microscopy images. Atomic force microscopy analysis of AX nanofibers exposed the material deposition in layers; these nanofibers had an average diameter of 177 nm. These nanofibers could be used as advanced biomaterials for biomedical applications such as wound dressing. Full article

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage breakdown, synovial inflammation, and pain, which leads to significant disability. IAHA is widely used because of its viscoelastic properties, which restore synovial fluid homeostasis and reduce symptoms. However, emerging evidence suggests that IAHA exerts additional biological effects including chondroprotection, inflammatory modulation, oxidative stress reduction, and pain modulation, which may influence disease progression. Objective: This narrative review examines the biological mechanisms underlying IAHA’s role in OA management. The review explored IAHA’s effects on synovial fluid viscoelasticity, inflammatory cytokine modulation, cartilage preservation, oxidative stress regulation, and pain pathways, emphasizing the influence of molecular weight variations on therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, this review evaluates IAHA’s integration into multimodal treatment strategies, its potential disease-modifying effects, and future directions for personalized treatment approaches. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between January 2000 and March 2024. The search focused on IAHA’s molecular, cellular, and biochemical effects in OA and clinical findings assessing its impact on joint function, pain relief, and disease progression. Results: IAHA improves synovial fluid lubrication, reduces proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α), inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), and modulates nociceptive pathways. High-molecular-weight IAHA demonstrates superior efficacy in advanced OA, while low-molecular-weight formulations may be better suited for early-stage disease. Although IAHA’s symptom relief is comparable to corticosteroids and NSAIDs, its favorable safety profile and emerging disease-modifying potential support its long-term use in OA management. Conclusions: IAHA represents a multifaceted therapeutic approach bridging symptomatic relief and regenerative strategies. While long-term efficacy, optimal administration protocols, and patient-specific responses remain subjects of ongoing research, refining treatment selection criteria, dosing regimens, and combination strategies may enhance clinical outcomes. Future studies should explore biomarker-driven approaches, standardize treatment protocols, and assess IAHA’s synergy with regenerative medicine to optimize its role in OA management. Full article

The current study aims for the isolation and physicochemical characterization of inulin from defatted dandelion roots using green extraction techniques, including microwave extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The structure and degree of polymerization of inulin were elucidated by chromatographic techniques, as well as by FTIR and NMR spectroscopies. The color characteristics, water- and oil-holding capacity, solubility, swelling properties, wettability, angle of repose, flowability, and cohesiveness of dandelion inulin were evaluated. Moreover, the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of dandelion inulin were revealed. The results were compared with the conventional extraction and inulin from chicory. Dandelion inulin was evaluated as a powder substance with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 17–24. The highest yield (20%) was obtained by classical extraction; however, UAE and MAE demonstrated the highest purity. FT-IR and NMR spectra revealed that dandelion inulin is glucofructan with a molecular weight of 2.7–3.2 kDa that consists mainly of fructosyl units β-(2→1) linked to one α-D-glucose unit UAE was evaluated as the most perspective technique for the simultaneous extraction of inulin from dandelion roots, with the highest average DP 24 and high purity (82%), molecular mass, total fructose content, swelling index, and oil-holding capacity. Dandelion inulin exhibited intermediate cohesiveness, fair flowability, and moderate antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes 863 and Bacillus subtilis 6633. The physicochemical and functional properties of dandelion inulin reveal its future potential as an additive in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutics formulations as a texture modifier, a fat replacer, and a drug carrier. Full article

