Effects of the extraction techniques on the chemical composition and bioactive properties of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) plants grown under different cropping and irrigation regimes.

The present study aims to determine the combined effect of cropping system and irrigation regime on the chemical composition and bioactive properties of lemon balm aerial parts. For this purpose, lemon balm plants were grown under two farming systems (conventional farming vs organic farming) and two irrigation levels (full irrigation vs deficit irrigation) and harvested twice throughout the growing period. The collected aerial parts were subjected to three different methods of extractions, namely infusion, maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction and the obtained extracts were evaluated in terms of chemical profile and bioactivities. Five organic acids with varied composition among the tested treatments were identified in all the tested samples for both harvests, namely, citric, malic, oxalic, shikimic and quinic acid. Regarding phenolic compounds composition, the most abundant ones were rosmarinic acid, lithospermic acid A isomer I and hydroxylsalvianolic E, especially for the maceration and infusion extraction methods. Full irrigation resulted in lower EC50 values than deficit irrigation only in the treatments of the second harvest, while variable cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects were recorded in both harvests. Finally, in most cases the lemon balm extracts has similar or better activity than the positive controls, while the antifungal activity of lemon balm extracts was stronger than the antibacterial effects. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that the implemented agronomic practices, as well as the extraction protocol may significantly affect the chemical profile and bioactivities of lemon balm extracts, suggesting that both the farming system and the irrigation schedule may improve the quality of the extracts depending on the implemented extraction protocol.

Valorization of Pumpkin Peel as a Source of Bioactive Compounds: Optimization of Heat- and Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction.

The peels from three pumpkin genotypes cultivated in Greece were assessed for their phenolic content and bioactive properties to obtain extracts with a high preservative capacity. The optimization of the extraction was performed through response surface methodology (RSM) based on a Box-Behnken experimental design after applying two extraction techniques: heat-assisted (HAE) and ultrasound-assisted (UAE) extraction. The implemented independent variables were time, solvent concentration, and temperature/power (for HAE/UAE), while as dependent variables the dry residue (DR), reducing power (RP), and total phenolic content (TP) were considered. In general, HAE was the most effective technique for 'TL' (75 min; 30 °C; 24% ethanol) and 'Voutirato' (15 min; 30 °C; 10% ethanol), while UAE was more effective for 'Leuka Melitis' (5 min; 400 W; 0% ethanol). The extracts obtained in the global optimum conditions for each genotype peel were then assessed for their phenolic profile, by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS, and bioactive potential. Seven phenolic compounds were detected, including four flavonoids, two phenolic acids, and one flavan-3-ol. The extracts presented high antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal potential, with no cytotoxicity for non-tumor cells. The optimized conditions for the extraction of preservative compounds from bioresidues were defined, allowing the acquisition of antioxidant and antimicrobial extracts and proving their potential for food application.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol from olive pomace treated by gamma radiation: process optimization and bioactivity assessment.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was used to recover hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol from olive pomace, a residue generated by the olive oil industry. The extraction process was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM), with processing time, ethanol concentration and ultrasonic power as the combined independent variables. The highest amounts of hydroxytyrosol (36 ± 2 mg g-1 of extract) and tyrosol (14 ± 1 mg g-1 of extract) were obtained after 28 min of sonication at 490 W using 7.3% ethanol as the solvent. Under these global conditions, an extraction yield of 30 ± 2% was achieved. The bioactivity of the extract obtained under optimized UAE was evaluated and compared with that of an extract obtained under optimal heat-assisted extraction (HAE) conditions in a previous work of the authors. Compared to HAE, UAE reduced the extraction time and the solvent consumption, and also led to higher extraction yields (HAE yield was 13.7%). Despite this, HAE extract presented higher antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities and no antifungal potential against C. albicans. Furthermore, HAE extract also showed higher cytotoxic effects against the breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell line. These findings provide useful information for the food and pharmaceutical industries in developing new bioactive ingredients, which may represent a sustainable alternative to synthetic preservatives and/or additives.

Insights into the Chemical Composition and In Vitro Bioactive Properties of Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) Pericarp.

