Antioxidant Functionalized Nanoparticles: A Combat against Oxidative Stress

Exploring Dose-Dependent Cytotoxicity Profile of Gracilaria edulis-Mediated Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles against MDA-MB-231 Breast Carcinoma

Green-based synthesis of metal nanoparticles using marine seaweeds is a rapidly growing technology that is finding a variety of new applications. In the present study, the aqueous extract of a marine seaweed, Gracilaria edulis, was employed for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles without using any reducing and stabilizing chemical agents. The visual color change and validation through UV-Vis spectroscopy provided an initial confirmation regarding the Gracilaria edulis-mediated green synthesized silver nanoparticles. The dynamic light scattering studies and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy pictographs exhibited that the synthesized Gracilaria edulis-derived silver nanoparticles were roughly spherical in shape having an average size of 62.72 ± 0.25 nm and surface zeta potential of -15.6 ± 6.73 mV. The structural motifs and chemically functional groups associated with the Gracilaria edulis-derived silver nanoparticles were observed through X-ray diffraction and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Further, the synthesized nanoparticles were further screened for their antioxidant properties through DPPH, hydroxyl radical, ABTS, and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays. The phycosynthesized nanoparticles exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cells having IC₅₀ value of 344.27 ± 2.56 μg/mL. Additionally, the nanoparticles also exhibited zone of inhibition against pathogenic strains of Bacillus licheniformis (MTCC 7425), Salmonella typhimurium (MTCC 3216), Vibrio cholerae (MTCC 3904), Escherichia coli (MTCC 1098), Staphylococcus epidermidis (MTCC 3615), and Shigella dysenteriae (MTCC9543). Hence, this investigation explores the reducing and stabilizing capabilities of marine sea weed Gracilaria edulis for synthesizing silver nanoparticles in a cost-effective approach with potential anticancer and antimicrobial activity. The nanoparticles synthesized through green method may be explored for their potential utility in food preservative film industry, biomedical, and pharmaceutical industries.

Review on Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Materials: Bioimaging, Biosensing, Drug Delivery, Tissue Engineering, Antimicrobial, and Agro-Food Applications

In the last few decades, the vast potential of nanomaterials for biomedical and healthcare applications has been extensively investigated. Several case studies demonstrated that nanomaterials can offer solutions to the current challenges of raw materials in the biomedical and healthcare fields. This review describes the different nanoparticles and nanostructured material synthesis approaches and presents some emerging biomedical, healthcare, and agro-food applications. This review focuses on various nanomaterial types (e.g., spherical, nanorods, nanotubes, nanosheets, nanofibers, core-shell, and mesoporous) that can be synthesized from different raw materials and their emerging applications in bioimaging, biosensing, drug delivery, tissue engineering, antimicrobial, and agro-foods. Depending on their morphology (e.g., size, aspect ratio, geometry, porosity), nanomaterials can be used as formulation modifiers, moisturizers, nanofillers, additives, membranes, and films. As toxicological assessment depends on sizes and morphologies, stringent regulation is needed from the testing of efficient nanomaterials dosages. The challenges and perspectives for an industrial breakthrough of nanomaterials are related to the optimization of production and processing conditions.

Nanoparticles in Combating Neuronal Dysregulated Signaling Pathways: Recent Approaches to the Nanoformulations of Phytochemicals and Synthetic Drugs Against Neurodegenerative Diseases

As the worldwide average life expectancy has grown, the prevalence of age-related neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) has risen dramatically. A progressive loss of neuronal function characterizes NDDs, usually followed by neuronal death. Inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and protein misfolding are critical dysregulated signaling pathways that mainly orchestrate neuronal damage from a mechanistic point. Furthermore, in afflicted families with genetic anomalies, mutations and multiplications of α-synuclein and amyloid-related genes produce some kinds of NDDs. Overproduction of such proteins, and their excessive aggregation, have been proven in various models of neuronal malfunction and death. In this line, providing multi-target therapies carried by novel delivery systems would pave the road to control NDDs through simultaneous modulation of such dysregulated pathways. Phytochemicals are multi-target therapeutic agents, which employ several mechanisms towards neuroprotection. Besides, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical issue in managing NDDs since it inhibits the accessibility of drugs to the brain in sufficient concentration. Besides, discovering novel delivery systems is vital to improving the efficacy, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetic of therapeutic agents. Such novel formulations are also employed to improve the drug's biodistribution, allow for the co-delivery of several medicines, and offer targeted intracellular delivery against NDDs. The present review proposes nanoformulations of phytochemicals and synthetic agents to combat NDDs by modulating neuroinflammation, neuroapoptosis, neuronal oxidative stress pathways and protein misfolding.

