Search Results (5,464)

Background/Objectives: The health benefits of Tamus communis fruits have been associated with their high phenolic content, which comprises several flavonoids. However, the extraction methods might significantly impact these valuable compounds’ bioactivity. Therefore, the current study assesses how different extraction techniques affect T. communis extracts’ antioxidant, anti-aging, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and phenolic contents. Methods: Conventional method (TCE-CM) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (TCE-UM) were the methods employed. Results: The increased phenolic content of TCE-UM, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids, was demonstrated to be a contributing factor to its higher biological activity. Key enzymes linked to dermatological conditions, such as elastase, collagenase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase, were significantly inhibited by both extracts at 1 mg/mL; TCE-UM showed the highest tyrosinase inhibition (65.61  ±  5.21%) compared to TCE-CM (21.78  ±  2.19%). TCE-UM also demonstrated exceptional antibacterial performance, showing notable antibiofilm and metabolic inactivation effects and potent activity against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Both extracts showed concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory properties; TCE-UM had a lower IC50 value (26.46 ± 2.30%) in nitric oxide inhibition tests, suggesting stronger anti-inflammatory capabilities. Conclusions: These findings underscore the superior bioactivity of TCE-UM and suggest that ultrasonic extraction is a more efficient method for isolating bioactive phenolic compounds from T. communis fruits, presenting promising applications in anti-aging and antimicrobial formulations. Full article

Fatty acids (FAs) are vital for human nutrition and are classified into three categories (saturated, unsaturated, and trans). FAs have different physiological effects and can contribute to health problems in different ways. By-products from the oil industry are rich in bioactive compounds. These make them useful for further utilization in food formulation. There is a quantity of residual oil in the oilcake. Analysis of the fatty acid composition shows that unsaturated fatty acids are predominant. The predominant fatty acids in oilcakes are arachidic (sunflower), oleic, elaidic (flax), linoleic (LA), and linolelaidic (hemp, rape, and sesame) acids. The favorable and ideal (within the regulatory recommendations) results for the n-6/n-3 ratios of 3:1 indicate the high nutritional profile with beneficial effects for the human body of the oilcakes. The hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic for all samples ranged from 4.52 to 116.06, while atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indexes ranged from 0.01 to 0.3. This is in line with the favorable values found in the literature benchmarks. Full article

Sea grape kombucha has been known to exhibit high antioxidant activity due to its elevated total polyphenol content. This study aims to identify and characterize the active microbial community involved in the fermentation of kombucha using sea grapes (C. racemosa) as the primary substrate. Furthermore, it evaluates the effects of different Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY) starter concentrations on the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of sea grape kombucha. Our results showed that the pH of the kombucha was higher after 7 days of fermentation compared to later time points. The microbial community was composed of 97.08% bacteria and 2.92% eukaryotes, divided into 10 phyla and 69 genera. The dominant genus in all samples was Komagataeibacter. Functional profiling based on 16S rRNA data revealed that metabolic functions accounted for 77.04% of predicted microbial activities during fermentation. The most enriched functional categories were carbohydrate metabolism (15.70%), cofactor and vitamin metabolism (15.54%), and amino acid metabolism (14.24%). At KEGG Level 3, amino acid-associated pathways, particularly alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism (4.24%), were predominant. The fermentation process in sea grape kombucha is primarily driven by carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, supported by energy-generating and cofactor biosynthesis pathways. Our findings indicate that different metabolic pathways lead to variations in kombucha components, and distinct fermentation stages result in different metabolic reactions. For instance, early fermentation stages (Day 7) are dominated by amino acid metabolism, whereas the late stages (Day 21) show increased activity in carbohydrate and sulfur metabolism. Metabolomic analysis revealed that increasing the SCOBY starter concentration significantly influenced pH, soluble solid content, vitamin C, tannin, and flavonoid content. These variations suggest that fermentation duration and microbial composition significantly influence the spectrum of bioactive metabolites, which synergistically provide functional benefits such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and metabolic health-promoting activities. For example, sample K1 produced more fatty acids and simple sugar alcohols, sample K2 enriched complex lipid compounds and phytosterols, while sample K3 dominated the production of polyols and terpenoid compounds. Full article

