Search Results (17,709)

Hibiscus sabdariffa (H. sabdariffa) is a high-value economic and functional crop, limited by agroclimatic conditions and low technological adoption. This systematic review examines the current state of artificial intelligence applications in agricultural management, analyzing 2111 records, selecting 82, and synthesizing 22 studies that meet the inclusion criteria. This review adopts a holistic framework aligned with three priority areas in agriculture—resource and climate management, crop productivity and quality, and sustainability—to explore how AI addresses key challenges in the cultivation and post-harvest processing of Hibiscus sabdariffa. The results show a predominance of classical machine learning techniques, with limited implementation of deep learning models. The most common applications include image classification, yield prediction, and analysis of bioactive compounds. However, limitations remain in the availability of open data, reproducible code, and standardized metrics. The narrative synthesis identified clear opportunities to integrate emerging technologies, such as deep neural networks and the Internet of Things (IoT), particularly in water management and stress monitoring. The review concludes that strengthening interdisciplinary research and promoting data openness is key to achieving a more resilient, sustainable, and technologically advanced crop. Full article

High-pressure carbon dioxide (HPCD) has been widely used in the extraction of high-quality bioactive compounds. The flavor profiles of cold brew coffee (CBC) prepared by HPCD, traditional cold brew (TCB), and ice drip (ID) were comprehensively evaluated by chromatographic approaches, and their variations were investigated by multivariate statistical methods. ID produced the lightest coffee color while HPCD produced the darkest. No significant difference was found in pH among the three coffee processes. The concentrations of chlorogenic acids and caffeine were the highest in ID but the lowest in HPCD. Seventeen of the forty-eight volatiles were identified as key aroma compounds, contributing nutty, cocoa, caramel, baked, and other coffee flavors to all CBCs. Among them, linalool (OAV = 100.50) was found only in ID and provided ID with unique floral and fruity notes; 2-methyl-5-propylpyrazine (OAV = 17.70) was found only in TCB and gave a roasted aroma. With significantly lower levels of medicine-like and plastic off-flavors, HPCD had a refined aroma experience featuring nutty, cocoa, and caramel notes, though their contents were not the highest. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) identified 36 aromas that could differentiate three cold brew methods, with TCB and HPCD being the most similar. Aroma sensory tests showed that no significant difference was perceived between TCB and HPCD. These findings provide a profound understanding of CBC flavor produced by cold brew methods from the aspect of composition, indicating that HPCD has great potential to realize TCB-like flavor characteristics in a shorter time. Full article

Aralia chinensis L. has shown potential in breast cancer treatment, yet its pharmacodynamically active components and mechanisms remain undefined. To systematically identify the bioactive constituents absorbed into the bloodstream and elucidate their multi-target mechanisms against breast cancer, we employed ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography in conjunction with Q Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap-MS) alongside serum pharmacochemistry to analyze the chemical constituents of total saponins derived from A. chinensis (TSAC) and to identify the blood-absorbed prototypes in a rat model. Network pharmacology predicted targets and pathways of serum prototypes, validated by molecular docking and in vitro experiments. We identified 38 triterpenoid saponins, 3 steroidal saponins, and 8 triterpenoids in TSAC, with 22 prototype compounds detected in serum. An integrative analysis encompassing 486 compound targets and 1747 genes associated with breast cancer elucidated critical pathways, notably the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and resistance mechanisms to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding of araloside A and elatoside L to SRC, PIK3R1, PIK3CA, STAT3, and EGFR. In MCF-7 cells, TSAC suppressed proliferation and migration while downregulating Src, PI3K, and EGFR expression at the gene and protein levels. This study successfully identified TSAC’s serum-absorbed bioactive components and demonstrated their anti-breast cancer effects via multi-target mechanisms involving the Src/PI3K/EGFR axis, providing a crucial pharmacological foundation for developing A. chinensis-derived breast cancer therapies. Full article

Thesium chinense Turcz. (T. chinense), a perennial herb in the Santalaceae family, exhibits potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on one- and two-year-old T. chinense plants across seedling, flowering, and fruiting stages (all sampled from the same location) using the illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. A total of 58,706 unigenes were identified, including 1656 transcription factors (TFs). Further analysis classified these TFs into seven functional categories, enabling the reconstruction of a representative TF regulatory network. Differential expression analysis revealed that the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) ranged from 2000 to 5000 during different developmental stages in first-year plants, while varying between 1000 and 2000 in second-year plants. Comparative analysis of DEGs between one- and two-year-old plants showed that they were primarily associated with sesquiterpene, triterpene, and terpene skeleton biosynthesis, as well as other metabolic pathways. Additionally, analysis of key genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis—the major bioactive compounds in T. chinense—revealed their predominant accumulation during the first year of growth. This study provides valuable insights into the developmental biology of T. chinense and establishes a foundation for future research on flavonoid biosynthesis pathway genes and their therapeutic applications. Full article

