A critical analysis of extraction techniques used for botanicals: Trends, priorities, industrial uses and optimization strategies

Sea buckthorn flavonoids: Purification, identification, and in vitro anti-inflammatory effects

As the first step of resource utilization, the extraction and separation of active ingredients play an important role in the evaluation and application of their activity. In this study, a macroporous resin purification process was optimized to obtain high-purity sea buckthorn flavonoids (SBF). The AB-8 resin exhibited optimal adsorption and desorption properties, with adsorption and desorption rates of 75.25 % and 84.78 %, respectively. Under optimal purification conditions, the purity of the flavonoid extract was enhanced from 17.17 ± 0.19 % to 63.2 ± 0.16 %. Kinetic and thermodynamic analyses demonstrated that the purification of SBF on AB-8 resin conformed to the pseudo-secondary kinetic model and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The major components of the SBF were taxifolin, isoquercitrin, narcissoside, and quercetin. The SBF not only inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production but also exerted significant anti-inflammatory effects, suppressing the expression of proteins such as nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 6, and interleukin 1β and inhibiting apoptosis. Therefore, the purified SBF demonstrated improved anti-inflammatory activity, which can be applied in the development of drugs and functional foods.

In silico docking, ADMET profiling, and bio-accessibility experimentation on Breynia retusa phytocompounds and in vitro validation for anti-proliferative potencies against ovarian carcinoma

This study aimed to assess the medicinal properties of Breynia retusa, a plant rich in phytocompounds predominantly used as an ethnomedicinal agent in Western Ghats, which appeared to be promising for therapeutic use, especially in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Herein, its cytotoxic potential on ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV-3, neurotoxicity, antioxidant activity, and molecular docking was determined to aid in explaining the mechanisms of interactions with proteins related to ovarian cancer. B . retusa methanolic extract demonstrated exuberant antioxidant activity, with 81.91% scavenging ability of DPPH radicals and efficient reduction of phosphomolybdenum (22.98 mg ascorbic acid equivalents antioxidant capacity/g extract). The extract proved to be an important anti-inflammatory agent through membrane stabilization inhibition of 83%. The cytotoxicity study against the SKOV-3 cell line indicated an IC50 value of 34.01 µg/mL and a very negligible neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cell lines. The GC-MS and HPLC profiling indicated many anticancer compounds in the extract such as secalciferol, methyl gallate, ricinoleic acid, gallic acid, and naringenin. The docking study showed significant interactions of secalciferol molecules with the key ovarian cancer proteins, which include IGF1 (-6.758 kcal/mol) and c-ERBB2 (-4.281 kcal/mol). Fatty acid derivatives and methyl gallate showed efficient dock scores (< -5.0 kcal/mol) with antioxidant (catalase and superoxide dismutase) enzymes and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and COX-1), respectively, as evidences of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials. The bio-accessibility of phenolics and their antioxidant activity ranged above 90%, indicating the promising bioavailability of phytochemicals expected in vivo. Hence the current study emphasizes the anticancer potential of B. retusa phytocompounds that appeared to interact very strongly with ovarian cancer targets and confirms the dose-dependent cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of B. retusa methanolic extract.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04276-8.

Separation of the active components from the residue of Schisandra chinensis via an ultrasound-assisted method

A novel and efficient method, namely Solid-state fermentation combined with ionic liquid pretreatment and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (SSFIPU), was successfully established for the extraction of anthocyanins (ACs) from Schisandra chinensis residue samples. Additionally, an enzymatic combined with ionic liquid pretreatment and ultrasonic-assisted extraction technique (EIPU) was effectively developed to extract Schisandrin A (SDA) and Schizandrin B (SDB) from the residue after AC extraction. A comprehensive examination was conducted on ten crucial parameters of SSFIPU and eight essential parameters of EIPU. The Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize the influencing factors and precisely predict the optimal extraction conditions. The optimized conditions were as follows: For SSFIPU, with 4 mol/L [BMIM]BF4, 7 % carbon, 5 % nitrogen, a material-reagent ratio of 1:3 g/mL, a bacterial solution concentration of 1 × 106 cfu/mL, a pH of 4, a fermentation time of 4 days, an ultrasonic power of 350 W, and an ultrasonic time of 30 min, an AC extraction yield of 1.173 mg/g was achieved, which was remarkably 23.46 times higher than that of ethanol reflux extraction (ERE). For EIPU, under the conditions of 4.2 mol/L [BMIM]BF4, a cellulase content of 20 %, an enzyme hydrolysis time of 2.5 h, a material-reagent ratio of 1:13 g/mL, a pH of 5, an ultrasonic power of 450 W, and an ultrasonication time of 30 min, an SDA extraction yield of 0.306 mg/g was obtained, which was 8.5 times greater than that of ERE, and an SDB extraction yield of 0.260 mg/g was achieved, which was 6.8 times higher than that of ERE. During the experiment, [BMIM]BF4 was successfully recovered with a recovery rate of 91.21 %. Consequently, the proposed environmentally friendly SSFIPU and EIPU methods have laid a solid foundation for the recovery of active ingredients from plant residues.

A proposed screening strategy for evaluating the genotoxicity potential of botanicals and botanical extracts

Botanicals have long been used to promote health and treat diseases, but the safety of many currently marketed botanicals has not been adequately evaluated. Given the chemical complexity of botanicals, which often contain numerous unknown constituents, and their widespread use, comprehensive toxicity assessments are needed. The Botanical Safety Consortium was established to address this challenge. This international group of experts in toxicology, chemistry, bioinformatics, and pharmacognosy is developing a toolkit of assays to generate reliable toxicological profiles for botanicals. Genotoxicity assessment is especially critical, because, unlike other toxicities, genotoxicity is not adequately identified by adverse event and history-of-use reports, and genotoxicity is directly linked to health consequences such as cancer and birth defects. The Consortium's Genotoxicity Technical Working Group is exploring a genotoxicity testing strategy based on the use of in silico modeling and the bacterial reverse mutation and in vitro micronucleus assays and including several options for additional tests to further characterize genotoxicity and mode of action when indicated. The effectiveness of this testing strategy is being evaluated using 13 well-characterized botanicals with existing toxicological data as case studies. A brief overview of each of these 13 botanicals is provided. The final strategy for developing comprehensive genotoxicity profiles of botanicals will incorporate published genotoxicity data, chemical composition information, in silico and in vitro test data, and human exposure data, reducing the need for animal testing.

Ultrasound and Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) Pomace: Analysis of Chemical Properties and Anticancer Activity

Blackberries are seasonal berries that are processed into various products leaving a large amount of residues after processing, and therefore the most effective ways of utilising the residues need to be evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different extraction methods on the chemical content of blackberry pomace extracts from different cultivars and their effect on the viability of the Caco-2 colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line and CCD-18Co normal colon fibroblast cancer cells. Blackberry pomace from berries of the cultivars 'Polar', 'Orkan', and 'Brzezina' was extracted by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and a combination of these two extraction methods (MAE+UAE). The phenolic profile and the amount of organic acids and sugars were detected by HPLC. The spectrophotometric method was used to determine the amount of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and total anthocyanins. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was measured by the MTT assay. The chemical content of the extracts depends on the blackberry cultivar, the extraction method, and its interaction. Only the DPPH antioxidant activity did not depend on these factors and had no statistically significant differences between the different extracts. The extracts at a concentration of 5.0% increased the growth of both cancer cells, while the extracts at 1% and 2.5%, depending on the cultivar, reduced the growth of these cells. The MAE and UAE extracts of the 'Orkan' cultivar at concentrations of 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% best inhibited the viability of Caco-2 cells. The extracts inhibited the growth of the Caco-2 cell line better than CCD-18Co normal colon fibroblasts.

