Extraction of bioactive compounds and essential oils from mediterranean herbs by conventional and green innovative techniques: A review

Extract toolkit for essential oils: State of the art, trends, and challenges

Plant essential oils have a wide range of applications including cosmetics, food, leather, and textiles. Traditional methods employed for essential oils extraction suffer from several drawbacks, which have escalated into a major bottleneck for industrial applications. To circumvent the limitations, various innovative and eco-friendly technologies have emerged for the extraction of essential oils, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, pulsed electrical-assisted extraction, ohmic-assisted technology, supercritical fluid extraction, and solvent-free microwave extraction. These cutting-edge technologies provide notable advantages over traditional methods in terms of extraction efficiency, environmental safety, and product quality enhancement. This review highlights the advantage of these innovative techniques, with a particular focus on their ability to enhance the yield and antioxidant activity of essential oils while simultaneously reducing energy consumption. Additionally, the mechanisms of these new and eco-friendly extraction methods are thoroughly discussed. This review provides valuable insights into the advancements in essential oils extraction.

Identification of compounds from Origanum compactum and Origanum elongatum using HPLC/UV-ESI-MS and comparative analysis of their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, and antidiabetic properties

The aim was to assess the phytochemical composition, phenolic component levels, and biological properties of the flowering tops of Origanum compactum and Origanum elongatum. The study employed phytochemical assays, spectrophotometric techniques for quantitative analysis of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, and compound identification using HPLC/UV-ESI-MS. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticoagulant, and antidiabetic properties were examined both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the O. compactum extract had significantly high levels of total polyphenols, measuring 47.368 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram, and flavonoids, measuring 14.839 mg quercetin equivalents per gram. The phytochemical examination of O. compactum revealed that lithospermic acid accounted for 36.82 % of the chemicals detected, followed by salvianolic acid C at 12.57 % and ros-marinic acid at 6.01 %. The main constituents of O. elongatum are salvianolic acid C (14.46 %), luteolin-3-O-glucuronide (13.51 %), salvianolic acid B (12.24 %), rosmarinic acid (7.83 %), and rutin (6.18 %). The results demonstrated different levels of effectiveness against the investigated microorganisms, with the extract from O. compactum exhibiting better activity, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria, certain yeasts, and the fungus Aspergillus niger. The aqueous extracts of both Origanum species demonstrate significant antioxidant activity. O. compactum has a higher total antioxidant capacity (IC50 of 35.083 μg/mL) compared to O. elongatum (IC50 of 77.080 μg/mL). However, O. elongatum has a higher reducing power (35.697 μg/mL) compared to O. compactum (42.563 μg/mL). In vivo evaluations revealed that the aqueous extracts of O. compactum and O. elongatum possess significant antihyperglycemic and anticoagulant properties. The extracts demonstrated a marked reduction in blood glucose levels during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in Wistar rats and effectively prolonged both prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), highlighting their ability to inhibit coagulation pathways. Moreover, their comparable efficacy to standard antihyperglycemic medications and absence of severe toxicity, even at high doses, underscore their therapeutic potential for safe and effective treatment applications. Between the two species, O. compactum exhibited superior efficacy in key biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticoagulant properties, making it a strong candidate for therapeutic applications. This study underscores the value of Origanum species as a rich source of bioactive compounds, offering significant potential in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and agri-food industries. The findings pave the way for further exploration of their diverse applications.

Optimizing the extraction of essential oil yield from Pistacia lentiscus oleo-gum resin by superheated steam extraction using response surface methodology

Pistacia lentiscus L. is an aromatic plant containing a significant percentage of essential oil (EO) used in fragrance, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and the food industry. The purpose of this work is focused on the optimization of Pistacia lentiscus L. oleo gum resin EO yield extracted by superheated steam extraction (SHSE) by response surface methodology, including extraction parameters of particle size (0. 5 - 1 mm), temperature (140-180 °C) and time (90-150 min). The optimum conditions for Pistacia lentiscus L. EO extracted by SHSE were found to be (particle size: 0.75 mm, time: 120 min and temperature: 160 ℃) which produced the highest EO yield of 5.7%. A regression model was developed, demonstrating a robust quadratic correlation with an R2 value of 0.9991, making it suitable for predictions. Furthermore, the yield of Pistacia lentiscus L. EO extracted by SHSE was compared with the conventional steam and hydro distillation techniques. The study revealed that SHSE yielded higher quantities of EO than other extraction methods. GC-MS analyzed the chemical composition of Pistacia lentiscus L. EO. The predominant compound of Pistacia lentiscus L. EO was determined to be α-pinene, while the other identified compounds include trans-verbenol, verbenol, cis-verbenone, camphene, β-myrcene, d-limonene, cymene, α-myrtenol, α-campholenal, α-copaene, and α-thujene, whose content differed according to different extraction techniques. Overall, superheated steam extraction is an efficient technique for extracting Pistacia lentiscus L. essential oil that enhances EO yield, requiring less time for extraction.

Research on microbial diversity and nutritional flavor formation of Xianju wheat paste

BACKGROUND

Xianju wheat paste, a traditional condiment in Hubei Province, China, possesses nutritional value and a distinctive taste profile. Nevertheless, there remains a dearth of comprehensive comprehension regarding the intricate interplay between the microbial population and its nutritional profile in Xianju wheat paste.

RESULTS

It was determined that Xianju wheat paste harbors predominant microbial genera such as Bacillus, Staphylococcus and Aspergillus. The findings from high-throughput sequencing analysis revealed the presence of 11 bacterial genera in Xianju wheat paste, with relative abundances exceeding 1%. These genera included Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Brevibacterium, Lactobacillus, Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium, Enterobacteriaceae, Pantoea, Brachybacterium, Klebsiella, Escherichia-Shigella and Ochrobactrum. Furthermore, six fungal genera were identified with relative abundances greater than 1%, specifically Aspergillus, Zygosaccharomyces, Cutaneotrichosporon, Candida, Millerozyma and Rhizopus. The correlation analysis indicated a significant impact of the microbial community and nutritional flavor on the second phase of fermentation in Xianju wheat paste. The predominant bacterium Bacillus in Xianju wheat paste facilitated the production of free amino acids, whereas Staphylococcus exhibited a negative correlation with free amino acid levels. The quantity of volatile compounds in Xianju wheat paste progressively increased during fermentation, with the presence of typical aroma compounds 4-vinyl-2-methoxyphenol significantly associated with Bacillus. This indicated Bacillus notably enhanced the production of aromatic substances. Furthermore, a strong correlation was observed between Staphylococcus and the 18 volatile organic compounds, highlighting their substantial contribution to these aroma compounds.

