Effect of the storage process on quality characteristics of hemp-enriched "tsoureki" a rich-dough baked Greek product.

The effects of the storage process on the quality characteristics of a hemp-enriched "tsoureki" (a rich-dough baked Greek product, rich-dough baked product [RDBP]) were investigated. The wheat flour was substituted with defatted hemp flour at selected ratios (0%-50% hemp:wheat flour). The baked products were stored at 25°C and at specific time intervals (0, 1, 4, 7, 10, and 14 days), and their properties were determined, including moisture content, water activity, structure, texture, color, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity. Moreover, analyses of phenolic compounds were performed using quadrupole time of flight liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy, identifying 14 compounds. Both the first-order kinetic model and modified Avrami equation, including the hemp-to-wheat ratio effect in the rate constant, well described the changes in the quality characteristics. The results showed that storage time and hemp incorporation significantly affected the quality of the product. Water activity decreased from 0.901 to 0.859, whereas moisture content decreased from 30.52%-32.33% (0 days) to 26.97%-27.02% w.b. (14 days) with storage time for all hemp additions. Hardness was greatly affected by hemp flour addition and approached 14.72 and 17.85 N after 14 days of storage for 30% and 50% substitutions, respectively. Springiness and cohesiveness decreased with hemp addition and storage time. The color difference of the hemp-enriched products compared to the control sample increased during storage. TPC increased due to the addition of hemp flour, whereas 14 compounds were identified. Based on property correlation, the hemp-enriched RDBP-tsoureki held its high-quality characteristics for 7 days of storage and contained a significant amount of bioactive compounds. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Industrially produced, defatted hemp is a promising byproduct that can be used to nutritionally enhance baked goods. Modeling results can be used for the prediction of the properties that define product storage ability and also that the hemp-enriched, rich dough-baked Greek "tsoureki" could be produced while maintaining total phenolic content and antioxidant activity during 7 days of storage. These findings are expected to be used in the future in baked goods industry applications to produce goods with an improved nutritional profile.

Ultrasound assisted extraction of phytochemicals from Piper betel L.

Piper betel contains phytochemicals with diverse pharmacological effects. The objective of this study was to enhance the extraction efficiency of phytochemicals and the chlorophyll content using ultrasonication. The Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize the time (10, 20, 30 min), temperature (20, 30, and 40 °C), and solid-solvent ratio (1:10, 1:20, 1:30) by utilizing response surface methods with three independent variables. Multiple parameters, including extract yield, total phenol, total flavonoid, antioxidant activity, and chlorophyll content were used to optimize the conditions. The linear relationship between power intensity and responses was determined to be statistically significant, with a p-value less than 0.01. The interaction effect of temperature, time, and ratio of solid solvent was shown to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) for all the obtained results. The optimal parameters for achieving the highest extract yield were as follows: a temperature of 40 °C, a sonication time of 30 min, and a solid solvent ratio of 1:10. These conditions result in an extract yield of 21.99 %, a total flavonoid content of 44.97 mg/GAE, a total phenolic content of 185.05 mg/GAE, a DPPH scavenging activity of 99.1 %, and a chlorophyll content of 49.95 mg/ml. This study highlights the significance of customized extraction methodologies for optimizing the bioactive capacity of phytochemicals derived from betel leaves. The elucidation of extraction parameters and the resultant phytochemical profiles serves as a fundamental framework for the advancement of innovative pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, capitalizing on the therapeutic attributes of this traditional medicinal botanical.

Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Effects of Prunella vulgaris in Experimental Acute Inflammation.