Concepts of advanced therapeutic delivery systems for the management of remodeling and inflammation in airway diseases

Chronic respiratory disorders affect millions of people worldwide. Pathophysiological changes to the normal airway wall structure, including changes in the composition and organization of its cellular and molecular constituents, are referred to as airway remodeling. The inadequacy of effective treatment strategies and scarcity of novel therapies available for the treatment and management of chronic respiratory diseases have given rise to a serious impediment in the clinical management of such diseases. The progress made in advanced drug delivery, has offered additional advantages to fight against the emerging complications of airway remodeling. This review aims to address the gaps in current knowledge about airway remodeling, the relationships between remodeling, inflammation, clinical phenotypes and the significance of using novel drug delivery methods.

Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Nanotherapeutic Approaches for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Oxidative stress, caused by the accumulation of reactive species, is associated with the initiation and progress of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The investigation of antioxidants to target overexpressed reactive species and modulate oxidant stress pathways becomes an important therapeutic option. Nowadays, antioxidative nanotechnology has emerged as a novel strategy. The nanocarriers have shown many advantages in comparison with conventional antioxidants, owing to their on-site accumulation, stability of antioxidants, and most importantly, intrinsic multiple reactive species scavenging or catalyzing properties. This review concludes an up-to-date summary of IBD nanomedicines according to the classification of the delivered antioxidants. Moreover, the concerns and future perspectives in this study field are also discussed.

Exploration of sea anemone-inspired high-performance biomaterials with enhanced antioxidant activity

Antioxidant biomaterials have attracted much attention in various biomedical fields because of their effective inhibition and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in pathological tissues. However, the difficulty in ensuring biocompatibility, biodegradability and bioavailability of antioxidant materials has limited their further development. Novel bioavailable antioxidant materials that are derived from natural resources are urgently needed. Here, an integrated multi-omics method was applied to fabricate antioxidant biomaterials. A key cysteine-rich thrombospondin-1 type I repeat-like (TSRL) protein was efficiently discovered from among 1262 adhesive components and then used to create a recombinant protein with a yield of 500 mg L^-1. The biocompatible TSRL protein was able to self-assemble into either a water-resistant coating through Ca²⁺-mediated coordination or redox-responsive hydrogels with tunable physical properties. The TSRL-based hydrogels showed stronger 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging rates than glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (Aa) and protected cells against external oxidative stress significantly more effectively. When topically applied to mice skin, TSRL alleviated epidermal hyperplasia and suppressed the degradation of collagen and elastic fibers caused by ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) irradiation, confirming that it enhanced antioxidant activity in vivo. This is the first study to successfully characterize natural antioxidant biomaterials created from marine invertebrate adhesives, and the findings indicate the excellent prospects of these biomaterials for great applications in tissue regeneration and cosmeceuticals.

Nanoantioxidants: Pioneer Types, Advantages, Limitations, and Future Insights

Free radicals are generated as byproducts of normal metabolic processes as well as due to exposure to several environmental pollutants. They are highly reactive species, causing cellular damage and are associated with a plethora of oxidative stress-related diseases and disorders. Antioxidants can control autoxidation by interfering with free radical propagation or inhibiting free radical formation, reducing oxidative stress, improving immune function, and increasing health longevity. Antioxidant functionalized metal nanoparticles, transition metal oxides, and nanocomposites have been identified as potent nanoantioxidants. They can be formulated in monometallic, bimetallic, and multi-metallic combinations via chemical and green synthesis techniques. The intrinsic antioxidant properties of nanomaterials are dependent on their tunable configuration, physico-chemical properties, crystallinity, surface charge, particle size, surface-to-volume ratio, and surface coating. Nanoantioxidants have several advantages over conventional antioxidants, involving increased bioavailability, controlled release, and targeted delivery to the site of action. This review emphasizes the most pioneering types of nanoantioxidants such as nanoceria, silica nanoparticles, polydopamine nanoparticles, and nanocomposite-, polysaccharide-, and protein-based nanoantioxidants. This review overviews the antioxidant potential of biologically synthesized nanomaterials, which have emerged as significant alternatives due to their biocompatibility and high stability. The promising nanoencapsulation nanosystems such as solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and liposome nanoparticles are highlighted. The advantages, limitations, and future insights of nanoantioxidant applications are discussed.