Background: Crataegus almaatensis, an endemic hawthorn species from Kazakhstan, is known for its rich content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids with significant pharmacological potential. This study aimed to optimize and compare conventional solid–liquid extraction (SLE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) processes for maximizing the extractability of bioactive compounds from hawthorn leaves powder. Methods: The effects of temperature, extraction time, ethanol concentration, and solid-to-liquid ratio (or ultrasound power in the case of UAE) on total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays) were systematically evaluated. Results: The UAE method yielded higher concentrations of TPC and TFC, with up to 16% improvement in TPC and reduced ethanol usage (40% (v/v)) compared to SLE (75% (v/v)), demonstrating its efficiency and sustainability. Optimal extraction conditions were identified as 70 °C, 75% ethanol, 34 min, and an S/L ratio of 0.05 g/mL for SLE, 70 °C, 40% ethanol, 44 min, and 100 W US power for UAE. High-resolution HPLC-DAD and LC-Q/TOF-MS analyses confirmed the presence of key phenolic acids and flavonoid glycosides, including chlorogenic acid and apigenin-8-C-glucoside-2′-rhamnoside as the most abundant compounds identified. Conclusions: These findings validate UAE as an innovative, eco-friendly method for extracting bioactive compounds from hawthorn leaves and highlight its potential for developing natural antioxidants for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) are highly perishable fruits that rapidly lose their quality properties, even when stored under cold conditions. The purpose of this research was to study the effectiveness of hesperidin (10, 50, and 100 mg L⁻¹) to preserve harvest-ripe strawberry quality during cold storage (2 °C). The data obtained indicate that hesperidin treatments were able to delay fruit metabolism and thus weight loss, while maintaining firmness and delaying colour evolution, obtaining positive results even with the lower concentrations applied. Strawberries treated with hesperidin exhibited a cell membrane with greater integrity, as reflected by a lower loss of electrolytes, resulting from reduced oxidation degradation. In addition, these strawberries maintained a higher concentration of chlorophylls in the calyx during storage, which could be due to a better antioxidant balance and a more effective preservation of their qualities. In this regard, the levels of bioactive substances, including total phenolics and the major anthocyanin compounds present in strawberries, were delayed in hesperidin-treated strawberries. This is the first report highlighting the effectiveness of hesperidin as a postharvest treatment in fruit, specifically in strawberries, delaying senescence. These results suggest that hesperidin, either by itself or in hesperidin-rich extracts, could become a valuable tool for postharvest fruit preservation. Full article

Echium L. is a genus of flowering plants from the Boraginaceae family that includes several species traditionally used in herbal medicine. Echium spp. have been applied for treating wounds, urinary tract infections, inflammation, respiratory ailments, cardiovascular disorders, and microbial infections. The roots and flowers are most frequently used, typically prepared as decoctions or infusions. Phytochemical studies have identified diverse bioactive compounds, including phenolics, naphthoquinones, shikonins, fatty acids, sterols, terpenoids, amino acids, and toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Reported pharmacological effects include antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities, primarily attributed to polyphenolic and terpenoid content. However, the presence of toxic alkaloids also raises concerns regarding safety. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical components, and pharmacological activities of Echium species. The bioactivities observed in genus Echium L. substantiate the necessity for preclinical and clinical investigations to thoroughly elucidate and validate the therapeutic potential of this genus and emphasize its relevance in the development of novel therapeutic agents. Full article

L-arginine and its derivatives L-homoarginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) show distinct (patho-) physiological properties as well as a differential renal handling. L-arginine and L-homoarginine have a lower renal clearance and are largely retained (i.e., reabsorbed) as compared to ADMA and SDMA, which are relatively enriched in the urine and excreted. To obtain a more complete picture of what is known regarding transport proteins involved in renal reabsorption and secretion of these substances, a comprehensive literature review and search of cell-specific gene expression databases were performed. Five transport proteins known to transport L-arginine and its derivatives were included, and the data available regarding their tubular expression pattern and their transport characteristics, as well as experimental and clinical data regarding their possible impact on the renal handling of L-arginine and its derivatives, are presented and discussed in a structured narrative review. Based on their transport properties and links to clinical phenotypes, b^0,+AT-rBAT and y⁺LAT1-4F2hc were identified as the most promising candidates to explain a significant part of the observed differential renal handling. This also makes them promising candidates for further investigations as mediators of possible adverse and beneficial drug effects involving L-arginine, L-homoarginine, ADMA, and SDMA. Full article

