Iron oxide nanoparticles carried by probiotics for iron absorption: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: One-third of the world's population has anemia, contributing to higher morbidity and death and impaired neurological development. Conventional anemia treatment raises concerns about iron bioavailability and gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects. This research aims to establish how iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) interact with probiotic cells and how they affect iron absorption, bioavailability, and microbiota variation. METHODS: Pointing to the study of the literature and developing a review and critical synthesis, a robust search methodology was utilized by the authors. The literature search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Information was collected between January 2017 and June 2022 using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) protocols for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We identified 122 compatible research articles. RESULTS: The research profile of the selected scientific articles revealed the efficacy of IONPs treatment carried by probiotics versus conventional treatment. Therefore, the authors employed content assessment on four topics to synthesize previous studies. The key subjects of the reviewed reports are the characteristics of the IONPs synthesis method, the evaluation of cell absorption and cytotoxicity of IONPs, and the transport of IONPs with probiotics in treating anemia. CONCLUSIONS: To ensure a sufficient iron level in the enterocyte, probiotics with the capacity to attach to the gut wall transport IONPs into the enterocyte, where the maghemite nanoparticles are released.

Cardiometabolic Risk: Characteristics of the Intestinal Microbiome and the Role of Polyphenols.

Cardiometabolic diseases like hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and obesity have been associated with changes in the gut microbiota structure, or dysbiosis. The beneficial effect of polyphenols on reducing the incidence of this chronic disease has been confirmed by numerous studies. Polyphenols are primarily known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but they can also modify the gut microbiota. According to recent research, polyphenols positively influence the gut microbiota, which regulates metabolic responses and reduces systemic inflammation. This review emphasizes the prebiotic role of polyphenols and their impact on specific gut microbiota components in patients at cardiometabolic risk. It also analyzes the most recent research on the positive effects of polyphenols on cardiometabolic health. While numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the interaction involving polyphenols and gut microbiota, additional clinical investigations are required to assess this effect in people.

Vaccinium Species (Ericaceae): Phytochemistry and Biological Properties of Medicinal Plants.

The Vaccinium L. (Ericaceae) genus consists of a globally widespread and diverse genus of around 4250 species, of which the most valuable is the Vaccinioidae subfamily. The current review focuses on the distribution, history, bioactive compounds, and health-related effects of three species: cranberry, blueberry, and huckleberry. Several studies highlight that the consumption of Vaccinium spp. presents numerous beneficial health-related outcomes, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects against diabetes, obesity, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular disorders. These plants' prevalence and commercial value have enhanced in the past several years; thus, the generated by-products have also increased. Consequently, the identified phenolic compounds found in the discarded leaves of these plants are also presented, and their impact on health and economic value is discussed. The main bioactive compounds identified in this genus belong to anthocyanins (cyanidin, malvidin, and delphinidin), flavonoids (quercetin, isoquercetin, and astragalin), phenolic acids (gallic, p-Coumaric, cinnamic, syringic, ferulic, and caffeic acids), and iridoids.

Bioactive Potential of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.): Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Activity, Bioaccessibility and Prebiotic Potential.

Due to its abundance of physiologically active ingredients, one of the oldest medicinal herbs, elderberry (EB) Sambucus nigra L., is beneficial for both therapeutic and dietary purposes. This study determined the bioaccessibility of the phenolic compounds and the prebiotic potential of the polyphenols from freeze-dried EB powder (FDEBP), along with the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of this extract. The most significant phenolic compounds in black EB are represented by anthocyanins (41.8%), predominating cyanidin-sambubiosides and cyanidin-glucosides (90.1% of the identified anthocyanins). The FRAP assay obtained the highest antioxidant activity value (185 ± 0.18 µmol Fe2+/g DW). The most sensitive to the antimicrobial activity of the extract was proven to be Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.95 mg/mL. To determine the prebiotic potential of the polyphenols, the cell growth of five probiotic strains (Lactobacillus plantarum, L. casei, L. rhamnosus, L. fermentum and Saccharomyces boulardii) was tested. The influence on cell growth was positive for all five probiotic strains used. Overall, the most significant increase (p < 0.05) was recorded at 1.5% FDEBP, on L. casei with a growth index (GI) of 152.44%, very closely followed by GI at 0.5% and 1% concentrations. The stability of the total phenolic compounds through simulated gastronitestinal digestion was increased (93%), and the bioaccessibility was also elevated (75%).

