Hurdles and pitfalls in measuring antioxidant efficacy: A critical evaluation of ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC assays

Time maters: Exploring the dynamics of bioactive compounds content, bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity during Lupinus angustifolius germination

Germination is a process that enhances the content of health-promoting secondary metabolites. However, the bioaccessibility of these compounds depends on their stability and solubility throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The study aimed to explore how germination time influences the content and bioaccessibility of γ-aminobutyric acid and polyphenols and antioxidant capacity of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) sprouts during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Gamma-aminobutyric acid showed a decrease following gastrointestinal digestion (GID) whereas phenolic acids and flavonoids exhibited bioaccessibilities of up to 82.56 and 114.20%, respectively. Although the digestion process affected the profile of phenolic acids and flavonoids, certain isoflavonoids identified in 7-day sprouts (G7) showed resistance to GID. Germination not only favored antioxidant activity but also resulted in germinated samples exhibiting greater antioxidant properties than ungerminated counter parts after GID. Intestinal digests from G7 did not show cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and notably, they showed an outstanding ability to inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species. This suggests potential benefit in mitigating oxidative stress. These findings contribute to understand the dynamic interplay between bioprocessing and digestion in modulating the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds in lupin, thereby impacting health.

Exploring chitosan-plant extract bilayer coatings: Advancements in active food packaging via polypropylene modification

UV-ozone activated polypropylene (PP) food films were subjected to a novel bilayer coating process involving primary or quaternary chitosan (CH/QCH) as the first layer and natural extracts from juniper needles (Juniperus oxycedrus; JUN) or blackberry leaves (Rubus fruticosus; BBL) as the second layer. This innovative approach aims to redefine active packaging (AP) development. Through a detailed analysis by surface characterization and bioactivity assessments (i.e., antioxidant and antimicrobial functionalities), we evaluated different coating combinations. Furthermore, we investigated the stability and barrier characteristics inherent in these coatings. The confirmed deposition, coupled with a comprehensive characterization of their composition and morphology, underscored the efficacy of the coatings. Our investigation included wettability assessment via contact angle (CA) measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), which revealed substantial enhancements in surface concentrations of elements and functional groups of CH, QCH, JUN, and BBL. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) unveiled the coatings' heterogeneity, while time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and CA profiling showed moderately compact bilayers on PP, providing active species on the hydrophilic surface, respectively. The coatings significantly reduced the oxygen permeability. Additionally, single-layer depositions of CH and QCH remained below the overall migration limit (OML). Remarkably, the coatings exhibited robust antioxidative properties due to plant extracts and exceptional antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, attributed to QCH. These findings underscore the pivotal role of film surface properties in governing bioactive characteristics and offer a promising pathway for enhancing food packaging functionality.

Enhancing the nutritional and bioactive benefits of faba bean flour by combining preprocessing and thermoplastic extrusion: A comprehensive study on digestion-resistant peptides

This research assessed how three preprocessing techniques [soaking (S), soaking and reconstitution (SR), and soaking and dehulling (SD)] impact the protein digestibility and bioactivity of faba bean flours when combined with thermoplastic extrusion. Samples were compared against a control (C) of extruded faba bean flour without preprocessing. Applying preprocessing techniques followed by extrusion diminished antinutrient levels while enhancing protein hydrolysis and in vitro bioactivity in higher extent compared to C. Specifically, SD combined with extrusion was the most effective, achieving an 80% rate of protein hydrolysis and uniquely promoting the release of gastric digestion-resistant proteins (50-70 kDa). It also resulted in the highest release of small peptides (<3kDa, 22.51%) and free amino acids (15.50%) during intestinal digestion. Moreover, while all preprocessing techniques increased antioxidant (ABTS radical-scavenging), antidiabetic, and anti-hypertensive activities, SD extruded flour displayed the highest levels of dipeptidyl peptidase inhibition (DPP-IVi, IC50=13.20 µg/mL), pancreatic α-amylase inhibition (IC50=8.59 mg/mL), and angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibition (ACEi, IC50=1.71 mg protein/mL). As a result, it was selected for further peptide and in silico bioactive analysis. A total of 24 bioactive peptides were identified in intestinal digests from SD extruded flour, all with potential DPP-IVi and ACEi activities, and six were also predicted as antioxidant peptides. VIPAGYPVAIK and GLTETWNPNHPEL were highlighted as resistant bioactive peptides with the highest antidiabetic and antioxidant potential. Our findings demonstrated that combining preprocessing (particularly SD) and thermoplastic extrusion enhances protein digestibility in faba beans and promotes the release of beneficial bioactive peptides in the intestine.

Physical Stability and Antioxidant Ability of a Sustainable Oil-in-Water Emulsion Containing Perilla Skin Extract and Upcycled Aquasoya Powder

In response to environmental issues, upcycling has become a growing trend in the food industry. Aquasoya is a promising method to upcycle by-product from soybean processing due to its high protein contents and excellent emulsifying ability. In the present research, Aquasoya powder was used an emulsifier to incorporate the antioxidant compounds from perilla skin extract (PSE), namely rosmarinic acid, into oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion system and its physochemical stability was assessed. As a result, droplet size of the emulsion was smaller in PSE-incorporated emulsion (PO, 350.57 ± 9.60 b nm) than the emulsion without PSE (PX, 1045.37 ± 142.63 a nm). Centrifugal photosedimentometry analysis also revealed that the physical stability was significantly improved in PO, and the stability was maintained over 30 d of storage. Furthermore, as PO had a higher ABTS radical scavenging ability and showed slower initial lipid oxidation, it was concluded that PO has a higher antioxidant ability than PX. Conclusively, Aquasoya can be considered as an emulsifier in O/W emulsion with PSE because it can effectively integrate and stabilize the antioxidant substance derived from perilla skin.

Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant Activities of the Most Favored Ready-to-Use Thai Curries, Pad-Ka-Proa (Spicy Basil Leaves) and Massaman

Food is one of the factors with the highest impact on human health. Today, attention is paid not only to food properties such as energy provision and palatability but also to functional aspects including phytochemical, antioxidant properties, etc. Massaman and spicy basil leaf curries are famous Thai food dishes with a good harmony of flavor and taste, derived from multiple herbs and spices, including galangal rhizomes, chili pods, garlic bulbs, peppers, shallots, and coriander seeds, that provide an array of health benefits. The characterization of phytochemicals detected by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS identified 99 components (Masaman) and 62 components (spicy basil leaf curry) such as quininic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, luteolin, kaempferol, catechin, eugenol, betulinic acid, and gingerol. The cynaroside and luteolin-7-O-glucoside found in spicy basil leaf curry play a key role in antioxidant activities and were found at a significantly higher concentration than in Massaman curry. Phenolic and flavonoid compounds generally exhibit a bitter and astringent taste, but all the panelists scored both curries higher than 7 out of 9, confirming their acceptable flavor. Results suggest that the Massaman and spicy basil leaves contain various phytochemicals at different levels and may be further used as functional ingredients and nutraceutical products.

