Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil from the aerial parts of Chuquiraga arcuataHarling grown in the highlands of Ecuador / Composición química, actividades antioxidantes y antimicrobianas del aceite esencial de las partes aéreas de Chuquiraga arcuataHarling cultivado en las tierras altas del Ecuador

Thechemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil from aerial parts (leaves and flowers) of Chuquiraga arcuataHarling grown in the Ecuadorian Andes were studied. One hundred and twenty-six compounds were identified in the essential oil. Monoterpene hydrocarbons (45.8%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (44.1%) had the major percentages. The most abundant compounds were camphor (21.6%), myrcene (19.5%), and 1,8-cineole (13.4%). Antioxidant activity was examined using DPPH, ABTS,and FRAP assays. The essential oil had a moderate scavenging effect and reduction of ferric ion capacity through FRAP assay. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was observed against four pathogenic bacteria and a fungus. The essential oil exhibited activity against all microorganism strains under test, particularly against Candida albicansand Staphylococcus aureuswith MICs of 2.43-12.10 µg/mL.

Se estudió la composición química, actividades antioxidantes y antimicrobianas del aceite esencial procedente de las partes aérea (hojas y flores) de Chuquiraga arcuataHarling cultivadas en los Andes ecuatorianos. Se identificaron 126 compuestos en el aceite esencial. Los hidrocarburos monoterpénicos (45,8%) y los monoterpenos oxigenados (44,1%) tuvieron el mayor porcentaje. Los compuestos más abundantes fueron alcanfor (21,6%), mirceno (19,5%) y 1,8-cineol (13,4%). La actividadantioxidante se examinó mediante ensayos DPPH, ABTS y FRAP. El aceite esencial tuvo un efecto eliminador moderado y una reducción de la capacidad de iones férricos mediante el ensayo FRAP. Se observó actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial contra cuatro bacterias y un hongo patógenos. El aceite esencial mostró actividad contra todas las cepas de microorganismos bajo prueba, particularmente contra Candida albicansy Staphylococcus aureuscon CMI de 2,43-12,10 µg/mL.

Tannic acid modified keratin/sodium alginate/carboxymethyl chitosan biocomposite hydrogels with good mechanical properties and swelling behavior.

Natural polymer-based hydrogels have demonstrated great potential as wound-healing dressings. They help to maintain a moist wound environment as well as promote faster healing. In this work, a multifunctional hydrogel was prepared using keratin, sodium alginate, and carboxymethyl chitosan with tannic acid modification. Micro-morphology of hydrogels has been performed by scanning electron microscopy. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy reveals the presence of hydrogen bonding. The mechanical properties of the hydrogels were examined using a universal testing machine. Furthermore, we investigated several properties of the modified hydrogel. These properties include swelling rate, water retention, anti-freezing properties, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, hemocompatibility evaluation and cell viability test in vitro. The modified hydrogel has a three-dimensional microporous structure, the swelling rate was 1541.7%, the elastic modulus was 589.74 kPa, the toughness was 211.74 kJ/m3, and the elongation at break was 75.39%, which was similar to the human skin modulus. The modified hydrogel also showed inhibition of S. aureus and E. coli, as well as a DPPH scavenging rate of 95%. In addition, the modified hydrogels have good biological characteristics. Based on these findings, the K/SA/CCS hydrogel holds promise for applications in biomedical engineering.

Effect of enzymatic hydrolysis with Alcalase or Protamex on technological and antioxidant properties of whey protein hydrolysates.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the enzymatic hydrolysis, performed using Alcalase and Protamex enzymes, on the technological functionalities and the antioxidant capacity of whey protein hydrolysates (WPHs) to identify the conditions allowing to obtain target functionality/ies. Samples were characterized for hydrolysis degree (DH), molecular weight distribution, structural properties, and food-related functionalities. Free sulfhydryl groups and surface hydrophobicity significantly decreased with the increase in DH, regardless of the used enzyme. The foaming and antioxidant properties of Alcalase WPHs were higher as compared to those of WPI, reaching the maximum value at DH = 18-20 %, while higher DH resulted in impaired functionality. Gelling properties were guaranteed when WPI was hydrolysed by Protamex at DH < 15 % while foaming and antioxidant abilities were fostered at 15 < DH < 21 %. These results were well correlated with MW distribution and were rationalized into a road map which represents a useful tool in the selection of proper hydrolysis conditions (time, DH, enzyme type) to obtain WPHs with tailored functionalities. Research outcomes highlighted the possibility to drive protein hydrolysis to optimize the desired functionality/ies.