High antioxidant activity of gadolinium-yttrium orthovanadate nanoparticles in cell-free and biological milieu

Oxidative stress caused by an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the key factor in developing a variety of pathological conditions. Recently various nanomaterials have attracted growing interest as nanoantioxidants with ROS-regulating ability. Here, for the first time, we report on high antioxidant behavior (enzyme-like activity) of GdYVO₄:Eu³⁺nanoparticles (GdYVO NPs) revealed by spectroscopic methods both in cell-free and biological milieu using various ROS sensors. It was revealed that GdYVO NPs (d= 2 nm) effectively scavenge hydroxyl radicals·OH,superoxide anionsO2·-,hydrogen peroxideH2O2,peroxyl radicalsROO·,and remarkably reduce the lipopolysaccharide-induced ROS generation in rat leukocytes. The antioxidant activity of GdYVO NPs is ascribed to high amount of V⁴⁺and V³⁺ions in the structure of the NPs and the reversible switchingV3+↔V4+andV4+↔V5+vanadium oxidation states.

Seaweed bioactive compounds: Promising and safe inputs for the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles in the food industry

Scientific research on developing and characterizing eco-friendly metal nanoparticles (NPs) is an active area experiencing currently a systematic and continuous growth. A variety of physical, chemical and more recently biological methods can be used for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. Among them, reports supporting the potential use of algae in the NPs green synthesis, contribute with only a minor proportion, although seaweed was demonstrated to perform as a successful reducing and stabilizing agent. Thus, the first part of the present review depicts the up-to-date information on the use of algae extracts for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles, including a deep discussion of the certain advantages as well as some limitations of this synthesis route. In the second part, the available characterization techniques to unravel their inherent properties such as specific size, shape, composition, morphology and dispersibility are comprehensively described, to finally focus on the factors affecting their applications, bioactivity, potential toxic impact on living organisms and incorporation into food matrices or food packaging, as well as future prospects. The present article identifies the key knowledge gap in a systematic way highlighting the critical next steps in the green synthesis of metal NPs mediated by algae.

Antioxidants: Classification, Natural Sources, Activity/Capacity Measurements, and Usefulness for the Synthesis of Nanoparticles

Natural extracts are the source of many antioxidant substances. They have proven useful not only as supplements preventing diseases caused by oxidative stress and food additives preventing oxidation but also as system components for the production of metallic nanoparticles by the so-called green synthesis. This is important given the drastically increased demand for nanomaterials in biomedical fields. The source of ecological technology for producing nanoparticles can be plants or microorganisms (yeast, algae, cyanobacteria, fungi, and bacteria). This review presents recently published research on the green synthesis of nanoparticles. The conditions of biosynthesis and possible mechanisms of nanoparticle formation with the participation of bacteria are presented. The potential of natural extracts for biogenic synthesis depends on the content of reducing substances. The assessment of the antioxidant activity of extracts as multicomponent mixtures is still a challenge for analytical chemistry. There is still no universal test for measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC). There are many in vitro chemical tests that quantify the antioxidant scavenging activity of free radicals and their ability to chelate metals and that reduce free radical damage. This paper presents the classification of antioxidants and non-enzymatic methods of testing antioxidant capacity in vitro, with particular emphasis on methods based on nanoparticles. Examples of recent studies on the antioxidant activity of natural extracts obtained from different species such as plants, fungi, bacteria, algae, lichens, actinomycetes were collected, giving evaluation methods, reference antioxidants, and details on the preparation of extracts.

Potential of nanoparticles encapsulated drugs for possible inhibition of the antimicrobial resistance development

The immune system is a dynamic network of cells and cytokines are the major mediators of immune responses which combat pathogens. Based on the cytokine production, effector T cells differentiate into subsets known as Th1, Th2, Th17, or Treg. This system serves as a barrier to intracellular pathogens, bacterial infections and stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen intermediates, and nitric oxide, which diffuses across membranes and engulfs intracellular pathogens. Oxidative stress occurs when ROS, reactive nitrogen species (RNS) production, and antioxidant defences become imbalanced. Oxidative stress generated by infected cells produces a substantial amount of free radicals which enables the killing of intracellular pathogens. Intracellular pathogens are exposed to endogenous ROS as part of normal aerobic respiration, also exogenous ROS and RNS are generated by the host immune system in response to infection. Nanoparticles which are designed for drug delivery are capable of trapping the desired drug in the particles which protect the drug from enzymatic degradation in a biological system. The subcellular size of nanoparticles enables higher intracellular uptake of the drug which results in the reduction of the concentration of free drugs reducing their toxic effect. Research on the modulation of immune response and oxidative stress using nanoparticles used to encapsulate drugs has yet to be explored fully. In this review, we illustrate the immune activation and generation of oxidative stress properties which are mediated by nanoparticle encapsulated drug delivery systems which can make the therapy more effective in case of diseases caused by intracellular pathogens.

