Immobilization of laccase on magnetic PEGDA-CS inverse opal hydrogel for enhancement of bisphenol A degradation in aqueous solution.

Endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA) adversely affect the environment and human health. Laccases are used for the efficient biodegradation of various persistent organic pollutants in an environmentally safe manner. However, the direct application of free laccases is generally hindered by short enzyme lifetimes, non-reusability, and the high cost of a single use. In this study, laccases were immobilized on a novel magnetic three-dimensional poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA)-chitosan (CS) inverse opal hydrogel (LAC@MPEGDA@CS@IOH). The immobilized laccase showed significant improvement in the BPA degradation performance and superior storage stability compared with the free laccase. 91.1% of 100 mg/L BPA was removed by the LAC@MPEGDA@CS@IOH in 3 hr, whereas only 50.6% of BPA was removed by the same amount of the free laccase. Compared with the laccase, the outstanding BPA degradation efficiency of the LAC@MPEGDA@CS@IOH was maintained over a wider range of pH values and temperatures. Moreover, its relative activity of was maintained at 70.4% after 10 cycles, and the system performed well in actual water matrices. This efficient method for preparing immobilized laccases is simple and green, and it can be used to further develop ecofriendly biocatalysts to remove organic pollutants from wastewater.

The Chemical Ecology of Plant Natural Products.

Plants are excellent chemists with an impressive capability of biosynthesizing a large variety of natural products (also known as secondary or specialized metabolites) to resist various biotic and abiotic stresses. In this chapter, 989 plant natural products and their ecological functions in plant-herbivore, plant-microorganism, and plant-plant interactions are reviewed. These compounds include terpenoids, phenols, alkaloids, and other structural types. Terpenoids usually provide direct or indirect defense functions for plants, while phenolic compounds play important roles in regulating the interactions between plants and other organisms. Alkaloids are frequently toxic to herbivores and microorganisms, and can therefore also provide defense functions. The information presented should provide the basis for in-depth research of these plant natural products and their natural functions, and also for their further development and utilization.

An Investigation into the Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Wound-Healing Activities of Curculigo latifolia Found in Brunei Darussalam.

This present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical content and antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Curculigo latifolia leaves (CL) and C. latifolia roots (CR) found in Brunei Darussalam. Phytochemical screening showed that CL and CR extracts contain saponins, tannins, glycosides, and terpenoids. CR showed higher total phenolic content (TPC), but lower total flavonoid content (TFC) when compared to CL. The high TPC in CR contributed to its potent radical scavenging activity (RSA) against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and strong ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Additionally, CR exerted significant inhibition of ∝-glucosidase and ∝-amylase, suggesting a potential link between the chemical compounds and its antioxidant and antidiabetic effects. In the animal study of antihyperglycemic activity, treatment with 250 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of the CL extract normalised the blood glucose levels and improved body weight gain of alloxan-induced diabetic rats within 14 weeks. Furthermore, our investigation into the wound-healing effects of young C. latifolia leaves (YCL) and matured C. latifolia leaves (MCL) showed a significant reduction in wound size on Day 3, 5, and 7 of the experimental study, indicating its wound-healing potential. Based on our findings, C. latifolia can be consumed as part of a balanced diet due to its antioxidant and antidiabetic properties.

Decoding coffee cardiometabolic potential: Chemical composition, nutritional, and health relationships.

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, recognized for its unique taste and aroma and for its social and health impacts. Coffee contains a plethora of nutritional and bioactive components, whose content can vary depending on their origin, processing, and extraction methods. Gathered evidence in literature shows that the regular coffee consumption containing functional compounds (e.g., polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and melanoidins) can have potential beneficial effects on cardiometabolic risk factors such as abdominal adiposity, hyperglycemia, and lipogenesis. On the other hand, coffee compounds, such as caffeine, diterpenes, and advanced glycation end products, may be considered a risk for cardiometabolic health. The present comprehensive review provides up-to-date knowledge on the structure-function relationships between different chemical compounds present in coffee, one of the most prevalent beverages present in human diet, and cardiometabolic health.

Selective detection of food contaminants using engineered gallium-organic frameworks with MD and metadynamics simulations.

