Antioxidants of Fruit Extracts as Antimicrobial Agents against Pathogenic Bacteria

In Vivo and in Vitro Mitigation of Salmonella Typhimurium Isolates by Fortunella Japonica Fruit Extract

The vast dissemination of resistance to different antibiotics among bacterial pathogens, especially foodborne pathogens, has drawn major research attention. Thus, many attempts have been made to reveal novel alternatives to the current antibiotics. Due to their variable pharmacologically active phytochemicals, plants represent a good solution for this issue. This study investigated the antibacterial potential of Kumquat or Fortunella japonica methanol extract (FJME) against Salmonella typhimurium clinical isolates. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) characterized 39 compounds in FJME. Palmitic acid (15.386%) and cis-vaccenic acid (15.012%) are the major active constituents detected by GC/MS. Remarkably, FJME had minimum inhibitory concentrations from 128 to 512 µg/mL in vitro. In addition, a systemic infection model revealed the in vivo antibacterial action of FJME. The antibacterial therapeutic activity of FJME was noticed by improving the histological features of the liver and spleen. Moreover, there was a perceptible lessening (p < 0.05) of the levels of the oxidative stress markers (nitric oxide and malondialdehyde) using ELISA. In addition, the gene expression of the proinflammatory cytokine (interleukin 6) was downregulated. On the other hand, there was an upregulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin 10). Accordingly, future clinical investigations should be done to reveal the potential antibacterial action of FJME on other food pathogens.

DFT, GC-MS analysis and biological evaluation of Limbarda crithmoides L. Dumort essential oil; an important edible halophyte grown in Pakistan

Antimicrobial resistance is a major health burden in Pakistan, and therefore new herbal medicine-based therapeutic regimens are being largely investigated. Limbarda crithmoides essential oil was extracted by using hydrodistillation method. Chemical profiling of essential was evaluated by using FTIR and GC-MS analysis. A total of 20 components were identified including, p-xylene, o-xylene, β-linalool, acetophenole and 3-isopropylphenyl methylcarbamate. The HOMO and LUMO analysis in DFT investigations presented that 3-isopropylphenyl methylcarbamate, p-xylene and o-xylene posess a substantial capacity to transfer charge through molecules. The antimicrobial potential of essential oil showed moderate inhibition against E. coli (MIC = 6.25 mg/mL), whereras a significant inhibition Staphylococos aureus was recorded (MIC = 3.12 mg/mL). Further, significant antioxidant activities were recorded in DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 = 80.5 µg/mL), H2O2 (64 ± 1.2%) and FRAP (60.3 µg ferrous equivalents) assays. It was therefore concluded that Limbarda crithmoides essential oil has potential antioxidant and anti-antimicrobial properties and can be used for further investigations.

Comparative metabolomics analysis of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis Swingle and Limonia acidissima Linn. Fruits and leaves cultivated in Egypt in context to their antiviral effects

A comprehensive study of fruits and leaves extracts of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis Swingle and Limonia acidissima L. family Rutaceae was accomplished to investigate their antiviral activity along with their zinc oxide nanoparticles formulation (ZnONPs) against the avian influenza H5N1 virus. A thorough comparative phytochemical investigation of C. medica and L.acidissima leaves and fruits was performed using UPLC-QTOF-MS-MS. Antiviral effects further aided by molecular docking proved the highly significant potential of using C. medica and L.acidissima extracts as medicinal agents. Antiviral potency is ascendingly arranged as L. acidissima leaves (LAL) > L. acidissima fruits (LAF) > C. medica leaves (CML) at 160 μg. Nano formulation of LAF has the most splendid antiviral upshot. The metabolomic profiling of CMF and LAL revealed the detection of 48 & 74 chromatographic peaks respectively. Docking simulation against five essential proteins in survival and replication of the influenza virus revealed that flavonoid di-glycosides (hesperidin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and kaempferol-7-neohesperidoside) have shown great affinity toward the five investigated proteins and achieved docking scores which approached or even exceeded that achieved by the native ligands. Hesperidin has demonstrated the best binding affinity toward neuraminidase (NA), haemagglutinin (HA), and polymerase protein PB2 (-10.675, -8.131, and -10.046 kcal/mol respectively. We propose using prepared crude methanol extracts of both plants as an antiviral agent.

