Search Results (49,171)

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), an abundant phytochemical in green tea, is an antioxidant that also binds proteins and complex metals. After gastrointestinal absorption, EGCg binds to serum albumin in the hydrophobic pocket between domains IIA and IIIA and overlaps with the Sudlow I site. Serum albumin also has two metal binding sites, a high-affinity N-terminal site (NTS) site that selectively binds Cu(II), and a low-affinity, less selective multi-metal binding site (MBS). We proposed to determine whether EGCg binds or reacts with Cu(II)-serum albumin using fluorescence, UV–Visible and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Our results suggest that when serum albumin is loaded with Cu(II) in both sites, EGCg binds to the MBS-Cu(II) and reduces the copper to Cu(I). EGCg does not bind to or react with Cu(II) in the high-affinity NTS site. Potential consequences include changes in copper homeostasis and damage from pro-oxidative Fenton reactions. Full article

Phenolic compounds have antiglycation activity, but the changes occurring during thermal treatment (TT) in these activities are not completely understood. The effects of the extraction conditions of (poly)phenols from Ribes magellanicum fruits, before and after TT, on their antioxidant and antiglycation effects were assessed. (Poly)phenol-enriched extracts (PEEs) from raw and TT (90 °C, 1 h) Ribes magellanicum were extracted using three solvent mixtures (ethanol/water/acetic acid) with increasing water content (0, 24, and 49%) and three solvent-to-solid ratios (5, 10, and 20 mL/g). PEEs of raw samples showed increased values of total (poly)phenols (TPC), TEAC, and FRAP and decreased IC₅₀ values of fluorescent advanced glycation end products (AGEs) with increasing water content. An increase in TPC and FRAP values was observed for TT samples, but an increase in the IC₅₀ values of fluorescent AGEs for PEEs with increasing water content was observed. Antiglycation activity (IC₅₀ raw/IC₅₀ TT) depended on the solvent-to-solid ratio and the extracting solvent. HPLC-DAD-MS analysis of raw and TT samples showed degradation of anthocyanins, flavonoid fragmentation, and oxidation as the main changes in the phenolic composition of TT samples. We show that TT affects the (poly)phenolic composition of R. magellanicum, producing a decrease in the antiglycation activity when extractions are performed with increasing water content, despite increasing TPC and FRAP activity. Full article

Synthetic agents are regularly used as preservatives in pork meat products such as sausages. However, these compounds can be harmful to human health, due to their carcinogenic potential. As a result, natural antioxidants derived from herbs and medicinal plants are continuously and thoroughly assessed to replace/minimize the application of synthetic agents during meat processing and storage. The current study was consequently implemented to highlight the effects of natural polyphenols and/or an herbal mix on the quality characteristics of pork sausages. Five batches of sausages were manufactured using the same recipe and raw materials; the control, without sodium nitrate and natural preservatives (CON), and four groups supplemented with sodium nitrate at 0.015% (SN), olive polyphenols at 0.2% (POL), an herbal mix containing rosemary, savory, camelia, thyme, lemon balm and turmeric at 0.2% (NM), or the concomitant addition of olive polyphenols (0.1%) and the herbal mix (0.1%) (POL + NM). Assessment of pH, color, cooking loss, tenderness and oxidative stability was implemented immediately after the manufacture of the sausages (day 0) and at 1, 2 and 3 months after refrigerated storage. It was illustrated that the oxidative stability of sausages was ameliorated as a consequence of POL or/and NM addition, since the values of malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly decreased compared to the control (p < 0.001) at months 1, 2 and 3, and the values were similar to those observed in the SN group that served as a positive control. Values for the lightness (L), shear force and cooking loss were similar among the experimental treatments (p > 0.05). On the other hand, pH values were greater in the SN and NM groups than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Redness (a*) was significantly higher in the SN group and yellowness (b*) in the NM and POL + NM groups compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). It can be concluded that the examined polyphenols and/or herbal mix could be used as an alternative to nitrates for the amelioration of oxidative stability in pork sausages. Full article

