Search Results (930)

Grape seeds are a major by-product of grape processing and a rich source of polyphenolic compounds, yet their value remains underutilized. In this study, 12 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were evaluated in a grape seed-based fermentation system to compare their tolerance, metabolic performance, and ability to promote polyphenol release. Among them, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FBL002 showed the best overall performance. The strain maintained strong viability and metabolic activity at 5% grape seed concentration and released polyphenols more effectively than the other tested strains. The resulting fermentation broth also showed pronounced intracellular antioxidant activity. To clarify the basis of this phenotype, we further combined metabolomic, genomic, and transcriptomic analyses. Fermentation caused substantial shifts in phenolic metabolites, characterized by a decrease in glycosylated forms and an increase in more bioactive aglycones. Genome annotation revealed an enrichment of β-glucosidase-related genes in FBL002, and transcriptomic analysis showed that these genes were markedly upregulated during fermentation. This pattern was closely associated with the enhanced release of polyphenols. Together, these findings identify β-glucosidase as a key driver of grape seed polyphenol biotransformation by FBL002 and support the sustainable, high-value use of grape seeds in functional foods and cosmetic applications. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health challenge that has intensified interest in multi-target nutraceuticals with potential adjunctive benefits. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi/Reishi) is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in East Asia and is increasingly investigated for its role in glycemic regulation and metabolic disturbances. This review critically synthesizes current evidence on its hypoglycemic effects, focusing on bioactive compounds, molecular mechanisms, and translational limitations. Unlike broader reviews on Ganoderma bioactivity and health-related benefits, this review specifically evaluates the alignment between taxonomic authentication, chemical standardization, preclinical mechanisms, and human clinical evidence in the context of glycemic regulation. This narrative review was based on a targeted literature search conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies published up to October 2025, supplemented by Google Scholar. The included studies comprised in vitro experiments, in vivo animal models, and human clinical trials evaluating glycemic and metabolic outcomes of Ganoderma preparations. In vitro and animal studies indicate that polysaccharides, including β-(1→3)/(1→6)-glucans and proteoglycans such as FYGL, may improve insulin sensitivity via AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and PI3K/Akt pathways, promote GLUT4 (glucose transporter type 4) translocation, suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis, protect pancreatic β-cells, and modulate gut microbiota. In enzyme assays and preclinical models, lanostane-type triterpenoids act primarily by inhibiting α-glucosidase and α-amylase, thereby potentially reducing postprandial glucose excursions. Despite consistent preclinical evidence, clinical findings remain heterogeneous, with the largest randomized controlled trial reporting no significant glycemic benefit. Overall, Ganoderma lucidum shows strong mechanistic plausibility but insufficient clinical evidence for antidiabetic efficacy. Future research should prioritize species authentication, chemical standardization, and adequately powered clinical trials. Full article

Background: Momordica balsamina L. is widely used in traditional medicine for the management of diabetes in South Africa and globally. This study evaluated the in vitro antidiabetic and cytotoxic effects of M. balsamina leaf extracts and identified bioactive compounds potentially responsible for its activity. Methods: Leaves were sequentially extracted using solvents of increasing polarity. Phytochemical composition was determined using standard colorimetric assays, while gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was employed for compound identification. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using dot blot, DPPH radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and ferric reducing power assays. Antidiabetic potential was assessed using α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and β-glucosidase inhibitory assays, with acarbose as the reference drug. Cytotoxicity was determined by using the MTT assay on Vero and HEK-293 cell lines. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides, and steroids. GC–MS analysis identified compounds associated with antidiabetic activity, including vanillin, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, oleic acid, phytol, and hexadecenoic acid. All extracts exhibited antioxidant activity, with the ethyl acetate extract showing the strongest effect. Enzyme inhibition was concentration dependent. The dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts showed stronger α-amylase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 0.149 and 0.146 mg/mL) than acarbose (0.209 mg/mL). For α-glucosidase, acarbose showed the highest activity, while extracts displayed moderate inhibition. In β-glucosidase assays, both extracts were more active than acarbose. Both extracts were non-cytotoxic up to 500 µg/mL. Conclusions: These findings support the traditional use of M. balsamina and highlight its potential as a safe source of antidiabetic agents, warranting further investigation. Full article