Evaluation of the Astragalus exscapus L. subsp. transsilvanicus Roots' Chemical Profile, Phenolic Composition and Biological Activities.

Novel and natural molecules for pharmaceutical applications are a contemporary preoccupation in science which prompts research in underexplored environments. Astragalus exscapus ssp. transsilvanicus (Schur) Nyár. (ASTRA) is a plant species endemic to Transylvania, having a very similar root system with that of A. membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, known for its health promoting properties. The present study endeavored to perform basic characterization of the ASTRA roots by proximate analysis, to investigate the fatty acid profile of the lipids extracted from the ASTRA roots, to examine the phenolic composition of the root extracts by liquid chromatography, and to evaluate the biological activities through determination of the antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic capacities of the extracts. The primary compounds found in the ASTRA roots were carbohydrates and lipids, and the fatty acid composition determined by GC-MS showed linoleic acid as preponderant compound with 31.10%, followed by palmitic, oleic and α-linolenic acids with 17.30%, 15.61% and 14.21%, respectively. The methanol extract of the ASTRA roots presented highest phenolic content, Astragaloside IV being the predominant compound with 425.32 ± 0.06 µg/g DW. The antimicrobial assay showed remarkable antimicrobial potential of the extract at a concentration of 0.356 and 0.703 mg ASTRA root powder (DW)/mL, highlighting its efficacy to inhibit S. aureus and S. epidermidis bacterial strains. Furthermore, the cell proliferation assessment showed the noteworthy proficiency of the treatment in inhibiting the proliferation of B16F10 melanoma cells.

In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds from Rosehip-Enriched Corn Extrudates.

The rosehip (Rosa canina L.) fruit has gained researchers' attention due to its rich chemical composition in vitamin C, phenols, carotenoids, and high antioxidant activity; meanwhile, polymers such as pea protein are generally recognized as exhibiting a protection role against the extrusion process. Corn snacks extrudates obtained by replacing corn flour with 10% R. canina powder (R) and 10% R. canina with pea protein (RPP) were evaluated for the physicochemical, textural, optical, and nutritional characteristics. A sample manufactured without R. canina powder was used as a control. Hardness, crispiness, chewiness, and solubility index (WSI) of the final extrudates were improved by addition of R. canina and pea protein powder (PP); meanwhile, b* (yellow/blue coordinate), C (chroma), and h* (tone) optical parameters were significantly different from the control sample (p < 0.05). Extrusion highlighted a negative impact on total phenols, carotenoids, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity extrudates, while PP exhibited a good protection against the extrusion process. In vitro digestion increased the bioaccessibility of vitamin C, folate, antioxidant activity, total phenols, and total carotenoids mainly on RPP extrudates.

Carotenoid Recovery from Tomato Processing By-Products through Green Chemistry.

The recovery of bioactive compounds from agro-industry-derived by-products sustains circular economy principles by encouraging maximized recycling and minimized waste. Tomato processing by-products are abundant in carotenoids, which have several health-promoting properties, and their reintegration into functional food products represents a major interest for scientists and manufacturers. In the present study, carotenoids were recovered from tomato processing by-products based on the principles of green chemistry by using generally recognized as safe (GRAS) solvents, freeze-drying as pretreatment, and ultrasound in the recovery procedure. Spectrophotometric measurements and HPLC were used to identify and quantify total and individual carotenoids from the extracts. The highest values for lycopene (1324.89 µg/g dw) were obtained when ethyl lactate was applied as a solvent, followed by ethyl acetate with slightly smaller differences (1313.54 µg/g dw). The extracts obtained from freeze-dried samples presented significantly lower amounts of lycopene, indicating that carotenoids are highly susceptible to degradation during lyophilization. Flaxseed, grape seed, and hempseed oils were enriched with carotenoids and their rheological measurements showed favorable viscoelastic properties, especially hempseed and flaxseed oil, with viscosity under 50 mPa·s. Considering the results and the economic perspective of carotenoid recovery from tomato processing by-products, ethyl acetate is suitable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly for carotenoid extraction.