The presence of intermuscular bones severely affects the edibility and value-added processing of crucian carp (Carassius auratus), becoming a constraint to the high-quality development of its industry. Our previous study identified bmp6 as the key osteogenic regulator and successfully developed a new crucian carp strain lacking intermuscular bones (WUCI) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. To accelerate its industrialization, we comprehensively assessed WUCI’s growth performance, hematological parameters, antioxidant capacity, innate immunity, and disease resistance. The results demonstrated that the WUCI exhibited significant growth performance compared to the wild-type crucian carp (WT), with significantly higher weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) (p < 0.05) from one month to four months of age. The α-amylase (α-AL) activity of the liver and intestines of WUCI was significantly higher than that of WT. WUCI also displayed enhanced intestinal antioxidant capacity, with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities significantly higher than those in WT (p < 0.05). The malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the spleen of WUCI was significantly lower than that of WT (p < 0.05); no differences were observed in the liver and intestines (p > 0.05). Additionally, hepatic acid phosphatase (ACP) activity in WUCI was significantly higher than that in WT (p < 0.05). In contrast, splenic ACP and intestinal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were significantly lower than those in WT (p < 0.05). Notably, the iron concentration in the serum was significantly higher in WUCI than in the WT (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, WUCI exhibited significantly lower a expression of hepcidin, TF, and TFR1 mRNA in the liver compared to WT (p < 0.05), while FPN mRNA expression was significantly higher (p < 0.05). Routine blood tests revealed significantly lower WBC in WUCI compared to that of WT (p < 0.05). Following an Aeromonas hydrophila challenge, WT demonstrated a rapid transcriptional induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and immunoregulatory mediators (IL-10, TGF-β), with mRNA levels reaching maximal expression at 24 h post-infection (hpi) followed by progressive attenuation. In contrast, WUCI exhibited a delayed immune activation profile characterized by the peak expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 transcripts after 72 hpi, with the maximum transcript abundance remaining lower than corresponding peak values observed in WT at 24 hpi. Finally, we observed that the mortality rate of WUCI was slightly higher post A. hydrophila infection when compared to WT, but was not significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive evaluation of WUCI, revealing its distinct growth advantages, physiological adaptations, and immune function, presenting its potential for aquaculture breeding applications. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate how natural dietary supplements, including essential oils (EOs) and probiotics, influence the growth performance, carcass traits, serum components, gut function, gene expression, and jejunal histomorphology of growing quails. A total of 240 unsexed 7-day-old growing Japanese quails were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (n = 60 per group), with each group further divided into six replicates (10 quails per replicate). The control group (S₀) received a basal diet without incorporating any additives, while the experimental groups were supplemented with (i) essential oils (S₁); (ii) probiotics (S₂); or (iii) a mixture of EOs and probiotics (S₃) at a level of 1.5 kg/ton and 0.55 g per kg diet, respectively, and the ratio of the mixture of EOs and probiotics was approximately 2.73:1. The results showed that, from 7 to 35 days of age, S₃ quails showed increased growth performance, carcass weight, and serum total protein with a decreased lipid profile, outperforming the individual supplementation of either additive (p < 0.05). Importantly, EOs or probiotics enhanced immune-antioxidant status in growing quails, particularly those who were fed both EOs and probiotics, showing significantly increased levels of the serum immune parameters IgY and IgM as well as boosting T-AOC, SOD, and GPx levels when MDA content was lowered compared to S₀ quails (p < 0.05). Additionally, in quails fed a mixture of EOs and probiotics, the primary pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were downregulated, and the anti-inflammatory factors TGF-β and IL-10 were elevated compared to the S₀ group (p < 0.05). In this context, there was a notable increase in growth (IGF-I, myogenin, and AvUCP), immunological (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and AVBD), antioxidant (SOD, CAT, GPx, and ATOX1), and intestinal absorption (VEGF, MUC2, GLUT2, calbindin, and FABP6) markers in quails supplemented with EOs and/or probiotics when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The combination of EOs and probiotics had the most noticeable impact on the markers’ expression patterns compared to either additive alone (p < 0.05). Consistent with our results, quails given both EOs and probiotics showed significantly greater villi in terms of height and width when compared to the control group in intestinal histomorphology, the primary measure of intestinal wellness. In conclusion, quail diets could benefit from the use of EOs or probiotics as natural growth promoters since they improve growth performance, blood parameters associated with protein and lipid profiles, immune-antioxidant status and inflammation, and marker gene expression profiles of growth, immune, antioxidant, and intestinal absorption. Full article

(1→3)-α-d-Glucan is an important component of the cell wall of most fungi. The polymer has many applications, including as a therapeutic agent in the prevention or treatment of various diseases, as well as a heavy metal sorbent and a component of new materials used in the plastics industry. The presence of (1→3)-α-d-glucan (water-insoluble, alkali-soluble polysaccharide) in the cell wall of Pleurotus djamor (pink oyster mushroom) was confirmed using specific fluorophore-labeled antibodies. Therefore, the water-insoluble fraction (WI-ASF) of P. djamor B123 fruiting bodies was isolated by alkaline extraction and used for further analyses. The structural features of the WI-ASF were determined by composition analysis, linkage analysis, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy, ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, as well as viscosity, specific rotation, and gel permeation chromatography. These studies revealed the presence of glucose units linked by α-glycosidic bonds and scanty amounts of mannose and xylose. Furthermore, methylation analysis of WI-ASF demonstrated that the (1→3)-linked glucopyranose (Glcp) is the primary moiety (86.4%) of the polymer, while the 3,4- and 3,6-substituted hexoses are the branching residues of the glucan. The results of chemical and spectroscopic investigations indicated that the analyzed WI-ASF is a (1→3)-linked α-d-glucan type with a molecular weight of 552 kDa. Full article