CONCLUSION

This research indicates that the presence of microbial communities significantly contributes to the development of the nutritional flavor profile in Xianju wheat paste. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Formulation analysis of functional fragrance via polar-gradient extraction method and chemometrics pattern recognition

In this study, characteristic components of 15 natural flavors was analyzed by the polar-gradient extraction (PGE) technique in combination with GC-MS and chemometrics pattern recognition. The obtained results were utilized for the traceability of 4 functional fragrance formulations. The optimal PGE system consisting of 5 different polar solvents, was developed based on similarity-intermiscibility theory. Four chemometrics pattern recognition models including PCA, HCA, PLS-DA, and OPLS-DA were constructed based on the characteristic component database constituting 15 natural flavors. These models were used to trace 4 functional fragrance formulations. The experimental results obtained were found to be satisfactory and accurate. The combination of PGE technique and chemometric pattern recognition methods provides theoretical guidance for the analysis of characteristic components of natural flavors and the traceability of functional fragrance formulations. This approach can be promoted in various fields such as food, traditional Chinese medicine, and cosmetics.

The Mediterranean Species Calendula officinalis and Foeniculum vulgare as Valuable Source of Bioactive Compounds

Research studies on plant secondary metabolites have increased over the last decades as a consequence of the growing consumer demand for natural products in pharmaceutics and therapeutics, as well as in perfumery and cosmetics. In this perspective, many Mediterranean plant species could be an appreciated source of bioactive compounds with pharmacological and health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor ones. Calendula officinalis and Foeniculum vulgare are commercially important plants of the Mediterranean flora, with great therapeutic use in the treatment of many disorders since ancient times, and are now listed in several world pharmacopoeias and drug agencies. The present review offers an overview of the main phytochemicals, phenols, terpenes, and alkaloids, biosynthesized in C. officinalis and F. vulgare, both species endemic to the Mediterranean region. Further, all current knowledge and scientific data on taxonomic classification, botanical description, traditional uses, pharmacological studies, and potential toxicity of both species were reported. The principal aim of this review is to point out the prospective use of C. officinalis and F. vulgare as valuable reservoirs of beneficial plant-derived products with interesting biological properties, also providing suggestions and future challenges for the full exploitation of these two Mediterranean species for human life improvement.

Essential Oils of Laurus nobilis L.: From Chemical Analysis to In Silico Investigation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity by Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase (sEH) Inhibition

Laurus nobilis L. is commonly used in folk medicine in the form of infusion or decoction to treat gastrointestinal diseases and flatulence as a carminative, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agent. In this study, the essential oil (EO) composition of wild-grown L. nobilis L. leaves collected from seven different altitudinal locations in the Molise region and adjacent regions (Abruzzo and Campania) was investigated. EOs from the leaves were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS, and 78 compounds were identified. The major oil components were 1,8-cineol (43.52-31.31%), methyl-eugenol (14.96-4.07%), α-terpinyl acetate (13.00-8.51%), linalool (11.72-1.08%), sabinene (10.57-4.85%), α-pinene (7.41-3.61%), eugenol (4.12-1.97%), and terpinen-4-ol (2.33-1.25%). Chemometric techniques have been applied to compare the chemical composition. To shed light on the nutraceutical properties of the main hydrophobic secondary metabolites (≥1.0%) of laurel EOs, we assessed the in vitro antioxidant activities based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) radical scavenging activity and the reducing antioxidant power by using a ferric reducing power (FRAP) assay. Furthermore, we highlighted the anti-inflammatory effects of seven EOs able to interfere with the enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), a key enzyme in the arachidonic acid cascade, in concentrations ranging from 16.5 ± 4.3 to 8062.3 ± 580.9 mg/mL. Thanks to in silico studies, we investigated and rationalized the observed anti-inflammatory properties, ascribing the inhibitory activity toward the disclosed target to the most abundant volatile phytochemicals (≥1.0%) of seven EOs.

Does Erodium trifolium (Cav.) Guitt exhibit medicinal properties? Response elements from phytochemical profiling, enzyme-inhibiting, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

Geraniaceae are typically used as diuretic, anti-diarrhoeal, stomachic, and anti-hemorrhagic drugs. This study examined the phytochemicals and bioactivities in methanolic extract (ME) and petroleum ether extract (PEE) of the Erodium trifolium aerial part. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to assess the mineral profiles, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) were used to assess the phenolic content of ME, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to assess the fatty acid and volatile composition of the PEEs. In addition, the bioactivities of extracts were evaluated by using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, ABTS, and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assays, including enzyme inhibition against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α-amylase, α-glucosidase activities, and antibacterial properties. HPLC-MS identified eight compounds in ME: rutin, catechin, and caffeine were the major phenolic compounds detected. HPLC-DAD analysis showed that 11 compounds detected among epicatechin, catechin, chlorogenic acid, and gallic acid were predominant. GC-MS analysis revealed 30 fatty acids in PEE, with palmitic acid and oleic acid being predominant. The mineral content showed that Fe was the abundant microelement, and Ca and K were the abundant macroelements. The ME exhibited the highest activity compared to the PEE in all tests regarding antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Furthermore, all the extracts showed moderate inhibition against AChE, BChE, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. In conclusion, E. trifolium may be employed to separate novel bioactive metabolites with potential pharmaceutical activities.

Development of nanocellulose hydrogels for application in the food and biomedical industries: A review

As the most abundant and renewable natural resource, cellulose has attracted significant attention and research interest for the production of hydrogels (HGs). To address environmental issues and emerging demands, the benefits of naturally produced HGs include excellent mechanical properties and superior biocompatibility. HGs are three-dimensional networks created by chemical or physical cross-linking of linear or branched hydrophilic polymers and have high capacity for absorption of water and biological fluids. Although widely used in the food and biomedical fields, most HGs are not biodegradable. Nanocellulose hydrogels (NC-HGs) have been extensively applied in the food industry for detection of freshness, chemical additives, and substitutes, as well as the biomedical field for use as bioengineering scaffolds and drug delivery systems owing to structural interchangeability and stimuli-responsive properties. In this review article, the sources, structures, and preparation methods of NC-HGs are described, applications in the food and biomedical industries are summarized, and current limitations and future trends are discussed.

Promising Application, Efficient Production, and Genetic Basis of Mannosylerythritol Lipids

Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are a class of glycolipids that have been receiving increasing attention in recent years due to their diverse biological activities. MELs are produced by certain fungi and display a range of bioactivities, making them attractive candidates for various applications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. Despite their remarkable qualities, industrial-scale production of MELs remains a challenge for fungal strains. Excellent fungal strains and fermentation processes are essential for the efficient production of MELs, so efforts have been made to improve the fermentation yield by screening high-yielding strains, optimizing fermentation conditions, and improving product purification processes. The availability of the genome sequence is pivotal for elucidating the genetic basis of fungal MEL biosynthesis. This review aims to shed light on the applications of MELs and provide insights into the genetic basis for efficient MEL production. Additionally, this review offers new perspectives on optimizing MEL production, contributing to the advancement of sustainable biosurfactant technologies.