Natural Polyphenol Recovery from Apple-, Cereal-, and Tomato-Processing By-Products and Related Health-Promoting Properties.

Polyphenols of plant origin are a broad family of secondary metabolites that range from basic phenolic acids to more complex compounds such as stilbenes, flavonoids, and tannins, all of which have several phenol units in their structure. Considerable health benefits, such as having prebiotic potential and cardio-protective and weight control effects, have been linked to diets based on polyphenol-enriched foods and plant-based products, indicating the potential role of these substances in the prevention or treatment of numerous pathologies. The most representative phenolic compounds in apple pomace are phloridzin, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin, with major health implications in diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular and neurocognitive diseases. The cereal byproducts are rich in flavonoids (cyanidin 3-glucoside) and phenolic acids (ferulic acid), all with significant results in reducing the incidence of noncommunicable diseases. Quercetin, naringenin, and rutin are the predominant phenolic molecules in tomato by-products, having important antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The present understanding of the functionality of polyphenols in health outcomes, specifically, noncommunicable illnesses, is summarized in this review, focusing on the applicability of this evidence in three extensive agrifood industries (apple, cereal, and tomato processing). Moreover, the reintegration of by-products into the food chain via functional food products and personalized nutrition (e.g., 3D food printing) is detailed, supporting a novel direction to be explored within the circular economy concept.

Antimicrobial Effects of Basil, Summer Savory and Tarragon Lyophilized Extracts in Cold Storage Sausages.

The problem of functional foods with bioactive components of natural origin is current for the food industry. Plant extracts rich in polyphenols with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity are a promising source for use in improving the quality and characteristics of fresh meat and meat products. In this context, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the physico-chemical, microbiological, sensory properties of sausages prepared with the addition of lyophilized extract of basil, thyme or tarragon. For the beginning, the total amount of polyphenols, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the extracts obtained from three spices were evaluated. In the sausages previously infected with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli it was observed that there is a much larger number of colonies of microorganisms in the control sample compared to the other samples within 24 and 48 h. Moreover, following the addition of sausage extracts, no changes were found regarding their sensory acceptability.

Chemical Profile, Cytotoxic Activity and Oxidative Stress Reduction of Different Syringa vulgaris L. Extracts.

Syringa vulgaris L. (common lilac) is one of the most popular ornamental species, but also a promising not comprehensively studied source of bioactive compounds with important therapeutic potential. Our study was designed to characterize the chemical composition and to assess the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of ethanolic extracts obtained from S. vulgaris L. flowers, leaves, bark, and fruit. The chemical profile of the ethanolic extracts was investigated using chromatographic (HPLC-DAD-ESI+, GC-MS) and spectral (UV-Vis, FT-IR) methods, while the protective effect against free radicals was evaluated in vitro by different chemical assays (DPPH, FRAP, CUPRAC). The cytotoxic activity was tested on two tumoral cell lines, HeLa, B16F10, using the MTT assay. Significant amounts of free or glycosylated chemical components belonging to various therapeutically important structural classes, such as phenyl-propanoids (syringin, acteoside, echinacoside), flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol derivatives) and secoiridoids (secologanoside, oleuropein, 10-hydroxy oleuropein, demethyloleuropein, syringalactone A, nuzhenide, lingstroside) were obtained for the flowers, leaves and bark extracts, respectively. Furthermore, MTT tests pointed out a significant cytotoxic potential expressed in a non-dose-dependent manner toward the tumoral lines. The performed methods underlined that S. vulgaris extracts, in particular belonging to flowers and leaves, represent valuable sources of compounds with antioxidant and antitumoral potential.