Successful arthrodesis is a crucial factor in spinal fusion surgery, maximizing the likelihood of improved quality of life. The incorporation of metals into bone grafts has been demonstrated to enhance fusion rates through various osteoinductive and osteoconductive pathways. A systematic review was conducted to investigate the utility of metal composite bone grafts in promoting arthrodesis in spinal fusion preclinical studies. PubMed/MEDLINE was queried to identify studies investigating metal composite bone grafts in animal models of spinal fusion. Non-spinal fusion animal models were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE risk of bias tool. After screening a total of 1554 articles, 17 articles were included in our review. Metal composite bone grafts with bioactive agents had significantly greater fusion rates than metal composite only bone grafts (p < 0.001) and similar fusion rates compared to non-metal comparator bone grafts (p = 0.172). Bone grafts containing strontium and magnesium had the greatest fusion rates compared to other metals and had significantly greater fusion rates than those of silicon-containing bone grafts (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively). Bone quality and bone volume percentages of fusion masses formed by metal composite bone grafts were enhanced via the addition of bioactive agents such as stem cells, rhBMP-2, autograft, and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid). The adverse event rate was 3.0% in all animal surgeries. Metal composite bone grafts show promise as osteoinductive agents to promote arthrodesis in spinal fusion, and their osteoinductive capability is enhanced with the synergistic addition of osteogenic factors such as stem cells and autograft. Full article

The human gut microbiome is a metabolically active and ecologically dynamic consortium that profoundly influences host physiology, in part by modulating epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA and RNA methylation. These modifications regulate gene expression and phenotypic plasticity and are shaped by a combination of environmental factors, such as diet, stress, xenobiotics, and bioactive microbial metabolites. Despite growing evidence linking microbial signals to host epigenetic reprogramming, the underlying molecular pathways remain incompletely understood. This review highlights recent mechanistic discoveries and conceptual advances in understanding microbiome–host epigenome interactions. We discuss evolutionarily conserved pathways through which gut microbiota regulate host methylation patterns, including one-carbon metabolism, polyamine biosynthesis, short-chain fatty acid signaling, and extracellular vesicle-mediated communication. We also examine how host factors such as aging, diet, immune activity, and sociocultural context reciprocally influence microbial composition and function. Beyond basic mechanisms, we outline translational frontiers—including biomarker discovery, live biotherapeutic interventions, fecal microbiota transplantation, and adaptive clinical trial designs—that may enable microbiome-informed approaches to disease prevention and treatment. Advances in high-throughput methylation mapping, artificial intelligence, and single-cell multi-omics are accelerating our ability to model these complex interactions at high resolution. Finally, we emphasize the importance of rigorous standardization and ethical data governance through frameworks such as the FAIR and CARE principles. Deepening our understanding of how the gut microbiome modulates host epigenetic programs offers novel opportunities for precision health strategies and equitable clinical translation. Full article

Honeybee populations are increasingly threatened by various environmental stressors, including pesticides, pathogens, and climate change. Emerging research highlights the vital role of pollen polyphenols in supporting honeybee health through a network of antioxidants, immune responses, and detoxification mechanisms. This review synthesizes current findings on the chemical diversity, bioactivity, and functional relevance of polyphenolic compounds in honeybee nutrition. Pollen polyphenols, which include flavonoids and phenolic acids, possess remarkably high antioxidant potential, up to 235 times greater than that of nectar. They also significantly increase the expression of antioxidant enzymes, immune system genes, and detoxification pathways such as cytochrome P450s and glutathione-S-transferases. These compounds also demonstrate antimicrobial effects against key pathogens and mitigate the toxic effects of pesticides. The content and composition of polyphenols vary seasonally and geographically, impacting the resilience of honeybee colonies. Field and laboratory studies confirm that polyphenol-rich diets improve survival, gland development, and stress resistance. Advanced analytical techniques, including metabolomics, have expanded our understanding of polyphenol profiles and their effects on honeybee physiology. However, knowledge gaps remain in pharmacokinetics and structure–function relationships. Integrating this evidence into conservation strategies and good beekeeping practices, such as habitat diversification and targeted feed supplementation, is crucial for maintaining honeybee health and ecosystem services in a rapidly changing environment. Full article