Extraction Process Optimization of Curcumin from Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. with Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Using Ethanol as a Cosolvent

Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb., known as temulawak, Javanese ginger, or Javanese turmeric, is a plant species belonging to the ginger family. This plant originated in Indonesia, more specifically on Java Island, and is usually used as medicine. It contains a high amount of a phenolic compound, namely, curcumin. A supercritical carbon dioxide extraction technique was employed to extract curcumin from C. xanthorrhiza. The objective of this work was to investigate the effects of temperature, pressure, and CO2 flow rate on the extraction yield and curcumin recovery from C. xanthorrhiza, which was extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide and ethanol as a cosolvent. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) experimental design and response surface methodology were used to optimize the extraction yield and curcumin recovery. The extraction conditions at a temperature of 40 °C, a pressure of 25 MPa, and a CO2 flow rate of 5.34 mL/min produced the optimum extraction yield of 10.4% and curcumin recovery of 3.2%. From Fourier transform infrared analysis, although the physical-chemical structure in the residue of the starting material was almost similar, the quantity of all functional groups in the residue decreased from the starting material. From scanning electron microscopy analysis, it was confirmed that the cell was broken due to the high-pressure effect, so that the extraction process runs easily.

A comprehensive review of ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) for bioactive components: Principles, advantages, equipment, and combined technologies

The increasing focus on health and well-being has sparked a rising interest in bioactive components in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. These components are gaining popularity due to their potential benefits for overall health. The growing interest has resulted in a continuous rise in demand for bioactive components, leading to the exploration of both edible and non-edible sources to obtain these valuable substances. Traditional extraction methods like solvent extraction, distillation, and pressing have certain drawbacks, including lower extraction efficiency, reduced yield, and the use of significant amounts of solvents or resources. Furthermore, certain extraction methods necessitate high temperatures, which can adversely affect certain bioactive components. Consequently, researchers are exploring non-thermal technologies to develop environmentally friendly and efficient extraction methods. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) is recognized as an environmentally friendly and highly efficient extraction technology. The UAE has the potential to minimize or eliminate the need for organic solvents, thereby reducing its impact on the environment. Additionally, UAE has been found to significantly enhance the production of target bioactive components, making it an attractive method in the industry. The emergence of ultrasonic assisted extraction equipment (UAEE) has presented novel opportunities for research in chemistry, biology, pharmaceuticals, food, and other related fields. However, there is still a need for further investigation into the main components and working modes of UAEE, as current understanding in this area remains limited. Therefore, additional research and exploration are necessary to enhance our knowledge and optimize the application of UAEE. The core aim of this review is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles, benefits and impact on bioactive components of UAE, explore the different types of equipment used in this technique, examine the various working modes and control parameters employed in UAE, and provide a detailed overview of the blending of UAE with other emerging extraction technologies. In conclusion, the future development of UAEE is envisioned to focus on achieving increased efficiency, reduced costs, enhanced safety, and improved reliability. These key areas of advancement aim to optimize the performance and practicality of UAEE, making it a more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable extraction technology.

Fruit pomace as a promising source to obtain biocompounds with antibacterial activity

The demand for natural compounds to replace synthetic additives has aroused the interest of different sectors of society, especially the scientific community, due to their safety, biocompatibility, biodegradability and low toxicity. Alternative sources for antimicrobial compounds have been explored, such as fruit pomace. These by-products have essential compounds in their composition with different potential for application in food and packaging. In this context, this review systematizes the use of pomace from different fruits as a source of antibacterial compounds. Also, it summarizes the extraction methods and the applications of these compounds. Grape pomace, cranberry, and apple extracts are the most explored for antibacterial control, especially against genus Listeria, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Escherichia. In addition, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and proanthocyanins are the main compounds identified in the studied fruit pomace extracts. In the reviewed articles, the biocompounds recovery is performed by methods with the absence of high temperatures (>80 °C); in some studies, the solid-liquid extraction method at mild temperatures (<30 °C) was well explored, using ethanol and water as solvent. The use of fruit processing by-products for bacterial control highlights the possibility of favoring the three pillars of sustainability (social, economic, and environmental) in the food industry.

Advances in efficient extraction of essential oils from spices and its application in food industry: A critical review

With the increase of people's awareness of food safety, it is crucial to find natural and green antimicrobial agents to replace traditional antimicrobial agents. Essential oils of spices (SEOs) are low toxicity or nontoxic, which exhibited antioxidants and antimicrobial activity according to many in vitro and in situ experiments. Spices are widely available and low cost as a plant raw material for the extraction of SEOs. This review summarized highly efficient extraction techniques for SEOs, such as physical field assisted extraction technology, supercritical fluid extraction, and biological-based techniques. Furthermore, purification of SEOs and components were also recapitulated. Purification techniques of SEOs improve their utilization value due to the increased content of bioactive components. Finally, the review concentrated on the applications of SEOs in food industry, including food preservation, food active packaging by means of films or coatings, antioxidant properties. In addition, addressing the problem of unstability of SEOs and its role to inhibit the pathogenic bacteria, the encapsulation of SEOs for use in the food industrial sectors reduces the safety risk to human health.

Enhanced Natural Strength: Lamiaceae Essential Oils and Nanotechnology in In Vitro and In Vivo Medical Research

The Lamiaceae is one of the most important families in the production of essential oils known to have a wide spectrum of biological activity. Recent research has highlighted the dermatological capabilities of various Lamiaceae essential oils, which appear to offer potential in free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activity. Some have also been extensively studied for their tissue remodeling and wound-healing, anti-aging, anti-melanogenic, and anti-cancer properties. Certain Lamiaceae essential oils are promising as novel therapeutic alternatives for skin disorders. This potential has seen substantial efforts dedicated to the development of modern formulations based on nanotechnology, enabling the topical application of various Lamiaceae essential oils. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the utilization of various essential oils from the Lamiaceae family over the past decade. It offers an overview of the current state of knowledge concerning the use of these oils as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, wound-healers, anti-aging agents, anti-melanogenic agents, and anticancer agents, both alone and in combination with nanoparticles. Additionally, the review explores their potential applicability in patents regarding skin diseases.

Development of sustainable downstream processing for nutritional oil production

Nutritional oils (mainly omega-3 fatty acids) are receiving increased attention as critical supplementary compounds for the improvement and maintenance of human health and wellbeing. However, the predominant sources of these oils have historically shown numerous limitations relating to desirability and sustainability; hence the crucial focus is now on developing smarter, greener, and more environmentally favourable alternatives. This study was undertaken to consider and assess the numerous prevailing and emerging techniques implicated across the stages of fatty acid downstream processing. A structured and critical comparison of the major classes of disruption methodology (physical, chemical, thermal, and biological) is presented, with discussion and consideration of the viability of new extraction techniques. Owing to a greater desire for sustainable industrial practices, and a desperate need to make nutritional oils more available; great emphasis has been placed on the discovery and adoption of highly sought-after 'green' alternatives, which demonstrate improved efficiency and reduced toxicity compared to conventional practices. Based on these findings, this review also advocates new forays into application of novel nanomaterials in fatty acid separation to improve the sustainability of nutritional oil downstream processing. In summary, this review provides a detailed overview of the current and developing landscape of nutritional oil; and concludes that adoption and refinement of these sustainable alternatives could promptly allow for development of a more complete 'green' process for nutritional oil extraction; allowing us to better meet worldwide needs without costing the environment.