Lentinus tigrinus is a wood-decay fungus known for its nutritional, culinary, and medicinal benefits. It contains bioactive compounds like polyphenols, terpenes, and flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory effects. These natural antioxidants are increasingly recognized for their potential to prevent oxidative damage linked to aging and chronic diseases. This study investigates the antioxidant activity of hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from L. tigrinus sporophores cultivated on hazelnut shells (Lt1_HS), a waste material rich in phenolic compounds, and sporophores cultivated on sawdust (Lt1_S). Bioactivity tests, including DPPH, TBARS, MTT, and DCFH-DA assays, were performed to assess the hydroalcoholic extracts’ efficiency. The results showed that all the extracts contained various bioactive compounds, primarily polyphenols. Notably, the caffeoylquinic acids present in HS and Lt1_HS are linked to anti-peroxidant effects. Biological analyses demonstrated that the Lt1_HS extract has higher anti-peroxidant activity (IC₅₀ 0.77 ± 0.01 mg/mL) compared to Lt1_S (IC₅₀ 1.36 ± 0.01 mg/mL) and reduces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in HaCaT cells by 80%. However, the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these antioxidant effects are still unclear, and further analysis will be conducted. Additionally, this study promotes recycling hazelnut shells as a valuable substrate for fungal cultivation, supporting sustainable waste management. Full article

This study explores approaches to enhancing the biostability of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) supplemented with olive fruit extract (OFE) enriched with hydroxytyrosol (HTyr). The investigation focuses on prolonged deep frying (DF) conditions at 170 °C and 210 °C, over durations ranging from 3 to 48 h, with the aim of improving sensorial attributes, polyphenolic content, and thermal oxidative stability. Parameters, such as acidity, peroxide value (PV), K₂₃₂, K₂₇₀, ΔK, phenolic compounds, and sensory attributes, were monitored. The PV did not exceed the standard limit in HTyr-EVOO at 210 °C/24 h; however, in non-supplemented EVOOs, it remained within the limits only up to 210 °C/18 h. Acidity stayed within the acceptable limit (≤0.8) at 170 °C/24 h in both enriched and non-enriched EVOOs. K₂₃₂ values were ≤2.5 in HTyr-EVOO fried at 170 °C/18 h. K₂₇₀ and ΔK did not exceed the limits in HTyr-EVOO at 170 °C/3 h, whereas they surpassed them in non-supplemented oils. Additionally, HTyr and tyrosol levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in HTyr-EVOOs. Phenolic compounds, including verbascoside, pinoresinol, 1-acetoxypinoresinol, and phenolic acids, such as chlorogenic, vanillic, homovanillic, 4-dihydroxybenzoic, and caffeic acids, were detected in HTyr-EVOOs. Oxidized secoiridoid derivatives increased significantly as DF progressed. Moreover, sensory analysis revealed that positive attributes in EVOOs—such as fruity, bitter, and pungent notes—decreased significantly with increasing temperature and frying duration (p < 0.05). Beyond 210 °C/6 h, these attributes were rated at zero. However, HTyr-EVOOs exhibited lower rancidity compared to non-enriched oils under identical conditions, attributed to the protective effect of HTyr. In conclusion, HTyr-EVOOs demonstrated thermal stability up to 210 °C/6 h, retaining desirable sensory qualities, higher phenolic content, and reduced degradation. These findings indicate that natural OFEs have strong potential as food additive in deep fried EVOOs, enhancing sensory properties, health benefits, and overall oil stability. This innovation provides a practical solution for the food industry by improving the biostability and versatility of EVOO. Further research is recommended to investigate various EVOO categories and oils from diverse origins. Full article

