Search Results (73)

The rising demand for sustainable and health-promoting foods has encouraged the development of tempeh from non-soy plant materials. This study investigated tempeh alternatives made from sorghum, proso millet, white bean, buckwheat, yellow pea, and quinoa, focusing on their phenolic acid (PA) content. Seventeen PAs and two flavan-3-ols were quantified using LC-MS/MS in free, conjugated, and insoluble forms, and total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay. Four PAs—shikimic acid, 3-hydroxycinnamic acid, 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and 2-hydroxycinnamic acid—were not detected. Solid-state fermentation increased the total PA (TPA) content by an average of 11.3%, reaching 160.6 µg/g, with the most significant rise in conjugated and insoluble fractions. The highest TPA values were observed in sorghum-based tempeh, particularly quinoa:sorghum (2:1; 293 µg/g), sorghum:yellow pea (2:1; 277.6 µg/g), and buckwheat:sorghum (1:1; 271 µg/g). The most abundant PAs were ferulic (18 µg/g), vanillic (14.6 µg/g), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic (8 µg/g), and caffeic acids (6.7 µg/g). TPC values reached up to 9.51 mg GAE/g in tempeh samples. These findings support the use of non-soy substrates to develop nutritious, allergen-free, gluten-free tempeh products with enhanced phenolic profiles and functional food potential. Full article

This study evaluates the corrosion-inhibiting effects of the methanolic (P₁) and the hydroalcoholic (P₂) extracts of the Rhus typhina L. leaves on carbon steel (OL37) in 1 M HCl. Extracts were prepared with microwave-assisted extraction and characterized using HPLC and LC-MS. Electrochemical methods (OCP, EIS, PDP) and surface analyses (SEM, EDX) assessed the performance of both extracts. The results showed that the P₁ and P₂ extracts significantly reduced corrosion rates by forming protective layers on the metal surface, with inhibition efficiencies exceeding 90%, at 1000 ppm concentration, for P₁ (93%), for P₂ at 800 ppm (91%) and 1000 ppm (94%). The P₂ extract demonstrated superior long-term performance, maintaining protection after 96 h of immersion. The extracts function as mixed-type inhibitors, affecting both anodic and cathodic reactions, with physicochemical adsorption demonstrated by the Langmuir isotherm. Overall, the Rhus typhina leaf extracts, particularly the P₂ extract, offer a promising, eco-friendly approach to corrosion prevention in acidic environments. Full article

To comprehensively understand the quality characteristics and key characteristic metabolites of Hangzhou Gongmei white tea (HGW), an integrated approach involving sensory evaluation, chemical composition analysis, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was employed to analyse the volatile and non-volatile metabolites of tea samples from different varieties. Compared to the Fudingdabai (FD) variety, the Jiukeng (JK) and Longjing (LJ) varieties exhibited more pronounced fruity or floral aromas and stronger taste profiles. The elevated concentrations of water extracts, tea polyphenols, and complex catechins in the tea infusion contributed to its increased astringency. A multivariate analysis revealed that linalool, geraniol, 2-ethylhexanol, hexanal, methyl salicylate, linalool oxide I, (E)-hex-2-en-1-al, β-myrcene, (Z)-hex-3-en-1-ol, phenylethanol, benzaldehyde, (E)-citral, nonanal, and trans-β-ionone were the primary differential volatile metabolites in HGW. The non-volatile metabolomic analyses showed that flavonoids were the main differential metabolites in HGW from different varieties. The abundance levels of the differential non-volatile metabolites were higher in JK and LJ compared to those in FD. This study provides theoretical support for the breeding and quality improvement of Hangzhou white tea, as well as the development of flowery and fruity flavoured white tea products. Full article