Advancing herbal medicine: enhancing product quality and safety through robust quality control practices

This manuscript provides an in-depth review of the significance of quality control in herbal medication products, focusing on its role in maintaining efficiency and safety. With a historical foundation in traditional medicine systems, herbal remedies have gained widespread popularity as natural alternatives to conventional treatments. However, the increasing demand for these products necessitates stringent quality control measures to ensure consistency and safety. This comprehensive review explores the importance of quality control methods in monitoring various aspects of herbal product development, manufacturing, and distribution. Emphasizing the need for standardized processes, the manuscript delves into the detection and prevention of contaminants, the authentication of herbal ingredients, and the adherence to regulatory standards. Additionally, it highlights the integration of traditional knowledge and modern scientific approaches in achieving optimal quality control outcomes. By emphasizing the role of quality control in herbal medicine, this manuscript contributes to promoting consumer trust, safeguarding public health, and fostering the responsible use of herbal medication products.

Pasta Enriched with Carrot and Olive Leaf Flour Retains High Levels of Accessible Bioactives after In Vitro Digestion

The aim of this research was to evaluate the levels of antioxidants and polyphenols in pasta enriched with either carrot or olive leaf flours after simulating gastrointestinal digestion. Pasta samples were prepared with fixed amounts of carrot and olive leaf flours (15% and 6% of the total mixture, respectively). We measured the antioxidant capacity and polyphenol content at different stages of the pasta production process, starting from the initial flour to the cooked pasta, and tested samples of the liquid component and solid waste resulting from the digestion process. The antioxidant activity was measured by the FRAP method, while the polyphenol content was measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Vitamin E contents were measured by HPLC. The pasta enriched with carrot (1.26 ± 0.05 mmol/100 g) and olive leaf (2.9 ± 0.07 mmol/100 g) exhibited higher antioxidant power compared to the unenriched pasta (0.8 ± 0.1 mmol/100 g). The polyphenol content followed a similar trend, with values of 131.23 ± 3.08 for olive flour-enriched pasta, 79.15 ± 1.11 for carrot flour-enriched pasta, and 67.5 ± 1.39 for the wheat-only pasta. The pasta samples maintained their antioxidant and polyphenol levels even after undergoing the simulated digestion process. Significantly, the liquid component of the pasta with olive leaf flours had the highest levels of antioxidants and polyphenols during all stages of the digestion process. According to the results of this study, pasta enriched with carrot and olive leaf flours shows promising potential for improving nutritional and functional properties by increasing antioxidant and polyphenol content. The samples were also evaluated by a sensory panel, which showed that fortification modified the perception of some organoleptic attributes without affecting the overall taste of the pasta.

Impact of cooking methods on the quality, sensory and flavor compounds of Sichuan pepper oleoresin

Sichuan pepper oleoresin (SPO) is highly appreciated by the food industry as well as consumers for flavor. To understand the overall flavor of SPO and how the quality changes during practical application, this study investigated the effects of five cooking methods on the quality, sensory, and flavor compounds of SPO. The differences in physicochemical properties and sensory evaluation responded to potential changes in SPO after cooking. The SPO after different cooking could be clearly distinguished by E-nose and PCA. Based on the qualitative analysis of volatile compounds, 13 compounds were screened by OPLS-DA that had the ability to explain above differences. Further analysis of taste substances revealed that pungent substances (hydroxy-α-sanshool) were significantly reduced in SPO after cooking. And the conclusion that the degree of bitterness significantly increased was predicted by E-tongue. The PLS-R model was developed to achieve correlation analysis between aroma molecules and sensory quality.

Volatile Compounds and Biological Activity of the Essential Oil of Aloysia citrodora Paláu: Comparison of Hydrodistillation and Microwave-Assisted Hydrodistillation

Aromatic plants are a remarkable source of natural products. Aloysia citrodora Paláu (Verbenaceae), commonly known as lemon verbena, is a relevant source of essential oils with potential applications due to its lemony scent and bioactive properties. Studies carried out on this species have focused on the volatile composition of the essential oil obtained by Clevenger hydrodistillation (CHD), with little information available on alternative extraction methodologies or the biological properties of the oil. Therefore, this work aimed to compare the volatile composition, antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities of the essential oil extracted by conventional hydrodistillation by Clevenger (CHD) and Microwave-Assisted Hydrodistillation (MAHD). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for some compounds, including the two major ones, geranial (18.7-21.1%) and neral (15.3-16.2%). Better antioxidant activity was exhibited by the MAHD essential oil in DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power assays, while no differences were observed in the cellular antioxidant assay. The MADH essential oil also presented higher inhibition against four tumoral cell lines and exhibited lower cytotoxicity in non-tumoral cells as compared with Clevenger-extracted essential oil. In contrast, the latter showed higher anti-inflammatory activity. Both essential oils were able to inhibit the growth of eleven out of the fifteen bacterial strains tested.

Essential Oils for a Sustainable Control of Honeybee Varroosis

The Varroa destructor parasite is the main obstacle to the survival of honey bee colonies. Pest control mainly involves the use of synthetic drugs which, used with the right criteria and in rotation, are able to ensure that infestation levels are kept below the damage threshold. Although these drugs are easy to use and quick to apply, they have numerous disadvantages. Their prolonged use has led to the emergence of pharmacological resistance in treated parasite populations; furthermore, the active ingredients and/or their metabolites accumulate in the beehive products with the possibility of risk for the end consumer. Moreover, the possibility of subacute and chronic toxicity phenomena for adult honeybees and their larval forms must be considered. In this scenario, eco-friendly products derived from plant species have aroused great interest over the years. In recent decades, several studies have been carried out on the acaricidal efficacy of plant essential oils (EOs). Despite the swarming of laboratory and field studies, however, few EO products have come onto the market. Laboratory studies have often yielded different results even for the same plant species. The reason for this discrepancy lies in the various study techniques employed as well as in the variability of the chemical compositions of plants. The purpose of this review is to take stock of the research on the use of EOs to control the V. destructor parasite. It begins with an extensive discussion of the characteristics, properties, and mechanisms of action of EOs, and then examines the laboratory and field tests carried out. Finally, an attempt is made to standardize the results and open up new lines of study in future.

