Development and validation of an improved oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay using fluorescein as the fluorescent probe

Techno-functional aspects of kombucha analogs formulated from mulberry coproducts

This study investigated the techno-functional conditions for producing fermented beverages using the kombucha artisanal consortium (kAC) while implementing sustainable strategies. According to the circular economy principles, the study focused on mulberry coproducts (MC) generated as agro-industrial waste during mulberry fruit production. The presence of target microorganisms in the beverage and biofilm was recorded to determine the MC content necessary for establishing kAC. Additionally, the physicochemical characteristics, carbohydrate and polyphenol profiles were analyzed to understand their impact on antioxidant activity and sensory responses in the soft drink. Notably, a concentration of 0.25% MC was found to yield fermented soft drinks rich in probiotic populations and displaying nutraceutical qualities that enhance antioxidant activity and sensory acceptability. This study offers valuable technical guidance for repurposing mulberry pruning coproducts in the creation of novel products.

The preventive and therapeutic consumption of meat enriched with carob fruit extract, rich in phenolic compounds, improves colonic antioxidant status in late-stage T2DM rats

Oxidative stress is prevalent in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and has been associated with high meat consumption. Carob Fruit Extract (CFE) contains phenolic compounds, making it a suitable functional ingredient. Current study aims to evaluate the effect of CFE-enriched meat (CFE-meat) consumption on the antioxidant status of proximal and distal colon, and its relationship with fecal phenolic compounds in late-stage T2DM rats. Three groups of eight rats were studied: 1) D, fed control-meat; 2) ED, fed CFE-meat since the beginning of the study; 3) DE, fed CFE-meat after confirming T2DM. CFE-meat consumption reduces colonic oxidative stress mainly in the proximal section and helps to ameliorate glutathione metabolism and antioxidant score. Difference between ED and DE groups were associated with colon homeostasis and T2DM progression suggesting greater fermentation but lower absorption in the DE group. CFE appears as a promising tool to improve the antioxidant status observed in late-stage T2DM.

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.

From waste to bioactive compounds: A response surface methodology approach to extract antioxidants from Pistacia vera shells for postprandial hyperglycaemia management

Pistacia vera shells, an abundant agricultural by-product, are a rich source of undiscovered bioactive compounds. This study employed a response surface methodology (RSM) approach to optimize the microwave-assisted extraction of antioxidants. The highest total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity were achieved under the optimized extraction conditions (20 % ethanol, 1000 W, 135 s, and solvent-to-solid ratio of 27 mL/g). The resulting extract (OPVS-E) included gallic acid derivatives, hydrolysable tannins, flavonoids, fatty acids, and anacardic acids. Remarkably, OPVS-E displayed potent inhibitory activity against α-amylase (IC50 = 2.05 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 41.07 μg/mL), by far more powerful than the anti-diabetic drug acarbose, OPVS-E exhibited a strong antiradical capacity against reactive oxygen species (ROS) without causing toxicity in intestinal cells (HT29-MTX and Caco-2). These findings introduce OPVS-E as a potential novel dual-action nutraceutical ingredient, able to mitigate postprandial hyperglycemia and counteract the ROS overproduction occurring in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Prussian blue nanocubes with peroxidase-like activity for polyphenol detection in commercial beverages

The present study describes an efficient method for the determination of polyphenol content in beverages based on a composite material of graphene oxide decorated with Prussian blue nanocubes (rGO/PBNCs). In this method, rGO/PBNCs act as a nanoenzyme with peroxidase-like catalytic activity and produce a colorimetric product in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). To verify the effectiveness of the method, we used two model standards for antioxidants: gallic acid (GA) and tannic acid (TA). The method validation included a comparison of the performance of a natural enzyme and an artificial one (rGO/PBNCs) and two polyphenols in the analysis of commercial beverage samples. After optimization, a pH of 4, ambient temperature (22 °C), a reaction time of 2 minutes and an rGO/PBNCs concentration of 0.01 μg mL-1 were found to be the most favorable conditions. The detection limits obtained were 5.6 μmol L-1 for GA and 1.5 μmol L-1 for TA. Overall, rGO/PBNCs offer advantages over natural enzymes in terms of stability, versatility, scalability and durability, making them attractive candidates for a wide range of catalytic and sensory applications.