Prunella vulgaris (PV) is one of the most commonly used nutraceuticals as it has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition of PV and its in vivo antioxidant properties. A phytochemical analysis measuring the total phenolic content (TPC), the identification of phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD-ESI, and the evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant activity by the DPPH assay of the extract were performed. The antioxidant effects on inflammation induced by turpentine oil were experimentally tested in rats. Seven groups with six animals each were used: a control group, the experimental inflammation treatment group, the experimental inflammation and diclofenac sodium (DS) treatment group, and four groups with their inflammation treated using different dilutions of the extract. Serum redox balance was assessed based on total oxidative status (TOS), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiols, and an oxidative stress index (OSI) contents. The TPC was 0.28 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mL extract, while specific representatives were represented by caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, dihydroxybenzoic acid, gentisic acid, protocatechuic acid, rosmarinic acid, vanillic acid, apigenin-glucuronide, hesperidin, kaempferol-glucuronide. The highest amount (370.45 µg/mL) was reported for hesperidin, which is a phenolic compound belonging to the flavanone subclass. The antioxidant activity of the extracts, determined using the DPPH assay, was 27.52 mmol Trolox/mL extract. The PV treatment reduced the oxidative stress by lowering the TOS, OSI, NO, and MDA and by increasing the TAC and thiols. In acute inflammation, treatment with the PV extract reduced oxidative stress, with lower concentrations being more efficient and having a better effect than DS.

Effect of seed's geographical origin on cactus oil physico-chemical characteristics, oxidative stability, and antioxidant activity.

The aim of this study was the valorisation of cactus (or prickly pear, Opuntia ficus-indica) seeds growing in six different regions of Morocco. Moisture, proteins, lipids profile, total polyphenols content, oxidative stability, and antioxidant activity were investigated. The Folin-Ciocalteu test highlighted the abundant presence of phenolic compounds (165 to 225 mg EAG/100 g of extract) and a significant antioxidant capacity against DPPH free radicals. The seeds contained protein (7-9.25%) and lipids (2.7-5%). Cactus oil quality indices such as acidity and peroxide value were below 1.2% and 10 mEq.O2/kg, respectively. GC analysis revealed that linoleic and oleic acid percentages ranged from 57.1 to 63.8%, and 13.5 to 18.7%, respectively. Cactus seed oil was rich in tocopherols (500-680 mg/kg) and phytosterols (8000-11,100 mg/kg) with a predominance of γ-tocopherols and ß-sitosterol. Triacylglycerols, fatty acids and sterols composition showed small variation depending on the geographical origin, while the individual tocopherol profile was significantly influenced.

Fabrication of biopolymer stabilized microcapsules for enhancing physicochemical stability, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of cinnamon essential oil.

The current study entails the encapsulation validity to enclose naturally occurring food preservatives, such as cinnamon essential oil (CM), within various wall materials. This approach has demonstrated enhanced encapsulated compounds' stability, efficiency, and bioactivity. The base carrier system consisted of a solid lipid (Berry wax, RW) individually blended with whey protein (WYN), maltodextrin (MDN), and gum Arabic (GMC) as wall materials. The resulting formulations were freeze-dried: WYN/RW/CM, MDN/RW/CM, and GMC/RW/CM. The study comprehensively analyzed encapsulation efficiency, morphology, crystallinity, thermal, and physiochemical properties. When RW was combined with WYN, MDN, and GMC, the microcapsule WYN/RW/CM showed the highest efficiency at 93.4 %, while the GMC/RW/CM exhibited the highest relative crystallinity at 46.54 %. Furthermore, the investigation assessed storage stability, release of bioactive compounds, and oxidative stability during storage at 4 °C/ 25 % RH ±â€¯5 % and 25 °C/40 % RH ±â€¯5 % for 55 days, revealing optimal stability in the WYN/RW/CM microcapsule. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity was assessed at various concentrations of microcapsules, revealing their inhibitory effect against Escherichia coli (gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) bacteria. The WYN/RW/CM microcapsule exhibited the highest inhibition activity in both strains, reaching 40 mm. This study demonstrates that combining WYN with RW as a wall material has greater efficiency in encapsulation and potential uses in various industrial sectors.

Effect of formaldehyde exposure on phytochemical content and functional activity of Agaricus bisporus (Lge.) Sing.