Advances and trends in encapsulation of essential oils

There is a huge concern regarding the potential carcinogenic and mutagenic risks associated with the usage of synthetic chemicals as preservatives in various consumer products such as food and pharmaceutical formulations. In this aspect, there is a need for the development of alternative natural preservatives to replace these synthetic chemicals. More recently, naturally occurring essential oils have emerged as popular ingredients owing to their unique characteristics like antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, to enrich and enhance the functional properties of consumer products. However, due to their high volatility and hydrophobicity, their functionality is lost and their incorporation in aqueous products is challenging. One of the promising strategies to overcome this challenge is encapsulation which involves the entrapment of the essential oil inside a biocompatible material for its controlled release and increased bioavailability. Also, the choice of encapsulation method depends on the component to be encapsulated and the shell material. In this review, encapsulation in various colloidal systems that facilitate the potential delivery of essential oils is discussed. The focus is on encapsulation techniques along with their advantages and disadvantages, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release studies.

Yogurt Products Fortified with Microwave-Extracted Peach Polyphenols

Pectin and polyphenols have been obtained from choice peach flesh using microwave extraction, with the resulting extracts used in functionalizing strained yogurt gels. A Box-Behnken design was utilized in order to co-optimize the extraction process. Soluble solid content, total phenolic content, and particle size distributions were measured in the extracts. Extraction at pH 1 yielded the highest phenolic content, while increases in the liquid-to-solid ratio resulted in a decrease in soluble solids and an increase in particle diameter. Selected extracts were then incorporated into strained yogurt, and the resulting gel products were assessed for color and texture over a two-week period. All samples were darker and had more red tones than the control set yogurt, while exhibiting less yellow tones. The cohesiveness of all samples remained stable over the gels' aging of two weeks (break-up times always remaining within 6 s and 9 s), which is close to the expected shelf-life of such products. The work required for the deformation of most samples increases with time, indicating that the products became firmer due to the macromolecular rearrangements in the gel matrix. The extracts obtained with the highest microwave power (700 W) give less firm samples. This was due to the microwave-induced loss of conformation and self-assembly of the extracted pectins. The hardness of all samples increased over time, gaining from 20 to 50% of the initial hardness due to the rearrangement of the pectin and yogurt proteins over time. The products with pectin extracted at 700 W were again exceptions, losing hardness or remaining stable after some time. Overall, this work combines the sourcing of polyphenols and pectin from choice fruit; it uses MAE for isolating the materials of interest; it mechanically examines the resulting gels; and it performs all the above under a specifically-set experimental design aiming towards optimizing the overall process.

Basic sensory properties of essential oils from aromatic plants and their applications: a critical review

With higher standards in terms of diet and leisure enjoyment, spices and essential oils of aromatic plants (APEOs) are no longer confined to the food industry. The essential oils (EOs) produced from them are the active ingredients that contribute to different flavors. The multiple odor sensory properties and their taste characteristics of APEOs are responsible for their widespread use. The research on the flavor of APEOs is an evolving process attracting the attention among scientists in the past decades. For APEOs, which are used for a long time in the catering and leisure industries, it is necessary to analyze the components associated with the aromas and the tastes. It is important to identify the volatile components and assure quality of APEOs in order to expand their application. It is worth celebrating the different means by which the loss of flavor of APEOs can be retarded in practice. Unfortunately, relatively little research has been done on the structure and flavor mechanisms of APEOs. This also points the way to future research on APEOs.Therefore, this paper reviews the principles of flavor, identification of components and sensory pathways in humans for APEOs. Moreover, the article outlines the means of increasing the efficiency of using of APEOs. Finally, with respect to the sensory applications of APEOs, the review focuses on the practical application of APEOs in food sector and in aromatherapy.

Conventional and innovative extraction technologies to produce food-grade hop extracts: Influence on bitter acids content and volatile organic compounds profile

Hop extracts represent a natural alternative to synthetic food additives because of their high content of bitter acids and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with bittering, flavoring, and antimicrobial properties. However, broader uses of hop extracts as natural techno-functional ingredients rely on the identification of sustainable and affordable extraction technologies allowing to diversify the processes and produce extracts characterized by different compositions and, consequently, qualitative properties. Thus, this study is aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of innovative and conventional extraction methods on the bitter acids content and VOCs pattern of food-grade ethanolic hop extracts for food applications. Innovative extractions were carried out by using two ultrasound systems (a laboratory bath [US] and a high-power ultrasound bath [HPUS]), and a high-pressure industrial process (high hydrostatic pressure [HHP]). Conventional extractions (CONV) were performed under dynamic maceration at 25 and 60°C; for ultrasound and conventional methods, the effect of the extraction time was also investigated. Among the extracts, the highest and lowest content of bitter acids was found in CONV 60°C extracts, and HHP and CONV 25°C extracts, respectively. Of the 34 VOCs identified in dry hops, ∼24 compounds were found in US, HPUS and CONV extracts, while only 18 were found in HHP. CONV extractions showed higher selectivity for sesquiterpenes, while US and HPUS showed higher selectivity for esters and monoterpenes. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) allowed classifying hop extracts based on the extraction methods and also allowed highlighting the technological conditions to produce hop extracts with specific techno-functional and flavoring properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The study showed that different extraction methods can lead to hop products with varying sensory and functional properties. By selecting the right extraction method, companies can produce hop extracts with specific compositions that meet their needs for clean label and sustainable food products, as well as new edible packaging or coatings.

Bioactivities and green advanced extraction technologies of ginger oleoresin extracts: A review

Zingiber officinale Roscoe is an excellent source of bioactive compounds, mainly gingerols and shogaols compounds, that associated with various bioactivities including antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm. Zingiber officinale Roscoe found its application in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical industries. The demand for a high quality of ginger oleoresin extracts based on the contents of gingerols and shogaols compounds for a health-benefit has dramatically increased. Various extraction techniques, including the conventional and advanced extraction techniques for gingerols and shogaols have been reported based on the literature data from 2012 to 2022. The present review examines the functional composition and bioactivities of Zingiber officinale Roscoe and the advanced green extraction technologies. Some variations in the quantity and quality of gingerols and shogaols compounds are because of the extraction method employed. This review provides a depth discussion of the various green advanced extraction technologies and the influences of process variables on the performance of the extraction process. Lower temperature with a short exposure time such as ultrasound-assisted and enzyme-assisted extraction, will lead to high quality of extracts with high content of 6-gingerol. High thermal processing, such as microwave-assisted and pressurized liquid extraction, will produce higher 6-shogaol. Meanwhile, supercritical fluid extraction promotes high quality and the safety of extracts by using non-toxic CO2. In addition, challenges and future prospects of the extraction of ginger oleoresin have been identified and discussed. The emerging green extraction methods and technologies show promising results with less energy input and higher quality extracts than conventional extraction methods.

