Concept, mechanism, and applications of phenolic antioxidants in foods

Evaluation of phytochemicals and antioxidant potential of a new polyherbal formulation TC-16: additive, synergistic or antagonistic?

BACKGROUND

Scientific literature has demonstrated the association of free radicals in the aetiology of various chronic diseases. Hence, the identification of potent antioxidants remains a useful task. The combination of multiple herbs in polyherbal formulations (PHF) is often associated with greater therapeutic efficacy due to synergistic interactions. However, antagonism can occur in natural product mixtures and the resultant antioxidant potential might not always be the additive value of the antioxidant properties of each component. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the phytochemicals, antioxidative potential and interaction among the herbs in TC-16, a new PHF comprising Curcuma longa L., Zingiber officinale var. Bentong, Piper nigrum L., Citrofortunella microcarpa (Bunge) Wijnands and Apis dorsata honey.

METHODS

TC-16 was screened for phytochemicals. Phenolic and flavonoid contents of TC-16 and its individual ingredients were determined, followed by assessment of antioxidant properties using in vitro assays including 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and β-carotene bleaching (BCB) assays. Interactions among the herbs were also investigated by calculating the difference in antioxidant activity and combination index.

RESULTS

Alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and glycosides were present in TC-16. TC-16 possessed the highest phenolic (46.14 ± 1.40 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (132.69 ± 1.43 mg CE/g) contents following C. longa. Synergistic antioxidant activity among the herbs was evident in ORAC and BCB assays which uses mainly hydrogen atom transfer-based antioxidant mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS

TC-16 demonstrated roles in combating free radicals. In a PHF, synergistic interaction among the herbs is observed in some but not all mechanisms. Mechanisms showing synergistic interactions should be highlighted to maximise the beneficial property of the PHF.

Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activities, and HPLC Analysis of Nine Edible Sprouts in Cambodia

The non-nutritional health benefits of sprouts are unconfirmed. Thus, nine sprout methanolic extracts were tested for phytoconstituents and antioxidant activity. The TPC, TCC, TFC, TAC, and TALC were measured. ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assays were used to assess the antioxidant activity. HPLC detected gallic acid, vanillin, syringic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and rutin in the extracts. The sprout extracts contained six compounds, with caffeic acid being the most abundant. Gallic acid, syringic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, vanillin, and rutin were highest in soybean, black sesame, mustard, sunflower, white radish, and black sesame sprouts, respectively. Sunflower sprouts had the highest level of TCC while soybean sprouts had the highest level of TFC, Taiwanese morning glory had the highest level of TPC, mustard sprouts had the highest level of TALC, and black sesame sprouts had the highest level of TAC. Taiwanese morning glories scavenged the most DPPH and ABTS radicals. Colored and white radish sprouts had similar ferric-reducing antioxidant power. Antioxidation mechanisms varied by compound. Our findings demonstrated that sprouts have biological effects, and their short time for mass production offers an alternative food source for health benefits, and that they are useful for future research development of natural products and dietary supplements.

The Contribution of Theoretical Prediction Studies to the Antioxidant Activity Assessment of the Bioactive Secoiridoids Encountered in Olive Tree Products and By-Products

Assessment of the antioxidant activity of different types of natural compounds is a complex research area that encompasses various in vitro tests and in vivo studies. Sophisticated modern analytical tools permit the unambiguous characterization of the compounds present in a matrix. The contemporary researcher, knowing the chemical structure of the compounds present, can carry out quantum chemical calculations that provide important physicochemical information assisting the prediction of antioxidant potential and the mechanism behind the activity of target compounds before further experimentation. The efficiency of calculations is steadily improved due to the rapid evolution of both hardware and software. It is possible, consequently, to study compounds of medium or even larger size, incorporating also models that simulate the liquid phase (solution). This review contributes to the establishment of theoretical calculations as an inherent part of the antioxidant activity assessment process, having as a case study the complex mixtures of olive bioactive secoiridoids (oleuropein, ligstroside, and related compounds). The literature indicates great variability in theoretical approaches and models used so far for only a limited number of this group of phenolic compounds. Proposals are made for standardization of methodology (reference compounds, DFT functional, basis set size, and solvation model) to facilitate comparisons and communication of findings.

Reactive oxygen species turnover, phenolics metabolism, and some key gene expressions modulate postharvest physiological deterioration in cassava tubers

Rapid postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD) in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) tuber is a significant concern during storage. The freshly harvested tubers start spoiling within 24 to 72 h. Accumulation of H2O2 is one of the earliest biochemical events that occurred during PPD, which was detected using the 3,3 diaminobenzidine (DAB) in two contrast cassava genotypes, MNP Local A (29-57 μg g-1) and Sree Prakash (64-141 μg g-1). Accumulating the fluorescence hydroxycoumarin compounds emitted by the cassava tubers observed under an ultraviolet (UV) lamp showed significant variations at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 days of storage. The total phenolics and carotenoids significantly and negatively correlated with PPD progression; however, the anthocyanin and flavonoids positively correlated with the PPD-anchored ROS accumulation. The primary compound, Phthalic acid, di(2-propylpentyl) ester, was identified in both the cassava tubers, Sree Prakash (57.21 and 35.21%), and MNP Local A (75.58 and 60.21%) at 0, and 72 h of PPD, respectively. The expression of PPD-associated genes APX-2, APX-3, PAL, and AP was higher at 6-12 days of PPD, which signified the synthesis of ROS turnover and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. A significant, strong, and positive correlation was established between the secondary metabolites and PPD signaling gene expression, which was inversely correlated with hydroxycoumarin and H2O2 accumulation. MNP Local A tubers exhibited longer storage life of 15 days with a low PPD score, higher metabolites synthesis, and gene expression. The PPD-resistant lines may be used to augment cassava breeding strategies for large-scale commercial and industrial use.

UPLC-MS Analysis, Quantification of Compounds, and Comparison of Bioactivity of Methanol Extract and Its Fractions from Qiai (Artemisia argyi Lévl. et Van.)