Oat starch plays a crucial role in the stability of oat milk. Enzyme-hydrolyzed oat starch has been demonstrated to be an effective means of improving the stability of oat milk. The effects of different enzyme combinations on the stability of oat milk and the properties of starch in oats were investigated by adding α-amylase, amyloglucosidase, and different ratios of pullulanase and isoamylase. The results showed that as the degree of hydrolysis increased, the molecular weight, amylose content, and side chain length distribution of the starch decreased significantly. Moreover, compared with oat starch, the rheological and emulsifying properties of the starch hydrolysates were improved, and the characterization of emulsion stability showed that a 1:2 ratio of pullulanase to isoamylase promoted effective debranching and thus improved the stability of oat milk. This study demonstrated that debranching enzymes enhance the enzymatic hydrolysis of beverages and improve the physicochemical properties and stability of oat milk. Full article

The piglet nursery phase is one of the critical moments in production, especially in the first few weeks after weaning. Growth-promoting antibiotics have always been used in this phase, but the world is banning or limiting the use of antibiotics for this purpose, which has led researchers to seek alternatives, with an emphasis on organic and natural ones. As a result, this study aimed to evaluate whether a combination of organic acids and their derivatives (ammonium formate, formic acid, ammonium propionate, and acetic acid) and yeast wall (mannan oligosaccharides and beta-glucans) in piglet feeding during the nursery phase has positive effects on the SCFA profile in feces and animal health reflected in greater weight gain. A 40-day experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design containing three treatments, each with nine replicates and three piglets per replicate: negative control (NC: without additives), and a combination of organic acids and yeast wall at doses of 1 and 2 kg/ton (AO+YW-1 and AO+YW-2, respectively). Animals received four diets: pre-starter 1 (d1–7), pre-starter 2 (d8–14), starter 1 (d15–25), and starter 2 (d26–40). The animals were weighed on the day of the diet change. Blood and feces were collected on days 14 and 40 of the experiment. Piglets from the AO+YW-1 group showed more significant weight gain than NC. Feed intake was higher in piglets from the AO+YW-1 group considering the first 25 days of the experiment compared to NC; there was no treatment effect on feed conversion. Piglets from NC had higher levels of C-reactive protein and ferritin, while AO+YW-2 had higher levels of interleukin 10 and lower levels of TNF-α. A greater quantity of SCFA was observed in the feces of piglets on d40, related to the changes in propionic, butyric, isovaleric, and valeric acids. Therefore, the combination of organic acids and yeast wall used at a dose of 1 kg/ton proved to be an additive option for the diet of piglets in the nursery phase to enhance weight gain and reduce the number of doses of injectable antibiotics. Full article

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, is frequently complicated by extraintestinal manifestations such as functional hyposplenism. Increasing evidence highlights its pathogenesis as a multifactorial interplay of gut dysbiosis, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and dysregulated immune responses. While probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus spp., have emerged as potential therapeutics for IBD, restoring intestinal homeostasis, their systemic immunomodulatory effects remain underexplored. Here, we investigated the protective role of Lactobacillus johnsonii N5 in DSS-induced colitis, focusing on inflammation inhibition and splenic T cell regulation. Pretreatment with L. johnsonii N5 significantly attenuated colitis severity, as evidenced by preserved body weight, reduced disease activity index, and prevention of colon shortening. N5 suppressed colonic pro-inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, Il-1b, Il-6, and CXCL1, while elevating anti-inflammatory IL-10 at both mRNA and protein levels. Transcriptomic analysis of the spleen revealed that N5 mediated the downregulation of inflammatory pathways, including the IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways, as well as the HIF-1 signaling pathway, and modulated the metabolic pathway of oxidative phosphorylation. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that N5 rebalanced splenic Treg/Th17 responses by expanding the Treg population and reducing the production of IL-17A in Th17 cells. Notably, Th17-associated IL-17A positively correlated with intestinal pro-inflammatory mediators, emphasizing the role of Th17 cells in driving colitis. In contrast, splenic Treg abundance positively correlated with colonic IL-10 levels, suggesting a link between systemic immune regulation and intestinal anti-inflammatory responses. Our study underscores the therapeutic potential of targeting gut–immune crosstalk through probiotics, thereby offering valuable insights for developing live bacterial-based interventions for IBD and other inflammatory disorders. Full article

