Search Results (1,988)

This study evaluated the color change (ΔE₀₀) and penetration depth (PD) of white spot lesions (WSLs) infiltrated with the resin infiltrant (Icon^®) functionalized with methacrylate epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). To introduce polymerizable double bonds, EGCG was reacted with methacryloyl chloride (EM). Subsequently, the Icon resin infiltrant (I) was loaded with neat EGCG (IE) or EGCG–methacrylate (IEM) at 2 wt% each. WSLs were created on bovine enamel blocks and treated with I, IE, or IEM. Sound and untreated enamel surfaces were used as controls (C). Infiltrant PD (%) was determined by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM, n = 12) analysis. For color change (ΔE₀₀) determination (n = 14), ΔL, Δa, and Δb, half of each sample was kept sound as a reference area. The color was determined with a spectrophotometer. Data were statistically evaluated (p = 0.05). Surface morphology was obtained as a qualitative response variable using 3D CLSM. PD (%) did not differ statistically for I, IE, and IEM (p = 0.780). Groups I and IEM showed similar performance on color change (ΔE₀₀) compared to the control group, while IE exhibited intermediate results, with no significant difference observed between the untreated, I, and IEM groups (p < 0.001). IEM promoted the masking of the WSL color without interfering with the PD. Full article

Tea production and quality are largely determined by the many genetic and biochemical characteristics that occur in tea plant cultivars. Worldwide, tea is consumed for its pleasing and refreshing effects due to its caffeine content. The present study performed transcriptomics analyses of two tea species (Camellia sinensis var. Shuchazao (SCZ) and Camellia ptilophylla (CAF)) and identified diversity in the gene expression levels and major regulatory transcription factors (TFs) for the characterization of purine alkaloids and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways. The RNA-seq analysis of two species (SCZ and CAF) revealed the differences in caffeine and catechins synthesis. In the purine alkaloid biosynthesis pathway, the S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) pathway genes were significantly related to xanthosine synthesis in contrasting purine alkaloids among (Camellia sinensis var. Shuchazao (SCZ) and Camellia ptilophylla (CAF)). The significant expression of SAMS-5, PPAT-2, IMPDH-2, TCS-2, TCS-3, XMT-1, XMT-13, and XDH-4 in the xanthosine degradation pathway in CAF is attributed to higher theobromine content as compared to SCZ. Moreover, the transcription factors (TFs) AP2/ERF (20%), WRKY (12%), NAC (11%), and MYB (8%) were significantly correlated. The upregulated expression of caffeine synthesis genes in SCZ was correlated with MYB and AP2/ERF transcription factors. This study provides the basis for differences in the genetic mechanism in purine alkaloids, phenylpropanoid, and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways, which would be helpful in the development and selection of tea plant species with high or low caffeine concentrations. This study also provides a road map for future genetic improvement in tea species and cultivars. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of foliar application of calcium and salicylic acid on improving the physicochemical quality, sensory quality and antioxidant potential of pepper fruits grown hydroponically in mineral wool substrate. Two sweet pepper varieties with red fruit type were used: block Aifos and elongated Palermo. Fruit quality was tested from four plant treatment combinations: (1) water (control), (2) calcium nitrate 0.7% (Ca), (3) salicylic acid 0.03% (SA), (4) calcium nitrate and salicylic acid combined (Ca+SA). Fruits of both varieties showed high concentrations of health-promoting constituents, including potassium, phosphorus, vitamin C (over 47 mg 100 g⁻¹ of FW (fresh weight)), and carotenoids, with capsanthin being the most abundant (more than 1226 μg 100 g⁻¹ of FW). The results of the sensory evaluation demonstrated that the attributes tested scores above 7 out of 10, indicating a high sensory quality. The antioxidant activity of pepper fruits was determined by three different methods: DPPH (method for measuring the antioxidant activity of DPPH), ABTS (method for measuring the antioxidant activity of ABTS) and TPC (total polyphenol content) and averaged more than 86%, 78% RSC (radical scavenging capacity) and almost 54 mg CE (catechin) 100 g⁻¹ of FW for both cultivars, respectively. Fruit quality results were analysed using PCA (principal component analysis). The first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) explained almost 54% of the variation, highlighting the strong correlations of PC1 with dry matter content, soluble sugars, potassium, acidity and sensory characteristics of pepper fruit such as skin hardness and flesh firmness. The application of SA to peppers resulted in an increase in the carotenoid content of the fruit. Furthermore, a notable positive correlation was detected between total sugars and the sugar/acid ratio when Ca+SA was combined in both cultivars. Palermo fruit showed better quality parameters and higher antioxidant activity, making this sweet pepper variety particularly valuable in a health-promoting context. Full article