A comparative study of the digestion behavior and functionality of protein from chia (Salvia hispanica L.) ingredients and protein fractions

Protein derived from chia (Salvia hispanica L.), characterized by a balanced amino acid composition, represents a potentially healthier and environmentally friendly alternative poised for innovation within the plant-based food sector. It was hypothesized that the growing location of chia seeds and processing techniques used might influence protein digestion patterns, which in turn could affect the biological functions of the digestion products. To examine this hypothesis, we assessed the gastrointestinal fate of degummed-defatted flour (DDF), protein concentrate (PC), and isolated albumin (Alb) and globulin (Glo) fractions. Furthermore, we compared the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the resulting digesta by means of in vitro and cellular assays. Post-gastrointestinal digestion, the PC exhibited elevated levels of soluble protein (7.6 and 6.3 % for Mexican and British PC, respectively) and peptides (24.8 and 27.9 %, respectively) of larger molecular sizes compared to DDF, Alb, and Glo. This can be attributed to differences in the extraction/fractionation processes. Leucine was found to be the most prevalent amino acids in all chia digesta. Such variations in the digestive outcomes of chia protein components significantly influenced the bioactivity of the intestinal digestates. During gastrointestinal transit, British Glo exhibited the best reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibition activity in oxidative-stressed RAW264.7 macrophages, while Mexican digesta outperformed British samples in terms of ROS inhibition within the oxidative-stressed Caco-2 cells. Additionally, both Mexican and British Alb showed effectively anti-inflammatory potential, with keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC) inhibition rate of 82 and 91 %, respectively. Additionally, Mexican PC and Alb generally demonstrated an enhanced capacity to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammatory conditions in vitro. These findings highlight the substantial potential of chia seeds as functional food ingredients, resonating with the shifting preferences of health-conscious consumers.

Adaptive Laboratory Evolution of Probiotics toward Oxidative Stress Using a Microfluidic-Based Platform

Adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) can be used to make bacteria less susceptible to oxidative stress. An alternative to large batch scale ALE cultures is to use microfluidic platforms, which are often more economical and more efficient. Microfluidic ALE platforms have shown promise, but many have suffered from subpar cell passaging mechanisms and poor spatial definition. A new approach is presented using a microfluidic Evolution on a Chip (EVoc) design which progressively drives microbial cells from areas of lower H2 O2 concentration to areas of higher concentration. Prolonged exposure, up to 72 h, revealed the survival of adaptive strains of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, a beneficial probiotic often included in food products. After performing ALE on this microfluidic platform, the bacteria persisted under high H2 O2 concentrations in repeated trials. After two progressive exposures, the ability of L. rhamnosus to grow in the presence of H2 O2 increased from 1 mm H2 O2 after a lag time of 31 h to 1 mm after 21 h, 2 mm after 28 h, and 3 mm after 42 h. The adaptive strains have different morphology, and gene expression compared to wild type, and genome sequencing revealed a potentially meaningful single nucleotide mutation in the protein omega-amidase.

Combining Experimental and Computational Methods to Produce Conjugates of Anticholinesterase and Antioxidant Pharmacophores with Linker Chemistries Affecting Biological Activities Related to Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Effective therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are in great demand worldwide. In our previous work, we responded to this need by synthesizing novel drug candidates consisting of 4-amino-2,3-polymethylenequinolines conjugated with butylated hydroxytoluene via fixed-length alkylimine or alkylamine linkers (spacers) and studying their bioactivities pertaining to AD treatment. Here, we report significant extensions of these studies, including the use of variable-length spacers and more detailed biological characterizations. Conjugates were potent inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE, the most active was 17d IC50 15.1 ± 0.2 nM) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE, the most active was 18d: IC50 5.96 ± 0.58 nM), with weak inhibition of off-target carboxylesterase. Conjugates with alkylamine spacers were more effective cholinesterase inhibitors than alkylimine analogs. Optimal inhibition for AChE was exhibited by cyclohexaquinoline and for BChE by cycloheptaquinoline. Increasing spacer length elevated the potency against both cholinesterases. Structure-activity relationships agreed with docking results. Mixed-type reversible AChE inhibition, dual docking to catalytic and peripheral anionic sites, and propidium iodide displacement suggested the potential of hybrids to block AChE-induced β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation. Hybrids also exhibited the inhibition of Aβ self-aggregation in the thioflavin test; those with a hexaquinoline ring and C8 spacer were the most active. Conjugates demonstrated high antioxidant activity in ABTS and FRAP assays as well as the inhibition of luminol chemiluminescence and lipid peroxidation in mouse brain homogenates. Quantum-chemical calculations explained antioxidant results. Computed ADMET profiles indicated favorable blood-brain barrier permeability, suggesting the CNS activity potential. Thus, the conjugates could be considered promising multifunctional agents for the potential treatment of AD.

Development of biobased multifunctional films incorporated with essential oils@polydopamine nanocapsules for food preservation applications

A novel multifunctional soy protein isolate-carboxymethyl cellulose (SPI-CMC) based nanocomposite film was successfully prepared by introducing the polydopamine encapsulated essential oils (EOs@PDA) nanocapsules for food packaging. The EOs@PDA nanocapsules possessed smooth spherical morphology with good dispersion, and the particle size was about 283 nm. The influence of EOs@PDA nanocapsules on the physical, chemical and biological properties of EOs@PDA/SPI-CMC nanocomposite film was investigated. The EOs@PDA nanocapsules were crosslinked with SPI-CMC matrix and distributed uniformly in the matrix. The nanocomposite film with 1 wt% nanocapsules (EP/S-C) also showed excellent antioxidant activity (66.6 ± 0.3 % on DPPH and 98.6 ± 0.1 % on ABTS), superior UV-blocking properties (100 %), advanced antibacterial ability against E. coli and S. aureus, favorable biodegradability (>90 %) and relatively low In vitro cytotoxicity. Also, the EP/S-C nanocomposite film displayed potential to extend the shelf life of fresh cut apple slices (>24 h), perishable cherry tomatoes and blueberries (>6 days). The results suggested that the EOs@PDA/SPI-CMC nanocomposite film had a great possibility in the field of biodegradable and antimicrobial materials for food packaging.

Biological Potential and Bioaccessibility of Encapsulated Curcumin into Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals

Curcumin is a natural phenolic compound with important biological functions. Despite its demonstrated efficacy in vitro, curcumin biological activities in vivo are dependent on its bioaccessibility and bioavailability, which have been highlighted as a crucial challenge. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNC-CTAB) have been shown to be effective in curcumin encapsulation, as they have the potential to enhance biological outcomes. This study evaluated the biological effects of curcumin encapsulated within CNC-CTAB structures, namely its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, as well as the release profile under digestion conditions and intestinal permeability. Encapsulated curcumin demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively reducing reactive oxygen species and cytokine production by intestinal cells. The delivery system exhibited antimicrobial properties against Campylobacter jejuni bacteria, further suggesting its potential in mitigating intestinal inflammation. The system showed the ability to protect curcumin from degradation and facilitate its interaction with the intestinal epithelium, highlighting the potential of CNC-CTAB as carrier to enhance curcumin intestinal biological functions.

Exploring the Antioxidant Potential of Blackberry and Raspberry Leaves: Phytochemical Analysis, Scavenging Activity, and In Vitro Polyphenol Bioaccessibility

The goal of this research was nutritional evaluation through the phytochemical analysis of blackberry and raspberry leaves, the screening of their biological activity (antioxidant capacity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation), and the investigation of the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (GID) of blackberry and raspberry leaves on the bioaccessibility of polyphenol subclasses. The concentrations of the analyzed liposoluble antioxidants were higher (p < 0.05) in blackberry leaves compared to raspberry leaves, while a significant (p < 0.05) higher content of water-soluble antioxidants was registered in raspberry leaves (with a total polyphenol content of 26.2 mg GAE/g DW of which flavonoids accounted for 10.6 mg/g DW). Blackberry leaves had the highest antioxidant capacity inhibition of the superoxide radicals (O2•-), while raspberry leaves registered the highest inhibition of hydroxyl radicals (•OH), suggesting a high biological potency in scavenging-free radicals under in vitro systems. The maximum inhibition percentage of lipid peroxidation was obtained for blackberry leaves (24.86% compared to 4.37% in raspberry leaves), suggesting its potential to limit oxidative reactions. Simulated in vitro digestion showed that hydroxybenzoic acids registered the highest bioaccessibility index in the intestinal phase of both types of leaves, with gallic acid being one of the most bioaccessible phenolics. The outcomes of this investigation reveal that the most significant release of phenolic compounds from blackberry and raspberry leaves occurs either during or after the gastric phase. Knowledge about the bioaccessibility and stability of polyphenol compounds during digestion can provide significant insights into the bioavailability of these molecules and the possible effectiveness of plant metabolites for human health.