Tailored NADES solvents for the extraction optimization of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Thalictrum foliolosum DC.- A potential phyto-nutraceutical source

From a perspective focused on phyto-nutraceuticals, alkaloids are considered to be the most significant metabolites, as they exhibit a broad range of pharmacological applications. Therefore, it is essential, to conduct a thorough investigation of the extraction techniques employed and to optimize the overall process. Considering this, we delved into tailor-made natural deep eutectic solvents coupled with ultrasonic-assisted extraction and macroporous resins aided recovery of therapeutics alkaloids from Thalictrum foliolosum DC. The extraction parameters including duty cycle (X1), extraction time (X2), water content (X3), and liquid-to-solid ratio (X4) were optimized through response surface methodology. Under the optimal extraction conditions [duty cycle- 61 %, ultrasonication extraction time- 10.35 min, water content- 30.51 %, and liquid-to-solid ratio- 30 mL/g], the yield of berberine (11.91 ± 0.12 mg/g DW), berbamine (11.85 ± 0.16 mg/g DW), magnoflorine (6.06 ± 0.05 mg/g DW), and palmatine (2.53 ± 0.015 mg/g DW) were found to be near the model prediction. Further, adsorption/desorption characteristics were investigated, and the results highlight AB-8 resin as most effective for the recovery of berberine and palmatine, while, XAD-7HP resin is best suited for berbamine and magnoflorine. FT-IR analysis shows similar spectra among the purified extracts with significantly (p < 0.05) higher antioxidant and anti-glycemic activities. In conclusion, the developed method complies with the criteria of green extraction which can be harnessed as a natural antioxidant in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

Microwave-sonication synergistic extraction of dairy waste proteins: A review of green approach for dairy waste proteins valorization

Ultrasonic and microwave extraction process has great prospects to convert food and agricultural waste from food industries to value-added goods. Also, this review extensively elaborates the utilization of ultrasonication and microwave extraction (US-MW) process for valorization of dairy waste extracted proteins into novel foods. Both of these extraction and processing techniques are considered as green technologies when compared with the other conventional or chemical extraction and processing techniques. Further, this review also explains the impact of US-MW alone and in combination on the dairy waste proteins extraction, nutritional and techno-functional attributes of these dairy-waste proteins. The review also highlights the economic and cost-effective benefits of US-MW processes for extracting the proteins from dairy waste, indicating their feasibility and sustainability. The review also elucidated the synergistic utilization of US-MW extraction as a viable processing technique in extraction or production of bioactive compounds like dairy proteins. In conclusion, this review elucidates the US-MW, both individually and in synergy as a viable source of dairy waste proteins extraction and their application in functional foods. Moreover, in accordance to the latest developments and future prospects at pilot and commercial level to assess the practicability of synergistic use of US-MW extraction in bioenergy production from food wastes other than dairy waste for extraction and production of biodiesel, hydrogen, green methane, and ethanol.

Impact of Ultrasound- and Microwave-Assisted Extraction on Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities of Jania rubens and Sargassum muticum

This study represents the first investigation into the ultrasonic and microwave extraction of bioactive metabolites from Jania rubens (J. rubens) (red seaweed) and Sargassum. muticum (S. muticum) (brown seaweed), with a focus on their biological activities. The research compares ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) utilizing a hydromethanolic solvent to evaluate their effects on these seaweeds' bioactive compounds and biological activities. The assessment included a series of antioxidant essays: DPPH, ABTS, phenanthroline, and total antioxidant capacity, followed by enzyme inhibition activities: alpha-amylase and urease. Results revealed significant proportions of phenolic compounds, ranging from 48.31 ± 0.32 to 74.42 ± 0.80 μg GAE/mg, depending on the extraction method. The extracts demonstrated a high antioxidant activity, with IC50 values ranging from 26.58 ± 0.39 to 87.55 ± 0.69 μg/mL. Notably, the MAE extract of S. muticum showed a value of 48.11 ± 2.75 μg/mL for alpha-amylase inhibition, which is strictly superior to the reference acarbose with an IC50 equal to 3431.01 μg/mL. UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis identified 14 bioactive compounds. The proportion of riboflavin with MAE was 70.58% and 59.11% for J. rubens and S. muticum fractions, respectively. These findings underscore the critical influence of extraction technique selection on bioactive compounds' yield and efficiency, highlighting the potential of algal biomass as a sustainable alternative in various applications.

Characterization of Natural Bioactive Compounds from Greek Oregano Accessions Subjected to Advanced Extraction Techniques

Nowadays, eco-friendly extraction techniques are often used to develop natural plant extracts for commercial use. In the current investigation, Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare) phenolic extracts from different cultivated accessions were recovered employing ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). The phytochemical profile of the oregano extracts, as determined by spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques, as well as antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays), was used to compare the three extraction approaches. The results showed that oregano phenolic extracts obtained by MAE held the highest total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and also a higher content of the main phenolic compounds identified, rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid B and carvacrol, as determined by LC-MS analysis, followed by those extracted by UAE and ASE. All of the tested extracts exhibited relatively high antioxidant activities, especially the MAE extracts. Oregano extracts produced by various extraction techniques were subjected to a multivariate data analysis to highlight differences in phytochemical profiles, and their correlation to antioxidant activity. According to our findings, it was evident that MAE offers more efficient and effective extraction of bioactive compounds in terms of obtaining phytochemical-rich oregano extracts, with applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Exploring traditional and modern approaches for extracting bioactive compounds from Ferulago trachycarpa

For more than two millennia, Ferulago species have been revered as therapeutic herbs, maintaining their significance in present-day folk medicine practices. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical composition, inhibitory effects on metabolic enzymes, and possible therapeutic applications of F. trachycarpa, specifically focusing on its efficacy in diabetes management, anticholinergic effects, and antioxidant capabilities. The current investigation comprised an evaluation of a range of extracts acquired via conventional and modern methodologies, such as soxhlet (SOX), maceration (MAC) accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), homogenizer-assisted extraction (HAE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), microwave-assisted extraction (MW), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Various techniques were employed to assess their antioxidant capacity and enzyme inhibition. Furthermore, the research utilized ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS (UHPLC-MS/MS) to ascertain the principal phenolic compounds that are responsible for the antioxidant capacity observed in the various F. trachycarpa extracts. Among these, extracts from HAE, ASE, and MW revealed the most promise across all methodologies tested for their antioxidant potential. Furthermore, SFE and MAC extracts inhibited the most enzymes, including cholinesterases, tyrosinase, α -amylase, and α -glycosidase, indicating their potential as efficient natural treatments for several health-related issues.

Innovation in cacti extraction: Evaluating green methods for bioactive compounds

The extraction of bioactive compounds from cacti using green methods holds promise as an area of research that remains relatively underexplored. This review aims to summarize findings and trends in this field, assessing the effectiveness of green techniques applied to these unique plants. Among the green methods, Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) stands out as the most extensively studied, consistently yielding a higher extraction of compounds irrespective of the duration and solvents employed. Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) emerges as the second most utilized technique, demonstrating efficacy in extracting a broad spectrum of bioactive compounds, particularly oils and various phenolics. Although Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) has been the least used, preliminary studies indicate a potential that still needs to be explored. Notably, green methods offer reduced environmental impact by minimizing harmful solvents and optimizing energy consumption, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly processes and the increasing preference for natural and healthier products. The cacti most commonly studied beyond Opuntia spp. and Hylocereus spp. include cladodes, shells, and seeds. Despite advancements, numerous cactus species remain underexplored, underscoring the necessity for ongoing research to fully harness the promising potential of these plants in developing practical applications for bioactive compounds.

