Search Results (12,426)

Antinutrients in rice tend to impair nutrient bioavailability; hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects of cooking and simulated digestion on the antioxidant activity and phenolic content of white and brown rice, as well as the bioavailability of some minerals. The rice grains were cooked in a pressure cooker, using a 1:2 (w/v) rice-to-water ratio. The digestion of the cooked rice grains was then simulated using pepsin and pancreatin systems. The phenolic (total, free, and bound) and flavonoid content; antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP); phytic acid and tannin levels; and mineral HCl-extractability were all determined in the raw, cooked, and digested grains. The cooking process significantly lowered (p ≤ 0.05) the phenolic content of the white rice; however, the phenolic content increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) when these cooked grains were digested. The phenolic content of brown rice decreased at a higher rate during cooking than that of white rice, and it recovered at a lower rate after digestion. The flavonoid content in both cooked and digested white and brown rice followed a similar trend with the phenolic content. This reduction in the phenolic and flavonoid content in both types of rice after cooking was associated with a large decrease in antioxidant activity, whereas, after digestion, it was associated with a considerable increase. After cooking, the levels of phytate and tannin in both types of rice decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05), and this drop was even more pronounced in the digested grains. Although the mineral content in the cooked samples of white and brown rice decreased, it recovered after digestion; however, the mineral content remained lower than that of the raw samples. Despite this, there was also a rise in the bioavailability of the minerals in the cooked rice after digestion (p ≤ 0.05), which was considerably higher than the rise in the mineral content itself. The findings indicate that, while cooking rice decreases its phenolic content and antioxidant activity, it also lowers its antinutrient content. Additional benefits were also noted following the simulated digestion. Full article

The objective of this work was to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction process of bioactive compounds from byproducts of V. vinifera and C. sinensis using the Taguchi methodology. Moreover, the flavonoid content and the subsequent evaluation of the antioxidant potential through three different assays (ABTS^∙+ radical inhibition, ferric-reducing power (FRAP), and OH^• radical inhibition) were determined. Furthermore, the potential of these metabolites to inhibit the α-amylase enzyme and their protective effect to inhibit the hemolysis due to oxidative processes was assessed. In addition, functional group analysis was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The Taguchi L9 statistical model enabled the increase in bioactive compound yields by evaluating factors such as particle size, temperature, time, and solvent concentration. The samples were found to contain flavonoid-type compounds, which translated into their ability to inhibit free radicals (ABTS^∙+ and OH^•) and act as reducing agents (FRAP). They exhibited inhibitory effects on the α-amylase enzyme involved in the assimilation of starch and its derivatives, along with providing over 50% protection to erythrocytes in the presence of free radicals generated by AAPH. Furthermore, FTIR analysis facilitated the identification of characteristic functional groups of phenolic compounds (O–H, C–H, C=C, C–C, C=O). These findings suggest that the analyzed byproducts can effectively serve as sources of bioactive compounds with potential applications in the formulation of functional foods and medicines. However, it is necessary to conduct compound identification and toxicity analysis to ensure the safety of these bioactive compounds. Full article

Pseudomonas are known as higher producers of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties and plant growth promoters, including resistance induction. These mechanisms should be an alternative to pesticide use in crop production. Phakopsora pachyrhizi causes Asian soybean rust, representing a high loss of yield around the world. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the application of secondary metabolites produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa LV strain from the semi-purified fraction F4A in soybean plants to induce plant resistance against P. pachyrhizi in field conditions. The experimental design was performed in randomized blocks with three replicates using two F4A doses (1 and 10 μg mL⁻¹) combined or not with fungicides (Unizeb Gold^® or Sphere Max^®). The control treatment, with Uni + Sph, saponins, flavonoids, and sphingolipids, showed higher intensities in the plants. In contrast, plants treated with the F4A fraction mainly exhibited fatty acid derivatives and some non-identified compounds with nitrogen. Plants treated with Sphere Max^®, with or without F4A10, showed higher intensities of glycosylated flavonoids, such as kaempferol, luteolin, narigenin, and apigenin. Plants treated with F4A showed higher intensities of genistein and fatty acid derivatives. These increases in flavonoid compound biosynthesis and antioxidant properties probably contribute to the protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Full article

