Natural Antioxidants in Foods and Medicinal Plants: Extraction, Assessment and Resources

Regulatory effect of Balanites aegyptiaca ethanol extract on oxidant/antioxidant status, inflammatory cytokines, and cell apoptosis gene expression in goat abomasum experimentally infected with Haemonchus Contortus

This experiment aimed to assess the regulatory effects of treatment with Balanites aegyptiaca fruit ethanol extract (BA-EE) on oxidant/antioxidant status, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and cell apoptosis gene expression in the abomasum of Haemonchus contortus-infected goats. Twenty goat kids were assigned randomly to four equal groups: (G1) infected-untreated, (G2) uninfected-BA-EE-treated, (G3) infected-albendazole-treated, (G4) infected-BA-EE-treated. Each goat in (G1), (G3), and (G4) was orally infected with 10,000 infective third-stage larvae. In the fifth week postinfection, single doses of albendazole (5 mg/kg.BW) and BA-EE (9 g/kg.BW) were given orally. In the ninth week postinfection, the animals were slaughtered to obtain abomasum specimens. The following oxidant/antioxidant markers were determined: malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT). The mRNA gene expression of cytokines (IL-3, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α) and cell apoptosis markers (Bax, Bcl-2) were estimated. (G1) showed significantly reduced GSH content and GST and SOD activities but a markedly increased MDA level. (G3) and (G4) revealed a markedly lower MDA level with pronouncedly elevated GSH, SOD, and GST levels. The antioxidant properties of BA-EE were superior to those of albendazole. The mRNA gene expressions of IL-3, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and Bax-2 were upregulated in (G1) but downregulated in (G3) and (G4). Bcl-2 and Bcl-2/Bax ratio expression followed a reverse course in the infected and both treated groups. We conclude that BA-EE treatment has a protective role in the abomasum of H. contortus-infected goats. This could be attributed to its antioxidant properties and ability to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and cell apoptosis.

Sesamol as a potent anticancer compound: from chemistry to cellular interactions

Sesamol (SM), a well-known component isolated from sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum), used in traditional medicines in treating numerous ailments. However, numerous molecular investigations revealed the various mechanisms behind its activity, emphasizing its antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and apoptosis-inducing properties, preventing cancer cell spread to distant organs. In several cells derived from various malignant tissues, SM-regulated signal transduction pathways and cellular targets have been identified. This review paper comprehensively describes the anticancer properties of SM and SM-viable anticancer drugs. Additionally, the interactions of this natural substance with standard anticancer drugs are examined, and the benefits of using nanotechnology in SM applications are explored. This makes SM a prime example of how ethnopharmacological knowledge can be applied to the development of contemporary drugs.

Phytochemistry, nutritional composition, health benefits and future prospects of Mespilus germanica L. (Medlar): A review

Mespilus germanica L., commonly known as medlar, is one of two species of the Rosaceae family. The medlar plant has a long history of use in gastronomy and healthcare. Medlar waste is used to extract hazardous heavy metals from contaminated water. The nutritional value of M. germanica fruits comes from their composition of carbohydrates, carotenoids, amino acids, organic acids, proteins, vitamins, fatty acids, and vital components. M. germanica fruit contains a high concentration of important phenolic components, which contribute to its anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties. Additionally, several studies have identified diverse biological properties of the M. germanica plant, including the cytotoxic, neurodegenerative, and antibacterial properties of its fruits and leaves. Scientists are investigating underutilized plant species to address sustainability issues in food production. This review study will provide a comprehensive examination of its chemical composition, medical applications, plant waste utilization, and potential biological activities.

Ovarian microenvironment: challenges and opportunities in protecting against chemotherapy-associated ovarian damage

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-associated ovarian damage (CAOD) is one of the most feared short- and long-term side effects of anticancer treatment in premenopausal women. Accumulating detailed data show that different chemotherapy regimens can lead to disturbance of ovarian hormone levels, reduced or lost fertility, and an increased risk of early menopause. Previous studies have often focused on the direct effects of chemotherapeutic drugs on ovarian follicles, such as direct DNA damage-mediated apoptotic death and primordial follicle burnout. Emerging evidence has revealed an imbalance in the ovarian microenvironment during chemotherapy. The ovarian microenvironment provides nutritional support and transportation of signals that stimulate the growth and development of follicles, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation. The close interaction between the ovarian microenvironment and follicles can determine ovarian function. Therefore, designing novel and precise strategies to manipulate the ovarian microenvironment may be a new strategy to protect ovarian function during chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

This review details the changes that occur in the ovarian microenvironment during chemotherapy and emphasizes the importance of developing new therapeutics that protect ovarian function by targeting the ovarian microenvironment during chemotherapy.

SEARCH METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature was performed by searching PubMed up to April 2024. Search terms included 'ovarian microenvironment' (ovarian extracellular matrix, ovarian stromal cells, ovarian interstitial, ovarian blood vessels, ovarian lymphatic vessels, ovarian macrophages, ovarian lymphocytes, ovarian immune cytokines, ovarian oxidative stress, ovarian reactive oxygen species, ovarian senescence cells, ovarian senescence-associated secretory phenotypes, ovarian oogonial stem cells, ovarian stem cells), terms related to ovarian function (reproductive health, fertility, infertility, fecundity, ovarian reserve, ovarian function, menopause, decreased ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency/failure), and terms related to chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, lfosfamide, chlormethine, chlorambucil, busulfan, melphalan, procarbazine, cisplatin, doxorubicin, carboplatin, taxane, paclitaxel, docetaxel, 5-fluorouraci, vincristine, methotrexate, dactinomycin, bleomycin, mercaptopurine).

OUTCOMES

The ovarian microenvironment shows great changes during chemotherapy, inducing extracellular matrix deposition and stromal fibrosis, angiogenesis disorders, immune microenvironment disturbance, oxidative stress imbalances, ovarian stem cell exhaustion, and cell senescence, thereby lowering the quantity and quality of ovarian follicles. Several methods targeting the ovarian microenvironment have been adopted to prevent and treat CAOD, such as stem cell therapy and the use of free radical scavengers, senolytherapies, immunomodulators, and proangiogenic factors.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Ovarian function is determined by its 'seeds' (follicles) and 'soil' (ovarian microenvironment). The ovarian microenvironment has been reported to play a vital role in CAOD and targeting the ovarian microenvironment may present potential therapeutic approaches for CAOD. However, the relation between the ovarian microenvironment, its regulatory networks, and CAOD needs to be further studied. A better understanding of these issues could be helpful in explaining the pathogenesis of CAOD and creating innovative strategies for counteracting the effects exerted on ovarian function. Our aim is that this narrative review of CAOD will stimulate more research in this important field.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

Not applicable.

Camelina sativa Seeds and Oil as Ingredients in Model Muffins in Order to Enhance Their Health-Promoting Value

The aim of this study was to see whether it is possible to add camelina oil and seeds as ingredients in muffins in order to enhance their health-promoting value, such as their bioactive compound content, while maintaining the organoleptic attributes considered desirable by consumers. Camelina oil is characterised by a high linolenic acid content. Four types of muffins were prepared for analysis: MBnO-control muffins (containing 11.85% rapeseed oil), MCsO-muffins containing camelina oil instead of rapeseed oil, MCsS-muffins containing 6.65% camelina seeds in relation to the mass of prepared dough, and MCsOS-muffins containing both camelina oil and camelina seeds. The change in the fatty acid profile in muffins with the addition of camelina oil was significant; however, it was found that, as a result of thermal treatment, lower amounts of saturated fatty acids were formed. Among all the investigated experimental variants, muffins were characterised by the highest contents of all the phenolic acids analysed. The substitution of rapeseed oil with camelina oil had no negative effect on most of the organoleptic attributes of the muffins. Moreover, thanks to a greater content of carotenoids, camelina oil had an advantageous effect on the improvement of product colour, thus improving its overall desirability.