In this study, the effect of formaldehyde on phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of Agaricus bisporus was investigated. Synthetic compost based on wheat straw was prepared by fermentation and disinfection. After steam pasteurization, 5 g of A. bisporus mycelia were inoculated into 1 kg of compost. To determine the effects of formaldehyde, 2, 4, and 6% concentrations were added to the composts, while compost without formaldehyde was used for the control group. The harvesting period was set at 10 weeks. Total phenolic and flavonoid content, macro- and microelement profile, and phenolic content were analyzed in the harvested A. bisporus samples. Macro- and microelement content was determined by ICP-OES, and phenolic compound profile was determined by LC-MS/MS analysis. Formaldehyde levels in A. bisporus samples were determined by the acetylacetone spectrophotometry method. The antioxidant capacity of A. bisporus samples was determined by DPPH scavenging activity; antimutagenic effects of samples were determined by Allium test. Application of 2, 4, and 6% formaldehyde resulted in a 1.12-, 1.19-, and 2.07-fold reduction in total phenolic content, respectively. The total phenolic content was reduced between 34.4% and 71.8%. These changes were confirmed by LC-MS/MS analysis. Compounds such as protocatechuic acid, salicylic acid, ferulic acid, and 4-OH benzoic acid, which were detected in the control group, could not be detected in the samples treated with 6% formaldehyde, and it was found that the application of formaldehyde reduced the phenolic content. Similar changes were also observed in macro- and microelements, and significant changes in elemental contents were observed after formaldehyde application. While the presence of formaldehyde at a low level, which may be due to natural production, was detected in the control group, a residue of 11.41 ± 0.93 mg/kg was determined in the 6% FMD applied group. All these changes resulted in a decrease in the antioxidant activity of A. bisporus. The DPPH scavenging activity, which was determined in the range of 21.6-73.3% in the control samples, decreased to 12.3-56.7% in the samples treated with formaldehyde. These results indicate that the application of formaldehyde at different stages of A. bisporus cultivation leads to significant changes in the nutritional value and biological activity of A. bisporus.

Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Strawberry Plants Cultivated under Greenhouse-Integrated Semi-Transparent Photovoltaics.

The integration of semi-transparent photovoltaics into the roof of greenhouses is an emerging technique used in recent years, due to the simultaneous energy and food production from the same piece of land. Although shading in many cases is a solution to maintain the desired microclimate, in the case of photovoltaic installations, the permanent shading of the crop is a challenge, due to the importance of light to the growth, morphogenesis, and other critical physiological processes. In this study, the effect of shade from semi-transparent photovoltaics on a strawberry crop (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) was examined, in terms of growth and quality (phenolic and flavonoid concentration of fruits). According to the results, in non-shaded plants, there was a trend of larger plants, but without a significant change in leaf number, while the total number of flowers was slightly higher at the end of the cultivation period. Moreover, it was found that the percentage change between the number of ripe fruits was smaller than that of the corresponding change in fruit weight, implying the increased size of the fruits in non-shaded plants. Finally, regarding the antioxidant capacity, it was clearly demonstrated that shading increased the total phenolic content, as well as the free-radical-scavenging activity of the harvested fruits. Although the shading from the semi-transparent photovoltaics did not assist the production of large fruits, it did not affect their number and increased some of their quality characteristics. In addition, the advantageous impact of the semi-transparent photovoltaics in the energy part must not be neglected.

Antidiabetic Properties of the Root Extracts of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and Burdock (Arctium lappa).

Several preclinical studies suggest the potential of edible plants in controlling blood sugar levels and stabilizing diet. The goals of the study were to examine, analyze, and describe whether there are chemical compounds in dandelion and burdock roots that could have antidiabetic properties. The 70% ethyl alcohol and lyophilizate extracts (AE and LE, respectively), were used, and analyses were carried out on their total polysaccharide (TP), total phenolic content (TPC), tannin, and inulin. The antioxidant activity of extracts was determined using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, and hypoglycemic properties were based on α-amylase activity. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for the tentative identification of the chemical components. Qualitative techniques confirmed the presence of inulin in both roots. Analysis of TPC, tannin content, DPPH assay, and α-amylase activity revealed higher values for burdock compared to dandelion. However, dandelion exhibited higher TP content. Burdock contained a small amount of tannin, whereas the tannin content in dandelion was insignificant. All LE consistently exhibited higher values in all analyses and assays for all roots compared to AE. Despite burdock root showing overall better results, it is uncertain whether these plants can be recommended as antidiabetic agents without in vivo studies.

Bio-clay: Antioxidant-rich and stable for body mud scrubs.