Recent advances in methods of extraction, pre-concentration, purification, identification, and quantification of kaempferol

As a naturally widely-occurring dietary, cosmetic, and therapeutic flavonoid, kaempferol has gained much consideration for its nutritional and pharmaceutical properties in recent years. Although there have been performed a high number of studies associated with different aspects of kaempferol's analytical investigations, the lack of a comprehensive summary of the various methods and other plant sources that have been reported for this compound is being felt, especially for many biological applications. This study, aimed to provide a detailed compilation consisting of sources (plant species) and analytical information that was precisely related to the natural flavonoid (kaempferol). There is a trend in analytical research that supports the application of modern eco-friendly instruments and methods. In conclusion, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) is the most general advanced method used widely today for the extraction of kaempferol. During recent years, there is an increasing tendency towards the identification of kaempferol by different methods.

Nutraceutical potential of Mediterranean agri-food waste and wild plants: Green extraction and bioactive characterization

The agricultural waste and wild plants of the Mediterranean region offer significant nutraceutical potential, rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolics, carotenoids, lipids and volatile organic compounds. These compounds exhibit health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Advanced analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC-MS and NMR are essential for the accurate chemical characterization of these bioactives. Green extraction methods, including ultrasound-assisted, enzyme-assisted and cold plasma-assisted extractions, provide efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to classical techniques for the isolation of bioactive compounds. The valorization of Mediterranean agricultural by-products, such as olive pomace, grape seeds, and citrus peels, exemplifies sustainable approaches to the utilization of these underutilized resources. This chapter explores the bioactive characterization and green extraction methods that contribute to unlocking the nutraceutical potential of Mediterranean plant waste and wild plants, highlighting their role in the development of functional foods and natural health products.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemia effects of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor larvae) protein extracted by four methods: alkali, salt, enzyme, and screw press

The use of edible insect protein in food products is contingent on their biological effects. Conventional protein extraction methods are not only time-consuming and costly but also energy-intensive. There is a need for alternative techniques that maintain the bioactivities of insect proteins and are environmentally sustainable. This study compares the health functionality of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor larvae) concentrates obtained by conventional methods-alkali and salt (MS) extraction-and nonconventional methods-enzyme (ME) and screw press (MP)-to enhance their applicability despite lower protein concentration. Overall, MP exhibited the highest essential amino acids content, whereas ME showed the highest in vitro digestibility, total phenolic contents, and antioxidant capacities among all the concentrates. ME also had a significant cell proliferative capacity at concentrations ≥500 µg/mL. MS significantly inhibited tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta secretion in lipopolysaccharide-treated Hep3B cells compared to other samples. As for anti-hyperglycemia effects, treatment with MS and ME for 2 and 5 min significantly increased the p-Akt/Akt ratio (MS, 1.34- and 1.61-fold; ME, 2.26- and 2.70-fold, respectively). In conclusion, enzyme treatment enhanced nutritional value and antioxidant capacity, whereas salt treatment potentially contributed to anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemia activities. Hybrid extraction techniques combining conventional and nonconventional methods are suggested based on target applications, considering health benefits, environmental impact, costs, and efficiencies. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Four mealworm protein extraction methods (alkali/salt/enzyme/screw press) were compared for their nutritional and biological properties. Alkali extraction enhanced protein content, enzyme treatment improved nutritional value and antioxidant capacity, and salt-assisted extraction exhibited immunomodulatory effects in vitro. Notably, enzyme and salt treatments produced protein concentrates with significant antidiabetic and anti-hyperglycemic properties.

Black Mulberries (Morus nigra L.) Modulate Oxidative Stress and Beta-Amyloid-Induced Toxicity, Becoming a Potential Neuroprotective Functional Food

Black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) is a common edible fruit from the Moraceae family with a wide variety of nutritional and medicinal applications, mainly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this work was to investigate the cytoprotective and neuroprotective capacity of a hydrophilic black mulberry solvent-free extract rich in polyphenols, including the antioxidant, antiradical, and enzymatic mechanisms that would explain these effects. Its neuroprotective potential was evaluated in vitro using the Neuro-2a cell line and in vivo through the Caenorhabditis elegans organism model. Neuro-2a cells were treated at different concentrations of the extract (25-500 µg/mL) and hydrogen peroxide (300 µM) as an oxidant agent, simultaneously. From these treatments, redox status (intracellular ROS production) and cellular activity (MTT) were also quantified in Neuro-2a. Regarding the C. elegans assay, the protection of the extract against β-amyloid toxicity was measured against the CL4176 strain, which is a model of Alzheimer disease. As a complementary neuroprotective assay, its potential to inhibit the monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) enzyme was measured. In addition, an Artemia salina bioassay was performed for preliminary toxicity screening. And its antioxidant properties were evaluated by means of the FRAP assay. The results confirm its neuroprotective potential and its ability to scavenge free radicals and decrease ROS production, also acting as a moderate MAO-A inhibitor. Moreover, the polyphenolic extract alleviates the toxicity induced by β-amyloid accumulation in C. elegans. Concluding, Morus nigra can be considered a functional food with bioactive compounds that may prevent the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.

Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activity of Cornus mas L. and Crataegus monogyna Fruit Extracts

The present study evaluated three green extraction methods, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and laser irradiation extraction (LE), for the polyphenolic compounds and vitamin C extraction of Cornus mas L. and Crataegus monogyna fruit extracts. The polyphenols and vitamin C of extracts were quantified using HPLC-DAD, and the total phenolic content, flavonoid content, antioxidant activity (DPPH and reducing power), and antidiabetic activity were also studied. The antidiabetic activity was examined by the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and in vitro on a beta TC cell line (β-TC-6). The results showed significant differentiation in the extraction yield between the methods used, with the ASE and LE presenting the highest values. The C. mas fruit extract obtained by ASE exhibited the best antioxidant activity, reaching an IC50 value of 31.82 ± 0.10 µg/mL in the DPPH assay and 33.95 ± 0.20 µg/mL in the reducing power assay. The C. mas fruit extracts obtained by ASE and LE also have the highest inhibitory activity on enzymes associated with metabolic disorders: α-amylase (IC50 = 0.44 ± 0.02 µg/mL for the extract obtained by ASE, and 0.11 ± 0.01 µg/mL for the extract obtained by LE at combined wavelengths of 1270 + 1550 nm) and α-glucosidase (IC50 of 77.1 ± 3.1 µg/mL for the extract obtained by ASE, and 98.2 ± 4.7 µg/mL for the extract obtained by LE at combined wavelengths of 1270 + 1550 nm). The evaluation of in vitro antidiabetic activity demonstrated that the treatment with C. mas and C. monogyna fruit extracts obtained using ASE stimulated the insulin secretion of β-TC-6 cells, both under normal conditions and hyperglycemic conditions, as well. All results suggest that C. mas and C. monogyna fruit extracts are good sources of bioactive molecules with antioxidant and antidiabetic activity.