Impacts of Maternal Nutrition on Sow Performance and Potential Positive Effects on Piglet Performance

The objectives of this review are to identify the nutritional challenges faced by modern sows and present potential solutions to mitigate excessive maternal tissue loss and reproductive failure as it relates to recent genetic improvements. Current feeding programs have limitations to support the rapid genetic improvements in reproductive performance for modern sows. Since 2012, both litter size at birth and fetal weight have increased by 2.26 pigs per litter and 0.22 kg per piglet, respectively, thereby increasing the nutrient needs for sows during gestation and lactation. Prediction models generated in this review predict that modern sows would need 31% more lysine during gestation when compared with current feeding programs. Physiological challenges facing modern sows are also addressed in this review. High oxidative stress, pelvic organ prolapse, and lameness can directly affect the sow, whereas these physiological challenges can have negative impacts on colostrum and milk quality. In response, there is growing interest in investigating the functional roles of select bioactive compounds as feed additives to mitigate the severity of these challenges. Selenium sources, catechins, and select plant extracts have been utilized to reduce oxidative stress, calcium chloride and phytase have been used to mitigate pelvic organ prolapse and lameness, algae and yeast derivatives have been used to improve colostrum and milk quality, and fiber sources and probiotics have been commonly utilized to improve sow intestinal health. Collectively, this review demonstrates the unique challenges associated with managing the feeding programs for modern sows and the opportunities for revision of the amino acid requirements as well as the use of select bioactive compounds to improve reproductive performance.

Saffron, a Potential Bridge between Nutrition and Disease Therapeutics: Global Health Challenges and Therapeutic Opportunities

Plants are an important source of essential bioactive compounds that not only have a beneficial role in human health and nutrition but also act as drivers for shaping gut microbiome. However, the mechanism of their functional attributes is not fully understood despite their significance. One such important plant is Crocus sativus, also known as saffron, which possesses huge medicinal, nutritional, and industrial applications like food and cosmetics. The importance of this plant is grossly attributed to its incredible bioactive constituents such as crocins, crocetin, safranal, picrocrocin, and glycosides. These bioactive compounds possess a wide range of therapeutic activities against multiple human ailments. Since a huge number of studies have revealed negative unwanted side effects of modern-day drugs, the scientific communities at the global level are investigating a large number of medicinal plants to explore natural products as the best alternatives. Taken into consideration, the available research findings indicate that saffron has a huge scope to be further explored to establish alternative natural-product-based drugs for health benefits. In this review, we are providing an update on the role of bioactive compounds of saffron as therapeutic agents (human disorders and antimicrobial activity) and its nutritional values. We also highlighted the role of omics and metabolic engineering tools for increasing the content of key saffron bioactive molecules for its mass production. Finally, pre-clinical and clinical studies seem to be necessary to establish its therapeutic potential against human diseases.

Differential scanning calorimetry in drug-membrane interactions

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is a central technique in investigating drug - membrane interactions, a critical component of pharmaceutical research. DSC measures the heat difference between a sample of interest and a reference as a function of temperature or time, contributing essential knowledge on the thermally induced phase changes in lipid membranes and how these changes are affected by incorporating pharmacological substances. The manuscript discusses the use of phospholipid bilayers, which can form structures like unilamellar and multilamellar vesicles, providing a simplified yet representative membrane model to investigate the complex dynamics of how drugs interact with and penetrate cellular barriers. The manuscript consolidates data from various studies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying drug - membrane interactions, the determinants that influence these interactions, and the crucial role of DSC in elucidating these components. It further explores the interactions of specific classes of drugs with phospholipid membranes, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticancer agents, natural products with antioxidant properties, and Alzheimer's disease therapeutics. The manuscript underscores the critical importance of DSC in this field and the need for continued research to improve our understanding of these interactions, acting as a valuable resource for researchers.

Do Young Consumers Care about Antioxidant Benefits and Resveratrol and Caffeic Acid Consumption?

Resveratrol and caffeic acid are some of the most consumed antioxidants during the day, so their importance as sources and their benefits need to be evaluated and updated. This survey aimed not only to analyze whether young Romanian consumers are informed about the benefits of antioxidants in general, and resveratrol and caffeic acid in particular, but also to observe the degree of nutritional education of these participants. Young consumers know the concept of antioxidants relatively well; they managed to give examples of antioxidants and indicate their effects. The majority of those chosen drink wine and coffee, but many are unaware of their health advantages and antioxidant properties. Students are less familiar with the antioxidant chemicals resveratrol and caffeic acid. It is advised to have a thorough understanding of these significant antioxidants and their nutritional content as they are present in our regular diets, and further studies on different kinds of antioxidants are required to increase the awareness of people concerning their importance in daily life.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory function of Eupatorium adenophora Spreng leaves (EASL) on human intestinal Caco-2 cells treated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide

Chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) pose a significant public health challenge. Addressing this issue, there has been a notable breakthrough in the prevention and mitigation of NCDs through the use of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. In this study, we aim to explore the effectiveness of Eupatorium adenophora Spreng leaves (EASL) as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, and its potential applications. To construct a cellular model of oxidative damage and inflammation, Caco-2 cells were treated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). The biocompatibility of EASL-AE with Caco-2 cells was assessed using the MTT assay, while compatibility was further verified by measuring LDH release and the protective effect against oxidative damage was also assessed using the MTT assay. Additionally, we measured intracellular oxidative stress indicators such as ROS and 8-OHdG, as well as inflammatory pathway signalling protein NFκB and inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β using ELISA, to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of EASL-AE. The scavenging capacity of EASL-AE against free radicals was determined through the DPPH Assay and ABTS Assay. Furthermore, we measured the total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total polysaccharide contents using common chemical methods. The chemical composition of EASL-AE was analyzed using the LC-MS/MS technique. Our findings demonstrate that EASL-AE is biocompatible with Caco-2 cells and non-toxic at experimental levels. Moreover, EASL-AE exhibits a significant protective effect on Caco-2 cells subjected to oxidative damage. The antioxidant effect of EASL-AE involves the scavenging of intracellular ROS, while its anti-inflammatory effect is achieved by down-regulation of the NFκB pathway. Which in turn reduces the release of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β. Through LC-MS/MS analysis, we identified 222 compounds in EASL-AE, among which gentianic acid, procaine and L-tyrosine were the compounds with high antioxidant capacity and may be the effective constituent for EASL-AE with antioxidant activity. These results suggest that EASL-AE is a natural and high-quality antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomaterial that warrants further investigation. It holds great potential for applications in healthcare and other related fields.

Effects of Dietary Callicarpa nudiflora Aqueous Extract Supplementation on Growth Performance, Growth Hormone, Antioxidant and Immune Function, and Intestinal Health of Broilers

C. nudiflora is notably rich in flavonoids and phenylethanoid glycosides, making it a significant natural source of antioxidants. We examined the effects of C. nudiflora aqueous extract (CNE) on growth performance, antioxidant function, immunity, intestinal barrier function, nutrient transporters, and microbiota of broilers. A total of 360 one-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: a basal diet with 0 (control, CON), 300 mg/kg (CNEL), 500 mg/kg (CNEM), and 700 mg/kg (CNEH) CNE for 42 days. CNEL and CNEM groups quadratically increased body weight and average daily gain but decreased feed-to-gain ratios during the starter and whole phases. Regarding the immune response of broilers, CNE treatment linearly down-regulated jejunal myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) expression and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interferon-γ expression in the liver (d 21), while decreasing jejunal IL-1β expression and the concentration of serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 (d 42). The CNEM and CNEH groups had lower MyD88 and nuclear factor kappa B expression in the liver (d 21) compared to the CON group. Broilers in the CNEL and CNEM groups had higher spleen index and thymus index (d 21) and interleukin-10 expression from the liver and jejunal mucosa (d 42) than that in the CON group. For the antioxidant capacity of broilers, CNE treatment linearly decreased the content of malonaldehyde and increased the activity of total antioxidant capacity in serum (d 42). CNEM and CNEH groups linearly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase in serum and heme oxygenase-1 expression in the liver, while increasing the activity of glutathione peroxidase in serum, jejunal nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 expression, and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 expression in the liver (d 42). As for the growth hormone of broilers, CNEM group increased the level of serum insulin-like growth factor 1 and up-regulated jejunal glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) expression (d 21). Broilers in the CNEM and CNEH groups had higher jejunal GLP-2 expression and growth hormone (GH) expression in the liver and the level of serum GH (d 42) than that in the CON group. Additionally, the villus height and jejunal Occludin and Claudin-1 expression in the CNEM group increased. CNE-containing diets resulted in a linear increase in the expression of jejunal zonula occluden-1 (d 21), villus height to crypt depth ratio, jejunal Occludin, excitatory amino acid transporters-3, and peptide-transporter 1 (d 42). The regulation of Oscillospira, Ruminococcaceae_Ruminococcus, and Butyricicoccus genera indicated that CNEH altered the composition of the cecal microbiota. In general, supplementing broilers with C. nudiflora aqueous extract could boost hormones, immune and antioxidant function, and gut health, improving their growth performance. Hence, CNE was a promising poultry feed additive, with 500 mg/kg appearing to be the optimal dose.