Thermal stability, antioxidant activity and bioavailability of pea protein-naringin Pickering emulsion for enhanced delivery applications.

After successfully addressing to mitigate bitterness of naringin through construction Pickering emulsion using pea protein (PP) and naringin (NG) in our previous study, we now probed thermal stability, antioxidant efficacy, and bioavailability. FTIR analysis and UV-vis spectroscopy indicated predominant interactions between PP and NG were hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds. TGA and DSC analyses demonstrated that PP-NG complexes exhibited superior heat-resistance compared to pure PP and NG. Thermal stability assessments indicated a significant retention of NG in the PP-NG Pickering emulsion than the control NG across varied temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C, 37 °C, and 65 °C). Moreover, the antioxidant activity of PP-NG emulsion was dependent on the concentration of NG, as evidenced by DPPH and ABTS free radicals scavenging abilities, ferric reducing power, and lipid peroxidation resistance. Additionally, PP-NG Pickering emulsion exhibited substantially high bioavailability (92.01 ± 3.91%). These results suggest a promising avenue for the application of NG with improved characteristics.

Effectiveness of different antioxidants in suppressing the evolution of thermally induced peroxidation products in hemp seed oil.

Several scientific studies have warned that the ingestion of dietary lipid oxidation products (LOPs) may initiate or exacerbate the development of several chronic non-communicable diseases in humans. Indeed, the constantly increasing consumption of culinary oils by larger global populations indicates the need for scientific techniques to suppress the evolution of LOPs in thermo-oxidised oils. This study employed a 600.13 MHz frequency NMR spectrometer in evaluating the effect of 10, 50, and 100 ppm concentrations of chemical compounds reported to have antioxidant properties in continuously-stirred and thermally stressed polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich hemp seed oil at a frying temperature of 180℃ for 180 min. Research data acquired showed that the antioxidants α- and γ-tocopherol, γ-oryzanol, ß-carotene, eugenol, resveratrol, ascorbyl palmitate, gentisic acid, and L-ascorbic acid all played a vital role in suppressing the evolution of secondary aldehydic lipid oxidation products in hemp seed oil. However, the most ineffective LOP-suppressing agent was L-lysine, an observation which may be accountable by its poor oil solubility. Nonetheless, trends deduced for compounds acting as antioxidants were mainly unique for each class of agent tested. Conversely, the antioxidant capacity of resveratrol was consistently higher, and this effect was found to be independent of its added amounts. This report provides a direct approach in developing scientific methods for the suppression of LOPs in thermo-oxidatively susceptible PUFA-rich cooking oils.

The mechanism of resveratrol stabilization and degradation by synergistic interactions between constituent proteins of whey protein.

Whey protein isolate (WPI) is mainly composed of ß-lactoglobulin (ß-LG), α-lactalbumin (α-LA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). The aim of this study was to compare and analyze the influence of WPI and its three main constituent proteins, as well as proportionally reconstituted WPI (R-WPI) on resveratrol. It was found that the storage stability of resveratrol was protected by WPI, not affected by R-WPI, but reduced by individual whey proteins at 45°C for 30 days. The rank of accelerated degradation of resveratrol by individual whey proteins was BSA > α-LA > ß-LG. The antioxidant activity, localization of resveratrol and oxidation of carrier proteins were determined by ABTS, H2O2 assay, synchronous fluorescence, carbonyl and circular dichroism. The non-covalent interactions and disulfide bonds between constituent proteins improved the antioxidant activity of the R-WPI-resveratrol complex, the oxidation stability of the carrier and the solvent shielding effect on resveratrol, which synergistically inhibited the degradation of resveratrol in R-WPI system. The results gave insight into elucidating the interaction mechanism of resveratrol with protein carriers.

Stabilization of zein nanoparticles with tween-80 and fucoidan for encapsulation of eugenol via a nozzle simulation chip.