Natural and low-caloric rebaudioside A as a substitute for dietary sugars: A comprehensive review

For health and safety concerns, traditional high-calorie sweeteners and artificial sweeteners are gradually replaced in food industries by natural and low-calorie sweeteners. As a natural and high-quality sugar substitute, steviol glycosides (SvGls) are continually scrutinized regarding their safety and application. Recently, the cultivation of organic stevia has been increasing in many parts of Europe and Asia, and it is obvious that there is a vast market for sugar substitutes in the future. Rebaudioside A, the main component of SvGls, is gradually accepted by consumers due to its safe, zero calories, clear, and sweet taste with no significant undesirable characteristics. Hence, it can be used in various foods or dietary supplements as a sweetener. In addition, rebaudioside A has been demonstrated to have many physiological functions, such as antihypertension, anti-diabetes, and anticaries. But so far, there are few comprehensive reviews of rebaudioside A. In this review article, we discuss the physicochemical properties, metabolic process, safety, regulatory, health benefits, and biosynthetic pathway of rebaudioside A and summarize the modification methods and state-of-the-art production and purification techniques of rebaudioside A. Furthermore, the current problems hindering the future production and application of rebaudioside A are analyzed, and suggestions are provided.

Enhanced antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity of Thymus vulgaris, Lippia sidoides, and Cymbopogon citratus emulsions when combined with mannosylerythritol a lipid biosurfactant

Essential oils (EOs) are natural and effective agents for controlling microorganisms which cause biodeterioration and disease. However, their application is hampered/restricted due to hydrophobicity and rapid vaporization of these compounds. Encapsulation technology provides an effective approach to maintain EO stabilization and prevent the loss of volatile ingredients. Meanwhile, using a synthetic surfactant is seen as counter-productive; therefore, a natural biosurfactant is more reasonable and can potentially increase activity due to its other biological proprieties. This work aims to evaluate the mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) biosurfactant combined with Thymus vulgaris, Lippia sidoides, and Cymbopogon citratus essential oil emulsions (O/W) and evaluate its antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity. The biosurfactant MEL demonstrated activity against Bacillus subtilis and Penicillium sp. After emulsification, the antimicrobial activity of Thymus vulgaris and Lippia sidoides was increased against Escherichia coli (500 µg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus (600 µg/mL), Bacillus subtilis (120 µg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1500 µg/mL), Penicillium sp. (62.25 µg/mL), Aspergillus flavus (250 µg/mL), Fusarium oxysporum (100 and 250 µg/mL), and Candida albicans (125 and 250 µg/mL). We report that emulsions prepared with MEL have high inhibitory activity, maintain the active concentration, and increase antioxidant capacity by 7.33% (Thymus vulgaris), 13.71% (Lippia sidoides), and 3.15% (Cymbopogon citratus).

Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Plants Belonging to the Lavandula Genus

Lavender is a valuable medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Currently 39 species are known, but only Lavandula angustifolia is a pharmacopoeial raw material. Lavender has a long history of medicinal use and mainly exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sedative, antidepressant, spasmolytic, anticholinesterases, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Used internally, it relieves symptoms of mental stress and insomnia and supports digestion. Topical use of lavender in aromatherapy, neuralgia and antiseptics is also known. The constant interest in lavender, and in particular in Lavandula angustifolia, in the field of medicine and pharmacy is evidenced by the growing number of publications. In view of so many studies, it seems important to review traditional and modern extraction techniques that determine the chemical composition responsible for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of various extracts from the species of the Lavandula genus.

Emulsification of Rosemary and Oregano Aqueous Extracts and Their In Vitro Bioavailability

Due to their richness in phenolic compounds, Mediterranean plants such as rosemary and oregano are increasingly recommended for consumption for their numerous health benefits. The pH shift and the presence of digestive enzymes significantly reduce the bioavailability of these biochemicals as they pass through the gastrointestinal tract. To prevent this degradation of phenolic compounds, methods such as emulsification of plant aqueous extracts are used. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of emulsification conditions on the chemical properties (total polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity) of emulsified rosemary and oregano extracts. Response surface methodology was applied to optimize sunflower oil concentration, rotational speed, and emulsifier concentration (commercial pea protein). The emulsions prepared under optimal conditions were then used in bioavailability studies (in vitro digestion). The antioxidant activity of the emulsified rosemary/oregano extracts, measured by the DPPH method, remained largely stable when simulating in vitro digestion. Analysis of antioxidant activity after in vitro simulation of the gastrointestinal system revealed a higher degree of maintenance (up to 76%) for emulsified plant extracts compared to aqueous plant extracts. This article contributes to our understanding of how plant extracts are prepared to preserve their biological activity and their application in the food industry.

Antifungal Activity of Essential Oil and Plant-Derived Natural Compounds against Aspergillus flavus

Aspergillus flavus is a facultative parasite that contaminates several important food crops at both the pre- and post-harvest stages. Moreover, it is an opportunistic animal and human pathogen that causes aspergillosis diseases. A. flavus also produces the polyketide-derived carcinogenic and mutagenic secondary metabolite aflatoxin, which negatively impacts global food security and threatens human and livestock health. Recently, plant-derived natural compounds and essential oils (EOs) have shown great potential in combatting A. flavus spoilage and aflatoxin contamination. In this review, the in situ antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic properties of EOs are discussed. The mechanisms through which EOs affect A. flavus growth and aflatoxin biosynthesis are then reviewed. Indeed, several involve physical, chemical, or biochemical changes to the cell wall, cell membrane, mitochondria, and related metabolic enzymes and genes. Finally, the future perspectives towards the application of plant-derived natural compounds and EOs in food protection and novel antifungal agent development are discussed. The present review highlights the great potential of plant-derived natural compounds and EOs to protect agricultural commodities and food items from A. flavus spoilage and aflatoxin contamination, along with reducing the threat of aspergillosis diseases.

Chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oils of Piper gaudichaudianum and Piper mikanianum

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Inflammation is the body's normal protective response to injury and is stimulated by pathogens, toxic compounds, damaged cells or radiation, promoting healing and restoring homeostasis to the injured tissue. Leaves of Piper gaudichaudianum Kunth, known as "pariparoba" are widely used in folk medicine for the relief of toothache, while the fresh roots are used as anti-inflammatory and to treat liver disorders. For P. mikanianum (Kunth) Steud is known as "aguaxima", is widely used in the treatment of inflammation, rheumatism and ulcer, with its roots being used for stomach disorders and as a diaphoretic in intermittent fevers.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Therefore, this work aims to chemically characterize the essential oil of Piper gaudichaudianum and Piper mikanianum, as well as the evaluation of neutrophil antichemotactic activity of both essential oils in order to complement the information of its traditional use, taking the leaves as plant material and, with that, corroborating its use in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The essential oil from leaves of both Piper species were obtained from crushed fresh samples, by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger type-apparatus for 4 h. The yield determination was performed as vol/wt (v/w) and in triplicate. The amount of essential oil obtained was quantified in mL. The identification and quantification of the compounds was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the model of modified Boyden chamber. In this test the essential oils were tested for their ability to inhibit leukocyte chemotaxis stimulated by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide.

