Search Results (3,672)

Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate), a culturally and economically important South American species, faces significant challenges in vitro, including contamination, phenolic oxidation, and low regeneration rates. Nanoparticles have recently emerged as promising tools to overcome such limitations. This study evaluated silver (AgNPs) and chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) in eight experiments using nodal, leaf, and internodal explants. Surface disinfection with 1% colloidal silver solution 20 ppm significantly reduced contamination (17.2% and 15%) while maintaining viability (62.1%). However, supplementation of culture media with AgNPs (4–75 mg·L⁻¹) or ChNPs (5–120 mg·L⁻¹) did not improve nodal segment responses. In leaf explants, 4 mg·L⁻¹ AgNPs proved most effective, reducing contamination and markedly decreasing callus oxidation from 63.3% to 10.0%. Callogenesis was enhanced when AgNPs were combined with growth regulators, with the highest induction at 6 mg·L⁻¹ AgNPs + zeatin (38.1%) and 4 mg·L⁻¹ AgNPs + BAP (42.9%). Conversely, in internodal segments, AgNPs combined with BAP completely inhibiting callus formation. The resulting calli exhibited compact and friable morphologies but no signs of somatic embryogenesis. Overall, the effectiveness of AgNPs depends on their formulation, explant type, and interaction with cytokinins. Optimization of nanoparticle formulation and hormonal balance remains essential to maximize efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Full article

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

Optimizing spectral quality is a key strategy in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) to enhance both productivity and nutritional quality in horticultural crops. In this study, we investigated the organ-specific physiological and metabolic responses of celery (Apium graveolens L. cv. Dayehuang) to supplemental blue light at three intensities (10, 20, and 30 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ with red/blue light ratios of 0.76, 0.68, and 0.60, respectively) in a plant factory with artificial lighting. Results showed that a moderate red/blue light ratio of 0.68 significantly enhanced chlorophyll accumulation, PSII quantum efficiency, and net photosynthetic rate, resulting in the highest shoot biomass without inducing photoinhibition. Leaf tissues showed marked increases in flavonoids and total phenolics, while petioles exhibited elevated soluble sugar levels and favorable modulation of volatile compound profiles. Antioxidant enzyme activities, particularly superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, were also enhanced with a moderate red/blue light ratio of 0.68, contributing to improved oxidative stress defense. Composite indices, including functional yield index and antioxidant performance index, confirmed that a moderate red/blue light ratio of 0.68 achieved the optimal trade-off between biomass production and nutritional enhancement. These findings reveal distinct organ-specific responses to supplemental blue light and underscore the value of spectral fine-tuning to simultaneously promote both source (leaf) and sink (petiole) performance in celery grown under CEA systems. 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

This research introduces a synergistic photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) system designed for the effective degradation of tetracycline (TC), integrating a PO₄³⁻-grafted Mo-doped BiVO₄ (PO₄³⁻-Mo:BiVO₄) photoanode with a Pd-loaded ordered mesoporous carbon (Pd/CMK-3) cathode. The incorporation of Mo doping and PO₄³⁻ modification significantly improved the photoanode’s charge separation efficiency, achieving a photocurrent density of 2.9 mA cm⁻², and fine-tuned its band structure to enhance hydroxyl radical (·OH) generation. Meanwhile, the Pd/CMK-3 cathode promoted a two-electron oxygen reduction reaction pathway, producing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and facilitating molecular oxygen activation via atomic hydrogen (H*) intermediates. Under optimized conditions—1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl of anodic potential, pH 6.58, and oxygen saturation—the combined system accomplished 80% TC degradation within 60 min, markedly surpassing the performance of the photoanode (72%) or cathode (71%) alone. Notably, this synergistic approach also reduced energy consumption to 0.0065 kWh m⁻³, outperforming individual components. Radical quenching experiments and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis revealed that the photogenerated holes (h⁺) and ·OH were the key reactive species responsible for TC mineralization. The system demonstrated remarkable stability, with only a 2.96% decline in activity, and effectively degraded other contaminants, such as phenol, 4-chlorophenol, and ciprofloxacin. This study highlights an energy-efficient PEC strategy that harnesses the combined strengths of anodic oxidation and cathodic molecular oxygen activation to significantly enhance the removal of organic pollutants. Full article