The Artemisia argyi Lévl. et Van. growing in the surrounding areas of Qichun County in China are called Qiai (QA). Qiai is a crop that can be used both as food and in traditional folk medicine. However, detailed qualitative and quantitative analyses of its compounds remain scarce. The process of identifying chemical structures in complex natural products can be streamlined by combining UPLC-Q-TOF/MS data with the UNIFI information management platform and its embedded Traditional Medicine Library. For the first time, 68 compounds in QA were reported by the method in this study. The method of simultaneous quantification of 14 active components in QA using UPLC-TQ-MS/MS was reported for the first time. Following a screening of the activity of QA 70% methanol total extract and its three fractions (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and water), it was discovered that the ethyl acetate fraction enriched with flavonoids such as eupatilin and jaceosidin had the strongest anti-inflammatory activity, while the water fraction enriched with chlorogenic acid derivatives such as 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid had the strongest antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The results provided the theoretical basis for the use of QA in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Bioaccessibility and Bioavailability of Diet Polyphenols and Their Modulation of Gut Microbiota

It is generally accepted that diet-derived polyphenols are bioactive compounds with several potentially beneficial effects on human health. In general, polyphenols have several chemical structures, and the most representative are flavonoids, phenolic acids, and stilbenes. It should be noted that the beneficial effects of polyphenols are closely related to their bioavailability and bioaccessibility, as many of them are rapidly metabolized after administration. Polyphenols-with a protective effect on the gastrointestinal tract-promote the maintenance of the eubiosis of the intestinal microbiota with protective effects against gastric and colon cancers. Thus, the benefits obtained from dietary supplementation of polyphenols would seem to be mediated by the gut microbiota. Taken at certain concentrations, polyphenols have been shown to positively modulate the bacterial component, increasing Lactiplantibacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. involved in the protection of the intestinal barrier and decreasing Clostridium and Fusobacterium, which are negatively associated with human well-being. Based on the diet-microbiota-health axis, this review aims to describe the latest knowledge on the action of dietary polyphenols on human health through the activity of the gut microbiota and discusses micro-encapsulation of polyphenols as a strategy to improve the microbiota.

Nanoantioxidant Materials: Nanoengineering Inspired by Nature

Oxidants are very active compounds that can cause damage to biological systems under specific environmental conditions. One effective way to counterbalance these adverse effects is the use of anti-oxidants. At low concentrations, an antioxidant is defined as a compound that can delay, control, or prevent an oxidative process. Antioxidants exist in plants, soil, and minerals; therefore, nature is a rich source of natural antioxidants, such as tocopherols and polyphenols. In nature, antioxidants perform in tandem with their bio-environment, which may tune their activity and protect them from degradation. In vitro use of antioxidants, i.e., out of their biomatrix, may encounter several drawbacks, such as auto-oxidation and polymerization. Artificial nanoantioxidants can be developed via surface modification of a nanoparticle with an antioxidant that can be either natural or synthetic, directly mimicking a natural antioxidant system. In this direction, state-of-the-art nanotechnology has been extensively incorporated to overcome inherent drawbacks encountered in vitro use of antioxidants, i.e., out of their biomatrix, and facilitate the production and use of antioxidants on a larger scale. Biomimetic nanoengineering has been adopted to optimize bio-medical antioxidant systems to improve stability, control release, enhance targeted administration, and overcome toxicity and biocompatibility issues. Focusing on biotechnological sciences, this review highlights the importance of nanoengineering in developing effective antioxidant structures and comparing the effectiveness of different nanoengineering methods. Additionally, this study gathers and clarifies the different antioxidant mechanisms reported in the literature and provides a clear picture of the existing evaluation methods, which can provide vital insights into bio-medical applications.

Valorization of Fruit Waste for Bioactive Compounds and Their Applications in the Food Industry

The fruit production and processing sectors produce tremendous amounts of by-products and waste that cause significant economic losses and an undesirable impact on the environment. The effective utilization of these fruit wastes can help to reduce the carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, thereby achieving sustainable development goals. These by-products contain a variety of bioactive compounds, such as dietary fiber, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, antioxidants, polysaccharides, and several other health-promoting nutrients and phytochemicals. These bioactive compounds can be extracted and used as value-added products in different industrial applications. The bioactive components extracted can be used in developing nutraceutical products, functional foods, or food additives. This review provides a comprehensive review of the recent developments in fruit waste valorization techniques and their application in food industries. The various extraction techniques, including conventional and emerging methods, have been discussed. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the active compounds extracted and isolated from fruit waste have been described. The most important food industrial application of bioactive compounds extracted from fruit waste (FW) has been provided. Finally, challenges, future direction, and concluding remarks on the topic are summarized.

HPLC analysis and in vitro antioxidant mediated through cell migration effect of C.hystrix water extract on human keratinocytes and fibroblasts

Citrus hystrix or kaffir lime is a native tropical plant containing a high level of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Its fruits are used as a food ingredient to enhance the sour-sweet scent and flavor in many dishes. Due to its polyphenol-containing, it has also been used as traditional medicine for health benefits including oral and gum health, stress relief, hair care, and skincare. In this study, we demonstrated the antioxidant activity of C. hystrix water extract and its effect on human keratinocyte and fibroblast migration. The extract showed a high amount of phenolic and flavonoid contents. The HPLC analysis indicated the presence of gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, rutin, and quercetin. We showed that C. hystrix water extract exhibited free radical scavenging capacity, determined by DPPH assay, with IC₅₀ of 14.91 mg/mL, and nitrite radical scavenging capacity, determined by NO assay, with IC₅₀ of 4.46 mg/mL. The C. hystrix water extract displayed unnoticeable toxicity at all tested doses. We showed that the treatment of water extracts as low as 50 μg/mL decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) from H₂O₂-induced ROS formation in both cell lines. Besides, C. hystrix water extract promoted cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. Together, these results demonstrated the positive benefit of C. hystrix water extract as a wound-healing accelerator. Its health benefits may be due to the antioxidant capability of its phytochemical compounds contained in C. hystrix water extract that enhances the migration of two major cell types: fibroblast and keratinocytes, responsible for the proliferation and remodeling phase of wound healing.

Bioaccessibility and bioactivities of phenolic compounds from microalgae during in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation

Microalgae are a developing novel source of carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, carotenoids and proteins. In this study, in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation were conducted to examine the total phenolic content and potential antioxidant activity of four microalgal species (Chlorella sp., Spirulina sp., Dunaliella sp., and Isochrysis sp.). The bioaccessibility of targeted phenolic compounds and the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production were also estimated. Particularly, Spirulina sp. exhibited the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and free radical scavenging (2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH) capacity after gastrointestinal digestion of 7.93 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per g and 2.35 mg Trolox equivalents (TE) per g. Meanwhile, it had the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) of 1.07 quercetin equivalents (QE) per g after 8 h of colonic fermentation. Dunaliella sp. and Isochrysis sp. showed comparable ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of 4.96 and 4.45 mg QE per g after 4 h of faecal reaction, respectively. p-hydroxybenzoic and caffeic acid almost completely decomposed after the intestine and fermented in the colon with the gut microflora. In Dunaliella sp. and Isochrysis sp., these phenolic acids were found in the colonic fermented residual, probably due to the presence of dietary fibre and the interactions with other components. All four species reached the highest values of SCFA production after 16 h, except Spirulina sp., which displayed the most increased total SCFA production after 8 h of fermentation. It is proposed that Spirulina sp. could be more beneficial to gut health.