Eugenol (EU), a natural bioactive compound found in various plants, offers numerous health benefits, but its application in the food and pharmaceutical industry is limited by its high volatility, instability, and low water solubility. Therefore, this study aimed to utilize the surface coating technique to develop zein-tween-80-fucoidan (Z-T-FD) composite nanoparticles for encapsulating eugenol using a nozzle simulation chip. The physicochemical characteristics of the composite nanoparticles were examined by varying the weight ratios of Z, T, and FD. Results showed that the Z-T-FD weight ratio of 5:1:15 exhibited excellent colloidal stability under a range of conditions, including pH (2-8), salt concentrations (10-500 mmol/L), heating (80 °C), and storage (30 days). Encapsulation of EU into Z-T-FD nanoparticles (0.5:5:1:15) resulted in an encapsulation efficiency of 49.29 ± 1.00%, loading capacity of 0.46 ± 0.05%, particle size of 205.01 ± 3.25 nm, PDI of 0.179 ± 0.006, and zeta-potential of 37.12 ± 1.87 mV. Spherical structures were formed through hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding, as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and molecular docking. Furthermore, the EU-Z-T-FD (0.5:5:1:15) nanoparticles displayed higher in vitro antioxidant properties (with DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging properties at 75.28 ± 0.16% and 39.13 ± 1.22%, respectively), in vitro bioaccessibility (64.78 ± 1.37%), and retention rates under thermal and storage conditions for EU compared to other formulations. These findings demonstrate that the Z-T-FD nanoparticle system can effectively encapsulate, protect, and deliver eugenol, making it a promising option for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

A transparent p-coumaric acid-grafted-chitosan coating with antimicrobial, antioxidant and antifogging properties for fruit packaging applications.

The study aimed to develop a novel, transparent and non-toxic coating with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antifogging properties. The p-coumaric acid-grafted chitosan (CS-PCA) was synthesized via a carbodiimide coupling reaction and then characterized. The CS-PCA coatings were further prepared using the casting method. The CS-PCA coatings obtained exhibited excellent transparency, UV-light barrier ability, and antifogging properties, as confirmed by spectroscopy and antifogging tests. The CS-PCA coatings showed stronger antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Botrytis cinerea compared to CS. The multifunctional coatings were further coated on the polyethylene cling film and their effectiveness was confirmed through a strawberry preservation test. The decay of the strawberries was reduced by CS-PCA coated film at room temperature.

In-situ forming carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel containing Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. leaf extract for mixed infectious vaginitis treatment by reshaping the micro-biota.

Mixed infectious vaginitis poses a serious threat to female reproductive health due to complex pathogenic factors, a long course and easy recurrence. Currently, antibiotic-based treatment methods are facing a crisis of drug resistance and secondary dysbiosis. Exploring effective drugs for the treatment of mixed vaginitis from Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., a natural traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of medicinal use, is a feasible treatment strategy. P. suffruticosa Andr. leaf extract (PLE) has significant anti-bacterial effects due to its rich content of polyphenols and flavonoids. The polyphenols in peony leaves have the potential to make carboxymethyl chitosan form in situ gel. In the current study, PLE and carboxymethyl chitosan were combined to develop another type of natural anti-bacterial anti-oxidant hydrogel for the treatment of mixed infectious vaginitis. Through a series of characterisations, CP had a three-dimensional network porous structure with good mechanical properties, high water absorption, long retention and a slow-release drug effect. The mixed infectious vaginitis mouse model induced by a mixture of pathogenic bacteria was used to investigate the therapeutic effects of CP in vivo. The appearance of the vagina, H&E colouring of the tissue and inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6) confirm the good anti-vaginal effect of CP. Therefore, CP was expected to become an ideal effective strategy to improve mixed infection vaginitis due to its excellent hydrogel performance and remarkable ability to regulate flora.

Glycerol-driven adaptive evolution for the production of low-molecular-weight Welan gum: Characterization and activity evaluation.

Through adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) of Sphingomonas sp. ATCC 31555, fermentation for production of low-molecular-weight welan gum (LMW-WG) was performed using glycerol as sole carbon source. During ALE, GPC-MALS analysis revealed a gradual decrease in WG molecular weight with the increase of adaptation cycles, accompanied by changes in solution conformation. LMW-WG was purified and structurally analyzed using GPC-MALS, monosaccharide composition analysis, infrared spectroscopy, NMR analysis, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Subsequently, LMW-WG obtains hydration, transparency, antioxidant activity, and rheological properties. Finally, an in vitro simulation colon reactor was used to evaluate potential prebiotic properties of LMW-WG as dietary fiber. Compared with WG produced using sucrose as substrate, LMW-WG exhibited a fourfold reduction in molecular weight while maintaining moderate viscosity. Structurally, L-Rha nearly completely replaced L-Man. Furthermore, LMW-WG demonstrated excellent hydration, antioxidant activity, and high transparency. It also exhibited resistance to saliva and gastrointestinal digestion, showcasing a favorable colonization effect on Bifidobacterium, making it a promising symbiotic agent.