Table olives, particularly traditionally fermented cracked-style green olives, rely on natural microbial activity without chemical debittering, with fungi playing key roles; in contrast, arbutus berry fermentation remains less characterized in terms of microbial functionality. This study investigated the enzymatic and antibacterial potential of fungal isolates from both systems. A total of 84 isolates belonging to Aureobasidium, Candida, Cryptococcus, Saccharomyces, Pichia, Issatchenkia, Torulaspora, and Sporobolomyces were screened for hydrolytic enzymes (pectinases, amylases, cellulases, xylanases, lipases, proteases, tannases, and β-glucosidases) using selective media, and for antibacterial activity against major foodborne pathogens. Isolates from arbutus fermentation showed no relevant enzymatic or antibacterial ability. In contrast, several isolates from olive fermentation exhibited significant functional traits. Aureobasidium pullulans demonstrated broad enzymatic capacity, producing amylases, esterases, and tannases, along with lipid hydrolysis, but also expressed cellulase, pectinase, and protease abilities. Cryptococcus spp. displayed interesting profiles, with low cellulolytic and pectinolytic capacity and higher phenolase, esterase, and lipase capacities. Antibacterial activity was observed exclusively against Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes, mainly among Candida membranifaciens, Cryptococcus spp., and A. pullulans. Overall, table olive fermentation isolates showed promising biotechnological potential for food preservation and quality enhancement, whereas arbutus isolates appeared to have limited functional relevance. Full article

Under the influence of climate change and human activities, alpine grasslands in the Qinghai Lake basin have undergone a degradation trend over recent decades. In this context, investigating the distribution and stability of soil aggregates across varying degradation degrees of alpine grasslands, along with their driving factors, is critical for formulating sustainable management strategies to maintain grassland health and soil structural resilience in this ecologically sensitive region. In this study, plant and soil samples (0–20 cm) were collected at nine sites in the Qinghai Lake basin, each encompassing a non-degraded (ND), a lightly degraded (LD), and a heavily degraded (HD) grassland plot. The distribution and stability of mechanically stable aggregates and water-stable aggregates were evaluated using the dry-sieving and wet-sieving methods, respectively. The results showed that grassland degradation led to declines in plant above-ground and below-ground biomass, soil carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and microbial biomass carbon contents, and β-1,4-nacetylglucosaminidase activity, alongside an increase in soil pH. However, soil β-1,4-glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase activities exhibited no significant changes. The 2–0.25 mm fraction is the primary component of mechanically stable aggregates in alpine grasslands across three degradation levels. After degradation, neither the distribution nor the stability of mechanically stable aggregates exhibited significant changes. In terms of water-stable aggregates, the 2–0.25 mm fraction constituted the primary component in ND and LD, whereas the <0.053 mm fraction predominated in HD. Additionally, the mass proportions of the >2 mm and 2–0.25 mm size fractions were significantly lower in HD compared to ND, while the mass fraction of the <0.053 mm fraction was notably higher. The altered distribution of water-stable aggregates resulted in a significant decrease in mean weight diameter and a notable increase in the percentage of aggregate destruction, suggesting a reduced resistance of the soil to water erosion. Plant below-ground biomass, soil total organic carbon, and total nitrogen were identified as crucial factors modulating the dynamics of aggregate stability during grassland degradation. The findings of this study suggest that alpine grassland degradation in the Qinghai Lake basin reduces the water stability rather than the mechanical stability of soil aggregates. Full article

β-Glucosidase (BGL) is widely used in biofuel production, industrial value-added chemicals, and food industry applications. The substrate entrance loops of BGL play a role in substrate specificity and accessibility. To better understand the substrate entrance loops of BGL, a high-resolution crystal structure of BGL from Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum (TsaBGL) was determined at 1.65 Å, and all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed. The crystal structure of TsaBGL exhibited both folded and straight conformations of the flexible L3 loop, along with rigid conformations of L1, L2, and L4 loops. MD simulations revealed that the folded L3 loop transitioned to a straight conformation, indicating the preference for the straight conformation. At the optimal temperature for enzyme activity, the flexibility of the L3 loop of TsaBGL decreased, whereas that of the L1 loop increased. Moreover, the positions of L1 and L2 loops shifted in a direction opposite to the substrate entrance, resulting in an expanded substrate-binding entrance and increased substrate accessibility to the active site. MD simulations of three homologous BGLs showed that, despite sequence variability, a conserved dynamic trend exists in which the L1 loop exhibits higher flexibility, whereas the L3–L4 loops maintain structural rigidity under optimal conditions. These results provide both an understanding of the loop dynamics involved in substrate accessibility in BGLs and insights into enzyme engineering to improve catalytic performance. Full article