Metabolomic Profiles and Biopharmaceutical Properties of Petrosimonia brachiata and P. nigdeensis from Turkey

Halophytic plants possess a huge range of active constituents and medicinal benefits. In this study, extracts (water, ethanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, and n-hexane) of two halophytes of the genus Petrosimonia (P. brachiata and P. nigdeensis) were investigated for their phytochemical profiles and pharmacological properties. The phytochemical profiles of both species were investigated using an untargeted metabolomics approach based on high-resolution mass spectrometry. The two species show different polyphenolic profiles and these are influenced by the different extraction solvents used. The same extracts were used for different bioactivity assays. The results show that all extracts yielded total flavonoid and phenolic contents of 11.14-24.22 mg GAE/g and 3.15-22.03 mg RE/g, respectively. While extracts of both species demonstrated a radical scavenging ability in the ABTS assay (16.12-98.02 mg TE/g), only the polar and moderately polar extracts (water, ethanol, and ethyl acetate) showed scavenging potential in the DPPH assay (4.74-16.55 mg TE/g). A reducing potential was also displayed by all extracts in the CUPRAC and FRAP assays (26.02-80.35 mg TE/g and 31.70-67.69 mg TE/g, respectively). The total antioxidant capacity of the extracts ranged from 0.24 to 2.17 mmol TE/g, and the metal chelating activity ranged from 14.74 to 33.80 mg EDTAE/g. The water extracts possessed a higher metal chelating power than the other extracts. All extracts acted as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (0.16-3.85 mg GALAE/g) and amylase (0.11-1.28 mmol ACAE/g). Moreover, apart from the water extracts, the other extracts also showed anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity (0.73-2.86 mg GALAE/g), as well as anti-tyrosinase (36.74-61.40 mg KAE/g) and anti-glucosidase (2.37-2.73 mmol ACAE/g) potential. In general, the water extracts were found to be weak inhibitors of the tested enzymes, while the ethanol extracts mostly showed an inhibitory effect. The obtained findings revealed the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties of these two species and demonstrated that the solvent type used affected the pharmacological properties of the extracts and hence, can be useful to further investigate the active constituents yielded in the extracts and understand the mechanisms involved.

Pressurized liquid extraction of glucosinolates from Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz by-products: Process optimization and biological activities of green extract

The cultivation of Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz is rapidly increasing due to oil production resulting in a substantial volume of by-products, which still have an interesting composition in secondary metabolites, especially glucosinolates. Therefore, a green extraction procedure of glucosinolates by Pressurised Liquid Extraction was developed and optimized using a chemometric approach. Furthermore, the glucosinolates were purified by solid phase extraction, and a preliminary study on bioaccessibility and bioavailability study was carried out to evaluate the resistance of the glucosinolates to the digestive process. The application of pressurised liquid extraction to the recovery of glucosinolates from camelina sativa by-product, is a green, automatic, and rapid method, representing a valid alternative to conventional extraction method to obtain ingredients for food industries.

A detailed overview of quercetin: implications for cell death and liver fibrosis mechanisms

Background

Quercetin, a widespread polyphenolic flavonoid, is known for its extensive health benefits and is commonly found in the plant kingdom. The natural occurrence and extraction methods of quercetin are crucial due to its bioactive potential.

Purpose

This review aims to comprehensively cover the natural sources of quercetin, its extraction methods, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and its role in various cell death pathways and liver fibrosis.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed across several electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang database, and ClinicalTrials.gov, up to 10 February 2024. The search terms employed were "quercetin", "natural sources of quercetin", "quercetin extraction methods", "bioavailability of quercetin", "pharmacokinetics of quercetin", "cell death pathways", "apoptosis", "autophagy", "pyroptosis", "necroptosis", "ferroptosis", "cuproptosis", "liver fibrosis", and "hepatic stellate cells". These keywords were interconnected using AND/OR as necessary. The search focused on studies that detailed the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of quercetin, its role in different cell death pathways, and its effects on liver fibrosis.

Results

This review details quercetin's involvement in various cell death pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis, with particular attention to its regulatory influence on apoptosis and autophagy. It dissects the mechanisms through which quercetin affects these pathways across different cell types and dosages. Moreover, the paper delves into quercetin's effects on liver fibrosis, its interactions with hepatic stellate cells, and its modulation of pertinent signaling cascades. Additionally, it articulates from a physical organic chemistry standpoint the uniqueness of quercetin's structure and its potential for specific actions in the liver.

Conclusion

The paper provides a detailed analysis of quercetin, suggesting its significant role in modulating cell death mechanisms and mitigating liver fibrosis, underscoring its therapeutic potential.

Subcritical water-assisted fish gelatin hydrolysis for astaxanthin-loaded fish oil emulsion stability

Though gelatin emulsifying properties have been intensively studied, how low-molecular-weight (LMW) fish gelatin affects astaxanthin (AST)-loaded fish oil emulsion stability remains elusive. In this study, subcritical water hydrolysis (SWH)-modified LMW fish gelatin (SWHG) was produced from 110 °C to 180 °C and used to enhance the AST steadiness in oil/water emulsions in the presence of an emulsifier, lecithin. In the prepared emulsions, the surface charge increased while droplet size decreased with the decrease in gelatin MW due to the reduced thickness of the adsorbed gelatin membrane. LMW gelatin and lecithin could form a firm-absorbed layer on the droplet surface by electrostatic interaction between amide groups of gelatin molecules and phosphate groups of lecithin, thus stabilizing the emulsions. SWHG improved the creaming stability of the emulsions and hindered the oxygen- and light-induced AST degradation for 11 months compared to high MW gelatin. Whereas, the control emulsion showed noticeable phase separation after two weeks of storage. These findings prove the advantage of the SWH approach and propose the use of SWHG in oil-in-water emulsions for AST stabilization.

Clove Essential Oil: Chemical Profile, Biological Activities, Encapsulation Strategies, and Food Applications

Plants have proven to be important sources for discovering new compounds that are useful in the treatment of various diseases due to their phytoconstituents. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.), an aromatic plant widely cultivated around the world, has been traditionally used for food preservation and medicinal purposes. In particular, clove essential oil (CEO) has attracted attention for containing various bioactive compounds, such as phenolics (eugenol and eugenol acetate), terpenes (β-caryophyllene and α-humulene), and hydrocarbons. These constituents have found applications in cosmetics, food, and medicine industries due to their bioactivity. Pharmacologically, CEO has been tested against a variety of parasites and pathogenic microorganisms, demonstrating antibacterial and antifungal properties. Additionally, many studies have also demonstrated the analgesic, antioxidant, anticancer, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory effects of this essential oil. However, CEO could degrade for different reasons, impacting its quality and bioactivity. To address this challenge, encapsulation is viewed as a promising strategy that could prolong the shelf life of CEO, improving its physicochemical stability and application in various areas. This review examines the phytochemical composition and biological activities of CEO and its constituents, as well as extraction methods to obtain it. Moreover, encapsulation strategies for CEO and numerous applications in different food fields are also highlighted.

Plant-derived bioactive compounds as key players in the modulation of immune-related conditions

The immune system is a complex and fundamental network for organism protection. A minimal unbalance in the host defense system homeostasis can originate severe repercussions in human health. Fundamentally, immune-related diseases can arise from its compromise (immunodeficiency diseases), overactivation against itself (autoimmune diseases) or harmless substances (allergies), and failure of eliminating the harmful agent (chronic inflammation). The notable advances and achievements in the immune system diseases pathophysiology have been allowing for a dramatic improvement of the available treatments. Nevertheless, they present some drawbacks, including the inappropriate benefit/risk ratio. Therefore, there is a strong and urgent need to develop effective therapeutic strategies. Nature is a valuable source of bioactive compounds that can be explored for the development of new drugs. Particularly, plants produce a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites that can be potential prototypes for innovative therapeutic agents. This review describes the immune system and the inflammatory response and examines the current knowledge of eight plants traditionally used as immunomodulatory medicines (Boswellia serrata, Echinacea purpurea, Laurus nobilis, Lavandula angustifolia, Olea europaea, Salvia officinalis, Salvia rosmarinus, and Taraxacum officinale). Moreover, the issues responsible for possible biologic readout inconsistencies (plant species, age, selected organ, developmental stage, growth conditions, geographical location, drying methods, storage conditions, solvent of extraction, and extraction method) will also be discussed. Furthermore, a detailed list of the chemical composition and the immunomodulatory mechanism of action of the bioactive compounds of the selected plant extracts are presented. This review also includes future perspectives and proposes potential new avenues for further investigation.

