Phenolic-antioxidant capacity of mango seed kernels: therapeutic effect against viper venoms

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 β-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.

Mango Peels as an Industrial By-Product: A Sustainable Source of Compounds with Antioxidant, Enzymatic, and Antimicrobial Activity

Plant waste materials are important sources of bioactive compounds with remarkable health-promoting benefits. In particular, industrial by-products such as mango peels are sustainable sources of bioactive substances, with antioxidant, enzymatic, and antimicrobial activity. Appropriate processing is essential to obtain highly bioactive compounds for further use in generating value-added products for the food industry. The objective of the study was to investigate and compare the biological activity of compounds from fresh and dried mango peels obtained by different conventional methods and unconventional extraction methods using supercritical fluids (SFE). The highest total phenolic content (25.0 mg GAE/g DW) and the total content of eight phenolic compounds (829.92 µg/g DW) determined by LC-MS/MS were detected in dried mango peel extract obtained by the Soxhlet process (SE). SFE gave the highest content of proanthocyanidins (0.4 mg PAC/g DW). The ethanolic ultrasonic process (UAE) provided the highest antioxidant activity of the product (82.4%) using DPPH radical scavenging activity and total protein content (2.95 mg protein/g DW). Overall, the dried mango peels were richer in bioactive compounds (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, catechin, and hesperidin/neohesperidin), indicating successful preservation during air drying. Furthermore, outstanding polyphenol oxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lipase activities were detected in mango peel extracts. This is the first study in which remarkable antibacterial activities against the growth of Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) were evaluated by determining the microbial growth inhibition rate after 12 and 24 h incubation periods for mango peel extracts obtained by different methods. Ethanolic SE and UAE extracts from dried mango peels resulted in the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC90) for all bacterial species tested. Mango peels are remarkable waste products that could contribute to the sustainable development of exceptional products with high-added value for various applications, especially as dietary supplements.

Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Smear Layer Removal Efficacy of Mangifera indica Kernel Extract as Root Canal Irrigant in Primary Molar: An In Vitro Study

Background

Endodontic therapy aims to disinfect the entire root canal system. Extracts from the kernel of Mangifera indica has the potential to be a novel root canal irrigant that has yet to be studied. Hence, the present study evaluated the antimicrobial, and smear layer removal efficacy of the M. indica kernel extract as a root canal irrigant in primary molars.

Materials and Methods

Methanolic extract of M. indica was prepared using the standard method. The antimicrobial efficacy of M. indica kernel extract was determined by agar diffusion method with 3% sodium hypochlorite and distilled water as controls, and the smear layer removal efficacy was assessed under the SEM after processing the root samples with different concentrations of M. indica kernel extract with 17% EDTA and distilled water as positive and negative controls, respectively.

Results

A statistically significant antimicrobial efficacy was observed with the largest mean zone of inhibition recorded with 50 μl of M. indica kernel extract at 24 hr of incubation period, when compared to sodium hypochlorite as a root canal irrigant against Enterococcus faecalis using agar diffusion method at MIC value of 0.625 mg/ml. The smear layer removal efficacy of the M. indica kernel extract was not satisfactory, when compared with EDTA as a root canal irrigant in primary molars and observed under SEM. In contrast, a complete smear layer removal was observed with 17% EDTA solution.

Conclusion

M. indica kernel extract has an enhanced antimicrobial efficacy but poor smear layer removal efficacy when used as a root canal irrigant.

Subcritical and Supercritical Fluids to Valorize Industrial Fruit and Vegetable Waste

The valorization of industrial fruit and vegetable waste has gained significant attention due to the environmental concerns and economic opportunities associated with its effective utilization. This review article comprehensively discusses the application of subcritical and supercritical fluid technologies in the valorization process, highlighting the potential benefits of these advanced extraction techniques for the recovery of bioactive compounds and unconventional oils from waste materials. Novel pressurized fluid extraction techniques offer significant advantages over conventional methods, enabling effective and sustainable processes that contribute to greener production in the global manufacturing sector. Recovered bio-extract compounds can be used to uplift the nutritional profile of other food products and determine their application in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Valorization processes also play an important role in coping with the increasing demand for bioactive compounds and natural substitutes. Moreover, the integration of spent material in biorefinery and biorefining processes is also explored in terms of energy generation, such as biofuels or electricity, thus showcasing the potential for a circular economy approach in the management of waste streams. An economic evaluation is presented, detailing the cost analysis and potential barriers in the implementation of these valorization strategies. The article emphasizes the importance of fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers to enable the widespread adoption of these promising technologies. This, in turn, will contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy, maximizing the potential of fruit and vegetable waste as a source of valuable products.

