Comparative in vitro studies of the biological potential and chemical composition of stems, leaves and berries Aronia melanocarpa's extracts obtained by subcritical water extraction

Exploring the bioactive potential of algae residue extract via subcritical water extraction: Insights into chemical composition and biological activity

Gelidium sesquipedale is valued in the Spanish agar industry, but its production generates substantial waste, often discarded despite its nutritional and bioactive content. Subcritical water extraction (SWE) at 175 °C and 50 bar for 130 min was performed on this waste after agar extraction, comparing it to conventional ethanol extraction. The SWE extract exhibited superior nutritional profile, including proteins (170.6 ± 1.0 mg/gfreeze-dried-extract), essential amino acids (18.1%), carbohydrates (148.1 ± 0.3 mg/gfreeze-dried-extract), total phenolic content (57 ± 7 mg-EqGA/gfreeze-dried-extract), and also containing Maillard reaction compounds, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, 2-furanmethanol, 1-(2-furanyl)-ethanone, and 5-methyl-2-furfural, influencing color, aroma and flavor. This extract showed better antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties than the conventional extract, and higher xanthine oxidase, tyrosinase, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition activities. Toxicological assessment on human cells indicated the safety of the SWE extract. Therefore, SWE technology offers a promising method to valorize G. sesquipedale residue, yielding a bioactive and nutrient-rich extract suitable for food and nutraceutical applications.

Exploring traditional and modern approaches for extracting bioactive compounds from Ferulago trachycarpa

For more than two millennia, Ferulago species have been revered as therapeutic herbs, maintaining their significance in present-day folk medicine practices. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical composition, inhibitory effects on metabolic enzymes, and possible therapeutic applications of F. trachycarpa, specifically focusing on its efficacy in diabetes management, anticholinergic effects, and antioxidant capabilities. The current investigation comprised an evaluation of a range of extracts acquired via conventional and modern methodologies, such as soxhlet (SOX), maceration (MAC) accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), homogenizer-assisted extraction (HAE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), microwave-assisted extraction (MW), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Various techniques were employed to assess their antioxidant capacity and enzyme inhibition. Furthermore, the research utilized ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS (UHPLC-MS/MS) to ascertain the principal phenolic compounds that are responsible for the antioxidant capacity observed in the various F. trachycarpa extracts. Among these, extracts from HAE, ASE, and MW revealed the most promise across all methodologies tested for their antioxidant potential. Furthermore, SFE and MAC extracts inhibited the most enzymes, including cholinesterases, tyrosinase, α -amylase, and α -glycosidase, indicating their potential as efficient natural treatments for several health-related issues.

Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Mediated by Aronia melanocarpa and Their Biological Evaluation

In the present study, two A. melanocarpa berry extracts were used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). After the optimization of synthesis, the AgNPs were characterized using UV-Vis, FTIR, EDX, DLS, and STEM analyses. The stability in different media, phytotoxicity, as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were also evaluated. The ideal synthesis conditions were represented by a 3 mM AgNO3 concentration, 1:9 extract:AgNO3 volume ratio, alkaline medium, and stirring at 40 °C for 120 min. The synthesis was confirmed by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 403 nm, and the strong signal at 3 keV from the EDX spectra. FTIR analysis indicated that polyphenols, polysaccharides, and amino acids could be the compounds responsible for synthesis. Stability tests and the negative zeta potential values showed that phytocompounds also play a role in the stabilization and capping of AgNPs. The preliminary phytotoxicity studies on T. aestivum showed that both the extracts and their corresponding AgNPs had an impact on the growth of roots and shoots as well as on the microscopic structure of leaves. The synthesized AgNPs presented antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. Moreover, considering the results obtained in the lipoxygenase inhibition, the DPPH and hydroxyl scavenging activities, and the ferrous ion chelating assay, AgNPs exhibit promising antioxidant activity.