Advancing botanical safety: A strategy for selecting, sourcing, and characterizing botanicals for developing toxicological tools

Increases in botanical use, encompassing herbal medicines and dietary supplements, have underlined a critical need for an advancement in safety assessment methodologies. However, botanicals present unique challenges for safety assessment due to their complex and variable composition arising from diverse growing conditions, processing methods, and plant varieties. Historically, botanicals have been largely evaluated based on their history of use information, based primarily on traditional use or dietary history. However, this presumption lacks comprehensive toxicological evaluation, demanding innovative and consistent assessment strategies. To address these challenges, the Botanical Safety Consortium (BSC) was formed as an international, cross-sector forum of experts to identify fit-for purpose assays that can be used to evaluate botanical safety. This global effort aims to assess botanical safety assessment methodologies, merging traditional knowledge with modern in vitro and in silico assays. The ultimate goal is to champion the development of toxicity tools for botanicals. This manuscript highlights: 1) BSC's strategy for botanical selection, sourcing, and preparation of extracts to be used in in vitro assays, and 2) the approach utilized to characterize botanical extracts, using green tea and Asian ginseng as examples, to build confidence for use in biological assays.

Evaluation of volatile components from the tuber, fibrous roots, bud, stem and leaf tissues of Bletilla striata for its anti-colon cancer activity

Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Rchb.f., a medicinal plant in the Orchidaceae family, is mainly found in East Asia and has extensive pharmacological activities. Plant's volatile components are important active ingredients with a wide range of physiological activities, and B. striata has a special odor and unique volatile components. Yet it has received little attention, hindering a full understanding of its phytochemical components. Employing the ultrasonic-assisted extraction method, the volatile components of B. striata's fibrous root, bud, aerial part and tuber were extracted, resulting in yields of 0.06%, 0.64%, 3.38% and 4.47%, respectively. A total of 78 compounds were identified from their chemical profiles using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), including 45 components with the main compounds of linoleic acid (content accounting for 31.23%), n-hexadecanoic acid (13.53%), and octadecanoic acid (9.5%) from the tuber, 34 components with the main compounds of eicosane, 2-methyl- (28.42%), linoelaidic acid (10.43%), linoleic acid (4.53%), and n-hexadecanoic acid (6.91%) from the fibrous root, 38 components with the main compounds of pentadeca-6,9-dien-1-ol (9.29%), n-hexadecanoic acid (11%), eicosane,2-methyl- (23.43%), and linoleic acid (23.53%) from the bud, and 27 components with the main compounds of linoelaidic acid (5.97%), n-hexadecanoic acid (15.99%), and linolenic acid ethyl ester (18.9%) from the aerial part. Additionally, the growth inhibition activity against colon cancer HCT116 cells was evaluated using sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay and the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined using dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining and fluorescence intensity analysis. The volatile extracts exhibited significant growth inhibitory efficacy against HCT116 cells, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 3.65, 2.32, 2.42 and 3.89 mg/mL in the SRB assay, and 3.55, 2.58, 3.12 and 4.80 mg/mL in the MTT assay for the root, bud, aerial part, and tuber, respectively. Notably, treatment with the aerial part extract caused morphological changes in the cells and significantly raised the intracellular ROS level. In summary, the chemical profiles of the volatile components of B. striata were revealed for the first time, demonstrating a certain tissue specificity. Additionally, it demonstrated for the first time that these volatile extracts possess potent anti-colon cancer activity, highlighting the importance of these volatile components in B. striata's medicinal properties.

Spasmolytic Activity of Gentiana lutea L. Root Extracts on the Rat Ileum: Underlying Mechanisms of Action

The roots of Gentiana lutea L. are utilized in the preparation of various beverages and herbal remedies, serving as a traditional remedy for gastrointestinal ailments. The spasmolytic activity that could substantiate the traditional use of G. lutea root had not been investigated. The main objective goal of the study was to determine the validity of its use as a traditional remedy. The extraction of G. lutea root was performed using a 50% hydroethanolic solvent with three different extraction techniques: ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), heat-assisted extraction, and percolation. The spasmolytic activity was tested on isolated rat ileum. The mechanism of action was monitored using the models of spontaneous contractions and acetylcholine-, histamine-, CaCl2-, Bay K8644-, L-NAME-, ODQ-, apamin-, BaCl2-, charybdotoxin-, glibenclamide-, TRAM-34-, and quinine-modified contractions. UAE, having the best bioactivity, was further subjected to a liquid-liquid extraction fractionation. HPLC phytochemical analysis was performed for all tested extracts and fractions. Gentian root extracts were rich in secoiridoids, xanthones, and flavonoids. The UAE has shown better results on spontaneous contractions in comparison to its fractions, leading to the more detailed testing of its spasmolytic mechanism of activity. The extract's activity is primarily mediated through intermediate conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels, ATP-sensitive K+ channels, voltage-sensitive K+ channels, and mechanisms that activate Ca2+ channels. Overall, the G. lutea root shows great potential in the treatment of spasmodic gastrointestinal ailments.

Optimizing the ultrasonic extraction of polyphenols from mango peel and investigating the characteristics, antioxidant activity and storage stability of extract nanocapsules in maltodextrin/whey protein isolate

In this study, the extraction and nanoencapsulation of mango peel extract (MPE) were investigated to enhance its stability and preserve its antioxidant properties. Initially, using the central composite design (CCD)-response surface methodology (RSM), optimal conditions for the extraction of MPE via an ultrasonic system were determined to be a temperature of 10.53 °C, a time of 34.35 min, and an ethanol concentration of 26.62 %. Subsequently, the extracted extract was spray-dried and nanoencapsulated using three types of coatings: maltodextrin, whey protein isolate (WPI), and their combination. The results showed that nanoencapsulation led to a significant improvement in the stability of phenolic compounds in the extract during storage compared to free extract. Furthermore, capsules prepared with the combined coating exhibited the highest levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Therefore, it can be concluded that nanoencapsulation can serve as an effective method for preserving the bioactive properties of MPE.

Extraction and Separation of Natural Products from Microalgae and Other Natural Sources Using Liquefied Dimethyl Ether, a Green Solvent: A Review

Microalgae are a sustainable source for the production of biofuels and bioactive compounds. This review discusses significant research on innovative extraction techniques using dimethyl ether (DME) as a green subcritical fluid. DME, which is characterized by its low boiling point and safety as an organic solvent, exhibits remarkable properties that enable high extraction rates of various active compounds, including lipids and bioactive compounds, from high-water-content microalgae without the need for drying. In this review, the superiority of liquefied DME extraction technology for microalgae over conventional methods is discussed in detail. In addition, we elucidate the extraction mechanism of this technology and address its safety for human health and the environment. This review also covers aspects related to extraction equipment, various applications of different extraction processes, and the estimation and trend analysis of the Hansen solubility parameters. In addition, we anticipate a promising trajectory for the expansion of this technology for the extraction of various resources.

Standardization of the analytical procedure based on deep eutectic solvent for the extraction and measurement of tricyclic antidepressants drugs in post-mortem blood samples

Measuring drugs in post-mortem blood samples is one of the most important challenges in forensic medicine. The development of sensitive analytical techniques for the measurement of drugs in biological samples is of great use in forensic medicine. In this research an easy, safe and environmental friendly vortex-assisted liquid phase microextraction (VA-LPME) based on deep eutectic solvent (DES) followed by high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV) was developed for the extraction, preconcentration and analysis of tricyclic antidepressants drugs (TCAs) in post-mortem blood samples. DES synthesized from thymol as hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and ethylene glycol (EG) as hydrogen bond donor (HBD) with a molar ratio of 2:1 was used as an extractant. After adding DES to the sample solution, the resulting mixture was vortexed in order to increase the contact surface and increase the extraction efficiency. Next, phase separation was done using centrifugation. Some effective parameters on the extraction were studied and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, intra- and inter-day %RSDs of the method based on 7 replicate measurements of 100 μg L-1 of TCAs in blood samples were in the range of 2.4-5.1 and 3.7-6.8 %, respectively. The analytical performance of the method showed linearity over the concentration of 3-500 μg L-1 with the detection limits ranging from 1.0-2.0 μg L-1. The trueness of the method was confirmed by spiking different concentrations of TCAs in real blood samples and obtaining relative recoveries in the range of 91.2-108 %.

