Simultaneous optimization of the ultrasound-assisted extraction for phenolic compounds content and antioxidant activity of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. fruit using response surface methodology

Comparative analysis of phenolic extracts obtained from Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Brown leaves by microwave-assisted extraction using eco-friendly solvents

This study demonstrated that microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was more effective for the recovery of phenolic compounds from L. alba leaves, compared to traditional methods such as Soxhlet extraction, infusion, and decoction, and resulted in higher antioxidant activity. Ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis enabled the identification of important phenolic compounds, such as acteoside/isoacteoside and theveside, in addition to several flavonoids, which could explain the high antioxidant activities. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that MAE significantly influenced the chemical composition of the extracts. MAE, using green solvents (water and ethanol), proved to be an efficient and sustainable approach for obtaining antioxidant phenolic compounds from L. alba leaves, with potential applications in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. The findings provide important information for further studies to assess the scalability and environmental impact of the MAE process, aiming at feasible large-scale production.

Optimization of Extraction Conditions for Improving Gallic Acid and Quercetin Content in Pouteria macrophylla Fruits: A Promising Cosmetic Ingredient

Pouteria macrophylla, also known as cutite, is an Amazonian fruit distributed in the western regions of North Brazil. Its fruits are rich in phenolic compounds, such as gallic acid (GA) and quercetin (Q), making it an excellent ingredient for cosmetic applications due to its high antioxidant activity and stability. A study optimized the extraction of GA and Q using hydroalcoholic ultrasound-assisted extracts by a central composite design, focusing on three independent variables: water-ethanol percentage (%H2O; v/v), fruit-solvent ratio (FSR; w/v), and time (t; min). Response surface methodology was used to identify the optimal conditions for maximizing gallic acid and quercetin content. Results showed antioxidant activity ranged from 1365.15 to 265.50 mg TE/mL and total phenolic compounds from 4293.7 to 897.04 mg GAE/L. A direct correlation between %H2O and FSR in the quercetin content response was observed. On the other hand, there was an inverse correlation between the FSR and the extraction of gallic acid, with a significance level of 90% (p < 0.1). The optimization of cutite hydroalcoholic extracts resulted in 10.22 ± 0.6 mg/L and 0.75 ± 0.25 mg/L for gallic acid and quercetin, respectively. Moreover, the optimized extract displayed a sun protection factor of 54, indicating its potential in cosmetic formulations and sunscreen products.

Exploring phytochemicals and their pharmacological applications from ethnomedicinal plants: A focus on Lycium barbarum, Solanacea

Lycium barbarum is a species commonly utilized in dietary supplements and natural healthcare products. Lycium barbarum also referred to as wolfberry or goji berry, are predominantly found in China, Japan, Korea, and North America. Lycium barbarum has a lengthy history as a medicinal and functional food. Recent studies showcasing their exceptional bioac-tive properties have led to an increase in their cultivation and popularity worldwide. Lycium barbarum have been recognized as a valuable source of functional ingredients with promising applications in the food and medical sectors. Lycium barbarum are rich in phytochemical compounds such as polysaccharides, carotenoids, organic acids, carbohydrates (fructose and glucose), phenolic compounds (such as phenolic acids and flavonoids), and vitamins (ascorbic acid). Various biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and gastroprotective effects, have linked to their consumption. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical components as well as the biological active properties of Lycium barbarum.

Hypoglycaemic activity of the anthocyanin enriched fraction of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. Fruits and its ingredient identification via UPLC-triple-TOF-MS/MS

Lycium ruthenicum Murr. is mainly distributed in the northwest region of China and its berries are rich in anthocyanin. This study evaluated the hypoglycaemic activity of the anthocyanin-enriched fraction (AEF) of L. ruthenicum Murr. on α-glucosidase in vivo and in vitro. Overall, 10 anthocyanins were identified via UPLC-Triple-TOF-MS/MS. The AEF exhibited strong inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase, with an IC50 value of 4.468 mg/mL. It behaved as a reversible, mixed-type inhibitor. Molecular docking and dynamic results indicated that the compounds in AEF interacted with enzymes primarily through van der Waals and hydrogen bond and the complex system was stable. The postprandial blood glucose and area under the curve of diabetic mice was significantly decreased by AEF in the carbohydrate tolerance experiments. The results indicate that the AEF from L. ruthenicum Murr. berries could be as a promising food supplement for managing blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Sub-chronic and acute toxicity of aqueous extracts Salvia blancoana subsp. mesatlantica (Maire) Figuerola to rodents

Background

Salvia blancoana subsp. mesatlantica (Maire) Figuerola (SBm) is a plant endemic to Morocco and is one of the less studied species of Salvia. Herbal therapy is becoming more and more popular, especially in underdeveloped nations where access to medicinal herbs is affordable. However, some plants demonstrated toxic effects in animals and humans.

Objective

Our study aimed to evaluate the SBm-extract for both acute and sub-chronic toxicity.

Methods

Aqueous extracts were obtained from the aerial parts of SBm collected from Immouzer Kander commune (Middle Atlas, Morocco). Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Flavones and flavonols Content (FFC), Antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power) was determined, and chemical composition was determined by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detection (HPLC-DAD). Toxicity tests were conducted on mice and rats.