Oxidative stress is a major contributor to skin aging and related disorders. This study comparatively evaluated the bioefficacy of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi leaf extracts prepared using three extraction techniques: conventional extraction (CE), accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), and pulsed electric field (PEF) extraction, with 50% (v/v) ethanol and water as green solvents. Among all tested conditions, the CE-derived extract (C-4), obtained with 50% (v/v) ethanol for 120 min, exhibited the highest extraction yield (29.7%). It also showed the highest total phenolic (668.56 ± 11.52 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry material (DM)) and flavonoid content (2629.92 ± 112.61 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/100 g DM), and potent antioxidant activity against 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical (12,645.50 ± 60.31 µmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/g DM) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay (ORAC: 7180.27 ± 101.79 µM TE/100 g DM). Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis revealed a diverse phytochemical profile rich in polyphenols, including gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and epicatechin. Cellular assays in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced HaCaT keratinocytes demonstrated that C-4 extract significantly enhanced cell viability and upregulated endogenous antioxidant genes (superoxide dismutase (SOD1), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX)), with effects comparable to established antioxidants such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and ascorbic acid. These findings highlight the influence of extraction parameters on phytochemical yield and biological activity, supporting the potential application of CE-derived S. terebinthifolius extracts as effective, sustainable ingredients for cosmeceutical formulations targeting oxidative stress-mediated skin aging. Full article

The search for bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties is critical in combating oxidative stress-related diseases and advancing novel therapeutic agents. Azo dyes, traditionally used in textiles, food, and cosmetics, have recently attracted attention due to their emerging biological activities, including antioxidant potential. In this study, we synthesized and characterized 267 azo dyes derived from natural phenolic cores such as salicylic acid, syringol, and 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-naphthol. Eighteen of these compounds are novel. Structural characterization was performed using NMR, UV-Vis, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Antioxidant activity was assessed using in vitro assays with ABTS radical scavenging method. SAR analysis revealed that dyes derived from syringol and 5, 6, 7, 8-tetrahydro-2-naphthol showed the most consistent and potent antioxidant activity. Notably, azo dyes bearing fluoro and nitro substituents in the para position exhibited the lowest IC₅₀ values, highlighting the influence of electron-withdrawing groups and substitution patterns on antioxidant behavior. This work establishes a precedent for SAR-driven evaluation of azo dyes using ABTS and supports their further exploration as functional antioxidant agents in medicinal chemistry. Full article

Volatile phenols in the atmosphere are important precursors of ozone and secondary organic aerosols (SOAs). Despite their importance, the lack of effective observation and analysis methods has led to less attention paid to them, leading to gaps in our understanding of their behavior and effects on atmospheric chemistry. This study aimed to evaluate the concentration levels, sources, and environmental impacts of volatile phenols in ambient air, focusing on the urban area of Beijing and the suburban district of Heze in the North China Plain during winter. Samples were collected using an XAD-7 column and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (UPLC-UV). Results indicated that a higher concentration of 11 detected phenols was found in Beijing than that in Heze, with the average concentration of 23.60 ± 8.99 ppbv and 18.38 ± 2.34 ppbv. Phenol and cresol with strong photochemical activity were the predominant species, accounting for about 52% (Heze) and 66% (Beijing) of the total phenols, which indicates that more attention should be paid to volatile phenols in urban areas. Higher levels of L_OH in Beijing (36.86 s⁻¹) and Heze (22.06 s⁻¹) compared to other studies about PAMS and carbonyls indicated that these volatile phenols play an undeniable role in atmospheric oxidation reactions. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) identified major sources as pesticide usage (15.6%), organic chemicals (31.9%), and combustion or secondary conversion (52.5%). These findings underscore the multifaceted impact of phenols, influencing both gaseous pollutant concentrations and particulate matter formation, with potential implications for environmental and public health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ecballium elaterium is a widely distributed species and is one of the earliest recorded in traditional medicine. With global temperatures rising, this study aimed to investigate the changes in E. elaterium plantlets subjected to thermal stress. The goal was to understand how thermal stress affects morphology, physiology, and bioactive metabolite production, both for ecological adaptation and potential therapeutic applications. Methods: Seedlings were cultivated under controlled conditions and subjected to either the control temperature (22 °C) or the heat stress temperature (35 °C) for one week. Morphological and anatomical traits were assessed, along with physiological parameters such as chlorophyll content, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), L-proline, soluble sugars, and total phenolic content. Methanolic leaf extracts from both groups were analyzed via LC-HRMS/MS and examined in vitro for cytotoxic activity against three human cancer cell lines: MCF-7 (breast), DU-145 (prostate), and SH-SY5Y (neuroblastoma). Results: Heat stress reduced dry mass and stomatal density but increased the diameter of the root transition zone, indicating anatomical adaptation. Leaves exhibited elevated oxidative stress markers and altered metabolite accumulation, while the roots showed a more integrated stress response. LC-HRMS/MS profiling revealed significant shifts in Cucurbitacin composition. Extracts from heat-stressed plants displayed stronger cytotoxicity, particularly toward DU-145 and SH-SY5Y cells, correlating with higher levels of glycosylated Cucurbitacins. Conclusions: E. elaterium demonstrates organ-specific thermotolerance mechanisms, with heat stress enhancing the production of bioactive metabolites. These stress-induced phytochemicals, especially Cucurbitacins, hold promise for future cancer research and therapeutic applications. Full article