Riceberry Rice Germination and UVB Radiation Enhance Protocatechuic Acid and Vanillic Acid to Reduce Cellular Oxidative Stress and Suppress B16F10 Melanogenesis Relating to F-Actin Rearrangement

Ultraviolet type B (UVB) radiation plays an important role in hyperpigmentation disorder, which induces cellular oxidative stress and causes abnormal melanin production and secretion. The stress condition plays an essential role in actin polymerization relating to F-actin rearrangement and forms dendrite to send melanin pigment to the uppermost layer of the skin. Phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites that mainly synthesize under stress conditions to protect plants from harmful environments and have been reported as effective agents in anti-oxidant and anti-melanogenesis. However, the influence of phenolic compounds on F-actin rearrangement-associated dendrite formation has not been studied so far. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the enhancing phytophenolic targets in riceberry rice (Oryza sativa L.) germination and UVB radiation (RR-GR) to suppress melanogenesis relating to F-rearrangement. As a result, the RR-GR had the potential to enhance phenolic acids such as protocatechuic and vanillic acid, which have been proven to possess anti-oxidant activity and anti-tyrosinase properties. Riceberry rice's modification showed the potential to reduce cellular oxidative stress and suppress B16F10 melanogenesis relating to F-actin rearrangement that is associated with dendrite formation.

Effect of germination pretreatment on the physicochemical properties and lipid concomitants of flaxseed oil

This study investigated the effects of germination pretreatment on the physicochemical properties, lipid concomitants, and antioxidant activity of flaxseed oil in three varieties. The results indicated that the oil content of flaxseed decreased by 2.29-7.40% during the 5 days germination period. Germinated flaxseed oil showed a significantly higher acid value and lower peroxide value. The unsaturated fatty acid content was slightly increased by germination. Germination pretreatment resulted in significant increases in the α-tocopherol, stigmasterol, pigments, total phenols, and antioxidant activity. As germination time progressed to 5 days, α-tocopherol which was traditionally recognized as having the highest antioxidant activity form of vitamin E in humans increased from 3.07-6.82 mg kg^-1 to 258.11-389.78 mg kg^-1. Germinated oil had 1.63 to 2.05 times higher stigmasterol content than non-germinated oil. The chlorophyll and carotenoid also increased exponentially. The total phenol content of flaxseed oil increased from 64.29-75.85 mg kg^-1 to 236.30-297.78 mg kg^-1. Germinated flaxseed oil showed important antioxidant activity. Compared with other varieties during germination, the oil from Gansu showed a higher level of α-linolenic acid, tocopherols, and carotenoid, and a maximum increase level of tocopherols and phytosterols. The comprehensive evaluation of germination time by correlation and principal component analysis showed that when germination time exceeded 2 days, the lipid concomitants and antioxidant capacity of flaxseed oil were significantly improved.

Bioactive Compounds from Fruits as Preservatives

The use of additives with preservative effects is a common practice in the food industry. Although their use is regulated, natural alternatives have gained more attention among researchers and professionals in the food industry in order to supply processed foods with a clean label. Fruits are essential components in a healthy diet and have also been associated with improved health status and a lower risk of developing diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of the main bioactive compounds (polyphenols, betalain, and terpenes) naturally found in fruits, their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in vitro, and their preservative effect in different foods. Many extracts obtained from the skin (apple, grape, jabuticaba, orange, and pomegranate, for instance), pulp (such as red pitaya), and seeds (guarana, grape, and jabuticaba) of fruits are of great value due to the presence of multiple compounds (punicalagin, catechin, gallic acid, limonene, β-pinene, or γ-terpinene, for instance). In terms of antioxidant activity, some fruits that stand out are date, jabuticaba, grape, and olive, which interact with different radicals and show different mechanisms of action in vitro. Antimicrobial activity is observed for natural extracts and essential oils (especially from citrus fruits) that limit the growth of many microorganisms (Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Penicillium digitatum, and Pseodomonas aeruginosa, for instance). Studies in foods have revealed that the use of extracts or essential oils as free or encapsulated forms or incorporated into films and coatings can inhibit microbial growth, slow oxidative reactions, reduce the accumulation of degradative products, and also preserve sensory attributes, especially with films and coatings. Future studies could focus on the advances of extracts and essential oils to align their use with the development of healthier foods (especially for meat products) and explore the inhibition of spoilage microorganisms in dairy products, for instance.

Chronic Gastric Ulcer Healing Actions of the Aqueous Extracts of Staple Plant Foods of the North-West, Adamawa, and West Regions of Cameroon

Aim

This study is aimed at establishing phenolic compound profile and assessing the possible antiulcer activities of aqueous extracts of some staple plant foods from the West and North-West regions of Cameroon against chronic gastric ulcer models in rats.

Materials and Methods

Phenolic constituents of extracts were evaluated using HPLC-DAD. Aqueous extracts of Corchorus olitorius, Solanum nigrum, Vigna unguiculata, Triumfetta pentandra, "nkui" spices, and "yellow soup" spices were tested at two doses (200 and 400 mg/kg). After treatments, animals were sacrificed, healing percentage and antioxidant status (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) were evaluated, and histological examination of gastric mucosa was realized.

Results

HPLC-DAD revealed that p-hydroxybenzoic and protocatechuic acids were the phenolic compound present in all extracts. Oral administration of extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced ulcer surface value and significantly increased mucus production compared to the control groups (p < 0.05). Histological study supported the observed healing activity of different extracts characterized by a reduced inflammatory response. Moreover, administration of aqueous extracts increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes.

Conclusion

This study revealed that aqueous extracts of Solanum nigrum, Corchorus olitorius, Vigna unguiculata, Triumfetta pentandra, "yellow soup" spices, and "nkui" spices possess healing antiulcer effects against models of gastric ulcers. The antiulcer mechanisms involved may include increase of gastric mucus production and improvement of the antioxidant activity of gastric tissue. These activities may be due to the phenolic compounds identified in the extracts, especially p-hydroxybenzoic and protocatechuic acids present in all extracts and with known antioxidant, cytoprotective, and healing properties. However, all the diets may promote the healing process of chronic ulcers caused by excessive alcohol consumption/stress.

Isolation and Identification of Flavanone Derivative Eriodictyol from the Methanol Extract of Afzelia africana Bark and Its Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities

Background

Afzelia africana is a plant species with well-documented ethnobotanical and medicinal properties. The plant is reported to have various secondary metabolites and had been applied for the treatment of various diseased conditions.

