Search Results (2,690)

Significant depletion of natural resources, coupled with increased environmental pollution resulting from the constant evolution of global industrialization, poses a considerable problem. Therefore, it is unsurprising that sustainable “green” chemistry and technology are gathering the worldwide scientific community, whose common goal is to find applicable solutions for the abovementioned problems. This paper combined the ultrasonic extraction method (a form of “green” technology) with natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs, a type of “green” solvent) for the production of extracts from an industrial by-product (discarded waste wild apple dust). Waste wild apple dust was pretreated with different NADESs in order to explore the pretreatment benefits regarding ultrasonic extraction of bioactive compounds. Among all solvents used, aqueous propylene glycol was chosen as the best system, which, combined with Reline NADES pretreatment, provided the highest TPC and TFC values, together with the best antioxidant activities. UHPLC-DAD-MS analyses of extracts revealed the presence of natural organic acids, quercetin and kaempferol derivatives, tannins, and flavones. Following this procedure, valorization of agro-industrial apple herbal waste resulted in obtaining extracts with high potential for utilization in different industrial branches (food and pharmaceutical industries), contributing to both cleaner production and reduced environmental impact. Full article

Vitis vinifera L. cultivar, “Assyrtiko”, is a famous grape variety native to Santorini island. Its wine production residues are rich in bioactive polyphenols, making them valuable for extraction and use in cosmetics. The aim of this work was the development and optimization of an extraction process from “Assyrtiko” Wine Production Residue (AWPR), using a Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NaDES) as the extraction medium. Four NaDESs were synthesized and screened for the extraction, and the extracts were evaluated for Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC). The NaDES comprising betaine and 1,3-propanediol was chosen for further analysis because of its effectiveness as an extraction solvent. The extraction process was optimized using a Box–Behnken experimental design. The NaDES %w/w content in the NaDES/water system was found to play the most statistically significant role in the quality of the extracts, assessed via TPC and TFC values. The quality of the extract obtained from the optimal conditions was practically stable with respect to TPC and TFC after long storage, suggesting that NaDESs have a potential “protective” effect for the extracted phytochemicals and give energy-efficient character to the process. This extract was also directly incorporated into a moisturizing cosmetic formulation, which remained homogeneous and stable after testing, demonstrating the extract’s potential for cosmetic applications. Full article

This multidisciplinary comparative study investigates consumption patterns, health-related properties, and quality attributes of trademarked and local extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) samples. It highlights the importance of localization in promoting agricultural sustainability, strengthening regional economies, and enhancing socio-economic impacts within EVOO production and consumption systems. In terms of quality characteristics, significant differences were observed in color parameters (L*, a*, b*, Chroma, Hue angle) among EVOO samples (p < 0.05). Regarding nutritional and functional properties, total phenolic content (TPC) measured with the Folin–Ciocalteu method ranged from 58.15 to 176.29 mg of gallic acid equivalents/kg of oil, while total antioxidant capacity (TAC) measured by CUPRAC and DPPH assays varied between 3.42 and 6.54 and 8.56–10.71 µmol of Trolox equivalents/g of oil, respectively. TPC and TAC were also evaluated for their stability during in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion, demonstrating that EVOO’s bioactive potential remains stable under gastric and intestinal conditions. Local samples exhibited significantly higher TACs than trademarked products across undigested, gastric, and intestinal phases (p < 0.05). Concurrently, a face-to-face consumer survey assessed purchasing behaviors and preferences, revealing that 71.3% of consumers preferred local EVOO and showed a low tendency to purchase commercial brands (p < 0.05). Cooperatives were identified as the main distribution channel, playing a crucial role in sustaining local production systems. This study offers valuable insights into EVOO’s bioactive content and consumer behavior, providing a foundation for developing both localized and commercial products that support health outcomes. Additionally, the findings contribute to policy development concerning sustainable food systems and geographical indications. Full article

Tolprocarb (TPC), a fungicide primarily used for controlling rice blast, was recently shown to stimulate disease resistance in rice. To elucidate the molecular basis of this immunostimulatory effect, we conducted transcriptomic, metabolic, and field-based analyses focusing on diterpenoid phytoalexins, key antimicrobial and allelopathic compounds in rice. Microarray analysis revealed that TPC treatment induced a broad transcriptional activation of genes involved in phytoalexin biosynthesis, including DPF, a master regulator of diterpenoid metabolism. Consistent with this, LC-MS/MS analyses confirmed the accumulation of momilactones A and B, as well as phytocassanes B, C, and E, in rice leaves after TPC application, a response not observed with conventional resistance inducers such as probenazole or carpropamid. In root tissues under controlled conditions, phytoalexin accumulation was limited, and exudation into the rhizosphere was minimal. However, field experiments showed that TPC treatment led to a transient increase in leaf momilactones around 14 days post-transplanting, followed by increased exudation into the rhizosphere at 21 days. Notably, this increase in root exudation coincided with a reduction in total weed biomass, although weed species composition remained unchanged. These findings suggest that TPC not only enhances rice immunity through phytoalexin induction but may also contribute to weed suppression via allelopathic root exudates in field settings. Our study highlights a dual role for TPC in rice cultivation, boosting disease resistance and suppressing weed growth, and underscores the potential of phytoalexin-focused strategies for integrated crop protection. Full article

