Antioxidant and antibacterial compounds from feijoa leaf extracts obtained by pressurized liquid extraction and supercritical fluid extraction

Chemical genomic analysis reveals the interplay between iron chelation, zinc homeostasis, and retromer function in the bioactivity of an ethanol adduct of the feijoa fruit-derived ellagitannin vescalagin

Nature has been a rich source of pharmaceutical compounds, producing 80% of our currently prescribed drugs. The feijoa plant, Acca sellowiana, is classified in the family Myrtaceae, native to South America, and currently grown worldwide to produce feijoa fruit. Feijoa is a rich source of bioactive compounds with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal activities; however, the mechanism of action of these compounds is largely not known. Here, we used chemical genetic analyses in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae to investigate the mechanism of action of a feijoa-derived ethanol adduct of vescalagin (EtOH-vescalagin). Genome-wide barcode sequencing analysis revealed yeast strains lacking genes in iron metabolism, zinc metabolism, retromer function, or mitochondrial function were hypersensitive to 0.3 µM EtOH-vescalagin. This treatment increased expression of iron uptake proteins at the plasma membrane, which was a compensatory response to reduced intracellular iron. Likewise, EtOH-vescalagin increased expression of the Cot1 protein in the vacuolar membrane that transports zinc into the vacuole to prevent cytoplasmic accumulation of zinc. Each individual subunit in the retromer complex was required for the iron homeostatic mechanism of EtOH-vescalagin, while only the cargo recognition component in the retromer complex was required for the zinc homeostatic mechanism. Overexpression of either retromer subunits or high-affinity iron transporters suppressed EtOH-vescalagin bioactivity in a zinc-replete condition, while overexpression of only retromer subunits increased EtOH-vescalagin bioactivity in a zinc-deficient condition. Together, these results indicate that EtOH-vescalagin bioactivity begins with extracellular iron chelation and proceeds with intracellular transport of zinc via the retromer complex. More broadly, this is the first report of a bioactive compound to further characterize the poorly understood interaction between zinc metabolism and retromer function.

Advances in the novel and green-assisted techniques for extraction of bioactive compounds from millets: A comprehensive review

Millets are rich in nutritional and bioactive compounds, including polyphenols and flavonoids, and have the potential to combat malnutrition and various diseases. However, extracting these bioactive compounds can be challenging, as conventional methods are energy-intensive and can lead to thermal degradation. Green-assisted techniques have emerged as promising methods for sustainable and efficient extraction. This review explores recent trends in employing green-assisted techniques for extracting bioactive compounds from millets, and potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The objective is to evaluate and comprehend the parameters involved in different extraction methods, including energy efficiency, extraction yield, and the preservation of compound quality. The potential synergies achieved by integrating multiple extraction methods, and optimizing extraction efficiency for millet applications are also discussed. Among several, Ultrasound and Microwave-assisted extraction stand out for their rapidity, although there is a need for further research in the context of minor millets. Enzyme-assisted extraction, with its low energy input and ability to handle complex matrices, holds significant potential. Pulsed electric field-assisted extraction, despite being a non-thermal approach, requires further optimization for millet-specific applications, are few highlights. The review emphasizes the importance of considering specific compound characteristics, extraction efficiency, purity requirements, and operational costs when selecting an ideal technique. Ongoing research aims to optimize novel extraction processes for millets and their byproducts, offering promising applications in the development of millet-based nutraceutical food products. Therefore, the current study benefits researchers and industries to advance extraction research and develop efficient, sustainable, and scalable techniques to extract bioactive compounds from millets.

Synergistic antimicrobial interaction of plant essential oils and extracts against foodborne pathogens

Essential oils (EOs) and plant extracts have demonstrated inhibitory activity against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria. In this study, the chemical composition of manuka, kanuka, peppermint, thyme, lavender, and feijoa leaf and peel EOs and feijoa peel and leaf extracts were analyzed, and their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Listeria monocytogenes were determined. The results showed that the major compounds varied among different EOs and extracts, with menthol in peppermint EO, thymol and carvacrol in thyme EO, linalool in lavender EO, β-caryophyllene in feijoa EO, and flavones in feijoa extract being the most prevalent. The study found that while EOs/extracts had antimicrobial activity alone, no individual EO/extract was highly effective against all tested species. Therefore, their combinations were tested to identify those that could broaden the spectrum of activity and act synergistically. The checkerboard method was applied to assess the possible synergism between the paired combinations of EOs/extract. The peppermint/thyme, peppermint/lavender, and peppermint/feijoa peel extract combinations exhibited a synergistic effect against E. coli and L. monocytogenes, with the peppermint/thyme and peppermint/feijoa peel extract combinations being the most effective against all five pathogens. Time-to-kill kinetics assays demonstrated that peppermint/thyme and peppermint/feijoa peel extract combinations achieved complete eradication of E. coli within 10-30 min and L. monocytogenes within 4-6 h. This study provides a promising approach to developing a natural alternative for food preservation using synergistic combinations of EOs/extracts, which could potentially reduce the required dosage and broaden their application in food products as natural preservatives.