Objectives

The study objectives include fractionation, isolation, purification, and characterization of eriodictyol from the bark of A. africana, and the determination of its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Methodology. The series of methodologies that were employed include fractionations and purification (column chromatography), characterization (HPLC, LC-MS, IR, ¹H, ¹³C, DEPT-135, HSQC, and HMBC), antimicrobial assays (microbroth dilution and checkerboard assay), and antioxidant activities assays (ABTS and DPPH scavenging capacity).

Results

The study reports the identification and characterization of eriodictyol from the bark of A. africana which exhibited potent antioxidant activities against ABTS and DPPH radicals with scavenging capacities (SC₅₀) of 2.14 ± 0.05 and 2.51 ± 0.06 µg/mL, respectively. The compound exhibited its antimicrobial activity by reporting good bacteriostatic activities (MBC/MIC > 4) against Staphylococcus aureus (SA), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans (CA2). Moreover, a broad spectrum of bactericidal effects (MBC/MIC ≤ 4) was reported against Streptococcus mutans (SM), Escherichia coli (EC), Bacillus subtilis (BS), Klebsiella pneumonia (KP), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), Salmonella typhi (ST), and standard Candida albicans (CA1). The compound further exhibited synergistic effects against EC, KP, ST, and MRSA; ST; and CA2 when combined with ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and nystatin, respectively. However, antagonistic effects were observed against PA and CA1 when combined with ciprofloxacin and ketoconazole, respectively.

Conclusion

The study reports for the first time the identification of eriodictyol from the bark of A. africana which exhibited significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

The interaction between tea polyphenols and wheat gluten in dough formation and bread making

The effect of tea polyphenols (TPL) on the gluten network structure in TPL-fortified bread and dough systems was investigated. In the bread system, the addition of tea polyphenols (TPL) dose-dependently (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2%) deteriorated the bread quality in terms of the loaf volume, hardness and sensory properties. In the gluten dough system (2% TPL), farinograph results showed that the stability and development time of the bread dough were decreased, resulting in a weak dough with a significantly increased elastic modulus (G'). The disulfide bonds, key to the dough network formation, were decreased by 9.9 μmol g^-1 (24.2%), and their stability was also reduced due to the reduction (15.0%) of the relative content of the gauche-gauche-gauche structure. The addition of tea polyphenols also increased the internal hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic forces along with the increased random coil and decreased α-helix secondary structure of gluten. The water distribution experiment showed that the bound water peak in the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum disappeared, but the adsorbed water and free water were increased by 17.3% and 0.4%, respectively. Collectively, the interaction between wheat gluten and tea polyphenols affects the water-gluten relationship and the protein structure, which leads to a disrupted network structure of the wheat dough and deteriorated bread quality. Strategies to prevent gluten-phenolic interaction in functional bread preparation warrant further investigation.

Antioxidant supplements relieve insulin resistance but do not improve lipid metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Objective: The effect of antioxidant supplements on glucose metabolism and lipid profiles in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether antioxidant supplements improve glucose metabolism and lipid profiles in women with PCOS to provide optimal nutritional supplement advice in clinical practice. Methods: The search was conducted across multiple medical databases from inception to January 1, 2022 and performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A random effects model was used to calculate the overall effects. Results: Eighteen trials (1113 participants) were included. Antioxidant supplements significantly improved insulin resistance (95% CI, -0.62, -0.30; p < 0.00001; I² =48%), fasting insulin (95% CI, -0.80, -0.44; p < 0.00001; I² = 48%), and fasting plasma glucose (95% CI, -0.54, -0.21; p < 0.00001; I² = 38%) in patients with PCOS. However, antioxidant supplements were found to not improve most indices of lipid profiles in PCOS except triglyceride. Conclusions: Antioxidant supplements are an effective intervention for relieving insulin resistance but do not significantly improve lipid metabolism in women with PCOS.

The Influence of Freeze-Dried Alcohol-Water Extracts from Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) and German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) on the Properties of Elastomer Vulcanizates

This research work aimed to investigate the properties of freeze-dried extracts from Matricaria chamomilla L. and Achillea millefolium L. and to perform a characterization of their impact on the natural rubber-based vulcanizates. First, extracts were prepared in three different solvents at selected volume ratios: water (100), water-methanol (50/50), and water-ethanol (50/50). Next, the freeze-drying of extracts was established and then obtained bio-additives were introduced to the rubber mixtures. Freeze-dried extracts were investigated by UV-VIS diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Near-Infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) were also defined. Rubber mixtures were examined in a rheometer and after vulcanization they were subjected to accelerated simulated aging by UV radiation and thermo-oxidative aging. To determine the resistance of vulcanizates to the degradation processes, the study of cross-linking density (equilibrium swelling method), mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break) and color change were conducted. Performed studies proved the antioxidant activity of freeze-dried extracts caused by the high content of polyphenols and their beneficial influence on the properties of elastomer vulcanizates.

ROS-Induced DNA-Damage and Autophagy in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Usnea barbata Oil Extract-An In Vitro Study

Oxidative stress is associated with aging, cancers, and numerous metabolic and chronic disorders, and phenolic compounds are well known for their health-promoting role due to their free-radical scavenging activity. These phytochemicals could also exhibit pro-oxidant effects. Due to its bioactive phenolic secondary metabolites, Usnea barbata (L.) Weber ex. F.H. Wigg (U. barbata) displays anticancer and antioxidant activities and has been used as a phytomedicine for thousands of years. The present work aims to analyze the properties of U. barbata extract in canola oil (UBO). The UBO cytotoxicity on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) CLS-354 cell line and blood cell cultures was explored through complex flow cytometry analyses regarding apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, the enzymatic activity of caspase 3/7, cell cycle, nuclear shrinkage (NS), autophagy (A), and synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). All these studies were concomitantly performed on canola oil (CNO) to evidence the interaction of lichen metabolites with the constituents of this green solvent used for extraction. The obtained data evidenced that UBO inhibited CLS-354 oral cancer cell proliferation through ROS generation (316.67 × 10⁴), determining higher levels of nuclear shrinkage (40.12%), cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 (92.51%; G0 is the differentiation phase, while during G1 phase occurs preparation for cell division), DNA fragmentation (2.97%), and autophagy (62.98%) than in blood cells. At a substantially higher ROS level in blood cells (5250.00 × 10⁴), the processes that lead to cell death-NS (30.05%), cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 (86.30%), DNA fragmentation (0.72%), and autophagy (39.37%)-are considerably lower than in CLS-354 oral cancer cells. Our work reveals the ROS-mediated anticancer potential of UBO through DNA damage and autophagy. Moreover, the present study suggests that UBO pharmacological potential could result from the synergism between lichen secondary metabolites and canola oil phytoconstituents.