The exclusion mechanism of food contaminants such as bisphenol A (BPA), Flavonoids (FLA), and Goitrin (GOI) onto the novel gallium-metal organic framework (MOF) and functionalized MOF with oxalamide group (MOF-OX) is evaluated by utilizing molecular dynamics (MD) and Metadynamics simulations. The atoms in molecules (AIM) analysis detected different types of atomic interactions between contaminant molecules and substrates. To assess this procedure, a range of descriptors including interaction energies, root mean square displacement, radial distribution function (RDF), density, hydrogen bond count (HB), and contact numbers are examined across the simulation trajectories. The most important elements in the stability of the systems under examination are found to be stacking π-π and HB interactions. It was confirmed by a significant value of total interaction energy for BPA/MOF-OX (- 338.21 kJ mol-1) and BPA/MOF (- 389.95 kJ mol-1) complexes. Evaluation of interaction energies reveals that L-J interaction plays an essential role in the adsorption of food contaminants on the substrates. The free energy values for the stability systems of BPA/MOF and BPA/MOF-OX complexes at their global minima reached about BPA/MOF = - 254.29 kJ mol-1 and BPA/MOF-OX = - 187.62 kJ mol-1, respectively. Nevertheless, this work provides a new strategy for the preparation of a new hierarchical tree-dimensional of the Ga-MOF hybrid material for the adsorption and exclusion of food contaminates and their effect on human health.

Amelioration of Smoke Taint in Wine via Addition of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers during or after Fermentation.

The adsorbents used to remove taint compounds from wine can also remove constituents that impart desirable color, aroma, and flavor attributes, whereas molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are tailor-made to selectively bind one or more target compounds. This study evaluated the potential for MIPs to ameliorate smoke taint in wine via removal of volatile phenols during or after fermentation. The addition of MIPs to smoke-tainted Pinot Noir wine (for 24 h with stirring) achieved 35-57% removal of guaiacol, 4-methylguaiacol, cresols, and phenol, but <10% of volatile phenol glycoconjugates were removed and some wine color loss occurred. Of the MIP treatments that were subsequently applied to Semillon and Merlot fermentations or wine, MIP addition post-inoculation of yeast yielded the best outcomes, both in terms of volatile phenol removal and wine sensory profiles. Despite some impact on other aroma volatiles and red wine color, the findings demonstrate that MIPs can ameliorate smoke-tainted wine.

Investigation of the Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Bioactive Compounds from Olea europaea: In Silico Evaluation of Cyclooxygenase Enzyme Inhibition and Pharmacokinetic Profiling.

In a landmark study, oleocanthal (OLC), a major phenolic in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), was found to possess anti-inflammatory activity similar to ibuprofen, involving inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. EVOO is a rich source of bioactive compounds including fatty acids and phenolics; however, the biological activities of only a small subset of compounds associated with Olea europaea have been explored. Here, the OliveNetTM library (consisting of over 600 compounds) was utilized to investigate olive-derived compounds as potential modulators of the arachidonic acid pathway. Our first aim was to perform enzymatic assays to evaluate the inhibitory activity of a selection of phenolic compounds and fatty acids against COX isoforms (COX-1 and COX-2) and 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX). Olive compounds were found to inhibit COX isoforms, with minimal activity against 15-LOX. Subsequent molecular docking indicated that the olive compounds possess strong binding affinities for the active site of COX isoforms, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed the stability of binding. Moreover, olive compounds were predicted to have favorable pharmacokinetic properties, including a readiness to cross biological membranes as highlighted by steered MD simulations and umbrella sampling. Importantly, olive compounds including OLC were identified as non-inhibitors of the human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG) channel based on patch clamp assays. Overall, this study extends our understanding of the bioactivity of Olea-europaea-derived compounds, many of which are now known to be, at least in part, accountable for the beneficial health effects of the Mediterranean diet.

Unlocking the Potential of Citrus medica L.: Antioxidant Capacity and Phenolic Profile across Peel, Pulp, and Seeds.

Citrus medica L. is a traditional citrus fruit that is rich in bioactive compounds and has the potential to be used as a natural source of food additives. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and characterize the phenolic compounds present in the peels (including flavedo and albedo), pulp, and seeds of citron. The results showed that, compared to the other parts, the pulp had a substantially higher Antioxidant Activity Coefficient (AAC) of 168.2. The albedo and the seeds had significantly lower AAC values, while the green and yellow flavedo showed noteworthy results. O-coumaric acid was the predominant phenolic acid in all of the citron fractions; it was found in the highest concentration in albedo (37.54 µg/g FW). Flavanones and flavanols were the primary flavonoids in the pulp, peel, and seeds, with total flavonoid concentration ranging from ~9 µg/g FW in seeds to 508 µg/g FW in the pulp. This research offers significant insights into the antioxidant properties of this ancient fruit, emphasizing its potential applications as a natural source of antioxidants to be used in different applications.