Berries as Foods: Processing, Products, and Health Implications

Berries are highly regarded as flavorful and healthy fruits that may prevent or delay some chronic diseases attributed to oxidative stress and inflammation. Berries are low in calories and harbor diverse bioactive phytochemicals, antioxidants, dietary fibers, and vitamins. This review delves into the main characteristics of fresh berries and berry products as foods and the technologies associated with their production. The main effects of processing operations and related variables on bioactive components and antioxidants are described. This review critically discusses why some health claims based on in vitro antioxidant data and clinical studies and intervention trials are difficult to assess. The review suggests that the beneficial health effects of berries are derived from a multifactorial combination of complex mixtures of abundant phenolic components, antioxidants, and their metabolites acting synergistically or additively with other nutrients like fibers and vitamins and possibly by modulating the gut microbiota.

Seriphidium herba-alba (Asso): A comprehensive study of essential oils, extracts, and their antimicrobial properties

Seriphidium herba-alba (Asso), a plant celebrated for its therapeutic qualities, is widely used in traditional medicinal practices throughout the Middle East and North Africa. In a detailed study of Seriphidium herba-alba (Asso), essential oils and extracts were analyzed for their chemical composition and antimicrobial properties. The essential oil, characterized using mass spectrometry and retention index methods, revealed a complex blend of 52 compounds, with santolina alcohol, α-thujone, β-thujone, and chrysanthenone as major constituents. Extraction yields varied significantly, depending on the plant part and method used; notably, methanol soaking of aerial parts yielded the most extract at 17.75%. The antimicrobial analysis showed that the extracts had selective antibacterial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, and broad-spectrum antifungal activity against organisms such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus spp. The methanol-soaked extract demonstrated the strongest antimicrobial properties, indicating its potential as a natural antimicrobial source. This study not only underscores the therapeutic potential of Seriphidium herba-alba (Asso) in pharmaceutical applications but also sets a foundation for future research focused on isolating specific bioactive compounds and in vivo testing.

Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate attenuates lipopolysacharide-induced pneumonia via modification of inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy

BACKGROUND

Pneumonia, the acute inflammation of lung tissue, is multi-factorial in etiology. Hence, continuous studies are conducted to determine the mechanisms involved in the progression of the disease and subsequently suggest effective treatment. The present study attempted to evaluate the effects of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG), an herbal antioxidant, on inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy in a rat pneumonia model.

METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats, 5 months old and 250-290 g were divided into four groups including control, EGCG, experimental pneumonia (i/p LPS injection, 1 mg/kg), and experimental pneumonia treated with EGCG (i/p, 15 mg/kg, 1 h before and 3 h after LPS instillation). Total cell number in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, inflammation (TNF-a, Il-6, IL-1β, and NO), oxidative stress (Nrf2, HO-1, SOD, CAT, GSH, GPX, MDA, and TAC), apoptosis (BCL-2, BAX, CASP-3 and CASP-9), and autophagy (mTOR, LC3, BECN1) were evaluated.

RESULTS

The findings demonstrated that EGCG suppresses the LPS-induced activation of inflammatory pathways by a significant reduction of inflammatory markers (p-value < 0.001). In addition, the upregulation of BCL-2 and downregulation of BAX and caspases revealed that EGCG suppressed LPS-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, ECGC suppressed oxidative injury while promoting autophagy in rats with pneumonia (p-value < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The current study revealed that EGCG could suppress inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and promote autophagy in experimental pneumonia models of rats suggesting promising therapeutical properties of this compound to be used in pneumonia management.

The consequences of fermentation metabolism on the qualitative qualities and biological activity of fermented fruit and vegetable juices

Fermentation of fruit and vegetable juices with probiotics is a novel nutritional approach with potential health benefits. Lactic acid fermentation-based biotransformation results in changes in the profile and nature of bioactive compounds and improves the organoleptic properties, shelf life and bioavailability of vitamins and minerals in the fermented juices. This process has been shown to enrich the phenolic profile and bioactivity components of the juices, resulting in a new type of functional food with improved health benefits. Fruits and vegetables are the ideal substrate for microbial growth, and fruit and vegetable juice will produce rich nutrients and a variety of functional activities after fermentation, so that the high-quality utilization of fruits and vegetables is realized, and the future fermented fruit and vegetable juice products have a wide application market. This paper explores the typical fermentation methods for fruit and vegetable juices, investigates the bioactive components, functional activities, and the influence of fermentation on enhancing the quality of fruit and vegetable juices. The insights derived from this study carry significant implications for guiding the development of fermented fruit and vegetable juice industry.