Results

In acute toxicity, Swiss albino mice (mass of 25-35 g) received SBm-extract orally and intraperitoneally at doses (0.5-11 g/kg, bm). The sub-chronic toxicity was tested in Wistar albino rats (mass of 200-240 g) for 90 days at doses of 0, 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg, bm. Values of TPC and FFC were estimated to be 157.56 ± 0.32 mg GAE/g DW and 7.89 ± 0.05 mg QE/g DW, respectively. DPPH scavenging (IC50) was estimated to be 26.9 ± 0.08 µg/mL while reducing power was 12.41 ± 0.03 µg/mL. No toxicity or deaths were observed in acute tests after oral exposure, while intraperitoneal administration resulted in dose-dependent acute toxicity, with an LD50 value of 6.82 g/kg. In sub-chronic tests, most hematological and biochemical parameters remained unchanged, except for transient fluctuations in specific blood constituents and a transitory reduction in serum glucose levels observed at elevated dosages. Histopathological investigation revealed no organ abnormalities. The SBm-extract exhibited minimal toxicity, supporting its safe use.

Conclusions

Despite the relevant results of this study, future studies need to confirm these findings and expand our understanding of the safety characteristics of Salvia. Further investigations are needed to explore the effects of other solvents on the extraction of bioactive compounds from the underground and aerial parts of this endemic species. Evaluation of other biological properties such as anti-microbial, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory activities are needed.

A review of Lycium ruthenicum Murray: Geographic distribution tracing, bioactive components, and functional properties

Lycium ruthenicum (LRM), endemic to Northwest China, is known as hei goji or black goji and is renowned for its rich bioactive compounds. This review analyzes LRM's geographic distribution and traceability and highlights challenges and future developments in geographical traceability. The work also focuses on LRM's bioactive constituents, especially on anthocyanins and polysaccharides, demonstrating a clear clue for understanding their updated extraction methods, identification, and diverse bioactive activities, including antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and immunomodulation, which is beneficial to developing novel functional foods and new medical materials. Moreover, the paper elucidates advances in the potential application of LRM in food preservation, packaging, and other domains. Notably, we figure out gaps in LRM research, such as traceability technology and the proven efficacy of biological activities. This study provides a foundation for future perspectives on developing nutraceuticals and functional foods, disease treatment supplements, and green food packaging materials by bridging these gaps.

Effect of GABA combined with ultrasound stress germination treatment on phenolic content and antioxidant activity of highland barley

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) combined with ultrasonic stress germination (AUG) treatment on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of highland barley (HB). Key variables, including germination times (ranging from 0 to 96 h), ultrasonic power (200-500 W), and GABA concentration (5-20 mmol/L), were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) to enhance the enrichment of phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the study assessed the content, composition, and antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds in HB under various treatment conditions such as germination alone (G), ultrasonic stress germination (UG), and AUG treatment.

RESULTS

The study identified optimal conditions for the phenolic enrichment of HB, which included a germination time of 60 h, an ultrasound power of 300 W, and a GABA concentration of 15 mmol L-1. Under these conditions, the total phenolic content (TPC) in HB was measured at 7.73 milligrams of gallic acid equivalents per gram dry weight (mg GAE/g DW), representing a 34.96% enhancement compared to untreated HB. Notably, all treatment modalities - G, UG, and AUG - significantly increased the phenolic content and antioxidant activity in HB, with the AUG treatment proving to be the most effective.

CONCLUSION

These obtained results suggest that AUG treatment is a promising processing method for enriching phenolic compounds and improving antioxidant activity in HB. Subsequently, the AUG-treated HB can be used to develop phenolic-rich germinated functional foods to further broaden the application of HB. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Optimization of Extraction and Purification of Flavonoids from Stigmaless Floral Residues of Crocus sativus L. and Their Stimulatory Effect on Glucose Uptake In Vitro

Saffron, the dried stigma of Crocus sativus L., is a renowned spice and medicinal herb. During its production, a significant amount of floral residues, rich in bioactive compounds, are discarded as agricultural by-products. This study presents a novel approach to the sustainable utilization of these stigmaless floral residues (FRC) by optimizing the extraction and purification of their flavonoids, analyzing their chemical composition, and evaluating their effect on glucose uptake. The extraction of flavonoids from FRC was optimized using single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. The optimal conditions for extraction were an ethanol concentration of 67.7%, a temperature of 67.6 °C, a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:30, an extraction time of 3 h, and two extractions. The crude extract obtained was then purified using macroporous resin HPD100, selected after comparing the adsorption and desorption characteristics of six different resins. The optimal purification parameters were an adsorption concentration of 40 mg/mL, a loading volume of 7 bed volumes (BV) at a flow rate of 3 BV/h, and 80% ethanol as the eluent with a volume of 4 BV. The resulting flavonoid-enriched extract (FFRC) had an experimental yield of 8.67% ± 0.01 and a flavonoid content of 128.30 ± 4.64 mg/g. The main flavonoids in FFRC were identified as kaempferol glycosides, isorhamnetin glycosides, and quercetin glycosides. Moreover, FFRC significantly stimulated glucose consumption and uptake in C2C12 myotubes, suggesting its potential utility as a natural hypoglycemic agent. This study contributes to the sustainable and value-added utilization of agricultural resources by providing data for the exploitation and application of flavonoids from saffron by-products.