After weaning, piglets no longer consume breast milk, and their immune system is not yet fully developed. At this time, if weaned piglets are infected with E. coli, their subsequent growth will be seriously affected. In the present study, 48 healthy 28-day-old weaned piglets (6.65 ± 1.19 kg, Duroc × Landrace × Large White) were randomly divided into an LPS group and control group. Piglets in the LPS group were intraperitoneally injected with an LPS solution (LPS was dissolved in sterile saline to form a solution of 100 μg/mL and injected at a dose of 1 mL per kilogram of body weight) for 13 consecutive days. Piglets in the control group were injected with the same volume of sterile saline. On days 1, 5, 9, and 13 of the experiment, six piglets from each group were randomly selected for dissection, the blood and heart samples were collected, and then cardiac function-related indicators were detected. A portion of the heart tissue was fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and further used to make paraffin sections; then, hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining was performed. Masson staining was used to detect the changes in collagen fibers in the hearts. The other parts of the heart tissues were frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored in a refrigerator at −80 °C for the detection of tissue antioxidant indices. The mRNA expression levels of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway, and inflammatory cytokines in heart tissues were detected by real-time PCR. The results showed that catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) contents in the heart tissue homogenates increased significantly on days 1 and 5 in LPS-induced piglets (p < 0.01, p < 0.05), while total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) contents decreased significantly on day 5 (p < 0.05). On day 5, the contents of serum cardiac function indicators lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin I (cTn-I) were significantly increased in LPS-induced piglets (p < 0.01). On the 1st and 5th days, the heart tissue showed obvious pathological damage, which was manifested as the disordered arrangement of myocardial fibers, depression of myocardial cells, infiltration of inflammatory factors, congestion of capillaries, and significant increase in cardiac collagen fibers. On the 1st day, the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were significantly increased in LPS-induced piglets with heart injury (p < 0.01). On the 5th day, the mRNA expression levels of the TLR4 signaling pathway [TLR4, myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)], TNF-α, and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were also significantly increased in LPS-induced piglets with heart injury (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of the TGF-β signaling pathway (TGF-β, Smad2, and Smad4) in cardiac fibrosis-related genes were significantly increased on days 5 and 9 (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of Smad3 and Smad7 in cardiac fibrosis-related genes were also significantly increased on day 9 (p < 0.01). These results indicate that oxidative stress occurs in the heart tissue of LPS-induced piglets on the 1st and 5th days, leading to cardiac tissue damage. However, on the 9th and 13th days, the degree of heart damage in the piglets was less than that on the 1st and 5th days, which may be due to the tolerance of piglets’ tissues and organs because of multiple same-dose LPS stimulations. Full article

We investigated the effects of belt electrode-skeletal muscle electrical stimulation (B-SES) on muscle atrophy in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. Twenty-eight 8-week-old male Dark Agouti rats were immunized with type II collagen and Freund’s incomplete adjuvant (day 0). From days 14 to 28, 18 rats received B-SES (50 Hz) four times only on the right hindlimb (STIM), while the contralateral left hindlimb remained unstimulated. Both hindlimbs of 10 untreated CIA rats were defined as controls (CONT). Paw volume was measured every other day. On day 28, the muscle weight, histology, and gene expression of the soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) were analyzed. B-SES did not worsen paw volume throughout the experimental period. Compared with CONT, the muscle weight and fiber cross-sectional area of the soleus were higher in STIM. The expression of muscle degradation markers (atrogin-1 and MuRF-1) in the soleus and EDL was lower in the STIM group than that in the CONT group. In contrast, B-SES did not significantly affect the expression of muscle synthesis (Eif4e and p70S6K) and mitochondrial (PGC-1α) markers. B-SES prevents muscle atrophy in CIA rats by reducing muscle degradation without exacerbating arthritis, demonstrating its promising potential as an intervention for RA-induced muscle atrophy. Full article