Comparative study on the effects of grain blending on functional compound content and in vitro biological activity.

In this study, changes in bioactive compound contents and the in vitro biological activity of mixed grains, including oats, sorghum, finger millet, adzuki bean, and proso millet, with eight different blending ratios were investigated. The total phenolic compounds and flavonoid contents ranged from 14.43-16.53 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract and 1.22-5.37 mg catechin equivalent/g extract, respectively, depending on the blending ratio. The DI-8 blend (30% oats, 30% sorghum, 15% finger millet, 15% adzuki bean, and 10% proso millet) exhibited relatively higher antioxidant and anti-diabetic effects than other blending samples. The levels of twelve amino acids and eight organic acids in the grain mixes were measured. Among the twenty metabolites, malonic acid, asparagine, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, and proline were identified as key metabolites across the blending samples. Moreover, the levels of lactic acid, oxalic acid, and malonic acid, which are positively correlated with α-glucosidase inhibition activity, were considerably higher in the DI-blending samples. The results of this study suggest that the DI-8 blend could be used as a functional ingredient as it has several bioactive compounds and biological activities, including anti-diabetic activity.

Unraveling the Mechanisms of Cannabidiol's Pharmacological Actions: A Comprehensive Research Overview.

Cannabis sativa has long been used for neurological and psychological healing. Recently, cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from cannabis sativa has gained prominence in the medical field due to its non-psychotropic therapeutic effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems. CBD, also acting as a potent antioxidant, displays diverse clinical properties such as anticancer, antiinflammatory, antidepressant, antioxidant, antiemetic, anxiolytic, antiepileptic, and antipsychotic effects. In this review, we summarized the structural activity relationship of CBD with different receptors by both experimental and computational techniques and investigated the mechanism of interaction between related receptors and CBD. The discovery of structural activity relationship between CBD and target receptors would provide a direction to optimize the scaffold of CBD and its derivatives, which would give potential medical applications on CBD-based therapies in various illnesses.

Colorimetric array sensor based on bimetallic nitrogen-doped carbon-based nanozyme material to detect multiple antioxidants.

Copper-cobalt bimetallic nitrogen-doped carbon-based nanoenzymatic materials (CuCo@NC) were synthesized using a one-step pyrolysis process. A three-channel colorimetric sensor array was constructed for the detection of seven antioxidants, including cysteine (Cys), uric acid (UA), tea polyphenols (TP), lysine (Lys), ascorbic acid (AA), glutathione (GSH), and dopamine (DA). CuCo@NC with peroxidase activity was used to catalyze the oxidation of TMB by H2O2 at three different ratios of metal sites. The ability of various antioxidants to reduce the oxidation products of TMB (ox TMB) varied, leading to distinct absorbance changes. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) results showed that the sensor array was capable of detecting seven antioxidants in buffer and serum samples. It could successfully discriminate antioxidants with a minimum concentration of 10 nM. Thus, multifunctional sensor arrays based on CuCo@NC bimetallic nanoenzymes not only offer a promising strategy for identifying various antioxidants but also expand their applications in medical diagnostics and environmental analysis of food.

A squalene analog 4,4'-diapophytofluene from coconut leaves having antioxidant and anti-senescence potentialities toward human fibroblasts and keratinocytes.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) leaves, an unutilized resource, enriched with valuable bioactive compounds. Spectral analysis of purified pentane fraction of coconut leaves revealed the presence of a squalene analog named 4,4'-diapophytofluene or in short 4,4'-DPE (C30H46). Pure squalene standard (PSQ) showed cytotoxicity after 8 µg/ml concentration whereas 4,4'-DPE exhibited no cytotoxic effects up to 16 µg/ml concentration. On senescence-induced WI38 cells, 4,4'-DPE displayed better percentage of cell viability (164.5% at 24 h, 159.4% at 48 h and 148% at 72 h) compared to PSQ and BSQ (bio-source squalene) with same time duration. Similar trend of result was found in HaCaT cells. SA-ß-gal assay showed that number of ß-galactosidase positive cells were significantly decreased in senescent cells (WI38 and HaCaT) after treated with 4,4'-DPE than PSQ, BSQ. Percentage of ROS was increased to 60% in WI38 cells after olaparib treatment. When PSQ, BSQ and 4,4'-DPE were applied separately on these oxidative-stress-induced cells for 48 h, the overall percentage of ROS was decreased to 39.3%, 45.6% and 19.3% respectively. This 4,4'-DPE was found to be more effective in inhibiting senescence by removing ROS as compared to squalene. Therefore, this 4,4'-DPE would be new potent senotherapeutic agent for pharmaceuticals and dermatological products.