RESULTS

The chemical composition of the essential oils revealed the identification of 26 constituents for P. gaudichaudianum being the sesquiterpenes β-selinene (14.0%) and viridiflorene (10.5%) the main compounds, followed by caryophyllene oxide (9.3%) and (E)-nerolidol (9.0%). For P. mikanianum essential oil, β-myrcene (17.2%) and bicyclogermacrene (26.3%) were the major components in the monoterpenes and sesquiterpene fractions, respectively. The essential oils were also tested for their ability to inhibit neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro when stimulated by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide. Both essential oils showed antichemotactic effect with reduction in migration of 0-72.2% for P. gaudichaudianum and 8.6-100% for P. mikanianum to same concentrations, suggesting a response to acute inflammatory processes.

CONCLUSIONS

Since up to date there is no report of this biological activities by this mechanism (antichemotactic assay) for essential oils this species. These results showed that the essential oils of P. gaudichaudianum and P. mikanianum have a great capacity to inhibit neutrophil chemotaxis in an inflammatory process, in a dose-dependent way, suggesting anti-inflammatory potential, by preventing its accumulation at the injury site with the possibility of tissue damage. Findings of these studies support the traditional use of these species in the treatment of inflammatory processes.

An Overview on the Use of Extracts from Medicinal and Aromatic Plants to Improve Nutritional Value and Oxidative Stability of Vegetable Oils

Oil oxidation is the main factor limiting vegetable oils' quality during storage, as it leads to the deterioration of oil's nutritional quality and gives rise to disagreeable flavors. These changes make fat-containing foods less acceptable to consumers. To deal with this problem and to meet consumer demand for natural foods, vegetable oil fabricators and the food industry are looking for alternatives to synthetic antioxidants to protect oils from oxidation. In this context, natural antioxidant compounds extracted from different parts (leaves, roots, flowers, and seeds) of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) could be used as a promising and sustainable solution to protect consumers' health. The objective of this review was to compile published literature regarding the extraction of bioactive compounds from MAPs as well as different methods of vegetable oils enrichment. In fact, this review uses a multidisciplinary approach and offers an updated overview of the technological, sustainability, chemical and safety aspects related to the protection of oils.

Variability in Biological Activities of Satureja montana Subsp. montana and Subsp. variegata Based on Different Extraction Methods

Winter savory (Satureja montana L.) is a well-known spice and medicinal plant with a wide range of activities and applications. Two subspecies of S. montana, subsp. montana and subsp. variegata, were used for the preparation of seven different extracts: steam distillation (essential oil (EO) and hydrolate (HY)), subcritical water (SWE), ultrasound-assisted (UAE-MeOH and UAE-H2O), and microwave-assisted (MAE-MeOH and MAE-H2O) extraction. The obtained EOs, HYs, and extracts were used for an in vitro evaluation of the antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, reducing power, and superoxide anion methods) and in vitro antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Candida albicans. The antimicrobial screening was conducted using disk-diffusion assessment, minimal inhibitory concentration, time-kill kinetics modeling, and pharmacodynamic study of the biocide effect. The total phenolic content (TPC) was highest in EO, followed by SWE, MAE, and UAE, and the lowest was in HY. The highest antimicrobial activity shows EO and SWE for both varieties, while different UAE and MAE extracts have not exhibited antimicrobial activity. The natural antimicrobials in the S. montana extract samples obtained by green extraction methods, indicated the possibility of ecologically and economically better solutions for future in vivo application of the selected plant subspecies.

Coacervation as a Novel Method of Microencapsulation of Essential Oils-A Review

These days, consumers are increasingly "nutritionally aware". The trend of "clean label" is gaining momentum. Synthetic additives and preservatives, as well as natural ones, bearing the E symbol are more often perceived negatively. For this reason, substances of natural origin are sought tfor replacing them. Essential oils can be such substances. However, the wider use of essential oils in the food industry is severely limited. This is because these substances are highly sensitive to light, oxygen, and temperature. This creates problems with their processing and storage. In addition, they have a strong smell and taste, which makes them unacceptable when added to the product. The solution to this situation seems to be microencapsulation through complex coacervation. To reduce the loss of essential oils and the undesirable chemical changes that may occur during their spray drying-the most commonly used method-complex coacervation seems to be an interesting alternative. This article collects information on the limitations of the use of essential oils in food and proposes a solution through complex coacervation with plant proteins and chia mucilage.

Application of Response Surface Methodologies to Optimize High-Added Value Products Developments: Cosmetic Formulations as an Example

In recent years, green and advanced extraction technologies have gained great interest to revalue several food by-products. This by-product revaluation is currently allowing the development of high value-added products, such as functional foods, nutraceuticals, or cosmeceuticals. Among the high valued-added products, cosmeceuticals are innovative cosmetic formulations which have incorporated bioactive natural ingredients providing multiple benefits on skin health. In this context, the extraction techniques are an important step during the elaboration of cosmetic ingredients since they represent the beginning of the formulation process and have a great influence on the quality of the final product. Indeed, these technologies are claimed as efficient methods to retrieve bioactive compounds from natural sources in terms of resource utilization, environmental impact, and costs. This review offers a summary of the most-used green and advanced methodologies to obtain cosmetic ingredients with the maximum performance of these extraction techniques. Response surface methodologies may be applied to enhance the optimization processes, providing a simple way to understand the extraction process as well as to reach the optimum conditions to increase the extraction efficiency. The combination of both assumes an economic improvement to attain high value products that may be applied to develop functional ingredients for cosmetics purposes.

Ultrasonic Processing of Food Waste to Generate Value-Added Products

Ultrasonic processing has a great potential to transform waste from the food and agriculture industry into value-added products. In this review article, we discuss the use of ultrasound for the valorisation of food and agricultural waste. Ultrasonic processing is considered a green technology as compared to the conventional chemical extraction/processing methods. The influence of ultrasound pre-treatment on the soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD), particle size, and cell wall content of food waste is first discussed. The use of ultrasonic processing to produce/extract bioactives such as oil, polyphenolic, polysaccharides, fatty acids, organic acids, protein, lipids, and enzymes is highlighted. Moreover, ultrasonic processing in bioenergy production from food waste such as green methane, hydrogen, biodiesel, and ethanol through anaerobic digestion is also reviewed. The conversion of waste oils into biofuels with the use of ultrasound is presented. The latest developments and future prospective on the use of ultrasound in developing energy-efficient methods to convert food and agricultural waste into value-added products are summarised.

