Search Results (2,057)

Fermented beverages have been highlighted for their beneficial effects on health, especially due to the presence of probiotic microorganisms. This study aimed to develop and characterize a beverage fermented from the aqueous extract of licuri (Syagrus coronata) with grains of milk kefir and water kefir. Physical–chemical properties, microbial viability, storage stability, and in vitro resistance to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), as well as microbiological safety and identification of isolated bacteria, were evaluated. The grains were fermented in licuri for 24 and 48 h, and the samples were compared with their respective controls. The analyses revealed that the licuri drink favored the growth of kefir grains, maintaining adequate microbial viability (>7 log CFU mL⁻¹ for lactic acid bacteria and >4 log CFU mL⁻¹ for yeasts), with good resistance to GIT (>60%) and physical–chemical properties for 20 days. The bacterial isolate was identified as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, with a satisfactory safety profile. Licuri extract is therefore a promising matrix for the development of non-dairy functional beverages with potential probiotic properties. Full article

This study systematically investigates the solvent-dependence of copper(II) extraction using di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) across a range of polar and non-polar diluents, including chloroform, dichloromethane, carbon tetrachloride, cyclohexane, 1-octanol, and methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). Through analysis of extraction constants and distribution coefficients at varying pH levels, it was demonstrated that solvent polarity and dipole moment critically influenced the coordination geometry and extraction efficiency of the Cu(II)-D2EHPA complex. Notably, the highest extraction efficiencies were exhibited by 1-octanol and cyclohexane. A solvent-dependent structural transition was revealed by Ultraviolet–Visible (UV) spectroscopic evidence: tetrahedral coordination was dominated in polar media, while square planar geometries prevailed in non-polar environments. These findings establish a direct correlation between diluent properties and the extractant’s performance, offering a mechanistic framework for optimizing industrial-scale copper recovery processes. The insights gained highlight the importance of solvent selection in tailoring metal extraction systems for specific applications. Full article

Clonostachys rosea, an entomopathogenic fungus that infects Cephalcia chuxiongica, is highly pathogenic and has significant potential for controlling the damage this pest causes to pine forests. To investigate the role of C. rosea secondary metabolites in fungal pathogenicity, we conducted toxicity assays using crude metabolite extracts. These assays evaluated the effects of different concentrations, larval developmental stages, and exposure methods on larval mortality. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was subsequently employed to identify the chemical constituents of the crude extracts, and the toxicity of the identified compounds was assessed. The results showed that the crude extract at a concentration of 7.5 μg/mL exhibited the highest toxicity. Two hours post-treatment, the mortality rate of non-diapause larvae reached 65%, which was significantly higher than that of the diapause group. Moreover, contact toxicity was more lethal to C. chuxiongica larvae than oral exposure. A total of 23 compounds were identified from the crude extract, of which nine exhibited toxicity: 2-piperidone, hydrocinnamic acid, phenethyl alcohol, oleic acid, tryptophol, stearic acid methyl ester, myristic acid, dodecanoic acid, and benzeneacetic acid. Except for 2-piperidone, which showed low toxicity, the other eight compounds demonstrated notable contact toxicity against C. chuxiongica larvae. These findings confirm the insecticidal potential of C. rosea secondary metabolites and provide a valuable reference for the biological control of C. chuxiongica and other chewing insect pests. Full article

Background/Objectives: Natural products, especially plant metabolites, play a crucial role in drug development and are widely used in medicine, cosmetics, and nutrition. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pharmacological profile of Glycyrrhizin (GL), with a specific focus on its molecular targets. Methods: Scientific literature was thoroughly retrieved from reputable databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed, up to 30 July 2025. The keywords “glycyrrhizin” and “glycyrrhizic acid” were used to identify relevant references, with a focus on pharmacological applications. Studies on synthetic analogs, non-English publications, non-pharmacological applications, and GL containing crude extracts were largely excluded. Results: Glycyrrhizin, the major bioactive constituent of Glycyrrhiza glabra, exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, hepatoprotective, antitumor, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. These actions are primarily mediated through the inhibition of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and the modulation of key signaling pathways, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and various cytokine networks. As a result of its therapeutic potential, GL-based formulations, including Stronger Neo-Minophagen C, and GL-rich extracts of G. glabra are commercially available as pharmaceutical preparations and food additives. Conclusions: Despite its therapeutic potential, the clinical application of GL is limited by poor oral bioavailability, metabolic variability, and adverse effects such as pseudoaldosteronism. Hence, careful consideration of pharmacokinetics and safety is essential for translating its therapeutic potential into clinical practice. Full article