Oxidation Study of Oleocanthal and Oleacein Induced by Oxone.

A selective Oxone-induced oxidation of oleocanthal and oleacein, the two main secoiridoids of olive oil, to their bis-oxidized products is described. This protocol is based on a Baeyer-Villiger mechanism and the concentration of Oxone in the final solution. The bis-oxidation of the aldehydic compounds could be extended for the synthesis of various semisynthetic analogs. The obtained acids exhibit strong antioxidant activity, being efficient free radical scavengers.

Structural Characterization, and Antioxidative and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Phylloxanthobilins in Tropaeolum majus, a Plant with Relevance in Phytomedicine.

Tropaeolum majus (garden nasturtium) is a plant with relevance in phytomedicine, appreciated not only for its pharmaceutical activities, but also for its beautiful leaves and flowers. Here, we investigated the phytochemical composition of senescent nasturtium leaves. Indeed, we identified yellow chlorophyll catabolites, also termed phylloxanthobilins, which we show to contribute to the bright yellow color of the leaves in the autumn season. Moreover, we isolated and characterized the phylloxanthobilins from T. majus, and report the identification of a pyro-phylloxanthobilin, so far only accessible by chemical synthesis. We show that the phylloxanthobilins contribute to bioactivities of T. majus by displaying strong anti-oxidative effects in vitro and in cellulo, and anti-inflammatory effects as assessed by COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibition, similar to other bioactive ingredients of T. majus, isoquercitrin, and chlorogenic acid. Hence, phylloxanthobilins could play a role in the efficacy of T. majus in the treatment of urinary tract infections, an established indication of T. majus. With the results shown in this study, we aid in the completion of the phytochemical profile of T. majus by identifying additional bioactive natural products as relevant components of this medicinal plant.

Curcumin-loaded nanoparticles effectively prevent T4-induced oxidative stress in rat heart.

In this study, we report the cardioprotective effect of the glycerol monooleate (GMO) based nanocurcumin in both in vitro and in vivo conditions under a hyperthyroid state. The heart is one of the primary target organs sensitive to the action of thyroid hormone, and slight variations in the thyroid hormone serum concentrations result in measurable changes in cardiac performance. Hyperthyroidism-induced hypermetabolism is associated with oxidative stress and is an important mechanism responsible for the progression of heart failure. Curcumin has been known to play a protective role against oxidative stress-related diseases like Alzheimer's, asthma, and aging due to its antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, its potent biological activity has been hindered due to its poor bioavailability. To overcome this drawback, a GMO-based biodegradable nanoparticle (NP) formulation loaded with curcumin has been developed, and the protective effect of curcumin-loaded NPs was compared against the native drug. Oxidative stress parameters like reactive oxygen species (ROS) release, change in mitochondrial membrane permeability, lipid peroxidation (LPx), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and the activity and protein expression of the endogenous antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase were evaluated. The results from in vitro showed that curcumin-loaded NPs showed better DPPH and NO radical scavenging activity than native curcumin in a concentrations range of 2.5-20 µM. It was also observed that the nanoparticulate curcumin was comparatively more effective than native curcumin in protecting against ROS-induced membrane damage by reducing LPx and LDH leakage at low concentrations of 5-10 µM. Further, curcumin NPs performed better in facilitating the activities of antioxidant enzymes under in vitro and in vivo conditions with respect to time and concentrations, resulting in reduced cellular ROS levels. In this scenario, we anticipate that curcumin-loaded NPs can serve as a better antioxidant than its native counterpart in protecting the heart from oxidative stress-related diseases.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Potential and Antibacterial Activities of Different Anatomical Parts of Hypericum cordifolium Choisy.