Biorefinery approach with green solvents for the valorization of Citrus reticulata leaves to obtain antioxidant and anticholinergic extracts

Citrus reticulata L leaves are one of the main post-harvest byproduct, containing bioactive compounds, that are usually undervalued. This work describes the development of a biorefinery process based on the application of supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) followed by ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) combined with Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NaDES) to extract bioactive terpenoids and phenolic compounds from these leaves. Extraction temperature and pressure of SC-CO2 were optimized, obtaining the highest bioactive terpenoids content using 200 bar at 60 °C. A Box-Behnken experimental design showed that 57% of water in NaDES composed of Choline Chloride and Glycerol (1:2) as extraction solvent at 25 °C for 50 min were the optimal UAE-NaDES extraction conditions to obtain the highest bioactive phenolic content from the residue of the optimal SC-CO2 extraction. The optimum extract presented the highest bioactivity and polyphenol content determined by LC-DAD-MS compared with extracts obtained using only water or NaDES as solvent.

Fast FRAP-SIA method to determine antioxidant capacity

One of the most used methods to measure antioxidant capacity in food is the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) test, which is simple, sensitive, and economical, nevertheless has long analysis times, causing measurement errors due to the instability of the FRAP reagent due to its precipitation sequential injection analysis (SIA) is a flow technique that can correct these disadvantages because it is more quickly. So, a novel FRAP-SIA method was developed to evaluate the antioxidant capacity. The system was optimized using a central composite design for hydrodynamic and chemical factors, resulting in a flow rate of 35 μL s-1, and aspirate volumes of 33 μL-38 μL-33 μL for the sequence (FRAP-Antioxidant-FRAP). FRAP reagent was prepared with an HCl solution at 0.005 mol L-1, improving its stability 24 times, concerning when it is in acetate buffer at pH 3.6. The method showed excellent accuracy (RSD <3%) with a LOD of 1.0 μmol L-1 of Trolox for a linear range of 5-120 μmol L-1. The reaction time was diminished by 96% concerning the FRAP-microplate assay (from 30 min to 1.2 min). The method was applied in beverages and extracts, obtaining recovery values ranging from 91.24 to 114.22%.

Optimization of fractionation with membranes of antioxidant enzymatic hydrolysate of Californian red worm (Eisenia fetida) protein

Problem

Earthworm is a valuable source of biologically and pharmacologically active compounds, with applications in the treatment of various types of diseases; however, the main application they have been given is in the production of organic fertilizer. One of the alternatives for obtaining bioactive compounds is by means of enzymatic hydrolysis.

Aim

This study proposes the optimization of the fractionation of the antioxidant enzymatic hydrolysate from Californian red worm (Eisenia fetida) protein.

Methodology

For this purpose, the worms were separated and hydrolyzed using the enzyme Alcalase 2.4L for 4000s. The obtained hydrolysate was fractionated by means of a crossflow tangential ultrafiltration system, with a 3 kDa molecular weight cut-off ceramic membrane. A response surface design of the composite central factorial type was implemented to evaluate the effect of pH, transmembrane pressure, and flow factors on the response variables transmission, volume reduction factor (VRF) and permeate flow resistance. The transmissions focused on the antioxidant peptides, measured by three conventional methods such as TEAC, FRAP, ORAC, also known as TTEAC, TFRAP and TORAC, respectively. The evaluated resistances were the total resistance (Rtotal), fouling resistance (Rfouling), and gel resistance (Rgel).

Result

The results showed that the three factors evaluated affect all the response variables either in their linear or quadratic terms or by some interaction. For each response variable, a mathematical model was obtained, with statistical significance and a non-significant lack of adjustment. The models obtained were used for a multi-objective optimization process in which transfers were maximized, and resistances were minimized. The efficiency of the optimum ultrafiltration process was 25 %.

Conclusion

The neutral-alkaline pH is ideal for the ultrafiltration process of bioactive peptides, as it is where the highest transmissions of peptides with antioxidative capacity are found. Under optimal conditions, the 3 kDa membrane permeate was found to exhibit higher antioxidant capacity than the retentate and feed. Based on this, the fraction of less than 3 kDa emerges as a potential multifunctional ingredient, thanks to its antioxidant properties.