Comparative Analysis of Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) Fruit, Leaves, and Pomace for Their Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Potential, and Polyphenol Bioaccessibility

The study aims to compare the nutrient composition, antioxidant potential, and polyphenol bioaccessibility of the fruit, leaves, and pomace of black chokeberry. Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant activity, and the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the individual phenolic compounds of fruit, leaves, and pomace of black chokeberry were assessed. Results showed that leaves had a higher content of polyphenols (61.06 mg GAE/g dw), flavonoids (8.47 mg QE/g), and tocopherols (1172.20 mg/kg) than fruit (27.99 mg GAE/g dw polyphenols, 5.23 mg QE/g flavonoids, 38.48 mg/kg tocopherols) and pomace (22.94 mg GAE/g dw polyphenols, 1.89 mg QE/g flavonoids and 157.19 mg/kg tocopherols), with superior in vitro antioxidant activity. Chlorogenic acids were the dominant phenolic compounds in black chokeberry undigested samples (2.713 mg/g in fruit, 17.954 mg/g in leaves, and 1.415 mg/g in pomace) but are poorly absorbed (bioaccessibility index in intestinal phase of 28.84% for fruit, 8.81% for leaves, and 31.90% for pomace). Hydroxybenzoic acids were highly stable in leaves and fruit during simulated digestion and had high bioaccessibility. In conclusion, residues from black chokeberry processing are also valuable sources of bioactive compounds, but the pomace had higher polyphenol bioaccessibility than leaves and might be a promising supplement for the food industry.

From by-products to new application opportunities: the enhancement of the leaves deriving from the fruit plants for new potential healthy products

In the last decades, the world population and demand for any kind of product have grown exponentially. The rhythm of production to satisfy the request of the population has become unsustainable and the concept of the linear economy, introduced after the Industrial Revolution, has been replaced by a new economic approach, the circular economy. In this new economic model, the concept of "the end of life" is substituted by the concept of restoration, providing a new life to many industrial wastes. Leaves are a by-product of several agricultural cultivations. In recent years, the scientific interest regarding leaf biochemical composition grew, recording that plant leaves may be considered an alternative source of bioactive substances. Plant leaves' main bioactive compounds are similar to those in fruits, i.e., phenolic acids and esters, flavonols, anthocyanins, and procyanidins. Bioactive compounds can positively influence human health; in fact, it is no coincidence that the leaves were used by our ancestors as a natural remedy for various pathological conditions. Therefore, leaves can be exploited to manufacture many products in food (e.g., being incorporated in food formulations as natural antioxidants, or used to create edible coatings or films for food packaging), cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries (e.g., promising ingredients in anti-aging cosmetics such as oils, serums, dermatological creams, bath gels, and other products). This review focuses on the leaves' main bioactive compounds and their beneficial health effects, indicating their applications until today to enhance them as a harvesting by-product and highlight their possible reuse for new potential healthy products.

Valorization of Dairy and Fruit/Berry Industry By-Products to Sustainable Marinades for Broilers' Wooden Breast Meat Quality Improvement

The study aims to improve the quality of wooden breast meat (WBM) via the use of newly developed marinades based on selected strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in combination with the by-products of the dairy and fruit/berry industries. Six distinct marinades were produced based on milk permeate (MP) fermented with Lacticaseibacillus casei (Lc) and Liquorilactobacillus uvarum (Lu) with the addition of apple (ApBp) and blackcurrant (BcBp) processing by-products. The microbiological and acidity parameters of the fermented marinades were evaluated. The effects of marinades on the microbiological, technical, and physicochemical properties of meat were assessed following 24 and 48 h of WBM treatment. It was established that LAB viable counts in marinades were higher than 7.00 log10 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL and, after 48 h of marination, enterobacteria and molds/yeasts in WBM were absent. Marinated (24 and 48 h) WBM showed lower dry-matter and protein content, as well as water holding capacity, and exhibited higher drip loss (by 8.76%) and cooking loss (by 12.3%) in comparison with controls. After WBM treatment, biogenic amines decreased; besides, the absence of spermidine and phenylethylamine was observed in meat marinated for 48 h with a marinade prepared with Lu. Overall, this study highlights the potential advantages of the developed sustainable marinades in enhancing the safety and quality attributes of WBM.

