A comparative study on the influence of equipment design on the efficiency of dynamic maceration of Azadirachta excelsa leaves

Dynamic maceration facilitates diffusion in solid-liquid extraction through controlling temperature and providing agitation. However, equipment design for dynamic maceration in previous investigations resulted in inadequate homogeneity of temperature and solid dispersion. A laboratory scale extractor was designed to aid the heat and mass transfer process while preventing solvent vaporization when performing dynamic maceration in a controlled environment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of dynamic maceration using the laboratory scale extractor compared to a shaker incubator to extract triterpenoid saponins from Azadirachta excelsa leaves. The dynamic maceration of A. excelsa leaves was optimized using a Face-centered central composite design (FCCCD) with response surface methodology (RSM). Independent variables analyzed include ethanol-to-chloroform ratio, extraction temperature, extraction time, and sample-to-solvent ratio, while responses include yield of extract and triterpenoid saponins content (TSC). Optimum conditions were ethanol-to-chloroform ratio of 90:10, extraction temperature of 45 °C, extraction time of 60 minutes, and sample-to-solvent ratio of 1:50 g/ml. There was a significant percentage of increase in yield of extract and TSC by 41.1% and 13.3%, respectively, for the laboratory scale extractor compared to the shaker incubator. This study showed the importance of equipment design in enhancing triterpenoid saponins extraction through elevating the efficiency of the dynamic maceration process.

High-throughput Soxhlet extraction method applied for analysis of leaf lignocellulose and non-structural substances

The traditional Soxhlet extraction method is commonly employed to extract soluble components from non-soluble components in a solid matrix, for example, non-structural substances in biomass samples that can be separated from structural lignocellulosic compounds in biomass samples. Conventional laboratory procedures for such extractions typically involve a low sample throughput, with each run being performed individually, resulting in time-consuming and labour-intensive processes, making them impractical for analysing large sample sets. In research fields such as Earth Observation in Forest Ecosystems, extensive fieldwork sampling is required across large study areas, resulting in a substantial number of leaf samples, each with limited mass. In this study, an innovative adaptation of the conventional National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Soxhlet method is developed to create a high-throughput mini-Soxhlet apparatus that enables the simultaneous extraction of up to nineteen samples, each with a mass of 0.3 g per sample. With this adaptation, we measured the lignocellulose and extractive in 343 leaf samples collected from four temperate forest tree species. This modified approach enhances versatility and can be applied to all solid-liquid extractions and various types of vegetation tissues, such as tree leaves, shrubs, crops, feedstock, and other non-woody samples.•The solid-liquid extraction method has been implemented in a heating block facilitating 19 small flasks to measure multiple samples simultaneously while requiring only a small sample mass.•The apparatus set-up was constructed using an alumina heating block mounted on a standard laboratory heating plate. Boiling flask tubes were placed in the heating block and equipped with condenser caps and filters on glass rods on which the solid samples were placed.•The adjustments made the method suitable for application to diverse vegetation tissues and non-woody sample types. It holds particular appeal for research areas that necessitate a high sample number.

An Update on Recent Studies Focusing on the Antioxidant Properties of Salvia Species

Nutrition has crucial effects and a significant role in disease prevention. Recently, nutraceuticals have attracted much attention in scientific research due to their pleiotropic effects and relatively non-toxic behavior. Among the biological effects displayed by plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family, such as antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anticholinesterase, sage is well known for its antioxidant properties and is a rich source of numerous compounds that are biologically active, amongst them polyphenols, with more than 160 types identified. In this review we summarized some of the significant studies published in the last decade reporting the most employed extraction methods and the different assays that are useful for establishing the antioxidant properties of some sage species. Even though the scientific literature contains plenty of data regarding the antioxidant properties of many sage species, further studies are needed in order to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanism of action and the compounds responsible for their antioxidant activity. Finally, it should be taken into account that the data on the antioxidant properties of sage extracts are often difficult to compare with each other, since a series of variables in the extraction procedures, the type of assay used, and standardization may affect the final result.