Bioactive Compounds in Extracts from the Agro-Industrial Waste of Mango

Mango by-products are important sources of bioactive compounds generated by agro-industrial process. During mango processing, 35-60% of the fruit is discarded, in many cases without treatment, generating environmental problems and economic losses. These wastes are constituted by peels and seeds (tegument and kernel). The aim of this review was to describe the extraction, identification, and quantification of bioactive compounds, as well as their potential applications, published in the last ten years. The main bioactive compounds in mango by-products are polyphenols and carotenoids, among others. Polyphenols are known for their high antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Carotenoids show provitamin A and antioxidant activity. Among the mango by-products, the kernel has been studied more than tegument and peels because of the proportion and composition. The kernel represents 45-85% of the seed. The main bioactive components reported for the kernel are gallic, caffeic, cinnamic, tannic, and chlorogenic acids; methyl and ethyl gallates; mangiferin, rutin, hesperidin, and gallotannins; and penta-O-galloyl-glucoside and rhamnetin-3-[6-2-butenoil-hexoside]. Meanwhile, gallic acid, ferulic acid, and catechin are reported for mango peel. Although most of the reports are at the laboratory level, they include potential applications in the fields of food, active packaging, oil and fat, and pharmaceutics. At the market level, two trends will stimulate the industrial production of bioactive compounds from mango by-products: the increasing demand for industrialized fruit products (that will increase the by-products) and the increase in the consumption of bioactive ingredients.

Antioxidant-polyphenols of saw palmetto seeds: statistical optimized production and improved functional properties under solid-state fermentation by Trichoderma reesei

Saw palmetto seeds (SPS) contain essential phenolic compounds that provide antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic benefits when added to food. Maximized/improved production of these valuable phenolic compounds is the main purpose of this study. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is a promising processing technique that positively alters the levels of health-promoting compounds in plants and plant residues. Here, a central composite design matrix (16 runs) and response surface methodology were experimentally applied to investigate the best SSF conditions and their interactions for maximum production of phenolic compounds from SPS. A good correlation between actual and expected results was observed with higher multiple coefficients (R2 ~ 0.93–0.97) and strongly significant P values (< 0.0001) proving the accuracy of the statistical model/design. Under optimized SSF conditions, temperature 30 °C, moisture 10%, pH 7.0, and fermentation time 6 days, the total phenolic content and total antioxidant activity of SPS were maximized by 11-fold and 46–49 folds, respectively. According to HPLC analysis, the contents of all identifying polyphenols were 3.3–30.0 times greater in fermented SPS extract (FSPS) than in the unfermented SPS extract (UFSPS). The FSPS extract also contained four new/additional polyphenols (vanillic, p-coumaric, cinnamic, and quercetin). FSPS extract demonstrated much greater antibacterial and antifungal activities than UFSPS extract against various human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Consequently, the FSPS-phenolic compounds can be exploited as a food supplement and an antimicrobial remedy.

Garden cress gum and maltodextrin as microencapsulation coats for entrapment of garden cress phenolic-rich extract: improved thermal stability, storage stability, antioxidant and antibacterial activities

The obtained garden cress 6-day sprouts phenolic-rich extract (GCSP) contained efficient health-promoting antioxidant-phenolic compounds. To improve the stability, bioavailability, and functional properties of these valuable phenolic compounds, GCSP was encapsulated by freeze-drying technique using different ratios of garden cress gum (GG) and maltodextrin (M) in the absence and presence of sonication (S). The prepared S/GG-microcapsule retained the highest phenolic content (95%), antioxidant activity (141.6%), and encapsulation efficiency (98.2%). It displayed the highest bio-accessibility of GCSP-phenolic compounds in simulated intestine fluid (87%) and demonstrated the greatest storage-stability at 40 °C for 60 days. S/GG-microcapsule possessed better physical properties including moisture, solubility, swelling, and morphological structures using SEM. The main spectral features, crosslinking, and improved thermal stability were demonstrated for S/GG-microcapsule using FTIR and thermogravimetric analyses. S/GG-microcapsule demonstrated much greater antibacterial activity than GCSP against pathogenic bacteria. S/GG-microcapsule can be added to different food products to improve their antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Improved production of antioxidant-phenolic compounds and certain fungal phenolic-associated enzymes under solid-state fermentation of chia seeds with Trichoderma reesei: response surface methodology-based optimization