Foliar application of nettle and Japanese knotweed extracts on Vitis vinifera: impact on phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and antioxidant activity during veraison and harvest of cv. Touriga Franca

BACKGROUND

Plant-based extracts have been recently used as sustainable tools to improve biotic and abiotic stress tolerance and increase grape (Vitis vinifera L.) quality. However, knowledge about the effect of these extracts on secondary metabolism compounds, that are fundamental for grape and wine quality, is still scarce. In this study, a trial was installed in an experimental vineyard with the variety Touriga Franca located at University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Baixo Corgo sub-region of the Douro Demarcated Region, Portugal in two growing seasons: 2019 and 2020. The aim was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of nettle (Urtica spp.) extract (NE) and Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) extract (JKE) on grapevines leaves and berries bioactive compounds contents and antioxidant activity, at veraison and harvest.

RESULTS

The application of NE increased the total carotenoids in leaves and the total phenolics content and the antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power, FRAP) in berries while JKE increased flavonoids content in leaves and the antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH) in berries.

CONCLUSION

These extracts seem to have a stimulatory effect on grapevine, enhancing bioactive compounds contents and antioxidant capacity and, consequently, the physiological performance of the plant and the quality of the berries. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fabrication of Multifunctional Nanocomposite Fiber Extracted from Sambucus nigra: Anti-nociceptive, Anti-inflammatory, Self-Cleaning, and UV Blocking

This article describes how to extract chemical compounds from Sambucus nigra and make multifunctional nanofabric doping/undoping nano-zinc oxide particles using an electrospinning apparatus. The created sample was examined using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), which revealed that the manufactured fibers have an approximate diameter of 35 nm. An elemental mapping study also demonstrated the excellent distribution of nano-ZnO over the surface of the nanocomposite. The anti-nociceptive effect of the samples was studied, and the results suggested that the presence of Sambucus nigra caused pain prevention, and this effect demonstrated the anti-nociceptive effect in the samples studied by tail-flick experiments. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of the samples were tested and showed favorable data results. Meanwhile, the self-cleaning of the prepared nanocomposites was studied. The results show that nano-zinc oxide doping has a direct impact on improving self-cleaning properties. Furthermore, ultraviolet (UV) transmission analysis of the samples showed that the prepared nanocomposites had excellent UV-blocking properties.

Integrative phytochemical, ligand structure based drug design nephroprotective potential of Annona muricata flower-petals

This study was aimed at investigating the ability of extract of Annona muricata (AM) flower-petals in ameliorating the toxic effects of acetaminophen on the kidneys of albino rats. The biochemical results showed a marked increase in AM 200 mg (32.84 ± 0.14) and AM 400 mg (32.64 ± 0.78). Increase levels of total protein in AM 200 mg (77.00 ± 5.65) displays nephroprotective potential of the flower extract. Reduction of renal activities of serum urea in AM 400 mg group (6.41 ± 0.22) indicates its protective potency against acetaminophen induced kidney damage. Increased activities of SOD levels at 200 mg (4.97 ± 0.05) and CAT levels at 200 mg (23.39 ± 1.13). This study showed that A. muricata has good prospects of being a nephroprotective drug candidate.

Enhancement of yogurt functionality by adding Mentha piprita phenolic extract and evaluation of its quality during cold storage

New functional food products with health benefits are currently in high demand among health-conscious consumers. The present research aims to improve the functional properties of yogurt by adding peppermint hydroethanolic extract (PHE) at different doses. The impact of PHE (0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%) on yogurt was studied for acidity, pH, organoleptic quality, antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation, and fatty acid profile. The results revealed that PHE is rich in phenolic compounds, of which rosmarinic acid was the main one (339.88 mg/g lyophilized extract) and has considerable antioxidant potential, which remarkably (p < .01) increased antioxidant capacity in yogurt by over 39.51%, even at a low dose of 2%, giving the product better protection against lipid peroxidation and preserving its physicochemical and sensory quality. At 4%, PHE increased significantly (p < .01) the content of omega-3 fatty acids, notably alpha-linolenic acid, in fortified yogurt compared with the control, and reduced (p < .01) the ratio of omega-6/omega-3, which dropped from 5.21 to 4.11. It looks feasible to prepare a yogurt with health-giving properties by adding Mentha piperita hydroethanolic extract at a concentration of up to 4% as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants, which would also extend its shelf life.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Faloak (Sterculia quadrifida R. Br) stem bark on TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in DENV-3-infected Wistar rats

Background

Dengue infection can trigger an immunological response that results in an inflammatory reaction, which acts as a defensive mechanism to protect the host. Dengue infection leads to an elevation in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These three cytokines have been shown to correlate with the development of thrombocytopenia and plasma leakage, which is related to the severity of the disease.

Aim

This study aims to investigate the effect of faloak (Sterculia quadrifida R. Br) stem bark on TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in Wistar rats infected with dengue, specifically DENV-3.

Methods

A group of 27 male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) aged 2-3 months and weighting 200-300 g were divided into three distinct groups: healthy, dengue, and treatment (dengue infection and extract) groups. The rats in both the dengue and treatment groups were administered an injection of DENV-3 with a titer of 105 pfu at a dosage of 0.8 cc via the intraperitoneal route. The propagation of DENV-3 was initiated using C6/36 cells, and it underwent four passages. The extract was administered orally via a nasogastric tube at a dosage of 1,500 mg/kg body weight once daily for 7 days. The healthy group underwent blood sampling on the first day, whereas the dengue and therapy groups underwent blood sampling on the fifth and eighth, respectively.

Results

Compared with the healthy group, TNF-α levels in the dengue and treatment groups showed significant differences on day 5 post-infection. The post hoc analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the dengue-treatment and dengue-healthy groups. The IL-1β levels in the dengue and healthy groups significantly differed on days 5 and 8 post-infection compared to the healthy group. The treatment group had less of a decrease in IL-6 levels on days 5 and 8 than the dengue group. However, no statistically significant differences were observed.

Conclusion

The stem bark of S. quadrifida shows potential as an anti-inflammatory agent in dengue infections, particularly in its ability to decrease levels of TNF-α and IL-1β.

Bioactive agents from Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R.Br. ex G. Don bark extracts for health promotion and nutraceutical uses

BACKGROUND

Parkia biglobosa stem bark extracts were prepared using methanol, methanol 80%, water and ethyl acetate to investigate their phytochemical contents, as well as antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties.

RESULTS

Liquid chromatography (LC) quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS) and LC-MSn revealed the presence of flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and gallotannins. Particularly, the water extract contained rutin (480 μg per 100 mg) and 3-caffeoylquinic acid (1109 μg per 100 mg) in higher amounts, whereas the 80% methanol extract contains methoxyluteolin-7-O-rutinoside and catechin derivatives as major compounds. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were yielded in the range of 32.26-119.88 mg gallic acid equivalents g-1 and 0.60-2.39 mg rutin equivalents g-1 , respectively. Total antioxidant capacity was also displayed in the range of 0.53-6.34 mmol Trolox equivalents (TE) g-1 . Both the methanolic extracts showed higher total antioxidant capacity that could be related to the total phenolic contents. Radical scavenging capacity in DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) (37.21-508.30 mg TE g-1 ) and ABTS [2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid)] (60.95-1068.06 mg TE g-1 ) assays, reducing power in cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (54.23-1002.78 mg TE g-1 ) and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (33.18-558.68 mg TE g-1 ) assays, as well as metal chelating activity (2.45-11.28 mg EDTA equivalents g-1 ), were exhibited by all extracts. All extracts were found to inhibit acetylcholinesterase [0.23-2.47 mg galanthamine equivalents (GALAE) g-1 ], tyrosinase [27.20-83.33 mg kojic acid equivalents g-1 ], amylase [mmol acarbose equivalents (ACAE) g-1 ]. On the other hand, all extracts, except the water extract, inhibited butyrylcholinesterase (5.38-6.56 mg GALAE g-1 ), whereas only the water and ethyl acetate extract showed glucosidase inhibitory potential (1.96 and 1.82 mmol ACAE g-1 ). In general, the water extract was found to be a weaker enzyme inhibitor suggesting that water is not the preferrable extraction solvent to obtain active products.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that the stem bark extracts of P. biglobosa contains good amount of phytochemical and extracts present significant antioxidant, as well as reasonable enzyme inhibitory effects. Hence, these findings suggest that further studies can be performed on more specific biological targets and models of bioactivity to determine their safe usage as a nutraceutical or for the preparation functional foods. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Separation Methods of Phenolic Compounds from Plant Extract as Antioxidant Agents Candidate

In recent years, discovering new drug candidates has become a top priority in research. Natural products have proven to be a promising source for such discoveries as many researchers have successfully isolated bioactive compounds with various activities that show potential as drug candidates. Among these compounds, phenolic compounds have been frequently isolated due to their many biological activities, including their role as antioxidants, making them candidates for treating diseases related to oxidative stress. The isolation method is essential, and researchers have sought to find effective procedures that maximize the purity and yield of bioactive compounds. This review aims to provide information on the isolation or separation methods for phenolic compounds with antioxidant activities using column chromatography, medium-pressure liquid chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, counter-current chromatography, hydrophilic interaction chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, molecularly imprinted technologies, and high-performance thin layer chromatography. For isolation or purification, the molecularly imprinted technologies represent a more accessible and more efficient procedure because they can be applied directly to the extract to reduce the complicated isolation process. However, it still requires further development and refinement.