Meat quality is influenced by genetic, nutritional, and microbial factors, with increasing attention on the role of gut-derived metabolites. In this study, we conducted untargeted metabolomics of 10 gut tract sites and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of longissimus dorsi muscles in Meigu goats and Liangshan black sheep raised under standardized conditions. Results showed that goat muscle contained significantly higher levels of essential amino acids (e.g., methionine) and specific fatty acids (e.g., C18:3_N6, C20:4_N6), suggesting improved nutritional quality. Transcriptomic analysis identified 3133 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), among which ADCY1 and SLC38A4 were upregulated in goats and strongly associated with meat traits. Using integrative correlation analysis, we uncovered 17 genes and 19 gut metabolites that were significantly correlated with more than eight meat quality parameters across multiple gut sites. Notably, these metabolites included bioactive compounds such as L-tyrosine ethyl ester and pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside, while genes were enriched in pathways related to amino acid transport, cAMP signaling, and muscle development. Together, these findings highlight a potential gut–muscle axis involving metabolite-mediated modulation of muscle gene expression, contributing to breed-specific differences in meat composition and quality. This study provides a valuable framework for improving ruminant meat quality through integrative multi-omics analysis. Full article

Acanthopanax senticosus is an essential medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine, with its pharmacological properties largely attributed to bioactive flavonoids. The types and amounts of these flavonoids act as vital quality markers for both the raw materials and the resultant products. In this work, we introduce a TiO₂@AgNP nanocomposite designed as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor aimed at the preliminary quantification and identification of flavonoids. This is achieved by leveraging the effective molecular adsorption properties of TiO₂ alongside the ‘hot spots’ generated by AgNPs. By optimizing SERS performance through adjustment of the molar ratio between TiO₂ and Ag, we can quantitatively evaluate four flavonoids—luteolin, kaempferol, quercetin, and rutin—with low detection concentrations of 10⁻⁶ M, 10⁻⁵ M, 5 × 10⁻⁶ M, and 10⁻⁶ M, respectively. Additionally, we observe a nearly linear relationship between the SERS signals and the flavonoid concentrations, allowing for dual or multiplex analysis of these compounds. Furthermore, we successfully differentiated Acanthopanax senticosus samples from six different geographical regions in China based on the detection of significant flavonoid constituents. This serves as a proof of concept for practical applications that can enhance the identification and distinction of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as assess quality and medicinal efficacy. Full article

Lower respiratory infections predominantly affect children under five and the elderly, with influenza viruses and respiratory syncytial viruses (including SARS-CoV-2) being the most common pathogens. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant global public health challenges. While vaccination remains crucial, its efficacy is limited, highlighting the need for complementary approaches to mitigate immune hyperactivation in severe COVID-19 cases. Medicinal plants like Cannabis sativa show therapeutic potential, with over 85% of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients in China receiving traditional herbal treatments. This review explores the antiviral applications of cannabis and its bioactive compounds, particularly against SARS-CoV-2, while evaluating their pharmacological and food industry potential. Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and fatty acids. Cannabinoids may block viral entry, modulate immune responses (e.g., suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines via CB2/PPARγ activation), and alleviate COVID-19-related psychological stress. There are several challenges with pharmacological and food applications of cannabinoids, including clinical validation of cannabinoids for COVID-19 treatment and optimizing cannabinoid solubility/bioavailability for functional foods. However, rising demand for health-focused products presents market opportunities. Genetic engineering to enhance cannabinoid yields and integrated pharmacological studies are needed to unlock cannabis’s full potential in drug discovery and nutraceuticals. Cannabis-derived compounds hold promise for antiviral therapies and functional ingredients, though further research is essential to ensure safety and efficacy. Full article

Fertilization strategies are pivotal in sustainable agriculture, affecting both soil health and crop quality. This study investigated the impact of a circular fertilization approach based on agro-industrial residues—specifically, a blend of sulfur bentonite and orange processing waste (RecOrgFert PLUS)—on soil physicochemical and biological properties, as well as the nutritional and nutraceutical quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) grown in Mediterranean conditions (Condofuri, Southern Italy). The effects of RecOrgFert PLUS were compared with those of a synthetic NPK fertilizer, an organic fertilizer (horse manure), and an unfertilized control. Results demonstrated that RecOrgFert PLUS significantly improved soil organic carbon (3.37%), microbial biomass carbon (791 μg C g⁻¹), and key enzymatic activities, indicating enhanced soil biological functioning. Broccoli cultivated under RecOrgFert PLUS also exhibited the highest concentrations of health-promoting compounds, including total phenols (48.87 mg GAE g⁻¹), vitamin C (51.93 mg ASA 100 g⁻¹), and total proteins (82.45 mg BSA g⁻¹). This work provides novel evidence that combining elemental sulphur with orange processing waste not only restores soil fertility but also boosts the nutraceutical and nutritional value of food crops. Unlike previous studies focusing on soil or plant yield alone, this study uniquely integrates soil health indicators with bioactive compound accumulation in broccoli, highlighting the potential of circular bio-based fertilization in functional food production and Mediterranean agroecosystem sustainability. Full article