Physico-Chemical Properties, Fatty Acids Profile, and Economic Properties of Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Seed Oil, Extracted in Various Ways

In Europe, the green course is becoming increasingly relevant, and there are more and more suggestions for its improvement. The valorization of food waste attracts increasing attention and is one important current research area. The aim of this study was to examine oils from 16 raspberry variety seeds and to compare their yields and fatty acid contents. The next task was to extract oil from the raspberry variety 'Polka' by four different methods and to compare the yield, colors, fatty acids content and composition, and kinematic and dynamic viscosity. The last task was to analyze the economic profitability of oil extraction by different methods. This study demonstrates the potential of different varieties of raspberry by-products and shows the influence of different oil extraction methods on the fatty acid composition of the oil and the economic potential of such products. The analysis revealed that the predominating fatty acid in the raspberry variety 'Polka' seed oil was linoleic acid (44.0-44.8%), followed by α-linolenic acid (37.9-38.1%) and oleic acid (10.2-10.6%). Of the 16 raspberry cultivars tested, 'Polka' seed oil had the least linoleic (ω-6) (44.79%) and the most α-linolenic (ω-3) fatty acids and the best ratio of ω-6 to ω-3 fatty acids-1.2:1. Raspberry variety 'Polka' seed oil contains a lot of carotenoids; their total amount depending on the extraction method varies from 0.81 mg/100 g (extracted with subcritical CO₂) to 3.25 mg/100 g (extracted with supercritical CO₂). The oil yield can be increased by grinding the seeds into a finer fraction. The most expensive method of oil production is supercritical CO₂ extraction, and the cheapest method with the fastest payback of equipment is the cold-pressing method. The results of the research have revealed the influence of different oil recovery methods on the yield of oil, the composition of the fatty acid, colors, and viscosity. The results are very important for producers wishing to commercialize raspberry seed oil.

Quality Evaluation of Hainan Robusta Coffee Bean Oil Produced by Ultrasound Coupled with Coconut Oil Extraction

This study investigates the treatment of coconut oil using thermosonic treatment in combination with green coffee beans. Under a defined ratio of coconut oil to green coffee beans, the effect of different thermosonic time on the quality parameters, active substance content, antioxidant capacity, and thermal oxidative stability of coconut oil were investigated as a strategy to potentially improve the quality of oil. Results showed that the β-sitosterol content of CCO (coconut coffee oil) treated with the thermal method combined with green coffee bean treatment reached up to 393.80 ± 11.13 mg/kg without affecting the lipid structure. In addition, DPPH clearance equivalents increased from 5.31 ± 1.30 mg EGCG/g to 71.34 ± 0.98 mg EGCG/g, and the ABTS clearance equivalent was 45.38 ± 0.87 mg EGCG/g versus 0 for the untreated sample. The improvement in thermal oxidation stability of treated coconut oil is also significant. The TG (Thermogravimetry) onset temperature was elevated from 277.97 °C to 335.08 °C and the induction time was elevated up to 24.73 ± 0.41 h from 5.17 ± 0.21 h. Thermosonic treatment in combination with green coffee beans is an ideal option to improve the quality of coconut oil. The results of this article provide new ideas for the development of plant-blended oil products and the new utilization of coconut oil and coffee beans.

An overview on lipids in nuts and oily fruits: oil content, lipid composition, health effects, lipidomic fingerprinting and new biotechnological applications of their by-products

Tree nuts and oily fruits are used as a diet complement and are highly consumed worldwide. The production and consumption of these foods have been increasing, and an enormous global market value is forecasted for 2023. Besides their high nutritional value and lipid content, they provide health benefits to fat metabolism, heart, skin, and brain. The industrial by-products of these oily foods represent promising raw materials for many industries. However, the lipidomic analysis of nuts and oily fruits is still in its early stages. State-of-the-art analytical approaches for the lipid profiling and fingerprinting of nuts and oily fruits have been developed using high-performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry for the accurate identification and structural characterization at the molecular species level. It is expected to bring a new understanding of these everyday foods' nutritional and functional value. This review comprises the oil content and lipid composition of various nuts and oily fruits, particularly those mostly consumed worldwide and having recognized beneficial health effects, biological activities associated with the lipids from different oily foodstuffs, analytical methodologies to analyze lipids in nuts and oily fruits, and the potential biotechnological applications of their industrial by-products for a lipid-based commercial valorization.