High methoxyl pectin grafted onto gallic acid by one- and two-pot redox-pair procedures

The aim of this research was to graft gallic acid (GA) onto high methoxyl pectin (HMP) through the redox-pair of ascorbic acid (Aa) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with one- and two-pot procedures. The effectiveness of the both procedures and the chemical, physical and antioxidant properties of the obtained HMP-GA were evaluated. HMP-GAone-pot (23.3 ± 0.21 mg GA Equivalent (GAE)/g) and HMP-GAtwo-pot (32.3 ± 0.52 mg GAE/g) were best obtained at H2O2/Aa molar ratio-HMP/GA weight ratio of 9.0-0.5 and 16.0-0.5, respectively. The UV-Vis and FT-IR spectra and along with their derivative and thermal gravimetric analyses, revealed differences between HMP-GAone-pot and HMP-GAtwo-pot. The latter exhibited a greater antioxidant capacity than the former in single electron transfer (ET), hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), and ET-HAT mixed assays. The chemical differences can be attributed to side reactions that may have interfered with the grafting reaction. Consequently, HMP-GA, possessing unique antioxidant and prebiotic properties, can be synthesized through redox-pair procedures.

Phytochemical investigation, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of Tunisian medicinal Tamarix africana Poir

The current study aimed to evaluate Tunisian Tamarix africana Poir biological activities. In this study, novel biological activities of the shoot extracts related to their phenolics investigated. Secondary metabolite contents, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of four extracts (hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and water) were investigated. Antioxidant activities were assessed via in vitro and ex vivo assays. Besides, anticancer activity was investigated against human lung carcinoma (A-549) and colon adenocarcinoma (DLD-1) cells. The anti-inflammatory ability was evaluated via inhibition of LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines. Methanol and water extracts displayed the highest antioxidant (IC50 = 3.3 and 4.3 µg/mL respectively), which are correlated activities correlated with phenolic contents. Hexane extract exhibited an important anti-inflammatory effect inhibiting NO ability by 100% at 80 µg/mL. Besides, T. africana extracts were found to be active against A-549 lung carcinoma cells with IC50 values ranging from 20 to 34 µg/mL. These results suggested that T. africana is considered as a potential source of readily accessible natural molecules with a promising effect on human health and diseases.

Insights into the Bioactive Composition, Antioxidant Properties and In Vitro Cell Effects of Disphyma crassifolium

Disphyma crassifolium, commonly known as sea fingers, is a halophyte plant recently introduced in gourmet cuisine. The present study aims to extract the bioactive compounds of D. crassifolium using ultrasound-assisted extraction and employing green solvents (water and ethanol). The antioxidant/antiradical activities, scavenging capacity against reactive species, phenolic profile, and intestinal effects were evaluated. The highest total phenolic (53.13 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g on dry weight (dw)) and flavonoid contents (18.98 mg of catechin equivalent (CE)/g dw) as well as antioxidant (149.69 µmol of ferrous sulphate equivalent (FSE)/g dw) and antiradical capacities (9.37 mg of ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/g dw) were achieved for the alcoholic extract. Moreover, the alcoholic extract exhibited an efficient uptake of HOCl (IC50 = 1.97 µg/mL) and ROO• (0.34 μmol of Trolox equivalent (TE)/mg dw). A total of 34 phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts, with flavonols (isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, and myricetin), flavanols (catechin), and phenolic acids (gallic and ellagic acids) being the principal classes. The intestinal cell viability assays attested that the alcoholic extract presented the lowest IC50 values (289.82 and 35.77 µg/mL for HT29-MTX and Caco-2), showing probable anticancer activity. These results emphasize the potential of D. crassifolium as a nutraceutical ingredient.

Antioxidant capacity of an ethanolic extract of Elaeagnus x submacrophylla Servett. leaves

In this study, we investigated the ethanolic extraction of the leaves of a very common but little studied plant species, Elaeagnus x submacrophylla Servett. and the opportunity of generating an antioxidant ingredient. The phytochemical profile of an ethanolic extract is also described here using gas chromatography and ultra-performance liquid chromatography, both combined with mass spectrometry (GC-MS and UPLC-MS), highlighting the presence of flavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids and a set of volatile compounds. Through in vitro assays (DPPH, ABTS, ORAC), the free radical scavenging capacity of the ingredient was then investigated (from 0.25 to 1.75 mmol TE/g) and compared with well-known standard antioxidants (BHT, gallic acid, quercetin, Trolox and vitamin C). In addition, in cellulo antioxidant capacity was performed using mice fibroblasts, revealing an activity equivalent to 50 mg/L of quercetin when tested the ethanolic extract in the concentration range of 50-300 mg/L, suggesting a synergistic combination effect of the identified phytochemicals. These results support the use of Elaeagnus x submacrophylla as a source of antioxidant ingredients.