Evaluating the Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Properties of Medicago sativa and Solidago virgaurea Polyphenolic-Rich Extracts

The present study evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of Medicago sativa and Solidago virgaurea extracts enriched in polyphenolic compounds. The extracts were obtained by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and laser irradiation. Then, microfiltration was used for purification, followed by nanofiltration used to concentrate the two extracts. The obtained extracts were analyzed to determine their antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power methods. The antidiabetic properties have been investigated in vitro on a murine insulinoma cell line (β-TC-6) by the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. M. sativa obtained by laser irradiation and concentrated by nanofiltration showed the highest DPPH• scavenging (EC50 = 105.2 ± 1.1 µg/mL) and reducing power activities (EC50 = 40.98 ± 0.2 µg/mL). M. sativa extracts had higher inhibition on α-amylase (IC50 = 23.9 ± 1.2 µg/mL for concentrated extract obtained after ASE, and 26.8 ± 1.1), while S. virgaurea had the highest α-glucosidase inhibition (9.3 ± 0.9 µg/mL for concentrated extract obtained after ASE, and 8.6 ± 0.7 µg/mL for concentrated extract obtained after laser extraction). The obtained results after evaluating in vitro the antidiabetic activity showed that the treatment with M. sativa and S. virgaurea polyphenolic-rich extracts stimulated the insulin secretion of β-TC-6 cells, both under normal conditions and under hyperglycemic conditions as well. This paper argues that M. sativa and S. virgaurea polyphenolic-rich extracts could be excellent natural sources with promising antidiabetic potential.

Pesticides vs. Biopesticides: From Pest Management to Toxicity and Impacts on the Environment and Human Health

The environmental pollution that occurs in direct response to the widespread use of man-made/conventional pesticides results from many chemicals that require a long period of time, often decades, to degrade. The synthetic nature of pesticides also harms animals, beneficial insects, microorganisms, and plants, as well as humans. Fortunately, however, there are many natural pesticides, the so-called biopesticides, that are also effective against pests and more importantly, do not interfere with the well-being of ecosystems. Consequently, most biopesticides are safer for use around people and pets than man-made pesticides because, for example, they can be easily washed away from fruits and vegetables. The natural habitat is a rich resource with a wide selection of plants, many of which are also used to treat diseases in humans, animals, and plants. Out of concern for public health, environmental safety, and the stringent regulation of pesticide residues in agricultural commodities, the use of biopesticides is becoming increasingly important, but questions regarding potential pest resistance to these products may arise, just as is the case with conventional pesticides. Therefore, the performance and potential role of biopesticides in the management of plant pests should be prioritized due to their sustainability and importance to human and environmental welfare. In this review, we propose to highlight a scenario in which we discuss in detail the main constraints posed by the use of pesticides compared to biopesticides, starting with issues regarding their definition and continuing on to issues related to their toxicity and their impact on the environment and human health.

Natural pigments (anthocyanins and chlorophyll) and antioxidants profiling of European red and green gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa L.) extracted using green techniques (UAE-citric acid-mediated extraction)

Green techniques to extract natural pigments are gaining prominence among consumers and food industries. This trend is predominantly due to the harmful effects imparted by commonly used synthetic dyes and the unwarranted stress created on our ecosystem. The objectives of this study were to obtain natural pigments (anthocyanins and chlorophyll) from Estonian-gown European green and red gooseberries by ultrasonic-assisted citric acid-mediated extraction method and perform antioxidant profiling (quantification via HPLC analysis). Green gooseberry extracts showed lower content of targeted compounds, with low concentrations of rutin (0.7-1.2 mg/L) and quercetin 3-glucoside (0.9-1.3 mg/L), while in the red gooseberry extracts, the amount was slightly higher (1.4-6.9 and 1.0-1.3 mg/L, respectively) with 0.6-6.8 mg/L cyanidin 3-glucoside and 0.32-0.35 mg/L peonidin 3 glucoside recorded. Further, the yield of anthocyanins ranged between 1.14-1.79 and 1.86-3.63 mg/100 g in green and red gooseberries, respectively. Total phenols ranged between 162-392 and 263-987 mg GAE/100 g in green and red gooseberry extracts, respectively. The DPPH free radicals scavenging activity showed 73-86% and 87-91% inhibition in both green and red gooseberry, respectively. Results showed significant improvements in pigment extraction with higher values obtained for targeted antioxidant compounds using conventional and UAE extraction (aqueous extract), thus confirming that green extractions are a reliable technique to obtain pigments of interest from natural sources. The results support consumers' demand and open up the avenue to explore pigments as natural colourants in food and cosmetics applications.

Yellow Himalayan Raspberry (Rubus ellipticus Sm.): Ethnomedicinal, Nutraceutical, and Pharmacological Aspects

Yellow Himalayan raspberry (Rubus ellipticus Sm., Rosaceae) is a native species of the Indian subcontinent, Southern China, and the Philippines, which has been historically used as a traditional medicine and food. All of the parts of this plant have been used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory ailments, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disorder, and as an anti-infective agent. The scientific evaluation revealed a richness of macronutrients, micronutrients, and minerals in the fruits, indicating its potential use as a nutraceutical. Furthermore, this plant has been found to be rich in various secondary metabolites, including polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, and terpenoids. Ascorbic acid, kaempferol, gallic acid, and catechin are some of the compounds found in this plant, which have been widely discussed for their health benefits. Furthermore, various extracts and compounds obtained from R. ellipticus have shown antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, nephroprotective, antipyretic, anticonvulsant, and anti-infective activities investigated through different study models. These findings in the literature have validated some of the widespread uses of the fruits in folk medicinal systems and the consumption of this nutritious wild fruit by local communities. In conclusion, R. ellipticus holds strong potential for its development as a nutraceutical. It can also improve the nutritional status of villagers and uplift the economy if properly utilized and marketed.

Chimaphila umbellata; a biotechnological perspective on the coming-of-age prince's pine

Chimaphila umbellata has been studied for almost two centuries now, with the first paper exploring the phytochemistry of the plant published in 1860. Almost all contemporary studies focus on the biotechnological advances of C. umbellata including its utilization as a natural alternative in the cosmetic, food, biofuel, and healthcare industry, with a special focus on its therapeutic uses. This literature review critically investigates the significance and applications of secondary metabolites extracted from the plant and presses on the biotechnological approaches to improve its utilization. C. umbellata is home to many industrially and medicinally important phytochemicals, the majority of which belong to phenolics, sterols, and triterpenoids. Other important compounds include 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, isohomoarbutin, and methyl salicylate (the only essential oil of the plant). Chimaphilin is the characteristic phytochemical of the plant. This review focuses on the phytochemistry of C. umbellata and digs into their chemical structures and attributes. It further discusses the challenges of working with C. umbellata including its alarming conservation status, problems with in-vitro cultivation, and research and development issues. This review concludes with recommendations based on biotechnology, bioinformatics, and their crucial interface.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) Polyphenols and Their Nutraceutical Value against Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