Changes in fatty acids in Brassica juncea L. oil grown under two simulated conditions of fluoride contamination

Rapeseed, the second-most-important vegetable oil source, is cultivated in various areas of India where both groundwater and soil are contaminated with fluoride (F-). Furthermore, the frequent use of F- contaminated groundwater for irrigation leads to accumulation of F- in surface and sub-surface soil. The study aims to compare the morphological and biochemical changes in Brassica juncea L., the variations in its fatty acids (FAs) composition and oil yield, under two regimes of F- contaminated soils: (i) pre-contaminated soil (Tr) and (ii) irrigation with F- contaminated water (Ir). The level of F- (µg g-1) in the plant tissues (root, leaf, and grain) was significantly higher in Ir_10 (18.3, 14.7, and 2.8, respectively) than in Tr_10 (4.3, 2.6, and 0.77, respectively), while the oil yield was significantly lower with Ir_10 (19.5%) than with Tr_10 (44.9%). The phytoremediation potential of F- by Brassica juncea L. is greater in Tr regime than in the Ir regime. The erucic acid content (%), which is detrimental to cardiac health, increased to 67.37% (Ir_10) and 58.3% (Tr_10) from 57.73% (control). Thus, the present study shows that irrigation with F- contaminated water results in greater toxicity and accumulation in plants and is not safe for human health.

Extraction techniques for bioactive compounds of cannabis

Historically, cannabis has always constituted a component of the civilized world; archaeological discoveries indicate that it is one of the oldest crops, while, up until the 19th century, cannabis fibers were extensively used in a variety of applications, and its seeds comprised a part of human and livestock nutrition. Additional evidence supports its exploitation for medicinal purposes in the ancient world. The cultivation of cannabis gradually declined as hemp fibers gave way to synthetic fibers, while the intoxicating ability of THC eventually overshadowed the extensive potential of cannabis. Nevertheless, the proven value of certain non-intoxicating cannabinoids, such as CBD and CBN, has recently given rise to an entire market which promotes cannabis-based products. An increase in the research for recovery and exploitation of beneficial cannabinoids has also been observed, with more than 10 000 peer-reviewed research articles published annually. In the present review, a brief overview of the history of cannabis is given. A look into the classification approaches of cannabis plants/species as well as the associated nomenclature is provided, followed by a description of their chemical characteristics and their medically valuable components. The application areas could not be absent from the present review. Still, the main focus of the review is the discussion of work conducted in the field of extraction of valuable bioactive compounds from cannabis. We conclude with a summary of the current status and outlook on the topics that future research should address.

Modeling and Optimization of the Isolation of Blackcurrant and Black Cumin Seeds Oils Using Supercritical Fluid Extraction

Supercritical fluid extraction is a powerful analytical tool and it is willingly used by researchers for the isolation of various components from different matrices. In our study, the carbon dioxide in the supercritical state was used for the extraction of oils from blackcurrant and black cumin seeds. To determine the optimal conditions for the process (temperature, pressure and time), the method of statistical experiment planning and the Box-Behnken design was applied and the yield of the oils and the content of fatty acids (FAs) were taken into consideration. It has been found that an increase in pressure causes an increase in extraction yield (W), and an increase in temperature, both at constant pressure and time, does not significantly change the yield value. Optimal yield values were obtained for both materials under almost similar extraction parameters: 306 bar/ 43 min/ 50 °C (blackcurrant) and 282 bar/ 40 min/ 50 °C (black cumin). The influence of the above parameters (T, p, t) on the content of FAs in the extracts has a slightly different trend. The use of supercritical carbon dioxide for the extraction of blackcurrant and black cumin seeds allowed for high process yield and high-quality, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids oils which can be used as a substrate or final product for industry.

Physiochemical Properties, Lipid Breakdown, β-Carotenoids, Tocopherols, Vitamins, Amino and Fatty Acid Profiles of Soxhlet Extracted Oil from Different Garden Cress Seed (Lepidium sativum L.) Genotypes in Ethiopia

Physiochemical properties, lipid breakdown, β-carotenoids, tocopherols, and vitamins as well as amino and fatty acid profiles of Soxhlet-extracted oil from five different garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) seed genotypes (namely: CG8, CG7, CG17, CG4, and 207910) across Ethiopia regions were investigated. Results showed that despite the seeds' proximate peak and least values, the extraction yield, viscosity, specific gravity, refractive index, lipid breakdown, and boiling point of garden cress seed oil across the genotypes noticeably varied with promising amino and fatty acid profiles. Further, the genotype CG17 obtained greater quantities of β-carotenoids, tocopherols and vitamin values compared to the other genotypes.

Dietary Polyphenols: Extraction, Identification, Bioavailability, and Role for Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal and Prostate Cancers

Fruits, vegetables, and other edible plants in our diet have numerous health benefits, due to the bioactive compounds in these food items, including polyphenols. These plants are a rich and promising source of natural products and phytochemicals that can be used to treat and prevent numerous diseases and prevent the progression of cancer. Dietary polyphenols exhibit chemo-preventive and therapeutic effects against various ailments, including several types of cancer. The current study focuses on polyphenol’s traditional and advanced extraction methods, with supercritical extraction as a novel approach. It also deals with their identification, bioavailability, and role in preventing and treating colorectal and prostate cancers. Additionally, the article covers the literature that deals with the anticancer activities of polyphenols, as well as their potential use as anticancer agents.