This study investigates the transformation of Acmella oleracea with the Agrobacterium rhizogenes rolC gene and evaluates its impact on phytochemical composition and biological activity. A total of 480 plant nodes were subjected to Agrobacterium−mediated transformation, leading to the regeneration of 35 putative transgenic plants. Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of the rolC transgene in 17 clones, of which four (C123, C127, C129, and C132) exhibited rolC mRNA expression. Phytochemical profiling of hydroalcoholic extracts of aerial parts (AP) and roots (R) revealed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between transgenic and non-transgenic plants (CTR). Compared to non−transgenic plants, transgenic AP exhibited lower total phenolic content but retained or increased flavonoid concentrations, particularly flavan−3−ols, whereas R extracts consistently showed reduced secondary metabolite levels. LC−DAD−ESI−MS analysis identified a diverse metabolite profile, with AP being notably rich in flavonoids (48.65%) and alkylamides (32.43%), including spilanthol. Functional assessments across antioxidant and anti−inflammatory assays demonstrated that R extracts exhibited stronger bioactivity compared to AP extracts, as indicated by lower IC₅₀ values (0.004–2.18 mg/mL for R vs. 0.007–7.24 mg/mL for AP). However, iron−chelating capacity was higher in AP extracts, correlating with flavonoid concentration. Hierarchical clustering confirmed that transgenic lines C123 and C127 most closely resembled the control, while C129 and C132 displayed distinct metabolic profiles. These findings highlight rolC’s role in modulating secondary metabolite synthesis, influencing both the phytochemical composition and functional properties of A. oleracea extracts. Full article

To contribute to the search for effective substances in pest control, this study describes the fumigant and contact toxicity against Tribolium castaneum and Sitophilus zeamais of four essential oils (EOs) and some of their major chemical constituents. The EOs from Tagetes zypaquirensis, Anethum graveolens, Satureja viminea and Minthostachys mollis were obtained by steam distillation and chemically characterized using GC–MS. In the development of research, some monoterpenoids were isolated from the EOs, others were purchased commercially, and some were synthesized from the most active monoterpenoids present in EOs. The main components in the EOs were dill ether (28.56%), α-phellandrene (25.78%) and carvone (23.67%) for A. graveolens, piperitone oxide (30.40%) and pulegone (25.91%) in M. mollis, pulegone (37.40%) and p-menth-3-en-8-ol (11.83%) for S. viminea, and dihydrotagetone (32.13%), myrcene epoxide (19.64%) and β-myrcene (5.30%) for T. zypaquirensis. The results highlight the fumigant action (LC₅₀) and contact toxicity (LD₅₀) of EO from M. mollis against T. castaneum (LC₅₀ of 4.8 µL/L air and LD₅₀ of 6.5 µg/insect) and S. zeamais (LC₅₀ of 7.0 µL/L air and LD₅₀ of 5.81 µg/insect). Among the chemical constituents evaluated, R-carvone 2, piperitone oxide 5 and R-pulegone 6 stand out for their insecticidal potential against S. zeamais (LC₅₀ between 3.0 and 42.4 µL/L, while LD₅₀ between 14.9 and 24.6 µg/insect) and T. castaneum (LC₅₀ between 2.2 and 4.8 µL/L, while LD₅₀ between 4.8 and 13.1 µg/insect). Preliminary structure–activity analysis suggests that the presence of the carbonyl group with conjugated double bonds in cyclic monoterpenes is important for the insecticidal potential exhibited. Full article

Background: Inflammation is a natural body’s defense mechanism against harmful stimuli such as pathogens, chemicals, or irradiation. But when the inflammatory response becomes permanent, it can lead to serious health problems. In the present study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of the Eriosema montanum methanolic extract (EMME), as well as its isolated fractions (FA-FJ) and compounds (1–7), were evaluated by using in vitro and cellular models. Methods: The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using, respectively, Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, while 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhy-drazyl (DPPH), and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were used to determine the antioxidant activity. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and column chromatography (CC) were used to isolate and purify the compounds and their elucidation using their NMR spectroscopic data. Results: EMME had moderate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, while fraction FF showed much higher efficacy with IC₅₀ values of 34.64, 30.60, 16.43, and 77.29 μg/mL against DPPH, ABTS, NO, and 15-LOX inhibitory activities, respectively. The EMME fraction was found to be very rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds, with 82.11 mgQE/g and 86.77 mgGAE/g of dry extract, respectively. Its LC-MS profiling allowed us to identify genistin (5) as the most concentrated constituent in this plant species, which was further isolated together with six other known compounds, namely, n-hexadecane (1), heptacosanoic acid (2), tricosan-1-ol (3), lupinalbin A (4), d-pinitol (6), and stigmasterol glucoside (7). Given these compounds, genistin (5) showed moderate activity against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells compared to EMME, which suggested a synergy of (5) with other compounds. To the best of our knowledge, compounds (1), (2), and (3) were isolated for the first time from this plant species. Full article