Effect of chitosan-gelatine edible coating containing nano-encapsulated clove ethanol extract on cold storage of chilled pork

Meat safety and quality are the main concerns of consumers in the present food market. Chitosan-gelatin edible coatings containing nano-encapsulated clove ethanol extracts (CNPs), designated as CHI-GEL-CNPs, on the quality preservation of chilled pork were studied. Results showed that the mean particle diameters of CNPs were 346.15 ± 37.30 nm. Nano-modification improved the antibacterial activity of free clove ethanol extract. The increasing rate order of TVB-N and TBARS was CHI-GEL-CNPs < CHI-GEL-Clove < CHI-GEL < CHI < CON group. The CHI-GEL-CNPs coating inhibited the elevation of pH and total viable count (TVC) of chilled pork. The TVB-N and TVC values demonstrated that the CHI-GEL-CNPs coating effectively extended the shelf life of chilled pork up to 13 days. In addition, the sensory properties of CHI-GEL-CNPs chilled pork loins were superior to that of control samples. Therefore, the developed CHI-GEL-CNPs coatings have great promise as a nanocomposite for meat preservation.

In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-parasitic Activity of Sambucus ebulus and Feijoa sellowiana Extracts Silver Nanoparticles on Toxoplasma gondii Tachyzoites

BACKGROUND

Current chemical treatments for toxoplasmosis have side effects, researchers are looking for herbal remedies with minimal side effects and the best effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-toxoplasmic effects of silver nanoparticles based on Sambucus ebulus (Ag-NPs-S. ebulus) and Feijoa sellowiana (Ag-NPs-F. sellowiana) fruit extracts, in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Vero cells were treated with different concentrations (0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 μg/mL) of extracts and pyrimethamine as a positive control. Vero cells were infected with T. gondii and treated with extracts. The infection index and intracellular proliferation of T. gondii were evaluated. The survival rate of infected mice with tachyzoites of T. gondii was examined after intraperitoneal injection of the extracts at a dose of 40 mg/kg/day for 5 days after infection.

RESULTS

The Ag-NPs-S. ebulus and Ag-NPs-F. sellowiana, almost similar to pyrimethamine, reduced proliferation index when compared to untreated group. Also, high toxoplasmicidal activity was observed with Ag-NPs-S. ebulus extract. Mice in the treatment groups of Ag-NPs-S. ebulus and pyrimethamine achieved better results in terms of survival than the others.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that Ag-NPs-F. sellowiana and S. ebulus have a significant growth effect on T. gondii in vitro and in vivo. Ag-NPs-S. ebulus extract has a more lethal effect on the parasite than Ag-NPs-F. sellowiana. It is suggested that in future investigate the induction of Toxoplasma-infected cell apoptosis using nanoparticles.

Polyprenols in Ginkgo biloba; a review of their chemistry (synthesis of polyprenols and their derivatives), extraction, purification, and bioactivities

The Ginkgo biloba L. (GB) contains high bioactive compounds. To date, flavonoids and terpene trilactone have received the majority of attention in GB studies, and the GB has been utilized globally in functional food and pharmacological firms, with sales > $10 billion since 2017, while the other active components, for instance, polyprenols (a natural lipid) with various bioactivities have received less attention. Hence, this review focused on polyprenols' chemistry (synthesis of polyprenols and their derivatives) extraction, purification, and bioactivities from GB for the first time. The various extractions and purification methods (nano silica-based adsorbent, bulk ionic liquid membrane, etc.) were delved into, and their advantages and limitations were discussed. Besides, numerous bioactivities of the extracted Ginkgo biloba polyprenols (GBP) were reviewed. The review showed that GB contains some polyprenols in acetic esters' form. Prenylacetic esters are free of adverse effects. Besides, the polyprenols from GB have numerous bioactivities such as anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-viral activity, etc. The application of GBPs in the food, cosmetics, and drugs industries such as micelles, liposomes, and nano-emulsions was delved into. Finally, the toxicity of polyprenol was reviewed, and it was concluded that GBP was not carcinogenic, teratogenic, or mutagenic, giving a theoretical justification for using GBP as a raw material for functional foods. This article will aid researchers to better understand the need to explore GBP usage.

Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl.: An updated review of pharmacological effects, toxicity studies, and separation techniques

Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl. is geographically distributed around Papua Island, Indonesia. Traditionally, P. macrocarpa is exercised to reduce pain, stomachache, diarrhea, tumor problems, blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure. A growing interest in the medicinal values of P. macrocarpa especially in Asia reflects the usage of diverse extraction techniques, particularly modern approaches. In this review article, the extraction methods and solvents relevant to P. macrocarpa were discussed, with the extent of its pharmacological activities. Recent bibliographic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Elsevier between 2010 and 2022 were assessed. Based on the findings, the pharmacological studies of P. macrocarpa are still pertinent to its traditional uses but primarily emphasise anti-proliferative activity especially colon and breast cancer cells with low toxicity and fruit as the most studied plant part. The utilization of modern separation techniques has predominantly been aimed at extracting mangiferin and phenolic-rich compounds and evaluating their antioxidant capacity. However, the isolation of bioactive compounds remains a challenge, leading to the extensive utilization of the extracts in in vivo studies. This review endeavors to highlight modern extraction methods that could potentially be used as a point of reference in the future for exploring novel bioactive compounds and drug discovery on a multi-scale extraction level.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial effects of Capsicum, Nigella sativa, Musa paradisiaca L., and Citrus limetta: A review

The extensive use of antibiotics and vaccines against microbial infections can result in long-term negative effects on humans and the environment. However, there are a number of plants that have antimicrobial effects against various disease-causing microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi without negative side effects or harm to the environment. In this regard, four particular plants- Capsicum, Nigella sativa, Musa paradisiaca L., and Citrus limetta have been widely considered due to their excellent antimicrobial effect and ample availability. In this review, we discuss their antimicrobial effects due to the presence of thymoquinone, p-cymene, pinene, alkaloids, limonene, camphene, and melanin. These antimicrobial compounds disrupt the cell membrane of microbes, inhibit cellular division, and form biofilm in bacterial species, eventually reducing the number of microbes. Extraction of these compounds from the respective plants is carried out by different methods such as soxhlet, hydro-distillation, liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), solid-phase extraction (SPE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), pulsed electric field (PEF), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and high-voltage electrical discharge. Suitable selection of the extraction technique highly depends upon the associated advantages and disadvantages. In order to aid future study in this field, this review paper summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of each of these approaches. Additionally, the discussion covers how antimicrobial agents destroy harmful bacteria. Thus, this review offers in-depth knowledge to researchers on the antibacterial properties of Capsicum, Nigella sativa, Musa paradisiaca L. peels, and Citrus limetta.

Geniposidic Acid from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver Staminate Flower Tea Mitigates Cellular Oxidative Stress via Activating AKT/NRF2 Signaling

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver staminate flower (ESF) tea enjoys a good reputation in folk medicine and displays multiple bioactivities, such as antioxidant and antifatigue properties. However, the underlying biological mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether ESF tea can mitigate cellular oxidative stress. Crude ethyl alcohol extract and its three subfractions prepared by sequential extraction with chloroform, n-butyl alcohol and residual water were prepared from ESF tea. The results of antioxidant activity tests in vitro manifested n-butyl alcohol fraction (n-BUF) showed the strongest antioxidant capacity (DPPH: IC₅₀ = 24.45 ± 0.74 μg/mL, ABTS: IC₅₀ = 17.25 ± 0.04 μg/mL). Moreover, all subfractions of ESF tea, especially the n-BUF, exhibited an obvious capacity to scavenge the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and stimulate the NRF2 antioxidative response in human keratinocytes HaCaT treated by H₂O₂. Using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, we identified geniposidic acid (GPA) as the most abundant component in ESF tea extract. Furthermore, it was found that GPA relieved oxidative stress in H₂O₂-induced HaCaT cells by activating the Akt/Nrf2/OGG1 pathway. Our findings indicated that ESF tea may be a source of natural antioxidants to protect against skin cell oxidative damage and deserves further development and utilization.