Influence of incorporating dried fruits on dairy drinks characteristics focusing on their antimicrobial effects

Objective

The study was designed to show the effect of adding different levels of dried fruit extracts for 14 days on sensory and chemical parameters in dairy drinks. The survival of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus in artificially contaminated dairy drinks fortified with these extracts was also studied.

Materials and Methods

The freshly watery extracts and nonaqueous extracts of dried fruits were prepared by rotary evaporators and solvents, respectively. The determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration of dried fruit extracts was achieved using the disc diffusion test. The sensory evaluation of samples was done, while the chemical parameters of the examined samples were determined by the calibrated analyzer. In addition, the degree of survival of P. aeruginosa and B. cereus in inoculated milk samples was also estimated.

Results

In pasteurized and Rayeb milk samples, the water extract of carob and all alcoholic dried fruit extracts had a significant effect on compositional parameters in comparison to control samples. At day 14 of pasteurized milk storage, the watery (20.0%) and alcoholic (10.0%) extracts of carob significantly improved its sensory parameters.

Conclusion

Based on the survival results, all utilized dried fruit extracts had a significant inhibitory effect on P. aeruginosa and B. cereus growth in the fortified milk samples at the end of storage. This trial of the survival of these new dairy drinks is the first investigation, particularly in the Middle East. Extracts of utilized dried fruits have prospective functions that enhance dairy drink characteristics.

Anticaries properties of natural berries: systematic literature review

CONTEXT

Anticariogenic properties have been ascribed to polyphenolic compounds present in high concentrations in numerous fruits. Berries, in particular, have been reported as potentially having an inhibitory effect on the dental biofilm and subsequently on caries, but the evidence is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to explore the literature and summarize the evidence for berries having an inhibitory effect on the dental biofilm and an anticariogenic effect.

DATA SOURCES

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, the PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases were scanned using predefined and accessible terms, with a search strategy based on a structured PICO question.

DATA EXTRACTION

After article selection, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria, most of them being in vitro studies. A risk assessment was performed, and data were extracted and presented in a table for qualitative analysis.

DATA ANALYSIS

Meta-analyses were conducted using standardized mean differences (SMDs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) by Review manager 5.4.

RESULTS

Only 3 types of berries were found to have a reported anticaries effect: grape seed extract (GSE), cranberry, and sour cherry. Nine studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were subjected to quantitative analysis. Meta-analyses showed GSE was associated with enhanced remineralization of dental enamel (SMD = .96 95% CI [.45, 1.46], P < .0002) and of dentin (SMD = .65 95% CI [.13, 1.17], P = .01). Cranberry extracts positively influenced the cariogenic dental biofilm by decreasing the biofilm biomass (SMD = -2.23 95% CI [-4.40, -.05], P = .04), and biovolume (SMD = -2.86 95% CI [-4.34, -1.37], P = .0002), and increasing the biofilm pH (SMD = 7.9 95% CI [3.49, 12.31], P < .0004).

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this systematic review and metaanalysis, GSE and cranberries or their active compounds could represent an alternative for caries management. Further clinical trials are needed to verify this effect in a clinical setting.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020223579.

Biological Properties of Recently Described Wild Bramble Rubus oklejewiczii against the Species from Similar Niches

The aim of this study was to compare the biological properties, such as antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant, of recently described pentaploid species Rubus oklejewiczii with tetraploid taxa growing in similar habitats including R. plicatus, R. gracilis, and R. wimmerianus. The antiviral potential was analyzed against bacteriophages with different genetic material: phi6 (a surrogate for the SARS-CoV-2 virus), T7, phiX174, and MS2. Antibacterial properties of fruit and leaf extracts were determined against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica. The total phenolic content, as well as anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, pH, and antioxidant properties (FRAP and DPPH) were determined. R. oklejewiczii leaf extract was characterized by the weakest antibacterial and antiviral properties, which was closely correlated with the lowest content of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant properties. The strongest biological properties were observed for R. wimmerianus leaves. Fruit extracts were characterized by lower phenolic content and antioxidant activities than leaves, with the lowest values observed for R. oklejewiczii extract. The antibacterial properties of fruit extracts were strongest for R. gracilis. The strongest antiviral potential was observed for R. oklejewiczii and R. wimmerianus fruit extracts against the bacteriophage phi6, which correlated with the lowest pH and the highest ascorbic acid content. The positive effect of the higher ploidy of R. oklejewiczii for most of the analyzed biological properties was not observed except for the antiviral potential of fruit extract. Due to its large and tasty fruits, this species seems to be very promising for cultivation and attractive for consumers, even though most of its biological properties were not any better compared to other examined tetraploid species.