Using Subcritical Water to Obtain Polyphenol-Rich Extracts with Antimicrobial Properties

The use of green extraction methods that meet the criteria of sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies has been increasing in recent decades due to their many benefits. In this respect, extracts obtained using subcritical water are also gaining increased attention because of their potential antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Their antimicrobial activity is mainly due to the presence of various polyphenolic compounds. Although the exact mechanism of the antibacterial action of polyphenolic compounds has not yet been fully investigated and described, polyphenols are known to affect the bacterial cell at several cellular levels; among other things, they cause changes and ruptures in the cell membranes of the bacterial cell, affect the inactivation of bacterial enzymes and damage bacterial DNA. The difference in the strength of the antimicrobial activity of the extracts is most likely a result of differences in their lipophilicity and in the number and position of hydroxyl groups and double bonds in the chemical structure of polyphenols. By changing the extraction conditions, especially the temperature, during subcritical water extraction, we affect the solubility of the compounds we want to extract. In general, as the temperature increases, the solubility of polyphenolic compounds also increases, and the reduction of the surface tension of subcritical water at higher temperatures also enables faster dissolution of polyphenolic compounds. Different bacterial strains have different sensitivity to different extracts. However, extracts obtained with subcritical water extraction demonstrate strong antimicrobial activity compared to extracts obtained with conventional methods.

Antioxidant Capacity, Sugar Content, and Tandem HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS Profiling of Phenolic Compounds from Aronia melanocarpa Fruits and Leaves (Nero and Viking Cultivars)

This study examined the phenolic profile, sugar composition, and antioxidant capacities of chokeberry fruits and leaves obtained from four different Turkiye provinces. A total of 21 phenolics including phenolic acid and its derivatives, flavanols, anthocyanins, and flavonols were determined in the fruits, while the leaves had 19 phenolics, including phenolic acid and its derivatives, flavanols, and flavonols. The total amount of phenolic compounds was the highest in both fruits and leaves in the samples from the Bursa province. Cis 5-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid and secoxyloganin were quantified for the first time in both fruits and leaves. In summary, it was found that different geographical locations significantly affected the phenolics, sugar contents, and antioxidant activities of the fruits and leaves.

Microencapsulated Bilberry and Chokeberry Leaf Extracts with Potential Health Benefits

The aim of the research was to develop microencapsulated powders of bilberry and chokeberry extracts via the spray drying technique. Two biopolymers, pectin alone and in combination with HP-β-CD, were used to preserve the antioxidant, hypoglycemic, photoprotective, and antimicrobial bioactivity of the berry leaf extracts. Moreover, the formed powders were characterized in terms of technological, chemical, and several biological properties. The obtained micro-sized powders (mean average particle diameter from 3.83 to 5.94 µm) demonstrated a process yield of up to 73%. The added biopolymers improved the flowability and cohesive properties of the powders and increased their thermal stability to 170 °C. The total content of polyphenolics in the powders ranged from 323.35 to 367.76 mg GAE/g DW for bilberry and from 186.85 to 227.59 mg GAE/g DW for chokeberry powders; meanwhile, chlorogenic acid was the predominant compound in powders. All samples showed stronger α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 values ranged from 5.00 to 19.59 µg/mL) compared with the reference standard. The study confirmed that spray drying is a suitable method for the preservation of the polyphenolic-rich extracts, while the addition of carriers has a positive effect on the improvement of microencapsulated powders' properties.

Aronia melanocarpa Flavonol Extract-Antiradical and Immunomodulating Activities Analysis

The study of Aronia melanocarpa's (A. melanocarpa) biological activity is focused on obtaining the crude extract and separation of the flavonol compounds. The extraction and fractionation of A. melanocarpa fruits, followed by quantitative analysis, were accomplished using high-performance liquid chromatography and Darco G-60 filtering. This approach enabled the quantification of flavonoids within each fraction. The antioxidative, immunomodulating activities and cytotoxicity with respect to the lymphoblast cell line RPMI-1788 were studied. The flavonol extract of A. melanocarpa has been shown to have a high capacity to neutralize free DPPH and AAPH radicals in vitro. It also caused an accelerated 'respiratory burst' formation of neutrophils and an increase in the metabolic reserves of cells in rats exposed to cyclophosphamide. The reference solution (an equivalent quercetin-rutin blend) contributed to a decrease in lipid peroxidation, intensifying phagocytosis processes. The studied compounds demonstrated their low influence on the leukocyte blood profile in animals.