Microwave and ultrasound extraction of antioxidant phenolic compounds from Lantana camara Linn. leaves: Optimization, comparative study, and FT-Orbitrap MS analysis

INTRODUCTION

The species Lantana camara is used in folk medicine. The biological activities of this medicinal plant are attributable to the presence of various derivatives of triterpenoids and phenolic compounds present in its preparations, indicating excellent economic potential.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the operational conditions of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were optimized using Box-Behnken design to improve the total phenolic content (TPC) recovered in hydroethanolic extracts of L. camara leaves.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The TPC, total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities of the hydroalcoholic extracts of L. camara, prepared by UAE and MAE under the optimized extraction conditions, were compared with those of the extracts obtained by conventional extraction methods.

RESULTS

Under the optimal conditions, the extracts obtained by UAE (35% ethanol, 25 min, and a solvent-to-solid ratio of 60:1 mL/g) and by MAE (53% ethanol, 15 min, and 300 W) provided high yields of 32.50% and 38.61% and TPC values of 102.89 and 109.83 mg GAE/g DW, respectively. The MAE extract showed the best results with respect to TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities, followed by extracts obtained by UAE, Soxhlet extraction, decoction, maceration, and infusion, in that order.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained indicate that L. camara may be used as an important source of antioxidant phenolic compounds to obtain products with high biological and economic potential, especially when the extraction process is performed under appropriate conditions using MAE and/or UAE, employing environmentally friendly solvents such as water and ethanol.

Optimization of the pulsed vacuum drying process of green walnut husk through temperature adaptive regulation

This study aimed to optimize the temperature adaptive conditions of pulsed vacuum drying (PVD) for green walnut husk (GWH) to tackle the issues of severe environmental pollution and limited utilization of GWH. The results of the single-factor experiment revealed that the optimal drying temperature for PVD of GWH was 65°C, with a pulsed ratio of 9 min: 3 min. The drying time decreased from 10.87 to 6.32 h with increasing drying temperature and from 8.83 to 6.23 kW·h/kg with increasing pulsed ratio. Energy consumption also decreased with shorter drying time and shorter vacuum time. Under this optimal variable temperature drying condition, GWH exhibited the highest total active substance content, with respective values of 9.43 mg/g for total triterpenes, 35.68 mg/g for flavonoids, 9.51 mg/g for polyphenols, and 9.55 mg/g for quinones. The experimental drying data of GWH were best fitted by a logarithmic model, with R2 values ranging from 0.9927 to 0.9943. Furthermore, the observed microstructure of GWH corresponded to the variations in total active substance content. This study provided valuable theoretical guidance for addressing environmental pollution associated with GWH and facilitating the industrialization and refinement of GWH drying processes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: There is a growing interest in harnessing the potential value of agricultural waste to transform low-cost raw materials into high-value products while mitigating environmental pollution. In this study, for the first time, the effects of variable temperature pulsed vacuum drying on the content of active substances, drying time, and energy consumption of green walnut husk (GWH) were investigated. The findings serve as a theoretical foundation for addressing environmental pollution issues associated with GWH and enabling the industrialization and precision drying of GWH.

Bioactive Components of Lycium barbarum and Deep-Processing Fermentation Products

Lycium barbarum, a homology of medicine and food, contains many active ingredients including polysaccharides, polyphenol, betaine, and carotenoids, which has health benefits and economic value. The bioactive components in Lycium barbarum exhibit the effects of antioxidation, immune regulation, hypoglycemic effects, and vision improvement. Recently, the development of nutrition and health products of Lycium barbarum has been paid more and more attention with the increase in health awareness. A variety of nutrients and bioactive components in wolfberry can be retained or increased using modern fermentation technology. Through fermentation, the products have better flavor and health function, which better meet the needs of market diversification. The main products related to wolfberry fermentation include wolfberry fruit wine, wolfberry fruit vinegar, and lactic acid fermented beverage. In this review, the mainly bioactive components of Lycium barbarum and its deep-processing products of fermentation were summarized and compared. It will provide reference for the research and development of fermented and healthy products of Lycium barbarum.

Encapsulation of Pineapple Peel Extracts by Ionotropic Gelation Using Corn Starch, Weissella confusa Exopolysaccharide, and Sodium Alginate as Wall Materials

Phenolic compounds that are present in pineapple by-products offer many health benefits to the consumer; however, they are unstable to many environmental factors. For this reason, encapsulation is ideal for preserving their beneficial effects. In this work, extracts were obtained by the combined method of solid-state fermentation with Rhizopus oryzae and ultrasound. After this process, the encapsulation process was performed by ionotropic gelation using corn starch, sodium alginate, and Weissella confusa exopolysaccharide as wall material. The encapsulates produced presented a moisture content between 7.10 and 10.45% (w.b), a solubility of 53.06 ± 0.54%, and a wettability of 31.46 ± 2.02 s. The total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity of DPPH, and ABTS of the encapsulates were also determined, finding 232.55 ± 2.07 mg GAE/g d.m for TPC, 45.64 ± 0.9 µm Trolox/mg GAE for DPPH, and 51.69 ± 1.08 µm Trolox/mg GAE for ABTS. Additionally, ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analysis allowed us to identify and quantify six bioactive compounds: rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, and quercetin. According to the above, using ionotropic gelation, it was possible to obtain microencapsulates containing bioactive compounds from pineapple peel extracts, which may have applications in the development of functional foods.