Evidence of the Relationship between the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and the Potential Exposure of White Wines to Atypical Aging (ATA)

Atypical aging (ATA) is a well-known wine defect that leads to unacceptable off-odors of wet mop, soap, waxy, furniture varnish, and dish rag. The main compound that is responsible for these undesired scents, 2-aminoacetophenone (AAP), results from the oxidative degradation of 3-indole acetic acid. This study aimed to investigate different technological factors for a possible effect on the oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC) and ATA development in white wine. Oxygenation during fermentation did not result in a significant effect on the development of ORAC or ATA development. Instead, the addition of ascorbic acid after vinification led to increased ORAC and decreased AAP formation. The first evidence of a tendency toward a correlation between ORAC and potential ATA development was found, with r = 0.365. This study showed the potential of the ORAC assay for an early assessment of the possible formation of ATA during wine storage.

Green manure (Crotalaria juncea L.) enhances Origanum vulgare L. biomass accumulation, essential oil yield, and phytochemical properties

Green manure (GM) may reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, been an ecologically appropriate strategy to cultivation of medicinal plants. Crotalaria juncea, is one of the most used because it adapts to different climatic and high nitrogen content. Origanum vulgare. is widely used in cooking, pharmaceutical, cosmetic industries and food products. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the GM on biomass, essential oil (EO), phenolic and antioxidant. The experiment consisted: control; 150, 300, 450, and 600 g (Sh= leaves+steam) more 200 g roots (R); 600 g aerial part; 200 g roots; and soil with 300 g cattle manure per pot. The highest dry weights were observed in the presence of GM and cattle manure (90 days). The control had an EO production 75% lower in relation to the dose of 450 g GM (Sh+R). Principal component analysis showed that GM and cattle manure positively influenced the dry weight, content, yield, and EO constituents, and total flavonoids. The GM contributed to the accumulation of the major EO compounds (trans-sabinene hydrate, thymol, terpinen-4-ol). The GM management may be beneficial for cultivating, because it can increase the production of biomass and the active components, in addition to being an inexpensive resource.

Microencapsulation of Theobroma cacao L polyphenols: A high-value approach with in vitro anti-Trypanosoma cruzi, immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities

Chagas disease (CHD) is the highest economic burden parasitosis worldwide and the most important cardiac infection, without therapeutic alternatives to halt or reverse its progression. In CHD-experimental models, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds have demonstrated therapeutic potential in cardiac dysfunction. Theobroma cacao polyphenols are potent natural antioxidants with cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory action, which are susceptible to degradation, requiring technological approaches to guarantee their protection, stability, and controlled release. Here, 21 cocoa polyphenol-rich microencapsulates were produced by spray-drying and freeze-drying techniques using two wall materials (maltodextrin and gum arabic). Chemical (total and individual phenolic content and antioxidant activity), structural (morphology), and biological parameters (cytotoxicity, trypanocidal, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities) were assessed to determine the most efficient microencapsulation conditions on Trypanosoma cruzi-infected myocardioblast and macrophage cells. Significant antiproliferative properties against infected cells (superior to benznidazole) were found in two microencapsulates which also exhibited cardioprotective properties against oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death.

Tetraselmis chuii Edible Microalga as a New Source of Neuroprotective Compounds Obtained Using Fast Biosolvent Extraction

Tetraselmis chuii is an EFSA-approved novel food and dietary supplement with increasing use in nutraceutical production worldwide. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of bioactive compounds extracted from T. chuii using green biobased solvents (ethyl acetate, AcOEt, and cyclopentyl methyl ether, CPME) under pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) conditions and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). Response surface optimization was used to study the effect of temperature and solvent composition on the neuroprotective properties of the PLE extracts, including anticholinergic activity, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) scavenging capacity, and anti-inflammatory activity. Optimized extraction conditions of 40 °C and 34.9% AcOEt in CPME resulted in extracts with high anticholinergic and ROS/RNS scavenging capacity, while operation at 180 °C and 54.1% AcOEt in CPME yielded extracts with potent anti-inflammatory properties using only 20 min. Chemical characterization revealed the presence of carotenoids (neoxanthin, violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, α- and β-carotene) known for their anti-cholinesterase, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential. The extracts also exhibited high levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with a favorable ω-3/ω-6 ratio (>7), contributing to their neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, the extracts were found to be safe to use, as cytotoxicity assays showed no observed toxicity in HK-2 and THP-1 cell lines at or below a concentration of 40 μg mL-1. These results highlight the neuroprotective potential of Tetraselmis chuii extracts, making them valuable in the field of nutraceutical production and emphasize the interest of studying new green solvents as alternatives to conventional toxic solvents.