Effect of Extraction Methods and In Vitro Bio-Accessibility of Microencapsulated Lemon Extract

The extraction of bioactive compounds from fruits, such as lemon, has gained relevance because these compounds have beneficial properties for health, such as antioxidant and anticancer properties; however, the extraction method can significantly affect these properties. High hydrostatic pressure and ultrasound, as emerging extraction methods, constitute an alternative to conventional extraction, improving extractability and obtaining extracts rich in bioactive compounds. Therefore, lemon extracts (LEs) were obtained by conventional (orbital shaking), ultrasound-assisted, and high-hydrostatic-pressure extraction. Extracts were then microencapsulated with maltodextrin at 10% (M10), 20% (M20), and 30% (M30). The impact of microencapsulation on LEs physicochemical properties, phenolics (TPC), flavonoids (TFC) and relative bio-accessibility (RB) was evaluated. M30 promoted a higher microencapsulation efficiency for TPC and TFC, and a longer time required for microcapsules to dissolve in water, as moisture content, water activity and hygroscopicity decreased. The RBs of TPC and TFC were higher in microcapsules with M30, and lower when conventional extraction was used. The data suggest that microencapsulated LE is promising as it protects the bioactivity of phenolic compounds. In addition, this freeze-dried product can be utilized as a functional ingredient for food or supplement formulations.

The impact of aromatic plant-derived bioactive compounds on seafood quality and safety

Plant-derived bioactive compounds have been extensively studied and used within food industry for the last few decades. Those compounds have been used to extend the shelf-life and improve physico-chemical and sensory properties on food products. They have also been used as nutraceuticals due to broad range of potential health-promoting properties. Unlike the synthetic additives, the natural plant-derived compounds are more acceptable and often regarded as safer by the consumers. This chapter summarizes the extraction methods and sources of those plant-derived bioactives as well as recent findings in relation to their health-promoting properties, including cardio-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, immuno-modulatory and neuro-protective properties. In addition, the impact of applying those plant-derived compounds on seafood products is also investigated by reviewing the recent studies on their use as anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, coloring and flavoring agents as well as freshness indicators. Moreover, the current limitations of the use of plant-derived bioactive compounds as well as future prospects are discussed. The discoveries show high potential of those compounds and the possibility to apply on many different seafood. The compounds can be applied as individual while more and more studies are showing synergetic effect when those compounds are used in combination providing new important research possibilities.

Bioactive Compound, Antioxidant, and Radical Scavenging Activity of Some Plant Aqueous Extracts for Enhancing Shelf Life of Cold-Stored Rabbit Meat

The potential radical scavenging, antioxidant activities (DPPH and ABTS) and bioactive constituents of several plant aqueous extracts (Curcuma longa, CL; Myristica fragrans, MF; Zingiber officinale, ZO; Cymbopogon citratus, CC and Thymus vulgaris, TV as well as their mixture) were investigated. The effect of these extracts on quality aspects (sensory characteristic, color traits, and Thiobarbituric acid) of rabbit meat during a 16-day cold (4 ± 2 °C) storage were investigated. Total phenolics and flavonoid contents of all extracts ranged from 13.27 ± 0.57 to 25.23 ± 0.49 mg GAE/g and 6.57 ± 0.22 to 13.24 ± 0.19 mg quercetin/g, respectively. The aqueous extract of MF had the highest (p ≤ 0.05) ABTS scavenging activity (4.55 μ mol Te/g dry extract), whereas the highest (p < 0.05) DPPH scavenging activity was detected in ZO extract (9.32 μ mol Te/g dry extract). Identification of extracts’ bioactive compounds by GC-MS revealed that Eugenol (34.51%), Cinnamaldehyde (44.71%), Carvacrol (40.49%), Eicosane aldehyde (31.73%), and thymol (50.04%) are the first abundant bioactive compounds of CL, MF, ZO, CC, and TV aqueous extracts, respectively. Generally, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) of all cold stored rabbit meat increased (p < 0.05) by increasing the storage time. The lowest TBARS values were detected for the samples treated with 0.2% of plant extracts mixture, which increased the shelf life of cold-stored rabbits by 50%. Significant (p < 0.05) increases in both L* and b* were observed with extended storage time. Meanwhile, the redness of the cold stored rabbit meat had an opposite trend. Treating the cold stored rabbit meat with 0.2% of the extract’s mixture doubled the storage time with acceptable odor and taste. The results indicated that the studied plant extracts may be effective against rancidity and may be used as a natural antioxidant to prolong the shelf life of cold-stored rabbit meat.

Current Knowledge on the Bioavailability of Thymol as a Feed Additive in Humans and Animals with a Focus on Rabbit Metabolic Processes

Simple Summary

This review provides general information on the possible health benefits in animals and humans of herbal additives, particularly thymol, whose phenolic group is responsible for the neutralisation of free radicals, and information concerning its detection through body action, bioavailability and mechanisms in rabbits. Plants containing thymol have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes. Although a great number of in vitro studies of cardiovascular and cancer diseases are available, in vivo studies that confirm these findings have not been sufficiently reported. To determine the beneficial dose, further clinical studies are necessary, with preclinical comprehensive research on animal models.

Abstract

The aim of this review is to describe the therapeutic effect of thymol on various human diseases, followed by its bioavailability in humans and animals. Based on our knowledge from the current literature, after thymol addition, thymol metabolites—mostly thymol sulphate and glucuronide—are detected in the plasma and urine of humans and in the plasma, intestinal content, faeces and tissues in rats, pigs, chickens, horses and rabbits after enzymatic cleavage. In rabbits, thymol absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, its distribution within the organism, its accumulation in tissues and its excretion from the organism have been described in detail. It is necessary and important for these studies to suggest the appropriate dose needed to achieve the required health benefits not only for animals but also for humans. Information from this review concerning the mode of action of thymol in animal organisms could also be applied to human medicine and may help in the utilisation of herbal medicine in humans and in veterinary healthcare. This review summarises the important aspects of thymol’s effects on health and its bioavailability in organisms, particularly in rabbits. In future, herbal-based drugs must be extensively investigated in terms of their mode of action, efficiency of administration and clinical effect.

Study of the energetic, exergetic, and thermal balances of a solar distillation unit in comparison with a conventional system during the distillation of rosemary leaves

The solar energy produced by Scheffler parabola (10 m²) is not fully exploited by the solar distillation system of aromatic and medicinal plants. In this work, the optical losses in the primary and secondary reflectors, and the thermal losses at each part of this system (solar still, steam line, condenser) were determined. A thermal energetic and exergetic analysis were also performed for a solar distillation system of rosemary leaves. For average intensity radiation of 849.1W/m² and 6 Kg of rosemary leaves during 4 h of distillation, exergy and optical efficiencies of the system achieved up to 26.62% and 50.97%, respectively. The thermal efficiency of the solar still, steam line, and condenser is about 94.80%, 94.30%, and 87.76%, respectively. The essential oil yield per unit of consumed energy and the total efficiency of the solar distillation system, taking into account the heat losses in the solar still, steam line, and condenser, as well as the optical losses in the two reflectors, is 6.18 mL/ kWh and 40.00%, respectively. The efficiency can be as high as 42.42 % if the steam line is insulated. Moreover, the comparison between the solar steam distillation and conventional steam distillation shows that solar distillation is much more efficient since it gives better results and especially it avoids the emission of 12.10 kg of CO₂ during extraction.