Natural resins are complex mixtures of secondary metabolites produced by many plants in response to stress or injury and have long been used for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Among resin-producing genera, Commiphora Jacq. (Burseraceae) stands out for the traditional and medicinal relevance of its oleogum resins, commonly known as myrrh. In this study, we investigated, for the first time, the non-volatile fraction of the oleogum resin of Commiphora ornifolia (Balf.f.) J.B.Gillett, which is an endemic species of Socotra Island. Ethanol extraction followed by chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis (HPLC-DAD, NMR, HRMS) led to the isolation of (+)-yangambin, a furofuran lignan not previously reported in this species. Quantitative analysis showed yangambin to be present in all eight resin samples analyzed, at concentrations ranging from 3.50 (±0.02) to 9.05% (±0.19) of the ethanol extract. In addition, the analysis of the hydrolyzed polysaccharide fraction revealed the presence of arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, and galacturonic acid. These preliminary findings highlight the phytochemical richness of C. ornifolia oleogum resin and suggest the presence of other potentially bioactive compounds. The presence of yangambin, known for various pharmacological activities, supports further phytochemical and biological studies on this largely unexplored species. Full article

The genus Lavandula represents one of the most valuable aromatic and medicinal plants, holding significant economic importance in the pharmaceutical, food, perfumery, and cosmetics industries. Among them, L. multifida is a traditionally used medicinal plant in the Mediterranean region. This work provides a comprehensive review of L. multifida, focusing on its traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties. Unlike conventional lavenders, its essential oil is dominated by phenolic monoterpenes, principally carvacrol, alongside significant concentrations of β-bisabolene, 1,8-cineole, and camphor. This distinct phytochemical profile is further complemented by a rich range of non-volatile constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and triterpenoids. Pharmacological investigations have validated its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, demonstrating efficacy against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains and fungal pathogens through mechanisms such as membrane disruption, metabolic interference, and quorum sensing inhibition. Furthermore, the species exhibits significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, mediated primarily through radical scavenging, cyclooxygenase inhibition, and cytokine modulation. Owing to its distinct chemistry, specific traditional uses for respiratory and digestive ailments, limited endemic habitat, and underexplored status, L. multifida presents a promising candidate for future research with high potential for novel drug discovery, particularly in antiparasitic and respiratory therapies. This review concludes by identifying key research priorities for L. multifida, including a detailed analysis of its non-volatile compounds, mechanistic elucidation, toxicological assessments, and standardization of extracts. Addressing these gaps is essential to validate its traditional applications and advance its development into evidence-based phytomedicines, adjuvant therapies, and natural agrochemicals. Full article