Pistacia terebinthus L. which has been traditionally used in diet and medicine, remains underexplored in Greece, particularly regarding its chemical composition and antioxidant activity. The current study aims to comparatively evaluate the chemical profile of cold-pressed terebinth fruit oils, obtained from wild trees growing in the Greek Island of Chios (North East Aegean Sea), harvested during three years (2019, 2020 and 2021). The oils’ lipid profile was dominated by oleic acid (C18:1 cis-9) (42–45%) followed by palmitic acid (C16:0) (24–30%) and linoleic acid (C18:2 cis-9,12) (19–22%). Their phenolic acid content, expressed as anacardic acids—known for their bioactive properties—was quantified via q-¹H-NMR and found to be markedly high (1.91–2.98 mmol/kg oil). Total phenolic content (TPC) of the fruit extract showed interesting high value (185.92 ± 2.61 mg GAE/g) accompanied by strong antioxidant activity (DPPH, exhibiting > 80% inhibition at a concentration of 100 µg/mL) which was positively correlated with TPC. Additionally, the fruits demonstrated a rich nutritional profile, particularly in crude fibers (38.9%) and essential minerals (K, Mg, and Zn), along with low sodium content, suggesting notable dietary benefits. The cold-pressed oil exhibited high lipid content and low specific extinction coefficients (K₂₃₂, K₂₇₀), indicating minimal oxidation and confirming the oil’s freshness. These findings highlight the potential of P. terebinthus fruit oil as a high-value functional raw material with nutritional and antioxidant properties. Comparable to olive oil in lipid quality, Greek turpentine fruit and oil could play a promising role towards further applications in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors. Full article

Apple by-products are a valuable raw material due to their high content of dietary fiber, minerals, and bioactive compounds, making them a promising functional ingredient in food products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding a residue obtained from the isolation of starch from unripe apples of the Pyros and Oliwka varieties on the nutritional composition, mineral content, polyphenol and fiber levels, and color of wheat muffins. Additionally, the oxidative stability was analyzed. The results showed that the addition of the residue significantly increased the total, soluble, and insoluble fiber content, as well as the protein content. The polysaccharide fraction residue from unripe Oliwka apples had a stronger impact on enhancing the fiber content of the muffins. In contrast, muffins enriched with the polysaccharide fraction residue from unripe Pyros apples exhibited higher levels of calcium, potassium, and magnesium, while the Oliwka residue increased the contents of sodium, strontium, and iron. The addition of the polysaccharide fraction residue significantly increased the levels of chlorogenic acid, phloridzin, quercetin, and procyanidin B1. Color analysis revealed a darkening effect in the muffins after the addition of the residue, and the oxidative stability decreased with increasing levels of the polysaccharide fraction residue. This study demonstrated that apple residues obtained after starch isolation can effectively enrich muffins with nutrients and health-promoting compounds; however, their impact on oxidative stability requires further investigation. Full article