Antioxidant and Anticancer Assessment and Phytochemical Investigation of Three Varieties of Date Fruits

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits contain high concentrations of phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids and other micronutrients, which impact human health due to their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer characteristics. In the present study, the effect of ethyl acetate, hydroethanol, hydromethanol, and aqueous extract from three date palm varieties (i.e., Ajwa, Siwi, and Sukkari) on phytochemical profiles and antioxidant and anticancer activities was investigated. Fruit extracts were screened for their antioxidant activity using the DPPH· method. Phenolic constituents were quantified and identified using HPLC-DAD. Extracts (ethyl acetate, hydroethanol, and hydromethanol) were assessed for cytotoxicity on nine human cancer cell lines, i.e., MG-63, HCT116, MCF7, MDA-MB-231, HEPG2, HUH7, A549, H460, and HFB4, using the sulphorhodamine-B (SRB) assay. Results showed that the ethyl acetate extract of the Sukkari fruits has the greatest antioxidant potential with an IC₅₀ value of 132.4 ± 0.3 μg·mL^-1, while the aqueous extract of Ajwa date fruits exhibited the lowest antioxidant effect with an IC₅₀ value of 867.1 ± 0.3 μg·mL^-1. The extracts exhibited potent to moderate anticancer activities against the investigated cancer cell line in a source-dependent manner. Methanol extract of Siwi fruits exhibited the most potent anticancer activity (IC₅₀ = 99 ± 1.6 µg·mL^-1), followed by the same extract of Sukkari fruits with an IC₅₀ value of 119 ± 3.5 µg·mL^-1 against the cell line of human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231). Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA) was investigated to determine the relationship among the investigated traits and treatments. Our findings reveal that date palm fruit-derived extracts are excellent sources of biologically active constituents and substantiate their potential use in new anticancer strategies from natural resources.

The health-promoting anthocyanin petanin in Lycium ruthenicum fruit: a promising natural colorant

Acylated anthocyanins derived from dietary sources have gained significant attention due to their health-promoting properties and potential as natural colorants with high stability. However, exploration of the functional food products using acylated anthocyanins enriched in fruits and vegetables remains largely delayed in food industries. The black goji (Lycium ruthencium) fruit (LRF) is a functional food that is extensively used due to its exceptionally high levels of acylated anthocyanins, including petanin. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the functional properties and anthocyanin components of LRF. The stability, bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and bioactivities of petanin, the major anthocyanin component, are compared with those of LRF anthocyanin extracts and other food sources. Furthermore, the biosynthetic pathway and regulatory network of petanin in LRF are proposed and constructed, respectively. The key genes that could be potentially used for metabolic engineering to produce petanin are predicted. Finally, the potential application of petanin derivatives in the food industry is also discussed. This review presents comprehensive and systematic information about the dual-function of petanin as a bioactive component and a promising natural colorant for future food industrial applications.

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.

Effect of hot water, ultrasound, microwave, and pectinase-assisted extraction of anthocyanins from black goji berry for food application

Lycium ruthenicum, commonly known as black goji berry, is a rich anthocyanin source containing a high amount of monoacylated anthocyanins. This study investigates the effect of different extraction methods to extract anthocyanins from black goji berry for food application. Different hot water extraction conditions were applied to investigate the effect of specific substrate: solvent ratio (1:15 and 1:20 (w/v)), extraction time (30 and 60 min) and extraction temperature (40, 50 and 60 °C) on the extraction yield, total anthocyanin content (TAC) and the total phenolic content (TPC) of the anthocyanin extracts. Best hot water extraction conditions for obtaining an anthocyanin extract with high TAC (13.8 ± 1.14 mg CGE/g), TPC (69.7 ± 2.50 mg of GAE/g), and extraction yield (48.3 ± 3.25%) consuming less solvent, time and heat were substrate: solvent ratio of 1: 15 (w/v), extraction temperature of 50 °C, and extraction time of 30 min. The effect of pectinase, ultrasound, and microwave on hot water extraction of anthocyanins from black goji berry was investigated using the best conditions for hot water extraction. Pectinase-assisted extraction [1.5% (w/v) pectinase, substrate: solvent ratio of 1:15 (w/v) at 50 °C for 30 min] was the best extraction method to extract black goji berry anthocyanins demonstrating higher extraction yield, TAC, TPC, and the highest percentage of petunidin-3-O-(trans-p-coumaroyl)-rutinoside-5-O-glucoside.

Anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray Inhibit HepG2 Cells Growth, Metastasis and Promote Apoptosis and G2/M Phase Cycle Arrest by Activating the AMPK/mTOR Autophagy Pathway

Among the most common malignancies in humans, liver cancer ranks third in terms of mortality in the world. Seeking new anticancer drugs or adjuvant chemotherapy drugs from natural products has attracted the attention of many researchers. Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LR), a health food and traditional Chinese medicine, exerts extensive pharmacological properties, of which anthocyanins are one of the key active components. In this research, we explored the antitumor activity and autophagy regulation mechanism of anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray (ALR) in HepG2 cells. Our results found that ALR profoundly reduced the cell viability, clone formation, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent pattern. Further studies confirmed that ALR treatment significantly increased the number of autophagic vacuoles and autophagosomes, upregulated the expression of Beclin-1, p62, LC3-II/LC3-I, and p-AMPK, and concomitantly downregulated the expression of p-mTOR. When autophagy was inhibited by 3-methyladenine (3-MA), ALR-induced proliferation inhibition, invasion, and migration capabilities, as well as apoptosis rate and G2/M phase arrest, were all reversed, and the activities of key proteins in the AMPK/mTOR pathway were all constrained. In summary, the results presented here indicate that ALR may be effective as a natural antitumor agent by activating AMPK and inhibiting the mTOR autophagy pathway in HepG2 cells.