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a sodium salt derived from glutamic acid, is widely used in commercial food products to improve taste, quality, and preservation. However, its consumption may have detrimental effects on male reproductive function. Nevertheless, plant extracts, such as Lepidium meyenii (Maca), Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek), Spirulina platensis (Spirulina), and Tribulus arabica (Tribulus), may ameliorate these adverse effects. To this effect, the phytochemical properties of Lepidium meyenii, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Spirulina platensis, and Tribulus arabica were assessed, and their potential impact on MSG-induced impairment of reproductive parameters was examined. The phytochemical composition (steroids, terpenes, phenols, flavonoids) of the plants was profiled through spectrophotometry and the antioxidant activity was assessed using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups at random: a control group receiving distilled water, and five experimental groups (MSG, Maca, Fenugreek, Spirulina, and Tribulus) receiving 900 mg/kg/day of MSG dissolved in water for 45 days. Subsequently, the animals in the experimental groups were administered 500 mg/kg/day of the respective plant extract via oral gavage for an additional 35 days, while the MSG group continued to receive water only. Following the treatment period, the animals were sacrificed, and their reproductive tract organs were collected, weighed, and subjected to further analysis. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of diverse bioactive elements in the plant extracts, including phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Exposure to MSG negatively impacted total and progressive sperm motility, which was ameliorated by Lepidium meyenii treatment. Sperm morphology showed no significant differences among groups. Treatment of the phytochemical agents diminished histomorphometric alternations of the testicular length, germinal epithelium height, and number of cells in seminiferous tubules, which were caused by the initial administration of MSG. Testosterone and LH levels were reduced in the MSG group but improved in extract-treated groups. The study suggests Lepidium meyenii as a potential remedy for reproductive dysfunction. However, further investigation into its mechanisms and human safety and efficacy is warranted. Full article

Aging is a natural and irreversible process, affecting living organisms by negatively impacting the tissues’ and cells’ morphology and functionality and consequently being responsible for aging-related diseases. Taking into account the actual preoccupations of both consumers and researchers, healthy anti-aging alternatives are being intensively studied in order to address such concerns. Due to their functional features, plant flavonoids can be considered valuable nutraceuticals. This paper highlights the possibilities to use flavonoids extracted from various plants for their anti-aging potential on the skin, brain, and heart. Moreover, their anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties are summarized, along with the senescence-associated mechanisms. Both the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical fields are continuously developing and flavonoids originating from plants are promising candidates to obtain such products. Thus, the bioactive compounds’ extraction and their subsequent involvement in innovative product manufacturing must be carefully performed while being aware of the various intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may affect the phytochemicals’ structures, bioavailability, and health effects. Full article

Ultrasound-assisted extraction using response surface methodology was employed to extract marigold flower, resulting in a marigold flower extract (MFE) with elevated levels of total phenolic compounds (TPCs), total flavonoid content (TFC), total carotenoid content (TCC), and antioxidant activity, as assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, under conditions of 40 °C temperature, 15 min extraction time, and 68% ethanol concentration. The MFE was subsequently encapsulated using spray drying with 45% maltodextrin (MD) (MFE–MD; 1:1, 1:2) and 20% gum arabic (GA) (MFE–GA; 1:2, 1:3). The MD (1:2 ratio) sample showed the highest encapsulation yield, while the 45% MD (1:1 ratio) sample exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (p ≤ 0.05). Samples containing 45% MD (1:1 ratio) and 20% GA (1:2 ratio) had the highest moisture content, with the 45% MD (1:1 ratio) sample showing the lowest water activity (p > 0.05). These samples also displayed higher L* and a* values compared to the 20% GA samples, which had increased b* values (p ≤ 0.05). Micrographs of the 20% GA (1:3 ratio) and 45% MD (1:2 ratio) samples revealed spherical shapes with smooth surfaces. The 20% GA (1:2 ratio) microcapsules exhibited the highest total phenolic content (TPC) among the samples (p ≤ 0.05). Thus, ultrasound-enhanced extraction combined with response surface methodology proved effective in producing functional food ingredients from plants. Full article