Chia seeds (CS) are becoming increasingly consumed due to their great nutritional and therapeutic properties. In this study, solid-state fermentation (SSF) of CS by Trichoderma reesei was employed to maximize the production of the antioxidant-phenolic compounds and some fungal phenolic-associated enzymes (α-amylase, xylanase, β-glucosidase, polygalacturonase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase). The SSF-conditions were statistically optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). In the statistical model, four variables were analyzed at two levels. According to RSM, the adjusted R2 (< 0.9) is reasonably consistent with the predicted R2 (< 0.9), indicating that the statistical model is valid. The optimal conditions for maximum production of both phenolic compounds and fungal phenolic-associated enzymes were found to be 28 °C, pH 7.0, 20% moisture, and 7-day fermentation. The total phenolic content of fermented CS (FCS) increased 23 folds and total antioxidant activity was enhanced by 113- and 150-fold using DPPH and ABTS methods, respectively. Three new phenolics (kaempferol, apigenin, and p-coumaric) were recognized in FCS using HPLC analysis. The activities of all the extracted phenolic-associated enzymes showed strong correlations with the phenolic content of FCS. Against some human-pathogenic bacteria, FCS extract displayed considerably better antibacterial activity than UFCS extract. Finally, the phenolic-rich-FCS can be employed as a dietary supplement as well as an antibacterial agent. Furthermore, T. reesei has produced considerable quantities of industrially valuable enzymes.

Characterization of the Composition and Biological Activity of the Venom from Vespa bicolor Fabricius, a Wasp from South China

We analyzed, for the first time, the major components and biological properties of the venom of Vespa bicolor, a wasp from South China. Using HPLC and SDS-PAGE, combined with LC–MS/MS, MALDI-TOF-MS, and NMR data to analyze V. bicolor venom (VBV), we found that VBV contains three proteins (hyaluronidase A, phospholipase A1 (two isoforms), and antigen 5 protein) with allergenic activity, two unreported proteins (proteins 5 and 6), and two active substances with large quantities (mastoparan-like peptide 12a (Vb-MLP 12a), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)). In addition, the antimicrobial activity of VBV was determined, and results showed that it had a significant effect against anaerobic bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration for Propionibacterium acnes were 12.5 µg/mL. Unsurprisingly, VBV had strong antioxidant activity because of the abundance of 5-HT. Contrary to other Vespa venom, VBV showed significant anti-inflammatory activity, even at low concentrations (1 µg/mL), and we found that Vb-MLP 12a showed pro-inflammatory activity by promoting the proliferation of RAW 264.7 cells. Cytotoxicity studies showed that VBV had similar antiproliferative effects against all tested tumor cell lines (HepG2, Hela, MCF-7, A549, and SASJ-1), with HepG2 being the most susceptible. Overall, this study on VBV has high clinical importance and promotes the development of Vespa bicolor resources.

Egyptian chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) during germination: Upgrading of phenolic profile, antioxidant, antibacterial properties and relevant enzymes activities

Little studies on chia sprouts were not deeply address the polyphenols profiles and their functional properties during long period of germination. This study aims to evaluate the impact of germination process on the phenolic profile, antioxidant and antibacterial properties and relevant enzymes activities of Egyptian chia seeds. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of chia sprouts increased several times during ten days of germination and maximized on 7-day sprouts (6.4 and 11.5 folds, respectively). In HPLC analysis, seventeen phenolic compounds were detected on 7-day sprouts compared to fifteen in dry seeds, where two new phenolic compounds (p-coumaric acid and kaempferol) were detected. The concentrations of all the identified phenolic compounds increased several folds (1.8-27) on 7-day sprouts. The total antioxidant activity increased 10, 17, and 29 folds on 7-day sprouts using DPPH, ABTS and PMC antioxidant methods, respectively compared to the dry seeds. Both antioxidant and carbohydrate-cleaving enzymes increased in chia sprouts and correlated with their phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The phenolic content of 7-day sprouts showed a potent antibacterial activity against some human enteric pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli O157-H7, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus with lower MIC values compared to the raw seeds.

Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Compounds in Three Different Parts of Mango Fruit

Mango (Mangifera indica L.), known as the king of fruits, has an attractive taste and fragrance and high nutritional value. Mango is commercially important in India, where ~55% of the global crop is produced. The fruit has three main parts: pulp, peel, and kernel. The pulp is the most-consumed part, while the peel and kernel are usually discarded. Mango pulp is a source of a variety of reducing sugars, amino acids, aromatic compounds, and functional compounds, such as pectin, vitamins, anthocyanins, and polyphenols. Mango processing generates peels and kernels as bio-wastes, though they also have nutraceutical significance. Functional compounds in the peel, including protocatechuic acids, mangiferin and β-carotene are known for their antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. The mango kernel has higher antioxidant and polyphenolic contents than the pulp and peel and is used for oil extraction; it's possible usage in combination with corn and wheat flour in preparing nutraceuticals is being increasingly emphasized. This review aims to provide nutraceutical and pharmacological information on all three parts of mango to help understand the defense mechanisms of its functional constituents, and the appropriate use of mangoes to enhance our nutrition and health.