The current work represents a comparative study of the phenolic profiles of three under-explored Onosma (Boraginaceae) species from Greece—Onosma leptantha (OL), Onosma erecta (OE), and Onosma graeca (OG). Although Onosma spp. have ethnopharmacological significance, previous phytochemical studies have focused primarily on roots. Methanolic extracts of the aerial parts were analyzed using qualitative LC-MS enhanced by molecular networking-based dereplication, annotating 94 phenolics categorized into hydroxybenzoic acids (7), hydroxycinnamic acids (24), lignans (14), neolignans (14), stilbenes (4), coumarins (5), and flavonoids (26). OG exhibited the broadest distribution of flavonoid glycosides. OL contained the greatest number of hydroxycinnamic and neolignan derivatives, and OE was notably abundant in lignans. Total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents were quantified, and the antioxidant capacity and enzyme inhibition against cholinesterases, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase were assessed. OL showed a high TPC (69.03 mg GAE/g extract) and strong antioxidant activity, while OG exhibited a high TFC (45.80 mg RE/g extract). All extracts demonstrated stronger AChE inhibition than BChE, with OG showing the highest AChE inhibition (2.35 mg GALAE/g). Additionally, OL was the most active against both α-glucosidase (5.69 mmol ACAE/g) and α-amylase (0.48 mmol ACAE/g). This study improved our understanding of the chemical diversity within these species, providing a more comprehensive insight into their longstanding ethnopharmacological potential. Full article

Selenium is an essential trace element for the human body. However, its intake is usually low. Therefore, the production and utilization of selenium-enriched food are currently a research hotspot. Despite the remarkable scientific interest in this topic, only a few of the numerous studies focus on commercially available products. This study examined the nutritional quality, physical and chemical properties, cooking characteristics, and eating quality of four commercially available hot-selling rice types, both selenium-enriched and non-selenium-enriched, and discovered that selenium-enriched rice outperforms ordinary rice in terms of both nutritional quality and taste. In addition, we employed the gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) technique to evaluate the volatile chemicals of rice. Some of the chemicals that made selenium-rich rice taste different from regular rice were pentanal, (E)-2-Hexen-1-ol, ethyl-3-methyl butanoate, 2-furan methanol acetate, ethyl heptanoate, ethyl hexanoate, methyl hexanoate, isopentyl pentanoate, and ethyl butyrate. We looked into the metabolite profiles of rice using LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics to obtain a better idea of the different metabolites that are found in selenium-enriched rice compared to regular rice. We identified a total of 522 metabolites and screened 182, 227, and 100 differential metabolites in selenium-enriched (A) vs. non-selenium-enriched rice (B/C/D) groups, respectively. This study revealed that selenium primarily influenced the metabolism of D-amino acids, starch, sucrose, and linoleic acid in rice. This study systematically analyzed the quality differences between selenium-enriched and non-selenium-enriched rice available on the market. For consumers, it is essential to understand the quality of selenium-rich rice on the market to guide the purchase of rice. Full article

Background: Cross-reactivity between nonspecific lipid transfer proteins could cause anaphylaxis, further influencing food avoidance and nutrient deficiencies. The one affecting olive pollen (Ole e 7) and peach (Pru p 3) may underlie a variety of pollen-food syndromes, though a deep molecular analysis is necessary. Methods: Three Ole e 7-monosensitised patients (MON_OLE), three Pru p 3-monosensitised patients (MON_PRU) and three bisensitised patients (BI) were selected. For epitope mapping, both digested proteins were incubated with patient sera, and the captured IgE-bound peptides were characterised by LC-MS. Results: The analysis revealed two Ole e 7 epitopes and the three Pru p 3 epitopes previously described. Interestingly, the “KSALALVGNKV” Ole e 7 peptide was recognised by MON_OLE, BI and MON_PRU patients. Conversely, all patients recognised the “ISASTNCATVK” Pru p 3 peptide. Although complete sequence alignment between both proteins revealed 32.6% identity, local alignment considering seven residue fragments showed 50 and 57% identity when comparing “ISASTNCATVK” with Ole e 7 and “KSALALVGNKV” with Pru p 3. Conclusions: This study mapped sIgE-Ole e 7-binding epitopes, paving the way for more precise diagnostic tools. Assuming non-significant sequence similarity, structural homology and shared key residues may underlie the potential cross-reactivity between Ole e 7 and Pru p 3 nsLTPs. Full article