Background/Objectives: This in vitro study evaluated the effects of fluoride-free toothpaste, fluoride-containing toothpaste, and a color-correcting gel on the morphology, composition, and mechanical properties of demineralized human enamel. The hypothesis was that fluoride-containing formulations would better preserve enamel integrity compared to non-fluoride and cosmetic products. Methods: Extracted human teeth (n = 3 per group) were demineralized with 36% phosphoric acid and assigned to four groups: E0 (control), E1 (fluoride-free toothpaste), E2 (fluoride-containing toothpaste), and E3 (color-correcting gel). Brushing was performed manually twice daily for 7 days using standardized force. Surface morphology and elemental composition were assessed via SEM–EDX; chemical changes were analyzed by FTIR; mechanical properties were evaluated using the Vickers microhardness test. Results: E1 exhibited the highest microhardness (343.6 HV) but also the highest Ca/P ratio (2.37) and most pronounced surface roughness (p < 0.05 vs. control). E2 showed a balanced Ca/P ratio (2.07), smoother morphology, and detectable fluoride incorporation, despite a lower hardness value (214.5 HV). E3 presented moderate changes in both morphology and composition, with a Ca/P ratio similar to the control (2.06) but surface irregularities visible by SEM. The apparent paradox in E1—high hardness with structural damage—may be due to superficial mineral precipitation without true remineralization. Conclusions: Fluoride-containing toothpaste preserved enamel morphology and chemistry more effectively than the other formulations. Increased hardness in E1 does not necessarily indicate clinical benefit. In vivo studies with longer protocols and pH cycling are needed to confirm these findings. Full article

The quality of mangoes is a crucial factor in both domestic and commercial markets that directly influences consumer satisfaction and economic value. Traditional methods of checking mango quality often involve destructive techniques, which lead to the loss of the fruit in the testing process. This study presents an advanced approach that could predict the quality of mangoes using advance non-destructive methods leveraging machine learning algorithms to predict quality parameters such as ripeness, sweetness and overall freshness without damaging the fruit. In this research, a dataset consisting of various mango samples was collected, with attributes including color, texture, size, weight and acidity levels. Sensors, such as pH sensors (for acidity) and e-nose sensors (for aroma and sweetness detection), were used to gather data, while a combination of machine learning models such as Decision Tree, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Automated Machine Learning (AutoMLP), Naive Bayes were applied to predict the mangoes’ quality. The accuracy of each model was measured based on its ability to classify mangoes as fresh, ripe, or rotten. The results determine that the AutoMLP model performs the best out of the traditional models, achieving an accuracy of 98.46%, making it the most suitable model for mango quality prediction. The research explains the significance of feature extraction methods, model optimization, and sensor data pretreatment in reaching a high prediction accuracy. Full article

The growing need for environmentally friendly separation processes has motivated the search for alternative solvents to petroleum-derived chemicals for the recovery of biosynthesized products. Although effective, conventional petroleum-based solvents pose major environmental and sustainability concerns, including pollution, ecotoxicity, human health risks, and high costs and energy demands for recycling. Consequently, current research and industrial practice increasingly focus on their replacement with safer and more sustainable alternatives. This study investigates the use of natural oils (i.e., grapeseed, sweet almond, and flaxseed oils) as renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic diluents in reactive extraction systems for the separation of 7-aminocephalosporanic acid (7-ACA). The combination of these oils with tri-n-octylamine (TOA) as extractant enabled high extraction efficiencies, exceeding 50%. The system comprising 120 g/L tri-n-octylamine in grapeseed oil, an aqueous phase pH of 4.5, a contact time of 1 min, and a temperature of 25 °C resulted in a 7-ACA extraction efficiency of 63.4%. Slope analysis suggests that complex formation likely involves approximately one molecule each of tri-n-octylamine and 7-ACA, although the apparent order of the amine is reduced in systems using natural oils. This study highlights the potential of natural oil-based reactive extraction as a scalable and environmentally friendly method for 7-ACA separation, aligning with the principles of green chemistry and environmental biotechnology. Full article