New insights into antiviral and cytotoxic potential of quercetin and its derivatives - A biochemical perspective

Quercetin, a potential polyphenolic which possesses several biological effects. The influenza virus polymerase basic 2 (PB2) subunit of RNA polymerase responsible for replication, degree of virus conservation and active target site for designing specific antivirals. The quercetin derivatives downloaded from PubChem were screened using PyRX software configured with Vina Wizard, targeted on cap-binding site of the PB2 of influenza viral RNA polymerase. Among the PubChem library (total 97,585,747 compounds), 410 quercetin derivatives were screened using molecular docking (affinity: <-9.0 kcal) for their drug-likeness and in vitro cytopathic effect by Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Among all quercetin derivatives, quercetin 3'-glucuronide (Q3G) showed strongest binding affinity towards cap-binding site of the PB2 subunit with -9.6 kcal of binding affinity and 0.00054 mM of Ki value, while quercetin 3'-glucuronide (Q7G) was presented highest anti-influenza activity with 2.10 ± 0.05 of IC50 on influenza A/PR/8/34 virus and non-cytotoxic effect as CC50 > 100 µg/mL.

Selective extraction of polar lipids of mango kernel using Supercritical Carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction: Process optimization of extract yield/phosphorous content and economic evaluation

Lipids are biomolecules extracted from plant sources and plant residues and have a beneficial role in various food, nutrition and medical applications. Supercritical carbon-dioxide as an advanced high-pressure technology which increases the productivity and has negligible environmental impact is employed for the selective extraction of polar lipids from the lipid matrix in mango kernel for the first time. The process parameters affecting the extraction such as pressure, temperature and the flow rate of CO₂ are ranged in the intervals of 30-50 MPa, 40-60 °C and 10-30 g min^-1, respectively. Optimization using Box Behnken design obtained the highest yield of 3.38% at 40 °C, 50 MPa and 30 g min^-1. The phosphorous content was evaluated to understand the behaviour of polar lipids extraction at higher pressures. The study showed the effect of process parameters having significant influence on polarity and solvating capacity of CO₂ which enabled for the extraction of polar lipids adding value to the mango kernel converting waste into valuable industrial products. The economic evaluation estimates the return on investment of a plant processing 3000 tons of mango kernel per year to account net present value (NPV) almost five times higher than the investment expenses and the payback period is under 4 years.

A contradictory action of procoagulant ficin by a fibrinolytic serine protease from Egyptian Ficus carica latex

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We purified a serine protease from Ficus carica latex.

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Serine protease had a high tendency to hydrolyze fibrinogin.

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Serine protease inhibited blood coagulation.

Ficus carica is one of the most popular and edible plants. Its trees emanate latex of high medical importance. The well-studied procoagulant effect of ficin is a hallmark of this latex which protrudes an interesting question of how can the plant control this effect? In the present work, we purified and characterized a serine protease (FPIII) with fibrinolytic activity from F. carica latex and study the anticoagulant character of the latex. FPIII was inhibited by PMSF and its molecular weight was 48 kDa. The optimum pH and temperature of FPIII were detected at 8.5 and 60 °C, respectively. The activation energy of FPIII was 7 kcal/mol and was thermal stable up to 60 °C. FPIII tended to hydrolyze different protein substrates and showed a good catalytic efficiency (K_cat/K_m). The anticoagulant effects and fibrinogenolytic activities of latex crude extract and FPIII were detected, which controls the procoagulant effect of ficin.

A Critical Review on Tropical Fruits Seeds as Prospective Sources of Nutritional and Bioactive Compounds for Functional Foods Development: A Case of Indonesian Exotic Fruits

Some tropical countries in the Southeast Asia are rich in exotic fruits with worldwide acceptance, such as mango, orange, snake fruit, durian, jackfruit, rambutan, and avocado. In addition to their abundant production, those fruits are also currently gaining expansive distribution and marketing due to their promising advantages to human well-being. Surprisingly, their by-products, especially the seed kernel and peel, which account about 10-35% of their weight also offer high nutritional and functional potentials. This work exhibits the nutritional and bioactive compositions of the seeds of eight tropical exotic fruits, which are analyzed for their possible application as sources of functional food and environmental points of view. The seeds contain essential bioactive components, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acid, and carotenoids, that exhibit excellent antioxidant activity, fats that have remarkable physicohemical properties (free of trans-fatty acids), and a high protein content. After a proper reduction of antinutritional contents, seed powders which contain carbohydrate, protein, and premium lipids or specific extracts with excellent functional properties can be obtained. However, further research should be carried out to determine the profiles of the nutritional and bioactive components in different seed types, their bioavailability, and their efficacy. Extensive researches with the industrial parts should also be performed to valorize the nutritional and functional potentials of these exotic fruit seeds.