Chronic wounds remain a significant clinical challenge, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic agents. Sedum telephium L. (syn. Hylotelephium telephium (L.) H. Ohba) fresh leaf juice, known for its traditional medicinal uses, was evaluated to assess its efficacy and its mechanism in promoting wound healing in vitro. Fresh leaves were collected and processed to obtain the juice, which was analyzed for polyphenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and proteins content. Key bioactive compounds were identified, including complex polysaccharides (2.47%), proteins (0.16%) and kaempferol and quercetin tri- di- and mono-glycosides, 0.04%, expressed as quercetin equivalent. The juice and its polysaccharidic fraction were tested on human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts (HFF-1) to assess cell viability, wound closure, and the production of growth factors and pro-collagen I. Our results indicated that the whole juice significantly enhanced wound closure in both cell types: +33% in keratinocytes compared to control, at 24 h, with a marked increase in fibroblast growth factor (FGF) (+21% compared to control) and LAP(TGF-β1) (+60% compared to control) and +30% in fibroblasts compared to control at 24 h, without a significant upregulation of pro-collagen I expression. The polysaccharidic fraction alone showed limited efficacy (no efficacy in keratinocytes and +20% in wound closure compared to control at 24 h in fibroblast), emphasizing the importance of the complete phytocomplex. These findings suggest that Sedum telephium L. represents a promising candidate in the setting of skin regeneration and repair. Full article

Achillea cucullata is a perennial herbaceous plant that has a long history of medical use in many cultures. The present research focuses on the biological activity and therapeutic potential of A. cucullata, namely its antibacterial and anticancer properties. While previous studies have shed light on the cytotoxic and antibacterial capabilities of Achillea cucullata aerial parts, there is still a considerable gap in knowledge concerning the anticancer potential of leaf and flower extracts. A. cucullata’s leaves and flowers were extracted using methanol. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were evaluated. The antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antibacterial properties were evaluated against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of A. cucullata leaf and flower extracts showed numerous amounts of bioactive components, including carvacrol, a TBDMS derivative; 2-Myristynoyl-glycinamide, acetylaminobenzothiazol-2-yl)-2-(adamantan-1-yl); Isolongifolol; (3E,10Z)-Oxacyclotrideca-3,10-diene-2,7-dione; and 3-Heptanone, 5-hydroxy-1,7-diphenyl. The extract has a high level of phenols and flavonoids. Cytotoxicity studies found that A. cucullata leaves and flowers had dose-dependent toxicity against MCF-7 and HepG2 cancer cell lines, with flowers being more effective. Apoptotic genes (caspase-3, 8, 9, and Bax) were upregulated in treated MCF-7 and HepG2 cells, whereas anti-apoptotic genes (Bcl-xL and Bcl-2) were reduced. Antibacterial screening revealed significant activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Overall, the research highlights the varied therapeutic potentials of A. cucullata, adding to the knowledge of plant-derived extracts in lowering disease risks. Future research should concentrate on in vivo studies to assess the effectiveness and safety of these substances. Full article