This study presents an integrated valorization strategy for oat husks through microwave-assisted pretreatment using a deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of choline chloride and glycerol (1:2). The process was designed to enhance the release of fermentable sugars, enable xylooligosaccharide (XOS) production, and support inulinase production by Aspergillus niger A42 via submerged fermentation of the hydrolysate and solid-state fermentation of the residual biomass. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to evaluate the effects of microwave power, treatment time, and liquid-to-solid ratio (LSR) on fermentable sugar content (FSC) and total phenolic compounds (TPCs). Following pretreatment, the biomass was hydrolyzed using 1.99% sulfuric acid for 1 min. Optimal pretreatment conditions (350 W, 30 s, LSR 4 w/w) yielded an FSC of 51.14 g/L. Additionally, 230.78 mg/L xylohexaose and 6.47 mg/L xylotetraose were detected. Submerged fermentation of the liquid fraction with A. niger A42 resulted in inulinase and invertase activities of 60.45 U/mL and 21.83 U/mL, respectively. Solid-state fermentation of the pretreated solids produced 37.03 U/mL inulinase and 17.64 U/mL invertase. The integration of microwave-assisted DES pretreatment, dilute acid hydrolysis, and fungal fermentation established a robust strategy for the sequential production of XOS, fermentable sugars, and inulinase from oat husks, supporting their comprehensive utilization within a sustainable biorefinery framework. Full article

Biscutella laevigata (Brassicaceae) is an endemic species confined to European mountain regions, with a distribution range extending from the Iberian Peninsula through the Carpathians to the Balkans. The objective of this study was to investigate the phytochemical composition and biological properties of extracts obtained from leaves, seeds, and in vitro-derived microshoot cultures. UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS profiling of glucosinolates (GSLs) revealed six compounds exclusively present in seed extracts, with glucohirsutin identified as the predominant constituent (15.06 mg/100 g DW). No glucosinolates were detected in either leaf or microshoot extracts. Notably, 8-(methylsulfonyl)octyl GSL was reported in B. laevigata for the first time. The seed extract exhibited the highest total polyphenol content (TPC, 25,701.00 mg GAE/100 g DW), while leaf and microshoot extracts contained similar amounts (16,244.00 and 16,552.00 mg GAE/100 g DW, respectively). Among phenolic compounds, rutin was the most abundant, reaching up to 1609.21 mg/100 g DW in leaf extracts. Antioxidant capacity, assessed by ABTS and DPPH assays, was strongest in the seed extract (90.56% and 69.24% inhibition, respectively). The same extract demonstrated the greatest anti-elastase activity (12.68%), whereas the microshoot extract displayed a considerable Fe²⁺-chelating ability (12.48%). All tested extracts showed antimicrobial potential against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Cutibacterium acnes, and the fungus Candida albicans. Full article

Enriching bread with functional ingredients is a promising strategy to enhance the nutritional and bioactive profile of widely consumed foods. This study evaluated partial substitution of wheat flour (WF) with chestnut flour (CF) and rosehip powder (RP) on bread nutritional quality, functionality, and rheology. Five bread formulations were developed by replacing WF with CF at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Four other formulations were prepared by replacing WF in the 15% CF sample with RP at 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3%. Proximate composition, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP), and key physical characteristics were assessed, alongside the retention rates of functional attributes after baking. Rheological behavior of composite flours was analyzed using the MIXOLAB system to evaluate dough performance. Results showed that moderate WF substitution with CF (5–15%) increased dietary fiber and antioxidant activity while maintaining acceptable dough rheology and bread quality. At 20% CF substitution, TPC, TFC, FRAP, and DPPH increased 1.62-, 1.63-, 2.93-, and 3.03-fold versus control, with 59–66% retention. Addition of RP up to 3% to the 15% CF-substituted sample further enhanced bioactive properties, with TPC, TFC, FRAP, and DPPH reaching 2.13-, 2.03-, 4.49-, and 3.99-fold vs. BCF15, while retaining 61–67% of their functionality. Further inclusion of RP up to 2% in the 15% CF formulation maintains acceptable dough and bread performance, while 3% RP maximizes phytochemical enrichment but slightly affects technological properties. The combination of 15% CF and 2% RP provided a balanced enhancement in bioactive content and technological performance, offering a practical approach for producing functional bread with improved nutritional and technological attributes. Full article