Comparative Effects on Using Bilberry Leaves in Broiler Diet Reared under Thermoneutral Conditions vs. Heat Stress on Performance, Health Status and Gut Microbiota

The study aims to investigate the impact of dietary bilberry leaves on the performance, health status, and gut microbiota of broilers reared in both thermoneutral conditions and under heat stress. Sixty Cobb 500 broiler chicks were divided into two groups (C-TN, BL-TN) and reared in thermoneutral conditions for the first trial. For the second trial, two other groups (C-HS and BL-HS) were reared in heat stress (32 °C), with 30 chickens in each group. The experimental diets were supplemented with 1% bilberry leaves compared to the control diets. The broilers fed a diet with bilberry leaves had lower levels of cholesterol compared to the control birds. At the end of the experiment, six broilers per group were slaughtered, and intestinal contents were collected for bacteriological analyses. The results revealed that bilberry leaves increased body weight and average daily feed intake in the BL-TN group compared to the C-HS group. However, the broilers fed a bilberry leaves diet and reared in heat stress had a significantly lower average daily feed intake and average daily weight gain than the C-TN group. Additionally, the number of staphylococci colonies decreased significantly in the group fed with a BL-supplemented diet and reared in TN compared to C-TN, while lactobacilli increased significantly in BL-TN compared to C-TN. In summary, bilberry leaves can be used as a natural supplement in a broiler's diet to regulate serum cholesterol in heat stress and maintain the health of intestinal microflora in thermoneutral conditions.

Recent Updates on the Antimicrobial Compounds from Marine-Derived Penicillium fungi

In this review, 72 compounds isolated from marine-derived Penicillium fungi and their antimicrobial activities are reviewed from 2020 to 2023. According to their structures, these compounds can be divided into terpenoids, polyketides, alkaloids and other structural compounds, among which terpenoids and polyketides are relatively large in number. Some compounds have powerful inhibitory effects against different pathogenic bacteria and fungi. This review aims to provide more useful information and enlightenment for further efficient utilization of Penicillium spp. and their secondary metabolites.

Differential Correlation of Transcriptome Data Reveals Gene Pairs and Pathways Involved in Treatment of Citrobacter rodentium Infection with Bioactive Punicalagin

This study is part of the work investigating bioactive fruit enzymes as sustainable alternatives to parasite anthelmintics that can help reverse the trend of lost efficacy. The study looked to define biological and molecular interactions that demonstrate the ability of the pomegranate extract punicalagin against intracellular parasites. The study compared transcriptomic reads of two distinct conditions. Condition A was treated with punicalagin (PA) and challenged with Citrobacter rodentium, while condition B (CM) consisted of a group that was challenged and given mock treatment of PBS. To understand the effect of punicalagin on transcriptomic changes between conditions, a differential correlation analysis was conducted. The analysis examined the regulatory connections of genes expressed between different treatment conditions by statistically querying the relationship between correlated gene pairs and modules in differing conditions. The results indicated that punicalagin treatment had strong positive correlations with the over-enriched gene ontology (GO) terms related to oxidoreductase activity and lipid metabolism. However, the GO terms for immune and cytokine responses were strongly correlated with no punicalagin treatment. The results matched previous studies that showed punicalagin to have potent antioxidant and antiparasitic effects when used to treat parasitic infections in mice and livestock. Overall, the results indicated that punicalagin enhanced the effect of tissue-resident genes.

Pouteria caimito fruit derived nanoparticles inhibited the apple ring rot disease as well as extended the shelf-life of sliced apples

Background

Apple disease, exaggerated by Botryosphaeria dothidea, is a foremost intimidating problem for extending the apple fruit shelf-life and producing substantial economic losses for cultivators and distributors. Alternate sources are urgently needed to prevent or inhibit the ring rot infection of apple fruit instigated by Botryosphaeria dothidea.

Objective

In this current study, we premeditated to make novel organic nanoparticles as of Pouteria caimito fruit extract and calcium chloride (PCNP), which were used to evaluate the preventive outcome of Botryosphaeria dothidea-caused apple disease on postharvest apple fruits.