Encapsulation of Indicaxanthin-Rich Opuntia Green Extracts by Double Emulsions for Improved Stability and Bioaccessibility

Opuntia ficus-indica var. Colorada fruit is an important source of indicaxanthin, a betalain with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuromodulatory potential, proven in both in vitro and in vivo models. Other betalains and phenolic compounds with bioactive activities have also been identified in Colorada fruit extracts. These compounds may degrade by their exposure to different environmental factors, so in the present research, two double emulsion systems (W1/O/W2) were elaborated using Tween 20 (TW) and sodium caseinate (SC) as surfactants to encapsulate Colorada fruit pulp extracts, with the aim of enhancing their stability during storage. Encapsulation efficiencies of up to 97.3 ± 2.7%, particle sizes between 236 ± 4 and 3373 ± 64 nm, and zeta potential values of up to ∣46.2∣ ± 0.3 mV were obtained. In addition, the evaluation of the in vitro gastro-intestinal stability and bioaccessibility of the main individual bioactives was carried out by standardized INFOGEST© protocol, obtaining the highest values for the encapsulated extract bioactives in comparison with the non-encapsulated extract (control). Especially, TW double emulsion showed bioaccessibility values of up to 82.8 ± 1.5% for the main bioactives (indicaxanthin, piscidic acid, and isorhamnetin glucoxyl-rhamnosyl-pentoside 2 (IG2)), indicating a promising potential for its use as a functional natural colorant ingredient.

Ozone Treatment as an Approach to Induce Specialized Compounds in Melissa officinalis Plants

Plants are constantly subjected to environmental changes that deeply affect their metabolism, leading to the inhibition or synthesis of "specialized" compounds, small organic molecules that play a fundamental role in adaptative responses. In this work, Melissa officinalis L. (an aromatic plant broadly cultivated due to the large amounts of secondary metabolites) plants were exposed to realistic ozone (O3) dosages (80 ppb, 5 h day-1) for 35 consecutive days with the aim to evaluate its potential use as elicitor of specialized metabolite production. Ozone induced stomatal dysfunction throughout the whole experiment, associated with a low photosynthetic performance, a decrease in the potential energy conversion activity of PSII, and an alteration in the total chlorophyll content (-35, -36, -10, and -17% as average compared to the controls, respectively). The production of hydrogen peroxide at 7 days from the beginning of exposure (+47%) resulted in lipid peroxidation and visible injuries. This result suggests metabolic disturbance within the cell and a concomitant alteration in cell homeostasis, probably due to a limited activation of antioxidative mechanisms. Moderate accumulated doses of O3 triggered the accumulation of hydroxycinnamic acids and the up-regulation of the genes encoding enzymes involved in rosmarinic acid, phenylpropanoid, and flavonoid biosynthesis. While high accumulated doses of O3 significantly enhanced the content of hydroxybenzoic acid and flavanone glycosides. Our study shows that the application of O3 at the investigated concentration for a limited period (such as two/three weeks) may become a useful tool to stimulate bioactive compounds production in M. officinalis.

Atmospheric immersion and vacuum impregnation of gallotannins and hydrolysed gallotannins from tara pods (Caesalpinia spinosa) mitigate acrylamide and enhances the antioxidant power in potato chips

This research aimed to evaluate atmospheric pressure immersion (API) and vacuum impregnation (VI) of non-hydrolyzed and hydrolyzed tara gallotannins (TE and THE) extracts and the purification process by leaching with ethyl acetate (TE-L and THE-L) and absorption chromatography on the acrylamide (AA) mitigation in potato chips. Better results were obtained with THE-L at hydrolysis degrees of 48.5 and 99.8 % and API with AA reduction of 57.9 and 61.7 %, respectively (p > 0.05), while with TE-L, AA reduction was 29.2 %. Instead, THE-L and TE-L with VI reduced AA by 70.3 and 66.4 %, respectively. In potato chips subjected to THE-L treatment, phenolic compounds and ABTS AC increased in 86.5-91.0 % and 71.0-103.2 %, respectively compared to the control. The main antioxidants were identified in the extracts and in potato chips. Tara gallotannins are an interesting alternative to mitigate AA formation and to enhance the antioxidant power of potato chips.