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.

Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Spent Coffee Grounds Oil Using Response Surface Methodology

Spent coffee grounds (SCGs) generated in coffee processing for beverages and other products are a very significant organic residue that needs to be properly treated. Waste valorization via oil extraction has the potential to obtain compounds that can be used for producing biodiesel or other high-value products, such as polymers. This work focuses on the ultrasound-assisted extraction of SCG oil using n-hexane as a solvent. Three key process parameters are analyzed: temperature, extraction time, and liquid/solid (L/S) rate of solvent, using a central composite rotatable design (CCRD), an analysis that, to the author’s knowledge, is not yet available in the literature. The data were analyzed using the software StatSoft STATISTICA 13.1 (TIBCO Software Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA). Results show that all parameters have a statistical influence on the process performance (p < 0.05), being the L/S ratio the most significant, followed by extraction time and temperature. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the empirical model is a good fit to the experimental data at a 95% confidence level. For the range of conditions considered in this work, the optimal operating conditions for obtaining an oil extraction yield in the range of 12 to 13%wt are a solvent L/S ratio of around 16 mL g−1, for a temperature in the range of 50 to 60 °C, and the longest contact time, limited by the process economics and health and safety issues and also, by the n-hexane boiling temperature.

Effect of solvent pre-treatment on the physicochemical, thermal profiles and morphological behavior of Mangifera pajang seed fat

In this work, the effect of solvent pre-treatment (hexane, petroleum ether and ethanol) on the physicochemical, thermal and morphology behavior of Mangifera pajang seed fat (MPSF) were investigated. Fat extraction was performed using Soxhlet method, and results showed that the yield, physicochemical, and crystalline structures of the MPSF were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the extraction solvents. Hexane gave the highest fat yield (7.67 %) with low unsaturation value (52.13 g iodine/g) compared with petroleum ether and ethanol. Hexane MPSF also had low oxidation rate (peroxide value of 1.1 mEq/g). Both non-stabilized and stabilized hexane MPSF showed a single melting endothermic peak at high temperature with onset, maximum peak and offset temperature of 16.23 ˚C-18.21 °C, 28.22 ˚C-31.25 °C and 34.85 ˚C-39.58 °C, respectively. Hexane MPSF crystallized rapidly at high temperature with single maximum peak starting at 16.51 ˚C-16.68 °C and ending at 0.23 ˚C-1.13 °C. In comparison with ethanol extract, hexane MPSF demonstrated a compact crystalline structure with a large densely packed center. Therefore, MPSF obtained from hexane presented better overall quality than those obtained from other extraction solvents. MPSF exhibited similar melting and morphological behavior to mango kernel fat and commercial cocoa butter. These results suggested that hexane was the best solvent for the extraction of MPSF. This fat also has the potential to be applied as a cocoa butter alternative fat or functional fat.

Liposomes Loaded with Unsaponifiable Matter from Amaranthus hypochondriacus as a Source of Squalene and Carrying Soybean Lunasin Inhibited Melanoma Cells

Amaranthus hypochondriacus is a source of molecules with reported health benefits such as antioxidant activity and cancer prevention. The objective of this research was to optimize the conditions for preparing a liposome formulation using amaranth unsaponifiable matter as a source of squalene in order to minimize the particle size and to maximize the encapsulation efficiency of liposomes for carrying and delivering soybean lunasin into melanoma cell lines. Amaranth oil was extracted using supercritical dioxide carbon extraction (55.2 MPa pressure, 80 °C temperature, solvent (CO₂)-to-feed (oil) ratio of 20). The extracted oil from amaranth was used to obtain the unsaponifiable enriched content of squalene, which was incorporated into liposomes. A Box–Behnken response surface methodology design was used to optimize the liposome formulation containing the unsaponifiable matter, once liposomes were optimized. Soybean lunasin was loaded into the liposomes and tested on A-375 and B16-F10 melanoma cells. The squalene concentration in the extracted oil was 36.64 ± 0.64 g/ 100 g of oil. The particle size in liposomes was between 115.8 and 163.1 nm; the squalene encapsulation efficiency ranged from 33.14% to 76.08%. The optimized liposome formulation contained 15.27 mg of phospholipids and 1.1 mg of unsaponifiable matter. Cell viability was affected by the liposome formulation with a half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) equivalent to 225 μM in B16-F10 and 215 μM in A-375. The liposomes formulated with lunasin achieved 82.14 ± 3.34% lunasin encapsulation efficiency and improved efficacy by decreasing lunasin IC₅₀ by 31.81% in B16-F10 and by 41.89% in A-375 compared with unencapsulated lunasin.