Results

Our findings corroborated that the fruit derived nanoparticle had been confirmed for quality and size by altered estimations such as fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-vis spectroscopic analysis, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray (SEM and EDX) estimation, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. In addition, we have investigated the excellent inhibitory action of the pathogen infection in apples initiated by Botryosphaeria dothidea. The protective enzymes function was pointedly improved in nanoparticle-treated apple fruits once equated with those of control apple fruits. The catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were pointedly improved in nanoparticle-treated fruits when compared to those of control fruits. The shelf-life extension studies were conducted for 7 days with a fresh-cut apple. The total soluble solid, pH, weight loss, and sensory studies were analyzed, and they proved the extension of sliced apple shelf life up to 7 days.

Conclusions

The discoveries of this study provided a well-organized, harmless, and environment-friendly substitute to control the apple disease as well as the durability postponement of sliced apples 7 days or may longer.

Antimicrobial activity of dietary supplements based on bacterial lysate of Lactobacillus rhamnosus DV

Introduction

According to WHO, antibiotic resistance is increasing to hazardous levels worldwide. Candidiasis often occurs after taking antibiotics. Therefore, antibiotic resistance is a global problem and searching for antibacterial agents is necessary.

Aim

To determine the antimicrobial activity of bacterial lysate of Lactobacillus (L.) rhamnosus DV separately and with plant extracts against bacterial and yeast test cultures.

Material and methods

Antimicrobial activity of Del-Immune V® (cell wall and DNA fragments from a L. rhamnosus DV) separately and with cinnamon, beetroot, and blackcurrant extracts was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Twofold serial dilutions determined the MIC in previously prepared meat-peptone broth (MPB) for bacteria and liquid wort for yeast. In the study, gram-negative (Escherichia coli IEM-1, Proteus vulgaris PА-12, Pseudomonas sp. MI-2, L. rhamnosus 13/2) and gram-positive (Bacillus (B.) subtilis BТ-2, Staphylococcus aureus BМС-1) bacteria, as well as yeast (Candida (C.) albicans D-6, C. tropicalis PE-2, C. utilis BVS-65) were used as test cultures.

Results

The MIC for the studied bacterial test cultures after application of L. rhamnosus DV bacterial lysates was from 1.0 ± 0.05 mg/mL to 12.5 ± 0.63 mg/mL, which was significantly less than that of the thermally inactivated control (MIC from 125.0 ± 6.25 mg/mL to 250.0 ± 12.5 mg/mL). B. subtilis BT-2 culture was the least sensitive to the action of the bacterial lysate (MIC-12.5 ± 0.63 mg/mL). It showed the best antibacterial and antifungal effect bacterial lysate with the phytonutrient blackcurrant.

Conclusions

It was demonstrated that bacterial lysate of lactic acid bacteria L. rhamnosus DV exhibits antibacterial and antifungal properties during direct contact with pathogenic agents.

The synergistic ramification of insoluble dietary fiber and associated non-extractable polyphenols on gut microbial population escorting alleviation of lifestyle diseases

Most of the pertinent research which aims at exploring the therapeutic effects of polyphenols usually misapprehends a large fraction of non-extractable polyphenols due to their poor aqueous-organic solvent extractability. These polymeric polyphenols (i.e., proanthocyanins, hydrolysable tannins and phenolic acids) possess a unique property to adhere to the food matrix polysaccharides and protein sowing to their structural complexity with high glycosylation, degree of polymerization, and plenty of hydroxyl groups. Surprisingly resistance to intestinal absorption does not hinder its bioactivity but accelerates its functionality manifolds due to the colonic microbial catabolism in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby protecting the body from local and systemic inflammatory diseases. This review highlights not only the chemistry, digestion, colonic metabolism of non-extractable polyphenols (NEPP) but also summarises the synergistic effect of matrix-bound NEPP exerting local as well as systemic health benefits.

Reduction of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm growth and development using arctic berry extracts

Introduction

Surgical site infection remains a devastating and feared complication of surgery caused mainly by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). More specifically, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infection poses a serious threat to global health. Therefore, developing new antibacterial agents to address drug resistance are urgently needed. Compounds derived from natural berries have shown a strong antimicrobial potential.

Methods

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of various extracts from two arctic berries, cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus), on the development of an MRSA biofilm and as treatment on a mature MRSA biofilm. Furthermore, we evaluated the ability of two cloudberry seed-coat fractions, hydrothermal extract and ethanol extract, and the wet-milled hydrothermal extract of a raspberry press cake to inhibit and treat biofilm development in a wound-like medium. To do so, we used a model strain and two clinical strains isolated from infected patients.

Results

All berry extracts prevented biofilm development of the three MRSA strains, except the raspberry press cake hydrothermal extract, which produced a diminished anti-staphylococcal effect.

