Search Results (249)

This study investigated the use of Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) as a cost-effective analytical approach for screening the bioactivity of green algal extracts. Samples of five Caulerpa species—C. ashmeadii, C. paspaloides, C. cupressoides, C. verticillata, and C. prolifera—were collected from Dzilam, Yucatán, Mexico, across seven seasonal campaigns. Sequential extraction was performed using solvents of increasing polarity: hexane, dichloromethane, acetone, and methanol. After solvent evaporation, extracts were analyzed via ATR-FTIR, and Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) were quantified. Statistical analysis (PERMANOVA) revealed that the type of solvent accounted for most of the variance (61.6%), while species and collection date contributed minimally. Infrared (IR) band assignments highlighted functional groups associated with lipids, such as terpenes, and carbohydrates. K-means clustering enabled the subdivision of less polar extracts, notably grouping numerous samples from C. verticillata. Classification models comparing full-spectrum and IR band datasets showed that Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) with full-spectrum data achieved the best performance. TPC showed a positive correlation with absorption at 1730.8 cm⁻¹, which is associated with ester-containing metabolites. Although ATR-FTIR effectively distinguished extraction solvents, it was less sensitive to subtle biological variation among Caulerpa. However, the method remains a practical tool for rapid screening, with spectral data supporting solvent-based classification. Reduction of salt content prior to extraction may minimize interference in both FTIR measurements and biological assays. Full article

Borage (Borago officinalis) is an herbaceous plant recognized for its bioactive properties and, particularly, for its culinary use in Mediterranean countries. In gastronomy, the petioles are generally consumed, while a substantial proportion of leaves and other tissues are discarded. These borage by-products (BBPs) constitute a valuable source of phenolic compounds with potential biological activities, including antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Accordingly, this study evaluated both conventional solid–liquid extractions and an advanced technology, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), to obtain bioactive BBP fractions. Different hydroethanolic mixtures were initially assessed. Although extractions using 25% ethanol did not yield the highest total phenolic content (TPC), they produced extracts with the strongest antioxidant capacity, as reflected by the highest Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) values against DPPH^● and ABTS^●+ (24 and 117 µmol/g). Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to establish the most suitable extraction time and temperature (78 min, 70 °C) to maximize extraction yield, TPC, and radical-scavenging activity. In contrast, UAE enabled the use of milder conditions (45 min, 25 °C) while still achieving comparable TPC and TEAC values (15%, 29 and 246 µmol/g). Phenolic characterization of selected extracts revealed the presence of nine compounds, with epigallocatechin and rosmarinic acid identified as the major constituents. These extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, whereas no inhibitory effect was observed against Listeria innocua. Overall, these results highlight the bioactive potential of BBP extracts and encourage further investigations into their functional properties, as well as sensory and consumer acceptance studies. Full article

Background: Muscle function determines overall health and is often impaired in metabolic syndrome and cancer, largely due to oxidative stress and inflammation. Olive mill wastewater (OMWW) is rich in bioactive polyphenols (e.g., hydroxytyrosol and verbascoside) that may hinder these potential pro-sarcopenic mechanisms, representing a potential nutraceutical to limit muscle health decline. Objective: To evaluate the effects of short-term supplementation with an OMWW-derived polyphenol extract (Oliphenolia^®, OMWW-OL) on muscle-related parameters and antioxidant biomarkers in adults at metabolic risk while maintaining dietary habits. Methods: This exploratory, hypothesis-driven secondary analysis was based on a single-arm longitudinal pilot study assessing patients at baseline (T0), after 30 days of supplementation (T1), and 30 days post-discontinuation (T2). Anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance, and biochemical assessments were performed. Results: Supplementation was associated with modest increases in skeletal muscle mass, muscle mass percentage, and wrist, arm, and calf circumferences. Fat mass decreased progressively, while total body water percentage and hydration status improved. Ferritin levels rose at T2, alongside increases in protein thiols (PSH) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), suggesting improved iron status and reduced oxidative stress. Body weight and BMI decreased, as expected in a dietary intervention for metabolic syndrome, while muscle health showed a tendency toward improvement. Conclusions: Although the findings require cautious interpretation, short-term OMWW-OL supplementation was associated with modest but consistent directional changes in muscle-related and metabolic indicators in adults at metabolic risk. The results support hypothesis generation and highlight the need for larger studies to further explore the potential role of OMWW-OL in the context of cancer-associated sarcopenia. Full article

Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are common causes of male infertility; antioxidants in spermatozoa and especially in seminal plasma play a protective role. The study aims to evaluate whether OS lipid mediators (F₂-isoprostanes: F₂-IsoPs; Resolvin D1: RvD1) measured in seminal plasma, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), measured in both seminal plasma and spermatozoa, are associated with male infertility. Semen samples (18 fertile and 62 infertile subjects) were examined following WHO guidelines and with a mathematically elaborated transmission electron microscopy analysis (fertility index-FI-, % sperm pathologies). F₂-Isops were measured by GC/NICI-MS/MS, RvD1 by ELISA, and TEAC by a commercially available antioxidant assay. F₂-Isops, RvD1, and sperm TEAC (positively interrelated with each other) correlated negatively with seminal parameters and FI and positively with sperm pathologies. F₂-Isops, RvD1, and sperm TEAC levels were significantly higher in infertile vs fertile subjects (p < 0.001). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that sperm TEAC (J index: 0.13 mM) and seminal RvD1 (J index: 38.26 pg/mL) discriminated between fertile and infertile subjects. Spermatozoa stimulate antioxidant capacity in the presence of an OS environment; this data suggests an association in which antioxidant defences may vary in relation to the surrounding seminal plasma. Moreover, sperm TEAC, and to a lesser extent seminal RvD1, emerge as potential markers for identifying infertile patients. Full article

Olive pomace (OP) has been widely reported as a rich source of phenolic compounds with potential application as food additives with health-promoting properties. The aim of this work was to evaluate pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) as a strategy to obtain antioxidant and antimicrobial extracts from OP. Extractions were carried out in laboratory-scale equipment following a combined static/dynamic procedure. The extraction temperature (100, 120 and 140 °C) and the composition of solvent (50, 75 and 100% ethanol in water) were studied as independent variables of the process using a Face Centered Central Composite Design (α = 1). According to the fitted quadratic model (p < 0.05), the maximum Total Phenol Content (TPC) and Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) values were obtained at 120 °C using ethanol concentrations between 60 and 80%. Chemical characterization by RP/HPLC-Q-TOF MS/MS allowed the tentative identification of 37 compounds, with quinic acid being the most abundant compound under all extraction conditions, followed by elenolic acid, dimethyl-hydroxy-verbascoside, maslinic acid, hydroxy-verbascoside and oleuropein aglycone. Other secoiridoids, secoridoid derivatives, flavonoids, simple phenols and triterpenic acids were also identified. The extract obtained at 120 °C with 75% ethanol was able to protect purified sunflower oil in an accelerated oxidative stability test (Rancimat), increasing its induction period by 2.4-fold when added at 1000 mg/kg. This extract also exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, B. cereus, S. enterica and S. sonnei with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 3.6 mg/mL. These results highlight the potential of PLE olive pomace extracts as natural preservatives for food applications. Full article

This study presents an integrated approach for producing antioxidant-rich polar fractions from Inula salicina L. via pressurised ethanol/water extraction (PLE-EtOH/H₂O), optimised by coupling a central composite design and response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) with Aspen Plus^® simulation. The effects of PLE temperature, extraction time, and EtOH/H₂O ratio for yield, total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) measured in ABTS^•+-scavenging, cupric ion reducing antioxidant (CUPRAC) and oxygen radical absorbance (ORAC) assays were assessed via a multi-response optimisation approach. Optimal conditions were set at 82 °C, 27 min, and 60% EtOH (v/v), yielding ~29 g extract per 100 g plant material, characterised by high TPC (227 mg GAE/g), TFC (34 mg QE/g), and TEAC values in the CUPRAC (1473 mg TE/g), ABTS (869 mg TE/g), and ORAC assays (1165 mg TE/g). The TPC and TEAC values of the post-extraction residue were >92% lower than those of unextracted I. salicina, confirming efficient recovery of the major portion of antioxidant-active constituents by PLE-EtOH/H₂O. The high in vitro radical scavenging capacity, reducing power, and photoprotective potential (sun protection factor ~50 at 0.5 mg/mL) of the I. salicina extract are consistent with its phenolic-rich composition, with chlorogenic acid (~97 mg/g extract) and its derivatives being the major constituents. The validated Aspen Plus^® model closely aligned with the CCD-RSM predictions, supporting process scale-up and energy feasibility and demonstrating an industry-relevant, green-solvent PLE process for producing higher value-added I. salicina fractions with potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic sectors. Full article

