Search Results (3,987)

The growing interest in functional foods has led to a heightened focus on the bioactive properties of different types of vinegar, including jujube vinegar, which has traditionally been valued for its health benefits. This study provides a comparative analysis of the chemical composition and bioactive properties of homemade and commercial jujube vinegar, particularly emphasizing their phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities. Both vinegar samples were analyzed for their physico-chemical properties, phenolic compounds content, and organic acids using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The results indicated that homemade jujube vinegar contained significantly higher levels of key bioactive compounds, including protocatechuic aldehyde > syringaldehyde > vanillic acid > caffeic acid > gallic acid > protocatechuic acid > chlorogenic acid > p-coumaric and quercetin, compared to the commercial vinegar. Such compounds are widely acknowledged for their antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory effects, and overall contributions to human health. The findings suggest that traditional production methods, raw material selection, and fermentation conditions enhance the nutritional potential of jujube vinegar. Full article

Alginate is one of the most utilized biopolymers for the encapsulation of polyphenols throughout ionic gelation. For improvement in the encapsulation of polyphenols, other biopolymers and/or fillers can be employed. The purpose of this study was to include pullulan and/or disaccharides in an alginate encapsulation mixture to monitor whether we would achieve higher encapsulation of chokeberry juice polyphenols. Alginate hydrogel beads were used as controls, and through the results for total polyphenol and proanthocyanidin contents, concentrations of individual polyphenols, and antioxidant activities, it can be observed that pullulan and/or disaccharides had an impact on the encapsulation of these bioactives. Alginate/pullulan hydrogel beads had the highest contents of total polyphenols and proanthocyanidins (8.60 g/kg and 2.37 g/kg, respectively), whereas alginate/trehalose hydrogel beads had the lowest (5.50 g/kg and 1.16 g/kg, respectively). All hydrogel beads, except alginate/pullulan/sucrose, had higher anthocyanin (cyanidin-3-galactoside and cyanidin-3-arabinoside) contents than alginate beads (404.37 mg/kg and 89.97 mg/kg, respectively), but the most efficient combination for encapsulation of chokeberry anthocyanins was alginate/pullulan (477.32 mg/kg and 109.60 mg/kg, respectively). The highest concentration of neochlorogenic acid was determined in controls (260.14 mg/kg), while the highest concentration of chlorogenic acid in alginate/pullulan/sucrose beads (229.51 mg/kg). Quercetin-3-glucoside was evaluated as having the highest concentration in alginate/pullulan hydrogel beads (35.45 mg/kg). The data obtained through this study highlight the importance of the composition of an encapsulation mixture in order to achieve high encapsulation of chokeberry juice polyphenols. High encapsulation efficiency was obtained for anthocyanins, especially when pullulan was used in combination with alginate. Full article

Given the high incidence of diet-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cancer, there is a growing need to explore new strategies for their prevention. Although polyphenols are known to reduce starch digestibility and lower the in vitro glycemic index, their antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic properties, when complexed with starches, remain underexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antioxidant activity, total polyphenol content, and cytotoxic potential of polyphenol–starch complexes formed using common dietary polyphenols—(+)-catechin, epigallocatechin gallate, hesperidin, naringenin, trans-ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, and kaempferol—and widely consumed starches from wheat, rice, potato, and maize. Antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH) together with the total polyphenols content (Folin–Ciocalteu) were tested: (1) before (undigested) enzymatic hydrolysis of the tested sample; (2) after (digested) enzymatic hydrolysis of the tested sample and (3) after hydrolysis of the sample and its centrifugation (supernatant). Cytotoxicity against colon cancer (Caco-2, HT29) and normal colon (CCD 841CoN) cell lines were determined in vitro by the MTT method. In undigested samples, the highest antioxidant activity was obtained with the addition of quercetin to wheat, rice, and maize starch (6735.8 µmol Fe²⁺/g d.m., 678.8, 539.4 µmol Trolox/g d.m., respectively), and epigallocatechin gallate to wheat, rice, potato, and maize starch (692.1, 538.0, 625.8, 573.6 µmol Trolox/g d.m., respectively). In digested samples, the highest antioxidant activity was obtained with the addition of quercetin to wheat and rice starch (2104.5 µmol Fe²⁺/g d.m., 742.1 µmol Trolox/g d.m., respectively). In the case of the natant of the digested samples, the highest value was recorded for the addition of (+)-catechin to potato starch and trans-ferulic acid to maize starch (823.7 µmol Fe²⁺/g d.m., 245.1 µmol Trolox/g d.m., respectively). The addition of quercetin to wheat and rice starch and (+)-catechin to potato starch (0.239, 0.151, 0.085 g gallic acid/g d.m., respectively) resulted in the highest total polyphenol content. Furthermore, quercetin demonstrated the most significant level of cytotoxic activity against the tumor cell line Caco-2 (IC₅₀ = 275.6 µg/mL; potato starch). Overall, quercetin was identified as the most significant or one of the most significant for all parameters evaluated. Full article