Enzymatic lipophilization of bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity: a review

Food products contain bioactive compounds such as phenolic and polyphenolic compounds and vitamins, resulting in a myriad of biological characteristics such as antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant activities. However, their application is often restricted because of their relatively low solubility and stability in emulsions and oil-based products. Therefore, chemical, enzymatic, or chemoenzymatic lipophilization of these compounds can be achieved by grafting a non-polar moiety onto their polar structures. Among different methods, enzymatic modification is considered environmentally friendly and may require only minor downstream processing and purification steps. In recent years, different systems have been suggested to design the synthetic reaction of these novel products. This review presents the new trends in this area by summarizing the essential enzymatic modifications in the last decade that led to the synthesis of bioactive compounds with attractive antioxidative properties for the food industry by emphasizing on optimization of the reaction conditions to maximize the production yields. Lastly, recent developments regarding characterization, potential applications, emerging research areas, and needs are highlighted.

Plant Antioxidants in Dry Fermented Meat Products with a Healthier Lipid Profile

Consumers' perception of meat products has changed in recent years, which has led to an increased interest in healthier meat products. In response to this demand, academia and industry have made efforts to reformulate meat products, especially dry fermented meat products, which are known for their high fat contents, mainly saturated fat. The use of plant or marine oils stabilized in emulsion gels (EGs) or oil-bulking agents (OBAs) as animal fat replacers has been one of the most advantageous strategies to reformulate dry fermented meat products with a healthier lipid content (quality and quantity), but an increase in their polyunsaturated fatty acid content can trigger a significant increase in lipid oxidation, negatively affecting sensory and nutritional quality. The use of antioxidants is the main strategy to delay this deteriorative reaction, but the controversy around the safety and toxicity of synthetic antioxidants has driven consumers and industry toward the use of plant antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and some vitamins and minerals. This review provides information about the use of plant antioxidants to control lipid oxidation of dry fermented meat products with healthier lipids.

Fermentation of Agaricus bisporus for antioxidant activity: response surface optimization, chemical components, and mechanism

Agaricus bisporus is one of the most widely cultivated edible mushrooms in the world. The chemical components of A. bisporus have a wide range of biological activities. In order to deeply understand the antioxidant properties of A. bisporus, this study conducted an investigation on the components of A. bisporus fermentation. Through the single factor experiment and response surface optimization, it was found that when the C/N ratio was 45:1, the inoculum concentration was 10%, and the fermentation time was 7 d, the n-butanol extract of the fermentation product had the strongest scavenging capacity for free radical generated through 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS·⁺). The concentration for 50% of the maximal effect (EC₅₀) was 0.33 ± 0.01 mg/mL. Moreover, in order to identify the two main components, the elution-extrusion counter-current chromatography (EECCC) was employed for separation, where 5,5'-oxy-dimethyl-bis(2-furfuraldehyde) and 5-(butoxymethyl) furfural were obtained. The antioxidant activity of 5,5'-oxy-dimethyl-bis(2-furfuraldehyde) (EC₅₀ = 0.26 ± 0.01 mg/mL) was superior to that of 5-butylmethyl furfural (EC₅₀ = 1.52 ± 0.02 mg/mL), indicating that 5,5'-oxy-dimethyl-bis(2-furfuraldehyde) was the main antioxidant in the fermentation products. The thermodynamic parameters and frontier molecular orbitals of 5,5'-oxy-dimethyl-bis (2-furanaldehyde) was evaluated by density functional theory (DFT). The result indicated 5,5'-oxy-dimethyl-bis(2-furanaldehyde) scavenged free radicals in polar media through single electron transfer followed by proton transfer (SET-PT).

Chemical profile and antioxidant activity of bidirectional metabolites from Tremella fuciformis and Acanthopanax trifoliatus as assessed using response surface methodology

This study aimed to establish a bidirectional fermentation system using Tremella fuciformis and Acanthopanax trifoliatus to promote the transformation and utilization of the synthesized antioxidant metabolites from fermentation supernatant. The effect of fermentation conditions on the total phenolic content was investigated using response surface methodology in terms of three factors, including temperature (22–28°C), pH (6–8), and inoculum size (2–8%, v/v). The optimized fermentation parameters were: 28°C, pH 8, and an inoculum size of 2%, which led to a maximum total phenolic content of 314.79 ± 6.89 μg/mL in the fermentation supernatant after 24 h culture. The content of total flavonoids and polysaccharides reached 78.65 ± 0.82 μg/mL and 9358.08 ± 122.96 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, ABTS+, DPPH⋅, and ⋅OH clearance rates reached 95.09, 88.85, and 85.36% at 24 h under optimized conditions, respectively. The content of total phenolics, flavonoids and polysaccharides in the optimized fermentation supernatant of T. fuciformis–Acanthopanax trifoliatus increased by 0.88 ± 0.04, 0.09 ± 0.02, and 33.84 ± 1.85 times that of aqueous extracts from A. trifoliatus, respectively. Simultaneously, 0.30 ± 0.00, 0.26 ± 0.01, and 1.19 ± 0.12 times increase of antioxidant activity against ABTS+, DPPH⋅, and ⋅OH clearance rates were observed, respectively. Additionally, the metabolite composition changes caused by fermentation were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) based on untargeted metabolomics and the phytochemical profile of fermentation supernatant differentiated significantly based on unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) during fermentation from 24 to 96 h. Furthermore, a significant increase in antioxidant phenolic and flavonoid compounds, such as ellagic acid, vanillin, luteolin, kaempferol, myricetin, isorhamnetin, and (+)-gallocatechin, was observed after fermentation. Thus, these results indicated that the fermentation broth of T. fuciformis and A. trifoliatus had significant antioxidant activity, and may have potential application for health products such as functional beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical raw materials.

Spectrophotometric Methods for Measurement of Antioxidant Activity in Food and Pharmaceuticals

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the application of antioxidants in food and pharmaceuticals due to their association with beneficial health effects against numerous oxidative-related human diseases. The antioxidant potential can be measured by various assays with specific mechanisms of action, including hydrogen atom transfer, single electron transfer, and targeted scavenging activities. Understanding the chemistry of mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of the methods is critical for the proper selection of techniques for the valid assessment of antioxidant activity in specific samples or conditions. There are various analytical techniques available for determining the antioxidant activity of biological samples, including food and plant extracts. The different methods are categorized into three main groups, such as spectrometry, chromatography, and electrochemistry techniques. Among these assays, spectrophotometric methods are considered the most common analytical technique for the determination of the antioxidant potential due to their sensitivity, rapidness, low cost, and reproducibility. This review covers the mechanism of actions and color changes that occur in each method. Furthermore, the advantages and limitations of spectrophotometric methods are described and discussed in this review.