Wild-growing plant species are sustainable, cost-effective and underexploited sources for bioactive compounds with great nutraceutical potential. In this work, we analysed the fruits of several wild plant species: Sambucus nigra L., Rubia tinctorum L., Phytolacca americana L. and Sambucus ebulus L. Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry revealed diverse concentrations of phenolic acids, with the highest values observed for rutoside (22.183 µg mL⁻¹) and isoquercitrin (11.663 µg mL⁻¹) in S. nigra L., chlorogenic acid (7.422 µg mL⁻¹) in R. tinctorum L., caftaric acid (4.942 µg mL⁻¹) in P. americana L., and quercitrin (1.380 µg mL⁻¹) and 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid (1.196 µg mL⁻¹) in S. ebulus L. The spectrophotometric analysis showed that S. nigra L. had the highest concentration of total phenols (14.21 mg GAE g⁻¹ FW) and the highest flavonoid content (8.07 mg QE g⁻¹ FW). The lowest values were recorded for R. tinctorum L. (total phenols) and P. americana L. (flavonoids). The antioxidant activity was generally high, with the lowest value of 76.08% for S. nigra L. and over 90% for all other species, peaking at 93.25% for P. americana L. The Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) assay showed a similar pattern. S. ebulus L. and R. tinctorum L. exhibited the highest carbohydrate content and protein solubility, respectively. P. americana L. fruits had the highest ascorbic acid concentration, 0.136 mg g⁻¹ FW. These results highlight the remarkable nutraceutical potential of certain wild fruits, identifying them as rich and cost-effective sources of bioactive compounds, particularly antioxidants, with promising perspectives for future studies on their therapeutic potential. Full article

Processing rosehips generates substantial solid waste that retains valuable bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the effects of different treatments on the composition, phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant capacity of powders derived from rosehip waste. Rosehips were processed into purée by cold screw pressing or boiling, yielding raw and boiled processing waste fractions (RW and BW). These fractions were then dehydrated by hot-air drying or lyophilisation to obtain RWd, RWl, BWd, and BWl. Additionally, a previous cold screw pressing step was applied to the boiled processing waste, producing BWpd and BWpl. Cold screw pressing increased phenolic and flavonoid levels and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the resulting waste compared with traditional boiling. The lyophilised powder derived from raw processing waste exhibited the highest total phenolic content (TPC, 27.16 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid content (TFC, 20.35 mg QUE/g), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity by ABTS and DPPH (TEAC-ABTS, 89.13 µmol TE/g; TEAC-DPPH, 163.99 µmol TE/g), although at higher processing costs. As hot-air drying achieved comparable levels for TPC (20.01 mg GAE/g), TFC (19.53 mg QUE/g), TEAC-ABTS (58.01 µmol TE/g), and TEAC-DPPH (150.01 µmol TE/g), it may represent a more economical alternative to lyophilisation. These findings demonstrate the potential of rosehip-processing waste as a sustainable raw material for the development of functional food ingredients. Full article

Creole avocado (Persea americana var. drymifolia) seeds are considered as biowaste; however, they constitute a rich source of bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of extract, partitions, and acetogenin mixture from creole avocado seeds in SiHa cells and erythrocytes. Creole avocado seed extract was obtained using ethyl acetate (CASE), and subsequently partitioned into hexane (HP), ethyl acetate (EP), and butanol (BP). Acetogenin mixture (AM), composed of avocadene acetate and avocadyne acetate, was isolated from HP and structurally characterized. Total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic effect of all samples were evaluated using SiHa cell line and human erythrocytes. BP exhibited the highest total phenol content with a value of 159.13 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g (mg GAE/g). Antioxidant capacity assessed by 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•⁺) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) assays indicated that BP showed the greatest antioxidant capacity with values of 207.26 and 94.96 mg of Trolox equivalents antioxidant capacity/g (mg TEAC/g), respectively. AM demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity against SiHa cells at all exposure times, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values ranging from 15.37 to 28.09 µg/mL. Half-maximal hemolytic concentration (HC₅₀) of all samples ranged from 107.39 to 160.26 µg/mL. AM, isolated from creole avocado seeds, showed the highest cytotoxic activity against SiHa cells, highlighting its potential as a promising bioactive compound for further investigation in cancer research. Full article