The Inhibition of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) and NF-κB Underlies the Neuroprotective Capacity of a Cinnamon/Curcumin/Turmeric Spice Blend in Aβ-Exposed THP-1 Cells

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by an increased level of β-amyloid (Aβ) protein deposition in the brain, yet the exact etiology remains elusive. Nowadays, treatments only target symptoms, thus the search for novel strategies is constantly stimulated, and looking to natural substances from the plant kingdom. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of a spice blend composed of cinnamon bark and two different turmeric root extracts (CCSB) in Aβ-exposed THP-1 cells as a model of neuroinflammation. In abiotic assays, CCSB demonstrated an antioxidant capacity up to three times stronger than Trolox in the ORAC assay, and it reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by the amyloid fragment in THP-1 cells by up to 39.7%. Moreover, CCSB lowered the Aβ stimulated secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 by up to 24.9% and 43.4%, respectively, along with their gene expression by up to 25.2% and 43.1%, respectively. The mechanism involved the mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK, JNK and p38, whose phosphorylation was reduced by up to 51.5%, 73.7%, and 58.2%, respectively. In addition, phosphorylation of p65, one of the five components forming NF-κB, was reduced by up to 86.1%. Our results suggest that CCSB can counteract the neuroinflammatory stimulus induced by Aβ-exposure in THP-1 cells, and therefore can be considered a potential candidate for AD management.

Assessment and identification of bioactive metabolites from terrestrial Lyngbya spp. responsible for antioxidant, antifungal, and anticancer activities

Lyngbya from fresh and marine water produces an array of pharmaceutically bioactive therapeutic compounds. However, Lyngbya from agricultural soil is still poorly investigated. Hence, in this study, the bioactive potential of different Lyngbya spp. extract was explored. Intracellular petroleum ether extract of L. hieronymusii K81 showed the highest phenolic content (626.22 ± 0.65 μg GAEs g-1 FW), while intracellular ethyl acetate extract of L. aestuarii K97 (74.02 ± 0.002 mg QEs g-1 FW) showed highest flavonoid content. Highest free radical scavenging activity in terms of ABTS•+ was recorded in intracellular methanolic extract of Lyngbya sp. K5 (97.85 ± 0.068%), followed by L. wollei K80 (97.22 ± 0.059%) while highest DPPH• radical scavenging activity observed by intracellular acetone extract of Lyngbya sp. K5 (54.59 ± 0.165%). All the extracts also showed variable degrees of antifungal activities against Fusarium udum, F. oxysporum ciceris, Colletotrichum capsici, and Rhizoctonia solani. Further, extract of L. wollei K80 and L. aestuarii K97 showed potential anticancer activities against MCF7 (breast cancer) cell lines. GC-MS analyses of intracellular methanolic extract of L. wollei K80 showed the dominance of PUFAs with 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester, (Z,Z,Z) as the most abundant bioactive compound. On the other hand, the extracellular ethyl acetate extract of L. aestuarii K97 was rich in alkanes and alkenes with 1-hexyl-2-nitrocyclohexane as the most predominant compound. Extracts of Lyngbya spp. rich in novel secondary metabolites such as PUFAs, alkanes, and alkenes can be further explored as an alternative and low-cost antioxidant and potential apoptogens for cancer therapy.

NADES-Assisted Extraction of Polyphenols from Coriander Seeds: A Systematic Optimization Study

Coriandrum sativum L. seeds are widely recognized for their traditional use in medicine. Among the most investigated components, the terpenoid linalool and monounsaturated petroselinic acid have attracted interest for their nutritional value. Instead, minor attention was paid to the polyphenolic fraction, resulting still being incomplete today. This study aimed to develop a systematic approach in which green natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) were combined with conventional (maceration, MAC) or non-conventional (ultrasound-assisted extraction, UAE) techniques in a one-step methodology to recover polyphenols from coriander seeds. The NADES system choline chloride-citric acid (ChCl:CA, 1:1) was firstly evaluated, coupled with MAC or UAE, and then compared with ChCl-Urea (ChCl:Ur, 1:1) and ChCl-Glucose (ChCl:Glu, 1:1) under optimal conditions (20 min extraction time). The system ChCl:Ur UAE significantly improved the extraction of chlorogenic acid and its isomer (453.90 ± 4.77 and 537.42 ± 1.27 µg/g, respectively), while the system ChCl:Glu UAE improved the extraction of protocatechuic, caffeic and p-coumaric acids (131.13 ± 6.16, 269.03 ± 4.15 and 57.36 ± 0.06 µg/g, respectively). The highest levels of rutin were obtained with ChCl:CA-based NADES when the MAC technique was applied (820.31 ± 28.59 µg/g). These findings indicate that the NADES composition could be appropriately modulated to tailor extraction towards higher levels of a desirable bioactive for further applications.

Nutritional and chemical composition of Alpinia zerumbet leaves, a traditional functional food

Alpinia zerumbet, a species of the Zingiberaceae family, is a common plant in tropical and subtropical areas used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases and also included as food in the traditional Okinawan diet (Japan). The leaves and rhizomes of this plant are used as spice and flavoring in foods such as rice, meats, and pasta. Studies of the chemical and nutritional characteristics of fresh leaves and of leaves submitted to thermal treatments such as boiling and steaming are lacking. In the current study, the leaves of A. zerumbet were subjected to boiling or steaming for 10, 20, and 30 min as part of the thermal treatments. The study also provides noteworthy results regarding the proximate composition, physical-chemical data, minerals, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, volatile compounds, and LC-MS chromatographic profiles of the extracts produced with fresh leaves and with thermal treatments. The carbohydrate content of A. zerumbet leaves improved during the thermal treatments, showing an increase after steaming (18.86 to 19.79%) and boiling for 30 min (25.85%). After boiling treatment for 20 min, a significant amount of protein was found (6.79%) and all heat treatments resulted in low content of lipid (<1.0%). The boiling treatment for 10 min (BT10) resulted in the highest concentrations of total phenolic components (TPC), 339.5 mg/g, and flavonoids (TF), 54.6 mg/g, among the three thermal treatments (BT10, BT20 and BT30). The results of the steaming treatments (ST 10, 20, and 30 min) differed, with ST20 leading to higher TPC (150.4 mg/g) and TF (65.0 mg/g). The quantity of total phenolics and flavonoids, as well as the antioxidant activity, were significantly affected by the cooking method and the length of time of sample exposure to heat. The samples boiled for 30 and 10 min had higher concentrations of antioxidant activity as measured by the phosphomolybdenum and DPPH methods (151.5 mg/g of extract and 101.5 μg/mL, respectively). Thirty-eight volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified by chromatographic analysis of fresh and thermally treated leaves of A. zerumbet. Terpenoids were the predominant class of volatile compounds in the fresh leaves and in all thermal treatments. p-Cymene, 1,8-cineole, 4-terpineol, linalool, α-copaene and β-bisabolene have the greatest impact on overall aroma perception, with odor activity values (OAV) greater than five. Among the phenolic compounds identified by LC-HRMS in the extracts of fresh and thermally treated leaves were proanthocyanidins, (+) catechin, (-) epicatechin, quercetin-3-O-glucoronide, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoronide, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, pinocembrin, alpinetin, pinostrobin, and other compounds. The present results support the traditional use of this plant as a potential food with properties that certainly contribute to health improvement.

Costa Rican Propolis Chemical Compositions: Nemorosone Found to Be Present in an Exclusive Geographical Zone

BACKGROUND

The chemistry of Costa Rican propolis from Apis mellifera remains underexplored despite its potential applications. This study identified its chemical composition, linking chemotypes to antioxidant potential.