Conifers Phytochemicals: A Valuable Forest with Therapeutic Potential

Conifers have long been recognized for their therapeutic potential in different disorders. Alkaloids, terpenes and polyphenols are the most abundant naturally occurring phytochemicals in these plants. Here, we provide an overview of the phytochemistry and related commercial products obtained from conifers. The pharmacological actions of different phytochemicals present in conifers against bacterial and fungal infections, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are also reviewed. Data obtained from experimental and clinical studies performed to date clearly underline that such compounds exert promising antioxidant effects, being able to inhibit cell damage, cancer growth, inflammation and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, an attempt has been made with the intent to highlight the importance of conifer-derived extracts for pharmacological purposes, with the support of relevant in vitro and in vivo experimental data. In short, this review comprehends the information published to date related to conifers' phytochemicals and illustrates their potential role as drugs.

Biochemical Profiling for Antioxidant and Therapeutic Potential of Pakistani Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genetic Resource

In Pakistan, chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) are the largest grown legume crops, especially in desert areas. Along with an excellent source of nutrition, chickpea seeds have discernible medicinal and antioxidant characteristics. The diverse set of 90 chickpea genotypes (66 desi and 24 kabuli) were collected from different research zones in Pakistan, and seed flour was used for biochemical profiling. Genotypes were significantly different (Tukey HSD test, P < 0.05) for the traits under investigation. In non-enzymatic antioxidants, highest seed total phenolic contents (TPC) (34725 ± 275 μM/g s. wt.) was found in CM-98 (desi), ascorbic acid (AsA) (69.23 ± 2.25 μg/g s. wt.) in WH-3 (desi), and total flavonoid content (TFC) (394.98 ± 13.06 μg/mL sample) was detected in WH-11 (desi). In the class of enzymatic antioxidants, the highest seed ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (1680 ± 40 Units/g s. wt.) was detected in Tamman-2013 (kabuli), peroxidases (POD) (2564.10 ± 233.10 Units/g s. wt.) activity in CM1235/08 (desi), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (279.76 ± 50 Units/g s. wt.) was detected in CH24/11 (desi). Highest seed catalase activity (CAT) (893 ± 50 Units/g s. wt.) and proline content (272.50 ± 20.82 μg/g s. wt.) was detected in an ICC-4951 (desi). In hydrolytic enzymes, the highest activity of esterase (37.05 μM/min/g s. wt) was found in, CH56/09(Kabuli), protease (11080 ± 10 Units/g s. wt.) in Karak-2 (desi), and α-amylase (213.02 ± 3.20 mg/g s. wt.) was observed in CH74/08 (kabuli). In other biochemical parameters, the highest seed total oxidant status (TOS) (356 ± 17.50 μM/g s. wt.) was detected in CM3457/91 (desi); malondialdehyde (MDA) content (295.74 ± 3.097 uM/g s. wt.) was observed in CM-2008 (kabuli), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (8.36 ± 0.082 μM/g s. wt.) was found in CM-72 (desi). In case of pigment analysis, Sheenghar-2000 (desi) depicted highest lycopene (12.579 ± 0.313 μg/g s. wt.) and total carotenoids (58.430.23 ± 0.569 μg/g s. wt.) contents. For seed therapeutic potential, the highest seed α-amylase inhibition (82.33 ± 8.06%) was observed in CM-88 (desi), while WH-1, WH-6, and ICCV-96030 (desi) depicted the highest value for seed anti-inflammatory potential (78.88 ± 0.55%). Genotypes with the highest antioxidant and therapeutic potential can be utilized as a natural antioxidant source and in breeding programs aimed at improving these traits in new breeding lines.