Optimization of Phenolic Compounds Extraction from Aerial Parts of Fabiana punensis S. C. Arroyo by Ultrasound- and Microwave-Assisted Extraction.

Fabiana punensis S. C. Arroyo is a subshrub or shrub that is indigenous to the arid and semiarid region of northern Argentina and is known to possess several medicinal properties. The objective of this study was to optimize the extraction conditions so as to maximize the yield of bioactive total phenolic compound (TPC) and flavonoids (F) of F. punensis' aerial parts by using non-conventional extraction methods, namely ultrasound-assisted extraction, UAE, and microwave-assisted extraction, MAE, and to compare the biological activities and toxicity of optimized extracts vs. conventional extracts, i.e., those gained by maceration. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to apply factorial designs to optimize the parameters of extraction: solid-to-liquid ratio, extraction time, ultrasound amplitude, and microwave power. The experimental values for TPC and F and antioxidant activity under the optimal extraction conditions were not significantly different from the predicted values, demonstrating the accuracy of the mathematical models. Similar HPLC-DAD patterns were found between conventional and UAE- and MAE-optimized extracts. The main constituents of the extracts correspond to phenolic compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids) and apigenin was identified. All extracts showed high scavenger capacity on ABTS•+, O2•- and H2O2, enabling the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory enzymes xanthine oxidase (XO) and lipoxygenase (LOX). They also showed an antimutagenic effect in Salmonella Typhimurium assay and cytotoxic/anti-proliferative activity on human melanoma cells (SKMEL-28). Toxicological evaluation indicates its safety. The results of this work are important in the development of efficient and sustainable methods for obtaining bioactive compounds from F. punensis for the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage.

Evaluation of the Shelf Life of Myristica-fragrans Powder-Flavored Oils Obtained through the Application of Two Processes: Infusion and Co-Pressing Technology.

This work aimed to evaluate the impact of enrichment processing on the quality parameters, bioactivity and sensorial aspects of Myristica fragrans (mace)-flavored olive oil storage for one year. The mace powder was added to extra virgin olive oil through two different processes: immediately after crushing the olives by mixing mace (1% weight/weight (w/w)) with the olive paste (MAVOO-M) and by adding mace to extra virgin olive oil (C) (2% w/w) (MAVOO-I). A multi-analytical approach was applied to measure the main qualitative indexes, such as the free acidity, peroxide value and ultraviolet parameters. The total phenolic and carotenoid contents (TPC and TCC, respectively) and α-tocopherol were also evaluated, as well as the sensory attributes. The radical scavenging potential was estimated by using two different in vitro tests, namely, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). A significant increase in the free acidity parameter was found in all the flavored oils, and particularly in the MAVOO-M (1.27% oleic acid); at the same time, this oil was the sample with the lowest peroxide value (i.e., 9.68 meqO2/kg) after 360 days of storage. At the end of the storage, an increase in L* values was found in both the MAVOO-M and -I vs. the C (43.88 and 43.02, respectively, vs. 42.62). The TCC was strongly influenced by the addition of mace, especially when the infusion process was used. In fact, after one year of storage, the TCC in the MAVOO-I resulted in ~34.7% more than the MAVOO-M. A promising DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed independently by the applied aromatization process, with IC50 values of 19.77 and 17.80 µg/mL for the MAVOO-M and MAVOO-I, respectively. However, this activity decreased during storage, and a similar trend was observed using the ABTS test. In conclusion the infusion as enrichment methodology led to more promising results in terms of functionality compared with the co-mixing one.

Advantages of Spray Drying over Freeze Drying: A Comparative Analysis of Lonicera caerulea L. Juice Powders-Matrix Diversity and Bioactive Response.

The study investigated the impact of Lonicera caerulea L. juice matrix modification and drying techniques on powder characteristics. The evaluation encompassed phenolics (514.7-4388.7 mg/100 g dry matter), iridoids (up to 337.5 mg/100 g dry matter), antioxidant and antiglycation capacity, as well as anti-ageing properties of powders produced using maltodextrin, inulin, trehalose, and palatinose with a pioneering role as a carrier. Spray drying proved to be competitive with freeze drying for powder quality. Carrier application influenced the fruit powder properties. Trehalose protected the phenolics in the juice extract products, whereas maltodextrin showed protective effect in the juice powders. The concentrations of iridoids were influenced by the matrix type and drying technique. Antiglycation capacity was more affected by the carrier type in juice powders than in extract products. However, with carrier addition, the latter showed approximately 12-fold higher selectivity for acetylcholinesterase than other samples. Understanding the interplay between matrix composition, drying techniques, and powder properties provides insights for the development of plant-based products with tailored attributes, including potential health-linked properties.