This work studies the underexplored potential of Ilex guayusa and demonstrates the influence of geographical (locations: A, B, C) and ontogenetic (young: 0; old: 2) factors on its biochemical profile. The total phenolic content (TPC) was consistently higher than the total flavonoid content (TFC) in all samples, with the highest values for site B: B2 for TPC (77.91 μg GAE/mg extract) and B0 for TFC (6.77 μg QE/mg extract). GC–MS identified 29 metabolites, and clustering analysis grouped samples B and C as rich in phenols and flavonoids, while site A was richer in alcohols, aldehydes, and hydrocarbons. Antioxidant potential was demonstrated, with B2 being the most active in ABTS (TEAC value of 0.3885 (mg/g dw)), whereas A2 and C2 showed the strongest activity in DPPH (0.0968 and 0.1850 (mg/g dw), respectively). No sample exhibited hemolysis and α-amylase inhibition; however, α-glucosidase inhibition was observed with the best activity for B0 (IC₅₀ = 68.05 µg/mL). Molecular docking, ADME, and correlation analyses indicated that B0 had the highest TFC, DPPH, and α-glucosidase inhibition values, while B2 showed the highest TPC and ABTS activity. Overall, the promising antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity combined with low toxicity highlights and expands the therapeutic and applicative potential of the species. Full article

This present study aimed to investigate the recovery of polyphenols from red onion peel (OPP) and pomace of Merlot (MWP) and Syrah (SWP) grape varieties, using a common biphasic solvent (70/30 ethanol/water) and a new biphasic and eco-friendly solvent that has been developed in our laboratory (ethanol of grape origin). Moreover, overnight and ultrasonic-assisted extractions were carried out to investigate whether the extraction method could affect the obtained results. Results showed that 70% ethanol achieved a significantly (p < 0.05) higher yield in total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), while the extracts with ethanol of grape origin exhibited considerably higher antioxidant activity as evidenced by the DPPH and complementary by FRAP assays. The overnight and ultrasonic-assisted extraction played a significant (p < 0.05) role in achieving better extraction of bioactive components such as phenolic compounds. Color parameters were also determined, showing that the presence of yellow, blue and red color tones depend on the extraction method and solvent, due to the different compositional characteristics of pigments, mainly anthocyanins. In addition, physicochemical parameters such as pH and total soluble solids (TSSs) of the extracts were also measured. Finally, the composition of ethanol of grape origin was characterized by means of Ultraviolet–Visible (UV-Vis) and Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, which confirmed the presence of ethanol and acetic acid. This study brings new results regarding the prospect of using new solvents for the recovery of bioactive compounds from agricultural by-products, and the development direction of scientific research or industrial production, based on ultrasonic-assisted and overnight extraction methods. Full article

Macroalgae-derived polyphenols have been considered as a potential source of food supplements that can enhance the nutritional value and extend the shelf life of foods. However, thermal treatment during food processing as well as storage might induce the degradation of some bioactive compounds in the extract. In the present study, the stability of the extract from the edible brown algae Ascophyllum nodosum was evaluated under thermal treatment (40–90 °C). Significant differences in TPC, RSC, and antioxidant activity were found during all treatments. The total phenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH scavenging activity) decreased up to 5% and 10%, respectively, after 6 h of thermal treatment, while the reducing sugar content (RSC) increased from 8 to 35% as the temperature increased from 40 to 90 °C. The stability of the extract during storage with or without exposure to air was evaluated at room temperature (25 °C) and low temperature (4 °C) for 108 h, and the influence of the solvent used to contain the extract has been investigated by studying both concentrated and non-concentrated extracts. It was found that the extract stored at 4 °C without exposure to air had a negligible TPC change, while RSC increased in the extract exposed to air, suggesting that oxygen in the air might accelerate polysaccharide degradation during storage. Antioxidant activity of extracts remained constant at both 4 and 25 °C, regardless of exposure to air. Full article

Medicinal and Aromatic Plant (MAP) by-products constitute a vast reservoir of bioactive metabolites with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, offering potential for the development of high added value natural products. This study focuses on the by-product (tepals) remaining during the process of receiving the stigma of Crocus sativus L. Iridaceae (saffron), which is the commercially exploitable part of the flowers. The tepals are the main part of the flowers (>95%) and are still discarded in the fields during the collection of the stigmas in Kozani, Greece. According to numerous findings, the saffron tepals are rich in flavonoids with notable biological properties, and our aim was to investigate an alternative for their management. Within this context, dry and frozen tepals were extracted at a laboratory scale through microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), followed by adsorption resin technology (ART) for the preparation of enriched extracts. Furthermore, their HPTLC profiling, the phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content, and the free-radical-scavenging (DPPH) and anti-tyrosinase activity were evaluated. The frozen tepals were further extracted at a pilot scale using MAE and maceration (Mc) techniques, followed by ART treatment to remove the contained sugars. The enriched extract produced at a pilot scale using MAE and ART sequentially is characterized by a high phenolic (147.2 mg GAE/g dry extract) and flavonoid (114.8 mg QUE/g dry extract) load. These findings demonstrate that saffron tepals, traditionally considered waste, can serve as a valuable raw material for producing extracts rich in phenolic derivatives, particularly flavonoids and anthocyanins. Full article

