Bioactive and Nutritional Potential of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant (MAP) Seasoning Mixtures.

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), worldwide appreciated and used as condiments, dyes, and preservatives, possess several biological properties that justify their continuous application in the food industry. In the present study, the nutritional and chemical profiles, as well as the bioactive properties of four combinations of condiments, sold for seasoning poultry, meat, fish, and salads, were evaluated. Twenty-five phenolic compounds (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) were identified, with apigenin-O-malonyl-pentoside-hexoside as the major compound detected in all extracts. Oxalic and citric acids were identified in all mixtures (UFLC-PDA), as well as all the four tocopherol isoforms (HPLC-fluorescence). Regarding bioactivities, the mixtures for meat and salads (TBARS) and meat and poultry (OxHLIA) stood out for their antioxidant potential, whereas for the anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties, the mixtures revealing the greatest results were those for poultry and salad, respectively. In terms of antimicrobial activity, all the mixtures revealed the capacity to inhibit the growth of some bacterial strains. In brief, condiment mixtures showed to be a good source of bioactive compounds, as they confer health benefits, validating the importance of their inclusion in the human diet as a good dietary practice.

Association of enzymatic and optimized ultrasound-assisted aqueous extraction of flavonoid glycosides from dried Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Sea Buckthorn) berries.

The main purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of associating an optimized ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) protocol with enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) in aqueous media, using the dried berries of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn) as plant material. A specialized software was used for the determination of potential optimal extraction parameters, leading to the development of four optimized extracts with different characteristics (UAE ± EAE). For these extracts, buffered or non-buffered solutions have been used, with the aim to determine the influence of adjustable pH on extractability. As enzymatic solution, a pectinase, cellulase, and hemicellulase mix (2:1:1) has been applied, acting as pre-treatment for the optimized protocol. The highest extractive yields have been identified for non-buffered extracts, and the E-UAE combination obtained extracts with the highest overall in vitro antioxidant activity. The HPLC-MSn analysis demonstrated a rich composition in different types of isorhamnetin-O-glycosides, as well as some quercetin-O-glycosides, showing a high recovery of specific flavonol-type polyphenolic species. Moreover, we have tentatively identified two flavanols (i.e., catechin and epigallocatechin) and one flavone derivative (i.e., luteolin).

Upcycling Quince Peel into Bioactive Ingredients and Fiber Concentrates through Multicomponent Extraction Processes.

This study aimed to promote the total upcycling of quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) peel into bioactive extracts (BEs) and fiber concentrates (FCs). The multicomponent extraction processes were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with a 20-run experimental design, where the effects of time (1-120 min), temperature (25-95 °C), and EtOH percentage (0-100%) were combined. In addition to the extraction yields, BEs were analyzed for phenolic compounds, organic acids, and other water-soluble constituents, while FCs were characterized for their color and dietary fiber content. Statistically valid theoretical models were obtained by fitting these dependent variables to a quadratic equation and used to predict optimal extraction conditions. Those obtained for phenolic compounds and malic acid were experimentally validated, yielding 9.3 mg/g and 7.6 g/100 g of these bioactive constituents, respectively, and about 51% (w/w) FC. These BEs showed in vitro antioxidant activity and antimicrobial effects against foodborne fungi and bacteria, standing out in some aspects in relation to synthetic food additives, mainly the malic acid-enriched BE. Overall, the developed extraction processes allowed valorizing of quince peel in FCs and BEs that could be used as natural fortifiers or preservatives in the formulation of foods, beverages and dietary supplements.

Thymus Species from Romanian Spontaneous Flora as Promising Source of Phenolic Secondary Metabolites with Health-Related Benefits.

Wild thyme aerial parts (Serpylli herba) are recognized as a valuable herbal product with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. Although pharmacopoeial regulations allow its collection exclusively from Thymus serpyllum, substitution with other species is frequent in current practice. This study analyzed the phenolic composition, antioxidant, and enzyme-inhibitory and antimicrobial activity of the hydroethanolic extracts obtained from five Romanian wild thyme species (Thymus alpestris, T. glabrescens, T. panonicus, T. pulcherimus and T. pulegioides). The analysis of individual phenolic constituents was performed through LC-ESI-DAD/MS2, while for the in vitro evaluation of antioxidant potential, TEAC, FRAP, DPPH, TBARS and OxHLIA assays were employed. The anti-enzymatic potential was tested in vitro against tyrosinase, α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase. High rosmarinic acid contents were quantified in all species (20.06 ± 0.32-80.49 ± 0.001 mg/g dry extract); phenolic acids derivatives (including salvianolic acids) were confirmed as the principal metabolites of T. alpestris and T. glabrescens, while eriodictyol-O-di-hexoside was found exclusively in T. alpestris. All species showed strong antioxidant potential and moderate anti-enzymatic effect against α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase, showing no anti-tyrosinase activity. This is the first detailed report on the chemical and biological profile of T. alpestris collected from Romanian spontaneous flora.