The Mediterranean Species Calendula officinalis and Foeniculum vulgare as Valuable Source of Bioactive Compounds.

Research studies on plant secondary metabolites have increased over the last decades as a consequence of the growing consumer demand for natural products in pharmaceutics and therapeutics, as well as in perfumery and cosmetics. In this perspective, many Mediterranean plant species could be an appreciated source of bioactive compounds with pharmacological and health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor ones. Calendula officinalis and Foeniculum vulgare are commercially important plants of the Mediterranean flora, with great therapeutic use in the treatment of many disorders since ancient times, and are now listed in several world pharmacopoeias and drug agencies. The present review offers an overview of the main phytochemicals, phenols, terpenes, and alkaloids, biosynthesized in C. officinalis and F. vulgare, both species endemic to the Mediterranean region. Further, all current knowledge and scientific data on taxonomic classification, botanical description, traditional uses, pharmacological studies, and potential toxicity of both species were reported. The principal aim of this review is to point out the prospective use of C. officinalis and F. vulgare as valuable reservoirs of beneficial plant-derived products with interesting biological properties, also providing suggestions and future challenges for the full exploitation of these two Mediterranean species for human life improvement.

Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activity of Cornus mas L. and Crataegus monogyna Fruit Extracts.

The present study evaluated three green extraction methods, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and laser irradiation extraction (LE), for the polyphenolic compounds and vitamin C extraction of Cornus mas L. and Crataegus monogyna fruit extracts. The polyphenols and vitamin C of extracts were quantified using HPLC-DAD, and the total phenolic content, flavonoid content, antioxidant activity (DPPH and reducing power), and antidiabetic activity were also studied. The antidiabetic activity was examined by the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and in vitro on a beta TC cell line (ß-TC-6). The results showed significant differentiation in the extraction yield between the methods used, with the ASE and LE presenting the highest values. The C. mas fruit extract obtained by ASE exhibited the best antioxidant activity, reaching an IC50 value of 31.82 ± 0.10 µg/mL in the DPPH assay and 33.95 ± 0.20 µg/mL in the reducing power assay. The C. mas fruit extracts obtained by ASE and LE also have the highest inhibitory activity on enzymes associated with metabolic disorders: α-amylase (IC50 = 0.44 ± 0.02 µg/mL for the extract obtained by ASE, and 0.11 ± 0.01 µg/mL for the extract obtained by LE at combined wavelengths of 1270 + 1550 nm) and α-glucosidase (IC50 of 77.1 ± 3.1 µg/mL for the extract obtained by ASE, and 98.2 ± 4.7 µg/mL for the extract obtained by LE at combined wavelengths of 1270 + 1550 nm). The evaluation of in vitro antidiabetic activity demonstrated that the treatment with C. mas and C. monogyna fruit extracts obtained using ASE stimulated the insulin secretion of ß-TC-6 cells, both under normal conditions and hyperglycemic conditions, as well. All results suggest that C. mas and C. monogyna fruit extracts are good sources of bioactive molecules with antioxidant and antidiabetic activity.

Assessment of Selected Chemical and Morphological Properties of Lonicera var. kamtschatica and Lonicera var. emphyllocalyx Treated with Gaseous Ozone.

Lonicera caerulea L. fruits are a rich source of vitamins, organic acids, and phenolic compounds, which are characterised by their health-promoting properties. The content of bioactive compounds in this fruit may vary depending on the cultivar and the harvest date. This study analysed the effect of applying 5 ppm gaseous ozone for 1, 3, and 5 min on the chemical properties of L. kamtschatica varieties and newly created clones of L. emphyllocalyx for three years of cultivation. The fruits harvested from L. emphyllocalyx, depending on the year of harvest, had significantly larger size and weight compared to L. kamtschatica. On average, the acidity of the L. emphyllocalyx clones was 6% higher than other tested varieties. The average content of ascorbic acid was highest in L. emphyllocalyx clone '21-17'-57.80 mg·100 g-1; the year of harvest will significantly affect the content of vitamin C, reaching the highest level in 2022-53.92 mg·100 g-1. The total content of polyphenols was significantly dependent on the year of cultivation; reaching, on average, 54.8% more in 2022 compared to the rest of the years. The total antioxidant value using the FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS methods varied depending on the variety; exposure to ozone significantly increased the antioxidant value in each case. On the basis of the study, both botanical varieties can be used in food processing. Gaseous ozone exposure can significantly influence chemical composition, increasing the health-promoting value of fruit.