The current study intended to investigate the role of new natural compounds derived from the Sesuvium sesuvioides plant in mitigating symptoms of diabetes and insulin resistance in the diabetic mice model. Anti-advanced glycation activity, insulin, and adiponectin were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Glucose uptake was performed using enzymatic fluorescence assay, and glycogen synthesis was measured using PAS staining. Gene and protein expression was assessed using real time PCR (RT-PCR), and immunoblotting and fluorescent microscopy, respectively. The new flavonoid glycoside eupalitin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside 1 isolated from S. sesuvioides exhibited anti-AGE activity by reducing human glycated albumin in liver cells. In a diabetic mouse model treated with compound 1, we observed improved glucose tolerance, increased adiponectin levels, and decreased insulin resistance. We also observed alleviated AGEs induced reduction in glucose uptake and restored glycogen synthesis in the compound 1-treated diabetic mice muscles. Exploring the molecular mechanism of action in skeletal muscle tissue of diabetic mice, we found that 1 reduced AGE-induced reactive oxygen species and the inflammatory gene in the muscle of diabetic mice. Additionally, 1 exhibited these effects by reducing the gene and protein expression of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and inhibiting protein kinase C (PKC) delta activation. This further led us to demonstrate that compound 1 reduced serine phosphorylation of IRS-1, thereby restoring insulin sensitivity. We conclude that a new flavonoid glycoside from S. sesuvioides could be a therapeutic target for the treatment of symptoms of insulin resistance and diabetes. Full article

Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz is a perennial herbaceous climbing plant with tendrils and tuberous roots belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Its fruits (“chayote”), stems, roots, and leaves are edible and are commonly ingested by humans. It has shown medicinal properties attributed to its bioactive compounds (vitamins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, triterpenoids, polyphenolic compounds, phytosterols, and cucurbitacins), which together have been associated with the control and prevention of chronic and infectious diseases, highlighting its antibacterial, anti-cardiovascular/antihypertensive, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antiproliferative, and antioxidant activities. The objective of the study was to determine the antigenotoxic potential of two types of fresh chayote juice (filtered (FChJ) and unfiltered (UFChJ)) against DNA damage produced by benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) using an in vivo mouse peripheral blood micronucleus assay (MN). The juices were consumed freely for 2 weeks. A negative control, a control group of each juice, a positive batch [B[a]P], and two combined batches (B[a]P plus FChJ or UFChJ) were included. Blood smears were stained and observed under a microscope to quantify the number of micronucleated normochromic erythrocytes (MNNEs). The results indicate: (a) B[a]P increased the frequency of MNNEs and reduced the rate of PEs; and (b) no juice produced toxic effects or induced MN. On the contrary, both juices were genoprotective. However, the most significant effect was presented by UFChJ at the end of the experiment (70%). It is suggested that UFChJ has a greater amount of fiber and/or phytochemicals that favor the therapeutic effect. Possibly, the genoprotection is also related to its antioxidant capacity. Full article

Leishmania amazonensis causes a clinical form called diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL) with challenges to treatment, like low efficiency and drug toxicity. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate new therapies using less toxic leishmanicidal compounds, such as flavonoids like naringenin, and their combination with conventional drugs, such as miltefosine. Antileishmanial dose/response activity, isobologram, calculation of dose reduction index (DRI), and fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) tests were performed on in vitro assays using reference promastigote forms of L. amazonensis (IFLA/BR/67/PH8) to assess the combinatorial effect between naringenin and miltefosine. The in vitro results of isobologram, DRI, and FICI calculations showed that the combination of the compounds had an additive effect and was able to reduce the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of miltefosine in the promastigote forms of the parasite compared to the treatment of the drug alone. This study demonstrated in vitro the viability of a combination action of the flavonoid with the treatment with miltefosine, opening space for further investigations on the association of natural compounds with the drugs used for the treatment of L. amazonensis. Full article

This study researched the combined effects of heat treatment and varying concentrations of the pectolytic enzyme on the improvement of yield, color, and extraction of sugars, acids, and bioactive compounds of the ‘Merlot Kanthus’ grape juice. Application of low (0.05 IU/mL) and high (0.09 IU/mL) enzyme treatment substantially increased the yield of unpasteurized and pasteurized juice. Color intensity significantly improved in the pasteurized juice with a high enzyme concentration (CIRG 4.4) and the pasteurized juice without enzymes (4.5). No considerable differences in the total sugar concentration between the treatments were observed; however, the concentration of organic acids was improved by 27 and 13% in unpasteurized and pasteurized juice with a high enzyme concentration, respectively. A total of 78 individual phenolic compounds were identified, and the treatment with a high enzyme concentration had the most notable effect on the total anthocyanins, improving their concentration by 33.6% and increasing the concentration of 18 individual compounds. The heat treatment increased flavonol concentration by 41%. Overall, heat and enzyme treatment, mainly the high enzyme concentration, had a very favorable effect on the parameters of the analyzed ‘Merlot Kanthus’ grape juice, with a significant increase in the yield of bioactive components. Full article