Coriander is a widely used plant for its medicinal and biological properties. Both coriander essential oil and extracts are interesting sources of bioactive compounds and are widely used as spices in culinary practice due to their exclusive aroma and flavour. We focus our attention on coriander extracts that are rich in polyphenols. It is well known that plant polyphenols possess different biological activities and several functional foods contain this class of compounds. The polyphenol profile in an extract can be influenced by the plant part studied, the method of extraction and other parameters. This study performs a literature review using the words "coriander", "polyphenols" and "extraction" or "biological activity" in different databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus. After that, we focus on the evidence of coriander polyphenols as protective agents against some inflammation-related diseases. Due to the bioactivities of coriander extract, this herb can be considered a valuable functional food against obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

Tridepsides as potential bioactives: a review on their chemistry and the global distribution of their lichenic and non-lichenic natural sources

Tridepsides, as fully oxidized polyketides, have been known to exist in lichens for more than a century. Recent studies have showed that these possible defensive lichenochemicals possess various biological activities. Also, a candidate biosynthetic gene cluster was recently reported for gyrophoric acid (GA), an important tridepside. The present study focused on biosynthesis, natural sources, biological activities, and bioanalytical methods of tridepside molecules. Our survey shows that, so far, lichenic tridepsides have been reported from 37 families, 111 genera, and 526 species of lichen. Because many of their species contain tridepsides, the families Parmeliaceae, Lobariaceae, and Peltigeraceae can be considered critical lichenic sources of tridepsides. Furthermore, several species of Hypotrachyna in Parmeliaceae family showed lichenic tridepsides, suggesting that this genus is a viable source of tridepsides. This research also explored tridepsides from non-lichenic sources, such as non-lichenized fungi, lichenicolous fungi, endophytes, parasites, and liverworts, which offer substantial potential as biotechnological sources to produce tridepsides, which are produced in small amounts in lichen thalli. Two lichenic tridepsides have also been detected in non-lichenic sources: GA and tenuiorin (TE). Additionally, no significant correlation was found between tridepside biosynthesis and geographical distribution patterns for several potentially tridepside-producing lichens. We further showed that GA is the most studied tridepside with various reported biological activities, including anticancer, wound healing, photoprotection, anti-aging, antioxidant, cardiovascular effect, DNA interaction, anti-diabetes, anti-Alzheimer's, anti-bacterial, and antifungal. Last but not least, this study provides an overview of some bioanalytical methods used to analyze tridepsides over the past few years.

Comparison of Different Green Extraction Techniques Used for the Extraction of Targeted Flavonoids from Edible Feijoa (Acca sellowiana (O.Berg) Burret) Flowers

This study aimed to investigate the effect of four green extraction techniques (ultrasound-assisted extraction, UAE; supercritical fluid extraction, SFE; subcritical water extraction, SWE; and extraction using deep eutectic solvents, DES) on the extraction of targeted flavonoids from edible feijoa flowers. The bioactive components in the obtained extracts were quantified by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photodiode Array Detector (HPLC-PDA). Moreover, total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity by DPPH^•, ABTS^•+, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays were investigated. UAE generally gave the highest yields for isoquercitrin and quercetin content (18.36-25.33 and 10.86-16.13 µg/g), while DES extraction with choline chloride:lactic acid (1:2) and H₂O content of 50% gave the highest yield of chrysanthemin (90.81 µg/g). The highest yield of flavone (12.69 mg/g) was obtained with supercritical CO₂ at 300 bar. Finally, UAE gave the highest total polyphenol content (ca. 64 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity at 70 °C during 30 min with 40% (0.84 mmol TEAC/g and 2.25 mmol Fe²⁺/g, for ABTS^•+ and CUPRAC, respectively) and 60% ethanol-water solution (0.49 mmol TEAC/g and 2.09 mmol Fe²⁺/g, for DPPH^• and FRAP, respectively). The eco-friendly extraction techniques resulted in selective methods capable of extracting targeted bioactive compounds from edible feijoa flowers.

Green Solvents in the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Dried Apple Cultivars

New extraction protocols, gas-expanded liquid extraction (GXLE), and ultrasound extraction (UE) have been optimized with an emphasis on using green solvents and maximizing the extraction of 14 selected phenolic compounds, including flavonoid-based compounds and phenolic acids from dried apples. The design of the experiments' approach was applied to optimize the main extraction parameters. Fine tuning included optimization of the flow rate in GXLE and the extraction time for GXLE and UE. Optimized GXLE was carried out with CO₂-ethanol-water (34/53.8/12.2; v/v/v) at a flow rate of 3 mL/min at a temperature of 75 °C and pressure of 120 bar for 30 min. UE with ethanol-water 26/74 (v/v) lasted for 10 min at 70 °C. Both methods differed in solvent consumption and sample throughput, while providing a comparable total phenolic content of 2442 µg/g with an RSD < 10% and 2226 µg/g with RSD < 6%, for GXLE and UE, respectively. Both methods were used in determining the phenolic compounds in five apple cultivars, 'Angold', 'Artiga', 'Golden Delicious', 'Meteor', and 'Topaz'. Phenolic profiles were plotted with chlorogenic acid, catechin, epicatechin, hirsutrin, phloridzin, and guaiaverin as the main components. Statistical evaluation, including pair t-test, Bland-Altman test, and linear regression did not reveal any differences between UE and GXLE results.

The Effect of Extraction Methods on Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Green Coffee Beans Extracts

The objectives of the present study consisted of identifying the impact of extraction methods and parameters held over the phytochemistry and biological activities of green coffee beans. Extraction processes belonging to two categories were performed: classical methods-maceration, Soxhlet extraction, and such innovative methods as turboextraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and a combination of the latter two. Total polyphenolic and flavonoid content, as well as in vitro antioxidant activity of the resulted extracts were spectrophotometrically determined. Extracts displaying the highest yields of bioactive compounds were subjected to High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis. The extracts with the best phytochemical profiles were selected for biological activity assessment. In vivo, a model of plantar inflammation in Wistar rats was used to determine antioxidant activity, by evaluating the oxidative stress reduction potential, and anti-inflammatory activity. In vitro antimicrobial activity was also determined. The Soxhlet extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction gave the highest bioactive compound yields. The highest total polyphenolic content was 2.691 mg/mL gallic acid equivalents and total flavonoid content was 0.487 mM quercetin equivalents for the Soxhlet extract subjected to 60 min extraction time. Regarding the antioxidant activity, ultrasound-assisted extraction reached the highest levels, i.e., 9.160 mg/mL Trolox equivalents in the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) assay and 26.676 mM Trolox equivalents in the FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assay, at a 30 min extraction time and 50 °C extraction temperature. The 60 min Soxhlet extract reached the highest level for the ABTS⁺ (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) assay, 16.136 mM Trolox equivalents, respectively. Chlorogenic acid was present in the highest concentration in the same Soxhlet extract, 1657.179 µg/mL extract, respectively. Sterolic compounds were found in high concentrations throughout all the analyzed extracts. A proportional increase between yields and extraction parameter values was observed. Increased inhibition of Gram-negative bacteria was observed. The finally selected Soxhlet extract, that of 60 min extraction time, presented a significant in vivo antioxidant activity, with a slight anti-inflammatory activity. Antioxidant levels were elevated after 2 h of extract administration. Pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion was not influenced by the administration of the extract.