Discussion

The studied arctic berry extracts can be used as a treatment for a mature MRSA biofilm, however some limitations in their use exist.

Crosstalk between dietary pomegranate and gut microbiota: evidence of health benefits

Gut microbiota (GM) is an invisible organ that plays an important role in human health. Increasing evidence suggests that polyphenols in pomegranate (punicalagin, PU) could serve as prebiotics to modulate the composition and function of GM. In turn, GM transform PU into bioactive metabolites such as ellagic acid (EA) and urolithin (Uro). In this review, the interplay between pomegranate and GM is thoroughly described by unveiling a dialog in which both actors seem to affect each other's roles. In a first dialog, the influence of bioactive compounds from pomegranate on GM is described. The second act shows how the GM biotransform pomegranate phenolics into Uro. Finally, the health benefits of Uro and that related molecular mechanism are summarized and discussed. Intake of pomegranate promotes beneficial bacteria in GM (e.g. Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp.) while reducing the growth of harmful bacteria (e.g. Bacteroides fragilis group, Clostridia). Akkermansia muciniphila, and Gordonibacter spp., among others, biotransform PU and EA into Uro. Uro contributes to strengthening intestinal barrier and reducing inflammatory processes. Yet, Uro production varies greatly among individuals and depend on GM composition. Uro-producing bacteria and precise metabolic pathways need to be further elucidated therefore contributing to personalized and precision nutrition.

Ergosterol and polyphenol contents as rapid indicators of orchardgrass silage safety

The ergosterol (ERG) has been proposed as a potential indicator of fungal contamination, along with polyphenol content analysis to predict silage safety. Despite efforts in controlling fungal growth in silage, mycotoxin co-contamination represents a possible risk for animal and human health. Modern analytical techniques determine a multitude of fungal metabolites contaminating feed. Nonetheless, these methods require sometimes arduous sample pre-treatment, long separation times, and expensive standard compounds to identified contaminants. Thus, the goal of this study was to suggest a rapid analysis of ERG and polyphenol contents to assess silage hygienic quality in ten orchardgrass varieties ensiled without and with biological and chemical additives. The determination of ERG on samples was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography using UV detection and UV/Vis spectrophotometry to determine the polyphenol content. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between varieties, years and silage additives were found. Bepro was the unique variety that did not present ERG in the first cut in 2012. ERG content increased in the first cut in 2013 using biological additives as well as ERG and polyphenol contents in the first cut in 2013 using chemical additives compared with untreated silage. In addition, biological and chemical additives used in this study did not satisfactorily reduce the content of ERG and polyphenols in silage grass. Consequently, our results provide fast information about the progressive fungal contamination of grass silage. To our knowledge, it is the first time that the presence of ERG and polyphenols is determined in ten different orchardgrass varieties treated without and with additives. In general, ERG and polyphenol contents showed to be good indicators of orchardgrass silage safety.

Utilization of spray-dried raspberry powder as a natural additive to improve oxidative stability, microbial quality and overcome the perception of discoloration in vacuum-packed ground beef during chilled storage

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of spray-dried raspberry powder (SDRP) (CONTROL, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 3.0%) as a natural antioxidant, antimicrobial, and colorant on physicochemical properties, lipid oxidation, discoloration, and microbial quality of vacuum-packed (VP) ground beef during chilled storage at 2 ± 0.5 °C for 18 days. By incorporating SDRP into VP ground beef pH, lipid oxidation (TBARS), lightness, and hue angle (h°) values decreased (P < .01), while redness (a*) and chroma (C*) values improved (P < .01). SDRP treatments had higher redness, more stable color, and lower pH and TBARS values during storage in a dose-dependent manner (P < .05), demonstrating that SDRP had a preventive effect on lipid oxidation and discoloration. The combination of vacuum packaging with SDRP generally resulted in lower bacterial growth during storage. These results demonstrated that 2% or 3% SDRP treatment has promising potential as an effective strategy to achieve oxidative and microbial stability and overcome discoloration in VP fresh meats.