Antioxidant, Antihypertensive and Antimicrobial Properties of Phenolic Compounds Obtained from Native Plants by Different Extraction Methods

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of two methods (agitation and ultra-sound) for extracting phenolic compounds from 15 native plants. Plant species collected in the Dehesa of Extremadura were used. The antioxidant, antihypertensive and antimicrobial activity of the phenolic extracts was investigated. Significantly different results were obtained when comparing the two extraction methods, with the highest concentrations of phenolic compounds found for ultrasound extraction. In addition, the extracts obtained for Cistus albidus, Cistus salviifolius, Rubus ulmifolius and Quercus ilex showed the highest concentrations of phenolic compounds. The antioxidant activity was higher in the extracts of Cistus and Q. ilex obtained by ultrasound, as was the antihypertensive activity. Antimicrobial activity was also higher in the extracts obtained by ultrasound from C. salviifolius and Q. ilex plants against bacteria and from Cistus ladanifer against yeasts. Therefore, it can be concluded that, with the ultrasound extraction of phenolic compounds from C. ladanifer, C. albidus and Q. ilex plants, it is possible to obtain extracts with important functional properties, so they could be studied for their use in food with the aim of obtaining healthy and safe products, favouring the sustainability of the environment of the Dehesa Extremeña.

Bioprospecting of exopolysaccharide from marine Sphingobium yanoikuyae BBL01: Production, characterization, and metal chelation activity

In the present study, an exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing bacterial strain was isolated from the Eastern Sea (Sokcho Beach) of South Korea and identified as Sphingobium yanoikuyae BBL01. Media optimization was performed using response surface design, and a yield of 2.63 ± 0.02 g/L EPS was achieved. Purified EPS produced using lactose as the main carbon source was analyzed by GC-MS and found to be composed of α-D-xylopyranose (28.6 ± 2.0%), β-D-glucopyranose (21.0 ± 1.6%), α-D-mannopyranose (18.5 ± 1.2%), β-d-mannopyranose (13.1 ± 1.4%), β-D-xylopyranose (10.2 ± 2.1%), α-d-talopyranose (5.9 ± 1.1%), and β-d-galacturonic acid (2.43 ± 0.8%). Interestingly, different carbon sources (glucose, galactose, glycerol, lactose, sucrose, and xylose) showed no effect on EPS monomer composition, with a slight change in the mass percentage of various monosaccharides. Purified EPS was stable up to 233 °C, indicating its possible suitability as a thickening and gelling agent for food-related applications. EPS also showed considerable emulsifying, flocculating, free-radical scavenging, and metal-complexion activity, suggesting various biotechnological applications.

Selected Aspects Related to Medicinal and Aromatic Plants as Alternative Sources of Bioactive Compounds

Natural compounds obtained from different medicinal and aromatic plants have gained respect as alternative treatments to synthetic drugs, as well as raw materials for different applications (cosmetic, food and feed industries, environment protection, and many others). Based on a literature survey on dedicated databases, the aim of the present work is to be a critical discussion of aspects regarding classical extraction versus modern extraction techniques; possibilities to scale up (advantages and disadvantages of different extraction methods usually applied and the influence of extraction parameters); and different medicinal and aromatic plants' different applications (medical and industrial applications, as well as the potential use in nanotechnology). As nowadays, research studies are directed toward the development of modern, innovative applications of the medicinal and aromatic plants, aspects regarding future perspectives are also discussed.

Pleurotus Macrofungi-Assisted Nanoparticle Synthesis and Its Potential Applications: A Review

Research and innovation in nanoparticles (NPs) synthesis derived from biomaterials have gained much attention due to their unique characteristics, such as low-cost, easy synthesis methods, high water solubility, and eco-friendly nature. NPs derived from macrofungi, including various mushroom species, such as Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus spp., Lentinus spp., and Ganoderma spp. are well known to possess high nutritional, immune-modulatory, antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral), antioxidant, and anticancerous properties. Fungi have intracellular metal uptake ability and maximum wall binding capacity; because of which, they have high metal tolerance and bioaccumulation ability. Primarily, two methods have been comprehended in the literature to synthesize metal NPs from macrofungi, i.e., the intracellular method, which refers to NP synthesis inside fungal cells by transportation of ions in the presence of enzymes; and the extracellular method, which refers to the treatment of fungal biomolecules aqueous filtrate with a metal precursor. Pleurotus derived metal NPs are known to inhibit the growth of numerous foodborne pathogenic bacteria and fungi. To the best of our knowledge, there is no such review article reported in the literature describing the synthesis and complete application and mechanism of NPs derived from macrofungi. Herein, we intend to summarize the progressive research on macrofungi derived NPs regarding their synthesis as well as applications in the area of antimicrobial (antibacterial & antifungal), anticancer, antioxidant, catalytic and food preservation. Additionally, the challenges associated with NPs synthesis will also be discussed.