METHODS

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectra were obtained for 119 propolis extracts and analyzed using multivariate analyses. In parallel, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay was used to assess antioxidant activity. A generalized linear regression model (GLM) correlated this with its chemical profiles and geographical origin. Chromatographic methods were used to isolate active and inactive compounds, which were identified using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS).

RESULTS

Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed three chemical profile groups for the 119 propolis extracts, explaining 73% of the total variance with two components. Radical scavenging activity was found to correlate with chemical composition. Isolation yielded n-coniferyl benzoate in type I (EC50 = 190 µg/mL, ORAC = 0.60 µmol TE/µmol) and nemorosone in type II (EC50 = 300 µg/mL, ORAC = 0.7 µmol TE/µmol). Type III was represented in terpene-like components, which exhibited lower antioxidant activity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study categorizes Costa Rican propolis into three chemical types and identifies two key components linked to antioxidant activity. Notably, nemorosone, a valuable natural product, was found to be highly concentrated in a particular region of Costa Rica.

Phytochemical Screening on Phenolic, Flavonoid Contents, and Antioxidant Activities of Six Indigenous Plants Used in Traditional Thai Medicine

The antioxidant activity of a traditional Thai formula has been studied and compared to each plant. The formula comprised the roots of Caesalpinia digyna Rottler, Huberantha cerasoides (Roxb.) Benth), Oxyceros horridus Lour, Antidesma ghaesembilla Gaerth, Combretum quadrangulare Kurz, and Ziziphus cambodiana Pierre. The stem was also studied in comparison. The ethanolic extract from each plant part and the mixed plants mimicking the traditional formula were prepared and investigated for antioxidant capability in vitro via DPPH radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assays. The phytochemical constituents were determined by chemical screening, total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC), and high-performance liquid chromatography. The relationship between antioxidant activity and the contributed phytochemicals was determined using correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Results showed that extracts from both parts of the plant formula showed the highest antioxidant activity compared to a single plant extract. Among the six plants, C. digyna exhibited the highest TPC and antioxidant activity. TPC had a strong positive correlation with antioxidant activity. PCA revealed that gallic acid contributed to the antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the ethanolic extracts of the traditional formula and C. digyna have the potential for further chemical characterization and study related to antioxidant activity.

Electron Beam Irradiation Alters the Physicochemical Properties of Chickpea Proteins and the Peptidomic Profile of Its Digest

Irradiation can be used for the preservation of chickpea protein as it can destroy microorganisms, bacteria, virus, or insects that might be present. However, irradiation may provoke oxidative stress, and therefore modify the functionality and nutritional value of chickpea protein. In order to study the effects of irradiation on the physicochemical properties and digestion behaviour of chickpea protein, chickpea protein concentrate (CPC) was treated with electron beam irradiation (EBI) at doses of 5, 10, 15, and 20 kGy. After irradiation, protein solubility first increased at 10 kGy and 15 kGy, and then decreased at the higher dose of 20 kGy. This was supported by SDS-PAGE, where the intensity of major protein bands first increased and then decreased. Increased doses of EBI generally led to greater oxidative modification of proteins in CPC, indicated by reduced sulfhydryls and increased carbonyls. In addition, the protein structure was modified by EBI as shown by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, where α-helix generally decreased, and β-sheet increased. Although the protein digestibility was not significantly affected by EBI, the peptidomic analysis of the digests revealed significant differences among CPC irradiated with varying doses. A total of 337 peptides were identified from CPC irradiated with 0 kGy, 10 kGy, and 20 kGy, with 18 overlapping peptides and 60, 29, and 40 peptides specific to the groups of 0, 10, and 20 kGy respectively. Theoretical calculation showed that the distribution of peptide length, hydrophobicity, net charge, and C-terminal residues were affected by irradiation. The 2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity showed a marginal decrease with an increasing dose of irradiation. In conclusion, EBI led to oxidative modification and structural changes in chickpea protein, which subsequently affected the physicochemical properties of peptides obtained from in-vitro digestion of CPC, despite similar digestibility.

Cocoa powder and fermented jackfruit seed flour: A comparative cell-based study on their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities after simulated gastrointestinal digestion

BACKGROUND

Jackfruit seed flour can be used as a cocoa aroma replacer with similar technological properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vivo toxicity and in vitro antioxidant activity of fermented jackfruit seed flour (Fjs) and non-alkaline cocoa powder (Nac).

RESULTS

Fjs and Nac extracts (Fjs-E and Nac-E) were produced and submitted to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion producing digested fractions named Fjs-D and Nac-D, respectively. Nac-E showed over two-fold higher oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) than Fjs-E. However, after simulated gastrointestinal digestion (in vitro), there were no significant differences between Nac-D and Fjs-D (P < 0.01). Similarly, the cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) of Nac-D and Fjs-D was not significantly different (P < 0.01). The anti-inflammatory assay in transgenic RAW 264.7 murine macrophages showed that Fjs-E did not affect cell viability up to 300 μg mL^-1 (P > 0.05) and reduced by 15% the release of TNF-α (P < 0.05). Fjs-D did not affect cell viability up to 300 μg mL^-1 (P > 0.05) and showed 58% reduction of NF-κB activation (P < 0.05), with no effects on TNF-α levels. Treatment with Nac-E up to 300 μg mL^-1 did not decrease cell viability (P > 0.05) and reduced the release of TNF-α levels by 34% and 66% at 100 and 300 μg mL^-1 , respectively (P < 0.05). Nac-D did not reduce the NF-κB activation or TNF-α levels at any tested concentration.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these findings indicate that Fjs is a safe and promising functional ingredient with biological activities even after gastrointestinal digestion. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Recent advances in the combination of organic solvent-free extraction, chemical standardization, antioxidant assay, and cell culture metabolomics for functional food and its by-product

Functional foods and their by-products contain a wide range of bioactive components with an array of health benefits and were proposed to improve public health, well-being, and others. To achieve a circular economy, the processing and extraction of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and others from functional food and agri-food wastes will require the use of environmentally friendly, sustainable, and a low-cost solution. Extraction methods that can eliminate the use of organic solvents, suitable for use in the laboratory and production of extracts will be covered. This will include subcritical water extraction (SBE), pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and others. Based on the selected analytical methods, the determination of the marker or bioactive compounds and chemical fingerprints will provide the control measures to identify the batch-to-batch variation of the composition of the functional food products obtained. The combination of chemical standardization with antioxidant assay, such as DPPH and ABTS+ will provide further information on the quality of the extracts. Lastly, to ascertain the biological and physiological relevance of the antioxidant properties of the target sample, treatment of the antioxidant compounds or extracts was carried out using cellular models, and validated using other experimental endpoints, such as metabolomics.

Comprehensive Review of Phytochemical Profiles and Health-Promoting Effects of Different Portions of Wampee (Clausena lansium)

Clausena lansium, commonly known as wampee, is a subtropical fruit from the Rutaceae family characterized by its high nutrient content and numerous bioactive substances. This low-fat fruit is abundant in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. Wampee has been found to contain several bioactive compounds, including essential oils, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids. These bioactive constituents provide numerous health-enhancing properties, such as antioxidant, neuroprotective, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial effects. The relationship between these compounds and their impacts on health has been explored in various studies. While the disease-prevention efficacy of C. lansium has been established, additional research is necessary to elucidate the precise mechanisms and metabolic pathways involved. This paper presents a comprehensive review of wampee, focusing on its bioactive compounds, the beneficial effects derived from its consumption, and the evidence supporting the development of wampee-based functional foods in future studies.

Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of a Novel Tetraphenolic Compound as a Potential Antioxidant

A novel antioxidant containing four hydroxyl groups, namely 2,2'-(2-methylpropane-1,3-diyl)bis(hydroquinone) (MPBHQ), was synthesized using hydroquinone and methylallyl alcohol as the raw materials, phosphoric acid as the catalyst, and toluene as the solvent system. The structure of MPBHQ was characterized by mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that MPBHQ has a good radical scavenging effect, as measured by the ORAC assay, DPPH radical scavenging assay, ABST radical scavenging assay, and Rancimat test. In fatty acid methyl ester and lard without exogenous antioxidants, MPBHQ showed better antioxidant performance than butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), hydroquinone (HQ), tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), and propyl gallate (PG), meeting the need for a new antioxidant with better properties to ensure the oxidative stability of lipids and biodiesel.

Pharmacotechnical, Physico-Chemical, and Antioxidant Evaluation of Newly Developed Capsule Formulations

The excess of free radicals causes numerous imbalances in the body that lead to premature aging, the degradation of internal structures, and the appearance of numerous pathologies responsible for the increased risk of premature death. The present work aims to evaluate the physical, chemical, pharmacotechnical, and antioxidant activity of newly achieved capsule formulations. These two formulations were F1_a.i., which contains melatonin:biotin:coenzyme Q10 (weight ratio of 1:2:60), and F2_a.i., which contains quercetin:resveratrol:biotin:coenzyme Q10 (weight ratio of 10:10:1:10). The adequate selection of the excipient types and amounts for final capsule formulations (F1_c.c., F2_c.c.) was based on preformulation studies performed on the powders containing active ingredients. The antioxidant activity assessed using three methods (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP) compared with acid ascorbic as a positive control demonstrated that the F2_c.c. formulation possesses the strongest antioxidant capacity. The results confirmed the suitable formulation and the accurate selection of the types and amounts of active ingredients, as well as the auxiliary excipients used in newly developed capsule formulations as supplements with an excellent antioxidant effect on the human body.

Fine structural features and antioxidant capacity of ferulated arabinoxylans extracted from nixtamalized maize bran

BACKGROUND

The nixtamalization process improves the nutritional and technological properties of maize. This process generates nixtamalized maize bran as a by-product, which is a source of arabinoxylans (AX). AX are polysaccharides constituted of a xylose backbone with mono- or di-arabinose substitutions, which can be ester-linked to ferulic acid (FA). The present study investigated the fine structural features and antioxidant capacity (AC) of nixtamalized maize bran arabinoxylans (MBAX) to comprehend the structure-radical scavenging capacity relationship in this polysaccharide deeply.

RESULTS

MBAX presented a molecular weight, intrinsic viscosity, and hydrodynamic radius of 674 kDa, 1.8 dL g^-1 , and 24.6 nm, respectively. The arabinose-to-xylose ratio (A/X) and FA content were 0.74 and 0.25 g kg^-1 polysaccharide, respectively. MBAX contained dimers (di-FA) and trimer (tri-FA) of FA (0.14 and 0.07 g kg^-1 polysaccharide, respectively). The main di-FA isomer was the 8-5' structure (80%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed MBAX molecular identity, and the second derivate of the spectral data revealed a band at 958 cm^-1 related to the presence of arabinose disubstitution. ¹ H-Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed mono- and di-arabinose substitution in the xylan backbone with more monosubstituted residues. MBAX registered an AC of 25 and 20 μmol Trolox equivalents g^-1 polysaccharide despite a low FA content, using ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) methods, respectively.

CONCLUSION

AC in MBAX could be related to the high A/X ratio (mainly monosubstitution) and the high 8-5' di-FA proportion in this polysaccharide. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of drying technology in Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannans: Structural, physicochemical, and functional properties

Mannans are polysaccharides whose physicochemical and biological properties render them commercialization in several products. Since these properties are strongly dependent on production conditions, the present study aims to assess the impact of different drying technologies - freeze (FDM) and spray drying (SDM) - on the structural, physicochemical, and biological properties of mannans from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Structural analysis was assessed by FT-IR, PXRD and SEM, whereas physicochemical properties were evaluated based on sugars, protein, ash and water contents, solubility, and molecular weight distribution. Thermal behaviour was analysed by DSC, and antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS assays. The parameters which revealed major differences, in terms of structural and physicochemical properties regarded morphology (SEM), physical appearance (colour), moisture (3.6 ± 0.1 % and 11.9 ± 0.6 % for FDM and SDM, respectively) and solubility (1 mg/mL for FDM and 25 mg/mL for SDM). Nevertheless, these differences were not translated into the antioxidant capacity.

Enhancing Nutrient Recovery and Bioactive Compound Extraction from Spirulina through Supercritical Fluid Extraction: Implications for SH-SY5Y Cell Viability

This work explores the efficiency of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) to recover minerals, pigments, and antioxidant compounds from the spirulina microalgae. Moreover, the fatty acids and phenolic profiles of the extracts obtained were also investigated, and the effect of the extracts on SH-SY5Y cell viability was tested. The extraction of phycocyanin was improved by SFE compared to conventional extraction, from 2.838 ± 0.081 mg/g dry matter (DM) (control) to 6.438 ± 0.411 mg/g DM (SFE). SFE treatment also improved chlorophyll a and carotenoid recoveries increasing from 5.612 ± 0.547 to 8.645 ± 0.857 mg/g DM and from 0.447 ± 0.096 to 0.651 ± 0.120 mg/g DM, respectively. Regarding minerals, the SFE improved Mg recovery with 77% more than the control extraction. Moreover, palmitoleic, stearic, γ-linolenic, eicosadienoic and eicosatrienoic acids recovery was improved by SFE. Phenolic profiles were identified via triple-TOF-LC-MS-MS. Considering heavy metals, a higher rate of Pb extraction was observed for the SFE extract, while no significant differences were observed for Hg between both extractions. Finally, SFE extract improved cell viability compared to the control extract. Thus, SFE constitutes an interesting tool to sustainably extract high-added-value compounds; however, potential contaminants such as Pb need to be controlled in the resulting extracts.

Antioxidant activity of lidocaine, bupivacaine, and ropivacaine in aqueous and lipophilic environments: an experimental and computational study

Introduction: Local anesthetics are widely recognized pharmaceutical compounds with various clinical effects. Recent research indicates that they positively impact the antioxidant system and they may function as free radical scavengers. We hypothesize that their scavenging activity is influenced by the lipophilicity of the environment. Methods: We assessed the free radical scavenging capacity of three local anesthetics (lidocaine, bupivacaine, and ropivacaine) using ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP antioxidant assays. We also employed quantum chemistry methods to find the most probable reaction mechanism. The experiments were conducted in an aqueous environment simulating extracellular fluid or cytosol, and in a lipophilic environment (n-octanol) simulating cellular membranes or myelin sheets. Results: All local anesthetics demonstrated ABTS˙⁺ radical scavenging activity, with lidocaine being the most effective. Compared to Vitamin C, lidocaine exhibited a 200-fold higher half-maximal inhibitory concentration. The most thermodynamically favorable and only possible reaction mechanism involved hydrogen atom transfer between the free radical and the -C-H vicinal to the carbonyl group. We found that the antioxidant activity of all tested local anesthetics was negligible in lipophilic environments, which was further confirmed by quantum chemical calculations. Conclusion: Local anesthetics exhibit modest free radical scavenging activity in aqueous environments, with lidocaine demonstrating the highest activity. However, their antioxidant activity in lipophilic environments, such as cellular membranes, myelin sheets, and adipose tissue, appears to be negligible. Our results thus show that free radical scavenging activity is influenced by the lipophilicity of the environment.