The industrial processing of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) generates high amounts of waste, as ~60% of the fruit is formed by an inedible pericarp. However, its pericarp has been explored as a source of xanthones; nevertheless, studies addressing the recovery of other chemical compounds from such biomass are still scarce. Hence, this study intended to elucidate the chemical composition of the mangosteen pericarp, including fat-soluble (tocopherols and fatty acids) and water-soluble (organic acids and phenolic compound non-xanthones) compounds present in the following extracts: hydroethanolic (MT80), ethanolic (MTE), and aqueous (MTW). In addition, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antibacterial potentials of the extracts were assessed. The mangosteen pericarp showed a composition with seven organic acids, three tocopherol isomers, four fatty acids and fifteen phenolic compounds. Regarding the extraction of phenolics, the MT80 was the most efficient (54 mg/g extract), followed by MTE (19.79 mg/g extract) and MTW (4.011 mg/g extract). All extracts showed antioxidant and antibacterial activities; however, MT80 and MTE extracts were more efficient than MTW. Only MTW did not show anti-inflammatory properties, whereas MTE and MT80 showed inhibitory activities towards tumor cell lines. Notwithstanding, MTE showed cytotoxicity towards normal cells. Our findings support the idea that the ripe mangosteen pericarp is a source of bioactive compounds, although their recovery is dependent on the extraction solvent.

Antigenotoxic properties of the halophyte Polygonum maritimum L. highlight its potential to mitigate oxidative stress-related damage.

Long-term exposure to dietary xenobiotics can induce oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal tract, possibly causing DNA damage and contributing to the initiation of carcinogenesis. Halophytes are exposed to constant abiotic stresses, which are believed to promote the accumulation of antioxidant metabolites like polyphenols. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antigenotoxic properties of the ethanol extract of the aerial part of the halophyte Polygonum maritimum L. (PME), which can represent a dietary source of bioactive compounds with potential to attenuate oxidative stress-related damage. The PME exhibited a high antioxidant potential, revealed by the in vitro capacity to scavenge the free radical DPPH (IC50 = 2.29 ± 0.10 µg/mL) and the improved viability of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae under oxidative stress (p < 0.001, 10 min). An antigenotoxic effect of PME against H2O2-induced oxidative stress was found in S. cerevisiae (p < 0.05) with the dominant deletion assay. In vitro colorimetric assays and LC-DAD-ESI/MSn analysis showed that PME is a polyphenol-rich extract composed of catechin, (epi)catechin dimer and trimers, quercetin and myricetin glycosides. Hence, P. maritimum is a source of antioxidant and antigenotoxic metabolites for application in industries that develop products to provide health benefits.

Purple tea: chemical characterization and evaluation as inhibitor of pancreatic lipase and fat digestion in mice.

A variety of the classic green tea plant, Camellia sinensis, was developed and is exclusive to Kenya. Due to high content of anthocyanin polyphenols in its leaves, the beverage obtained from this variety is purple in color and is the origin of the name purple tea. This work had two main purposes. The first one was to identify and quantify the major anthocyanin polyphenols in a hot water aqueous extract of the purple tea leaves. The second one was to test the hypothesis if this extract is capable of inhibiting triglyceride absorption considering that anthocyanin polyphenolics have been frequently associated to antilipidemic effects. Parallel experiments were always done with a similar green tea extract for comparison purposes. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of both tea varieties are similar. The purple tea extract, however, was strongly inhibitory toward the pancreatic lipase (minimal IC50 = 67.4 µg mL-1), whereas the green tea preparation was a weak inhibitor. Triglyceride digestion in mice was inhibited by the purple tea extract starting at 100 mg kg-1 dose and with a well-defined dose dependence. Green tea had no effect on triglyceride digestion at doses up to 500 mg kg-1. The latter effect is probably caused by several components in the purple tea extract including non-anthocyanin and anthocyanin polyphenols, the first ones acting solely via the inhibition of the pancreatic lipase and the latter by inhibiting both the lipase and the transport of free fatty acids from the intestinal lumen into the circulating blood. The results suggest that the regular consumption of Kenyan purple tea can be useful in the control of obesity.

Enhanced biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal from sewage driven by fermented glycerol: comparative assessment between sequencing batch- and continuously fed-structured fixed bed reactor.