Extraction and Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Date (Phoenix dactylifera) Seed Using Supercritical and Subcritical CO2 Techniques

Date (Phoenix dactylifera) seed is a potential source of natural antioxidants, and the use of innovative green and low temperature antioxidant recovery techniques (using CO2 as solvent) such as supercritical fluid (SFE) and subcritical (SubCO2) extractions can improve their yields and quality in the extracts. SFE, SubCO2 and Soxhlet techniques were employed to enrich antioxidants in extracts from Sukari (SKSE), Ambara (AMSE), Majdool (MJSE) and Sagai (SGSE) date seeds. Extract yields were evaluated and modelled for SFE extract using response surface methodology. Significantly higher (p < 0.05) phenolics (143.48−274.98 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoids (78.35−141.78 mg QE/100 g), anthocyanins (0.39−1.00 mg/100 g), and carotenoid (1.42−1.91 mg BCE/100 g) contents were detected in extracts obtained using SFE and SubCO2 methods. The evaluation of in vitro antioxidant properties showed that SFE and SubCO2 seed extracts demonstrated promising antioxidant (13.42−23.83 µg AAE/mL), antiradical (228.76−109.69 µg/mL DPPH IC50), ferric reducing antioxidant power (1.43−2.10 mmol TE/100 g) and ABTS cation scavenging (375.74-717.45 µmol TE/100 g) properties that were significantly higher than Soxhlet extracts. Both SFE and SubCO2 techniques can be effectively utilized as innovative and environmentally friendly alternatives to obtain high quality antioxidant rich extracts from date seed. These extracts may have potential functional and nutraceutical applications.

Green Extraction Techniques as Advanced Sample Preparation Approaches in Biological, Food, and Environmental Matrices: A Review

Green extraction techniques (GreETs) emerged in the last decade as greener and sustainable alternatives to classical sample preparation procedures aiming to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of analytical methods, simultaneously reducing the deleterious side effects of classical extraction techniques (CETs) for both the operator and the environment. The implementation of improved processes that overcome the main constraints of classical methods in terms of efficiency and ability to minimize or eliminate the use and generation of harmful substances will promote more efficient use of energy and resources in close association with the principles supporting the concept of green chemistry. The current review aims to update the state of the art of some cutting-edge GreETs developed and implemented in recent years focusing on the improvement of the main analytical features, practical aspects, and relevant applications in the biological, food, and environmental fields. Approaches to improve and accelerate the extraction efficiency and to lower solvent consumption, including sorbent-based techniques, such as solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and fabric-phase sorbent extraction (FPSE), and solvent-based techniques (μQuEChERS; micro quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), in addition to supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and pressurized solvent extraction (PSE), are highlighted.

A critical look at challenges and future scopes of bioactive compounds and their incorporations in the food, energy, and pharmaceutical sector

Bioactive compounds refer to secondary metabolites extracted from plants, fungi, microbes, or animals. Besides having pharmacological or toxicological effects on organisms leading to utilization in food and pharmaceutical industries, the discovery of novel properties of such compounds has led to the diversification of their applications, ranging from cosmetics and functionalized biomaterials to bioremediation and alternate fuels. Conventional time-consuming and solvent-intensive methods of extraction are increasingly being replaced by green solvents such as ionic liquids, supercritical fluids, and deep eutectic solvents, as well as non-conventional methods of extraction assisted by microwaves, pulse electric fields, enzymes, ultrasound, or pressure. These methods, along with advances in characterization and optimization strategies, have boosted the commercial viability of extraction especially from agrowastes and organic residues, promoting a sustainable circular economy. Further development of microfluidics, optimization models, nanoencapsulation, and metabolic engineering are expected to overcome certain limitations that restrict the growth of this field, in the context of improving screening, extraction, and economy of processes, as well as retaining biodiversity and enhancing the stability and functionality of such compounds. This review is a compilation of the various extraction and characterization methods employed for bioactive compounds and covers major applications in food, pharmacy, chemicals, energy, and bioremediation. Major limitations and scope of improvement are also discussed.