Alkanna tinctoria (L.) Tausch is a valuable medicinal plant known for its root-derived hydroxynaphthoquinone enantiomers, alkannin/shikonin (A/S), which exhibit significant pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical potential. However, its limited natural distribution and overharvesting pose conservation challenges, necessitating sustainable cultivation and extraction strategies. The application of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NaDESs) has garnered significant attention as sustainable alternatives to conventional solvents. However, their toxicity in living plant systems remains largely unexplored. This study presents the successful establishment of an ex situ hydroponic cultivation system using the nutrient film technique (NFT) to grow A. tinctoria under greenhouse conditions. The system promoted plant acclimatization, vigorous root development, and initial production of A/S derivatives. In parallel, the toxicity evaluation of a bio-based NaDES, LeG_5_20 (levulinic acid–glucose, 5:1, with 20% water), applied as a circulating medium, was assessed. Physiological stress responses of the plants to NaDES circulation were assessed through non-destructive measurements, including stomatal resistance, photosynthetic and transpiration rates, and sub-stomatal CO₂ concentration. Short-term (24 min) exposure to NaDES showed no significant adverse effects, while longer exposures (4–8 h) induced marked stress symptoms and loss of leaf area. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of integrating green hydroponic systems with eco-friendly extraction solvents and provide a framework for further optimization of plant age, solvent exposure time, and system design to enable sustainable metabolite recovery without plant destruction. Full article

SIRT1-SREBP−1c/PGC−1α signaling is involved in the production of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and liver lipid metabolism disorders in ketotic calf. The molecules contained in extracellular vesicles (EVs) regulate intercellular communication, and research on calf hepatocytes−derived EVs has become a hot spot. We hypothesized that EVs in cell culture supernatants could affect lipid metabolism in hepatocyte models via SIRT1/SREBP−1c/PGC−1α signaling. Non-ketosis (NK, 0 mM NEFA) and clinical ketosis calf models (CK, 2.4 mM NEFAs) were established in vitro cultured calf hepatocytes and EVs were extracted from their supernatants as NK−derived EVs and CK−derived EVs, respectively. In vitro hepatocyte models, comprising a normal culture group (normal) and the group treated with NEFAs at 2.4 mM (2.4 NEFA), were treated with NK and CK−derived EVs. In addition, we transfected an SIRT1−overexpressing adenovirus into calf hepatocytes and determined the expression of key genes, enzymes, and proteins involved in the SIRT1/SREBP−1c/PGC−1α pathway. The results showed that the NK−derived EVs inhibited the expression of the SREBP−1c gene and protein and increased the expression of the SIRT1 and PGC−1α genes and proteins (p < 0.05). In contrast, CK−derived EVs induced lipid metabolism disorders in the normal hepatocyte group and aggravated NEFA-induced lipid metabolism imbalances in hepatocytes (p < 0.05). Moreover, overexpression of SIRT1 confirmed that EVs exert vital functions in hepatocyte lipid metabolism via SIRT1/SREBP−1c/PGC−1α signaling to regulate hepatocyte lipid metabolism. In summary, NK−derived EVs alleviated liver lipid metabolism disorders caused by NEFAs via modulation of SIRT1/SREBP−1c/PGC−1α signaling, while CK−derived EVs had the opposite effect. NK−derived EVs upregulated lipid oxidation-related genes and downregulated lipid synthesis-related genes, suggesting that NK−derived EVs could be used as biological extracts to alleviate lipid metabolism disorders in ketotic calf. Full article

The genus Camellia offers valuable resources for tea production, oil extraction, and ornamental purposes, and its applications are expanding beyond traditional regions due to increasing human demands and advancements in research. To explore new therapeutic resources and identify key active metabolites, we conducted a non-targeted metabolomics analysis on three camellias. We also utilized network pharmacology to identify the potential targets of key metabolites involved in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. A total of 385 significantly different metabolites were identified, with organic acids and derivatives, lipids and lipid-like molecules, and phenylpropanoids and polyketides being the top three metabolite classes. Of the 71 different phenylpropanoids and polyketides identified, 54 were common across all three cultivars, while 17 were unique. Network pharmacology further identified 78 potential molecular targets associated with the four therapeutic activities under study. Seven flavonoid glycosides, two flavans, two biflavonoids/polyflavonoids, and one flavone were highlighted as key active metabolites. Notably, Camellia japonica ‘Kōshi’ emerged as a promising material for future applications. The key active ingredients may contribute to the development of novel approaches for cosmetic, food, and medicinal applications, as well as germplasm innovation for new functional camellias. Full article