The nutrient biological removal from sewage, especially from anaerobic reactor effluents, still represents a major challenge in conventional sewage treatment plants. In this work, the nitrogen and phosphorus removal from anaerobic pre-treated domestic sewage in an up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor was assessed in a structured fixed bed reactor (SFBR) operated in a continuous and in a batch mode using polyurethane foam as material support for biomass and fermented glycerol as the exogenous carbon source. The SFBR was operated as a sequencing batch reactor with cycles of 90, 120, and 150 min under anaerobic, oxic, and anoxic conditions, respectively, reaching average efficiencies for total nitrogen and phosphorus removal of 88% and 56%, respectively. Fermented glycerol was added during the non-aerated periods. Under continuous feeding, the SFBR was operated with aeration/non-aeration periods of 2/1 (h) and 3/1 (h), hydraulic retention time of 12 h, and a recirculation ratio of 3. Without fermented glycerol addition, the maximum removal of total nitrogen (TN) reached 42%, while adding glycerol in the non-aerated period improved TN removal to 64.9% (2/1 h) and 69.5% (3/1 h). During continuous operation, no phosphorus removal was observed, which was released during the non-aerated period, remaining in the effluent. Optical microscopy analyses confirmed the presence of polyphosphate granules and of the phosphorus accumulating organisms in the reactor biofilm. It was concluded that the batch feeding method was determinant for phosphorus removal. The structured fixed bed reactor with polyurethane foam proved to be feasible in the removal of organic matter and nutrients remaining in the UASB reactor effluent.

Biological Activity of Pumpkin Byproducts: Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties.

Pumpkin fruits are widely appreciated and consumed worldwide. In addition to their balanced nutritional profile, pumpkin species also present valuable bioactive compounds that confer biological and pharmacological properties to them. However, the seeds, peels, and fibrous strands resulting from pumpkin processing are still poorly explored by the food industry. The current study used those fruit components from the genotypes of pumpkin that are economically significant in Portugal and Algeria to produce bioactive extracts. In order to support their usage as preservatives, their phenolic content (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) and antioxidant (OxHLIA and TBARS) and antimicrobial properties (against eight bacterial and two fungal strains) were assessed. In terms of phenolic profile, the peel of the Portuguese 'Common Pumpkin' showed the most diversified profile and also the highest concentration of total phenolic compounds, with considerable concentrations of (-)-epicatechin. Regarding the antioxidant capacity, the seeds of 'Butternut Squash' from both countries stood out, while the fibrous strands of Portuguese 'Butternut Squash' and the seeds of Algerian 'Gold Nugget Pumpkin' revealed the strongest antimicrobial activity. The bioactive compounds identified in the pumpkin byproducts may validate their enormous potential as a source of bio-based preservatives that may enhance consumers' health and promote a circular economy.

Phytochemical and Antioxidant Profile of the Medicinal Plant Melia azedarach Subjected to Water Deficit Conditions.

Environmental stress triggered by climate change can alter the plant's metabolite profile, which affects its physiology and performance. This is particularly important in medicinal species because their economic value depends on the richness of their phytocompounds. We aimed to characterize how water deficit modulated the medicinal species Melia azedarach's lipophilic profile and antioxidant status. Young plants were exposed to water deficit for 20 days, and lipophilic metabolite profile and the antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Leaves of M. azedarach are rich in important fatty acids and oleamide. Water deficit increased the radical scavenging capacity, total phenol, flavonoids, and catechol pools, and the accumulation of ß-sitosterol, myo-inositol, succinic acid, sucrose, d-glucose and derivatives, d-psicofuranose, d-(+)-fructofuranose, and the fatty acids stearic, α-linolenic, linoleic and palmitic acids. These responses are relevant to protecting the plant against climate change-related stress and also increase the nutritional and antioxidant quality of M. azedarach leaves.

Unravelling Phytochemical and Bioactive Potential of Three Hypericum Species from Romanian Spontaneous Flora: H. alpigenum, H. perforatum and H. rochelii

Hypericum perforatum L., also known as St. John's Wort, is recognized worldwide as a valuable medicinal herb; however, other Hypericum species were intensively studied for their bioactive potential. To fill the research gap that exists in the scientific literature, a comparative evaluation between H. alpigenum Kit., H. perforatum L. and H. rochelii Griseb. & Schenk was conducted in the present study. Two types of herbal preparations obtained from the aerial parts of these species were analyzed: extracts obtained through maceration and extracts obtained through magnetic-stirring-assisted extraction. LC-DAD-ESI-MSn analysis revealed the presence of phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols and flavonoid derivatives as the main constituents of the above-mentioned species. Moreover, all extracts were tested for their antioxidant, enzyme-inhibitory and antimicrobial potential. Our work emphasizes for the first time a detailed description of H. rochelii phenolic fractions, including their phytochemical and bioactive characterization. In comparison with the other two studied species, H. rochelii was found as a rich source of phenolic acids and myricetin derivatives, showing important antioxidant, anticholinesterase and antibacterial activity. The study offers new perspectives regarding the chemical and bioactive profile of the less-studied species H. alpigenum and H. rochelii.

From Tradition to Health: Chemical and Bioactive Characterization of Five Traditional Plants.