Conifer-Derived Metallic Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis and Biological Applications

The use of metallic nanoparticles in engineering and biomedicine disciplines has gained considerable attention. Scientists are exploring new synthesis protocols of these substances considering their small size and lucrative antimicrobial potential. Among the most economical techniques of synthesis of metallic nanoparticles via chemical routes, which includes the use of chemicals as metal reducing agents, is considered to generate nanoparticles possessing toxicity and biological risk. This limitation of chemically synthesized nanoparticles has engendered the exploration for the ecofriendly synthesis process. Biological or green synthesis approaches have emerged as an effective solution to address the limitations of conventionally synthesized nanoparticles. Nanoparticles synthesized via biological entities obtained from plant extracts exhibit superior effect in comparison to chemical methods. Recently, conifer extracts have been found to be effective in synthesizing metallic nanoparticles through a highly regulated process. The current review highlights the importance of conifers and its extracts in synthesis of metallic nanoparticles. It also discusses the different applications of the conifer extract mediated metallic nanoparticles.

Bioactive Compounds of Edible Fruits with Their Anti-Aging Properties: A Comprehensive Review to Prolong Human Life

Aging is a complicated biological process in which functional and structural alterations in a living organism take place over time. Reactive oxygen species is one of the main factors responsible for aging and is associated with several chronic pathologies. The relationship between aging and diet is quite interesting and has attained worldwide attention. Healthy food, in addition to dietary antioxidants, are required to delay the process of aging and improve the quality of life. Many healthy foods such as fruits are a good source of dietary nutrients and natural bioactive compounds which have antioxidant properties and are involved in preventing aging and other age-related disorders. Health benefits linked with healthy consumption of fruit have drawn increased interest. A significant number of studies have documented the advantages of fruit intake, as it suppresses free-radical development that further reduces the oxidative stress created in the body and protects against several types of diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory disorders, and other cardiovascular diseases that ultimately prevent aging. In addition, fruits have numerous other properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, and have health-promoting effects. Mechanisms of various bioactive compounds that aids in preventing various diseases and increases longevity are also described. This manuscript provides a summary of various bioactive components present in fruits along with their health-promoting and antiaging properties.

Fruit Extract Mediated Green Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles: A New Avenue in Pomology Applications

Fruit extracts have natural bioactive molecules that are known to possess significant therapeutic potential. Traditionally, metallic nanoparticles were synthesized via chemical methods, in which the chemical act as the reducing agent. Later, these traditional metallic nanoparticles emerged as the biological risk, which prompted researchers to explore an eco-friendly approach. There are different eco-friendly methods employed for synthesizing these metallic nanoparticles via the usage of microbes and plants, primarily via fruit extract. These explorations have paved the way for using fruit extracts for developing nanoparticles, as they eliminate the usage of reducing and stabilizing agents. Metallic nanoparticles have gained significant attention, and are used for diverse biological applications. The present review discusses the potential activities of phytochemicals, and it intends to summarize the different metallic nanoparticles synthesized using fruit extracts and their associated pharmacological activities like anti-cancerous, antimicrobial, antioxidant and catalytic efficiency.

Plant Fortification of the Diet for Anti-Ageing Effects: A Review

Ageing is an enigmatic and progressive biological process which undermines the normal functions of living organisms with time. Ageing has been conspicuously linked to dietary habits, whereby dietary restrictions and antioxidants play a substantial role in slowing the ageing process. Oxygen is an essential molecule that sustains human life on earth and is involved in the synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that pose certain health complications. The ROS are believed to be a significant factor in the progression of ageing. A robust lifestyle and healthy food, containing dietary antioxidants, are essential for improving the overall livelihood and decelerating the ageing process. Dietary antioxidants such as adaptogens, anthocyanins, vitamins A/D/C/E and isoflavones slow the ageing phenomena by reducing ROS production in the cells, thereby improving the life span of living organisms. This review highlights the manifestations of ageing, theories associated with ageing and the importance of diet management in ageing. It also discusses the available functional foods as well as nutraceuticals with anti-ageing potential.