Health Benefits of Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds in the Fruits and Leaves of Lonicera caerulea L. and Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot

Lonicera caerulaea L. and Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot fruits are frequently used for their health benefits as they are rich in bioactive compounds. They are recognized as a source of natural and valuable phytonutrients, which makes them a superfood. L. caerulea presents antioxidant activity three to five times higher than other berries which are more commonly consumed, such as blackberries or strawberries. In addition, their ascorbic acid level is the highest among fruits. The species A. melanocarpa is considered one of the richest known sources of antioxidants, surpassing currants, cranberries, blueberries, elderberries, and gooseberries, and contains one of the highest amounts of sorbitol. The non-edible leaves of genus Aronia became more extensively analyzed as a byproduct or waste material due to their high polyphenol, flavonoid, and phenolic acid content, along with a small amount of anthocyanins, which are used as ingredients in nutraceuticals, herbal teas, bio-cosmetics, cosmeceuticals, food and by the pharmaceutical industry. These plants are a rich source of vitamins, tocopherols, folic acid, and carotenoids. However, they remain outside of mainstream fruit consumption, being well known only to a small audience. This review aims to shed light on L. caerulaea and A. melanocarpa and their bioactive compounds as healthy superfoods with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, and anti-diabetic effects, and hepato-, cardio-, and neuro-protective potential. In this view, we hope to promote their cultivation and processing, increase their commercial availability, and also highlight the ability of these species to be used as potential nutraceutical sources, helpful for human health.

New Biological and Chemical Insights into Optimization of Chamomile Extracts by Using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Model

Chamomile is one of the most consumed medicinal plants worldwide. Various chamomile preparations are widely used in various branches of both traditional and modern pharmacy. However, in order to obtain an extract with a high content of the desired components, it is necessary to optimize key extraction parameters. In the present study, optimization of process parameters was performed using the artificial neural networks (ANN) model using a solid-to-solvent ratio, microwave power and time as inputs, while the outputs were the yield of the total phenolic compounds (TPC). Optimized extraction conditions were as follows: a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1:80, microwave power of 400 W, extraction time of 30 min. ANN predicted the content of the total phenolic compounds, which was later experimentally confirmed. The extract obtained under optimal conditions was characterized by rich composition and high biological activity. Additionally, chamomile extract showed promising properties as growth media for probiotics. The study could make a valuable scientific contribution to the application of modern statistical designs and modelling to improve extraction techniques.

Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott. attenuates dextran sulfate sodium-induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease via regulation of inflammation-related signaling pathways and modulation of the gut microbiota

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott. Is one of the most functional berries usually used in the preparation of juice and jams, but it has revealed its ethnopharmacological properties due to their richness in biologically active molecules with pharmaceutical and physiological effects.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Aronia melanocarpa ethanol-extract as well as the possible mechanisms of action involved and the modulation of gut microbiota in Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced Inflammatory bowel disease in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were induced by DSS in drinking water for 7 days to evaluate the properties of A. melanocarpa ethanol-extract (AME) on the intestinal microflora. AME was administered orally to DSS-induced IBD mice for 21 days. Clinical, inflammatory, histopathological parameters, and different mRNA and proteins involved in its possible mechanism of action were determined as well as gut microbiota analysis via 16S high throughput sequencing.

RESULTS

AME improved clinical symptoms and regulated histopathological parameters, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress factors as well as mRNA and protein expressions of transcription factors involved in maintaining the intestinal barrier integrity. In addition, AME also reversed the DSS-induced intestinal dysbiosis effects promoting the production of cecal short chain fatty acids linked to signaling pathways inhibiting IBD.

CONCLUSION

AME improved intestinal lesions induced by DSS suggesting that A. melanocarpa berries could have significant therapeutic potential against IBD due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities as well as their ability to restore the gut microbiota balance.

Novel Insights on Plant Extracts to Prevent and Treat Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTI) represent one of the most widespread infections, and frequent recurrent episodes, induced mostly by uropathogenic Escherichia coli, make them increasingly difficult to treat. Long-term antibiotic therapy is an effective approach to treat recurrent UTI but generates adverse effects, including the emergence of pathogenic strains resistant to the vast majority of antibiotics. These drawbacks have enhanced the interest toward new alternatives based on plant extracts to prevent and treat recurrent UTI, especially in a synergistic antibiotic approach. Therefore, this review highlights the potential of some medicinal plants to be used in the management of recurrent UTI, including plants that have been approved for the treatment of urinary infections and promising, but less studied, plant candidates with proven anti-uropathogenic activity. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa Michx.), and cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) have great potential to be used for prevention or in a combined antibiotic therapy to cure UTI, but more studies and clinical trials in specific population groups are required. Further progress in developing plant-based products to cure rUTI will be supported by advances in UTI pathogenesis and human-based models for a better understanding of their pharmacological activities.