Industrial hemp is mainly cultivated for its fibers aimed at the production of textiles, paper, and cordage; the inflorescences for medicinal purposes; and the seeds are used by the food industry due to their high nutritional and functional matrix of protein, fiber, lipids, and microelements. Hemp seed oil (HsO) is a unique source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, with a phenomenal ω6:ω3 ratio of 2.5–3.0, significantly enhancing human health when consumed daily. HsO is mostly obtained through cold pressing due to minimal thermal treatment, and although of lower yield compared to solvent extraction, it presents higher quality lipid fractions and organoleptic characteristics such as color, taste, flavor, and density. Although HsO is a powerful source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytosterols, its production lacks standardized quality control parameters, except for THC, which is subject to EU legislation. Therefore, it is essential to build up a quality protocol system for standardizing seed conservation, oil extraction methods, and quality parameters. This review aims to display an overall nutritional framework of the HsO and encourage further research into its use in the food value chain. Full article

In nature, bacteria often form heterogeneous communities enclosed in a complex matrix known as biofilms. This extracellular matrix, produced by the microorganisms themselves, serves as the first barrier between the cells and the environment. It is composed mainly of water, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), lipids, proteins, and DNA. Cyanobacteria form biofilms and have unique characteristics such as oxygenic photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, excellent adaptability to various abiotic stress conditions, and the ability to secrete a variety of metabolites and hormones. This work focused on the characterization of the cyanobacterium Halomicronema sp. strain isolated from a brackish environment. This study included microscopic imaging, determination of phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, identification of chemicals interfering with biofilm formation, and transcriptomic analysis by RNA sequencing and real-time PCR. Gene expression analysis was centered on genes related to the production of EPS and biofilm-related transcription factors. This study led to the identification of wza1 and wzt as EPS biomarkers and luxR-05665, along with genes belonging to the TetR/AcrR and LysR families, as potential biomarkers useful for studying and monitoring biofilm formation under different environmental conditions. Moreover, this work revealed that Halomicronema sp. can grow even in the presence of strong abiotic stresses, such as high salt, and has good antioxidant properties. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by a gradual decline in cognitive function, for which few effective treatments exist. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of Oroxylum indicum root extract and its key constituents (baicalein, chrysin, oroxylin A) against AD hallmarks. The extract and its constituents exhibited antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay. They inhibited β-amyloid aggregation as measured by the thioflavin T assay and acetylcholinesterase activity using the Ellman method. In cell culture models, O. indicum extract showed an ability to protect neurons from the toxic effects of H₂O₂. Western blot analysis revealed the extract and its major active component, baicalein, downregulated pro-apoptotic markers (cleaved caspase-3, and BAX) upon H₂O₂ exposure. Furthermore, they reduced the expression of amyloidogenic proteins (BACE1) and phosphorylated tau. These findings suggest that O. indicum root extract, particularly baicalein, possesses multifaceted neuroprotective properties, targeting various aspects of AD pathogenesis, including oxidative stress, cholinergic dysfunction, β-amyloid formation, aggregation, and apoptosis. O. indicum root thus warrants further investigation as a promising source of therapeutic agents for AD. Full article

Microplastics pose a serious ecological threat to agricultural soils, as they are very persistent in nature. Microplastics can enter the soil system in different ways and present different shapes and concentrations. However, little is known about how plants react to microplastics with different concentrations and shapes. To this end, we conducted a factorial pot experiment with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in which we mixed polystyrene (PS) in different shapes (bead, fiber and powder) with soil at concentrations of 0, 1, 3 and 5%. Although all shapes of PS significantly reduced morphological growth traits, PS in powder shape was the microplastic that reduced plant height (by 58–60%), fresh biomass (by 54–55%) and dry biomass (by 61–62%) the most, especially at the 3% and 5% concentrations compared with 0% PS. Similar negative effects were also observed for root length and fresh root weight at the 3% and 5% concentrations, regardless of shape. A concentration-dependent reduction in the leaf area index (LAI) was also observed. Interestingly, increasing the PS concentration tended to up-regulate the activity of antioxidant enzymes for all shapes, indicating potential complexity and a highly time-dependent response related to various reactive oxygen species (ROS). Importantly, PS at the 5% concentration caused a significant reduction in chlorophyll pigmentation and photosynthetic rate. For the transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and intercellular CO₂ concentration, the negative effects of PS on wheat plants increased with the increase in microplastic concentration for all shapes of PS. Overall, we concluded that PS microplastics at higher concentrations are potentially more devastating to the physiological growth and biochemical attributes of wheat, as evidenced by the negative effects on photosynthetic pigments and gas exchange parameters for all shapes. We recommend further research experiments not only on translocation but also on tissue-specific retention of different sizes in crops to fully understand their impact on food safety. Full article