Chemical and sensorial characterization of spray dried hydroSOStainable almond milk.

BACKGROUND: Water scarcity is a worldwide problem that leads to environmental and economic issues. Agriculture is one of the main consumers of water for irrigation and fertilization and almond is the major tree nut crop in the Mediterranean area. Furthermore, there is a continuous growing demand for healthy, vegan and sustainable products. Consequently, the present study aimed to chemically characterize almond milk powder enriched with probiotics manufactured from hydroSOStainable almonds (i.e. generated under water stress conditions). Almond milk powder enriched with probiotic bacteria was produced with almonds grown under optimal irrigation conditions (100% of the crop evapotranspiration) and was chemically compared to the samples made from hydroSOStainable almonds. Antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), minerals, organic acids and sugars, fatty acids, and descriptive sensory analysis were evaluated. RESULTS: The results showed that almond milk powder produced from hydroSOStainable almonds had a higher content of TPC, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), PUFAs/saturated fatty acids (SFAs) ratio and PUFAs/monounsaturated fatty acids ratio, as well as almond and nutty flavors. Moderate and sustained deficit irrigation leads to powders with a higher content of PUFAs and PUFAs/SFAs ratio, which are parameters of utmost importance for health. CONCLUSION: Using these strategies, between 66% and 76% of the irrigation water can be saved, producing hydroSOStainable almond milk powder higher in TPC and PUFAs, as well as positive sensory attributes, compared to that from fully irrigated almonds. These findings may have a positive impact in both agriculture and food industry, allowing water savings and high quality and sustainable food products to be obtained. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Recent advances in the biotechnological production of erythritol and mannitol.

Dietary habits that include an excess of added sugars have been strongly associated with an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and tooth decay. With this association in view, modern food systems aim to replace added sugars with low calorie sweeteners, such as polyols. Polyols are generally not carcinogenic and do not trigger a glycemic response. Furthermore, owing to the absence of the carbonyl group, they are more stable compared to monosaccharides and do not participate in Maillard reactions. As such, since polyols are stable at high temperatures, and they do not brown or caramelize when heated. Therefore, polyols are widely used in the diets of hypocaloric and diabetic patients, as well as other specific cases where controlled caloric intake is required. In recent years, erythritol and mannitol have gained increased importance, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In these areas, research efforts have been made to improve the productivity and yield of the two polyols, relying on biotechnological manufacturing methods. The present review highlights the recent advances in the biotechnological production of erythritol and mannitol and summarizes the benefits of using the two polyols in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Ketoconazole-p-aminobenzoic Acid Cocrystal: Revival of an Old Drug by Crystal Engineering.

The 1:1 cocrystal of the antifungal agent ketoconazole with p-aminobenzoic acid was successfully crystallized and systematically characterized by a physical and pharmacological point of view. Crystal structure determination confirmed the cocrystal identity, giving full insight in its crystal packing and degree of disorder. Powder dissolution measurements revealed a 10-fold aqueous solubility increase that induces a 6.7-fold oral bioavailability improvement compared to ketoconazole. In vitro cell assays showed a good toxicity profile of the cocrystal with lower oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced antifungal activity against several Candida species. The in vivo study of the cocrystal indicated similar pharmacokinetic profiles and liver toxicity with increased transaminases, as reported for ketoconazole. Notably, besides minor signs of inflammation, no morphological changes in liver parenchyma or signs of fibrosis and necrosis were detected. The enhanced solubility and oral bioavailability of the cocrystal over ketoconazole, together with the improved antifungal activity and good in vitro/in vivo toxicity, indicate its potential use as an alternative antifungal agent to the parent drug. Our results bring evidence of cocrystallization as a successful approach for bioavailability improvement of poorly soluble drugs.

An Overview of Gut Microbiota and Colon Diseases with a Focus on Adenomatous Colon Polyps.