The Modulatory Effects of Curcumin on the Gut Microbiota: A Potential Strategy for Disease Treatment and Health Promotion

Curcumin (CUR) is a lipophilic natural polyphenol that can be isolated from the rhizome of turmeric. Studies have proposed that CUR possesses a variety of biological activities. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, CUR shows promise in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, while its anti-obesity effects make it a potential therapeutic agent in the management of obesity. In addition, curcumin's ability to prevent atherosclerosis and its cardiovascular benefits further expand its potential application in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, owing to the limited bioavailability of CUR, it is difficult to validate its specific mechanism of action in the treatment of diseases. However, the restricted bioavailability of CUR makes it challenging to confirm its precise mode of action in disease treatment. Recent research indicates that the oral intake of curcumin may lead to elevated levels of residual curcumin in the gastrointestinal system, hinting at curcumin's potential to directly influence gut microbiota. Furthermore, the ecological dysregulation of the gut microbiota has been shown to be critical in the pathogenesis of human diseases. This review summarizes the impact of gut dysbiosis on host health and the various ways in which curcumin modulates dysbiosis and ameliorates various diseases caused by it through the administration of curcumin.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Antioxidant Capacity of 3,3-Disubstituted-3H-benzofuran-2-one Derivatives in a Cellular Model of Neurodegeneration

Oxidative stress represents a hallmark for many degenerative pathologies of the Central Nervous System. Throughout life, the constant pressure of noxious stimuli and/or episodes of traumatic events may expose the brain to a microenvironment where the non-balanced reactive oxygen species inevitably lead to neuronal loss and cognitive decline. HO-1, a 32 kDa heat-shock protein catalyzing the degradation of heme into carbon monoxide (CO), iron and biliverdin/bilirubin is considered one of the main antioxidant defense mechanisms playing pivotal roles in neuroprotection. Restoring the redox homeostasis is the goal of many natural or synthetic antioxidant molecules pursuing beneficial effects on brain functions. Here, we investigated the antioxidant capacity of four selected benzofuran-2-one derivatives in a cellular model of neurodegeneration represented by differentiated SH-SY5Y cells exposed to catechol-induced oxidative stress. Our main results highlight how all the molecules have antioxidant properties, especially compound 9, showing great abilities in reducing intracellular ROS levels and protecting differentiated SH-SY5Y cells from catechol-induced death. This compound above all seems to boost HO-1 mRNA and perinuclear HO-1 protein isoform expression when cells are exposed to the oxidative insult. Our findings open the way to consider benzofuran-2-ones as a novel and promising adjuvant antioxidant strategy for many neurodegenerative disorders.

Phytochemical analysis of carotenoid profile in Mentha piperita and Artemisia vulgaris: cytotoxicity in tumoral cells and evaluation of plasmid DNA cleavage

Several medicinal plants have been administered to cancer patients attributed to their anticarcinogenic and chemoprotective properties, in addition to lower toxicity compared to traditional therapies. The aim was to investigate the antioxidant properties and carotenoid composition of aqueous extracts of Mentha piperita or Artemisia vulgaris which were previously found to exert beneficial effects on human health through diet. aqueous extracts exhibited potent antioxidant activity. A diversity of carotenoids was identified in these extracts using HPLC-PDA-MS/MS. Both extracts contained predominantly all-trans-lutein as the main component within this class. In order to investigate antioxidant properties, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) techniques were used. The (3-4,5 dimethylthiazol-2, 5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) and Crystal Violet assays assessed cellular cytotoxicity. Assessments of presence of reactive species were carried out following exposure of oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line (SCC-4) to various aqueous extracts of M piperita or A vulgaris utilizing dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and nitric oxide (NO) assays. Exposure to these extracts induced severe cytotoxic effects, which led to investigation of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying this observed effect. Data demonstrated that both solutions induced oxidative stress and DNA damage, especially at higher concentrations using agarose gel subjected to electrophoresis. It is known that exposure to excess amounts of antioxidants results in a prooxidant effect which is beneficial in cancer therapy. Further, the extracts were found to reduce viability of SCC-4 in culture, indicating that this antitumoral activity may be of therapeutic importance and requires further study.

Hydrogen-rich solvent method in phytochemical extraction: Potential mechanisms and perspectives

INTRODUCTION

Phytochemicals are used in many products, including foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The extraction of phytochemicals is considered one of the best solutions to valorize these underestimated materials. Many methods have been developed to efficiently extract phytochemicals at high quality, high purity, and low costs without harming the environment. Recently, molecular hydrogen (H2 ) has shown its ability to improve the extraction of phytochemicals from plant materials. Due to its unique physicochemical and biological properties, H2 showed an efficient ability to extract phenolics and antioxidants at high yields with cost-effective potential. Without sophisticated equipment and high energy and solvent consumption, the hydrogen extraction method is a green and applicable alternative for the extraction of phytochemicals.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to provide the latest knowledge and results concerning the studies on using hydrogen-rich solvents to extract phytochemicals from different agri-food wastes, by-products, and other plant materials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Recent literature relating to extracting phytochemicals by the hydrogen-rich solvent method and its potential mechanisms is summarized to provide a basic understanding of how hydrogen can improve the extraction of phytochemicals.

RESULTS

This review describes, for the first time, the practical procedure of how researchers and laboratories can apply the hydrogen extraction method under safe conditions at a low-budget scale. The review provides some examples of the hydrogen extraction method and the mechanisms and rationale behind its effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded that the hydrogen-rich solvent method is a green and cost-effective method for extracting phytochemicals from different plant materials.

Hepa-ToxMOA: a pathway-screening method for evaluating cellular stress and hepatic metabolic-dependent toxicity of natural products

In the field of drug discovery, natural products have emerged as therapeutic agents for diseases such as cancer. However, their potential toxicity poses significant obstacles in the developing effective drug candidates. To overcome this limitation, we propose a pathway-screening method based on imaging analysis to evaluate cellular stress caused by natural products. We have established a cellular stress sensing system, named Hepa-ToxMOA, which utilizes HepG2 cells expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) fluorescence under the control of transcription factor response elements (TREs) for transcription factors (AP1, P53, Nrf2, and NF-κB). Additionally, to augment the drug metabolic activity of the HepG2 cell line, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of 40 natural products with and without S9 fraction-based metabolic activity. Our finding revealed different activities of Hepa-ToxMOA depending on metabolic or non-metabolic activity, highlighting the involvement of specific cellular stress pathways. Our results suggest that developing a Hepa-ToxMOA system based on activity of drug metabolizing enzyme provides crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms initiating cellular stress during liver toxicity screening for natural products. The pathway-screening method addresses challenges related to the potential toxicity of natural products, advancing their translation into viable therapeutic agents.

Molecular Mechanism of Natural Food Antioxidants to Regulate ROS in Treating Cancer: A Review

Cancer is the second-highest mortality rate disease worldwide, and it has been estimated that cancer will increase by up to 20 million cases yearly by 2030. There are various options of treatment for cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. All of these options have damaging adverse effects that can reduce the patient's quality of life. Cancer itself arises from a series of mutations in normal cells that generate the ability to divide uncontrollably. This cell mutation can happen as a result of DNA damage induced by the high concentration of ROS in normal cells. High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause oxidative stress, which can initiate cancer cell proliferation. On the other hand, the cytotoxic effect from elevated ROS levels can be utilized as anticancer therapy. Some bioactive compounds from natural foods such as fruit, vegetables, herbs, honey, and many more have been identified as a promising source of natural antioxidants that can prevent oxidative stress by regulating the level of ROS in the body. In this review, we have highlighted and discussed the benefits of various natural antioxidant compounds from natural foods that can regulate reactive oxygen species through various pathways.