Comparative Studies on Different Extraction Methods of Centella asiatica and Extracts Bioactive Compounds Effects on Antimicrobial Activities

The interest of consumers in using products containing phytochemicals derived from plants is growing day by day due to the shift of consumers' preferences from convenience to environmental sustainability. One plant utilized in many products is Centella asiatica, a herb commonly used in folk medicine, health supplements, and beauty products. Extraction of bioactive compounds from C. asiatica was performed using conventional methods and modern methods (e.g., microwave or ultrasound-assisted and subcritical water extraction). This review summarizes the variety of methods used to extract active compounds from C. asiatica, their influence on the bioactive compounds and antimicrobial activity in vitro and in vivo, and the safety and toxicology of C. asiatica extract.

Predicting oil content in ripe Macaw fruits (Acrocomia aculeata) from unripe ones by near infrared spectroscopy and PLS regression

A method for early quantification of unripe macaw fruits oil content using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and partial least squares (PLS) is presented. After harvest, the fruit takes about 30 days to reach its maximum oil accumulation. The oil content was quantified thirty days after harvest using Soxhlet extraction. PLS models were built using NIR spectra of shell obtained five days after harvest (Shell5). The Shell5 model was compared with models built using NIR spectra of the shell (Shell30) and mesocarp thirty days after harvest (Pulp30). Ordered predictors selection was used to select the most informative variables. The best models presented root mean square error of prediction and correlation coefficient of prediction of 4.87% and 0.89 for Shell5; 5.83% and 0.85 for Shell30; 4.76% and 0.92 for Pulp30. Thus, the anticipated prediction of oil content could reduce the time and costs of macaw palm quality control and storage.

Modern technologies for extraction of aroma compounds from fruit peels: a review

Fruit peel is an agricultural by-product and potential source to extract natural aroma compounds with low cost. In the past few decades, the extraction of plant aroma volatiles experienced a transition from traditional to modern technologies. This review summarizes the main aroma compounds in different fruit peels, evaluates modern extraction techniques applicable for these aroma compounds in terms of mechanism, procedure, merits and demerits, and practice. Additionally, the applications of fruit peel aroma extract in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries are also discussed. This review provides comprehensive information for extraction and application of aroma compounds from fruit peels, which could facilitate the valorization of the agricultural by-products and reduce environmental impacts.

Optimization of extraction and quantification technique for phenolics content of garlic (Allium sativum): An application for comparative phytochemical evaluation based on cultivar origin

A range of conventional, i.e. maceration, percolation, ultrasonic assisted, Soxhlet and Soxtec extraction (STE), to advanced extraction techniques of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) was utilized for the first time in order to optimize the extract yield and recovery of phenolics-gallic acid (GA), rutin (RT) and quercetin (QT)-quantified via ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (UHPLC-DAD). The effect of solvents (n-hexane, dichloromethane and methanol) and temperature (60, 80 and 100°C) upon extraction yield, phenolic content and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS and DPPH) was studied, and the method was validated in commercial food samples from Saudi Arabia, China and India. A high extract yield with percentage recovery was observed for STE (1221.10 mg/5 g; 24.42%) and ASE techniques (91.50 mg/1 g; 9.15%) in methanol at 100°C. UHPLC-DAD showed retention times (min) of 0.67, 1.93 and 1.90 for GA, RT and QT, respectively in the shortest runtime of 3 min. The yield for phenolics was higher for STE/ASE (ppm): 15.27/15.29 (GA), 85.24/37.56 (RT) and 52.20/33.40 (QT), respectively. In terms of antioxidant activities, low IC₅₀ values (μg/ml) of 1.09/1.18 (DPPH), 2.11/5.32 (ABTS) and 4.35/7.88 (phenazine methosulfate-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) were observed for STE and ASE, respectively. Multivariate analysis for STE showed a significant (P = 0.000) correlation for extraction type vs. extract yield and phenolics content; however, there was no significance for antioxidant activities vs. extraction type. ASE showed a positive correlation for solvent vs. extraction yield, phenolics and antioxidant activity; however, there was no correlation for extraction yield and DPPH activity. Principal component analysis for STE showed a major variability (52.02%) for extraction yield and phenolics in PC1 followed by PC2 (38.30%) for antioxidant activities. For ASE, PC1 (48.68%) showed a positive correlation for solvent vs. extraction yield and phenolics while PC2 (33.12%) showed a positive correlation for temperature and antioxidant activities. STE and ASE were the optimized extraction techniques for the garlic food sample while a significant effect of solvent and temperature was observed upon extraction yield, phenolics and antioxidant activity.