The dried leaves of Lannea velutina A.Rich. and Sorindeia juglandifolia Planch. ex Oliv. are commonly used in traditional medicine throughout West Africa to treat inflammatory diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the standardized hydroethanolic (70%) extracts of these plants and to investigate the underlying mechanisms, with a focus on their antioxidant properties. The anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using a rat model of induced paw edema, while the antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH^• radical scavenging and iron-reducing antioxidant power assays. Chemical fingerprint was achieved by LC-UV/DAD-ESI/MS and the main classes of secondary metabolites were quantified by colorimetric analysis. The results showed that Sorindeia juglandifolia extract significantly inhibited the increase in paw edema volume, with the maximum effect observed at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg (20.51 ± 1.07% and 35.50 ± 6.90%, respectively). For L. velutina, the strongest inhibition was observed at 200 and 400 mg/kg (47.48 ± 11.37% and 35.40 ± 1.70%, respectively). Both extracts also showed remarkable antioxidant activity. Phenol derivatives were identified as the main classes of secondary metabolites, with L. velutina containing 350.1 ± 20.6 mg GAE/g DE and S. juglandifolia containing 463.4 ± 29.4 mg GAE/g DE. Ten phenolic markers were identified in L. velutina and six in S. juglandifolia extracts. The main components of L. velutina include myricetin-3-O-glucuronide, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, catechin, and gallic acid, while S. juglandifolia contains gallic acid, isoquercitrin, and ethyl gallate. These results confirm the anti-inflammatory potential of L. velutina and S. juglandifolia and highlight their prospects as candidates for the development of standardized anti-inflammatory herbal medicines based on their chemical and biological properties. Full article

Tea polyphenols have been reported to decrease the rate of starch hydrolysis by inhibiting α-glucosidase. However, the effect of the tea harvesting season and the structure of catechin monomers on the inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase is not understood. In this study, the inhibitory effect and underlying mechanism of four seasons of Dancong tea against α-glucosidase were investigated by in vivo and in vitro experiments, multi-spectroscope and molecular dynamic. The Dancong tea harvested in spring and winter showed a stronger inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase due to a higher content of catechin, especially EGCG ((-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate). The results of in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that EGCG and ECG ((-)-epicatechin-3-gallate) with a higher content of gallate and hydroxyl groups exhibited a stronger inhibitory effect on starch hydrolysis, rise of postprandial blood glucose and activities of α-glucosidase compared to EGC ((-)-epigallocatechin) and EC ((-)-epicatechin). These gallate and hydroxy groups were more effective in interacting with the amino acid residues in the active site of α-glucosidase, leading to structural changes in the enzyme. Certainly, the inhibitory effect of Dancong tea on α-glucosidase explains one of the mechanisms by which it helps alleviate diabetes; the other hypoglycaemic mechanisms of Dancong tea will be further explored. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cancer are significant contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent studies have increasingly highlighted the potential of phytochemicals found in plants and plant-based foods for preventing and treating these chronic diseases. Mexico’s agrobiodiversity provides a valuable resource for phytochemistry. This review presents an examination of essential phytochemicals found in plants and foods within Mexican agrobiodiversity that have shown promising anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties, including their roles as antioxidants, insulin sensitizers, and enzyme inhibitors. Notable compounds identified include flavonoids (such as quercetin and catechins), phenolic acids (chlorogenic, gallic, and caffeic acids), methylxanthines (like theobromine), xanthones (such as mangiferin), capsaicinoids (capsaicin), organosulfur compounds (like alliin), and various lipids (avocatins). Although these phytochemicals have shown promise in laboratory and animal studies, there is a significant scarcity of clinical trial data involving humans, underscoring an important area for future research. Full article