Several scientific studies have been proving the bioactive effects of many aromatic and medicinal plants associated with the presence of a high number of bioactive compounds, namely phenolic compounds. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial capacities of these molecules have aroused high interest in some industrial sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. This work aimed to determine the phenolic profiles of the infusions and hydroethanolic extracts of five plants (Carpobrotus edulis, Genista tridentata, Verbascum sinuatum, Cytisus multiflorus, and Calluna vulgaris) that have been employed in many traditional preparations. In addition, the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumoral activity of each different preparation was evaluated using in vitro assays. The HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS profile revealed the presence of eighty phenolic compounds, belonging to seven different families of compounds. Regarding antioxidant properties, the hydroethanolic extract of C. edulis showed a potent effect in the TBARS assay (IC50 = 1.20 µg/mL), while G. tridentata hydroethanolic extract achieved better results in the OxHLIA test (IC50 = 76 µg/mL). For cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory results, V. sinuatum infusions stood out significantly, with GI50 = 59.1-92.1 µg/mL and IC50 = 121.1 µg/mL, respectively. Finally, C. edulis hydroethanolic extract displayed the most relevant antibacterial activity, showing MBC values of 0.25-1 mg/mL, while G. tridentata hydroethanolic extract exerted the greatest antifungal effects (MFC of 0.5-1 mg/mL). The results of this study deepen the knowledge of the phenolic profiles and also provide evidence on the bioactive properties of the species selected, which could be considered highly valuable options for research and application in several sectors, namely food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Evaluation of the Polyphenolic Composition and Bioactivities of Three Native Cabo Verde Medicinal Plants.

The use of medicinal plants in a variety of health conditions remains essential for the discovery of new treatments. The present study aimed to investigate the bioactive properties of three native plants from Cabo Verde Islands, namely Artemisia gorgonum Webb, Sideroxylon marginatum (Decne. ex Webb) Cout., and Tamarix senegalensis DC., contributing to the characterization of less-known medicinal plants and their potential benefits for human health. Known compounds, such as kaempferol, quercetin, caffeyolquinic, and apigenin derivatives, among others, were detected in the plant species under study. Overall, all species demonstrated good antioxidant capacity, especially the ethanolic extracts of A. gorgonum (EC50 = 0.149 mg/mL) in TBARS assay. Moreover, the ethanolic extracts of the studied plants showed cytotoxic properties against tumor cells, and again the A. gorgonum extract proved to be the most effective in inhibiting tumor growth, mainly in the CaCO2 (GI50 = 17.3 µg/mL) and AGS (GI50 = 18.2 µg/mL) cell lines. Only the ethanolic extracts of T. senegalensis and S. marginatum demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity, albeit weak (EC50 = 35 and 43 µg/mL, respectively). The present study contributed to increased knowledge about the bioactive properties of these plants commonly used in traditional medicine, some of which was discussed for the first time, opening new perspectives for their use in a wider range of health conditions, especially in African countries, where access to modern health care is more limited.

Potential therapeutic applications of infusions and hydroalcoholic extracts of Romanian glutinous sage (Salvia glutinosa L.).

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Salvia glutinosa, also known as the glutinous sage, has been used in Romanian folk medicine in the treatment of inflammation, injuries, and mild infections. However, there is no direct scientific evidence to demonstrate these activities. Aim of the Study: The present research was based on evaluating antioxidant, antiproliferative, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of S. glutinosa extracts, as well as the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. Materials and Methods: Infusions and 70% (v:v) ethanol solution extracts of S. glutinosa stems and leaves, collected from two different locations in Romania, were prepared. Ten phenolic compounds were identified and quantified using the LC-DAD-ESI/MSn method, and total phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as in vitro antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays), antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities were determined. A rat model of induced inflammation with turpentine oil was used for the examination of in vivo effects of the extracts, using diclofenac as an anti-inflammatory control. Results: The highest inhibitory α-glucosidase activity was determined to be IC50 = 0.546 mg/ml for the hydroalcoholic extract made with plant material collected on the road to Sighișoara. The highest cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cell line was determined to be GI50 = 131.68 ± 5.03 µg/ml, for the hydroalcoholic extract made with plant material from Sighișoara. In vivo administration of extract (200 mg lyophilized powder/ml) showed a significant reduction of NO production. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that S. glutinosa extracts exhibit antioxidant, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, as well as a modest cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cell line. By in vivo administration, the extracts show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, which correlates with the traditional use of the species. The environmental conditions seemed to induce important changes in the chemical composition and the bioactivity of the herbal preparations derived from S. glutinosa.