Clay is naturally occurring and poses a low risk. It is distinguished by mineral composition and ability to adsorb plant colorants and phytochemicals effectively. This study aimed to enhance the stability of bio-clay by preparing body mud scrubs through a solid-state reaction, combining volcanic clay with herbal plants, including Bougainvillea spp., Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb., and Curcuma longa L. (bio-clay). The characterization of purification clay revealed strong stability within its mineral composition. The optimum condition for sampling was 4 °C, which reserved the total phenolic content (TPC), 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. A high Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC; mg TEAC/g sample) and low half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) indicated excellent antioxidant activity. Over a storage period of 28 d, the Bougainvillea spp., Curcuma longa L., purified clay + Bougainvillea spp., and purified clay + Curcuma longa L. samples retained their stability. Their TPC, % scavenging, TEAC, and IC50 showed dominant antioxidant activity, stable active phenolic compounds, and the maintenance of extensive amounts. This compound is widely applied as a unique cosmetic ingredient.

In-vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial and phytochemical properties of extracts from the pulp and seeds of the African baobab fruit (Adansonia digitata L.).

Adansonia digitata, commonly known as the African Baobab plant is used widely in traditional medicine for treating of many diseases. The current study investigates the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and nutritional composition of the pulp and seeds from the fruit of African Baobab plant. Matured fruits were harvested and processed by separating the fruit pulp and seeds. Water, 70 % Ethanol/water mixture, and Hexane were used as solvents for extraction. Antioxidant properties of extracts in this study were investigated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydrogen peroxidescavenging assays., Total Flavonoid Content, Total Phenolic Content, Total Tannin Content, and Total Antioxidant Capacity were also investigated. Agar Well Diffusion and Broth Dilution methods were used to estimate the antimicrobial properties of the extracts. The proximate composition of the seeds and fruit pulps was also determined. GC-MS was employed to determine the fatty acid composition. Results obtained showed the presence of Total phenolics (range 4.1-5.5 mg GAE/g), Total flavonoids (range 10.1-16.5 mg QE/g), Total Tannins (range 1.7-15.6 mg CE/g), and Antioxidants (range 2.0-14.5 mg AAE/g). The H2O2 and DPPH assays gave IC50s in the ranges of 300-1800 mg/L and 700-1600 mg/L respectively. Extract from the fruit pulp was found to inhibit the growth of a panel of 2 g-positive bacteria, 2 g-negative bacteria, and two fungi microorganisms. Fatty acids such as myristic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid were found to be present in oil from the seeds. Proximate components such as crude protein, crude fat, and crude fibre were found to be high. From the results, seeds and the fruit pulp of the African Baobab plant have significant antioxidant properties and can inhibit microbial growth.

Preparation and characterization of vitamin E/calcium/soy protein isolate nanoparticles for soybean milk beverage fortification.

Soybean milk is a rich plant-based source of protein, and phenolic compounds. This study compared the nutritional value of soybean milk, flour, soy protein isolate (SPI) and evaluated the impact of prepared vitamin E/calcium salt/soy protein isolate nanoparticles (ECSPI-NPs) on fortification of developed soybean milk formulations. Results indicated that soybean flour protein content was 40.50 g/100 g, that fulfills 81% of the daily requirement (DV%), the unsaturated fatty acids (USFs), oleic and linoleic content was 21.98 and 56.7%, respectively, of total fatty acids content. In soybean milk, essential amino acids, threonine, leucine, lysine achieved 92.70, 90.81, 77.42% of amino acid scores (AAS) requirement values respectively. Ferulic acid was the main phenolic compound in soybean flour, milk and SPI (508.74, 13.28, 491.78 µg/g). Due to the moisture content of soybean milk (88.50%) against (7.10%) in soybean flour, the latest showed higher nutrients concentrations. The prepared calcium (20 mM/10 g SPI) and vitamin E (100 mg/g SPI) nanoparticles (ECSPI-NPs) exhibited that they were effectively synthesized under transmission electron microscope (TEM), stability in the zeta sizer analysis and safety up to IC50 value (202 ug/mL) on vero cell line. ECSPI-NPs fortification (NECM) enhanced significantly phenolic content (149.49 mg/mL), taste (6.10), texture (6.70) and consumer overall acceptance (6.54). Obtained results encourage the application of the prepared ECSPI-NPs for further functional foods applications.