Comparison of an Artificial Neural Network and a Response Surface Model during the Extraction of Selenium-Containing Protein from Selenium-Enriched Brassica napus L

In this study, the extraction conditions for selenium-enriched rape protein (SEP) were optimized by applying a response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) model, and then, the optimal conditions were obtained using a genetic algorithm (GA). Then, the antioxidant power of the SEP was examined by using the DPPH, ABTS, and CCK-8 (Cell Counting Kit-8), and its anticancer activities were explored by conducting a cell migration test. The results showed that compared with the RSM model, the ANN model was more accurate with a higher determination coefficient and fewer errors when it was applied to optimize the extraction method. The data obtained for SEP using a GA were as follows: the extraction temperature was 59.4 °C, the extraction time was 3.0 h, the alkaline concentration was 0.24 mol/L, the liquid-to-material ratio was 65.2 mL/g, and the predicted content of protein was 58.04 mg/g. The protein was extracted under the conditions obtained by the GA; the real content of protein was 57.69 mg/g, and the protein yield was 61.71%. Finally, as the concentration of the selenium-containing protein increased, it showed increased ability in scavenging free radicals and was influential in inhibiting the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells.

Long-Term Dietary Lycium ruthenicum Murr. Anthocyanins Intake Alleviated Oxidative Stress-Mediated Aging-Related Liver Injury and Abnormal Amino Acid Metabolism

In recent years, the relationship between Lycium ruthenicum Murr. anthocyanins (LRA) and health has attracted increasing attention. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-aging effect and mechanism of LRA through a D-galactose (DG)-induced aging rat model. Our results showed that the long-term intake of LRA, for 8 weeks, improved motor function, reduced serum aging markers, promoted the endogenous antioxidant system, and suppressed the serum inflammatory cytokines in aging rats. Besides, the LRA treatment alleviated DG-induced liver injuries by relieving the inflammation and inhibiting Fas/FasL-mediated cell death. More importantly, the abnormal serum metabolome profiles of the aging rats were restored by the LRA, relating to 38 metabolites and 44 pathways. Specifically, the LRA significantly affected the amino acid and protein-related metabolic pathways by regulating the levels of L-threonine, L-aspartic acid, glycine, L-histidine, D-homocysteine, L-homocitrulline, L-homoserine, guanidineacetic acid, and kynurenine. These results have important implications for the development of LRA as an anti-aging and liver-protective ingredient.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenolic content & antioxidant activity of hog plum (Spondias pinnata L. f. kurz) pulp by response surface methodology

Background

The pulp of hog plum (Spondias pinnata L. f. kurz) has been documented as a potential source of nutritional, physiological, and pharmacological purposes due to its phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity. However, an optimal extraction condition for hog plum pulp remains elusive. Optimization of extraction process conditions using Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) technique has recently attracted research interest.

Objectives

The present study focused on optimizing the UAE extraction conditions of TPC and antioxidant activities (DPPH and FRAP) from hog plum pulp by using response surface methodology (RSM).

Methods

The RSM with a three-factor-three-level Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to optimize the extraction conditions. The BBD was used to investigate the effects of three independent variables, X1: ultrasonic temperature (40-60 °C), X2: ultrasonic time (30-60 min), and X3: ethanol concentration (40-80%) on TPC, DPPH and FRAP assays. Fifteen experimental trials have been carried out to optimize the UAE extraction conditions. A second-order polynomial model was used for predicting the responses. Statistically, the model was validated using an analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

The ANOVA results revealed that UAE extraction temperature, time, and ethanol concentration had a significant (p < 0.01) influence on the TPC, DPPH, and FRAP, suggesting that all extraction parameters included in this investigation were crucial to the optimization process. For TPC, DPPH, and FRAP, the R2 values were 0.9976, 0.9943, and 0.9989, respectively, indicating that the models developed based on second-order polynomials were satisfactorily accurate for analyzing interactions between parameters (response and independent variables). RSM analysis showed that the optimal extraction parameters which maximized TPC, DPPH, and FRAP were 52.03 °C temperature, 30 min, time, and 79.99% ethanol. Under optimal conditions, experimental values for TPC, DPPH, and FRAP were 370 ± 26 mg GAE/100g DM, 57 ± 7%, and 7650 ± 460 mg AAE/100 g DM, respectively. The experimental values showed a good agreement with the predicted values with residual standard error values below 0.2% under optimum conditions. Pearson's correlation coefficients (r) demonstrate that the TPC showed a weak positive correlation with DPPH (r = 0.3508) and moderate correlation with FRAP (r = 0.3963).

Conclusion

The experimental results agreed with the predicted values, confirming the model's appropriateness and RSM's efficacy in optimizing the UAE extraction conditions. This optimized UAE extraction method may be effective in the industrial extraction process; moreover, further research should be conducted to determine the efficacy of these extracts when applied to food.