Flavonoids as inhibitors of human neutrophil elastase

Elastase is a proteolytic enzyme belonging to the family of hydrolases produced by human neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and endothelial cells. Human neutrophil elastase is known to play multiple roles in the human body, but an increase in its activity may cause a variety of diseases. Elastase inhibitors may prevent the development of psoriasis, chronic kidney disease, respiratory disorders (including COVID-19), immune disorders, and even cancers. Among polyphenolic compounds, some flavonoids and their derivatives, which are mostly found in herbal plants, have been revealed to influence elastase release and its action on human cells. This review focuses on elastase inhibitors that have been discovered from natural sources and are biochemically characterised as flavonoids. The inhibitory activity on elastase is a characteristic of flavonoid aglycones and their glycoside and methylated, acetylated and hydroxylated derivatives. The presented analysis of structure-activity relationship (SAR) enables the determination of the chemical groups responsible for evoking an inhibitory effect on elastase. Further study especially of the in vivo efficacy and safety of the described natural compounds is of interest in order to gain better understanding of their health-promoting potential.

Subcritical Water Extraction of Natural Products

Subcritical water refers to high-temperature and high-pressure water. A unique and useful characteristic of subcritical water is that its polarity can be dramatically decreased with increasing temperature. Therefore, subcritical water can behave similar to methanol or ethanol. This makes subcritical water a green extraction fluid used for a variety of organic species. This review focuses on the subcritical water extraction (SBWE) of natural products. The extracted materials include medicinal and seasoning herbs, vegetables, fruits, food by-products, algae, shrubs, tea leaves, grains, and seeds. A wide range of natural products such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, essential oil, flavonoids, glycosides, lignans, organic acids, polyphenolics, quinones, steroids, and terpenes have been extracted using subcritical water. Various SBWE systems and their advantages and drawbacks have also been discussed in this review. In addition, we have reviewed co-solvents including ethanol, methanol, salts, and ionic liquids used to assist SBWE. Other extraction techniques such as microwave and sonication combined with SBWE are also covered in this review. It is very clear that temperature has the most significant effect on SBWE efficiency, and thus, it can be optimized. The optimal temperature ranges from 130 to 240 °C for extracting the natural products mentioned above. This review can help readers learn more about the SBWE technology, especially for readers with an interest in the field of green extraction of natural products. The major advantage of SBWE of natural products is that water is nontoxic, and therefore, it is more suitable for the extraction of herbs, vegetables, and fruits. Another advantage is that no liquid waste disposal is required after SBWE. Compared with organic solvents, subcritical water not only has advantages in ecology, economy, and safety, but also its density, ion product, and dielectric constant can be adjusted by temperature. These tunable properties allow subcritical water to carry out class selective extractions such as extracting polar compounds at lower temperatures and less polar ingredients at higher temperatures. SBWE can mimic the traditional herbal decoction for preparing herbal medication and with higher extraction efficiency. Since SBWE employs high-temperature and high-pressure, great caution is needed for safe operation. Another challenge for application of SBWE is potential organic degradation under high temperature conditions. We highly recommend conducting analyte stability checks when carrying out SBWE. For analytes with poor SBWE efficiency, a small number of organic modifiers such as ethanol, surfactants, or ionic liquids may be added.

Antioxidant Activity and Acteoside Analysis of Abeliophyllum distichum

This study determined acteoside and its content in Abeliophyllum distichum via HPLC/UV and LC/ESI-MS to obtain insights into the potential use of this plant as an antioxidant agent. Moreover, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl (^•OH), and O₂^- radical scavenging activity assays were performed to assess in vitro antioxidative activity. The DPPH, ^•OH, and O₂^- radical scavenging activities of A. distichum leaf EtOH extracts at a 250 μg/mL concentration were 88.32%, 94.48%, and 14.36%, respectively, whereas those of stem extracts at the same concentration were 88.15%, 88.99%, and 15.36%, respectively. The contents of acteoside in A. distichum leaves and stems were 162.11 and 29.68 mg/g, respectively. Acteoside was identified as the main antioxidant compound in A. distichum leaves, which resulted in DPPH, ^•OH, and O₂^- radical scavenging activities of 82.84%, 89.46%, and 30.31%, respectively, at a 25 μg/mL concentration. These results indicate that A. distichum leaves and stems containing the antioxidant acteoside can be used as natural ingredients for functional and nutritional supplements.