Abiotic stressors such as drought, salinity, waterlogging, and high and low temperatures significantly reduce the growth and productivity of rice (Oryza sativa) and soybean (Glycine max), which are vital for global food and nutritional security. These stressors disrupt physiological, biochemical, and molecular processes, resulting in decreased yield and quality. Biostimulants represent promising sustainable solutions to alleviate stress-induced damage and improve crop performance under stressful conditions. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of biostimulants in enhancing rice and soybean resilience under abiotic stress. Both microbial and non-microbial biostimulants including phytohormones such as salicylic acid; melatonin; humic and fulvic substances; seaweed extracts; nanoparticles; and beneficial microbes have been discussed. Biostimulants enhance antioxidant defenses, improve photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, regulate hormones, and activate stress-responsive genes, thereby supporting growth and yield. Moreover, biostimulants regulate molecular pathways such as ABA- and ROS-mediated signaling and activate key transcription factors (e.g., WRKY, DREB, NAC), linking molecular responses with physiological and phenotypic resilience. The effectiveness of biostimulants depends on crop species, growth stage, stress severity and application method. This review summarizes recent findings on the role of biostimulants in enhancing the mechanisms underlying growth, yield, and stress tolerance of rice and soybean under abiotic stress. Additionally, the incorporation of biostimulants into sustainable farming practices to increase productivity in the context of climate-related challenges has been discussed. Furthermore, the necessity for additional research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, refine application methods, and verify their effectiveness in field conditions has been highlighted. Full article

Dairy products harbor complex and dynamic microbial communities that contribute to their sensory properties, safety, and cultural distinctiveness. Raw milk contains a diverse microbiota shaped by seasonality, storage conditions, lactation stage, animal health, farm management, and genetics, serving as a variable starting point for further processing. Fermentation, whether spontaneous or starter driven, selects for subsets of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeasts, and molds, resulting in microbial succession that underpins both artisanal and industrial products such as kefir and cheese. Kefir represents a balanced LAB–yeast symbiosis, with species composition influenced by grain origin, milk type, and processing parameters, whereas the cheese microbiota reflects the interplay of starter and non-starter LAB, coagulants, ripening conditions, and “house microbiota”. Methodological factors—including DNA extraction, sequencing platform, and bioinformatic pipelines—further impact the reported microbial profiles, highlighting the need for standardization across studies. This review synthesizes current knowledge on raw milk, kefir, and cheese microbiomes, emphasizing the biological, technological, environmental, and methodological factors shaping microbial diversity. A holistic understanding of these drivers is essential to preserve product authenticity, ensure safety, and harness microbial resources for innovation in dairy biotechnology. Full article

Non-centrifugal cane sugar (NCS) is an artisanal product, also known as rapadura or brown sugar, and it is consumed both as a dessert and as a substitute to refined sugar. Despite being a source of essential nutrients, inorganic contaminants may be found in rapadura composition. Thus, this study aimed to optimize and to apply a method for As, Cd, and Pb determination in 72 NCS samples commercialized in Latin America. The method consisted of acid extraction of the inorganic contaminants using an ultrasound bath, and the determination was conducted by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP OES). The method optimization was performed using a 2² central composite design, considering time and oxidant mixture as key parameters, and the best conditions were verified by extracting the inorganic contaminants using a 15% oxidant mixture for 20 min. The acid extraction method using an ultrasound bath was considered adequate, with values for limits of detection and quantification between 0.005 and 0.039 mg kg⁻¹, respectively, and trueness (spiked experiments and certified reference material) ranging from 93 to 108% for all analytes. Rapadura samples from Latin America presented low levels for As and Cd, <0.012 µg kg⁻¹ and <0.005–0.045 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. For Pb, all samples presented quantifiable levels, and 33% were not within the requirements established by the Brazilian and The Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) regulations. Thus, monitoring the levels of inorganic contaminants in non-centrifugal cane sugar is fundamental to provide safety for consumers. Full article