High-Pressure Technologies for the Recovery of Bioactive Molecules from Agro-Industrial Waste

Large amounts of food waste are produced each year. These residues require appropriate management to reduce their environmental impact and, at the same time, economic loss. However, this waste is still rich in compounds (e.g., colorants, antioxidants, polyphenols, fatty acids, vitamins, and proteins) that can find potential applications in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Conventional extraction techniques suffer some drawbacks when applied to the exploitation of food residues, including large amounts of polluting solvents, increased time of extraction, possible degradation of the active molecules during extraction, low yields, and reduced extraction selectivity. For these reasons, advanced extraction techniques have emerged in order to obtain efficient residue exploitation using more sustainable processes. In particular, performing extraction under high-pressure conditions, such as supercritical fluids and pressurized liquid extraction, offers several advantages for the extraction of bioactive molecules. These include the reduced use of toxic solvents, reduced extraction time, high selectivity, and the possibility of being applied in combination in a cascade of progressive extractions. In this review, an overview of high-pressure extraction techniques related to the recovery of high added value compounds from waste generated in food industries is presented and a critical discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each process is reported. Furthermore, the possibility of combined multi-stage extractions, as well as economic and environmental aspects, are discussed in order to provide a complete overview of the topic.

Non-conventional techniques for the extraction of antioxidant compounds and lycopene from industrial tomato pomace (Solanum lycopersicum L.) using spouted bed drying as a pre-treatment

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The spouted bed dryer favored the recovery of antioxidants and lycopene.

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RSM was useful for the optimization of PLE and MAE parameters.

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PLE extracts showed the highest antioxidant activities.

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MAE extracts had the highest lycopene content.

This study aimed to use the non-conventional microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) techniques for recovering bioactive compounds from tomato pomace, a valuable agro-industrial waste. The raw material was previously dried using a spouted bed dryer and then submitted to extraction with green solvents. A response surface methodology (RSM) performed the optimization of MAE and PLE. Next, the yield and the antioxidant activity results were maximized, and the lycopene content of the optimum MAE and PLE extracts was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, a fraction of raw material was oven dried as a comparison. The PLE extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, whereas the MAE extract showed the highest lycopene content (59.66 µg lycopene/g extract), which represents a 66.93% lycopene recovery compared to a standard technique with acetone. The remarkable results show that the non-conventional drying and extraction techniques were effective in valorizing this neglected material.

Integrating diverse plant bioactive ingredients with cyclodextrins to fabricate functional films for food application: a critical review

The popularity of plant bioactive ingredients has become increasingly apparent in the food industry. However, these plant bioactive ingredients have many deficiencies, including low water solubility, poor stability, and unacceptable odor. Cyclodextrins (CDs), as cyclic molecules, have been extensively studied as superb vehicles of plant bioactive ingredients. These CD inclusion compounds could be added into various film matrices to fabricate bioactive food packaging materials. Therefore, in the present review, we summarized the extraction methods of plant bioactive ingredients, the addition of these CD inclusion compounds into thin-film materials, and their applications in food packaging. Furthermore, the release model and mechanism of active film materials based on various plant bioactive ingredients with CDs were highlighted. Finally, the current challenges and new opportunities based on these film materials have been discussed.

Antibacterial, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing effects of nanoscale multifunctional cationic alternating copolymers

Infectious diseases caused by new or unknown bacteria and viruses, such as anthrax, cholera, tuberculosis and even COVID-19, are a major threat to humanity. Thus, the development of new synthetic compounds with efficient antimicrobial activity is a necessity. Herein, rationally designed novel multifunctional cationic alternating copolymers were directly synthesized through a step-growth polymerization reaction using a bivalent electrophilic cross-linker containing disulfide bonds and a diamine heterocyclic ring. To optimize the activity of these alternating copolymers, several different diamines and cross-linkers were explored to find the highest antibacterial effects. The synthesized nanopolymers not only displayed good to excellent antibacterial activity as judged by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, but also reduced the number of biofilm cells even at low concentrations, without killing mammalian cells. Furthermore, in vivo experiments using infected burn wounds in mice demonstrated good antibacterial activity and stimulated wound healing, without causing systemic inflammation. These findings suggest that the multifunctional cationic nanopolymers have potential as a novel antibacterial agent for eradication of multidrug resistant bacterial infections.