Background: The presence of C. perfringens in chicken meat products leads to significant economic losses for the industry and is associated with human food poisoning. It inspires creative answers for novel substances and techniques, such natural antibacterials, for improved prospects in the future. The objective of this study was to examine the antibacterial properties of thymus and star anise extracts for the suppression of Clostridium perfringens in products made from chicken meat. Methods: Thymus and star anise extracts were phytochemically analyzed using the Folin–Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to determine the phenolic compounds, DPPH to determine the antioxidant activity, and the agar disk diffusion assay to determine the antibacterial effect of the star anise. Following treatment with the mixture extract, an experimental application was conducted on chicken burgers. C. perfringens was also found in poultry samples. Lastly, the sensory evaluation of the chicken burger was detected. Results: The findings showed that Clostridium perfringens was present in a large number of chicken meat products, with a significant concentration in chicken thighs (84%), as well as in the mixture extract has the largest concentration of phytochemical components (TPC:123.88 ± 7.42 mg GAE/g, TFC: 69.04 ± 6.37 mg quercetin/g) with strong antibacterial action (the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the mixed extract was 3.12 mg/mL, with an inhibition zone of 13.06 ± 0.91 mm). Also, the addition of mix. extract to chicken burgers extends their shelf life, particularly when the mix content is high. Additionally, the mix. extract shows non-significant effect (p < 0.05) on the chicken burger’s sensory qualities. Conclusions: Finally, we can make use of the mix. extract of thymus and star anise as a natural preservative in chicken meat products especially the chicken burger. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by impaired glucose regulation. This study evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of aqueous extracts from four plant species from the southern Algarve: Aristolochia baetica, Chelidonium majus, Dittrichia viscosa, and Lavandula viridis, using non-cellular in vitro assays. HPLC/PDA was used to identify active compounds. Antioxidant activity was assessed by using TAA, FRAP, RP, and DPPH assays; antidiabetic potential through α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition; and wound healing relevance through elastase, collagenase, and lipoxygenase inhibition. D. viscosa showed the highest antioxidant activity (FRAP: 1132.99 ± 19.54 mg TE/g dw; DPPH IC₅₀ = 25.85 ± 0.75 μg/mL) and total phenolic/flavonoid content, with a diverse profile including caffeic and chlorogenic acids, isoquercetin, and quercetin. It also exhibited potent α-glucosidase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 0.61 ± 0.06 mg/mL), outperforming acarbose. L. viridis had the highest total phenolic content (39.04 mg/g), while A. baetica demonstrated the strongest anti-elastase, anti-collagenase, and lipoxygenase activity, suggesting wound-healing potential. C. majus showed the weakest effects. A strong correlation was observed between phenolic content and antioxidant/antidiabetic activity. These findings support further in vivo studies on D. viscosa and A. baetica for potential use in T2DM management and diabetic wound healing. Full article

Autoimmune diseases are driven by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, thus requiring innovative therapeutic approaches. Polymeric nanotherapeutics incorporating antioxidant bioactive compounds offer a promising strategy for immune modulation and enhanced drug delivery. This review explores the application of polymer-based nanocarriers for improving the solubility, bioavailability, and targeted delivery of antioxidant compounds in autoimmune disease treatment. A comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in polymeric nanoformulations, including poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), chitosan, and hyaluronic acid, was conducted. The therapeutic efficacy of various antioxidant-loaded nanoparticles has been assessed in both preclinical and clinical studies. Phenolic antioxidants, such as resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate, exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects; however, their poor solubility limits their clinical application. Nanocarriers such as dendrosomes, tannic acid-based reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging nanoparticles, and folic acid-functionalized systems enhance drug stability, controlled drug release, and macrophage targeting. Carotenoid and bilirubin nanoparticles further demonstrate immunomodulatory effects in multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Polymeric antioxidant nanotherapeutics provide targeted and sustained drug delivery, offering improved efficacy and reduced toxicity. Future research should focus on optimizing these nanocarriers for clinical translation and patient-centered therapeutic strategies. Full article