The genus Hypericum comprises a large number of species. The flower, leaf, stem, and root of the Hypericum species are widely used in traditional medicine in different cultures. Many Hypericum species have been well investigated phytochemically and pharmacologically. However, only a few reports are available on the H. cordifolium native to Nepal. The present study aims to evaluate the phytochemical composition of different extracts, qualitative analysis of methanol extract of the flower and leaf using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and the antioxidant properties of components by the TLC-DPPH. assay. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated in different extracts of the leaf and stem, and their antioxidant and antibacterial activities were evaluated. In the phytochemical screening, phenolics and flavonoids were present in ethyl acetate, methanol, and 50% aq methanol extracts of both the leaf and stem. In TLC analysis, the methanol extract of flowers showed the presence of 11 compounds and the leaf extract showed the presence of 8 compounds. Both extracts contained chlorogenic acid and mangiferin. Hyperoside and quercetin were present only in the flower extract. In the TLC-DPPH. assay, almost all of the flower extracts and 5 compounds of the leaf extract showed radical scavenging potential. Estimation of phenolics and flavonoids showed that all the leaf extracts showed higher amounts of phenolics and flavonoids than stem extracts. Among leaf extracts, greater amounts of phenolics were detected in 50% aqueous methanol extract (261.25 ± 1.66 GAE/g extract) and greater amounts of flavonoids were detected in methanol extract (232.60 ± 10.52 CE/g extract). Among stem extracts, greater amounts of flavonoids were detected in the methanol extract (155.12 ± 4.30 CE/g extract). In the DPPH radical scavenging assay, the methanol extract of the leaf showed IC50 60.85 ± 2.67 µg/ml and 50% aq. methanol extract of the leaf showed IC50 63.09 ± 2.98 µg/ml. The methanol extract of the stem showed IC50 89.39 ± 3.23 µg/ml, whereas ethyl acetate and 50% aq. methanol extract showed IC50 > 100 µg/ml. In the antibacterial assay, the methanol extract of the leaf showed the inhibition zone of 12-13 mm and the stem extract showed the inhibition zone of 7-11 mm against S. aureus, E. coli, and S. sonnei, whereas both extracts were inactive against S. typhi. The findings of this study support the traditional use of this plant in Nepal for the treatment of diseases associated with bacterial infections. The present study revealed that the underutilized anatomical parts of H. cordifolium could be the source of various bioactive phytochemicals like other Hypericum species.

Physicochemistry, Nutritional, and Therapeutic Potential of Ficus carica - A Promising Nutraceutical.

In an era where synthetic supplements have raised concerns regarding their effects on human health, Ficus carica has emerged as a natural alternative rich in polyphenolic compounds with potent therapeutic properties. Various studies on F. carica focusing on the analysis and validation of its pharmacological and nutritional properties are emerging. This paper summarizes present data and information on the phytochemical, nutritional values, therapeutic potential, as well as the toxicity profile of F. carica. An extensive search was conducted from various databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. A total of 126 studies and articles related to F. carica that were published between 1999 and 2023 were included in this review. Remarkably, F. carica exhibits a diverse array of advantageous effects, including, but not limited to, antioxidant, anti-neurodegenerative, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antiepileptic, anticonvulsant, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-angiogenic, antidiabetic, anti-cancer, and antimutagenic properties. Among the highlights include that antioxidants from F. carica were demonstrated to inhibit cholinesterase, potentially protecting neurons in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. The antimicrobial activities of F. carica were attributed to its high flavonoids and terpenoids content, while its virucidal action through the inhibition of DNA and RNA replication was postulated due to its triterpenes content. Inflammatory and arthritic conditions may also benefit from its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties through the modulation of various signalling proteins. Studies have also shown that F. carica extracts were generally safe and exhibit low toxicity profile, although more research in this aspect is required, specifically its effects on the skin. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of F. carica as a valuable natural therapeutic agent and dietary supplement. However, continued exploration on F. carica's safety and efficacy is still required prior to embarking on clinical trials, as its role in personalized nutrition and medication will open a new paradigm to improve health outcomes.

Improvement of phenolic profile and biological activities of wild mustard sprouts.

The current study aimed to assess the effect of the germination process of wild mustard seeds on the phenolic profile, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic properties, and some relevant enzyme activities. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents increased 5- and 10-fold, respectively, and were maximized on 5-days sprouts. One new phenolic compound was identified on 5-days sprout extract using HPLC. The concentrations of the identified phenolic compounds increased 1.5-4.3 folds on 5-days sprouts compared with dry seeds. The total antioxidant activity multiplied 17- and 21-fold on 5-days sprouts using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays, respectively. The activity of carbohydrate-cleaving, phenolic-synthesizing and antioxidant enzymes also increased during germination. On 5-days sprouts, there was a substantial correlation between the highest ß-glucosidase and peroxidase activities with highest phenolic and flavonoid levels and maximum antioxidant activity. The phenolic extract of 5-days sprouts exhibited antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and showed potent antidiabetic activity established by its inhibitory effect against α-amylase and α-glucosidase compared to dry seeds.