It is known and accepted that the gut microbiota composition of an organism has an impact on its health. Many studies deal with this topic, the majority discussing gastrointestinal health. Adenomatous colon polyps have a high prevalence as colon cancer precursors, but in many cases, they are hard to diagnose in their early stages. Gut microbiota composition correlated with the presence of adenomatous colon polyps may be a noninvasive and efficient tool for diagnosis with a high impact on human wellbeing and favorable health care costs. This review is meant to analyze the gut microbiota correlated with the presence of adenomatous colon polyps as the first step for early diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment.

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Septum: Assessment of Bioactive Molecules and In Vitro Biological Effects.

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) septum represents an interesting bioactive compound source by-product. In our study, a rich phenolic walnut septum extract, previously selected, was further examined. The tocopherol content determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) revealed higher amounts of α-tocopherol compared to γ- and δ-tocopherols. Moreover, several biological activities were investigated. The in vitro inhibiting assessment against acetylcholinesterase, α-glucosidase, or lipase attested a real management potential in diabetes or obesity. The extract demonstrated very strong antimicrobial potential against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enteritidis. It also revealed moderate (36.08%) and strong (43.27%) antimutagenic inhibitory effects against TA 98 and TA 100 strains. The cytotoxicity of the extract was assessed on cancerous (A549, T47D-KBluc, MCF-7) and normal (human gingival fibroblasts (HGF)) cell lines. Flow cytometry measurements confirmed the cytotoxicity of the extract in the cancerous cell lines. Additionally, the extract demonstrated antioxidant activity on all four cell types, as well as anti-inflammatory activity by lowering the inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-1 ß (IL-1ß)) evaluated in HGF cells. To the best of our knowledge, most of the cellular model analyses were performed for the first time in this matrix. The results prove that walnut septum may be a potential phytochemical source for pharmaceutical and food industry.

Novel 2,4-Disubstituted-1,3-Thiazole Derivatives: Synthesis, Anti-Candida Activity Evaluation and Interaction with Bovine Serum Albumine.

Herein we report the synthesis of two novel series of 1,3-thiazole derivatives having a lipophilic C4-substituent on account of the increasing need for novel and versatile antifungal drugs for the treatment of resistant Candida sp.-based infections. Following their structural characterization, the anti-Candida activity was evaluated in vitro while using the broth microdilution method. Three compounds exhibited lower Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values when compared to fluconazole, being used as the reference antifungal drug. An in silico molecular docking study was subsequently carried out in order to gain more insight into the antifungal mechanism of action, while using lanosterol-C14α-demethylase as the target enzyme. Fluorescence microscopy was employed to further investigate the cellular target of the most promising molecule, with the obtained results confirming its damaging effect towards the fungal cell membrane integrity. Finally, the distribution and the pharmacological potential in vivo of the novel thiazole derivatives was investigated through the study of their binding interaction with bovine serum albumin, while using fluorescence spectroscopy.

Nutrient and Sensory Metabolites Profiling of Averrhoa Carambola L. (Starfruit) in the Context of Its Origin and Ripening Stage by GC/MS and Chemometric Analysis.

Averrhoa carambola L. is a tropical tree with edible fruit that grows at different climatic conditions. Despite its nutritive value and reported health benefits, it is a controversial fruit owing to its rich oxalate content. The present study aimed at investigating aroma and nutrient primary metabolites distribution in A. carambola fruits grown in Indonesia, Malaysia (its endemic origin) versus Egypt, and at different ripening stages. Two techniques were employed to assess volatile and non-volatile metabolites including headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) joined with gas chromatography coupled with mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC-MS post silylation, respectively. Twenty-four volatiles were detected, with esters amounting for the major class of volatiles in Egyptian fruit at ca. 66%, with methyl caproate as the major component, distinguishing it from other origins. In contrast, aldehydes predominated tropically grown fruits with the ether myristicin found exclusively in these. Primary metabolites profiling led to the identification of 117 metabolites viz. sugars, polyols and organic acids. Fructose (38-48%) and glucose (21-25%) predominated sugar compositions in ripe fruits, whereas sorbitol was the major sugar alcohol (2.4-10.5%) in ripe fruits as well. Oxalic acid, an anti-nutrient with potential health risks, was the major organic acid detected in all the studied fruits (1.7-2.7%), except the Malaysian one (0.07%). It increases upon fruit ripening, including considerable amounts of volatile oxalate esters detected via SPME, and which must not be omitted in total oxalate determinations for safety assessments.