Cytotoxic and DNA-Damaging Effects of Aronia melanocarpa, Cornus mas, and Chaenomeles superba Leaf Extracts on the Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cell Line Caco-2

Aronia melanocarpa, Cornus mas, and Chaenomeles superba leaf extracts contain large amounts of bioactive compounds-mainly polyphenols, which possess many health benefits including anti-cancer properties. Here, we investigate the biological effects of A. melanocarpa, C. mas, and C. superba leaf extracts on the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2. The antiproliferative activity of the extracts was measured using the MTT assay. The most cytotoxic extract was C. mas (IC50 = 0.60%). The extracts caused morphological changes in the Caco-2 cells, including partial detachment of cells, necrotic cells, chromatin condensation, cytoplasmic vacuolization, cell nuclei lysis, and nucleus fragmentation. The DNA damage in the Caco-2 cells after exposure to the leaf extracts was measured using the alkaline comet assay. The extracts increased DNA damage in a concentration dependent manner. However, at lower non-cyto- and non-genotoxic (IC0) concentrations the extracts induced DNA repair in Caco-2 cells after exposure to hydrogen peroxide. In conclusion, the results of these studies suggest that A. melanocarpa, C. mas and C. superba leaf extracts can show anticancer activity. However, further research is required on the mechanisms of anti-cancer activity by these extracts, with the application of more advanced and wide-ranging techniques including in vivo experiments.

Environmentally Friendly Methods for Flavonoid Extraction from Plant Material: Impact of Their Operating Conditions on Yield and Antioxidant Properties

The flavonoids are compounds synthesized by plants, and they have properties such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial, among others. One of the most important bioactive properties of flavonoids is their antioxidant effect. Synthetic antioxidants have side toxic effects whilst natural antioxidants, such as flavonoids from natural sources, have relatively low toxicity. Therefore, it is important to incorporate flavonoids derived from natural sources in several products such as foods, cosmetics, and drugs. For this reason, there is currently a need to extract flavonoids from plant resources. In this review are described the most important parameters involved in the extraction of flavonoids by unconventional methods such as ultrasound, pressurized liquid extraction, mechanochemical, high hydrostatic pressure, supercritical fluid, negative pressure cavitation, intensification of vaporization by decompression to the vacuum, microwave, infrared, pulsed electric field, high-voltage electrical discharges, and enzyme-assisted extraction. There are no unified operation conditions to achieve high yields and purity. Notwithstanding, progress has been achieved in the development of more advanced and environmentally friendly methods of extraction. Although in literature are found important advances, a complete understanding of the extraction process in each of the unconventional techniques is needed to determine the thermodynamic and kinetic mechanisms that govern each of the techniques.

Assessment of the Pharmacological Properties and Phytochemical Profile of Bruguiera gymnorhiza (L.) Lam Using in Vitro Studies, in Silico Docking, and Multivariate Analysis

Bruguiera gymnorhiza (L.) Lam. is claimed to effectively manage a number of ailments including diabetes and associated complications. Nonetheless, no attempt has been made to delineate its pharmacological propensities and phytochemical profile. This study was designed to appraise the antioxidant and enzymatic inhibitory properties relevant to the management of diabetes mellitus, obesity, and neurodegenerative and skin disorders. A combination of colorimetric assays and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS) were applied for the phytochemical screening of leaf, root, twig, and fruit extracts (methanol and ethyl acetate). In vitro antioxidant evaluations were via radical scavenging abilities (DPPH, ABTS), reducing potential (FRAP, CUPRAC), chelating power, and total antioxidant capacity (phosphomolybdenum). Seven key metabolic enzymes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, elastase, lipase, AChE, and BChE) were targeted to determine the inhibitory effects. Multivariate and in silico docking analysis were performed on collected data. Methanolic fruit extract yielded the highest total phenolic, tannin, and triterpenoid contents (174.18 ± 4.27 mg GAE/g, 176.24 ± 3.10 mg CE/g, 63.11 ± 3.27 mg OAE/g, respectively); significantly depressed tyrosinase, elastase, and α-amylase activities (155.35 ± 0.29 mg KAE/g, 4.56 ± 0.10 mg CAE/g, 1.00 ± 0.05 mmol ACAE/g, accordingly); and harboured the most potent antioxidant capacities with DPPH, CUPRAC, FRAP (492.62 ± 5.31, 961.46 ± 11.18, 552.49 ± 8.71 mg TE/g, respectively), and phosphomolybdenum (4.17 ± 0.31 mmol TE/g) assays. Multivariate analysis suggested that the type of solvents used influenced the biological activities more compared to plant parts. Docking analysis showed that azelaic acid binds with tyrosinase by Van der Waals and conventional hydrogen bonds. We anticipate that the present study may establish baseline data on this halophyte that could open new avenues for the development of biomedicine.

Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot, Cornus mas L. and Chaenomeles superba Lindl. Leaf Extracts

The purpose of this study was to investigate the composition of leaf extracts from Aronia melanocarpa, Chaenomeles superba, and Cornus mas, and their antimicrobial activity against typical spoilage-causing and pathogenic bacteria found in meat and meat products. The highest total phenolic content (TPC) was detected in C. superba extract, followed by C. mas and A. melanocarpa extracts. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was measured by DPPH and ABTS assays. The lowest IC₅₀ values were found for C. superba extract, followed by C. mas and A. melanocarpa extracts. LC-MS and HPLC analysis revealed that A. melanocarpa and C. superba extracts contained hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoids (mainly flavonols). Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were detected in the C. mas extract, as well as flavonols, ellagitannins, and iridoids. The antibacterial activity of the plant extracts was tested against Gram-negative bacteria (Moraxella osloensis, Pseudomonas fragi, Acinetobacter baumanii, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Salmonella enterica) and Gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Brochothrix thermosphacta, Lactobacillus sakei, Listeria monocytogenes) using the microculture method. The extracts acted as bacteriostatic agents, decreasing the growth rate (µ_max) and extending the lag phase (t_lag). C. mas showed most potent antibacterial activity, as confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA).

Phenolic Composition, Mineral Content, and Beneficial Bioactivities of Leaf Extracts from Black Currant (Ribes nigrum L.), Raspberry (Rubus idaeus), and Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa)

Currently, the incidence of lifestyle diseases is increasing due to inappropriate nutrition and environmental pollution. To prevent these diseases, various groups of bioactive compounds are needed with a broad spectrum of action and without adverse side effects. Polyphenolic compounds are the most widely studied group of this type of compounds. They occur widely in plants, but their content depends on many factors, including the type of plant, climatic conditions, and the date of harvest. The spectrum of bioactivity of phenolic compounds is determined by their chemical structure, concentration, and interaction with other compounds. Traditional recipes have been studied to search for active plant ingredients. Leaves of shrubs and fruit trees were used in folk medicine as a panacea for many diseases and have been forgotten with time, but their benefits are now being rediscovered. In recent years, much new information about biological activity of phenolic compounds from berry bushes (black currant, raspberry, and aronia) was published. This was reviewed and discussed in this article. The mineral content of their leaves was also summarized because minerals constitute a significant component of plant infusions. It has been shown that high antioxidant and biological activity of leaf extracts results from the presence of active phenolic compounds, which occur in definitely higher amounts than in fruits. Therefore, the leaves of berry bushes seem to be a promising source of substances that can be used as replacements for synthetic agents in the treatment and prevention of lifestyle diseases.

Comparative in vitro Study of the biological activity and chemical composition extracts of Helicteres isora L. obtained by water and subcritical water extraction

Objectives

Subcritical water extraction technique is considered as an environmentally extraction technique. The aim of this study was to compare the different characteristics of water extract and subcritical water extract of Helicteres isora L.

Materials and Methods

Water extraction was performed under the following conditions: 25°C, 24 h, and solid-to-water ratio 1:30. Subcritical water extract was carried out under specific conditions (pressure = 10 bar, temperature = 160°C, solid-to-water ratio = 1: 30, time = 30 min). Chemical composition analysis was performed using GC–Mass chromatography. Anti-biofilm activity in the terms of anti-attach and removal of biofilm were assessed using the ELISA reader method and reading absorbance at 570 nm. Anti-microbial activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Bacillus subtilis was investigated by measurement of inhibitory zone diameter. Anti-enzymatic and antioxidant properties were also assessed.