Phytochemical Composition and Bioactive Potential of Melissa officinalis L., Salvia officinalis L. and Mentha spicata L. Extracts.

Plants are rich in bioactive phytochemicals that often display medicinal properties. These can play an important role in the production of health-promoting food additives and the replacement of artificial ones. In this sense, this study aimed to characterise the polyphenolic profile and bioactive properties of the decoctions, infusions and hydroethanolic extracts of three plants: lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.) and spearmint (Mentha spicata L.). Total phenolic content ranged from 38.79 mg/g extract to 84.51 mg/g extract, depending on the extract. The main phenolic compound detected in all cases was rosmarinic acid. The results highlighted that some of these extracts may have the ability to prevent food spoilage (due to antibacterial and antifungal effects) and promote health benefits (due to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities) while not displaying toxicity against healthy cells. Furthermore, although no anti-inflammatory capacity was observed from sage extracts, these stood out for often displaying the best outcomes in terms of other bioactivities. Overall, the results of our research provide insight into the potential of plant extracts as a source of active phytochemicals and as natural food additives. They also support the current trends in the food industry of replacing synthetic additives and developing foods with added beneficial health effects beyond basic nutrition.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Common and Lemon Verbena.

The nutritional profiles of common and lemon verbena leaves were analyzed (proximate constituents, free sugars, organic acids, tocopherols, and fatty acids) and the leaves were prepared in hydromethanolic and aqueous (decoctions and infusions) extracts. The phenolic compound composition and antioxidant activity (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH); 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP); and cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays) of the extracts were characterized. The nutritional composition varied between the studied species, with lemon verbena showing higher amounts of protein, ash, and fat than common verbena, whereas the opposite trend was recorded for the dietary fiber content. The main free sugars detected in both species were fructose, glucose, and sucrose, which were present in higher amounts in the common verbena samples. Succinic acid was the most abundant organic acid in both species while high amounts of oxalic acid were detected in lemon verbena. The main fatty acids in both species were α-linolenic, palmitic, and linoleic acid. Regarding the phenolic compound content, the extracts of lemon verbena presented higher amounts of total phenolic compounds (TPCs), total flavonoids (TFs) and total phenolic acids (TPAs) than the common verbena extracts while the aqueous extracts (infusions and decoctions) were richer in TPCs, TFs, and TPAs than the hydromethanolic ones in both species. Nine phenolic compounds were identified and quantified, including seven phenolic acids and two flavonoids. The lemon verbena samples were characterized by higher antioxidant activity compared to the common verbena samples while the aqueous extracts showed higher antioxidant efficacy than the hydromethanolic ones. In conclusion, both species showed promising results in terms of the nutritional value, chemical composition, and antioxidant activities, which were positively correlated with the phenolic compound contents. Moreover, the extraction protocol may affect the chemical composition and bioactive properties of both species, with aqueous extracts showing better results than hydromethanolic ones.

Valorization of quince peel into functional food ingredients: A path towards "zero waste" and sustainable food systems.

Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) is an astringent fruit widely processed into marmalade and other sweets through processes that discard the peel as a by-product. Therefore, this study was performed to characterize the quince peel composition in nutrients and phytochemicals and evaluate its in vitro biological activity, following a "zero waste" approach. The quince peel dry powder was particularly rich in fiber (20.2 g/100 g), fructose (34 g/100 g), malic acid (7.2 g/100 g), and potassium (692 mg/100 g). Extracts prepared by dynamic hydroethanolic maceration and hot water extraction yielded 4.70 and 4.27 mg/g of phenolic compounds, respectively, with a prevalence of flavan-3-ols. The hydroethanolic extract was the most effective in inhibiting lipid peroxidation and oxidative hemolysis, and also presented better antimicrobial effects against foodborne pathogens, which agreed with the highest flavan-3-ol contents. The extracts were better than control synthetic food additives against some tested fungal and bacterial strains. On the other hand, no ability to inhibit nitric oxide production or toxicity to the tumor and non-tumor cell lines was observed. Furthermore, the solid residues remaining after extraction contained 35-37 g/100 g of fiber. Overall, quince peel can be upcycled into fiber-rich and bioactive ingredients to endow the value chain with natural food fortifiers, preservatives, and health promoters.

Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Properties of Wild Edible Mushrooms from Native Nothofagus Patagonian Forests.