This study investigated the effects of germination on the antioxidant capacity and protein characteristics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) with a focus on processing-induced biochemical and structural modifications relevant to food applications. Raw, soaked, and germinated chickpeas were comparatively analyzed to evaluate integrated changes in antioxidant activity, protein composition, amino acid profiles, and anti-nutritional factor. Antioxidant-related properties were assessed using total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), while protein-related characteristics including soluble protein, amino acids, and sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) profiles were examined alongside phytic acid content. Germination significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity, with TPC increasing from 0.91 to 1.64 mg GAE/g, and DPPH, TEAC, and FRAP values also markedly elevated compared with raw samples. Soluble protein content increased from 72.79 to 82.86 mg/g, while phytic acid content decreased from 92.49 to 59.49 mg/g. Free amino acids, particularly alanine, histidine, and phenylalanine, showed substantial increases following germination. SDS–PAGE and densitometric analysis revealed a redistribution of protein fractions, characterized by a reduced intensity of high-molecular-weight protein bands and a relative increase in intermediate molecular weight proteins, indicating partial proteolysis and structural modification of storage protein. These findings demonstrate that gemination acts as a biochemical processing step that enhances antioxidant potential, improves protein-related nutritional attributes, and reduces antinutritional factors, supporting the use of germinated chickpea as a functional plant-based ingredient for food processing applications. Full article

Parastrephia quadrangularis (tola) is a native plant of the Chilean Andean Altiplano that is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, the aerial parts of the plant were analysed to determine their fatty acid (FA) profile and to identify bioactive compounds using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Both conventional extraction methods and Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) were employed, using a 2³ factorial design with centre-point replicates. The variables included temperature (30–60 °C), pressure (15–45 MPa), and ethanol as a cosolvent (0–30% v/v). Extraction kinetics were evaluated using a linear spline model under central conditions (45 °C, 30 MPa, 15% ethanol). Response variables included extraction yield, Total Phenolic Content (TPC), antioxidant activity measured by Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC), and FA composition. A factorial design identified pressure and ethanol concentration as key drivers of phenolic content and antioxidant activity, as supported by confocal autofluorescence microscopy. Multi-response optimisation based on the desirability function was applied to simultaneously maximise all response variables, yielding predicted optimal extraction conditions at 60 °C, 45 MPa, and 30% v/v ethanol for P. quadrangularis. The FA profile highlighted polyunsaturated FAs such as oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, as well as saturated FAs including palmitic and lignoceric acids, and short-chain non-volatile FAs. GC–MS analysis revealed metabolites potentially responsible for the plant’s traditionally reported therapeutic effects. Overall, these results highlight ethanol-based SFE as a sustainable strategy for recovering phenolic compounds and antioxidant-related fractions from ancestral medicinal plants. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) have gained attention as biodegradable biopesticides for sustainable crop protection. This study investigated the chemical composition, antifungal activity and antioxidant potential of EOs from Mentha pulegium (EO-MP) and Cymbopogon citratus (EO-CC) against Bipolaris oryzae, the causal agent of rice brown spot, including the first quantitative determination of IC₅₀ values through standardized dose–response modeling and temporal evaluation of antifungal efficacy. Volatile profiles of both EOs were characterized by gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antifungal activity was evaluated in vitro by a poisoned food assay at six concentrations ranging from 9.375 to 300 µL per plate (0.469–15.000 µL/mL PDA medium). Mycelial growth inhibition was assessed after 7 and 14 days of incubation. Antioxidant potential was determined by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay while protection against lipid oxidative damage was evaluated through inhibition of lipid peroxidation by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) method. Both EO-MP and EO-CC exhibited strong, dose-dependent antifungal effects and achieved complete inhibition of mycelial growth at ≥37.50 µL per plate (1.875 µL/mL PDA) and ≥18.75 µL per plate (0.938 µL/mL PDA), respectively. EO-MP showed high reducing capacity (its FRAP value was 1.45 Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity—TEAC) and high inhibition of lipid peroxidation (89.09%). Similarly, EO-CC exhibited a FRAP value of 1.55 TEAC and lipid peroxidation inhibition of 87.66%. These findings highlight the biofungicidal activity and multifunctional antioxidant-related properties of EOs from M. pulegium and C. citratus, supporting their potential application as eco-friendly tools for sustainable rice brown spot management. Full article