Cocoa and chocolate are known for their health benefits, which depend on factors like cocoa variety, post-harvest practices, and manufacturing processes, including fermentation, drying, roasting, grinding, and refining. These processing methods can influence the concentration and bioavailability of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols that are linked to cardiovascular health and antioxidant effects. Recent scientific research has led to the development of cocoa-based products marketed as functional foods. However, despite the growing interest in the functional potential of cocoa, the literature lacks crucial information about the properties of different varieties of cocoa and their possible implications for human health. Moreover, climate change is affecting global cocoa production, potentially altering product composition and health-related characteristics. In addition to polyphenols, other compounds of interest are biogenic amines, due to their role and potential toxic effects on human health. Based on toxicological data and recent research on the complex relationship between biogenic amines and cocoa fermentation, setting limits or standards for biogenic amines in cocoa and chocolate could help ensure product safety. Finally, new trends in research on biogenic amines in chocolate suggest that these compounds might also be used as quality markers, and that product formulation and process conditions could change content and diversity of the different amines. Full article

The intensive use of chemical fertilizers for vegetable cultivation to achieve higher productivity causes soil degradation, resulting in an alarming decline (25–50%) in nutritional quality and a reduction in a wide variety of nutritionally essential minerals and nutraceutical compounds in high-yielding vegetable crops over the last few decades. To restore the physio-chemical and biological qualities of soil as well as the nutritional and nutraceutical qualities of fresh produce, there is a growing desire to investigate the remedial impacts of organic sources of nutrition. This study specifically focused on the impact of six different ratios of chemical fertilizers and organic sources with microbial inoculation on vegetable productivity, nutrition quality, and soil health parameters. Results show that replacing chemical fertilizers with organic sources in the presence of a microbial consortium supports the proliferation of the microbial population in the soil rhizosphere and improves the nutritional status and physico-chemical quality of soil, which is the area around the roots of plants where maximum nutrient uptake occurs. This combination of factors significantly recovers overall soil quality, increasing crop productivity by 13.58 to 18.32 percent in tomato, brinjal, and okra. Experimental findings likewise indicate that an assortment of organic sources with a microbial consortium significantly recovers the abundance of beneficial microbes and earthworms in the rhizosphere, which leads to an improvement in nutritional, organoleptic, and nutraceutical quality, with higher antioxidant contents in all three vegetables grown in arid climate conditions. Full article

Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for all living organisms, serving as a cofactor for numerous enzymes. However, excessive copper concentrations can be harmful. To investigate copper tolerance in fungi, a copper-tolerant strain was isolated from soil and identified as Trichoderma koningii Tk10, with optimized culture conditions being established. Additionally, copper-related genes were analyzed through whole-genome sequencing. The results indicated that Tk10 exhibits a maximum copper tolerance of 5.4 mmol/L and a maximum adsorption rate of 51.5% under optimal cultivation conditions. Whole-genome sequencing revealed six genes associated with copper tolerance, including one superoxide dismutase gene, one peroxidase gene, and three catalase genes linked to copper stress. Furthermore, the enzyme activities of the catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase significantly increased, reaching levels that were 8.02, 4.12, and 3.88 times higher than those observed in the control group, respectively. A real-time quantitative PCR analysis indicated that three of these genes were significantly upregulated in response to copper stress. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into copper tolerance in filamentous fungi. Full article