Leaves of Gentiana lutea L., traditionally used for treating heart disorders, represent a sustainable and underutilized source of bitter secoiridoids and xanthones, also found in Gentianae radix—an official herbal drug derived from the same, protected species. As root harvesting leads to the destruction of the plant, using the more readily available leaves could help reduce the pressure on this endangered natural resource. This study aimed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction of the secoiridoid swertiamarin and the xanthone isogentisin from G. lutea leaves using response surface methodology (RSM). Subsequently, the stability of the bioactive compounds (swertiamarin, gentiopicrin, mangiferin, isoorientin, isovitexin, and isogentisin) in the optimized extract was monitored over a 30-day period under different storage conditions. The influence of extraction time (5–65 min), ethanol concentration (10–90% v/v), liquid-to-solid ratio (10–50 mL/g), and temperature (20–80 °C) was analyzed at five levels according to a central composite design. The calculated optimal extraction conditions for the simultaneous maximization of swertiamarin and isogentisin yields were 50 min extraction time, 30% v/v ethanol concentration, 30 mL/g liquid-to-solid ratio, and 62.7 °C extraction temperature. Under these conditions, the experimentally obtained yields were 3.75 mg/g dry weight for swertiamarin and 1.57 mg/g dry weight for isogentisin, closely matching the RSM model predictions. The stability study revealed that low-temperature storage preserved major bioactive compounds, whereas mangiferin stability was compromised by elevated temperature and light exposure. The established models support the production of standardized G. lutea leaf extracts and may facilitate the efficient separation and purification of their bioactive compounds, thereby contributing to the further valorization of this valuable plant material. Full article

This study investigated the effects of storage temperature on the functional quality of kimchi during short- and long-term fermentation. Pretreated napa cabbage (NC) quality was analyzed, and kimchi was prepared using pretreated NC and stored at either 4 °C or 15 °C until reaching optimal and excessive fermentation stages. Fermented kimchi samples were analyzed for pH, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts, total polyphenol content (TPC), DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, and glucosinolates and their breakdown products. Fermentation at 15 °C progressed rapidly, reaching the optimal pH range (4.0–4.5) within 3 days, and resulted in significantly higher LAB counts and TPC compared to samples stored at 4 °C (p < 0.05). In contrast, prolonged storage at 4 °C led to a decrease in both TPC, radical scavenging activities, and LAB counts during the excessive fermentation stage. Glucosinolates were progressively degraded overtime; however, their breakdown product, ascorbigen, increased under short-term fermentation at 15 °C than during prolonged storage at 4 °C. These results suggest that short-term fermentation at 15 °C is more effective than long-term fermentation at 4 °C in enhancing the functional quality of kimchi by promoting LAB growth and preserving bioactive compounds. Full article

This study explores the synthesis, characterization, and extraction efficiency of hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs), along with the allergen-modulating potential of extracted bioactive compounds. Six NADESs were synthesized using binary combinations of camphor, thymol, eugenol, and menthol (1:1 molar ratio) and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), density functional theory (DFT), and molecular dynamics simulations (MD simulations). Bioactive compounds were extracted from Thujopsis dolabrata wood biomass via ultrasonic-assisted extraction and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The total essential oil yield, estimated semiquantitatively by summing the peak areas of key terpenoid compounds, ranged from 1.91% to 7.90% across different NADES systems, indicating their varied extraction capacities. Molecular docking was performed to assess their allergen-modulating interactions with Amb a 1 and Cry j 1. All NADESs exhibited single-stage decomposition (110–125 °C) except camphor–menthol, which recrystallized. FTIR and simulations confirmed strong hydrogen bonding in eugenol-based NADESs, particularly menthol–eugenol. Extraction identified 47 bioactive compounds, with 4,5α-Epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl-7α-(4-phenyl-1,3-butadienyl)-6β,7β-(oxymethylene) morphinan as the most abundant (9.31–11.16%). It exhibited the highest binding affinity (Cry j 1: −8.60 kcal/mol, Amb a 1: −7.40 kcal/mol) and lowest inhibition concentration (Cry j 1: 0.49 µM, Amb a 1: 3.74 µM), suggesting strong allergen-modulating potential. Hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding drove protein–ligand binding. These findings highlight NADESs as effective, sustainable solvents for extracting bioactive compounds with allergen-modulating potential. Full article