Multiple responses optimization of antioxidative components extracted from Fenugreek seeds using response surface methodology to identify their chemical compositions

Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), one kind of traditional Chinese medicine, are reported to be of great potential as a new alternative in terms of their bioactive components. In our present study, an ultrasonic-assisted method was applied in the extraction of antioxidative components from fenugreek seeds. Four factors: ethanol concentration, liquid-solid ratio, sonication time, and sonication power were selected and multiple responses were studied using the response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of factors along with the correlation between all responses (flavonoids content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, OH- assay) were studied. The regression model indicated that all four factors are of significant effect on all responses. The model predicted that the ethanol concentration of 72%, solvent-to-material ratio of 35 ml/g, ultrasonic time of 41 min, and 500 W of power would provide a flavonoid yield of 9.10 mg/g, DPPH clearance of 80.33%, and OH- clearance of 24.28%, respectively. The confirmation test showed the closeness of the predicted results with those of experimental values. And AB-8 resin was successfully used to purify the fenuellus hulusi seed extract, and the flavonoid concentration of 78.14% was obtained. Six flavonoids (Swertisin, Puerarin apioside, Jasminoside B, Astragalin, Apigenin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, and Apiin) were successfully identified by the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis.

The mechanism of bud dehyperhydricity by the method of 'starvation drying combined with AgNO3' in Lycium ruthenicum

Micropropagation is very important for rapid clonal propagation and scientific research of woody plants. However, the micropropagated materials usually show hyperhydricity, which seriously hinders application of the micropropagation. Lycium ruthenicum is an important species of eco-economic forests. Herein, treatment of 'starvation and drying combined with 30 μM AgNO3' (SDCAg+) removed serious hyperhydricity of L. ruthenicum buds regenerated from its green-inflorescence-explants, and then gene expression, metabolites of various phytohormones, chloroplasts, chlorophyll (Chl) and total soluble proteins of the hyperhydric and dehyperhydric leaves were compared and analyzed. The results suggested that the SDCAg+ treatment might remove hyperhydricity of L. ruthenicum through: reducing water uptake; increasing water loss; up-regulating the expression of chloroplast-ribosomal-protein genes from nuclear genome; down-regulating the expression of cytoplasmic-ribosomal-protein genes; up-regulating the synthesis of the total soluble proteins; restoring the lamellar structure of chloroplast grana and matrix; improving Chl synthesis and reducing Chl metabolism; increasing expression of light-harvesting Chl protein complex genes and content of Chla and b; up-regulating both photosynthesis and starch and sucrose metabolism KEGG pathways; up-regulating abscisic acid, salicylic acid and their signaling; down-regulating cytokinin, jasmonic acid, jasmonoyl-l-isoleucine and their signaling. Also, the above events interact to form a regulatory network of dehyperhydricity by SDCAg+ treatment. Overall, the study indicated key genes/pathways and physiological/subcellular changes involved in dehyperhydricity and then established a dehyperhydric mechanism model of L. ruthenicum. This not only proposed clues for preventing or removing hyperhydricity but also laid foundations for molecular breeding of L. ruthenicum and other species.

Response surface methodology optimization for the synthesis of N, S-codoped carbon dots and its application for tetracyclines detection

In this study, using a convenient one-pot microwave-assisted method, we rapidly fabricated a N, S-codoped fluorescent carbon dots (NSCDs) through using citric acid (CA) and _d-penicillamine (DPA) for the detection of tetracyclines (TC). To rapidly and efficiently optimize the various synthesis parameters and significantly decrease the number of experimental runs, the effect of the synthesis factors on quantum yield (QY) by NSCDs was implemented through means of response surface methodology (RSM). The as-synthesized NSCDs presented superior photoluminescence stability with a strong quantum yield (QY) of 91.55% under optimal conditions, which was consistent with the predicted value using RSM. The fluorescence intensity of the NSCDs could be quenched effectively after adding TC by the inner filter effect (IEE) and photoinduced electron transfer (PET). Thus, the determination of TC by using NSCDs as a facile fluorescent probe was constructed in the range of 0.2-70 μM with a limit detection of 0.072 μM. Moreover, this detection approach has been utilized to detect TC in actual samples with satisfactory results.

Influence of Ultrasound Application in Fermented Pineapple Peel on Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity

Antioxidant phenolic compounds were extracted from fermented samples of Golden pineapple peels via an ultrasound method. The fermentation conditions to maximize the production of phenolic content and antioxidant activity were previously determined (pH: 5.5, T: 37.3 °C and 85% moisture content). A central composite design with 20 treatments was applied to evaluate the effect of the ethanol concentration, time, and temperature on the production of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of the extracts. The statistical analysis showed that the optimal conditions to produce extracts with high phenolic content and antioxidant activity were: 62 °C, 30 min and 58% ethanol. We obtained 866.26 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g d.m in total phenolic content and for antioxidant activity expressed as percentage inhibition, 80.06 ± 1.02% for ABTS and 63.53 ± 2.02% for DPPH, respectively. The bioactive compound profile in the extracts was identified and quantified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), this method showed the presence of rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, quercetin-3 glucoside, rutine, quercetin, kaempherol-3 glucoside and gallic acid, demonstrating the great potential of these by-products to obtain components that can benefit the consumer’s health.