Background and Purpose: Methotrexate (MTX) is a widely used therapeutic agent for inflammatory and malignant diseases; however, its prolonged use is associated with hepatotoxicity through mechanisms that remain inadequately understood. This study aims to elucidate these mechanisms and assess the hepatoprotective potential of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Methods: Rats were allocated into five groups: control (group 1), IAA-treated (group 2), MTX-treated (group 3), quercetin (QUR) + MTX (group 4), and IAA + MTX (group 5). Hepatic function was assessed through the evaluation of serum liver enzymes, oxidative stress, and inflammatory and apoptotic markers using biochemical, molecular, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: The MTX-treated group demonstrated a significant increase in hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic markers. Co-administration of IAA or QUR with MTX markedly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while enhancing glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Moreover, hepatic inflammatory markers, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, were significantly decreased in the IAA- and QUR-treated groups. Immunohistochemical analysis further revealed a reduced expression of NF-κB, TLR4, and caspase-3 in hepatic tissues following QUR-MTX or IAA-MTX treatments. Conclusions: IAA exhibited hepatoprotective effects against MTX-induced liver injury, comparable to QUR, by modulating the TLR4/NF-κB/caspase-3 pathway. These findings highlight its potential clinical application in reducing MTX-associated hepatic complications. Full article

This study systematically investigated the drying kinetics and quality characteristics of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HCT) under different processing conditions, evaluating how freeze-drying and hot-air drying (40 °C, 50 °C, 60 °C) affect bioactive compound preservation, antioxidant efficacy, and metabolic profiles to identify the optimal drying method for maximizing its functional benefits. A thin-layer drying model was established to evaluate drying parameters such as effective diffusion coefficient and activation energy. Changes in chemical composition, sensory properties, and antioxidant activity were analyzed using UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS, electronic nose/tongue, and HepG2 cell assays. Results showed that the Aghabashlo model was optimal for demonstrating the drying process with the best fit. The 50 °C heating temperature was shown to yield the highest diffusion coefficient. Hot-air drying at 50 °C balanced efficiency and sensory quality, whereas 60 °C significantly altered flavor and metabolite composition. Results of the metabolomic analysis indicated that freeze-drying enhanced the retention of phenolic acids and flavonoids, while hot-air drying led to increased fatty acid metabolites. Freeze-drying preserved the antioxidant activity and natural flavor of HCT. Nevertheless, the metabolic fate of rutin, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid was not significantly affected by the drying method (freeze-drying vs. 50 °C drying). These findings provide a theoretical foundation for improving HCT’s therapeutic and sensory qualities through optimized drying techniques. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains an unsolved medical problem due to the lack of effective treatments, high mortality, and increased susceptibility to progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in the elderly. Cellular senescence has been described in AKI, CKD, and aging and has been proposed as a promising therapeutic target. The senolytic drug combination of dasatinib plus quercetin (D&Q) is beneficial in some pathological conditions, including experimental CKD, but there are no data for AKI. Methods: The effect of D&Q combination was tested in folic acid-induced nephrotoxicity (FAN-AKI), a murine AKI model. Results: D&Q pretreatment did not prevent renal dysfunction in the acute phase of FAN-AKI, as determined by serum creatinine and BUN levels at 48 h. Moreover, gene expression of the kidney damage biomarkers Lcn2 and Havcr1, the Cdkn1a gene, which encodes p21, and some genes encoding components of the senescent cell secretome were significantly increased in response to D&Q treatment. The number of senescent p21-positive cells in injured kidneys was similar in untreated or D&Q-treated FAN mice. In addition, D&Q did not prevent the downregulation of the antiaging factor Klotho in damaged kidneys. Conclusions: D&Q treatment was not protective in FAN-AKI, exacerbating some deleterious responses. These results suggest caution when exploring the clinical translation of D&Q senolytic activity. Full article