Antimicrobial Potential, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Content of Grape Seed Extracts from Four Grape Varieties

The aim of this study was to evaluate the total phenolic content, composition, and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of four grape seed extracts (Cabernet Sauvignon, Marselan, Pinot Noir, and Tamyanka). The total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid, anthocyanin, procyanidin, ascorbic acid, DPPH, and ABTS antioxidant capacities of the grape seed extracts (GSEs) were determined. The extracts showed high TPC values (79.06-111.22 mg GAE/g). The individual components in the GSEs were determined using HPLC. High contents of catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B1 were found in the extracts. The antimicrobial activity of the obtained GSEs against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Escherichia coli was evaluated using the agar diffusion test and a test to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). According to the effect on the growth of pathogens, the extracts were ranked in the following order: Pinot Noir > Marselan > Cabernet Sauvignon > Tamyanka. The tested bacteria showed high sensitivity to the extracts (MIC = 0.12-0.50 mg/mL). According to the MIC values, the bacteria were in the following order: S. aureus > B. cereus > E. coli. A correlation was found between the phenolic content of the GSEs and their antibacterial potential. The obtained results show that the studied GSEs have good potential as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.

Potential of phenolic compounds from pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) by-product with significant antioxidant and therapeutic effects: A narrative review

The wealth of epidemiological evidence in the scientific world underscores the possibility that a plant-based diet can reduce the prevalence of common diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and stroke. The therapeutic effects of plant sources are partly explained by phenolic secondary metabolites or polyphenolic compounds. Therefore, polyphenolic compounds, which are widely distributed in plants, are of great interest for the development of effective specific drugs with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, polyphenol compounds have no harmful effects due to their natural biocompatibility and safety. Numerous studies have highlighted the potential of some industrial food wastes from plant material processing, including apple peels and mashed potatoes, grape skins, tomato and carrot peels, pomegranate peels and seeds, and many others. These byproducts are considered low-cost sources of natural biological compounds, including antioxidants, which have beneficial effects on human health. The polyphenol complex of pomegranate peel (Punica granatum L.), which makes up half of the pomegranate fruit, has more pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties than other parts. And the most important active components of pomegranate peel, which are found only in this plant, are punicalagin, followed by ellagic acid and gallic acid. It is known that these polyphenolic compounds of pomegranate peel have the most pronounced therapeutic effect. Several studies have shown the protective effect of ellagic acid, punicalagin, against oxidative stress damage caused by free radicals. The potential of pomegranate peel as an antioxidant and therapeutic component in various biological systems is high, according to scientific sources. However, despite extensive research in recent years, a review of sources has shown that there is insufficient evidence to support the therapeutic effects of polyphenolic compounds from pomegranate peels. The role of pomegranate peel polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoids, as antioxidants in various biological systems also requires further research. Of particular importance are the mechanisms by which antioxidants influence the cellular response against oxidative stress. The purpose of this review was to report our current knowledge of plant polyphenolic compounds and their classification, and to evaluate the potential of phenolic compounds from pomegranate peels with significant antioxidant and therapeutic effects.

Valorization of Peels of Eight Peach Varieties: GC-MS Profile, Free and Bound Phenolics and Corresponding Biological Activities

Sustainability, becoming essential for food processing and technology, sets goals for the characterization of resources considered as food waste. In this work, information about the GC-MS metabolites of peach peels was provided as a tool that can shed more light on the studied biological activities. In addition, distribution patterns and contribution of the chemical profile and free and bound phenolic compounds as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzymatic clusters in peach peels of different varieties of Bulgarian origin were studied. The two applied techniques (alkaline and acid hydrolysis) for releasing the bound phenolics reveal that alkaline hydrolysis is a better extraction approach. Still, the results indicate the prevalence of the free phenolics in the studied peach peel varieties. Total phenolics of peach wastes were positively correlated with their antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity results certainly defined the need of an individual interpretation for each variety, but the free phenolics fractions could be outlined with the strongest potential. The limited ability of the peels' extracts to inhibit α-amylase and acetylcholinesterase, and the moderate antimicrobial activity, on the other hand, indicate that the potential of peach peels is still sufficient to seek ways to valorize this waste. Indeed, this new information about peach peels can be used to characterize peach fruits from different countries and/or different food processes, as well as to promote the use of this fruit waste in food preparation.