Gastrointestinal and sensory manifestations, nutrition management, and energy-protein intake in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal and sensory manifestations (GSMs) of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may affect food intake, resulting in malnutrition and poor outcomes. We characterized the impact of GSMs and oral nutrition supplementation on energy-protein intake (EPI) and hospital discharge in adult patients with COVID-19. METHODS: Patients from two hospitals were enrolled (n = 357). We recorded the presence and type of GSM at admission, estimated energy requirements (EER) and the EPI based on regular food intake (plate diagram sheets) during hospital stays. Patients not achieving 60% of their EER from food over 2 consecutive days received oral nutrition supplementation (ONS) with a high-energy-protein oral drink. RESULTS: Most patients (63.6%) presented with GSMs at admission. Anorexia was the most common manifestation (44%). Patients with anorexia or more than one GSMs were more likely to not achieve 60% EER on the first day of follow-up and to require the ONS intervention (P ≤ 0.050). Prevalence of at least one GSM was higher in patients who did not achieve hospital discharge than in patients who achieved it (74.2% vs 54.6%, P = 0.038). The patients requiring ONS (26.9%) demonstrated good adherence to the intervention (79.3%), achieved their EER during 95.7% of the supplementation time, and presented with hospital discharge rates similar to patients not requiring ONS (92.2% vs 91.9%, respectively; P = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: GSM were prevalent in COVID-19 and it impaired EER attendance and patient recovery. ONS was well-tolerated, aided EER attendance, and potentially facilitated hospital discharge.

Kinesiology tape increases muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity: Effects of the direction of tape application.

The claim that the effects of kinesiology tape are different depending on the direction of tape application needs to be clearly ascertained. This study aimed to determine the immediate effects of two forearm kinesiology tape applications on muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity of young individuals. Thirty-nine participants (15 men and 24 women) were randomized (1:1:1) to: the facilitatory group, receiving kinesiology tape applied from origin to insertion; the inhibitory group, receiving kinesiology tape applied from insertion to origin; or, a control group, without any intervention. The mechanical properties - tone, elasticity, and stiffness - of the forearm muscles were measured with a handheld mechanical impulse-based myotonometric device before and 30 min after the kinesiology tape application. Only the application of kinesiology tape from origin to insertion significantly increased muscle tone [16.6 (2.5) to 17.4 (3.5) Hz, p = 0.036], stiffness [318.3 (52) to 355.0 (87) N/m, p = 0.004], and elasticity [0.98 (0.1) to 1.10 (0.1), p = 0.023]. No changes were observed in both inhibitory kinesiology tape and the control group. In conclusion, kinesiology tape application has different effects depending on the direction of the taping application. The facilitatory tapping increased muscle tone, elasticity, and stiffness.

Arbutus unedo leaf extracts as potential dairy preservatives: case study on quark cheese.

The plant kingdom is an endless source of molecules that can be applied in almost all realms of society. The food industry has profited from the use of plants and their derived materials for many decades. Recently, the food industry has been looking into plants to find different ways of either preserving, coloring or sweetening foods. In this work, leaf extracts of Arbutus unedo L. obtained by dynamic maceration and ultrasound assisted extraction with prior optimization of their extraction conditions through the response-surface methodology, were incorporated in quark cheese as natural preservatives and analyzed over 8 days of shelf-life. Both extracts showed antioxidant activity with no toxicity towards primary cell lines at the maximum tested concentration, as well as antibacterial activity, especially against Gram-positive strains. After their incorporation in quark cheese, no significant changes were observed in the nutritional profile and physical traits of the quark cheeses, while the microbial load was highly reduced in the cheese, especially using the extracts obtained from dynamic maceration. Thus, leaf extracts of A. unedo can be promising candidates for use in the food industry as natural preservatives.

Quercus suber Roots Activate Antioxidant and Membrane Protective Processes in Response to High Salinity.