This study aims to enhance the dissolution rate and oral absorption of quercetin (QUR) by formulating quercetin crystalline solid dispersion (QUR-CSD). Quercetin, as a natural antioxidant, can effectively neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammatory responses, help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers, and support the function of the immune system. CSDs underwent characterization through powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, and dissolution rates were evaluated in vitro. Oral absorption assessment was conducted using SD rats, while Caco-2 monolayer cell transmembrane (CMCT) and single pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) were performed to assess the permeability of CSDs. QUR within the CSDs exhibited hydrogen bond interactions with P188 and PEG, displaying stronger interaction parameters (χ) of –4.0 and –6.1, respectively. The crystalline domain of QUR within Poloxamer 188 (P188) was smaller than within polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG8000). CSDs improved the dissolution rate of QUR, with the P188-CSD slightly outperforming the PEG8000-CSD due to P188’s ability to enhance drug wettability and solubility and to maintain supersaturation. Pharmacokinetic results revealed a 3.5-fold and 25-fold increase in oral absorption for P188-CSD and PEG8000-CSD, respectively, compared to QUR. CMCT and SPIP indicated superior permeability for PEG8000-CSD, potentially attributed to caveolin-mediated PEG transmembrane transport. QUR-CSD significantly enhanced oral absorption, with PEG8000-CSD demonstrating superior efficacy. This improvement was attributed to various factors, including crystalline size reduction, drug wettability enhancement, maintenance of supersaturation by polymers, and caveolin-mediated transmembrane transport. Full article

To investigate the therapeutic impact of Forsythia suspensa extract (FS) on RSV-infected mice and explore its antiviral pharmacodynamic foundations. Methods: An integrated analytical approach, combining UPLC-Q-TOF/MS with network pharmacology, was employed to analyze and identify the chemical constituents in FS, particularly those exhibiting antiviral properties against RSV. The study integrated network pharmacology and metabolomics for further analysis, and molecular docking and interaction experiments were conducted to validate the pharmacodynamic mechanisms. Finally, an RSV pneumonia mouse model was employed to evaluate the therapeutic influence of FS, including pathological and immunohistochemistry assessments. Twenty-five components in FS were identified through UPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis. Integrated network pharmacology data revealed 43 effective components and predicted 113 potential targets of FS for anti-RSV activity. Metabolomics analysis identified 14 metabolite biomarkers closely linked to RSV-induced metabolic disruptions involving pathways. Moreover, molecular docking and Biacore experiments provided additional confirmation that FS primarily exerts its effects through compounds such as rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol. Immunohistochemistry experiments demonstrated a significant reduction in the expression of relevant proteins following FS administration, affirming its capacity to ameliorate lung inflammation induced by RSV infection through the modulation of Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. The data presented in this study illustrate that FS exerts its anti-RSV effects by regulating the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway via rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol. Furthermore, the approach of combining network pharmacology with metabolomics proves to be an effective research strategy for investigating the bioactive constituents of medicinal plants and elucidating their pharmacological effects. Full article

Chronic inflammation is a key contributor to the development and progression of numerous chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and obesity. As the side effects of conventional anti-inflammatory drugs pose challenges, plant-derived compounds have emerged as promising alternatives due to their potent anti-inflammatory properties and minimal adverse effects. This review explores the molecular mechanisms by which these compounds alleviate chronic inflammation and highlights their potential role in disease prevention. Polyphenols (e.g., quercetin and resveratrol), flavonoids (e.g., luteolin and apigenin), carotenoids (e.g., β-carotene and lycopene), and other phytochemicals (e.g., curcumin and gingerol) modulate inflammatory pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase, reduce oxidative stress, and inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines. Plant-derived compounds interact with the gut microbiota, enhancing anti-inflammatory effects. Evidence from animal studies and clinical trials has demonstrated their efficacy in reducing inflammation-related biomarkers and improving health outcomes. However, challenges such as low bioavailability and determination of the optimal dosage require further investigation. Advancing delivery technologies and personalized nutrition strategies may help overcome these barriers. This review emphasizes the therapeutic potential of plant-derived compounds in preventing chronic diseases and underscores the need for continued research to translate these findings into practical applications for public health. Full article