Unravelling the In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Helicobacter pylori Effect of Delphinidin-3-O-Glucoside Rich Extract from Pomegranate Exocarp: Enhancing Autophagy and Downregulating TNF-α and COX2

Fruits containing antioxidants, e.g., anthocyanins, exhibit antimicrobial activities. The emergence of drug resistance represents a major challenge in eradicating H. pylori. The current study aims to explore the effect of pomegranate exocarp anthocyanin methanol extract (PEAME) against H. pylori isolates recovered from antral gastric biopsies. The UPLC-PDA-MS/MS and 1H NMR analyses indicated delphinidin-3-O-glucoside as the major anthocyanin in the extract. The PEAME showed activity against all tested resistant isolates in vitro recording minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of 128 and 256 µg/mL, respectively. In vivo investigation included evaluation of the rat gastric mucosa for malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase activity, COX2, TNF-α, and key autophagy gene expression. The combination of pomegranate with metronidazole markedly reduced the viable count of H. pylori and the level of COX2, with alleviation of H. pylori-induced inflammation and oxidative stress (reduction of MDA, p-value < 0.001; and increase in catalase activity, p-value < 0.001). Autophagy gene expression was significantly upregulated upon treatment, whereas TNF-α was downregulated. In conclusion, we comprehensively assessed the effect of PEAME against H. pylori isolates, suggesting its potential in combination with metronidazole for eradication of this pathogen. The beneficial effect of PEAME may be attributed to its ability to enhance autophagy.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Selected Fruit Juices

Fruit and fruit juices are a valuable source of bioactive compounds, which can protect our organisms from oxidative stress. The phenolic compounds and other phytochemicals may affect the antimicrobial properties of juices. The aim of this study has been to evaluate antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of selected berry juices and vitamin C-rich fruit juices. The research material was composed of seven juices, including three from berries (elderberry chokeberry, cranberry), three from vitamin C-rich fruit (sea buckthorn, wild rose, Japanese quince) and one exotic juice from noni fruit. Antioxidant capacity, total polyphenol, total flavonoid and total anthocyanin content were determined. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) as well as the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were evaluated. The research showed that fruit juices from wild rose, chokeberry and Japanese quince had the highest antioxidant capacity. These juices were characterised by the rich content of polyphenols. Elderberry and chokeberry juices had the highest total anthocyanins. The juices differed in the content of bioactive compounds and specific bactericidal properties against Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria. Fruit juices from cranberry, Japanese quince and sea buckthorn had the highest antimicrobial activity. Wild rose, chokeberry and elderberry juices, despite their high antioxidant properties, showed antimicrobial activity only against Gram-positive strains, except Enterococcus faecalis and Clostridium perfringens. Significant differences in the content of bioactive compounds in fruit juices affect the antimicrobial properties juices.

Geographic Variability of Berry Phytochemicals with Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties

The aim of this study was to determine the variability of several chemical compounds and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of eight types of berries harvested from two different geographical regions in the same year. The analyses were performed on bilberry, black currant, gooseberry, red currant, raspberry, sea buckthorn, strawberry and sour cherry, which were handpicked during the summer of 2019, in the same periods when they are typically harvested for consumer purposes. Total anthocyanins content (TAC), total flavonoids content (TFC), total polyphenolic compounds (TPC), determination of the Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), determination of the DPPH free radical scavenging assay (RSA), determination of nine phenolic compounds by HPLC-UV assay and antimicrobial activity were determined for undiluted hydroalcoholic extracts of all the studied berries. The results showed that the berries from Romania were richer in antioxidant compounds than the berries from Russia. The TPC content varied between 4.13-22.2 mg GAE/g d.w., TFC between 3.33-8.87 mg QE/g d.w. and TAC between 0.13-3.94 mg/g d.w. The highest variability was determined for TPC. Regarding the antioxidant activity assessed by FRAP assay, values were between 6.02-57.23 µmols TE/g d.w. and values for the RSA method between 18.44-83.81%. From the eight types of berries analyzed, bilberries and raspberries had the highest antioxidant activity considering both regions and both determination methods. Not only the type, but also the environmental and cultivation conditions in which the berries grow, can lead to variations in their chemical composition. The extracted polyphenolic compounds from the studied berries showed antibacterial properties on pathogens, such as Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphyloccocus aureus. The inhibitory action on Salmonella typhi and fungi Candida albicans and Aspegillus niger was absent to very low. The antimicrobial activity of the hydroalcoholic extracts was dependent on the provenance of the berries, too.

Hesperidin: A Review on Extraction Methods, Stability and Biological Activities

Hesperidin is a bioflavonoid occurring in high concentrations in citrus fruits. Its use has been associated with a great number of health benefits, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties. The food industry uses large quantities of citrus fruit, especially for the production of juice. It results in the accumulation of huge amounts of by-products such as peels, seeds, cell and membrane residues, which are also a good source of hesperidin. Thus, its extraction from these by-products has attracted considerable scientific interest with aim to use as natural antioxidants. In this review, the extraction and determination methods for quantification of hesperidin in fruits and by-products are presented and discussed as well as its stability and biological activities.