Effect of Pretreatment and Drying on the Nutritional and Functional Quality of Raisins Produced with Seedless Purple Grapes.

Raisins, known for their delicious taste and high nutritional value, are among the most widely consumed dried fruits globally. The natural waxy layer on the surface of grapes impedes water migration, making pretreatment necessary before drying. This study evaluated the effects of various pretreatment methods on the nutritional and functional quality of seedless purple raisins. By using non-pretreated dry seedless purple raisins as a control, the impact of physical and chemical pretreatment methods on the nutritional and functional qualities of seedless purple raisins was assessed through the analysis of nutrient content, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity. Our results demonstrate that physical pretreatment significantly increases the levels of vitamin C, fructose, glucose, total acid, total phenolics, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity compared to chemical pretreatment and the control group. The correlation analysis revealed that phenolic substances were closely linked to antioxidant capacity. Additionally, phenolic compounds, including resveratrol, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, ethyl coumarate, and cinnamic acid, were more abundant following physical pretreatment. The OPLS-DA model effectively differentiated the three groups of processed samples, showing that different pretreatments significantly affect the nutritional and functional quality of seedless purple raisins. These findings suggest that physical pretreatment offers considerable potential for improving the drying quality of seedless purple raisins.

Evaluation of Blue Honeysuckle Berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) Dried at Different Temperatures: Basic Quality, Sensory Attributes, Bioactive Compounds, and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity.

This study aims to comprehensively investigate the effects of hot-air dehydration on the quality of blue honeysuckle berries (Lonicera caerulea L.). The results demonstrated that drying with hot air at 40-65 °C for 7-72 h resulted in blue honeysuckle berries with a moisture content of 0.21-1.10 g H2O/g dry weight. Generally, low to medium temperatures (40-55 °C) showed a better effect on the quality than high temperatures (60-65 °C). Specifically, drying at 40 °C exclusively resulted in better retention of cuticular wax, the best sensory appearance, and the highest total phenolic content. Drying at 45 °C and 50 °C resulted in the highest antioxidant capacity and the optimal sensory flavor. Drying at 55 °C led to the highest soluble solid/acid ratio, ascorbic acid concentration, total flavonoid, and total anthocyanin. The work introduces an innovative raw berry product and provides a comprehensive practical and theoretical framework for convective dehydration of blue honeysuckle berries.

Exploring the antioxidant potential of endophytic fungi: a review on methods for extraction and quantification of total antioxidant capacity (TAC).

Endophytic fungi have emerged as a significant source of natural products with remarkable bioactivities. Recent research has identified numerous antioxidant molecules among the secondary metabolites of endophytic fungi. These organisms, whether unicellular or micro-multicellular, offer the potential for genetic manipulation to enhance the production of these valuable antioxidant compounds, which hold promise for promoting health, vitality, and various biotechnological applications. In this study, we provide a critical review of methods for extracting, purifying, characterizing, and estimating the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of endophytic fungi metabolites. While many endophytes produce metabolites similar to those found in plants with established symbiotic associations, we also highlight the existence of novel metabolites with potential scientific interest. Additionally, we discuss how advancements in nanotechnology have opened new avenues for exploring nanoformulations of endophytic metabolites in future studies, offering opportunities for diverse biological and industrial applications.

Co-application of titanium nanoparticles and melatonin effectively lowered chromium toxicity in lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) through modifying biochemical characteristics.