Optimization of Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Active Components and Antioxidant Activity from Polygala tenuifolia: A Comparative Study of the Response Surface Methodology and Least Squares Support Vector Machine

Dried roots of Polygala tenuifolia (YuanZhi in Chinese) are widely used in Chinese herbal medicine. These components in YuanZhi have significant anti-oxidation properties owing to high levels of 3,6'-disinapoylsucrose (DISS) and Polygalaxanthone III (PolyIII). In order to efficiently extract natural medicines, response surface methodology (RSM) and least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) were used for the modeling and optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of DISS and PolyIII together to determine the antioxidant activity of the extracts obtained from YuanZhi. For the optimal combination of the comprehensive yield of DISS and PolyIII (Y), the Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to improve extraction time (X₁), extraction temperature (X₂), liquid-solid ratio (X₃), and ethanol concentration (X₄). The optimal process parameters were determined to be as follows: extraction time, 93 min; liquid-solid ratio, 40 mL/g; extraction temperature, 48 °C; and ethanol concentration, 67%. With these conditions, the predictive optimal combination comprehensive evaluation value is 13.0217. It was clear that the LS-SVM model had higher accuracy in predictive and optimization capabilities, with higher antioxidant activity and lower relative deviations values, than did RSM. Hence, the LS-SVM model proved to be more effective for the analysis and improvement of the extraction process.

Study on Extraction and Antioxidant Activity of Flavonoids from Hemerocallis fulva (Daylily) Leaves

Hemerocallis fulva is a medical and edible plant. In this study, we optimized the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) process of extracting flavonoids from Hemerocallis fulva leaves by single-factor experiments and response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum extraction conditions generating the maximal total flavonoids content was as follows: 70.6% ethanol concentration; 43.9:1 mL/g solvent to sample ratio; 61.7 °C extraction temperature. Under the optimized extraction conditions, the total flavonoid content (TFC) in eight Hemerocallis fulva varieties were determined, and H. fulva (L.) L. var. kwanso Regel had the highest TFC. The cytotoxicity of the extract was studied using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8 assay). When the concentration was less than 1.25 mg/mL, the extract had no significant cytotoxicity to HaCaT cells. The antioxidant activity was measured via chemical antioxidant activity methods in vitro and via cellular antioxidant activity methods. The results indicated that the extract had a strong ABTS and •OH radical scavenging activity. Additionally, the extract had an excellent protective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative damage at a concentration of 1.25 mg/mL, which could effectively reduce the level of ROS to 106.681 ± 9.733% (p < 0.001), compared with the 163.995 ± 6.308% of the H2O2 group. We identified five flavonoids in the extracts using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Infrared spectroscopy indicated that the extract contained the structure of flavonoids. The results showed that the extract of Hemerocallis fulva leaves had excellent biocompatibility and antioxidant activity, and could be used as a cheap and potential source of antioxidants in the food, cosmetics, and medicine industries.

Optimization of Determination Method of Cooling Agents in Cigarette Tipping Paper by Gas Chromatography

Monitoring the characteristic components in tipping paper is important to ensure the quality of cigarette products. This study establishes a method based on gas chromatography (GC) for determining cooling agents in tipping paper. The tipping paper was cut into pieces and extracted by ethanol under specific temperatures in a shaker. Then, the characteristic cooling agents of (-)-menthone, L-menthol, and (-)-menthyl lactate in extract were determined using GC coupled with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) for the three cooling agents ranged from 0.15~0.32 μg/mL and 0.49~1.06 μg/mL, respectively. Results demonstrated a good linear relationship with high correlation coefficients for the three tested cooling agents. The extraction conditions of the cooling agents were optimized through a single-factor experiment as well as an orthogonal experiment. The standard addition recovery experiment showed that the average recoveries range from 81.23 to 100.62%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the measured values (n = 5) ranged from 0.34 to 1.64%.

Inhibitory Effects against Alpha-Amylase of an Enriched Polyphenol Extract from Pericarp of Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana)

The pericarp of mangosteen, a by-product of the mangosteen, is rich in polyphenols. In this study, an efficient and environmentally friendly method for preparative enrichment of polyphenols from mangosteen pericarp (MPPs) was developed, and the inhibitory effects on starch digestion were also evaluated. It was found that the optimal extract method of MPPs was at a solid to solvent ratio of 1:50 g/mL, pH of 2, and at 80 °C for 2 h. The IC₅₀ of MPPs for α-amylase was 0.28 mg/mL. Based on the fluorescence quenching results, we presumed that MPPs could alter the natural structure of α-amylase, resulting in inhibitory activity on α-amylase. In addition, MPPs significantly reduced the blood glucose peak and AUC of glucose responses in rats after ingestion of the starch solution. Taken together, MPPs may have the potential as a functional supplement for blood glucose control and diabetes prevention.

Ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvents extraction of glabridin and isoliquiritigenin from Glycyrrhiza glabra: Optimization, extraction mechanism and in vitro bioactivities

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is extensively used owing to the superior pharmacological effects. However, its maximum application potential has not been fully exploited due to the limitation of currently available extraction solvent and methods. In this study, an eco-friendly deep eutectic solvent (NADESs) based ultrasound-assisted extraction (DES-UAE) method was applied to prepare licorice extracts. The DES-UAE using choline chloride and lactic acid as solvent was optimized and modeled by using response surface methodology to maximize the extraction yields of glabridin (GLA) and isoliquiritigenin (ISL). The optimized extracts possessed higher contents of GLA and ISL than available extraction methods, and the enriched products showed superior pharmacological activities in vitro. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular dynamic simulation analyses were performed to deeply investigate the interaction between solvent and targeted compounds. This study not only provides an eco-friendly method for high-efficient extraction of GLA and ISL from licorice but also illustrates the mechanism of the increased extraction efficacy, which may contribute to the application of licorice and deep insight into extraction mechanism using DES.