Phenolic Profiles in Olive Leaves from Different Cultivars in Tuscany and Their Use as a Marker of Varietal and Geographical Origin on a Small Scale.

Olive leaves are a rich source of polyphenols with healthful properties and represent one of the most abundant waste products of olive oil production. The aims of this study were to explore the phenolic composition of olive leaves from the three main Tuscan cultivars (Leccino, Moraiolo and Frantoio) collected in Siena and Grosseto provinces and to investigate the possible use of these compounds as varietal and geographic origin markers. Discriminant factorial analysis (DFA) was used for distinguishing between different cultivars and locations. Apigenin and caffeoyl-secologanoside showed significant differences between cultivars. DFA showed that ligstroside, apigenin and luteolin have the most influence in determining the differences between sites, whereas total polyphenols, olacein and hydroxytyrosol acetate allowed for separation between leaves from the same province. The results of the present study indicate that concentrations of phenolic compounds, measured through high-resolution mass spectrometry, can be used as a marker for both the cultivar and of geographical origin of olive leaves, and possibly of olive-related products, as well as across small geographic scales (less than 50 km distance between sites).

Impact of Processing on the Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Sorghum bicolor L. Moench.

Sorghum, a cereal grain rich in nutrients, is a major source of phenolic compounds that can be altered by different processes, thereby modulating their phenolic content and antioxidant properties. Previous studies have characterised phenolic compounds from pigmented and non-pigmented varieties. However, the impact of processing via the cooking and fermentation of these varieties remains unknown. Wholegrain flour samples of Liberty (WhiteLi1 and WhiteLi2), Bazley (RedBa1 and RedBa2), Buster (RedBu1 and RedBu2), Shawaya black (BlackSb), and Shawaya short black 1 (BlackSs) were cooked, fermented, or both then extracted using acidified acetone. The polyphenol profiles were analysed using a UHPLC-Online ABTS and QTOF LC-MS system. The results demonstrated that combining the fermentation and cooking of the BlackSs and BlackSb varieties led to a significant increase (p < 0.05) in total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activities, as determined through DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays. The 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity of WhiteLi1, BlackSb, RedBu2, and BlackSs increased by 46%, 32%, 25%, and 10%, respectively, post fermentation and cooking. Conversely, fermentation only or cooking generally resulted in lower phenolic content and antioxidant levels than when samples were fully processed compared to raw. Notably, most of the detected antioxidant peaks (53 phenolic compounds) were only detected in fermented and cooked black and red pericarp varieties. The phenolic compounds with the highest antioxidant activities in pigmented sorghum included 3-aminobenzoic acid, 4-acetylburtyic acid, malic acid, caffeic acid, and luteolin derivative. Furthermore, the growing location of Bellata, NSW, showed more detectable phenolic compounds following processing compared to Croppa Creek, NSW. This study demonstrates that sorghum processing releases previously inaccessible polyphenols, making them available for human consumption and potentially providing added health-promoting properties.

Optimization of Phenolic-Enriched Extracts from Olive Leaves via Ball Milling-Assisted Extraction Using Response Surface Methodology.

This study aims to extract phenolic-enriched compounds, specifically oleuropein, luteoloside, and hydroxytyrosol, from olive leaves using ball milling-assisted extraction (BMAE). Response surface methodology (RSM) and the Box-Behnken design (BBD) were used to evaluate the effects of the temperature, solvent-to-solid ratio, and milling speed on extraction recovery. The contents of the extract were determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and converted to recoveries to evaluate the extraction efficiency. The optimal extraction conditions for oleuropein, luteoloside, and hydroxytyrosol were identified. Oleuropein had a recovery of 79.0% ± 0.9% at a temperature of 56.4 °C, a solvent-to-solid ratio of 39.1 mL/g, and a milling speed of 429 rpm. Luteoloside's recovery was 74.6% ± 1.2% at 58.4 °C, 31.3 mL/g, and 328 rpm. Hydroxytyrosol achieved 43.1% ± 1.3% recovery at 51.5 °C, 32.7 mL/g, and 317 rpm. The reason for the high recoveries might be that high energy ball milling could reduce the sample size further, breaking down the cell walls of olive leaves, to enhance the mass transfer of these components from the cell to solvent. BMAE is displayed to be an efficient approach to extracting oleuropein, luteoloside, and hydroxytyrosol from olive leaves, which is easy to extend to industrial production.