Insight into Green Extraction for Roselle as a Source of Natural Red Pigments: A Review

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is a source of anthocyanins as red pigments that is extensively farmed in tropical and subtropical regions, including Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Thailand, Egypt, Mexico, and West India. The roselle plant contains a variety of nutrients, including anthocyanins, organic acids, pectin, etc. Due to the toxicity and combustibility of the solvents, traditional extraction methods for these compounds are restricted. Obtaining pure extracts is typically a lengthy procedure requiring many processes. Supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO₂) extraction as a green technology is rapidly improving and extending its application domains. The advantages of this method are zero waste production, quicker extraction times, and reduced solvent consumption. The ScCO₂ extraction of natural pigments has great promise in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and textiles, among other uses. The ScCO₂ technique for natural pigments may also be advantageous in a variety of other contexts. Due to their minimal environmental risk, the high-quality red pigments of roselle rich in anthocyanins extracted using ScCO₂ extraction have a high sustainability potential. Therefore, the objective of this review is to increase knowledge related to the natural colorant of roselle as a substitute for chemically manufactured colorants using ScCO₂ as a green method. This article covers ScCO₂ extraction, particularly as it relates to the optimization of pigments that promote health. This article focuses on the high extraction efficiency of ScCO₂ extraction. Natural colorants extracted via ScCO₂ are regarded as safe compounds, especially for human consumption, such as novel functional food additives and textile and pharmaceutical colors.

Extraction and utilization of active substances from edible fungi substrate and residue: A review

The expansion of the edible fungi industry has resulted in the production of large amounts of edible fungus residues, causing great pressure on environmental protection.Therefore, research on edible fungus residue utilization has become a controversial issue. Thus far, numerous efforts have been devoted to separate active substances from edible fungus substrates and residues for high application value utilization. Building upon this, the main methods for extracting active substances from edible mushroom residues are reviewed, and the mechanisms, influencing factors, and trade-offs of the various methods are analysed. Furthermore, the existing and possible directions of utilization of the extracted active substances are reviewed and discussed. Finally, challenges and prospects for the extraction and utilization of different substances in edible fungus residues are proposed. This review provides an effective strategy for protecting the ecological environment and promoting the sustainable development of human society.

Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Plants Belonging to the Lavandula Genus

Lavender is a valuable medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Currently 39 species are known, but only Lavandula angustifolia is a pharmacopoeial raw material. Lavender has a long history of medicinal use and mainly exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sedative, antidepressant, spasmolytic, anticholinesterases, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Used internally, it relieves symptoms of mental stress and insomnia and supports digestion. Topical use of lavender in aromatherapy, neuralgia and antiseptics is also known. The constant interest in lavender, and in particular in Lavandula angustifolia, in the field of medicine and pharmacy is evidenced by the growing number of publications. In view of so many studies, it seems important to review traditional and modern extraction techniques that determine the chemical composition responsible for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of various extracts from the species of the Lavandula genus.

Isolation of Cherry Seed Oil Using Conventional Techniques and Supercritical Fluid Extraction

This study aims to compare the suitability of three extraction techniques (cold pressing, Soxhlet and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)) to isolate oil from cherry seeds. Oils were examined in terms of extraction yield, fatty acids profile, tocopherols yield and antioxidant activity. Additionally, influence of SFE parameters was evaluated using one-factor-at-a-time design with pressure (200−350 bar), temperature (40−70 °C), flow rate (0.2−0.4 kg/h) and particle size (<800 µm and >800 µm). Oil yields ranged from 2.50% to 13.02%, whereas the highest yield was achieved with SFE. Samples were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, regardless of the applied extraction technique. The main fatty acids were linoleic (46.32−47.29%), oleic (40.89−41.65%), palmitic (6.56−8.00%) and stearic (2.21−2.30%) acid. Total tocopherols yield was between 16.63 mg/100 g oil and 60.61 mg/100 g oil, and highest yield was achieved with SFE. Among the tocopherols, γ-tocopherol was the most abundant, followed by α-, δ- and β-tocopherol. Antioxidant activity was determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) cation (ABTS) assays, and the results indicated that SFE extracts exhibited better or comparable antioxidant potential compared to traditional techniques. The comparison between modern and conventional extractions for oil recovery demonstrates pros and cons for the possibility of industrial application.

Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds, Flavonoids, and Antioxidants from Dill (Anethum graveolens L.)

This study evaluated the effect of ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) on the isolation of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidants from dill. UAE improved the extraction yields of total phenolic compounds and total flavonoid content as well as increased the antioxidant activities of all dill extracts. The optimum UAE condition to obtain highest total phenolic compounds, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activities was 50% ethanol for 30 min giving 135.88 ± 3.23 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract and 229.53 ± 4.97 mg rutin equivalent/g extract, respectively. Lowest IC₅₀ values against 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals were 0.034 ± 0.00 mg/mL and 0.12 ± 0.00 mg/mL, respectively. Results indicated the capability of UAE in extracting biologically active compounds from dill as a prospective functional material.

Biotechnology and In Vitro Culture as an Alternative System for Secondary Metabolite Production

Medicinal plants are rich sources of bioactive compounds widely used as medicaments, food additives, perfumes, and agrochemicals. These secondary compounds are produced under stress conditions to carry out physiological tasks in plants. Secondary metabolites have a complex chemical structure with pharmacological properties. The widespread use of these metabolites in a lot of industrial sectors has raised the need to increase the production of secondary metabolites. Biotechnological methods of cell culture allow the conservation of plants, as well as the improvement of metabolite biosynthesis and the possibility to modify the synthesis pathways. The objective of this review is to outline the applications of different in vitro culture systems with previously reported relevant examples for the optimal production of plant-derived secondary metabolites.

Silk Fibroin Hydrogels Incorporated with the Antioxidant Extract of Stryphnodendron adstringens Bark

Barbatimão (Stryphnodendron adstringens) is a Brazilian medicinal plant known for its pharmacological properties, including healing activity related to its phenolic composition, which is chiefly given by tannins. In order to preserve its stability and bioactivity, barbatimão extracts can be incorporated into (bio-)polymeric matrixes, of which silk fibroin stands out due to its versatility and tunable properties. This work aimed to obtain barbatimão bark extract rich in phenolic compounds and evaluate its incorporation in fibroin hydrogels. From the extraction process, it was observed that the PG (propylene glycol) extract presented a higher global yield (X₀) and phenolic compounds (TPC) than the ET (ethanol) extract. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity (ORAC and FRAP) was similar between both extracts. Regarding the hydrogels, morphological, chemical, thermal, and mechanical characterizations were performed to understand the influence of the barbatimão extract and the solvent on the fibroin hydrogel properties. As a result, the hydrogels containing the barbatimão PG extract (BT/PG hydrogels) showed the better physical-chemical and structural performance. Therefore, these hydrogels should be further investigated regarding their potential in medical and pharmaceutical applications, especially in wound healing.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction, optimization, isolation, and antioxidant activity analysis of flavonoids from Astragalus membranaceus stems and leaves

Astragalus membranaceus is a medicinal and edible species in China, with a variety of biological activities. This study evaluated the reuse potential of A. membranaceus waste as a source of food antioxidants. Antioxidant and antifungal activities of flavonoids, polysaccharides, and saponins from A. membranaceus stems and leaves were evaluated. Results showed that inhibition rate of flavonoids on six tested fungi reaches 100 % at a concentration of 5 mg/mL, and the antioxidant test demonstrated satisfactory antioxidant activity. On this basis, an extremely economical ultrasonic-assisted extraction of flavonoids from A. membranaceus stems and leaves was developed and optimized via response surface methodology (RSM). Optimized conditions included an extraction time of 35 min, ethanol concentration of 75 %, liquid-solid ratio of 40 mL/g, and extraction temperature of 58 °C, in which the extraction yield of flavonoids was 22.0270 ± 2.5739 mg/g. The total flavonoids were separated and purified using activity-guided isolation technology, and frac. ccd with strong antioxidant activity were analyzed via HPLC-MS/MS. Results showed that main components are isoquercitrin and astragalin. This study can provide a potential innovative application for the development of natural food antioxidants from A. membranaceus waste.