Hydroxycinnamic acids and human health: recent advances.

There is an urgent need to improve human diet globally. Compelling evidence gathered over the past several decades suggests that a suboptimal diet is associated with many chronic diseases and may be responsible for more deaths than any other risks worldwide. The main components in our diet that need higher intake are whole grains, fruit and vegetables, and nuts and seeds; all of these are important sources of dietary fiber and polyphenols. The health benefits of dietary fiber and polyphenols are also supported by several decades of valuable research. However, the conclusions drawn from interventional human trials are not straightforward and the action mechanisms in improving human health are not fully understood. Moreover, there is a great inter-individual variation caused by different individual capabilities of processing, absorbing and using these compounds effectively. Data on the bioavailability and bioefficacy of hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) are limited when compared to other classes of polyphenols (e.g. anthocyanins). This review aims to summarize the latest research advances related to HCA bioavailability and their biological effects revealed by epidemiological data, pre-clinical and clinical studies. Moreover, we aim to review the effects of HCAs on gut microbiota diversity and function and its respective influence on host health. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Spray drying and storage of probiotic-enriched almond milk: probiotic survival and physicochemical properties.

BACKGROUND: The combination of the nutritional profile of almond milk with the benefits of probiotic bacteria is an interesting development to meet the demand for sustainable and health-promoting food. Almond milk inoculated with probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum (ATCC8014) was spray dried and the almond, its milk, and powders were characterized physicochemically. Samples were characterized in terms of bacterial survival before and after atomization. Bacterial viability and total fatty acid changes were studied during 8 months' storage at 4 and 22 °C. RESULTS: Results showed adequate physicochemical properties and an optimal bacterial survival rate, maintaining almost the same values before and after the spray-drying operation. A decrease was observed in the cell viability for samples stored at 4 °C. However, the cell count was maintained above the minimum level suggested (107 living cells) to allow potential probiotic functionality for 8 months. On the other hand, the count cell of powders stored at 22 °C was below the minimum level required after 6 months. The fatty acids profile was not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by storage time and temperature. CONCLUSION: A new almond-based-product with probiotics was developed to meet consumer demands. Almond nutrients were recovered from almond milk powder and were found to be a good source of K and high in Mg and in monounsaturated fat. The viability of bacteria was assured during 8 months of storage at 4 °C and up to 6 months for samples stored at 22 °C. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ultrasound-assisted Strecker synthesis of novel 2-(hetero)aryl-2-(arylamino)acetonitrile derivatives.

This work describes an efficient, simple, and ecofriendly sonochemical procedure for the preparation of new α-(arylamino)acetonitrile derivatives C-substituted with phenothiazine or ferrocene units. The synthetic protocol is based on the Strecker reaction of a (hetero)aryl aldimine substrate with trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN) in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) solution. The advantages of the sonochemical versus the conventional α-(arylamino)acetonitrile synthesis are the significantly shorter reaction time (30 min instead of 72 hours), the higher purity and the easier separation of the product that precipitated from the reaction mixture in crystalline form as depicted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis disclosed the arrangement of the α-(arylamino)acetonitrile molecules in the aggregated crystalline state as a racemic mixture. The mutagenic/antimutagenic potential for three representative derivatives containing phenothiazinyl, ferrocenyl, and phenyl units, respectively, was evaluated by the Ames Salmonella/microsome test using S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains with and without metabolic activation. The preliminary screening results pointed out that the C-(hetero)aryl-α-(arylamino)acetonitrile derivatives can be considered genotoxically safe and possibly antimutagenic.