Skin aging is an inevitable and intricate process instigated, among others, by oxidative stress. The search for natural sources that inhibit this mechanism is a promising approach to preventing skin aging. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the composition of phenolic compounds in the micellar extract of Phaseolus vulgaris sprouts. The results of a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of thirty-two constituents, including phenolic acids, flavanols, flavan-3-ols, flavanones, isoflavones, and other compounds. Subsequently, the extract was assessed for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, anti-tyrosinase, and cytotoxic properties, as well as for the evaluation of collagen synthesis. It was demonstrated that micellar extract from common bean sprouts has strong anti-aging properties. The performed WST-8 (a water-soluble tetrazolium salt) assay revealed that selected concentrations of extract significantly increased proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts compared to the control cells in a dose-dependent manner. A similar tendency was observed with respect to collagen synthesis. Our results suggest that micellar extract from Phaseolus vulgaris sprouts can be considered a promising anti-aging compound for applications in cosmetic formulations. Full article

The present study focused on evaluating the biochemical profiles of four apricot cultivars (cv.) (Prunus armeniaca L.) grown in Latvia and demonstrating their processing to obtain the food product, dried candied fruit (DCF). The fingerprinting of apricot fruit approached by LC-MS and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy revealed the abundance of bioactives responsible for the antioxidant activity. The outstanding composition of group compounds, i.e., phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C, was observed in the cv. ‘Dimaija’, followed by cv. ‘Gundega’ and cv. ‘Velta’. The lowest values were found in the cv. ‘Boriss’ and fruit from a market of Greek origin. However, the latter two contained the highest carotenoid levels due to a more pronounced maturity. Amongst the 13 individual phenolics detected, rutin, chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids, catechin, and epicatechin prevailed. The concentrations observed were the highest in cv. ‘Dimaija’, followed by cv. ‘Velta’ and cv. ‘Gundega’. Osmotic dehydration and convective drying of apricot fruit variedly influenced the content of bioactives in DCF products. The most substantial decrease due to thermal lability was observed in the vitamin C content in DCF, accounting for a 95.3% loss for all cultivars. The content of total phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids in DCF, on average, was 62.7%, 49.6%, and 87.6% lower than that observed in the raw fruit, respectively. On average, the content of individual phenolics in DCF, such as rutin and chlorogenic acid, decreased by 63.8% and 20.8%, respectively. The decline in the content of bioactives was conditioned by the physical migration of the cell components to the hypertonic solution. However, the increase in the content of cell wall-bound phytochemicals, such as catechin and epicatechin, after osmotic dehydration and convective drying, was observed in DCF, corresponding to a 59.5% and 255.64% increase compared with the raw fruit, respectively. Panelists generally responded positively to the developed DCF; however, greater preference was given to products with a lower phenolic content, such as cv. ‘Boriss’ and those produced from the market fruit. It is believed that the high flavan-3-ols content, along with chlorogenic acid, contributed to the bitter taste of DCF. Overall, apricot fruits represent the abundance of bioactives retained in DCF after osmotic dehydration and convective drying. The findings observed in the current study allow to consider DCF as a functional food; however, given the high sugar content, their consumption should be in moderation. Full article

In order to characterize red wine polymers with regard to their binding properties to aroma compounds (odorants), a qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical degradation products after different chemical treatments (thiolytic, acidic, and alkaline depolymerization) of high -molecular-weight (HMW) fractions of red wine was performed. Using ¹H NMR, LC-ToF-MS, LC-MS/MS, and HPIC revealed key structural features such as carbohydrates, organic acids, phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, anthocyanidins, amino acids, and flavan-3-ols responsible for odorant-polymer interactions. Further, NMR-based interaction studies of the selected aroma compounds 3-methylbutanol, cis-whisky lactone, 3-methylbutanoic acid, and 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine with HMW polymers after chemical treatment demonstrated a reduced interaction affinity of the polymer compared to the native HMW fractions, and further, the importance of aromatic compounds such as flavan-3-ols for the formation of odorant polymer interactions. In addition, these observations could be verified by human sensory experiments. For the first time, the combination of a compositional analysis of red wine polymers and NMR-based interaction studies with chemically treated HMW fractions enabled the direct analysis of the correlation of the polymer’s structure and its interaction affinity with key odorants in red wine. Full article