Cork oak (Quercus suber) is a species native to Mediterranean areas and its adaptation to the increasingly prevalent abiotic stresses, such as soil salinization, remain unknown. In sequence with recent studies on salt stress response in the leaf, it is fundamental to uncover the plasticity of roots directly exposed to high salinity to better understand how Q. suber copes with salt stress. In the present study we aimed to unveil the antioxidants and key-genes involved in the stress-responses (early vs. later responses) of Q. suber roots exposed to high salinity. Two-month-old Q. suber plants were watered with 300 mM NaCl solution and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, lipid peroxidation and the relative expression of genes related to stress response were analysed 8 h and 6 days after salt treatment. After an 8 h of exposure, roots activated the expression of QsLTI30 and QsFAD7 genes involved in stress membrane protection, and QsRAV1 and QsCZF1 genes involved in tolerance and adaptation. As a result of the continued salinity stress (6 days), lipid peroxidation increased, which was associated with an upregulation of QsLTI30 gene. Moreover, other protective mechanisms were activated, such as the upregulation of genes related to antioxidant status, QsCSD1 and QsAPX2, and the increase of the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase, concomitantly with total antioxidant activity and phenols. These data suggest a response dependent on the time of salinity exposure, leading Q. suber roots to adopt protective complementary strategies to deal with salt stress.

Upcycling Fish By-Products into Bioactive Fish Oil: The Suitability of Microwave-Assisted Extraction.

The seafood industry is often left out of the food waste discussion, but this sector is no exception, as it generates large amounts of various by-products. This study aimed to explore the potential of the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique to obtain high-quality oil from fish by-products. The independent variables, which were time (1-30 min), microwave power (50-1000 W), and solid/liquid ratio (70-120 g/L) were combined in a 20-run experimental design coupled with the response surface methodology (RSM) for process optimization. The obtained oil yield values were fitted to a quadratic equation to build the theoretical models, which were statistically validated based on statistical criteria and used to predict the optimal MAE condition. The oil yields were significantly affected by the three independent variables through linear, quadratic, and/or interactive effects. Compared to a conventional Soxhlet extraction (SE), the optimal MAE conditions allowed between 60 and 100% of oil to be recovered in less than 19 min and with less solvent consumption. The fatty acid profiles of the oils obtained through SE and optimized MAE were characterized by gas chromatography with flame ionizing detection (GC-FID) after a derivatization process. These oils were constituted mainly of health, beneficial unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic, docosahexaenoic (DHA), linoleic, and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids, which were not affected (p > 0.05) by the extraction methods. Interestingly, the oils obtained through MAE showed the best microbial growth inhibition results may have been due to thermolabile compounds, preserved via this unconventional non-thermal method. The oils also exhibited anti-inflammatory effects via nitric oxide production inhibition and cytotoxic potential especially, against breast and gastric adenocarcinoma cells. However, the threshold of toxicity should be further investigated. Overall, this work emerges as a future-oriented approach to upcycling fish by-products into high-quality oils that can be used in the formulation of pet food and other products.

Red pitaya (Hylocereus costaricensis) peel as a source of valuable molecules: Extraction optimization to recover natural colouring agents.

Hylocereus costaricensis peel contains large amounts of betacyanins and can be exploited as a source of natural colorants. This work aimed the chemical characterization and evaluation of bioactive properties of this by-product and the optimization of the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of betacyanins using the response surface methodology (RSM). Oxalic and malic acids and traces of fumaric acid were detected, as well as the four tocopherol isoforms, predominantly γ-tocopherol. Four betacyanins were identified and used as response criteria for UAE optimization, namely phyllocactin, isobetanin, isophyllocactin, and betanin. Sample processing at 487 W for 38 min result in the maximum betacyanin content (36 ± 1 mg/g dw). The peel extract inhibit the oxidative haemolysis, with IC50 values of 255 and 381 µg/mL for Δt of 60 and 120 min, respectively, and the growth of pathogenic bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 5 to 20 mg/mL. Furthermore, no toxicity was observed for normal cells.

Chemical composition and biological activity of cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L. var. altilis) seeds harvested at different maturity stages.

Cardoon seeds collected in Greece at four different maturity stages (samples S1 to S4) were analysed in terms of chemical composition and in vitro bioactivities. The content of phenolic compounds (six compounds in total) increased with increasing maturity, and 3,5-O-dicaffeyolquinic (14.8-33.8 mg/g extract) acid was the compound detected in higher abundance. Mature seeds (sample S4) also revealed the highest content in lipids (23 g/100 g extract) and tocopherols (29.62 mg/100 g dw) and demonstrated the highest cytotoxic (GI50 of 97-216 µg/mL) and anti-inflammatory (IC50 = 148 µg/mL) activities, and capacity to inhibit the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (IC50 = 5 µg/mL). Cardoon seed hydroethanolic extracts also revealed high antibacterial and antifungal potential, particularly samples S3 and S1, respectively. This study proved the multifaceted potential associated with valorisation of cardoon seeds, while their biological and chemical composition can be influenced by the maturity stage.