Cryptomeria japonica is a commercially important tree native to Japan. The tree belongs to the ancient genus Cryptomeria and has found important uses as a medicinal plant, as well as a main source of timber in Japan. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in discovering extended uses of C. japonica as a source of novel bioactive natural products with potential applications as lead compounds for active principles of future drugs. The compounds were isolated by a combination of two-phase extraction, XAD-7 Amberlite column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and preparative High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The structures were determined by a combination of several 1D and 2D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Here, we report on the isolation and characterization of the novel biflavone glucoside hinokiflavone 7″-O-β-glucopyranoside, in addition to sixteen known compounds including the flavonols quercetin, quercetin 3-O-α-rhamnopyranoside and quercetin 3-O-β-galactopyranoside, the dihydroflavonols taxifolin 3-O-β-glucopyranoside, taxifolin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside, the flavanones naringenin, naringenin 7-O-β-galactopyranoside and eriodictyol 4′-O-β-glucopyranoside, the flavanol catechin, the biflavonoid amentoflavone, the dihydrochalcone phloretin 2′-O-β-glucopyranoside, the sesquiterpenoid roseoside, the polyphenolic compounds chlorogenic acid, methyl chlorogenate and the flavanocoumarins catechin-(7,8)-7″-(3,4 dihydroxyphenyl)-dihydro-8″(3H)-pyranone, and mururin A. The compounds exhibited low-to-moderate cytotoxic activity against MOLM-13 leukemia cells. Full article

The increasing trend of diet-related chronic diseases has stimulated research into developing new food products and beverages with health-promoting potential. At the same time, new resources, including plant by-products, are currently being investigated as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds. In this context, the present study focused on the enrichment of apple juice with anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds by direct ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) from bilberry pomace. Response surface methodology combined with a Box–Behnken design was used to find the optimal extraction conditions for maximizing the total anthocyanin content (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (RSA) in the enriched apple juices and to characterize their phenolic profile as influenced by the extraction temperature. UAE from 15% bilberry pomace during 15 min in apple juice at 80 °C resulted in the highest TAC (262.73 mg CGE/L), TPC (1700.91 mg GAE/L) and RSA (8.93 mmol Trolox/L) of the enriched apple juice. The chromatographic polyphenolic profile of the control and enriched juices showed that, besides anthocyanins, phenolic acids (chlorogenic, gallic, caffeic, 3-hydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric, ellagic and protocatechuic acids) and flavonoids (epigallocatechin and catechin) were extracted from the bilberry pomace directly in the apple juice, while the extraction temperature differently impacted the content of individual phenolic compounds. Full article

In order to scientifically search for new sources of secondary metabolites with valuable qualities for phytopharmacognosy, tasks requiring a step-by-step solution were set. The primary task is the development of technologies for obtaining in vitro highly productive biomass of cells of relict gymnosperms of the genus Sequoia, capable of accumulating various classes of secondary metabolites. The study of the accumulation and localization of secondary metabolites allowed us to evaluate the biological activity and cytotoxicity of in vitro Sequoia cultures. In our study, histochemical methods were used to determine the localization of secondary compounds (phenolic and terpenoid in nature) in plant tissues. Secondary metabolites—polyphenols, catechins, and terpenoids—are mainly localized in the epidermal, parenchymal, and conductive tissues of Sequoia leaves and stems. In callus and suspension cultures of Sequoia, secondary metabolites were localized in cell walls and vacuoles. The mineral composition of the nutrient medium (MS and WPM), the light source (photoperiod), and the endogenous content of polyphenols in the primary explant influenced the initiation and growth characteristics of the in vitro culture of Sequoia plants. Inhibition of growth in suspension cultures on the WPM nutrient medium was noted. The cultivation of Sequoia cell lines at a 16 h photoperiod stimulated the formation of polyphenols but had a negative effect on the growth of callus cultures. Extractive substances obtained from intact and callus tissues of evergreen Sequoia demonstrate high biological (fungicidal) activity and cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effect on Fusarium oxisporum was noted when 200 mg/L of Sequoia extract was added to the nutrient medium. Extracts of redwood callus cultures were low in toxicity to normal FetMSC cells but inhibited the growth of lines of “immortal” cervical HeLa cancer cells and human glioblastoma A172. Intact tissues of Sequoia plants and cell cultures initiated from them in vitro are producers of secondary metabolites with high biological activity. Full article