Inorganic polyphosphate (PolyP) is a high-molecular-weight polymer that plays multiple roles in regulating immune responses. However, the specific anti-inflammatory mechanisms of bacteria-derived PolyP are unclear. In the present study, PolyP was extracted from Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum), and the chain length was estimated to be approximately 250 Pi residues. The immune regulatory functions of PolyP were investigated using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cell oxidative stress model, and dexamethasone was used as a positive control. The result revealed that both dexamethasone and PolyP were protective against oxidative stress by inhibiting macrophage M1 polarization and the production of several markers, such as nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. In addition, PolyP suppressed inflammation progression by regulating the production of several cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, interferon (INF)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-6, and inhibited the expressions of inhibitory κB kinase (IKK) α, IKKβ, and extracellular regulated protein kinases 2 (ERK2). Conclusively, PolyP derived from L. plantarum has the ability to protect cells from oxidative stress damage by inhibiting M1 polarization in macrophages. These findings provide insights into the function of PolyP and offer support for the potential application of PolyP in immune-related diseases. Full article

Let $R={\mathbb{F}}_2+w_1{\mathbb{F}}_2+w_2{\mathbb{F}}_2$, where $w_1^2=w_1$, $w_2^2=w_2$, $w_1{w}_2=w_2{w}_1=0$. Firstly, we explore the algebraic structure of the torsion codes of MacDonald codes of types $\alpha$ and $\beta$ over R. Secondly, the complete weight enumerator of ${\mathcal{S}}_{k,h}^{\alpha }$ and ${\mathcal{S}}_{k,h}^{\beta }$ are given. Finally, as applications, we construct the secret sharing schemes and systematic authentication codes. Full article

Background: Chronic inflammation increases morbidity in older adults and significantly impacts healthy ageing. Pomegranate extract (PE), rich in polyphenols, has been suggested to reduce inflammation and could prevent cardiovascular disease. However, there is limited research examining the potential of PE in disease prevention in ageing. Methods: A two-arm double-blind parallel trial was conducted, in which participants received either placebo capsules (maltodextrin) or pomegranate extract (740 mg) daily for 12 weeks. At baseline, week 6, and week 12, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and blood samples were collected. Serum inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1-α, IL1-β, IL-2, TNF-α, CRP and PAI-1), fasting blood glucose, and lipid levels were also measured. Results: A total of 86 participants met the eligibility criteria, with 76 completing the trial. A significant interaction between treatment and time was observed for the IL-6 (p = 0.02) and IL1-β (p = 0.05) levels, with both parameters significantly decreasing in the PE group. CRP and TNF-α showed a downward trend in the PE group, but it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Systolic blood pressure significantly decreased in the PE group (by 5.22 ± 1.26 mmHg (SE), p = 0.04), indicating potential clinical relevance, with diastolic blood pressure showing a similar downward trend (2.94 ± 1.08 mmHg (SE), p = 0.3). Despite being apparently healthy with no diagnosed diseases, a substantial number of participants exhibited elevated levels of inflammatory markers and systolic blood pressure. Conclusions: PE can lower inflammatory markers and blood pressure, which can be high in both normal-weight and overweight older adults, making it a cost-effective measure to promote healthy ageing. Further long-term studies are needed to address the limitations of this 3-month study, including the overrepresentation of normal-weight participants, and to gain a better understanding of the impact of weight on the above-mentioned outcomes. Full article

α-Tocopherol (α-T) predominates in photosynthetic tissues, while tocotrienols (T3s) are reported very rarely. The genus Hypericum stands out as one of the few exceptions. Given the potential health benefits associated with tocotrienols, sourcing them from natural origins is of interest. The proper selection of plant material and the drying conditions are crucial steps in this process. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effects of four different drying techniques (freeze-drying, microwave–vacuum-, infrared oven and air-drying) on the tocochromanol content in leaves of three Hypericum species: H. androsaemum, H. pseudohenryi, and H. hookerianum and one hybrid H. × inodorum. The total tocochromanol content in the freeze-dried leaves harvested in September was 68.1–150.6 mg/100 g dry weight. α-T constituted 66.7–85.9% (w/w), while tocotrienols constituted 13–32% (w/w). H. pseudohenryi was characterized by the lowest tocotrienol content, while H. androsaemum and H. hookerianum had the highest, with δ-T3 and γ-T3, respectively, being predominant. Tocotrienols were more stable during drying than α-T. The greatest decrease in α-T content was observed during air-drying in the presence of sunlight, with a 27% difference compared to the absence of sunlight. The species and harvest time are factors that more strongly affect the tocotrienol content in the Hypericum leaves than the selected drying method. Full article