Actinidia polygama Water Extract (APWE) Protects Against UVB-Induced Photoaging via MAPK/AP-1 and TGFβ-Smad Pathway

BACKGROUND

Actinidia polygama (silver vine) has been used in oriental medicine to treat gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammation. Actinidia polygama water extract (APWE) is named PB203.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether PB203 has anti-photoaging effects and to understand the molecular mechanism underlying such effects.

METHODS

The antioxidant effect was assessed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining in ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated HaCaT cells with or without PB203 treatment. Type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1), hyaluronic acid (HA), hyaluronan synthase 1 (HAS1) and HAS2 levels were measuring by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Also, we investigate the effects of PB203 on wrinkle formation, and the potential mechanisms underlying such effects were investigated in UVB-induced wrinkle mouse model mice.

RESULTS

PB203 alleviated the UVB-induced reactive oxygen species production, phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, and p38, and formation of AP-1. In addition, PB203 inhibited the decreases in type I collagen and TIMP-1 levels, and the increase in MMP-1 levels in UVB-exposed HaCaT cells. In UVB-induced wrinkle mouse model, PB203 inhibited the decreases in elastin and type I collagen levels as well as the increases in MMP-1 expression, wrinkle formation, and skin dehydration. Furthermore, PB203 increased the expression of filaggrin, HAS1, and HAS2, improving the skin barrier function.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, we found that PB203 is as a potent candidate to serve as a functional ingredient or therapeutic agent to improve UVB-mediated skin aging.

The pharmacology activities of Angelica keiskei Koidzumi and its efficacy and safety in humans

Chronic exposure to elevated levels of pro-oxidant factors may cause structural failings at the mitochondrial DNA level and alteration of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase). Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the capacity of endogenous non-enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, uric acid, ferritin, metallothionein, melatonin, and bilirubin) and the occurrence of pro-oxidant factors which may lead to the pathogenesis of various diseases that affects the kidneys, pancreas, central nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Therefore, the utilization of medicinal plants with antioxidant activity, e.g., Angelica keiskei Koidzumi which contains chalcones, is interesting to be explored. Chalcones exhibit direct and indirect antioxidant activity and prevent oxidative stress by decreasing ROS, RNS, and superoxide production. In this review, we discuss the pharmacology activities of A. keiskei Koidzumi and its efficacy in humans. The articles were explored on PubMed and Google Scholar databases and based on the titles and abstracts related to the topic of interest, and 55 articles were selected. Two main chalcones of this plant, 4-hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol, have been reported for their various pharmacology activities. The efficacy of A. keiskei was confirmed in anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetes mellitus, and increasing plasma antioxidants in patients with metabolic syndrome. A keiskei is safe as proven by only mild or no adverse events reported, thus it is prospective to be further developed as an antioxidant nutraceutical.

Regional Variations in Peucedanum japonicum Antioxidants and Phytochemicals

Peucedanum japonicum has long been a staple in East Asian cuisine. In the context of traditional medicine, various members of the Peucedanum genus have been investigated for potential medicinal properties. In laboratory settings, some compounds derived from this plant have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties-characteristics often associated with potential medicinal applications. This study aimed to determine which part of the P. japonicum plants cultivated on two Korean islands contains the most antioxidant compounds. This determination was made through assessments of total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content, coupled with evaluation of antioxidant activity via DPPH and ABTS assays. The results showed that the aerial parts contain a richer array of bioactive compounds and demonstrate superior antioxidant activity compared to their root counterparts in the plants from both islands. To characterize the phytochemicals underpinning this bioactivity, LC-MS/MS and HPLC analyses were carried out. These methods detected varying amounts of chlorogenic acid, peucedanol 7-O-glucoside, rutin, and peucedanol, with good separation and retention times. This study addresses the lack of research on the antioxidant activity of different parts of P. japonicum. The findings hold significance for traditional medicine, dietary supplements, and the development of functional foods. Understanding antioxidant distribution aids in the development of medicinal and nutritional applications, influences agricultural practices, and contributes to regional biodiversity-conservation efforts. The study's geographical scope provides insights into how location impacts the concentration of bioactive compounds in plants. Overall, the results contribute valuable data for future research in plant biology, biochemistry, and related fields.

A Comprehensive Study on Lathyrus tuberosus L.: Insights into Phytochemical Composition, Antimicrobial Activity, Antioxidant Capacity, Cytotoxic, and Cell Migration Effects

In this study, in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and cell migration effects of phenolic compounds of Lathyrus tuberosus leaves, known in the Transylvanian ethnomedicine, were investigated. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was employed for the analysis of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts. The antimicrobial properties were determined using a conventional microdilution technique. Total antioxidant capacity techniques were used using cell-free methods and cell-based investigations. Cytotoxic effects were conducted on 3T3 mouse fibroblasts and HaCaT human keratinocytes using a multiparametric method, assessing intracellular ATP, total nucleic acid, and protein levels. Cell migration was visualized by phase-contrast microscopy, employing conventional culture inserts to make cell-free areas. Together, 93 polyphenolic and monoterpenoid compounds were characterized, including flavonoid glycosides, lignans, hydroxycinnamic acid, and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives, as well as iridoids and secoiridoids. The ethanolic extract showed high antioxidant capacity and strong antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis (MIC80 value: 354.37 ± 4.58 µg/mL) and Streptococcus pyogenes (MIC80 value: 488.89 ± 4.75 µg/mL). The abundance of phenolic compounds and the results of biological tests indicate the potential for L. tuberosus to serve as reservoirs of bioactive compounds and to be used in the development of novel nutraceuticals.

Exploring possible benefits of Litsea cubeba Pers. extract on growth, meat quality, and gut flora in white-feather broilers

White-feather broiler chickens are the dominant species in global poultry meat production. Yet there is growing concern about their health, quality, and growth efficiency. While feed additives, often antibiotics or synthetic chemicals, are used to maintain the health of the animals, drug resistance limits their use. Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers., a traditional Chinese herb with antibiotic-like benefits but without the risk of drug resistance, has not yet been explored as an additive to broiler diets. In the present study, broilers of the AA+ hybrid strain were randomly divided into three groups of 16: a control group (regular feed), a low-dose group (1.25 g/kg added L. cubeba extract), and a high-dose group (2.50 g/kg added L. cubeba extract). After 35 days, we found that the extract had no effect on growth. However, gut flora analysis revealed that both doses of the extract had a positive influence on amino acid content and minor unsaturated fatty acids, thus improving the flavor and nutritional value of the meat. These findings suggest that L. cubeba extract, at either dose, could serve as a sustainable alternative to antibiotics, thus reducing the risk of drug resistance while improving meat quality, nutrition, and flavor.

Antiulcer activity and mechanism of action of the hydroethanolic extract of leaves of Terminalia argentea Mart. In different in vivo and in vitro experimental models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Terminalia argentea Mart. (Combretaceae) is a deciduous tree commonly found in Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. It occurs in all regions of Brazil and is widespread in the Amazon, Cerrado, Pantanal, Atlantic Rain Forest, and Caatinga Biomes. In the traditional medicine of Brazil, people widely use tea or decoction of its leaf materials for treating gastritis, ulcers, wound healing, and inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The current study aims to evaluate the gastroprotective and ulcer-healing activities of the hydroethanolic extract of T. argentea leaves (HETa) and investigate the underlying mechanisms of action through in vivo and in vitro experiments.

METHODS

We extracted the leaves of T. argentea with a 70% hydroethanolic solution (HETa) and performed phytochemical analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MSn). We researched the antiulcer activity using in vivo and in vitro experiments, administering three doses (2, 10, and 50 mg/kg) and different concentrations of 1, 5, and 20 μg/mL, respectively. We verified the acute antiulcer activity using chemical models (acidified ethanol (EtOH/HCl) and indomethacin (IND)) and physiological models (water-immersion stress (WRS)). To induce chronic ulcers, used acetic acid and treated the animals for seven days. To investigate the mechanism of action, conducted assays of antioxidant activity, measured the dosage of inflammatory cytokines, quantified mucus, treated with inhibitors (IND, L-NAME, glibenclamide, and yohimbine), performed histopathological analysis, and measured gastric acid secretion. Furthermore, we performed in vitro experiments on murine macrophage cell lines (RAW 264-7 cells) to quantify nitrite/nitrate and cytokine production and on V79-4 cells to verify cell proliferation/migration.