Given the growing interest of the rubber industry in seeking alternatives that contribute to environmental sustainability, this work aims to present a study of the mechanical, thermal, and structural properties of natural rubber composites using tannin extracted from Acacia mearnsii as an antioxidant agent. Tannin is a natural and biodegradable product, rich in polyphenols and known for its antioxidant properties. The analyses assessed the effectiveness of incorporating tannins (0, 1, 1.5, and 2 parts per hundred rubber) into sulfur-crosslinked natural rubber composites using a binary accelerator system across three distinct vulcanization schemes: conventional, semi-efficient, and efficient. Initially, tannin characterization tests were conducted, revealing characteristic polyphenol bands of proanthocyanidin catechins, a high total phenolic content, and a substantial reduction in antioxidant activity. These findings highlight the significant antioxidant potential of tannins, particularly for industrial and biological applications. The analyses of the characteristics of natural rubber composites with tannin incorporation indicated that the type of vulcanization process directly affects the antioxidant action of the plant tannin, with the tannins being most effective in the efficient system due to the formation of monosulfidic and disulfidic bonds. Furthermore, the incorporation of tannin did not compromise the physical and chemical properties of the materials, highlighting it as a viable additive for the rubber industry. Full article

To gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which cushioning packaging preserves the quality of Chinese olive fruits during cold chain transportation and extends their shelf life, this study simulated cold chain conditions and investigated the effects of cushioning packaging on the physiology, antioxidant capacity, and secondary metabolites of fruits during a 20-day shelf life. The results indicated that the decay rate in cushioning-packaging-treated fruit was 75% lower than that in the unbuffered packaging fruit at day 20 of shelf life. Simultaneously, cushioning packaging treatment mitigated the damage severity of the cell membrane structure and kept the cell membrane permeability at a low level, which was 15.34% lower than that in the unbuffered packaging fruit at day 20 of shelf life. Additionally, cushioning packaging effectively restrained the increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) content and alleviated the decline in chlorophyll and total flavonoid contents. It kept a balance among reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities, thereby reducing mechanical-damage-induced decay rates in Chinese olive fruits during the shelf life. Furthermore, metabolome analysis of Chinese olives during the shelf life was performed comparing those without buffered packaging to those with buffered packaging. The metabolome analysis found that the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway exhibited a higher accumulation of chrysin, neohesperidin, naringenin chalcone, sakuranetin, quercetin, catechin, and naringenin metabolites in cushion-packaging treatment compared to those without cushioning treatment. Furthermore, within the phenylalanine metabolic pathway, the accumulation of phenylalanine, p-coumaraldehyde, p-coumaric acid, coniferin and caffeoyl quinic acid metabolites was significantly higher in buffered-packaging groups compared to those without buffering. Together, these findings suggest that cushioning packaging can effectively sustain the integrity of cell membranes and enhance the shelf-life quality of Chinese olive fruits by regulating the balance of ROS and mitigating oxidative stress during cold chain transportation. Full article

This research evaluated the protective role of a combined extract of Dioscorea bulbifera and Zingiber officinale (DBZO) against respiratory dysfunction caused by particulate matter (PM_2.5) exposure in BALB/c mice. The bioactive compounds identified in the DBZO are catechin, astragalin, 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, and 6-shogaol. DBZO ameliorated cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in PM_2.5-stimulated A549 and RPMI 2650 cells. In addition, it significantly alleviated respiratory dysfunction in BALB/c mice exposed to PM_2.5. DBZO improved the antioxidant systems in lung tissues by modulating malondialdehyde (MDA) content, as well as levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Likewise, DBZO restored mitochondrial dysfunction by improving ROS levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP production. Moreover, DBZO modulated the levels of neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes (specifically CD4⁺, CD8⁺, and CD4⁺IL-4⁺ T cells) in blood and IgE levels in serum. DBZO was shown to regulate the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad) pathway. Histopathological observation indicated that DBZO mitigates the increase in alveolar septal thickness. These findings indicate that DBZO is a promising natural agent for improving respiratory health. Full article