Comparative study of encapsulated cannabidiol ternary solid dispersions prepared by different techniques: The application of a novel technique jet milling

Jet milling is a common technique in ultrafine powder preparation field. It has never been used to design delivery systems. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an important cannabinoid of hemp but poor aqueous solubility limited its applications. In this study, solid dispersion (SD) technique was combined with cyclodextrin complexation technique, and jet milling was used for the first time to prepare SDs for improving CBD solubility. Different characterizations demonstrated that the dispersion effect and complexation structure of CBD SD3 prepared by jet milling were comparable to that of CBD SD2 prepared by spray drying (a common solution-based method), and were better than that of CBD SD1 prepared by cogrinding. The water solubility of CBD was increased to 20.902 μg/mL (909-fold) in CBD SD3. Besides, the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity to tumor cells of CBD were enhanced by dispersion. This work indicated that jet milling, as a new technique with low cost and excellent applicability, could be further developed for the delivery of food functional factors or bioactive molecules.

Evaluation of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumoral properties of bioactive compounds extracted from murta berries (Ugni molinae T.) dried by different methods

This study evaluated the effects of different drying methods (freeze drying, vacuum drying, infrared drying, convective drying, and sun drying) on the biological properties of berries from the Chilean murta (Ugni molinae Turcz) shrub. Physical-chemical properties (proximal composition, dietary fiber, sugars) were determined. Total phenolic content through the method of Folin-Ciocalteau, the profile of phenol compounds was determined by HPLC, and antioxidant potential by DPPH and ORAC assays were also evaluated. The topic anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by mice´s ear edema, and in vitro anti-tumoral activity was tested by MTT assay. The chemical properties of dried berries differed significantly based on the drying method: freeze-dried murta berries showed increased total phenolic content extracted over fresh and dried samples. In addition, this lyophilized extract stood out in its antioxidant potential, in both assays evaluated (DPPH and ORAC), compared to the other drying methods. Notwithstanding, vacuum- and infrared-dried murta also showed a higher ORAC value. Antioxidant potential was significantly associated with phenolic compounds catechin and pyrogallol, which were the most abundant phenolic compounds present in all samples. The anti-inflammatory activity was most effective under freeze-drying and vacuumdrying conditions. Moreover, vacuum drying and infrared drying best preserved the anti-tumoral effect on cancer cells.

Formation of a Purple Product upon the Reaction of ABTS Radicals with Proteins

The reaction of the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) free radical (ABTS^●) with proteins (bovine serum albumin, blood plasma, egg white, erythrocyte membranes, and Bacto Peptone) leads not only to a reduction of ABTS^● but also to the appearance of a purple color (absorption maximum at 550-560 nm). The aim of this study was to characterize the formation and explain the nature of the product responsible for the appearance of this color. The purple color co-precipitated with protein, and was diminished by reducing agents. A similar color was generated by tyrosine upon reaction with ABTS^●. The most feasible explanation for the color formation is the addiction of ABTS^● to proteins' tyrosine residues. The product formation was decreased by nitration of the bovine serum albumin (BSA) tyrosine residues. The formation of the purple product of tyrosine was optimal at pH 6.5. A decrease in pH induced a bathochromic shift of the spectra of the product. The product was not a free radical, as demonstrated by electrom paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Another byproduct of the reaction of ABTS^● with tyrosine and proteins was dityrosine. These byproducts can contribute to the non-stoichiometry of the antioxidant assays with ABTS^●. The formation of the purple ABTS adduct may be a useful index of radical addition reactions of protein tyrosine residues.

Valorisation of pork by-products to obtain antioxidant and antihypertensive peptides

The porcine liver could be used for the extraction of zinc-protoporphyrin (ZnPP) as a natural red meat pigment. During the autolysis process, porcine liver homogenates was incubated at pH 4.8 and 45 °C under anaerobic conditions to obtain insoluble ZnPP. After incubation, the homogenates were readjusted at pH 4.8, and at pH 7.5 before being centrifuged at 5500 × g for 20 min at 4 °C and the resulting supernatant were compared with the obtained at pH 4.8 at the beginning of the incubation. The molecular weight distributions of the porcine liver fractions at both pHs were very similar, however, eight essential amino acids were more abundant in fractions obtained at pH 4.8. Regarding the ORAC assay, porcine liver protein fraction at pH 4.8 showed the highest antioxidant capacity but antihypertensive inhibition was similar for both pHs. Peptides with strong bioactivity potential from aldehyde dehydrogenase, lactoylglutathione lyase, SEC14-like protein 3 and others were identified. The findings have demonstrated the potential of the porcine liver to extract natural pigments and bioactive peptides.

Green Extracts and UPLC-TQS-MS/MS Profiling of Flavonoids from Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens) Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents/Ultrasound-Assisted and Supercritical Fluids

Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is an important source of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids. These have presented different therapeutic properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; however, their functionality is related to the quantity and type of compounds, and these characteristics depend on the extraction method used. This study aimed to compare different extraction procedures to identify and quantify flavonoids from oregano (Lippia graveolens). Emerging and conventional technologies include maceration with methanol and water, and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using deep eutectic solvents (DES) such as choline chloride-ethylene glycol, choline chloride-glycerol, and choline chloride-lactic acid. Supercritical fluid extraction using CO₂ as a solvent was also studied. Six different extracts were obtained and the total reducing capacity, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity by ABTS^•+, DPPH^•, FRAP, and ORAC were evaluated. In addition, flavonoids were identified and quantified by UPLC-TQS-MS/MS. Results showed that UAE-DES had the best extraction effect and antioxidant capacity using colorimetric methods. However, maceration-methanol was superior in compound content, and highlighting naringenin and phloridzin were the major compounds. In addition, this extract was microencapsulated by spray drying, which provided a protection feature of their antioxidant potential. Oregano extracts are rich in flavonoids and the microcapsules present promising results for future research.

Statistical evaluation of DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and Folin-Ciocalteu assays to assess the antioxidant capacity of lignins

This research studies in detail four different assays, namely DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential) and FC (Folin-Ciocalteu), to determine the antioxidant capacity of standard substances as well as 50 organosolv lignins, and two kraft lignins. The coefficient of variation was determined for each method and was lowest for ABTS and highest for DPPH. The best correlation was found for FRAP and FC, which both rely on a single electron transfer mechanism. A good correlation between ABTS, FRAP and FC, respectively, could be observed, even though ABTS relies on a more complex reaction mechanism. The DPPH assay merely correlates with the others, implying that it reflects different antioxidative attributes due to a different reaction mechanism. Lignins obtained from paulownia and silphium have been investigated for the first time regarding their antioxidant capacity. Paulownia lignin is in the same range as beech wood lignin, while silphium lignin resembles wheat straw lignin. Miscanthus lignin is an exception from the grass lignins and possesses a significantly higher antioxidant capacity. All lignins possess a good antioxidant capacity and thus are promising candidates for various applications, e. g. as additives in food packaging or for biomedical purposes.

Zein nanoparticles for drug delivery: Preparation methods and biological applications

Zein, a vegetable protein extracted from corn (Zea mays L.), forms a gastro-resistant and mucoadhesive polymer that is cheap and easy to obtain and facilitates the encapsulation of bioactives with hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and amphiphilic properties. The methods used for synthesizing these nanoparticles include antisolvent precipitation/nanoprecipitation, pH-driven, electrospraying, and solvent emulsification-evaporation methods. Each method has its advantages in the preparation of nanocarriers, nevertheless, all of them enable the production of zein nanoparticles that are stable and resistant to environmental factors, with different biological activities required in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, zein nanoparticles are promising nanocarriers that can encapsulate various bioactives with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. This article reviews the principal methods for obtaining zein nanoparticles containing bioactives, the advantages and characteristics of each method, as well as the main biological applications of nanotechnology-based formulations.

Screening and Evaluation of Active Compounds in Polyphenol Mixtures by a Novel AAPH Offline HPLC Method and Its Application

In this study, we developed a novel offline high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method based on 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) radicals for antioxidant screening in 20 polyphenolic compounds and used the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay to evaluate their antioxidant activity. Compared to the existing offline HPLC methods based on 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), the offline HPLC method based on the AAPH radical is more sensitive. Additionally, we applied this method to Lepechinia meyenii (Walp.) Epling extract and screened out seven antioxidants, caffeic acid, hesperidin, rosmarinic acid, diosmin, methyl rosmarinate, diosmetin, and n-butyl rosmarinate, which are known antioxidants. Therefore, this study provides new insights into the screening of antioxidants in natural extracts.