RESULTS

We conducted HPLC and ESI-MSn analyses to obtain a fingerprint of the chemical composition of the HETa, revealing the presence of phenolics (caffeoyl ellagic acid), flavonoids (rutin, quercetin xyloside, quercetin rhamnoside, quercetin glucoside, quercetin galloyl xyloside, quercetin), and tannins (terminalin), respectively. The three doses of HETa reduced acute and chronic ulcers in different models. The mechanism of action involves increasing mucus production and angiogenesis, and it partially involves prostaglandins, nitric oxide, K+ATP channels, and α2-adrenergic receptors. HETa also exhibited antioxidant potential, reducing myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and increasing glutathione (GSH) levels. Moreover, it demonstrated anti-inflammatory action by reducing nitrite/nitrate levels and pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations in vivo, and it increased in vitro proliferation/migration of fibroblasts.

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows that HETa presents a potent preventive and curative antiulcer effect in different ulcer models, supporting the popular use of homemade preparations of T. argentea leaves. The preventive and gastric healing ulcer activity of HETa involves multiple targets, including increasing the gastric mucus barrier, antioxidant defenses, and anti-inflammatory effects on gastric mucosa repair. Phytochemical analysis identified the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins in HETa, and the antiulcer activity may be attributable to the combined effect of these constituents.

Effectiveness of curcumin nanoparticles in rat liver fibrosis caused by thioacetamide

Although curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective qualities, its low absorption limits its medicinal uses. Before examining how curcumin influenced rats' liver fibrosis when thioacetamide (TAA) was produced, the current study employed nanoparticles (NPs) to improve curcumin bioavailability. Sixty mature rats were separated into six groups (Group 1, control; Group 2, curcumin; Group 3, curcumin nanoparticles; Group 4, TAA; Group 5, TAA + curcumin; Group 6, TAA + curcumin NPs). TAA administration caused considerable increases in serum liver enzymes associated with a remarkable depletion in the levels of albumin and total protein relative to the control. In addition, a significant elevation in malonaldehyde (MDA) level with a significant depletion in the antioxidant enzymes activity was detected. Also, TAA had a significant effect on the inflammation markers represented by the elevation in tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) and DNA damage. Administration of curcumin or curcumin NPs in TAA-intoxicated rats significantly (p < .001, p < .0001) alleviates liver injury by correcting antioxidant status, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress. The results of comparing TAA-intoxicated rats treated with curcumin NPs to TAA-intoxicated rats treated with bulk curcumin revealed that the ameliorative effect of nanocurcumin was stronger. These observations concluded that nanoparticle formulation can increase curcumin bioavailability and solubility, enhancing its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficiency, resulting in greater potential against thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Prospects of plant-derived exosome-like nanocarriers in oncology and tissue engineering

Almost all cell types, either in vivo or in vitro, create extracellular vesicles (EVs). Among them are exosomes (EXOs), i.e., tiny nanovesicles containing a lipid bilayer, proteins, and RNAs that are actively involved in cellular communication, indicating that they may be exploited as both diagnostics and therapeutics for conditions like cancer. These nanoparticles can also be used as nanocarriers in many types of research to carry agents such as drugs. Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PENs) are currently under investigation as a substitute for EXOs formed from mammalian cells, allowing researchers to get beyond the technical constraints of mammalian vesicles. Because of their physiological, chemical, and biological properties, PENs have a lot of promise for use as nanocarriers in drug delivery systems that can deliver various dosages, especially when it comes to large-scale repeatability. The present study has looked at the origins and isolation techniques of PENs, their anticancer properties, their usage as nanocarriers in the treatment of different illnesses, and their antioxidant properties. These nanoparticles can aid in the achievement of therapeutic objectives, as they have benign, non-immunogenic side effects and can pass biological barriers. Time-consuming and perhaps damaging PEN separation techniques is used. For the current PEN separation techniques to be used in commercial and therapeutic settings, they must be altered. In this regard, the concurrent application of biological sciences can be beneficial for improving PEN separation techniques. PENs' innate metabolic properties provide them a great deal of promise for application in drug delivery systems. However, there could be a risk to both the loaded medications and the intrinsic bioactive components if these particles are heavily armed with drugs. Therefore, to prevent these side effects, more studies are needed to devise sophisticated drug-loading procedures and to learn more about the physiology of PENs.

Fungi-derived natural antioxidants

In humans, exogenous antioxidants aid the endogenous antioxidant system to detoxify excess ROS generated during oxidative stress, thereby protecting the body against various diseases and stressful conditions. The majority of natural antioxidants available on the consumer market are plant-based; however, fungi are being recognized as alternative sources of various natural antioxidants such as polysaccharides, pigments, peptides, sterols, phenolics, alkaloids, and flavonoids. In addition, some exogenous antioxidants are exclusively found in fungi. Fungi-derived antioxidants exhibit scavenging activities against DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide radicals in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo models, application of fungal-derived antioxidants increase the level of various antioxidant enzymes, such as catalases, superoxide dismutases, and glutathione peroxidases, and reduce the level of malondialdehyde. Therefore, fungi-derived antioxidants have potential to be used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. This review summarizes the antioxidant potential of different fungi (mushrooms, yeasts, and molds)-derived natural compounds such as polysaccharides, pigments, peptides, ergothioneine, ergosterol, phenolics, alkaloids, etc.

From microbes to molecules: a review of microbial-driven antioxidant peptide generation

Oxidative stress, arising from excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) or insufficient antioxidant defenses, can damage cellular components, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, resulting in cellular dysfunction. The relationship between oxidative stress and various health disorders has prompted investigations into potent antioxidants that counteract ROS's detrimental impacts. In this context, antioxidant peptides, composed of two to twenty amino acids, have emerged as a unique group of antioxidants and have found applications in food, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Antioxidant peptides are sourced from natural ingredients, mainly proteins derived from foods like milk, eggs, meat, fish, and plants. These peptides can be freed from their precursor proteins through enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, or gastrointestinal digestion. Previously published studies focused on the origin and production methods of antioxidant peptides, describing their structure-activity relationship and the mechanisms of food-derived antioxidant peptides. Yet, the role of microorganisms hasn't been sufficiently explored, even though the production of antioxidant peptides frequently employs a variety of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, which are recognized for producing specific proteases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of microorganisms and their proteases participating in enzymatic hydrolysis and microbial fermentation to produce antioxidant peptides. This review also covers endogenous peptides originating from microorganisms. The information obtained from this review might guide the discovery of novel organisms adept at generating antioxidant peptides.

A comprehensive review on the ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological aspects of the genus Malvastrum

The genus Malvastrum, from the family Malvaceae, is a small genus of twenty four species, distributed worldwide. Some of the species have a long and rich history of ethnobotanical and traditional medicinal uses. Few reports of systematic scientific studies can be found in the literature which highlight the rich chemical profile and pharmacological properties of the genus. This is the first ever attempt to compile the available literature and provide a critical overview for future studies on the genus. For this purpose, several databases, such as PubMed, Scifinder, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and others were utilized. Literature records the presence of bioactive metabolites in the genus, effective against dysentery, gastrointestinal distress, fever, enteritis, hepatitis, cough, sore throat, arthritis, and diabetes. Seventy four biologically active secondary metabolites have been identified from different species of Malvastrum, including four pure isolates. Furthermore, this report also documents their potential properties. This article may prove as a milestone for new researchers, eager to work on Malvastrum species and perform further in-depth studies on this genus.

Role of Nitric Oxide, TNF-α and Caspase-3 in Lead Acetate-Exposed Rats Pretreated with Aqueous Rosmarinus officinalis Leaf Extract

Lead (Pb) toxicity is a worldwide significant public health challenge causing several neurological disorders. Reports indicate that plants rich in antioxidants, such as Rosmarinus officinalis (RO), can counteract Pb accumulation and its toxicity in the brain. Due to a dearth of literature evidence demonstrating the protective activity of RO against Pb toxicity, this study investigated such activity in Wistar rats. Thirty-six Wistar rats were allocated into six groups (n=6), namely I (control), II (lead acetate [Pb]; 100 mg/kg b.w.), III (100 mg/kg of RO and 100 mg/kg of Pb), IV (200 mg/kg of RO and 100 mg/kg of Pb), V (100 mg/kg b.w. of RO) and VI (200 mg/kg b.w. of RO). After 28 days, neurobehavioural, antioxidant, lipid peroxidation, apoptotic and inflammatory activities as well as the histology of the cerebellum were evaluated. Body weight, locomotion and exploration as well as antioxidant enzymes were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in Pb-exposed rats when compared to control. Conversely, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and caspase-3 activities were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated in the Pb-exposed rats when compared to control. These parameters were, however, significantly (p<0.05) attenuated in the RO-pretreated rats when compared to Pb-exposed rats. Cerebellar histology of the Pb-exposed rats showed severe degeneration of the Purkinje cells whereas the RO-pretreated rats showed better cerebellar architecture. These findings demonstrate that the neuroprotective activity of RO is facilitated via its effective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.