In containerized finished plant production, the effects of biostimulants in nursery practice are often judged primarily on the basis of visual condition, while a more precise interpretation of treatment response requires leaf-level physiological and rhizosphere-level indicators. The aim of our study was to determine how the humic- and fulvic acid-based BiStep biostimulant influences the physiological functioning and, in part, the rhizosphere enzyme activity of three deciduous ornamental shrub taxa widely used both in nursery finished plant production and in urban green space plantings, namely, Forsythia × intermedia ‘Beatrix Farrand’, Weigela florida ‘Eva Rathke’, and Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’, under commercial container conditions. In the experiment, control and biostimulant treatments were compared. Treatment effects were evaluated on the basis of net photosynthesis (Pn); transpiration (E); chlorophyll content; stomatal density; stomatal length; and acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and β-glucosidase (GLUC) activities. For Pn, a significant taxon × treatment interaction was observed (p = 0.002). Pn showed taxon-dependent numerical changes under BiStep: values were 22.212 µmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹ in F. intermedia, 4.182 µmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹ in W. florida, and 3.370 µmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹ in V. opulus, but pairwise differences from the control were not statistically significant. Transpiration also showed a significant taxon × treatment interaction (p < 0.001), although BiStep–control differences were not significant within taxa. Stomatal density increased significantly in F. intermedia and W. florida, while the BiStep–control difference was not significant in V. opulus. Chlorophyll content increased only in W. florida (from 699.6 to 924.4 µg g⁻¹ fresh weight), but this change was not statistically significant. ACP activity showed significant treatment and interaction effects (p = 0.0107; p = 0.00546), whereas ALP and GLUC did not show a consistent treatment response. Based on the results, the effect of BiStep was clearly taxon-dependent and functionally selective. Therefore, in nursery finished plant production and subsequent urban plant use, it should not be considered a universally effective input, but rather a biostimulant whose relevance depends on the specific physiological and rhizosphere-level response of the taxon. Full article

Aureobasidium pullulans is a polyextremotolerant yeast-like fungus increasingly recognized for its role in food ecosystems and its emerging potential in flavour development and nutrient modulation. However, systematic evaluations of autochthonous grape-associated populations integrating technological performance and safety-related traits remain limited. This study provides a broad phenotypic screening of 70 isolates from Maraština grapes (Dalmatia, Croatia), applying an integrated functional screening approach to link enzymatic potential, environmental resilience, and food safety. Most isolates displayed multiple hydrolytic enzymes, with widespread cellulase, pectinase, xylanase, esterase, and protease activities. Several isolates showed very high enzymatic indices, supporting their potential for plant-derived substrate transformation, aroma release, and food processing applications. β-glucosidase and urease activities were common, while amylase was limited. Ecological screening confirmed robust adaptability to salinity, osmotic stress, and wide pH ranges. Notably, 31% of isolates demonstrated phosphate solubilization capacity, indicating a possible contribution to mineral bioavailability and nutritional enhancement. Safety screening revealed decarboxylation of selected amino acids, while two isolates lacked detectable activity, highlighting them as candidates for further safety evaluation. Overall, this work establishes a framework for selecting A. pullulans isolates for next-generation, flavour-oriented and nutritionally enhanced food applications, supporting sustainable bioprocessing and future industrial validation. Full article

Quercus variabilis is one of the primary species for plantation regeneration across China’s warm-temperate and subtropical zones. However, its long-term monoculture leads to ecosystem instability. Soil fungi are essential for nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning, yet their responses to oak-dominated mixed plantations remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated the soil fungal communities among Q. variabilis monoculture (QV), mixed plantations of Q. variabilis and Platycladus orientalis (PO), Q. variabilis and Pinus tabuliformis (PT), and Q. variabilis, P. orientalis and P. tabuliformis (PPQ). The results showed that PO and PPQ plantations contained significantly higher concentrations of SOC, TN, and TP compared to QV monoculture. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were identified as the dominant fungal phyla across four plantation types, with PO exhibiting the highest relative abundance of Ascomycota (60.85%) and fungal alpha diversity. The soil fungal communities across all plantations were predominantly saprotrophic, followed by mixotrophic modes. The relative abundance of saprotrophic fungi was significantly greater in the mixed plantations, peaking in PO at 44.69%. The soil fungal communities in both PO and PPQ plantations exhibited higher network interaction density. The SOC, TN, TP, water content, zinc, and β-glucosidase activity served as key environmental drivers of fungal community composition. Overall, the mixed plantation of Q. variabilis and P. orientalis most effectively improved soil fertility, enhanced fungal diversity, and increased network complexity, suggesting its potential as a sustainable afforestation strategy for oak-dominated ecosystems in the low hilly regions of western Henan. However, these findings are based on a single sampling period, and long-term monitoring is required to confirm its sustained ecological benefits. Full article