The bark of Dillenia indica L. is a rich source of phenolic and triterpenoid compounds, including betulinic acid (BA), known for their antioxidant and anti-aging properties. This study investigated the antioxidant potential of a BA-enriched extract through a multidisciplinary approach combining computational, experimental, and cell-based evaluations. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that BA binds stably to Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), suggesting activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Extraction conditions were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) modeling, yielding the maximum total phenolic content (TPC; 85.33 ± 2.26 mg gallic acid equivalents/g) and total flavonoid content (TFC; 75.60 ± 1.66 mg catechin equivalents/g), with ANN demonstrating superior predictive performance compared to RSM. Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) confirmed the presence of BA in the optimized extract. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion revealed reductions in TPC, TFC, and radical scavenging activity during the gastric phase. In ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells, the optimized extract significantly reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulated the KEAP1-Nrf2-heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway, confirming its antioxidant mechanism. These findings highlight the extract’s stability, bioactivity, and mechanistic efficacy, supporting its application as a nutraceutical ingredient for combating oxidative stress and skin aging. Full article

Plum vinegar represents a functional food product valued for its potential health benefits, largely attributed to its polyphenolic content. This study investigates the quality parameters of vinegars produced from five Romanian plum varieties (Centenar, Agent, Andreea, Anna Spath and Romanian Vanata), focusing on their physicochemical and phenolic profiles. Analyses included pH, total acidity, colorimetric evaluation, total polyphenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and ATR-FTIR and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. The vinegars exhibited pH values ranging from 3.2 to 3.7 and TPC values between 250 and 350 mg GAE/L during fermentation, with higher concentrations (up to 400 mg GAE/L) recorded post-aging. These findings support the potential of Romanian plum varieties as valuable raw materials for producing high-quality, polyphenol-rich fruit vinegars. Full article

Kombucha is a fermented beverage usually commercialized in liquid form. This study developed a powdered kombucha, flavored with grape (GKP) and mango (MKP) peel extracts—derived from fruit processing by-products—through spray drying with 20% (w/v) maltodextrin as a carrier. The spray drying conditions were set to 160 °C inlet temperature and 0.5 L/h feed flow, yielding a maximum powder recovery of 34% for GKP. All powders presented moisture contents below 5%, with values of 4.2% for KP and GKP and 4.02% for MKP, ensuring microbiological safety and long-term stability. Water activity (aw) was also significantly lower in MKP (0.283) compared to KP and GKP (both 0.317). After spray drying, GKP retained up to 93% of TPC, while MKP retained 87%, and KP 82%. Morphological analysis by Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) showed that flavored powders, especially GKP, presented spherical particles with fewer surface defects. Powder flow test showed that MKP presented the best flowability (flow index I_f = 2.55) compared to GKP (I_f = 1.71) and KP (I_f = 1.64 ± 0.02). The results demonstrate that incorporating fruit residues into kombucha and applying spray drying improves the functional and technological properties of this product, with potential applications in functional food formulations and dietary supplements. Full article

Infusions of the leaves of Ribes magellanicum (Grossulariaceae) are used as a digestive in southernmost South America. This work aimed to assess the composition and activity of infusions and MeOH:H₂O 7:3 extracts of R. magellanicum leaves on enzymes related to metabolic syndrome (α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and pancreatic lipase), as well as their antioxidant capacity. Samples from a longitudinal gradient from central southern Chile to the islands in the Beagle Channel were investigated. Lyophilized infusions and extracts were used for all determinations, including inhibition of the selected enzymes, total phenolic (TP), total flavonoid (TF), total procyanidins (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP, TEAC, and ORAC). The composition of the samples was assessed by HPLC-DAD. Some 99 compounds were tentatively identified by HPLC-MSⁿ. The main phenolics were quantified using calibration curves with reference compounds. Relevant differences exist in the ratio of constituents in infusions compared to hydroalcoholic extracts. The samples were inactive towards α-amylase and pancreatic lipase at 100 and 50 µg/mL, respectively. Assay-guided isolation of α-glucosidase inhibitors led to fractions with high activity (IC₅₀: 0.02–0.05 µg/mL). The strong inhibition of α-glucosidase and antioxidant capacity of the infusion and extracts of R. magellanicum leaves support its traditional use in southern Patagonia. Full article