Potential Use of PLA-Based Films Loaded with Antioxidant Agents from Spent Coffee Grounds for Preservation of Refrigerated Foods

The aim of this work concerned the production of an active food packaging suitable for refrigerated foods. Polylactic-acid-based films were produced by optimizing the solvent casting technique and testing different loadings of extracts obtained from spent coffee grounds. Indeed, an extract obtained by high-pressure and -temperature extraction (HPTE) and a further purified extract by liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) were separately used as active agents, and the effects on packaging features and active compounds migration were analyzed. The selected active agents showed antioxidant and lipid peroxidation inhibition effects on food simulants (peroxide values of 9.2 ÷ 12.0 meqO2/kg extra virgin olive oil), demonstrating the possibility of enhancing food shelf life. In addition, significant effects on the packaging structure due to the presence of the extract were observed, since it can enhance gas barrier properties of the polymer (O2 permeability of 1.6 ÷ 1.3 × 10-9 cm2/s) and confer better processability. In general, the HPTE extract exhibited better performances than the further purified extract, which was due to the presence of a complex pool of antioxidants and the browning effect on the film but a limited loading capacity on the polymer (840 μg caffeine/g PLA), while higher loading capabilities were enabled using LLE extract.

The Ethanolic Extract of Lycium ruthenicum Ameliorates Age-Related Physiological Damage in Mice

Aging and age-related diseases are important study topics due to their associations with progressive physiological damage to genes, cells, tissues, and the entire organism, which ultimately affects the functional efficiency of organs. Lycium ruthenicum Murr. is a functional food that is known for its high contents of anthocyanins and spermidines, both of which have been demonstrated to have positive effects on anti-aging activity and anti-oxidation. In this study, we used HPLC-MS to analyze the constituents of L. ruthenicum Murr. Extract (LRM) and investigated their potential mechanism for exerting antioxidative effects in D-galactose (D-Gal) aging model mice. LRM (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg) improved cognitive function in D-Gal-treated mice, as shown by reduced escape latencies and increased platform crossings in behavioral tests. We measured the contents of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the enzyme activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in mice serum and brain after 6 weeks of D-Gal treatment. LRM decreased the contents of LPO and MDA and increased the enzyme activities of SOD and GSH-Px, indicating the protection effect of LRM against D-Gal-induced oxidative stress. Additionally, LRM can inhibit oxidative stress in cells by reducing intracellular ROS levels and restoring mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby inhibiting paraquat (PQ)-induced cellular senescence and delaying cell aging. Therefore, LRM has the potential to be a healthcare product for the treatment of age-related diseases.

Oil Extraction from Hemp Plant as a Potential Source of Cannabidiol for Healthy Protein Foods

In recent years, the increasing demand for alternative foods has shifted research toward new sources enriched with nutraceutical molecules. It is well known that many diseases are caused by oxidative stress; thus, the supplementation of antioxidants has been proposed to reduce it. Cannabis sativa L. is an interesting species that could provide an alternative source of antioxidants. This work aimed to investigate the possibility of optimizing the yield of cannabidiol (CBD) and recovering it from residual biomass (stalks), valorizing the residual biomass, and using this for protein bar preparation. Different extraction methods were used, and High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis was used to analyze the extracts. Antioxidant power was investigated using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays. The best results in terms of CBD yield were obtained via dynamic maceration after decarboxylation with a quantity of 26.7 ± 2 mgCBD/graw material from inflorescences. The extract also shows good antioxidant power with an IC50 value of 38.1 ± 1.1 µg/mL measured using the DPPH assay. The CBD extract was added to the hemp oil to obtain dough for protein bars. The doughs were studied by taking rheological and technological measurements, and it was found that the protein bars could provide an excellent means for the consumption of products enriched with antioxidants because their CBD anti-inflammatory activity is preserved after cooking.

Anti-Aging Activity and Modes of Action of Compounds from Natural Food Sources

Aging is a natural and inescapable phenomenon characterized by a progressive deterioration of physiological functions, leading to increased vulnerability to chronic diseases and death. With economic and medical development, the elderly population is gradually increasing, which poses a great burden to society, the economy and the medical field. Thus, healthy aging has now become a common aspiration among people over the world. Accumulating evidence indicates that substances that can mediate the deteriorated physiological processes are highly likely to have the potential to prolong lifespan and improve aging-associated diseases. Foods from natural sources are full of bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, carotenoids, sterols, terpenoids and vitamins. These bioactive compounds and their derivatives have been shown to be able to delay aging and/or improve aging-associated diseases, thereby prolonging lifespan, via regulation of various physiological processes. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the anti-aging activities of the compounds, polysaccharides, polyphenols, carotenoids, sterols, terpenoids and vitamins from natural food sources, and their modes of action in delaying aging and improving aging-associated diseases. This will certainly provide a reference for further research on the anti-aging effects of bioactive compounds from natural food sources.

Identification of Antioxidant Metabolites from Five Plants (Calophyllum inophyllum, Gardenia taitensis, Curcuma longa, Cordia subcordata, Ficus prolixa) of the Polynesian Pharmacopoeia and Cosmetopoeia for Skin Care

Oxidative stress contributes to impairment of skin health, the wound healing process, and pathologies such as psoriasis or skin cancer. Five Polynesian medicinal plants, among the most traditionally used for skin care (pimples, wounds, burns, dermatoses) are studied herein for their antioxidant properties: Calophyllum inophyllum, Gardenia taitensis, Curcuma longa, Cordia subcordata, and Ficus prolixa. Plant extracts were submitted to in vitro bioassays related to antioxidant properties and their bioactive constituents were identified by a metabolomic analytical approach. High performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) analysis was performed leading to the characterization of 61 metabolites. Compounds annotated for F. prolixa and C. subcordata extracts were reported for the first time. Antioxidant properties were evaluated by total phenolic content (TPC), free radical scavenging DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl), and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power activity (FRAP) assays. F. prolixa extract was the most active one and showed antioxidant intracellular activity on keratinocytes by Anti Oxydant Power 1 assay. Online HPLC-DPPH allowed the identification of phenolic bioactive compounds such as quercetin-O-rhamnoside, rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid, procyanidins, epicatechin, 5-O-caffeoylshikimic acid, and curcumin as being responsible for the scavenging properties of these plant extracts. These results highlight the potential of F. prolixa aerial roots as a source of antioxidants for skin care applications.

Transcriptome analysis provides insights into the high ability to synthesize fatty acids in "yellow oil" mud crab (Scylla paramamosain)

Yellow oil mud crab (YOC) is a new variant of mud crab (Scylla paramamosain), which was attracted much attention in recent years due to its high level of nutrition. However, the nutritive values and the physiological changes in YOC have not been clearly understood. In this study, we aimed to identify the nutrient compositions (including total carotenoid content (TCC), total lipid content (TLC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and fatty acids) and differences in genes related to the biosynthesis of fatty acids using transcriptome analysis in YOC in comparison with those of normal mud crabs. As a result, observations on the morphological characteristics showed that the YOC exhibits a difference in the color of the muscle, gills (orange-yellow), and hemolymph (yellow) compared with the normal female crabs (NFC) (blue or nattier blue). The TCC and TLC (84.96 ± 9.65 μg/g in muscle and 1.39 ± 0.10 μg/mL in hemolymph) or TAC (1.52 ± 0.17 mM in hemolymph) of YOC were higher than that of NFC and normal male crab (NMC). YOC had lower saturated fatty acids, but higher unsaturated fatty acids, as well as the ratio of n-3/n-6 of fatty acids in muscle and hemolymph, compared with those of NFC and NMC. Furthermore, the transcriptome profile revealed that the unigenes in YOC were enriched in the synthesis of n-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, more unigenes related to 'Biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids' were identified in muscle and hemocytes, while fewer were in the gonads of YOC. Additionally, the positive (in muscle and hemocytes) and a negative correlation (in gonads) between expressions of unigenes and contents of TLC, TCC, and UFA were found, indicating a better synthesis ability of fatty acids in the muscle and hemocytes of YOC. Overall, compared to NFC and NMC, YOC has higher nutrients and is a better food nutrient source for humans.