Chromium (Cr) toxicity can negatively affect plant growth and development, impacting agricultural productivity and posing risks to human health. Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and natural growth regulators such as melatonin (MT) become a promising technology to manage heavy metal-contaminated soils and promote safe food production. The present work was conducted to find the effect of foliar application of TiO2 NPs (15 mg L-1) and MT (100 µM) on growth, biochemical attributes, and Cr accumulation in plant tissues of Melissa officinalis L. under Cr toxicity (50 and 100 mg Cr kg-1 soil). The results showed that Cr toxicity led to decreased plant performance, where 100 mg Cr kg-1 soil led to notable decreases in shoot weight (28%), root weight (27%), essential oil (EO) yield (34%), chlorophyll (Chl) a + b (33%), while increased malondialdehyde (MDA, 30%), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (51%), and catalase (CAT) activity (122%). The use of TiO2 NPs and MT, particularly their co-application, remarkably reduced Cr toxicity by enhancing plant weight, Chl content, and lowered MDA and antioxidant activity. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), EO percentage, and rosmarinic acid in plants treated with Cr at 50 mg Cr kg-1 soil and co-application of TiO2 NPs and MT were relatively higher than in other treatments. Under 100 mg Cr kg-1 soil, the synergic effect of TiO2 NPs and MT-enhanced rosmarinic acid content (22%) but lowered Cr accumulation in roots (51%) and shoots (72%). Heat map analysis showed that CAT, SOD, MDA, and EO yield had the maximum variability under Cr, TiO2 NPs, and MT. Exogenous TiO2 NPs and MT can be recommended to modulate Cr toxicity in lemon balm under soil Cr toxicity.

In vitro micropropagation and conservation of endangered medicinal plant Nepeta asterotricha Rech.f. (Lamiaceae): genetic fidelity, phytochemical and biological assessment.

An efficient in vitro protocol was introduced for the conservation of Nepeta asterotricha, a vulnerable and endangered medicinal species found in the central of Iran for the first time. Growth, phytochemical, and biological traits of in vitro regenerated plant (RP) and acclimated plant (AP) were compared to the mother plant (MP). In addition, the genetic stability of AP was assessed by using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. The highest number of lateral branches (4.25) was obtained from the medium with 3 mg/mL kinetin (KIN), while the highest length of lateral branches (13.25 cm) was achieved on the medium culture fortified with 3 mg/mL thidiazuron (TDZ) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The highest number of leaves (20.25) and main branch length (12.25 cm) were obtained from the medium containing 3 mg/mL TDZ. The highest number of roots (46.25) and root length (2.25 cm) was measured from the medium fortified with 1 mg/mL indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 0.6 mg/mL indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), respectively. RP was successfully acclimated (85%) in vivo. Molecular analysis showed that the AP was true to the type of the MP. cis-Sabinene hydrate (26.8-57.7), 1,8-cineole (6.2-24.1), 4aα,7ß,7aα-nepetalactone (4.1-12.3), and terpinene-4-ol (3.2-15.0) were the major essential oils compounds. The studied samples contained rosmarinic acid (2.55-5.97 mg/g DW), cichoric acid (1.68-12.7 mg/g DW), chlorogenic acid (1.91-64.21 mg/g DW), rutin (0.59-1.09 mg/g DW), apigenin (0.52-0.72 mg/g DW), betulinic acid (0.17-2.20 mg g DW), oleanolic acid (0.84-5.37 mg/g DW) and ursolic acid (3.46-15.70 mg/g DW). Acclimated plant exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 196.4 µg/mL), while the methanolic extract of MP displayed the highest antibacterial activity (MIC = 8 mg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-024-01416-x.

Phytochemical analysis, GC-MS characterization and antioxidant activity of Hordeum vulgare seed extracts.