Rice husk (RH), an underutilized by-product of rice milling, represents a promising source of dietary fiber with health-promoting potential. This study investigated the effects of growth stage and particle size on the chemical composition and functional properties of dietary fiber isolated from green rice husk (G-RH) and ripe rice husk (R-RH). Cellulose contents ranged from 62 to 85 g/100 g DW in G-RH and from 38 to 73 g/100 g DW in R-RH, while β-glucan levels were 66–85 mg/g DW and 67–92 mg/g DW, respectively. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the presence of cellulose and its crystalline structure. Particle size reduction enhanced water- and oil-holding capacities (up to five-fold and two-fold, respectively) and increased phenolic, flavonoid, and phytosterol contents. G-RH exhibited higher levels of bioactive compounds and a more diverse phytosterol profile compared to R-RH, as verified by GC-MS analysis. In contrast, R-RH showed greater water-holding capacity, whereas G-RH displayed superior oil-holding capacity, underscoring the influence of growth stage on dietary fiber functionality. Overall, these findings highlight rice husk, particularly G-RH, as a promising functional ingredient for food applications. Full article

Abeliophyllum distichum is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids with various bioactivities; however, studies on enzymatic modifications to enhance its functional properties remain limited. This study investigated the effect of Viscozyme^® L treatment on the secondary metabolite profile of A. distichum leaves. Phytochemical profiling using liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry revealed a decrease in the total number of detectable compounds, from 26 in the untreated extract to 16 in the enzyme-treated extract. Following Viscozyme^® L treatment, a notable shift in metabolite composition was observed, with significant enrichment of flavonoid glycosides, pyranone derivatives, and amino acid-related metabolites. Quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed significant reductions in glycosylated compounds such as rutin (1), acteoside (2), and isoacteoside (3), while the aglycone quercetin (4) content increased more than four-fold compared to the control. These results indicate that Viscozyme^® L facilitates the deglycosylation of flavonoid glycosides into their aglycone forms. This enzymatic transformation suggests a potential strategy to enhance the bioavailability and functional value of A. distichum leaf extracts for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Background: Olive leaves are a rich source of bioactive phenolic compounds, but extraction yields vary depending on methodological choices. The aim was to identify optimal parameters for maximizing recovery and preserving antioxidant activity. Methods: Fourteen studies (149 samples) were included, following predefined eligibility criteria and PRISMA guidelines for systematic review. Data on TPC, TFC, and antioxidant assays (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS) were extracted and analyzed according to extraction method, solvent type, and processing conditions. Results: Soxhlet extraction and shaking achieved the highest TPC and antioxidant capacity, whereas ultrasound-assisted and high-voltage electrical discharge extractions showed lower averages unless intensity or duration was increased. Solvent polarity was critical: ≥75% aqueous methanol provided the highest TPC and FRAP, while ≥75% ethanol yielded the greatest TFC and ABTS activity. Pure water consistently gave the lowest yields. Extractions at >50 °C increased TPC up to fivefold compared to room temperature but did not proportionally improve radical-scavenging capacity. Most phenolic compounds were recovered within ≤1 h under optimized, heated, or assisted conditions, with longer times offering no significant advantage. Conclusions: Optimizing solvent composition, temperature, and extraction time is essential for maximizing yield and maintaining antioxidant quality in olive leaf extracts, and standardized protocols are needed to enable direct comparisons across studies. Full article

There is growing interest from researchers, the food industry, and consumers in reducing or eliminating synthetic preservatives such as nitrites in meat products. In this context, medicinal plants have emerged as promising sources of natural compounds with multifunctional roles. This review summarizes recent advances in the application of medicinal plant extracts as natural antioxidants, antimicrobials, and color-preserving agents in the meat industry. A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Lens databases, complemented by a bibliometric analysis with the VOS viewer, to identify research trends and key contributors in the field. The incorporation of plant-based ingredients in meat and meat analogues has the potential to enhance flavor, nutritional value, and shelf life while responding to the demand for clean-label and health-oriented products. Particular attention is given to the phytochemical composition, bioactivity, and practical application of selected medicinal plants that have demonstrated efficacy in preserving the oxidative stability, microbial safety, and visual quality of meat. Furthermore, the review highlights emerging plant species with potential in meat preservation and discusses the challenges related to their incorporation into meat matrices. These findings support the strategic use of plant-based bioactive compounds as sustainable and functional alternatives to synthetic additives in meat systems. Full article