Nothofagus forests of the Andean Patagonian region are home to numerous wild edible mushroom (WEM) species with interesting organoleptic characteristics, although many of them have unknown nutritional and nutraceutical profiles. The proximal composition, fatty and organic acids, soluble sugars, phenolic compounds, ergosterol, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of 17 WEMs were analyzed. Carbohydrates, the most abundant macronutrients, varied between 49.00 g/100 g dw (C. magellanicus) and 89.70 g/100 g dw (F. antarctica). Significantly higher values were found for total fat in G. gargal (5.90 g/100 g dw) followed by A. vitellinus (4.70 g/100 g dw); for crude protein in L. perlatum (36.60 g/100 g dw) followed by L. nuda (30.30 g/100 g dw); and for energy in G. gargal (398 Kcal/100g) and C. hariotii (392 Kcal/100g). The most effective extracts regarding the TBARS antioxidant capacity were those of Ramaria. This is the first time that a study was carried out on the chemical composition of G. sordulenta, C. xiphidipus, F. pumiliae, and L. perlatum. The promotion of sustainable use of WEMs, including their incorporation in functional diets that choose WEMs as nutritious, safe, and healthy foods, and their use in an identity mycogastronomy linked to tourism development, requires the detailed and precise nutritional and nutraceutical information of each species.

The powerful Solanaceae: Food and nutraceutical applications in a sustainable world.

The Solanaceae family is considered one of the most important families among plant species because, on one hand encompasses many staple food crops of the human diet while, on the other hand, it includes species rich in powerful secondary metabolites that could be valorized in medicine or drug formulation as well as nutraceuticals and food supplements. The main genera are Solanum, Capsicum, Physalis, and Lycium which comprise several important cultivated crops (e.g., tomato, pepper, eggplant, tomatillo, and goji berry), as well as genera notable for species with several pharmaceutical properties (e.g., Datura, Nicotiana, Atropa, Mandragora, etc.). This chapter discusses the nutritional value of the most important Solanaceae species commonly used for their edible fruit, as well as those used in the development of functional foods, food supplements, and nutraceuticals due to their bioactive constituents. The toxic and poisonous effects are also discussed aiming to highlight possible detrimental consequences due to irrational use. Finally, considering the high amount of waste and by-products generated through the value chain of the main crops, the sustainable management practices implemented so far are presented with the aim to increase the added-value of these crops.

Extraction of Aloesin from Aloe vera Rind Using Alternative Green Solvents: Process Optimization and Biological Activity Assessment.

Aloesin is an aromatic chromone with increasing applications in the cosmetic and health food industries. To optimize its extraction from the Aloe vera leaf rind, the independent variables time (10-210 min), temperature (25-95 °C) and organic solvent composition (0-100%, w/w) were combined in a central composite design coupled with response surface methodology. The solvents consisted of binary mixtures of water with ethanol, propylene glycol, or glycerol. The aloesin levels quantified in each extract were used as response for optimization. The theoretical models were fitted to the experimental data, statistically validated, and used to obtain the optimal extraction conditions. Then, a dose-response analysis of the solid/liquid ratio (S/L) was performed under the optimal conditions determined for each alcohol-water system and revealed that a linear improvement in extraction efficiency can be achieved by increasing the S/L ratio by up to 40 g/L. This analysis also allowed to experimentally validate the predictive models. Furthermore, the aloesin-rich extracts revealed antioxidant activity through thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation inhibition, antimicrobial effects against bacterial and fungal strains, and no toxicity for PLP2 cells. Overall, this study provided optimal extraction conditions for the recovery of aloesin from Aloe vera rind through an eco-friendly extraction process and highlighted its bioactive potential.

Compositional Features and Bioactive Properties of Aloe vera Leaf (Fillet, Mucilage, and Rind) and Flower.

This work aimed to characterize compositional and bioactive features of Aloe vera leaf (fillet, mucilage, and rind) and flower. The edible fillet was analysed for its nutritional value, and all samples were studied for phenolic composition and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, tyrosinase inhibition, and cytotoxic activities. Dietary fibre (mainly mannan) and available carbohydrates (mainly free glucose and fructose) were abundant macronutrients in fillet, which also contained high amounts of malic acid (5.75 g/100 g dw) and α-tocopherol (4.8 mg/100 g dw). The leaf samples presented similar phenolic profiles, with predominance of chromones and anthrones, and the highest contents were found in mucilage (131 mg/g) and rind (105 mg/g) extracts, which also revealed interesting antioxidant properties. On the other hand, the flower extract was rich in apigenin glycoside derivatives (4.48 mg/g), effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 0.025 mg/mL and MBC = 0.05 mg/mL) and capable of inhibiting the tyrosinase activity (IC50 = 4.85 mg/mL). The fillet, rind, and flower extracts also showed a powerful antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Penicillium funiculosum, and Candida albicans, higher than that of ketoconazole. Thus, the studied Aloe vera samples displayed high potential to be exploited by the food or cosmetic industries, among others.