Honey and Its Biomimetic Deep Eutectic Solvent Modulate the Antioxidant Activity of Polyphenols

Honey is a highly valued natural product with antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its antioxidant activity (AOA) is not as high as that of other honeybee products, such as propolis. Several polyphenol-honey formulations have been proposed up to now, most of them using maceration of biomass in honey or mixtures with liquid extracts, which either limit polyphenols bioavailability or destroy the characteristics of honey. To improve the health benefits of honey by increasing AOA and keeping its structural and sensory properties, we propose its enrichment in a polyphenol extract of raspberry after solvent evaporation. A honey-biomimetic natural deep eutectic solvent (NaDES) was prepared and compared with honey. The main polyphenols found in the raspberry extract were tested in combination with honey and NaDES, respectively. The AOA was determined by DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP methods. The AOA behaviour of honey-polyphenol mixtures varied from synergism to antagonism, being influenced by the AOA method, polyphenol type, and/or mixture concentration. The honey-biomimetic NaDES resulted in similar AOA behaviour as with honey mixed with polyphenols. Honey seems to have additional properties that increase synergism or reduce antagonism in some cases. Honey and its biomimetic NaDES modulate AOA of polyphenols extract.

Nutritional and Phyto-Therapeutic Value of the Halophyte Cladium mariscus L. (Pohl.): A Special Focus on Seeds

This work searched for the phyto-therapeutic potential and nutritional value of seeds from the halophyte Cladium mariscus L. (Pohl.), aiming at its use as a source of bioactive ingredients for the food industry. Hence, the nutritional profile, including minerals, of seeds biomass was determined; food-grade samples were prepared, and their phytochemical fingerprinting assessed. Extracts were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant potential, inhibitory capacity towards enzymes related to neuroprotection, diabetes, and hyperpigmentation, and anti-inflammatory properties, along with a toxicological assessment. Sawgrass seeds can be considered a proper nutritional source with a good supply of minerals. All extracts had a high level of total phenolics (65.3−394.4 mg GAE/g DW) and showed a chemically rich and diverse profile of metabolites that have several biological properties described (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory). Extracts had no significant toxicity (cell viabilities > 80%) and were overall strong antioxidants (particularly at radical scavenging and reducing iron), effective tyrosinase inhibitors (55−71 mg KAE/g DW), showed anti-inflammatory properties (30−60% NO decrease), and had moderate capacity to inhibit enzymes related to neuroprotection (AChE 3.7−4.2, BChE 4.3−6.0 mg GALE/g DW) and diabetes (α-glucosidase 1.0−1.1, α-amylase 0.8−1.1 mmol ACAE/g). Altogether, results suggest that sawgrass seeds have the potential to be exploited as a new food product and are a reservoir of bioactive molecules with prospective applications as ingredients for value-added, functional, and/or preservative food products.

May phytophenolics alleviate aflatoxins-induced health challenges? A holistic insight on current landscape and future prospects

The future GCC-connected environmental risk factors expedited the progression of nCDs. Indeed, the emergence of AFs is becoming a global food security concern. AFs are lethal carcinogenic mycotoxins, causing damage to the liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal organs. Long-term exposure to AFs leads to liver cancer. Almost a variety of food commodities, crops, spices, herbaceous materials, nuts, and processed foods can be contaminated with AFs. In this regard, the primary sections of this review aim to cover influencing factors in the occurrence of AFs, the role of AFs in progression of nCDs, links between GCC/nCDs and exposure to AFs, frequency of AFs-based academic investigations, and world distribution of AFs. Next, the current trends in the application of PPs to alleviate AFs toxicity are discussed. Nearly, more than 20,000 published records indexed in scientific databases have been screened to find recent trends on AFs and application of PPs in AFs therapy. Accordingly, shifts in world climate, improper infrastructures for production/storage of food commodities, inconsistency of global polices on AFs permissible concentration in food/feed, and lack of the public awareness are accounting for a considerable proportion of AFs damages. AFs exhibited their toxic effects by triggering the progression of inflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress, in turn, leading to the onset of nCDs. PPs could decrease AFs-associated oxidative stress, genotoxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects by improving cellular antioxidant balance, regulation of signaling pathways, alleviating inflammatory responses, and modification of gene expression profile in a dose/time-reliant fashion. The administration of PPs alone displayed lower biological properties compared to co-treatment of these metabolites with AFs. This issue might highlight the therapeutic application of PPs than their preventative content. Flavonoids such as quercetin and oxidized tea phenolics, curcumin and resveratrol were the most studied anti-AFs PPs. Our literature review clearly disclosed that considering PPs in antioxidant therapies to alleviate complications of AFs requires improvement in their bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, tissue clearance, and off-target mode of action. Due to the emergencies in the elimination of AFs in food/feedstuffs, further large-scale clinical assessment of PPs to decrease the consequences of AFs is highly required.

Antibacterial lignin-based nanoparticles and their use in composite materials

Lignin, one of the most abundant biopolymers on earth, has been traditionally considered a low-value by-product of the pulp and paper industries. This renewable raw material, besides being a source of valuable molecules for the chemical industry, also has antioxidant, UV-absorbing, and antibacterial properties in its macromolecular form. Moreover, lignin in the form of nanoparticles (LigNPs) presents advantages over bulk lignin, such as higher reactivity due to its larger surface-to-volume ratio. In view of the rapid surge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), caused by the overuse of antibiotics, continuous development of novel antibacterial agents is needed. The use of LigNPs as antibacterial agents is a suitable alternative to conventional antibiotics for topical application or chemical disinfectants for surfaces and packaging. Besides, their multiple and unspecific targets in the bacterial cell may prevent the emergence of AMR. This review summarizes the latest developments in antibacterial nano-formulated lignin, both in dispersion and embedded in materials. The following roles of lignin in the formulation of antibacterial NPs have been analyzed: (i) an antibacterial active in nanoformulations, (ii) a reducing and capping agent for antimicrobial metals, and (iii) a carrier of other antibacterial agents. Finally, the review covers the inclusion of LigNPs in films, fibers, hydrogels, and foams, for obtaining antibacterial lignin-based nanocomposites for a variety of applications, including food packaging, wound healing, and medical coatings.