Given the growing consumer demand for improved quality of life and health-promoting foods, replacing conventional fats in widely consumed products such as bread with oils derived from native Brazilian fruits represents a promising strategy. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactive and technological potential of buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) and acuri (Attalea phalerata) oils, extracted from palm fruits native to the Cerrado and Amazon biomes. Both oils proved to be rich sources of lipophilic bioactives, particularly carotenoids, tocopherols, and phenolic compounds, and exhibited excellent carotenoid bioaccessibility under in vitro digestion, with recovery rates of 74% for acuri oil and 54% for buriti oil. Notably, buriti oil showed a high β-carotene content (1476.5 µg/g). When incorporated into sandwich bread formulations, these oils enhanced antioxidant activity, improved texture, volume, and color, and maintained high sensory acceptance compared to bread made with soybean oil. Sensory evaluation scores averaged above 7 for all tested attributes. These findings underscore the industrial applicability of buriti and acuri oils as functional lipids aligned with sustainable development and nutritional innovation. Full article

Background and Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is closely associated with gut dysbiosis, and sulforaphane (SFN), a bioactive compound found in cruciferous vegetables, may help to mitigate this condition. Methods: These are secondary exploratory analyses from a previous study that included 16 patients with CKD (stages 3 to 5). The patients were divided into two groups: the Sulforaphane (SFN) group (400 mcg/day of SFN) and the placebo group, both of which received treatment for four weeks. Fecal DNA extraction was performed, and amplicon sequencing was conducted on an Illumina MiSeq V3 platform. The sequence data were analyzed using the QIIME 2 software package. Plasma uremic toxin concentrations (indoxyl sulfate, IS, and p-cresyl sulfate, pCS) were measured by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Results: No significant differences were observed in the gut microbiota alpha microbial richness and diversity after supplementation. However, supplementation with SFN altered the taxonomic composition and resulted in changes to the complexity of the microbial network. A distinct set of Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) was observed post-supplementation with SFN, dominated by genera such as Megamonas, Sphingobium, Clostridia, and Hungatella, indicating a treatment-specific microbial signature. The placebo group showed significant increases in IS and pCS, whereas the SFN group presented non-significant changes. Conclusions: SFN supplementation for one month did not significantly alter microbial diversity or uremic toxin levels in non-dialysis CKD patients; however, it led to changes in microbial composition and network complexity, suggesting a modulatory effect on specific microbial interactions. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) are natural mixtures of volatile compounds characterized by beneficial pharmacological effects. The repeated inhalation of EOs in olfactory training (OT) has been demonstrated to improve the sense of smell in patients with olfactory deficits. We conducted a conjunct evaluation of the chemical composition, sensory profile, and bioactivity in cell models of commercial EOs of rose (EO1), eucalyptus (EO2), lemon (EO3), and clove (EO4) used for OT (StimuScent^®, Dos Medical, Sense Trading BV, Groningen, The Netherlands). Citronellol, 1,8-cineole, limonene, and eugenol emerged as the most abundant volatile compounds in EO1, EO2, EO3, and EO4, respectively, by GC-MS analysis. Some differences emerged (using a Likert-type scale) in the perception of EO’s odor dimensions (pleasantness, intensity, and familiarity in subjects with hyposmia (n = 8) compared to controls (n = 22). Cytotoxicity assays (24 h of incubation) demonstrated the anticancer effects of EOs (5–100 μg/mL) on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells (the order of potency was EO3 > EO4 > EO2 > EO1), while all EOs showed lower effects on the viability/morphology of human skin HaCaT keratinocytes. SH-SY5Y cancer cells grown for six days with different EOs (at 50 μg/mL) showed evident signs of toxicity and apoptosis. Marked changes in cell morphology (structure/number of processes) were evidenced in clove EO-treated cells. EO’s sensory properties/bioactivity were also related to the in silico physicochemical/pharmacokinetic properties of the main EO components. Our results provide new insights into a more targeted EO application for OT. Full article