Non-thermal Technologies for Food Processing

Food is subjected to various thermal treatments during processes to enhance its shelf-life. But these thermal treatments may result in deterioration of the nutritional and sensory qualities of food. With the change in the lifestyle of people around the globe, their food needs have changed as well. Today's consumer demand is for clean and safe food without compromising the nutritional and sensory qualities of food. This directed the attention of food professionals toward the development of non-thermal technologies that are green, safe, and environment-friendly. In non-thermal processing, food is processed at near room temperature, so there is no damage to food because heat-sensitive nutritious materials are intact in the food, contrary to thermal processing of food. These non-thermal technologies can be utilized for treating all kinds of food like fruits, vegetables, pulses, spices, meat, fish, etc. Non-thermal technologies have emerged largely in the last few decades in food sector.

Antidiabetic, anticholinergic and antioxidant activities of aerial parts of shaggy bindweed (Convulvulus betonicifolia Miller subsp.) - profiling of phenolic compounds by LC-HRMS

In order to evaluate the antioxidant activity of evaporated ethanolic extract (EESB) and lyophilized water extract (WESB) of Shaggy bindweed (Convulvulus betonicifolia Mill. Subs), some putative antioxidant methods such as DPPH· scavenging activity, ABTS^•+ scavenging effect, ferric ions (Fe³⁺) reduction method, cupric ions (Cu²⁺) reducing capacity, and ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) binding activities were separately performed. Also, ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and BHT were used as the standard compounds. Additionally, some phenolic compounds that responsible for antioxidant abilities of EESB and WESB were screened by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). At the same concentration, EESB and WESB demonstrated effective antioxidant abilities when compared to standards. In addition, EESB demonstrated IC₅₀ values of 1.946 μg/mL against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), 0.815 μg/mL against α-glycosidase and 0.675 μg/mL against α-amylase enzymes.

LC-HRMS Profiling and Antidiabetic, Anticholinergic, and Antioxidant Activities of Aerial Parts of Kınkor (Ferulago stellata)

Kınkor (Ferulago stellata) is Turkish medicinal plant species and used in folk medicine against some diseases. As far as we know, the data are not available on the biological activities and chemical composition of this medicinal plant. In this study, the phytochemical composition; some metabolic enzyme inhibition; and antidiabetic, anticholinergic, and antioxidant activities of this plant were assessed. In order to evaluate the antioxidant activity of evaporated ethanolic extract (EEFS) and lyophilized water extract (WEFS) of kınkor (Ferulago stellata), some putative antioxidant methods such as DPPH· scavenging activity, ABTS^•+ scavenging activity, ferric ions (Fe³⁺) reduction method, cupric ions (Cu²⁺) reducing capacity, and ferrous ions (Fe²⁺)-binding activities were separately performed. Furthermore, ascorbic acid, BHT, and α-tocopherol were used as the standard compounds. Additionally, the main phenolic compounds that are responsible for antioxidant abilities of ethanol and water extracts of kınkor (Ferulago stellata) were determined by liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Ethanol and water extracts of kınkor (Ferulago stellata) demonstrated effective antioxidant abilities when compared to standards. Moreover, ethanol extract of kınkor (Ferulago stellata) demonstrated IC₅₀ values of 1.772 μg/mL against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), 33.56 ± 2.96 μg/mL against α-glycosidase, and 0.639 μg/mL against α-amylase enzyme respectively.

Antimicrobial and wound healing properties of cotton fabrics functionalized with oil-in-water emulsions containing Pinus brutia bark extract and Pycnogenol® for biomedical applications

Topical formulations containing 1-2% of Pinus brutia bark extract and Pycnogenol® have been prepared to investigate the effect of flavonoids on the stability of O/W emulsions, which were subjected to physicochemical and thermal stability tests. The formulations have been applied to cotton fabrics to evaluate antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis. Furthermore, prepared cotton fabrics have been tested on keratinocytes seeded in cell culture inserts for wound healing. Results of freeze thaw cycle test indicated enhanced thermo-stability with no major changes in pH and viscosity, likewise the results of centrifugation assay. However, the addition of Pycnogenol® has tremendously decreased the viscosity of the topical formulation (10,900 cp.). In terms of antimicrobial activity, 2% P. brutia treated cotton fabrics decreased the proliferation of Aspergillus brasiliensis 78.8%, which were more effective than that of Pycnogenol® formulation (62.9%). As for wound healing, 2% P. brutia treated cotton fabrics increased HaCaT keratinocyte cell proliferation and accelerated the cell-free gap closure compared to Pycnogenol® and untreated control groups. The obtained results indicate the utilization of pine bark for developing an eco-friendly natural antifungal finish for medical textiles.