Green Approaches for the Extraction of Banana Peel Phenolics Using Deep Eutectic Solvents.

Banana peels, comprising about 35% of the fruit's weight, are often discarded, posing environmental and economic issues. This research focuses on recycling banana peel waste by optimizing advanced extraction techniques, specifically microwave-assisted (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), for the isolation of phenolic compounds. A choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvent (DES) with glycerol in a 1:3 ratio with a water content of 30% (w/w) was compared to 30% ethanol. Parameters, including sample-to-solvent ratio (SSR), extraction time, and temperature for MAE or amplitude for UAE, were varied. Extracts were analyzed for hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA) and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity using FRAP and ABTS assays. DES outperformed ethanol, with HCA content ranging from 180.80 to 765.92 mg/100 g and flavonoid content from 96.70 to 531.08 mg/100 g, accompanied by higher antioxidant activity. Optimal MAE conditions with DES were an SSR of 1:50, a temperature of 60 °C, and a time of 10 min, whereas an SSR of 1:60, time of 5 min, and 75% amplitude were optimal for UAE. The polyphenolic profile of optimized extracts comprised 19 individual compounds belonging to the class of flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and phenolic acids. This study concluded that DESs, with their superior extraction efficiency and environmental benefits, are promising solvents for the extraction of high-value bioactive compounds from banana peels and offer significant potential for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Which Constituents Determine the Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity of Garlic? Role of Organosulfur Compounds and Phenolics.

Garlic is a vegetable with numerous pro-health properties, showing high antioxidant capacity, and cytotoxicity for various malignant cells. The inhibition of cell proliferation by garlic is mainly attributed to the organosulfur compounds (OSCs), but it is far from obvious which constituents of garlic indeed participate in the antioxidant and cytotoxic action of garlic extracts. This study aimed to obtain insight into this question by examining the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of six OSCs and five phenolics present in garlic. Three common assays of antioxidant activity were employed (ABTS● decolorization, DPPH● decolorization, and FRAP). Cytotoxicity of both classes of compounds to PEO1 and SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells, and MRC-5 fibroblasts was compared. Negligible antioxidant activities of the studied OSCs (alliin, allicin, S-allyl-D-cysteine, allyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, and diallyl trisulfide) were observed, excluding the possibility of any significant contribution of these compounds to the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of garlic extracts estimated by the commonly used reductive assays. Comparable cytotoxic activities of OSCs and phenolics (caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, gallic acids, and quercetin) indicate that both classes of compounds may contribute to the cytotoxic action of garlic.

Potential antioxidant and cytotoxic impacts of defatted extract rich in flavonoids from Styphnolobium japonicum leaves growing in Egypt.

Styphnolobium japonicum leaves are considered a rich source of flavonoids, which are the prospective basis for various therapeutic effects. However, there has been a lack of comprehensive cytotoxic studies conducted on these leaves. Therefore, this ongoing investigation aimed to detect and isolate the flavonoids present in S. japonicum leaves, and assess their antioxidant and anticancer properties. The defatted extract from S. japonicum leaves was analyzed using HPLC, which resulted in the identification of seven phenolics and six flavonoids. Rutin and quercetin were found to be the most abundant. Furthermore, a comprehensive profile of flavonoids was obtained through UPLC/ESI-MS analysis in negative acquisition mode. Fragmentation pathways of the identified flavonoids were elucidated to gain relevant insights into their structural characteristics. Furthermore, genistein 7-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, and kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-ß-D-glucopyranoside were isolated and characterized. The defatted extract rich in flavonoids exhibited significant antioxidant, iron-reducing, free radicals scavenging impacts, and remarkable cytotoxicity against the liver cell line (IC50 337.9µg/ mL) and lung cell line (IC50 55.0 µg/mL). Furthermore, the antioxidant and anticancer capacities of the three isolated flavonoids have been evaluated, and it has been observed that their effects are concentration-dependent. The findings of this research highlight the promising impact of flavonoids in cancer therapy. It is recommended that future scientific investigations prioritize the exploration of the distinct protective and therapeutic characteristics of S. japonicum leaves, which hold significant potential as a valuable natural resource.