Ginkgo biloba is abundant in secondary metabolites, including flavonoids and terpenoids. While the majority of research has focused on the role of these compounds in disease resistance, their specific contribution to pathogen defense has been rarely explored. In this study, we collected root exudates from hydroponically cultivated ginkgo seedlings and conducted a metabolomic analysis. We identified several primary metabolites mainly comprising amino acids and nucleotides, while secondary metabolites consisted of various compounds, including bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and terpenoids. Focusing on the secondary metabolites with relatively higher abundance in the exudates, we selected a mixture of flavonoids and terpenoids for in vitro inhibition experiments against two soil-borne fungal pathogens, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum that causes cucumber wilt and Rhizoctonia solani AG-8 that causes wheat root rot. The results indicated that the growth rate of both fungus cells was significantly reduced with the increasing concentration of the flavonoid and terpenoid mixture extracted from ginkgo and was completely inhibited at a concentration of 5 mg/mL. Further experiments revealed that this mixture of flavonoids and terpenoids had a destructive effect on the cellular structure of both fungi, thereby reducing cell viability and achieving an antifungal effect. These findings provide a foundation for further research into the use of ginkgo extracts in biological control. Full article

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease that often affects livestock. Identifying plants with inhibitory effects on the development of the parasite could help in finding new natural treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the anticoccidial potentials of extracts from Azadirachta indica leaves (AILs), Combretum micranthum leaves (CMLs), Carica papaya seeds (CPSs), Sarcocephalus latifolius roots (SLRs), and Vernonia amygdalina leaves (VALs). The in vitro anticoccidial efficacy of the extracts was evaluated through oocyst sporulation inhibition and sporozoite viability inhibition assays of Eimeria oocysts. The setup was examined for 72 h (every 24 h) of incubation. The DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power were used to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the extracts. Among the tested extracts, the SLR, CPS, and AIL extracts exhibited the maximum oocyst sporulation inhibition (75.85 ± 1.21%, 74.53 ± 1.65%, and 71.58 ± 0.24%, respectively) at a concentration of 75 mg/mL of plant extracts against the Eimeria species. The Sarcocephalus latifolius root extract showed the highest radical scavenging capacity (76.25 ± 0.53) and reducing power (86.21 ± 4.28). The biochemical screening of the selected plant extracts revealed the presence of antioxidant compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and carbohydrates. The SLR extract contained the highest amounts of phenols (56.11 ± 0.33 µg/mL) and flavonoids (36.65 ± 1.85 µg/mL). In conclusion, the selected hydro-ethanolic extracts from these plants possess excellent anticoccidial and antioxidant activities, which can be attributed to the presence of medicinally important phytochemicals. Further research is needed to identify and isolate the active anticoccidial compounds from these plants, which could be utilized in the development of drugs against coccidiosis. Full article

The tropical Garcinia genus of flowering plants is a prolific producer of aromatic natural products including polyphenols, flavonoids, and xanthones. In this study, we report the first phytochemical investigation of Garcinia caudiculata Ridl. from the island of Borneo. Fractionation, purification, and structure elucidation by MS and NMR resulted in the discovery of two meroterpenoids. One was a benzofuranone lactone previously isolated from Iryanthera grandis and Rhus chinensis, and the second was a new hydroquinone methyl ester that we named caudiquinol. Both natural products are rare examples of plant meroterpenoids with an intact geranylgeranyl chain. Full article