Evaluation of Antibacterial, Antibiofilm, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Kratom Leaves (Mitragyna speciosa) Fermentation Supernatant Containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) leaves are commonly used to enhance endurance and treat various diseases. This study evaluated the effect of kratom leaf fermentation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Antibacterial activity was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, and E. coli O157:H7. Biofilm inhibition and eradication assays were also performed. Antioxidant properties were determined by measuring the total phenolic and flavonoid content and DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities. Nitric oxide and TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expressions in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were also measured. Aqueous kratom extract exhibited promising effects against free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Notably, all fermented kratoms showed significant antibacterial activity against the tested pathogens and antibiofilm formation by S. aureus and MRSA. Furthermore, the eradication of established biofilms of fermented kratoms was observed in S. aureus (day 2, 50 mg/mL) and E. coli (day 2, 100 mg/mL and day 4, 50 mg/mL). To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report that fermented and non-fermented kratoms could be nutraceutical sources of antibacterial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory substances against related diseases and can be applied further in dietary or cosmetic products with health-promoting effects.

γ-Oryzanol ameliorates fine dust-induced premature endothelial senescence and dysfunction via attenuating oxidative stress

Various cardiovascular diseases are associated with endothelial senescence, and a recent study showed that fine dust (FD)-induced premature endothelial senescence and dysfunction is associated with increased oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate protective effect of rice bran extract (RBE) and its major component of γ-Oryzanol (γ-Ory) against FD-induced premature endothelial senescence. Porcine coronary artery endothelial cells (PCAECs) were treated with FD alone or with RBE or γ-Ory. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins, and oxidative stress levels were evaluated. The results indicated that SA-β-gal activity in the FD-treated PCAECs was attenuated by RBE and γ-Ory. Additionally, γ-Ory inhibited FD-induced cell cycle arrest, restored cell proliferation, and reduced the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins. γ-Ory also inhibited oxidative stress and prevented senescence-associated NADPH oxidase and LAS activity in FD-exposed ECs suggesting that γ-Ory could protect against FD-induced ECs senescence and dysfunction.

Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Processing and Extraction: Retention of Bioactive Compounds

Ilex paraguariensis is a native tree from South America known for the presence of bioactive compounds, and its processed leaves are consumed as hot and cold infusions. After harvest (step 1), the leaves are subjected to flame blanching to inactive the enzymes (step 2), followed by drying and milling (step 3). The impacts of I. paraguariensis processing on leaf composition were investigated by extracting the major compounds (chlorogenic and isochlorogenic acids (3-CQA, 4-CQA, 5-CQA, 3,4-DQA, 3,5-DQA and 4,5-DQA), p-coumaric acid, caffeine and rutin) using different ratios of ethanol and water as extraction solvent (EW 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25 (w/w)). The solvent ratio of EW 50:50 was more effective in extracting the chlorogenic acids isomers, with retention of chlorogenic acids of 3463, 9485, and 9516 µg mL- 1 for steps 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Rutin and p-coumaric acid exhibited similar behavior with the increment of processing steps; however, p-coumaric acid was only detected in steps 2 and 3 for the solvent ratios EW 50:50 and 25:50. The caffeine extraction from I. paraguariensis varied from 936 to 1170 µg mL- 1 for all processing steps, with emphasis on its concentration extracted in step 1. The evolution of processing steps led to a higher retention of phenolic compounds from I. paraguariensis, which was not observed when using different solvent ratios, and the solvent ratio EW 50:50 was more effective for the extraction of chlorogenic acids. The successful extraction of chlorogenic acids from I. paraguariensis in this study proved to be a promising alternative for the use of yerba mate beyond the cuia cup.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Property of a True Mangrove Rhizophora apiculata Bl

Mangroves are abundant in bioactive natural substances that fight off pathogenic diseases. Different parts of R. apiculata, an abundant mangrove found in Bhitarkanika National Park, India were extracted with methanol and a mixture of solvents methanol/ethanol/chloroform (60 : 20 : 20) to evaluate their antimicrobial properties. The combination solvent extract of bark had the highest zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 18.62 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a ZOI of 17.41 mm against Streptococcus mitis. Bark extracts had the highest DPPH (43 %) and FRAP (96 %) activities. The combination solvent bark extract of R. apiculata had the highest ZOI of 20.42 mm (lowest MIC of 2.12 μg/ml) against Candida albicans and ZOI of 15.33 mm (MIC of 3.02 μg/mL) against Penicillium chrysogenum. Combination bark extracts of R. apiculata contained flavanols than methanolic extracts. The crude extract of R. apiculata bark made with a mixture of solvents containing more active ingredients could be used in novel drug formulation.

Facile synthesis of novel magnesium oxide nanoparticles for pesticide sorption from water

The quantum of pesticides in surface as well as drinking water has become a serious health hazard. In this experiment, magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) were synthesized using leaves of purple-colored rice variety (Crossa) and utilized for simultaneous removal of three pesticides, namely, thiamethoxam, chlorpyriphos, and fenpropathrin from water. The biogenic MgO NPs were characterized using SEM-EDX, FTIR, XRD, DLS, etc. The optimum synthesis parameters (1 M NaOH, 80 °C, and 2 h) resulted in maximum yield of MgO NPs (87.7 mg), minimum hydrodynamic diameter (35.12 nm), poly dispersity index (0.14) and mean zeta potential (-11 mV). Sorption data of the three pesticides fitted well with non-linear Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and non-linear pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum adsorption capacity of MgO NPs for the three pesticides was 87.66 µg/mg, as obtained from the Langmuir isotherm model. Under optimum conditions (initial concentration, 40 mg/L; dose, 30 mg/30 mL; and pH, 9), 60.13, 80.53, and 92.49% removal of thiamethoxam, chlorpyriphos, and fenpropathrin was achieved with a 100% desirability, respectively. Thus, the biogenic MgO NPs could be an efficient adsorbent of pesticides and could be recommended for pesticide decontamination in water treatment plants and domestic water purifier systems.

Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Alnus nitida Leaf Extract as a Potential Antioxidant and Anticancer Agent

Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts is gaining attention as a substitute to the conventional physical and chemical synthesis methods. This study reports a facile, cost-effective, and ecofriendly synthesis of AgNPs using leaf extract of Alnus nitida (A. nitida) and their antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized using various analytical techniques including UV-visible spectroscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering. The antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of the extract and AgNPs was evaluated using different in vitro models. The UV-vis analysis revealed a surface plasmon resonance peak of 400 nm corresponding to the synthesis of AgNPs. SEM analysis confirmed the formation of heterogeneously dispersed particles of nano size, while the XRD and FTIR spectra confirmed the crystallinity and existence of different functional groups that helped in capping and stability of AgNPs. The antioxidant activity of AgNPs and extract, studied by 1,1-diphenyl 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), 2, 2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and H2O2 scavenging assays, showed a dose-dependent effect. The AgNPs at 1000 μg/mL significantly scavenged DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and H2O2 by 66.45, 74.65, 78.81, and 72.56% with an average IC50 value of 33.31, 18.50, 16.46, and 15.65 μg/mL, respectively. The cytotoxic potential investigated by MTT assay revealed promising antiproliferative effects against different cancer cell lines. The IC50 values of AgNPs on MDA-MB-231, A549, and Hep-G2 cells were 14.88, 3.6, and 5.38 μg/mL, respectively. The results showed that AgNPs were more effective against lung and hepatocellular carcinoma. The selectivity index showed that AgNPs remained highly selective in retarding the growth of A549 and Hep-G2 cells as compared to normal cell lines HPAEpiC and HRPTEpiC. Overall, this study showed that biosynthesized AgNPs were associated with considerable antioxidant and cytotoxic effects. Our work suggests that A. nitida-mediated AgNPs should be evaluated further in order to develop safe and effective formulations for the treatment of different degenerative diseases.

The Use of Ultrasound-Assisted Maceration for the Extraction of Carnosic Acid and Carnosol from Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) Directly into Fish Oil

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of ultrasonic maceration (U) on the extraction of carnosic acid (CA) and its derivative-carnosol (C)-directly from sage into fish oil, compared to homogenization-assisted maceration (H). It was shown that the ultrasonic maceration process (U) allowed for obtaining a macerate enriched in carnosic acid (CA) and carnosol (C), also containing rosmarinic acid (RA), total polyphenols, and plant pigments, and showing antioxidant properties (DPPH test). There was no unequivocal difference in the efficiency of extracting ingredients from sage into the oil macerate between U and H, with the use of ultrasound in most cases resulting in a greater extraction of C and less extraction of pigments from sage into the macerate than in H. The highest simultaneous contents of CA (147.5 mg/100 g) and C (42.7 mg/100 g) in the macerate were obtained after 60 min of maceration U when using a higher power (320 W). The amount of determined compounds also depended on the concentration of methanol (methanol; 70% methanol) used for the analysis. The maceration U is a simple, safe, "green method" of obtaining active substances, with a reduced number of steps, enabling an interesting application form of CA and C, e.g., for food or cosmetics.