Study of Influence of Extraction Method on the Recovery Bioactive Compounds from Peel Avocado

The avocado peel is a waste material from consumption avocado (Persea americana Mill.) with big biotechnology potential. The purpose of the present work was to study the influence of six extraction methods, maceration (M), maceration plus β-cyclodextrin (MβC), solid-state fermentation (SSF), sonication with water or ethanol, wet grinding (WG), wet grinding plus maceration (WGM), on the recovery of bioactive compounds from the avocado peel such as total phenols, epicatechin and chlorogenic acid. The results showed that the extraction method has a significant effect on the content of total phenols, the WGM method obtaining the highest value of total phenols (2143.1 mg GAE/100 g dry weight). Moreover, the results indicated that the extraction method had a significant effect on chlorogenic acid and epicatechin recovery, the WGM method obtaining the highest amount of epicatechin and chlorogenic acid, 181.7 and 244.3 mg/100 g dry matter, respectively. Additionally, the characterization of WGM extract was realized by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS and GC-MS. Thus, the WGM method allowed for obtaining good yields of recovery of phenolic compounds using an accessible technology and a more environment-friendly solvent.

The isolation of anthocyanin monomers from blueberry pomace and their radical-scavenging mechanisms in DFT study

This study explored the isolation of anthocyanin monomers using a medium- and high-pressure separation technique as a means to increase the added value of a by-product of the blueberry juice industry. Six anthocyanin monomers were isolated with a purity of 95% and identified as mono-galactoside, glucoside, and isomers of delphinidin, malvidin, and even malvidin-3-O-arabinoside, malvidin-3-(6″-acetyl)-O-glucoside by LC-MS and ¹H NMR. Following the conformation search, the computer calculation manifested the active sites of six anthocyanins (C_4'-OH) and their stabilities based on the structural and energy parameters. The DPPH tests demonstrated that delphinidin glycoside's free radical scavenging ability (89.93 ± 2.03 % and 86.50 ± 3.16 %) was significantly higher than that of malvidin (80.39 ± 1.30 % and 81.02 ± 0.45 %), and that malvidin's capacity was improved by conjugation arabinoside (87.48 ± 2.39 %) and acetylated glucoside (88.39 ± 1.37 %), which was compatible with the computer calculation.

Dry food affects the oxidative/antioxidant profile of dogs

BACKGROUND

Including adequate concentrations of antioxidants in dog diets has been recommended to reduce their vulnerability to the action of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative stress in dogs has been associated with a wide range of diseases and disorders, as well as with ageing. There are few reports about the influence of diet on dog's antioxidant profile and oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of four types of dry dog food on the oxidative/antioxidant profile of dogs.

METHODS

Six Beagle dog males were used. The study included four experimental diets (dry foods A-D). Each dry food was supplied for 5 weeks to all dogs, for a total of 24 weeks, including an adaptation week between one food and another. For each dry dog food, the total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and cytotoxicity were evaluated. Each week, a blood sample was collected to measure ROS and TAC of plasma. A crossover repeated measures design was used. Mixed models were adjusted, and means were compared using the Tukey test.

RESULTS

Food A had the highest values for TPC and TAC. Food C had the lowest levels of ROS, whereas food B had the highest TAC in the blood plasma. The dog had a significant influence on the redox state of its blood plasma, even when the same dog was fed the different dry foods.

CONCLUSION

Dry dog food influences the oxidative/antioxidant profile of dog's blood plasma; however, this seems to be unrelated to the antioxidant profile of the food.

In vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities of mixture Thai medicinal plants

BACKGROUND

The phytochemical study of medicinal plants is rapidly gaining popularity with many pharmacologic effects. This study aims to determine the antioxidant capacity as well as anticancer and antimigration activities of Clear belongs Plus extract (CBL-P) which consisted of five medicinal plants namely, Alpinia galanga, Piper nigrum, Citrus aurantifolia, Tiliacora triandra, and Cannabis sativa on human colon cancer cells SW620 and HCT116 cell lines, and human non-small cell lung cancer cells A549 and NCI-H460 cell lines.

METHODS

In this study the dried-plant powder was extracted using 90% ethanol. Additionally, CBL-P was studied antioxidative activity via DPPH and ABTS assays and anti-inflammatory activities using nitric oxide assay using Griess reaction. Antiproliferation and antimigration of CBL-P were investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and scratch assay.

RESULTS

The results showed that CBL-P had potent antiproliferative activity with IC₅₀ values in a concentration- and time-dependent manners for all four cell lines. CBL-P also possessed potent antimigration activity against all studied cancer cells. CBL-P demonstrated antimigration activity on four different types of cancer cells (A549, NCI-H460, HCT116, and SW620) after 48 h of incubation, with the greatest effect seen at the highest concentration tested (15 μg/mL) in A549 cells (10.23% of wound closure) and NCI-H460 cells (9.16% of wound closure). CBL-P was also effective in reducing migration in HCT116 and SW620 cells, with a range of closure area from 10-50%. In addition, CBL-P had antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 8.549 ± 0.241 mg/mL and 2.673 ± 0.437 mg/mL for DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. CBL-P also showed anti-inflammatory activity with the best inhibitory activity on NO production at a concentration of 40 μg/mL.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the mixture extract possessed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, the mixture plant extract significantly exhibited antiproliferative and antimigration activities on SW620, HCT116, A549, and NCI-H460 cells (P ≤ 0.05). Taken together, our results suggest that medicinal plants may have synergistic effects that could potentially enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment when used as adjuvants. These findings provide a solid scientific foundation for future efforts to explore the mechanism of action.

Evaluation of the Amazonian fruit Ambelania acida: Chemical and nutritional studies

Ambelania acida is native to the Amazon region, with few published studies of its fruits. We examined the proximate composition of its fruits, including minerals, fatty acids, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as well as its antioxidant capacity. The protein contents (2.61%) of the pulp and seeds (13.6%) were higher than observed in other taxa of the family or in other tropical fruits. Peel and pulp showed high contents of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and the potassium content in the pulp was 1125 mg/100 g. The peel had higher contents of total phenolics, tannins, and ortho-diphenols than the pulp, as well as better antioxidant activity as evidenced by 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and Fe²⁺ chelating activity assays. GC-MS analyses identified 42 VOCs in the peel and pulp, with more than 90% being classified as terpenes. Eleven types of fatty acids were identified in the lipid fractions of the peel, pulp, and seeds. Linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid for humans, was the principal fatty acid in the edible portion of the fruit, therefore, evidencing its nutritionally significant profile for the fruits when considering the relationship among polyunsaturated, saturated, and monounsaturated fatty acids. The information gathered here indicates that this native fruit is a healthy food source and its cultivation and consumption should be stimulated.

Exploring the synergistic effects of essential oil and plant extract combinations to extend the shelf life and the sensory acceptance of meat products: multi-antioxidant systems

To develop multi-antioxidant systems for the preservation of meat products, mixtures of essential oils or plant extracts were investigated for their antioxidant interactions. The combinatorial study revealed that the chemical diversity of both major and minor components of these ingredients contributed to the antioxidant interactions. A shift from antagonistic or additive interaction to synergistic one was achieved by modulating the ratio of mono-components of multi-antioxidant systems. Mixtures containing oregano/thyme (25/50 of IC50), thyme/clove (25/100) and thyme/cinnamon (50/25) oils as well as cranberry/rosemary (25/25), cranberry/green tea (25/25), cranberry/apple (25/25), rosemary/apple (50/25) and grapeseed/cranberry (50/50) extracts have shown synergistic antioxidant effects. Among the investigated systems, thyme/clove oils and oregano/thyme oils/grape-seed extract systems have extended, in situ, the shelf-life of chicken and ground pork products stored at 4 °C by 2 to 4 folds. The sensory acceptability of treated samples was rated to be moderately better than control. This study lays the ground for the development of efficient natural multi-antioxidant systems.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-022-05653-4.