Results

The results of GC–Mass analysis showed some components extracted in subcritical method which were absent in water extract such as octadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, and berberin. Antioxidant activity of the two tested extracts revealed that subcritical water extract had more antioxidant capacity than water extract (P ≤ 0.05). The two tested extracts exhibited anti-enzymatic activity against polyphenol oxidase enzyme with better performance of subcritical water extract. Anti-biofilm activity of the two extracts implies that, in the case of preventing biofilm formation, both extracts had similar efficiency but in the removal of biofilm, subcritical water extract showed better performance. Both extracts had anti-microbial activity against B. cereus, S. aureus, S. saprophyticus, and B. subtilis with better performance of subcritical water extract. Anti-enzymatic assay also showed similar results.

Conclusions

Subcritical water extract of H. isora showed more antioxidant activity as well as anti-biofilm, anti-bacterial, and anti-enzymatic activity rather than ordinary water extract.

Subcritical Water Extraction of Antioxidants from Curculigo latifolia Root

This study aims to extract antioxidant compounds from Curculigo latifolia root by subcritical water extraction (SWE). The influence of extraction temperature and time on the antioxidant activity of C. latifolia root extract was investigated in terms of extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2, 2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. The highest extraction yield (36.5%), TPC (92.55 mg GAE/g), TFC (13.26 mg RE/g), and antioxidant activities by ABTS (66.8 mg trolox equivalent/g sample) and DPPH (128.7 mg trolox equivalent/g sample) were detected at 180°C and 30 minutes extraction time. Based on the results, the optimum condition was selected at 180°C and 30 minutes of extraction. The sample was screened by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis where the phenolic compounds detected were structured based on their [M-H]-peak. The detected phenolic compounds were monobenzone, hydroquinone, phloridzin, pomiferin, mundulone, scandenin, and dimethyl caffeic acid. According to these findings, SWE is a promising, environmentally friendly, and efficient technology in the exploitation of natural products for the development of food and nutraceutical commodities.

Natural antioxidants of plant origin

Interest in the content of natural antioxidants in plant-based foods can be from the human health perspective, in terms of how these compounds might help promote one's health and wellness, or from the storage point-of-view, as the endogenous antioxidant constituents aid to extend a foodstuff's shelf-life. This chapter reports essential information about the mechanism of antioxidant action and methods employed for determination of their activity, classes of phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids, lignans, stilbenes, tannins), sources of plant antioxidants (oil seeds, cereals, legumes, plants of the Lamiaceae family, tea and coffee, tree nuts, fruits, and berries), extraction strategies of phenolic compounds from plant material, and the influence of processing and storage on the content of natural antioxidants in foods and their antioxidant activity. Thermal processing, if not releasing bound phenolics from the structural matrices of the food, tends to decrease the antioxidant potential or, in the best case scenario, has no significant negative impact. Gentler sterilization processes such as high-pressure processing tend to better retain the antioxidant potential of a foodstuff than thermal treatments such as steaming, boiling, or frying. The impact of processing can be assessed by determining the antioxidant potential of foodstuffs either at the point of formulation or after different periods of storage under specified conditions.

Chemical and bioactivity screening of subcritical water extracts of chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) stems

Subcritical water extracts of chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) stems were chemically and biologically characterised. Chemical profile was defined by GC-MS analysis whereas anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic and tyrosinase-inhibitory activities of the extracts were investigated by in vitro assays. Antioxidant activity assays revealed strong activity against DPPH radical (IC₅₀ = 0.1 mg/mL) and reducing power (IC₅₀ = 0.25 mg/mL). The extracts demonstrated remarkable amylase (0.59 mmol ACAE/g) and glucosidase (7.50 mmol ACAE/g) inhibitory effects. Anti-tyrosinase activity of aronia stem extracts obtained by subcritical water was calculated to be 15.87 mg KAE/g extract. GC-MS analysis of chokeberry stem subcritical water extracts revealed the presence of different chemical classes. The compounds present in the highest concentrations were polyols arabitol (13.7%), xylitol (3.5%), and glycerol (1.96%), as well as sugars such as fructose (3.04%), ribose (1.99%) and xylulose (1.18%).