The present work is the first report on the ingredients of the P. × commixta hybrid, a plant of the genus Phlomis. So far, thirty substances have been isolated by various chromatographic techniques and identified by spectroscopic methods, such as UV/Vis, NMR, GC-MS and LC-MS. The compounds are classified as flavonoids: naringenin, eriodyctiol, eriodyctiol-7-O-β-D-glucoside, luteolin, luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, apigenin, apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, diosmetin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, quercetin, hesperetin and quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside; phenylpropanoids: martynoside, verbascoside, forsythoside B, echinacoside and allysonoside; chromene: 5,7-dihydroxychromone; phenolic acids: caffeic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid methyl ester, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid and vanillic acid; aliphatic hydrocarbon: docos-1-ene; steroids: brassicasterol and stigmasterol; a glucoside of allylic alcohol, 3-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-oct-1-ene-3-ol, was fully characterized as a natural product for the first time. Two tyrosol esters were also isolated: tyrosol lignocerate and tyrosol methyl ether palmitate, the latter one being isolated as a natural product for the first time. Moreover, the biological activities of the extracts from the different polarities of the roots, leaves and flowers were estimated for their cytotoxic potency. All root extracts tested showed a high cytotoxic activity against the Hep2c and RD cell lines. Full article

Monarda didyma L. (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal and aromatic herb native to eastern North America and now is also cultivated in Northern Italy, which shows terminal heads of bright scarlet-red flowers, subtended by a whorl of red-tinged leafy bracts. Starting from 2018, M. didyma flowering tops have been included in the Belfrit List of botanicals. However, to date studies on the crude extract of this plant are still lacking. The aim of the present study was to investigate the morphological and anatomical features of the flowering tops and the phytochemical profile of their ethanolic and hydroglyceric extracts (EE and HGE, respectively). HGE was the richest in total phenols (105.75 ± 5.91 vs. 64.22 ± 3.45 mg/100 mL) and especially in flavonoids (71.60 ± 5.09 vs. 47.70 ± 1.27 mg/100 mL), as confirmed also by LC-DAD-ESI-MS. Fifty-three polyphenols were identified and quantified. Even if they showed a common polyphenolic profile, EE and HGE showed quantitative differences. Flavan-3-ols and anthocyanins were the most expressed metabolites in HGE, whereas flavonols were the most expressed metabolites in EE. These features confer to HGE the highest antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic properties, detected by several in vitro and in vivo assays, highlighting a promising use of this plant extract for skincare applications. Full article

Salix babylonica L. is a species of willow tree that is widely cultivated worldwide as an ornamental plant, but its medicinal resources have not yet been reasonably developed or utilized. Herein, we extracted and purified the total flavonoids from willow buds (PTFW) for component analysis in order to evaluate their in vitro anti-tumor and hypoglycemic activities. Through Q-Orbitrap LC-MS/MS analysis, a total of 10 flavonoid compounds were identified (including flavones, flavan-3-ols, and flavonols). The inhibitory effects of PTFW on the proliferation of cervical cancer HeLa cells, colon cancer HT-29 cells, and breast cancer MCF7 cells were evaluated using an MTT assay. Moreover, the hypoglycemic activity of PTFW was determined by investigating the inhibitory effects of PTFW on α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The results indicated that PTFW significantly suppressed the proliferation of HeLa cells, HT-29 cells, and MCF7 cells, with IC50 values of 1.432, 0.3476, and 2.297 mg/mL, respectively. PTFW, at different concentrations, had certain inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, with IC50 values of 2.94 mg/mL and 1.87 mg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, PTFW at different doses exhibits anti-proliferation effects on all three types of cancer cells, particularly on HT-29 cells, and also shows significant hypoglycemic effects. Willow buds have the potential to be used in functional food and pharmaceutical industries. Full article