Climate change is having a significant impact on vine physiology and grape composition, leading to notable alterations in wine quality, such as reduced acidity, increased ethanol content, and higher pH levels. These effects are particularly problematic in arid and semi-arid regions, such as Mediterranean areas, where high summer temperatures and low rainfall accelerate the degradation of organic acids in grapes. As a result, wines produced under these conditions often lack the acidity required to preserve their freshness and enological quality. This study evaluated the effect of must acidification using cation-exchange resins on the composition and quality of red wines made from the Monastrell variety, comparing them with wines acidified using tartaric acid to reach the same target pH. The results showed that treating a portion of the must (20% and 30%) with cation-exchange resins significantly reduced wine pH values and increased total acidity compared to the control wine. A similar result was observed in wines acidified with tartaric acid. However, as an additional effect, the treatment with resin more markedly reduced the concentration of pro-oxidant metal cations such as iron, copper, and manganese, contributing to lower values of volatile acidity and a greater stability against oxidation of phenolic compounds. Must acidification with both methods improved wine color quality by increasing color intensity and decreasing hue values. Although no significant differences were found in the total concentration of phenolic compounds, variations were detected in their compositional profile. Furthermore, the acidification also affected the concentration and composition of aromatic compounds in the final wine. Sensory analysis revealed that the treated wines—particularly those made with must acidified using cation-exchange resins—exhibited greater aromatic intensity, more pronounced fruity notes, and reduced astringency, resulting in a fresher mouthfeel. In conclusion, must treatment with cation-exchange resins appears to be a low-cost good alternative compared tartaric acid addition for reducing pH and increasing acidity in Monastrell red wines, thereby enhancing their quality in winegrowing regions with arid or semi-arid climates. Full article

Thyroid cancer (TC), the most prevalent endocrine neoplasia, has shown a progressive incidence, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches—especially for radioiodine-refractory cases, often associated with mutations in genes such as BRAF, RAS, and TP53. This review proposes a mechanistic model that highlights two interrelated characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME): redox imbalance and chronic inflammation, key elements in tumor progression and treatment resistance. Thus, natural phenolic compounds, such as curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), function not as simple antioxidants but as pleiotropic agents that reprogram the TME. A central mechanism of action for these compounds is the modulation of the purinergic axis (CD39/CD73/adenosine), a critical immune-metabolic checkpoint. By selectively inducing lethal oxidative stress in tumor cells, suppressing pro-survival inflammatory pathways—such as that mediated by nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)—and destabilizing the immunosuppressive shield conferred by adenosine, certain phytochemicals demonstrate the potential to restore immune surveillance and promote tumor apoptosis. In this context, a critical analysis of the evidence related to targeting purinergic signals becomes essential, since pharmacological reinforcement of this pathway, especially when combined with immunotherapies based on immune checkpoint blockade, emerges as a promising strategy for overcoming therapeutic resistance. Full article

In this study, we isolated and identified six major phenolic constituents from Cephalaria uralensis. The compounds—quercetin 6-C-β-glucopyranoside, isoorientin, swertiajaponin, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and chlorogenic acid—were characterized by LC–MS and NMR. All isolates exhibited strong free-radical scavenging ability and significant interaction with lipid monolayers (Δπ up to ~6.5–7 mN/m), suggesting dual antioxidant and membrane-perturbing activities. In antioxidant assays, isoorientin, showed the lowest IC₅₀ among the isolates. Notably, 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid caused the largest increase in monolayer surface pressure, indicating a particularly strong tendency to integrate with lipid bilayers. In fact, chlorogenic acid, isoorientin, and swertiajaponin are well-documented natural antioxidants, and related phenolic acids have been shown to possess potent antimicrobial activity. Thus, the C. uralensis phenolics identified in our study likely underlie the extract’s bioactivity. These findings highlight C. uralensis as a source of membrane-active polyphenols with potential applications in skin-related oxidative and microbial conditions. Full article