Hydrochar has emerged as a promising carbonaceous amendment to enhance soil quality, yet its short-term effects on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics and microbial functioning remain poorly understood. Here, a 77-day greenhouse pot experiment was conducted using a Cambisol cultivated with sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under two irrigation regimes simulating well-irrigated (WI) and water-deficit (WD) scenarios. Two doses of chicken-manure-derived hydrochar (3.25 and 6.5 t ha⁻¹, corresponding to 2.35 and 4.69 g kg⁻¹ of dry soil, respectively) and mineral fertilizer (MF) treatments providing equivalent N inputs were evaluated. Hydrochar promoted microbial growth and enhanced enzymatic and respiratory activities despite its low apparent C and nutrient input. After 77 days under WI, the addition of 6.5 t ha⁻¹ hydrochar enhanced the activity of phenol oxidase (POA) and acid phosphomonesterase (AcPA). Concomitantly, the availability of soluble C and N increased, whereas total organic C (TOC) and N decreased relative to the initial values. These responses may suggest enhanced mineralization potentially related to early-stage priming processes. The increase in POA relative to β-glucosidase is in line with a functional shift from a predominant degradation of labile compounds towards an increased oxidation of more complex structures. This interpretation is supported by solid-state ¹³C NMR data, revealing a higher degradation index of the soil organic matter. Under WD, the overall effects of hydrochar were attenuated or suppressed, particularly those related to C and N dynamics, emphasizing the interactive influence of moisture and amendment dose. Overall, our results show that hydrochar can modulate short-term soil biochemical processes, partly through enhanced microbial responses. Full article

Straw return improves paddy soil quality and nutrient cycling, but its combined effects with nitrogen application on extracellular enzyme activities and greenhouse gas emissions in cold-region paddies remain unclear. A field experiment was conducted in Northeast China under full straw return (8.8 t ha⁻¹) with six nitrogen rates (0, 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 kg ha⁻¹); conventional nitrogen application without straw return (130 kg ha⁻¹) was the control (CK), while N0 distinguished straw input from nitrogen effects. Soil properties, extracellular enzyme activities, and CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O emissions were measured 20, 50, 80, 110, and 140 days after straw return. At 140 days, compared with CK, straw return increased the NH₄+-N and organic matter in the 0–15 cm soil layer by 41.75% and 28.69%, respectively, and reduced pH by 4.34%. Under N110–N150, straw return enhanced the carbon- and nitrogen-acquiring enzymes and oxidative enzymes by 15.88–162.23%. In particular, β-glucosidase, phenol oxidase, and peroxidase activities were significantly higher under N130–N140 than under CK. Compared with N150, N130–N140 maintained organic matter turnover without further increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, under full straw incorporation in the Mollisol paddies of cool Northeast China, N130–N140 sustained high yield while balancing nutrient cycling, enzyme activity, and greenhouse gas mitigation. Full article

Intensive nitrogen (N) fertilization in greenhouse vegetable systems degrades soil structure and accelerates soil carbon (C) mineralization. Biochar application can alleviate these adverse effects by enhancing aggregate stability and mediating microbially driven nutrient cycling, yet its effects across aggregate fractions remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated how biochar (0, 20, 40 t ha⁻¹) and N interact to affect aggregate stability, C mineralization, nutrient status, and microbial properties in bulk soil and four aggregate classes (large macroaggregates: LMA, > 2000 μm; small macroaggregates: SMA, 250–2000 μm; microaggregates: MA, 53–250 μm; silt + clay: S + C, < 53 μm) in vegetable soil after a 60-day incubation. Results showed that biochar–N co-application increased mean weight diameter by 27.4–30.5% and elevated soil total organic C (TOC) in LMA by 9.11–12.0% and in MA by 8.77–20.2% relative to the N-only treatment. It also reduced β-glucosidase and oxidase activities, as well as fungal and G⁻-bacterial abundance. Biochar amendment suppressed TOC mineralization by 2.7–24.6% in bulk soil and aggregate fractions, while boosting potentially mineralizable C pools by 12.5–155.7%, and thereby increasing overall mineralization potential. Structural equation modeling revealed the size-dependent regulatory mechanisms underlying these observations. Aggregate stability directly inhibited CO₂ emissions in bulk soil and SMA, while the effects in MA and S + C fractions were mediated by shifts in nutrient stoichiometry and hydrolase activities. Our findings clarified the size-dependent mechanisms by which biochar–N co-application promoted soil C sequestration, providing a theoretical basis for the sustainable management of intensive vegetable systems. Full article

Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) is an abundant lignocellulosic by-product whose valorization can support circular bioeconomy strategies. This study evaluated BSG bioconversion by Aspergillus oryzae ATCC 10124 under solid-state fermentation (SSF) to produce lignocellulolytic enzymes and release second-generation (2G) sugars relevant to biorefinery applications. SSF was monitored over 0–10 days, and FPase, endo-cellulase, β-glucosidase, xylanase, mannanase, amylase, and ligninolytic enzyme activities were quantified. Enzymatic crude extracts were further assessed in SDS-PAGE analysis. Glucose, cellobiose, xylose and arabinose release and consumption were tracked throughout fermentation, and substrate transformation was supported by FTIR. The secretome exhibited a predominantly hydrolytic profile, with maximal hemicellulolytic and cellulolytic activity around days 2–4, as well as sustained amylase activity. Ligninolytic activity was not detected. Sugar profiles indicated rapid early hydrolysis of glucose, followed by progressive pentose release. The stabilization and decline were consistent with fungal uptake. Changes in the carbohydrate fingerprint and SDS–PAGE banding supported structural polysaccharide remodeling and hydrolytic protein secretion. Thus, this SSF platform confirmed certain potential for low-cost cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzyme generation. However, because sugar accumulation was temporary and followed by consumption, this system is best interpreted as a biological pretreatment and enzyme-generation step that supports subsequent downstream valorization. Full article

Momordica balsamina Linn. is widely used in traditional medicine for the management of diabetes; however, the specific bioactive compounds responsible for this activity have not been fully isolated and structurally elucidated from South African populations. This study reports, for the first time, the isolation and comprehensive characterization of antidiabetic compounds from South African samples of M. balsamina. Crude extracts were obtained through sequential solvent extraction, followed by isolation and purification using vacuum liquid chromatography. Structural elucidation was achieved using HPLC, UPLC–MS, FTIR, and NMR spectroscopy. The antidiabetic potential of the isolated compounds was evaluated through inhibition assays against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and β-glucosidase. Molecular docking was employed to examine binding interactions with these target enzymes, while cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay against Vero and HEK-293 cell lines. Two compounds, DD26.27 and EAEA1.2, were successfully isolated from dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts, respectively. Both compounds demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of the tested enzymes. Notably, molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities and favorable interactions with key catalytic residues, surpassing the standard drug acarbose and corroborating the in vitro results. Cytotoxicity studies confirmed that, at lower concentrations, the compounds were non-toxic to the tested cell lines. Collectively, these findings provide novel scientific validation of the traditional use of M. balsamina in South Africa and identify promising lead compounds for further in vivo studies and antidiabetic drug development targeting postprandial hyperglycemia. Full article

Actinidia arguta fruits are highly perishable due to their thin, glabrous skin and high respiration rate. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a coating composed of 1.2% cinnamon essential oil (CEO) combined with 1% chitosan (CH) on the storage quality, cell wall structure, and cell wall metabolism in A. arguta fruits after subjecting them to 25 ± 1 and 4 °C. Results showed that this coating composition effectively maintained fruits’ postharvest appearance and firmness, reduced the rate of weight loss, and preserved the fruit’s original sensory flavor. Furthermore, the coating treatment significantly delayed the conversion of protopectin to soluble pectin, the increase in cellulose content, and the decrease in acid-insoluble solid (AIS) content. Furthermore, low activities of polygalacturonase (PG), pectin methylesterase (PME), pectin lyase (PL), cellulase (Cx), β-glucosidase (β-Glu), and β-galacturonidase (β-Gal) were found in the treatment during storage. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observed that the composite coating treatment strongly maintained the integrity of fruit cell wall structure and exhibited positive effects under room temperature conditions, with its protective effects further enhanced and prolonged under refrigerated conditions. In conclusion, this combination treatment extended the postharvest storage life of A. arguta, possibly by inhibiting cell wall degradation, maintaining fruit firmness, and regulating the activity of cell wall metabolism. Full article