Due to their antioxidant and other beneficial properties, polyphenol-rich plants are important functional foods. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the content of two polyphenols—ellagic acid and quercetin—in fruits of wild medicinal plants of Polish origin, as potential sources of these compounds. The research material was chosen considering both the popularity of the fruits and their recognized medicinal and pharmaceutical properties. All selected fruits—barberry (Berberis vulgaris), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), elderberry (Sambucus nigra), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), rowanberry (Sorbus aucuparia), and sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides syn. Elaeagnus rhamnoides)—are known for therapeutic use in Polish folk medicine. Extracts were analyzed for ellagic acid and quercetin content using UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Quantitative results revealed that barberries, blackthorn, and sea-buckthorn contained the highest amounts of ellagic acid, up to 3.29 ± 0.24, 3.50 ± 0.16, and 4.80 ± 0.18 μg/g dw, respectively, while lingonberry provided up to 196.20 ± 3.10 μg/g dw of quercetin, making it a valuable dietary source of this flavonoid. The study confirms that Polish wild medicinal plants are valuable reservoirs of key polyphenols relevant to human health and support their potential inclusion in dietary strategies for disease prevention. Full article

Hakea decurrens subsp. physocarpa is an invasive species from Australia, with morphological, physiological and ecological features that help it colonize and settle outside of its natural habitats. One of these characteristics is allelopathy, which is an interaction that grants a clear competitive advantage to invasive species that has not been studied in H. decurrens subsp. physocarpa. With the aim of understanding the ecological relationships that take place in habitats invaded by this species, it is especially important to know the allelopathic potential of H. decurrens subsp. physocarpa and the compounds that would be involved in this interaction. To this end, the present study quantified the allelopathic activity of the aqueous extract of leaves gathered on four different occasions in the year, as well as of the compounds present in these extracts. The obtained results show a negative effect of H. decurrens subsp. physocarpa samples collected in March, June, September, and December on the germination and growth of Lactuca sativa. Although the negative effect was observed with all extracts, the extract of leaves gathered in September showing the greatest effect on germination (I₅₀ = 0.08 g/mL), and that of leaves collected in June presented the greatest effect on root size (I₅₀ = 0.05 g/mL). As for the composition of these extracts, nine compounds were identified and quantified through HPLC: arbutin, mesaconic acid, isotachioside, 1-O-vanilloyl-beta-D-glucose, syringic acid-4-beta-D-glucopyranoside, quercetin 3-robinobioside-7-glucoside, quercetin 3-rhamninoside, rutin, and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside. There is a correlation between the quantified parameters and the quantity of these compounds in the extracts, but it is difficult to attribute the allelopathic activity of H. decurrens subsp. physocarpa to a particular compound, since this activity may depend on the combination of these compounds. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that the leaves of the invasive species H. decurrens subsp. physocarpa have allelopathic potential, and their toxicity could be due to the combined action of these compounds, which should be analyzed in future studies. Full article

Under the principles of the circular economy and sustainability, consumers, the food industry and health authorities have interest in new natural food preservatives to prevent foodborne diseases and increase produce shelf life. This work aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of cowpea plant extracts. Grain, pod and leaf extracts from five Portuguese cowpea accessions were characterized in terms of their phenolic content. The values of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined against pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, as well as on post-harvest pathogenic filamentous fungi. In general, the phenolic content of pod extracts was higher than that of grains and leaves, although leaf extracts had the highest content of a broad-spectrum antibacterial flavonoid, quercetin. Grain extracts exhibited no detectable antimicrobial activity. In contrast, leaf and pod extracts from all five accessions generally displayed bactericidal effects. For bacteria, pod extracts showed MICs ranging from 5.1 to 87.7 mg/mL and MBCs from 20.3 to 87.7 mg/mL. Leaf extracts showed the most promising results, with MICs and MBCs ranging from 1.1 to 9.1 mg/mL. The results against fungi were not so expressive; nevertheless, P. expansum was inhibited by 9 L leaf extract even if at a higher concentration (MIC = 18 mg/mL) than those obtained for bacteria. The Portuguese variety Fradel (1E) showed very promising antibacterial activity, with leaf extracts showing low MBC values (from 2.3 to 9.1 mg/mL). The obtained results indicate that cowpea pods and leaves have antimicrobial properties and could potentially be used as a source of compounds for food preservation. Full article