Fruit seeds and their oils as promising sources of value-added lipids from agro-industrial byproducts: oil content, lipid composition, lipid analysis, biological activity and potential biotechnological applications

Thousands of tons of fruit seeds are discarded every year worldwide as agro-industrial byproducts. Fruit seeds have a high oil content, are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (FA) and in n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated essential FA. Sterols, phospholipids, glycolipids, carotenoids, tocopherols and polyphenols are other seed phytochemicals that make them interesting from a commercial viewpoint. Fruit seeds have high potential as raw material for several industries, but their lipid profile remains poorly studied. Current analytical approaches for the analysis of lipids that are based on high-performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry allow the separation and analysis of compounds with the accurate identification and structural characterization of molecular species in very small quantities. Even though lipidomic analysis of fruit seeds' lipids is still in its infancy, it will bring a new look over these value-added byproducts. This review covers the following topics: (a) the lipid content of various fruit seed oils; (b) their lipid composition (FA, triacylglycerol, sterol, phospholipid and glycolipid profiles), (c) current and future analytical methodologies for the analysis of lipids in fruit seeds; (d) biological activities of fruit seeds' extracts; and (e) potential biotechnological applications of fruit seed oils for their commercial valorization based on lipids.

Bioactive Profile of Various Salvia officinalis L. Preparations

Salvia officinalis L., also known as the “Salvation Plant”, has been long used and well-documented in traditional medicine around the globe. Its bioactive compounds, and especially its polyphenol profile, have been extensively researched and reviewed. However, sage’s beneficial effects reach much further, and nowadays, with a range of new extraction techniques, we are discovering new components with new therapeutic effects, especially in the context of neurodegenerative diseases and various carcinomas. This review describes the bioactive profile of various sage preparations depending on the extraction techniques and extraction parameters, and this review lists the newest research findings on its health effects.

The relevance of pharmacognosy in pharmacological research on herbal medicinal products

As all medicines, herbal medicinal products are expected to be safe, effective, and of appropriate quality. However, regulations on herbal medicinal products vary from country to country, and herbal preparations do occur not only in the form of medicinal products but also as less strictly regulated product groups like dietary supplements. Therefore, it is not always easy for the consumers to discriminate high-quality products from low-quality products. On the other hand, herbal medicines have many special features that distinguish them from conventional medicinal products. Plants are complex multicomponent mixtures; in addition, their phytochemical composition is not constant because of inherent variability and a plethora of external influences. Therefore, the production process of an herbal medicinal product needs to be strictly monitored. First of all, the starting materials need to be correctly authenticated and free of adulterants and contaminants. During plant growth, many factors like harvest season and time, developmental stage, temperature, and humidity have a strong impact on plant metabolite production. Also, postharvest processing steps like drying and storage can significantly alter the phytochemical composition of herbal material. As the production of many phytopharmaceuticals includes an extraction step, the extraction solvent and conditions need to be optimized in order to enrich the bioactive constituents in the extract. The quality of finished preparations needs to be determined either on the basis of marker constituents or on the basis of analytical fingerprints. Thus, all production stages should be accompanied by appropriate quality assessment measures. Depending on the particular task, different methods need to be applied, ranging from macroscopic, microscopic, and DNA-based authentication methods to spectroscopic methods like vibrational spectroscopy and chromatographic and hyphenated methods like HPLC, GC-MS and LC-MS. Also, when performing pharmacological and toxicological studies, many features inherent in herbal medicinal products need to be considered in order to guarantee valid results: concerning in vitro studies, difficulties are often related to lacking knowledge of ADME characteristics of the bioactive constituents, nuisance compounds producing false positive and false negative results, and solubility problems. In in vivo animal studies, the route of administration is a very important issue. Clinical trials on herbal medicinal products in humans very often suffer from a poor reporting quality. This often hampers or precludes the pooling of clinical data for systematic reviews. In order to overcome this problem, appropriate documentation standards for clinical trials on herbal medicinal products have been defined in an extension of the CONSORT checklist. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Botanicals for Epilepsy".