Boldo (Peumus boldus M.), an plant endemic to central and southern Chile, has been recognized as a medicinal herb, especially its leaves that are rich in bioactive compounds with beneficial properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and antimicrobial properties, among others. This research aimed to evaluate solid-liquid extraction using a response surface methodology to obtain phenolic-rich extracts from boldo leaves and to encapsulate them through spray-drying. A Box-Behnken design was applied to optimize extraction process variables (temperature, time, and solid-liquid ratio). Extracts were characterized in terms of their total phenolic content, with the maximum value obtained being 37.78 mg GAE/g using extraction conditions of a temperature of 100 °C, a time of 60 min, and a solid-liquid ratio of 1:100. The developed microcapsules containing the optimal boldo extracts were characterized (moisture, water activity, scanning electron microscopy, zeta potential, FTIR, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and phenolic profile by HPLC-DAD), highlighting their high phenolic content (5.38–5.49 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant capacity, as well as their bioactive content in terms of catechin (445 ± 37 mg/100 g), pyrogallol (304 ± 24 mg/100 g), and epigallocatechin (156 ± 12 mg/100 g). Overall, this study revealed an efficient technique by which to isolate and stabilize bioactive compounds from boldo leaves, with the microcapsules being promising candidates as high added-value ingredients. Full article

Sustainable nutrition and food production involve dietary habits and farming systems which are eco-friendly, created to provide highly nutritious staple crops which could serve as a functional food at the same time. This research sought to provide a comprehensive analysis of whole-grain cereals, and some ancient grains toward important macro- (protein), micro-nutrients (mineral elements), and bioactive compounds, such as dietary fiber (arabinoxylan and β-glucan) and antioxidants (phytic acid, total glutathione, yellow pigment, and phenolic compounds) to provide functionality in a sustainable diet. Genotypes, such as durum wheat, triticale, spelt, emmer wheat, and barley, could be considered important and sustainable sources of protein (ranging 11.10–15.00%), as well as prebiotic fiber (β-glucan and arabinoxylan, ranging 0.11–4.59% and 0.51–6.47%, respectively), essential elements, and various antioxidants. Ancient grains can be considered as a source of highly available essential elements. Special attention should be given to the Cimmyt spelt 1, which is high in yellow pigment (5.01 μg·g⁻¹) and has a capacity to reduce DPPH radicals (186.2 µmol TE·g⁻¹), particularly Zn (70.25 mg·kg⁻¹). The presence of phenolics, dihydro-p-coumaric acid, naringin, quercetin, epicatechin in grains of oats (Sopot), as well as catechin in barley grains (Apolon and Osvit) underline their unique chemical profile, making them a desirable genetic pool for breeding genotypes. This research provides a comprehensive assessment of different nutritional aspects of various cereals (some of which are commonly used, while the others are rarely used in diet), indicating their importance as nutraceuticals. It also provides a genetic background that could be translated the genotypes with even more profound effects on human health. Full article

Grape pomace, the solid residue from winemaking, is a rich source of polyphenolic compounds with significant antioxidant properties. However, the efficient extraction of these valuable compounds remains a challenge. This study focuses on optimizing the conditions for the enzyme-assisted extraction of polyphenolic compounds from red grape pomace using cellulase, hemicellulase, and pectinase. The key variables investigated in this study were enzyme concentration, extraction time, and solid/liquid ratio. The results highlight the importance of selecting enzymes based on target compounds, as different enzymes were found to be more effective for specific phenolic fractions. Hemicellulase was most effective for phenolic acids, cellulase for catechins, and pectinase for anthocyanins. Enzyme-assisted extraction significantly increased the yield of phenolic compounds and resulted in higher total phenolic content and antioxidant activity compared to control samples treated with solid/liquid extraction without enzyme addition. These findings confirm that enzyme-assisted extraction is a promising approach for enhancing the recovery of polyphenolic compounds from grape pomace. Full article