Barley scientifically known as Hordeum vulgare (HV) is a major grain crop. Over the course of time, great interest has been developed in the usage of barley, because of its various pharmacological activities. Current study is designed to determine the chemical constituents of Hordeum vulgare (HV) seed extract by GC-MS technique, and Invitro antioxidant assays i.e. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical (DPPH) and 2-azino-bis(3-ethyl benzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) methods. GC-MS identified 16 non-polar compounds in the hexane extract of HV plant, which includes carboxylic acid (6.25%), fatty acid (37.5%), carboxylic acid amide derivative of fatty acid (6.25%), triterpinoids (18.75%), fat soluble vitamin (6.25%), phytosterol (6.25%), stigmastanes (6.25%), beta diketones (6.25%), and cycloartenol (6.25%) respectively. The major compound includes Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (6.84%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (8.58%), 9,12-Octadecanoic acid (Z,Z)-, Methyl Ester (8.04%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z) (57.01%), Lup-20(29)-en-3-one (3.57%), γ-Sitosterol (3.31%). Some constituents such as Lup-20(29)-en-3-one, campesterol and squalene were observed and were not previously reported. Total phenolic and total flavonoid content were determined using spectrophotometric technique and calculated as gallic acid equivalents GAE/g dry weight and rutin equivalent RE/g of dry weight respectively.The highest phenolic content exhibited by the acetone extract of HV seedsi.e. 0.0597 mg GAE/g while the highest flavonoid content exhibited by dichloromethane extract i.e. 0.09 mg RE/g and 0.25 mg QE/g of dry weight respectively. All the extracts showed significant antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS cation decolorization assays. Methanol and dichloromethane extract showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity i.e. 52.41% and 42.07% at the concentration of 100 mg/ml respectively. Moreover, the IC50 has been determined by the acetone and methanol extract of HV seeds. The high antioxidant activity of its seed extracts has made this plant pharmacologically important. Conclusively, there is a vast scope to further explore the active principals of barley so that more of its pharmacological properties can be identified.

Employing soil isolated fungi for production of bioactive phenolic compounds: a fermentative approach.

An efficient method of solid-state fermentation (SSF) is reported for producing bioactive phenolic compounds using soil-isolated fungi. Antioxidant activity using a rapid DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl), was employed to screen the 120 fungal isolates from soil. Aspergillus terreus 1, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus 2, Penicillium citrinum, Aspergillus wentii1, Aspergillus wentii 2, Penicillium expansum and Penicillium granulatum were chosen, concerning their antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. These fungal strains were applied on agro residues viz. sugarcane bagasse, corn cob, rice straw, pea pod and wheat straw, to evaluate the release of phenolic compounds. The fermented extracts from various agro-residues showed good antioxidant activity against DPPH, ferric ion, and nitric oxide radicals. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in fermented extracts of sugarcane bagasse, followed by pea pod. Additionally, the total phenolic content in the fermented extracts positively correlated with antioxidant potential. This study highlights the significant potential of solid substrate fermentation using soil-isolated fungi and agro-residues to produce bioactive phenolic compounds with potent antioxidant properties. The utilization of SSF for the extraction of bioactive compounds from natural sources not only offers a clean and sustainable approach but also contributes to the valorization of agro-industrial residues.

Nutritional properties of raw and cooked Azolla caroliniana Willd., an aquatic wild edible plant.

Azolla caroliniana Willd. is an understudied wild edible plant native to the Eastern United States. Other species of Azolla have been used across the world for several thousand years as a livestock feed and as "green manure." The use of Azolla for human consumption is thought to be limited by its high total polyphenolic content (TPC). However, the TPC and nutritional content of A. caroliniana has not been thoroughly studied. We measured TPC and other nutrients before and after cooking methods designed to lower TPC. We found that TPC was 4.26 g gallic acid equivalent (GAE) kg-1 DW in raw A. caroliniana. All cooking methods significantly lowered TPC. Protein content was 19% DW, and the apparent protein digestibility was 78.45%. Our yield was 173 g FW m-2 day-1 and 5.53 g DW m-2 day-1. Azolla caroliniana is a high-yielding plant with great potential for cultivation and domestication.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, Optimization, Phytochemical Screening and Analysis of Phenolics from Cycas Zeylanica and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation.

The present study focuses on investigating the phytochemical screening of indigenous species, C. zeylanica, for the first time. The leaf extracts have been prepared using ultrasound-assisted methods to obtain the best extraction results using different time and temperature conditions such as 30, 60, and 90 min. and 30, 40, and 60 °C, respectively. The results have been optimized using response surface methodology. Under the optimal extraction conditions of 60 °C for 43.57 minutes, an extract was produced with a yield of 0.238 g and a high total phenolic content of 181.1965 mg GAE/g. The total phenolic content has been evaluated and the presence of gallic acid has been confirmed through the HPLC technique. The optimal extract (OE) showed excellent antioxidant activity for the DPPH assay, with an IC50 of 3.1 µg/ml. Finally, GC-MS profiling has been done to screen the volatile component of the plant extract.