Mushrooms, renowned for their nutritional value and bioactive compounds, offer potential health benefits, including antioxidants and anti-aging properties. Aging, characterized by cellular and tissue decline, is often associated with autophagy dysfunction, a crucial cellular cleaning process. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial properties of extracts from four medicinal and edible mushrooms: Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Agaricus bisporus. The protein, total phenol, and flavonoid content of mushroom extracts were determined. Aging was induced with 120 mg/kg D-galactose and treated with 500 mg/kg mushroom extracts. The study evaluated liver enzyme levels, histopathological changes in liver and brain tissues, gene expression correlated to neurodegeneration (SEPT5-SV2B-ATXN2-PARK2), telomere length, and immunomodulatory and pro-inflammatory (IL-2-IL-4-IL-6) gene expression pathways. Additionally, the antimicrobial potential of mushroom extracts was assessed against several bacteria (Lysinibacillus odyssey, Lysinibacillus fusiformis, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Escherichia coli) using agar well diffusion and lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. By exploring these diverse aspects, this study aimed to provide a foundation for a better understanding of the potential of mushrooms as natural neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial agents and their potential applications in human health. Results indicated that all mushroom extracts effectively mitigated oxidative stress. Agaricus bisporus exhibited the highest protein and flavonoid content, and Pleurotus ostreatus displayed the highest phenolic content. Notably, Hericium erinaceus and Ganoderma lucidum extracts demonstrated significant neuroprotective and hepatoprotective properties against D-galactose-induced aging, as evidenced by histopathological examination. All extracts exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in liver function (serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (GOT) and alanine aminotransferase (GPT)) and showed immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, characterized by upregulated IL-2 and IL-4 gene expression and downregulated IL-6 gene expression. Hericium erinaceus demonstrated the most pronounced upregulation (p < 0.001) of SEPT5, SV2B, and telomere length gene expression, suggesting potential anti-aging effects. Furthermore, all mushroom extracts displayed antimicrobial activity against the tested bacterial strains, except Hericium erinaceus, which exhibited antibacterial activity solely against E. coli. Agaricus bisporus exhibited the largest inhibition zones (22 ± 0.06 mm) against Lysinibacillus odyssey, while Hericium erinaceus displayed the largest inhibition zone against E. coli. The MIC value was observed with Agaricus bisporus extract against Lysinibacillus odyssey (1.95 ± 0.16 mg/mL). Lysinibacillus fusiformis exhibited the highest resistance to the tested mushroom extracts. These findings suggest that these edible and medicinal mushrooms possess a wide range of health-promoting properties, including neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial activities. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize applications. However, our results provide a strong foundation for exploring these mushrooms as potential natural agents that promote overall health and combat age-related decline. Full article

Cotinus coggygria is a widespread medicinal and aromatic species known for its ecological plasticity, pharmacological potential, and cultivation prospects. Despite its broad distribution across heterogeneous habitats, little is known about how local ecological and pedochemical factors influence its physiological traits and secondary metabolite production. This study addresses this knowledge gap by analyzing the eco-physiological and phytochemical variability of C. coggygria across six natural populations differing in substrate type and geochemical conditions. The research reveals significant inter-population variability in element accumulation, oxidative stress markers, morphometric traits, and the qualitative and quantitative composition of essential oils and phenolic compounds. Soil analyses demonstrated notable differences in element concentrations (e.g., Ca, Fe, Co, Zn) across localities, correlating with geochemical conditions. Morphological traits, such as leaf size and petiole length, varied significantly, with pronounced differences observed in plants from thermophilous and metalliferous habitats. Oxidative stress, indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, was highest in populations from thermophilous habitats. Phenolic compound analysis revealed locality-specific differences, with plants from thermophilous habitats exhibiting the highest concentrations of gallic acid, catechin, and rutin. Essential oil yield and composition also varied: leaves from metalliferous habitats had the highest monoterpene hydrocarbon content, while bark samples from thermophilous habitats showed elevated sesquiterpene levels. This comprehensive analysis underscores the interplay between habitat-specific conditions and the physiological and biochemical processes of C. coggygria. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing substrate conditions and ecological management, with implications for the cultivation of the species to enhance the synthesis of bioactive compounds. These results support sustainable land use practices and the development of high-value plant-based products, offering significant implications for agriculture, pharmacology, and ecosystem restoration. Future studies should further explore the genetic and biochemical mechanisms underlying this species’ adaptability and resource optimization in heterogeneous environments. Full article