Methods for quality evaluation of sweet cherry

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a highly valued fruit, whose quality can be evaluated using several objective methodologies, such as calibre, colour, texture, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), as well as maturity indexes. Functional and nutritional compounds are also frequently determined, in response to consumer demand. The aim of the present review is to clarify and establish quality evaluation parameters and methodologies for the whole cherry supply chain, in order to promote easy and faithful communication among all stakeholders. The use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as a non-destructive and expeditious method for assessing some quality parameters is discussed. In this review, the results of a wide survey to assess the most common methodologies for cherry quality evaluation, carried out among cherry researchers and producers within the framework of the COST Action FA1104 'Sustainable production of high-quality cherries for the European market', are also reported. The standardisation of quality evaluation parameters is expected to contribute to the preservation and shelf-life extension of sweet cherries, and the valorisation of the whole supply chain. For future studies on sweet cherry, we put forward a proposal regarding both sample size and the tests chosen to evaluate each parameter. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Spent Yeast Waste Streams as a Sustainable Source of Bioactive Peptides for Skin Applications

Spent yeast waste streams are a byproduct obtained from fermentation process and have been shown to be a rich secondary source of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds and peptides. The latter are of particular interest for skin care and cosmetics as they have been shown to be safe and hypoallergenic while simultaneously being able to exert various effects upon the epidermis modulating immune response and targeting skin metabolites, such as collagen production. As the potential of spent yeast's peptides has been mainly explored for food-related applications, this work sought to understand if peptide fractions previously extracted from fermentation engineered spent yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) waste streams possess biological potential for skin-related applications. To that end, cytotoxic effects on HaCat and HDFa cells and whether they were capable of exerting a positive effect upon the production of skin metabolites relevant for skin health, such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, fibronectin and elastin, were evaluated. The results showed that the peptide fractions assayed were not cytotoxic up to the highest concentration tested (500 µg/mL) for both cell lines tested. Furthermore, all peptide fractions showed a capacity to modulate the various target metabolites production with an overall positive effect being observed for the four fractions over the six selected targets (pro-collagen IαI, hyaluronic acid, fibronectin, cytokeratin-14, elastin, and aquaporin-9). Concerning the evaluated fractions, the overall best performance (Gpep > 1 kDa) was of an average promotion of 41.25% over the six metabolites and two cell lines assessed at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. These results showed that the peptide fractions assayed in this work have potential for future applications in skin-related products at relatively low concentrations, thus providing an alternative solution for one of the fermentation industry's waste streams and creating a novel and highly valuable bioactive ingredient with encompassing activity to be applied in future skin care formulations.

Effect of fermentation on the antioxidant properties and phenolic compounds of Bambangan (Mangifera pajang) fruit

The study aimed to determine the antioxidant activities and phenolic compounds of Bambangan (Mangifera pajang), a type of wild fruit belongs to the family of Anacardiaceae during fermentation at room (28 °C) and elevated temperature (35 °C). The antioxidant capacity was estimated based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picyrlhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, ferric-ion-reducing power (FRAP), 2,2´-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation assay and oxygen-radical absorbing capacity (ORAC). A reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to identify the phenolic compounds. Samples of bambangan fermented at 35 °C achieved the highest FRAP (141.42 mM Fe(II)/g extract) and ABTS values (5.00 mmol TE/g) within the first six days as compared to the samples fermented at room temperature (28 °C), which required 10 days to achieve the highest FRAP and ABTS values. No significant difference was found (p > 0.05) on the antioxidant activity of the samples that were kept at prolonged fermentation and storage. The total phenolic content (TPC) increased throughout the fermentation with the highest value of 44.69 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g. Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, vanillin, ρ -coumaric acid and rutin are the major phenolic compounds identified in the fermented product. The results suggested that the antioxidant capacity of bambangan is affected by the fermentation temperature and the fermented product could be a source of antioxidants.

Chemical and nutritional characterization of Ambelania duckei (Apocynaceae) an unexplored fruit from the Amazon region

Ambelania duckei Markgr is a species of the Apocynaceae family, native to the Amazon region that is unexplored from a nutritional point of view and studied in relation to its chemical constituents. This work presents an unprecedented study of the proximate composition, lipid profile, a chromatographic analysis, and the antioxidant activity of extracts obtained from the pulp, peel and seeds of the fruit. The results showed that potassium, calcium, and magnesium stood out as the most abundant key minerals in the fruit peel and pulp, with an emphasis on the potassium present in the fruit pulp at 1750.0 mg/100 g. The peel had the highest content of total phenolics (374.86 mg/g), flavonoids (15.54 mg/g), tannins (27.45 mg/g) and O-diphenols (379.36 mg/g; 645.71 mg/g). The antioxidant activity (AA) was highest in the peel compared to the pulp in the DPPH, ABTS, and ORAC tests showing: IC₅₀ of 29.82; 43.67; and 407.13 µg/mL, respectively but a lower activity for the Fe²⁺ chelator. The analysis of the lipid fractions from the peel, pulp, and seeds of the A. duckei fruit resulted in 14 types of fatty acids. The major fatty acids found in the three parts of the fruit were oleic acid (peel, 22.52 %), palmitic acid (pulp, 17.34 %), and linoleic acid (seeds, 47.99 %). The lipid profile and nutritional aspects had a PUFA/SFA ratio (0.4-1.8) in the different parts of the A. duckei fruit; the atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes were higher in the peel (1.23) and pulp (0.62), respectively. The ratio between the hypocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic fatty acids (0.5 - 3.8) calculated for the fruit are within the desirable range for a nutritious food. The chromatographic analysis of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the peel and pulp of the fruit, identified 74 VOCs, of which 60.9 % are related to terpenes, and emit notes such as cucumber, green, fatty, floral, and mint, due to the presence of substances with OAVs > 10, especially α-ionone, 1,8-cineole, 2,4-decadienal, and dodecanal. The analysis of the MS and MS/MS spectra of the chromatograms obtained by LC- QTOF-HRMS led to the identification of 26 compounds in the peel, seeds and pulp of A. duckei, such as fatty acids, phenolic acid, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, alkaloids, and terpenoids. The results show that the pulp of A. duckei has potential as nourishing food and the nutritional and chemical aspects of the peel can be applied to commercial applications.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Antifungal Actions of the Optimized Crude Extract and Fractions from the Aerial Parts of Acanthospermum hispidum

This study investigated the phytochemical characteristics of the aerial parts of Acanthospermum hispidum, by chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods, and evaluated the antioxidant and antifungal activities of the crude extract and polyphenol-enriched fractions of the species. The phytochemical prospection showed the presence of polyphenols from the groups of hydroxycinnamic derivatives and flavonoids in the crude extract (CE) and fractions of the aerial parts of A. hispidum. In the chromatographic analysis, it was possible to observe that the fractionation process of the CE with hexane and ethyl acetate was efficient in enriching the fractions in phenolic compounds. This enrichment provided an increase in antioxidant activity by the DPPH and ABTS methods, in which it was observed a higher antioxidant activity for EAF in the DPPH test and higher activity against the ABTS radical by the fractions AqF and RAqF. The extract and fractions were effective against Candida non-Candida albicans strains, mainly against C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. krusei, acting predominantly fungicidal. The results indicate that the aerial parts of A. hispidum can serve as a basis for the development of new antioxidant and antifungal products. Moreover, the fractionation process can contribute to increasing the biological potential of the species.