Stroke affects over 12 million people annually, leading to high mortality, long-term disability, and substantial healthcare costs. Although East Asian herbal medicines are widely used for stroke treatment, the pathways of operation they use remain poorly understood. Our study investigates the neuroprotective properties of Astragalus mongholicus (AM) in acute ischemic stroke using photothrombotic (PTB) and transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse models, as well as an in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model. Post-OGD treatment with AM improved cell viability in mouse neuroblastoma cells, likely by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mice received short-term (0–2 days) or long-term (0–27 days) AM treatment post-stroke. Infarct size was assessed using a 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining procedure alongside magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Neuroprotective metabolites including inositol (Ins), glycerophosphocholine+phosphocholine (GPc+ PCh), N-acetylaspartate+N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAA+NAAG), creatine + phosphocreatine (Cr+PCr), and glutamine+glutamate (Glx) were analyzed via magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Gliosis was assessed using GFAP and Iba-1 immunohistochemical markers, while neurological deficits were quantified with modified neurological severity scores (mNSS). Motor and cognitive functions were assessed using cylinder, rotarod, and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. AM treatment significantly reduced ischemic damage and improved neurological outcomes in both acute and chronic stages of PTB and tMCAO models. Additionally, AM increased neuroprotective metabolites levels, reduced gliosis, and decreased oxidative stress, as evidenced by reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). These findings highlight the antioxidant properties of AM and its strong therapeutic potential for promoting recovery after ischemic stroke by alleviating neurological deficits, reducing gliosis, and mitigating oxidative stress. Full article

Phlomoides rotata, a traditional medicinal plant, is commonly found on the Tibetan Plateau at altitudes of 3100–5200 m. Its primary active medicinal compounds, flavonoids and phenylethanol glycosides (PhGs), exhibit various pharmacological effects, including hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant activities. This study analyzed flavonoid and PhG metabolites in the roots of P. rotata collected from Henan County (HN), Guoluo County (GL), Yushu County (YS), and Chengduo County (CD) in Qinghai Province. A total of differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs) including 38 flavonoids and 21 PhGs were identified. Six genes (UFGT1, CHS1, COMT2, C4H3, C4H8, and C4H5) and four enzymes (4CL, C4H, PPO, and ALDH) were found to play key roles in regulating flavonoid and PhG biosynthesis in P. rotata roots. With increasing altitude, the relative content of 15 metabolites, the expression of seven genes, and the activity of four enzymes associated with flavonoid and PhG metabolism increased. These findings enhance our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of flavonoid and PhG metabolism in P. rotata and provide insights into the potential pharmaceutical applications of its bioactive compounds. Full article

The impact of the world’s growing population on food systems and the role of dietary patterns in the management of non-communicable diseases underscore the need to explore sustainable and dietary protein sources. Although microalgae have stood out as alternative sources of proteins and bioactive peptides, some species such as Nannochloropsis gaditana remain unexplored. This study aimed to characterize N. gaditana’s proteome and evaluate its potential as a source of bioactive peptides by using an in silico approach. A total of 1955 proteins were identified and classified into functional groups of cellular components, molecular functions, and biological processes. In silico gastrointestinal digestion of identified proteins demonstrated that 202 hydrophobic and low-molecular-size peptides with potential bioactivity were released. Among them, 27 exhibited theorical antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and/or antimicrobial activities. Seven of twenty-seven peptides showed ≥ 20% intestinal absorption, suggesting potential systemic effects, while the rest could act at local level. Molecular docking demonstrated strong affinities with key enzymes such as MPO, ACE, and DPPIV. Resistance to the digestion, capacity to be absorbed, and multifunctionality were demonstrated for peptide FIPGL. This study highlights N. gaditana’s potential as a sustainable source of novel potential bioactive peptides with promising local and systemic biological effects. Full article