Development of Optimized Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Methods for the Recovery of Total Phenolic Compounds and Anthocyanins from Onion Bulbs

Allium cepa L. is one of the most abundant vegetable crops worldwide. In addition to its versatile culinary uses, onion also exhibits quite interesting medicinal uses. Bulbs have a high content of bioactive compounds that are beneficial for human health. This study intends to develop and optimize two appropriate ultrasound-assisted methods for the extraction of the phenolic compounds and anthocyanins present in red onion. A response surface methodology was employed and, specifically, a Box–Behnken design, for the optimization of the methods. The optimal conditions for the extraction of the phenolic compounds were the follows: 53% MeOH as solvent, pH 2.6, 60 °C temperature, 30.1% amplitude, 0.43 s cycle, and 0.2:11 g sample/mL solvent ratio. On the other hand, the optimal conditions for the anthocyanins were as follows: 57% MeOH as solvent, pH 2, 60 °C temperature, 90% amplitude, 0.64 s cycle, and 0.2:15 g sample/mL solvent ratio. Both methods presented high repeatability and intermediate precision, as well as short extraction times with good recovery yields. These results illustrate that the use of ultrasound-assisted extraction, when properly optimized, is suitable for the extraction and quantification of the compounds of interest to determine and improve the quality of the raw material and its subproducts for consumers.

Electron beam irradiation enhanced extraction and antioxidant activity of active compounds in green walnut husk

Green walnut husk (GWH) contains abundant active compounds and is valued as a potential source of natural antioxidants. This study aimed at assessing the impact of electron beam irradiation (EBI) pretreatment on the extraction yield and antioxidant activity of active compounds in GWH. The ultrasonic extraction of active substances was optimized by response surface method (RSM). Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction revealed physical structure changes in GWH powder. After EBI pretreatment, the content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and triterpenes in GWH increased by 18.88%, 43.00%, and 11.08%, respectively. Irradiation doses up to 30 kGy, DPPH, OH, and ABTS radical scavenging activity and reducing power of the crude extract were enhanced by 9.56%, 15.62%, 15.60%, and 36.98%, respectively. This was significantly different (P < 0.05) than the non-irradiated GWH. Therefore, EBI is a new pretreatment technology with potential application in the extraction and utilization of GWH.

Bioactive Compounds from Ephedra fragilis: Extraction Optimization, Chemical Characterization, Antioxidant and AntiGlycation Activities

Response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds from Ephedra fragilis. The results suggested that extraction with 61.93% ethanol at 44.43 °C for 15.84 h was the best solution for this combination of variables. The crude ethanol extract (CEE) obtained under optimum extraction conditions was sequentially fractionated with solvents of increasing polarity. The content of total phenolic (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) as well as the antioxidant and antiglycation activities were measured. The phytochemical fingerprint profile of the fraction with the highest activity was characterized by using RP-HPLC. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) had the highest TP and TF contents and exhibited the most potent antioxidant and antiglycation activities. The Pearson correlation analysis results showed that TP and TF contents were highly significantly correlated with the antioxidant and antiglycation activities. Totally, six compounds were identified in the EAF of E. fragilis, including four phenolic acids and two flavonoids. Additionally, molecular docking analysis also showed the possible connection between identified bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action. Our results suggest new evidence on the antioxidant and antiglycation activities of E. fragilis bioactive compounds that may be applied in the treatment and prevention of aging and glycation-associated complications.

Maximizing Contents of Phytochemicals Obtained from Dried Sour Cherries by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

Sour cherries were first dried by vacuum drying and then used as material for obtaining extracts rich in bioactive compounds by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The first step was to apply a factorial design for the preliminary experiments to determine the most influential UAE factors, and thus the three studied parameters were chosen as the most suitable for the design of the main experiment (temperature, liquid–solid ratio and ethanol concentration). In this part, the contents of total phenols and the total content of monomeric anthocyanins were taken for responses. For the further optimization of UAE, experimental design (face-centered) was applied, and the yield, total phenolics, flavonoid content and content of monomeric anthocyanins and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays) were analyzed. Temperature (40–80 °C), ethanol concentration (40–80%, w/w) and liquid–solid ratio (10–30 mL/g) were investigated as independent variables. The obtained experimental results were fitted to a second-order polynomial model and analysis of variance was used to determine the fit of the model and the optimal conditions for investigated responses. High quality extracts with high concentrations of polyphenols and anthocyanins were also obtained, which could be used as food additives.

Enhancing recovery of bioactive compounds from Cosmos caudatus leaves via ultrasonic extraction

Cosmos caudatus (C. caudatus) is a medicinal plant that is high in bioactive compounds such as phenolics. In this study, an ultrasound extraction method was used to optimise the extraction of bioactive compounds from C. caudatus leaves. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a Box-Behnken design (BBD) was applied to obtain the optimum extraction parameters which is solid–liquid ratio (10–30 g/mL), particle size (180–850 µm) and extraction time (20–30 min) for maximal quercitrin and total phenolic content (TPC) yields. Analysis of antimicrobial activity was performed against two human pathogenic microbes: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) by the agar well diffusion method. The optimal ultrasonic extraction condition was as follow: solvent-liquid ratio of 1:28 (g/mL), particle size of 485 µm, and duration of 30 min, respectively. Remarkably, extraction using ultrasonic method had recovered more bioactive content and antioxidant activity than the Soxhlet method. The extract also exhibited good antimicrobial activities. Due to the above findings, the ultrasonic extraction was found to be suitable to improve recovery extraction of quercitrin and TPC from C. caudatus leaves. It also opens the possibility that the plant extract can be used for functional food and antimicrobial agents in various applications.