Coffee silverskin (CS) is an abundant leftover of the coffee roasting process known to contain significant concentrations of bioactive molecules, including polyphenols and flavonoids, with established antioxidant properties and potential applications in nutraceutical and functional-food formulations. This study systematically optimized extraction conditions to maximize the recovery of phenolics and antioxidants from CS by evaluating the effects of solvent type, temperature, and sonication time. Ethanol extraction at 20 °C for 30 min yielded the most enriched polyphenolic fraction, with the highest total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity across 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Comprehensive chemical characterization via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified key phenolics (chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, quercetin), alongside abundant caffeine, tocopherols, and phytosterols. The biological relevance of the optimized extract was assessed for the first time in RT4-D6P2T Schwann-like cells, demonstrating significant cytoprotective and antioxidant effects against H₂O₂- and lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress, thereby establishing a previously unreported neuroprotective potential. Full article

Lipid peroxide (LPO) accumulation and a depletion of intracellular antioxidants are hallmarks of ferroptosis, a controlled iron-dependent form of cell death. Iron chelators and radical scavengers can stop it, while erastin or iron overload can cause it. The main catechin in green tea extract (GTE), epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), has iron-chelating and antioxidant activities. Herein, we investigated the effects of EGCG-rich GTE on ferroptosis in iron-loaded hepatocytes. The contents of EGCG, total phenolics (TPC), and flavonoids (TFC), as well as ABTS^•+-scavenging activity and cytotoxicity, were determined. Human hepatoma (Huh7) cells were treated with ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) to induce ferroptosis and were co-treated with various concentrations of GTE. Labile iron pool (LIP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), LPO, glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX-4) activity were then measured in the cells. One gram of GTE contained 26 mg of EGCG, with a TPC of 172.2 mg gallic acid equivalents and a TFC of 32.9 mg quercetin equivalents. GTE displayed concentration-dependent ABTS^•+-scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 1.03 mg) that was equivalent to 0.29 mg of Trolox, reporting a Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) value of 0.29 mg. High-dose GTE (>100 µM EGCG equivalent) reduced cell viability below 80% (p < 0.05). Intracellular LIP, ROS, and LPO levels were markedly elevated, whereas GSH and GPX-4 activity levels were decreased (p < 0.05) in iron-loaded Huh7 cells. GTE treatment mitigated these alterations in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). These cell-based in vitro findings indicate that EGCG-rich GTE can attenuate ferroptosis-associated oxidative stress in hepatocytes under iron-loading conditions. GTE may serve as a potential dietary antioxidant candidate; further mechanistic studies and in vivo experiments are required to determine its physiological relevance and translational applicability. Full article

In the present study, a comprehensive evaluation of the antioxidant properties of various parts of the hemp plant, specifically its leaves and flowers, in a new feminized variety of Cannabis sativa with an admixture of Cannabis ruderalis was investigated. Methods such as Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy were used to assess trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and total polyphenol content (TPC). TEAC values of the analyzed samples ranged from 29.5 μmol TE/g DW to 150.2 μmol TE/g DW, while TPC varied between 5.4 mg GAE/g DW and 20.3 mg GAE/g DW. The findings indicate that hemp exhibits significant antioxidant properties, especially in its leaves. This is attributed to a diverse range of antioxidants, including cannabinoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, which offer notable health benefits. Furthermore, the method of drying hemp has been shown to influence its antioxidant properties significantly. Research indicates that freeze-dried and air-dried hemp retains higher levels of antioxidant compounds compared to other drying methods. This suggests that selecting an appropriate drying technique is essential for preserving the bioactive compounds responsible for hemp’s antioxidant activity. Full article