A review of protein-phenolic acid interaction: reaction mechanisms and applications

Phenolic acids (PA) are types of phytochemicals with health benefits. The interaction between proteins and PAs can cause minor or extensive changes in the structure of proteins and subsequently affect various protein properties. This study investigates the protein/PA (PPA) interaction and its effects on the structural, physicochemical, and functional properties of the system. This work particularly focused on the ability of PAs as a subgroup of phenolic compounds (PC) on the modification of proteins. Different aspects including the influence of structure affinity relationship and molecular weight of PA on the protein interaction have been discussed in this review. The physicochemical properties of PPA change mainly due to the change of hydrophilic/hydrophobic parts and/or the formation of some covalent and non-covalent interactions. Furthermore, PPA interactions affecting functional properties were discussed in separate sections. Due to insufficient studies on the interaction of PPAs, understanding the mechanism and also the type of binding between protein and PA can help to develop a new generation of PPA. These systems seem to have good capabilities in the formulation of low-fat foods like high internal Phase Emulsions, drug delivery systems, hydrogel structures, multifunctional fibers or packaging films, and 3 D printing in the meat processing industry.

Anti-Proliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Digested Aglianico Grape Pomace Extract in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells

Grape pomace (GP)—the major by-product of winemaking processes—still contains bioactive molecules with known beneficial properties for human health, such as an antiradical scavenging activity or an antiproliferative activity of tumors. In vitro studies have demonstrated that GP polyphenols specifically influence colon cancer cell proliferation. In addition to previously published work, we tested the phenolic compounds of Aglianico GP following an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion on colorectal cancer cell lines at different degrees of differentiation. Our experiments, using HT29 and SW480 cells, confirmed the anti-proliferative effect of GP gastrointestinal digested extract and provided intriguing insights on the way it influences the cancer cell features (i.e., viability, proliferation, and apoptosis). We observed that Aglianico GP extract showed a great ability to affect cell proliferation and apoptosis. Interestingly, both HT29 and SW480 cells produced a significant increase in Bax, and a significant increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3. The gastrointestinal digested GP extract was previously characterized both for antioxidant activity and phenolic composition. As a result, the TPC and the antioxidant activity reached high values in the Aglianico GP digested extract, and the main compounds assessed by UHPLC-DAD were anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. This work shed light on the use of digested GP extract as a dietary ingredient, a very sustainable source of nutritional compounds with potential health benefits for colon cancer cell proliferation.

Mentha: Nutritional and Health Attributes to Treat Various Ailments Including Cardiovascular Diseases

A poor diet, resulting in malnutrition, is a critical challenge that leads to a variety of metabolic disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Mentha species are famous as therapeutic herbs and have long served as herbal medicine. Recently, the demand for its products, such as herbal drugs, medicines, and natural herbal formulations, has increased significantly. However, the available literature lacks a thorough overview of Mentha phytochemicals' effects for reducing malnutritional risks against cardiovascular diseases. In this context, we aimed to review the recent advances of Mentha phytochemicals and future challenges for reducing malnutritional risks in cardiovascular patients. Current studies indicated that Mentha species phytochemicals possess unique antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, and antioxidant potential, which can be used as herbal medicine directly or indirectly (such as food ingredients) and are effective in controlling and curing cardiovascular diseases. The presence of aromatic and flavor compounds of Mentha species greatly enhance the nutritional values of the food. Further interdisciplinary investigations are pivotal to explore main volatile compounds, synergistic actions of phytochemicals, organoleptic effects, and stability of Mentha sp. phytochemicals.

Development of Semisynthetic Apoptosis-Inducing Agents Based on Natural Phenolic Acids Scaffold: Design, Synthesis and In-Vitro Biological Evaluation

A crucial target in drug research is magnifying efficacy and decreasing toxicity. Therefore, using natural active constituents as precursors will enhance both safety and biological activities. Despite having many pharmacological activities, caffeic and ferulic acids showed limited clinical usage due to their poor bioavailability and fast elimination. Therefore, semisynthetic compounds from these two acids were prepared and screened as anticancer agents. In this study, CA and FA showed very potent anticancer activity against Caco-2 cells. Consequently, eighteen derivatives were tested against the same cell line. Four potent candidates were selected for determination of the selectivity index, where compound 10 revealed a high safety margin. Compound 10 represented a new scaffold and showed significant cytotoxic activity against Caco-2. Cell-cycle analysis and evaluation of apoptosis showed that derivatives 10, 7, 11, 15 and 14 showed the highest proportion of cells in a late apoptotic stage.

Potential Therapeutic Properties of the Leaf of Cydonia Oblonga Mill. Based on Mineral and Organic Profiles

Leaf extract of Cydonia Oblonga Mill. is interesting for further exploration of the potential of its substrates for therapeutic supplements. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted on samples of green (October), yellow (November), and brown (December) quince leaves collected in the region of Pinhel, Portugal. Mineral analysis determined the measurements of the levels of several macro- and micro-elements. Organic analysis assessed the moisture content, total phenolic content (TPC), vitamin E, and fatty acid (FA) profiles. Mineral analysis was based on ICP-MS techniques, while the profiles of vitamin E and FA relied on HPLC-DAD-FLD and GC-FID techniques, respectively. Moisture content was determined through infrared hygrometry and TPC was determined by spectrophotometric methods. Regarding the mineral content, calcium, magnesium, and iron were the most abundant minerals. Concerning organic analysis, all leaf samples showed similar moisture content, while the TPC of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) and total vitamin E content, the most predominant of which was the α-tocopherol isomer, showed significant variations between green-brown and yellow leaves. FA composition in all leaf samples exhibited higher contents of SFA and PUFA than MUFA, with a predominance of palmitic and linolenic acids. Organic and inorganic analysis of quince leaves allow for the prediction of adequate physiological properties, mainly cardiovascular, pulmonary, and immunological defenses, which with our preliminary in silico studies suggest an excellent supplement to complementary therapy, including drastic pandemic situations.

Upgrading the physiochemical and sensory quality of yogurt by incorporating polyphenol-enriched citrus pomaces with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities

Industrial pomaces are cheap sources of phenolic compounds and fibers but dumping them in landfills has negative environmental and health consequences. Therefore, valorizing these wastes in the food industry as additives significantly enhances the final product. In this study, the citrus pomaces, orange pomace (OP), mandarin pomace (MP), and lemon pomace (LP) were collected by a juice company and subjected to producing polyphenols and fiber-enriched fractions, which are included in functional yogurt; the pomace powder with different levels (1, 3, and 5%) was homogenized in cooled pasteurized milk with other ingredients (sugar and starter) before processing the yogurt fermentation. The HPLC phenolic profile showed higher phenolic content in OP extract, i.e., gallic acid (1,702.65), chlorogenic acid (1,256.22), naringenin (6,450.57), catechin (1,680.65), and propyl gallate (1,120.37) ppm with massive increases over MP (1.34–37 times) and LP (1.49–5 times). The OP extract successfully scavenged 87% of DPPH with a relative increase of about 16 and 32% over LP and MP, respectively. Additionally, it inhibits 77–90% of microbial growth at 5–8 μg/mL while killing them in the 9–14 μg/mL range. Furthermore, OP extract successfully reduced 77% of human breast carcinoma. Each of pomace powder sample (OP, MP, LP) was added to yogurt at three levels; 1, 3, and 5%, while the physiochemical, sensorial, and microbial changes were monitored during 21 days of cold storage. OP yogurt had the highest pH and lowest acidity, while LP yogurt recorded the reverse. High fat and total soluble solids (TSS) content are observed in OP yogurt because of the high fiber content in OP. The pH values of all yogurt samples decreased, while acidity, fat, and TSS increased at the end of the storage period. The OP yogurts 1 and 3% scored higher in color, flavor, and structure than other samples. By measuring the microbial load of yogurt samples, the OP (1 and 3%) contributes to the growth of probiotics (Lactobacillus spp) in yogurt samples and reduces harmful microbes. Using citrus pomace as a source of polyphenols and fiber in functional foods is recommended to enhance their physiochemical and sensory quality.

Isolation, Characterization and Pharmacological Investigations of a New Phenolic Compound along with Four Others Firstly Reported Phytochemicals from Glycosmis cyanocarpa (Blume) Spreng

Plants are serving the mankind with important bioactive phytochemicals from the very ancient ages to develop novel therapeutics against different disease states. Glycosmis cyanocarpa (Blume) Spreng is a plant from the Rutaceae family and a very less explored species from the Glycosmis genus. Thus, this present study was intended to present the chemical and biological investigation of Glycosmis cyanocarpa (Blume) Spreng. The chemical investigation resulted in the isolation of one new phenolic compound to the best of our knowledge which is (4-(3-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)-2-methoxyphenol) (1) along with four known compounds that are isolated for the first time from this species- 3-methyl-1H-indole (2), Tri-transpoly-cis prenol-12 (3), Stigmasterol (4) and β-sitosterol (5). Their chemical structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, and comparison with the available literature data. Isolated phytochemicals were further investigated to unveil their antioxidant properties with IC50 values (ranged from 9.97–75.48 µg/mL), cytotoxicity with LC50 values (ranged from 1.02–1.92 µg/mL), and antibacterial properties against some selected Gram (+) ve and Gram (−) ve bacteria. Among the compounds, 3-methyl-1H-indole (2) was found to be the most active against Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, the phenolic compound (1) and the alkaloid (2) revealed the highest antioxidant (9.97 µg/mL) and cytotoxic activities (1.02 µg/mL), respectively. Thus, the isolation of these bioactive phytochemicals from the plant revealed a new perception in the study arena of drug discovery and the findings may ease the development and discovery of novel therapeutics. Further investigations are still recommended to understand their exact molecular mechanism and toxicological impact.

Phenolic compounds of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.): Separation method, chemical characterization, and biological properties

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is a good source of bioactive compounds. However, information on the biological properties of sugar beet root is limited and its beneficial effects have not been completely understood. In this work, 10 phenolic compounds have been separated and identified in various parts of sugar beet for the first time, including the most abundant epicatechin (31.16 ± 1.89 mg/100 g), gallic acid (30.57 ± 2.69 mg/100 g), and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (30.14 ± 3.63 mg/100 g). The biological activity tests indicated that sugar beet peel potently scavenged the nitric oxide and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radicals with IC₅₀ values of 88.17 ± 05.14 and 28.77 ± 0.62 μg/ml, respectively. In addition, sugar beet peel exhibited the highest reducing power, IC₅₀ values of 11.98 ± 1.20 μg/ml, and the highest ion-chelating activity, IC₅₀ values of 48.52% and 55.21% for cupric and ferrous ions at 250 μg/ml, respectively. Compared to synthetic antioxidants, sugar beet showed promising biological activities, which could be considered further in future studies.

Recent Advances in Lipases and Their Applications in the Food and Nutraceutical Industry

Lipases are efficient enzymes with promising applications in the nutraceutical and food industry, as they can offer high yields, pure products under achievable reaction conditions, and are an environmentally friendly option. This review addresses the production of high-value-added compounds such as fatty acid esters, with the potential to be used as flavoring agents or antioxidant and antimicrobial agents, as well as structured lipids that offer specific functional properties that do not exist in nature, with important applications in different food products, and pharmaceuticals. In addition, the most recent successful cases of reactions with lipases to produce modified compounds for food and nutraceuticals are reported.

An update on nutritional profile, phytochemical compounds, health benefits, and potential applications in the food industry of pulses seed coats: A comprehensive review

Pulses, as a sustainable source of nutrients, are an important choice for human diets, but vast quantities of seed coats generated in pulses processing are usually discarded or used as low-value ruminant feed. It has been demonstrated that pulses seed coats are excellent sources of dietary nutrients and phytochemicals with potential health benefits. With growing interest in the sustainable use of resources and the circular economy, utilization of pulses seed coats to recover these valuable components is a core objective for their valorization and an important step toward agricultural sustainability. This review comprehensively provides a comprehensive insight on the nutritional and phytochemical profiles presented in pulses seed coats and their health benefits obtained from the findings of in vitro and in vivo studies. Furthermore, in the food industry, pulses seed coats can be acted as potential food ingredients with nutritional, antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics or as the matrix or active components of films for food packaging and edible coatings. A better understanding of pulses seed coats may provide a reference for increasing the overall added value and realizing the pulses' sustainable diets.

Oxidative stress-mediated memory impairment during aging and its therapeutic intervention by natural bioactive compounds

Aging and associated neurodegenerative diseases are accompanied by the decline of several brain functions including cognitive abilities. Progressive deleterious changes at biochemical and physiological levels lead to the generation of oxidative stress, accumulation of protein aggregates, mitochondrial dysfunctions, loss of synaptic connections, and ultimately neurodegeneration and cognitive decline during aging. Oxidative stress that arises due to an imbalance between the rates of production and elimination of free radicles is the key factor for age-associated neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Due to high energy demand, the brain is more susceptible to free radicals-mediated damages as they oxidize lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, thereby causing an imbalance in the homeostasis of the aging brain. Animal, as well as human subject studies, showed that with almost no or few side effects, dietary interventions and plant-derived bioactive compounds could be beneficial to recovering the memory or delaying the onset of memory impairment. As the plant-derived bioactive compounds have antioxidative properties, several of them were used to recover the oxidative stress-mediated changes in the aging brain. In the present article, we review different aspects of oxidative stress-mediated cognitive change during aging and its therapeutic intervention by natural bioactive compounds.