Investigating the therapeutic effects of novel compounds targeting inflammatory IL-1β and IL-6 signaling pathways in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3

At least seven dominantly inherited spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) are caused by expansions of polyglutamine (polyQ)-encoding CAG repeat. The misfolded and aggregated polyQ-expanded proteins increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), cellular toxicity, and neuroinflammation in the disease pathogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory potentials of coumarin derivatives LM-021, LMDS-1, LMDS-2, and pharmacological chaperone tafamidis using mouse BV-2 microglia and SCA3 ataxin-3 (ATXN3)/Q75-GFP SH-SY5Y cells. The four tested compounds displayed anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production, and CD68 antigen (CD68) and histocompatibility-2 (MHCII) expression in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)/interferon (IFN)-γ-stimulated BV-2 microglia. In retinoic acid-differentiated ATXN3/Q75-GFP-expressing SH-SY5Y cells inflamed with LPS/IFN-γ-primed BV-2 conditioned medium, treatment with test compounds mitigated the increased caspase 1 activity and lactate dehydrogenase release, reduced ROS and ATXN3/Q75 aggregation, and promoted neurite outgrowth. Examination of IL-1β and IL-6-mediated signaling pathways revealed that LM-021, LMDS-1, LMDS-2, and tafamidis decreased NLR family pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1), c-Jun N-terminal kinase/c-Jun proto-oncogene (JNK/JUN), inhibitor of kappa B (IκBα)/P65, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (P38/STAT1), and/or Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling. The study results suggest the potential of LM-021, LMDS-1, LMDS-2, and tafamidis in treating SCA3 and probable other polyQ diseases.

Lupin as Ingredient in Durum Wheat Breadmaking: Physicochemical Properties of Flour Blends and Bread Quality

The popularity of adding pulse flours to baked goods is growing rapidly due to their recognised health benefits. In this study, increasing amounts (3, 7, 10, and 15%) of white lupin flour (Lupinus albus L.) and of protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) were used as replacements for durum wheat semolina to prepare bread, and their effects on the physicochemical properties of the flour blends, as well as the technological and sensory qualities of bread, were evaluated. The addition of protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin and white lupin flour increased the water binding capacity and the leavening rate compared to pure semolina. A farinograph test indicated that the dough development time had a slight but significant tendency to increase with the addition of lupin flour and protein concentrate of narrow-leaved lupin, while had a negative effect on the stability of dough. The alveograph strength decreased (225, 108, and 76 × 10-4 J for dough made with semolina, 15% of protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin, and 15% of white lupin flour, respectively), whereas there was an upward trend in the P/L ratio. Compared to re-milled semolina, the samples with lupin flour and protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin had low amylase activity, with falling number values ranging from 439 s to 566 s. The addition of the two different lupin flours lowered the specific volumes of the breads (2.85, 2.39, and 1.93 cm3/g for bread made from semolina, from 15% of protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin, and from 15% of white lupin flour, respectively) and increased their hardness values (up to 21.34 N in the bread with 15% of protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin). The porosity of the loaves was diminished with the addition of the two lupin flours (range of 5-8). The sensory analysis showed that the addition of white lupin flour or protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin did not impart any unpleasant flavours or odours to the bread. To conclude, the use of lupin in breadmaking requires adjustments to strengthen the gluten network but does not require a deflavouring process.

Evaluating the Atypical Aging Potential Development in Sparkling Wines Can Be Achieved by Assessing the Base Wines at the End of the Alcoholic Fermentation

Traditional sparkling wine production is a lengthy and costly process, involving a double fermentation step and a period of aging sur lie; thus, monitoring quality during the key manufacturing stages is crucial. The effects of the second fermentation on the development of 2-aminoacetophenone (AAP), the main marker of the atypical aging (ATA) defect, were investigated on 55 base wines (BWs) and corresponding sparkling wines (SWs) produced in an experimental winery. While the AAP content of the SWs was observed to be higher than the BWs, it was found that an artificial aging test carried out on the BWs could be a good predictor of ATA development in SWs. Further, the antioxidant capacity of the SWs was noticed to correlate well with the potential AAP formed during accelerated aging. Finally, an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model of linearization capable of predicting AAP formation in SWs using the data obtained from the corresponding BWs was created.

A guide to the use of bioassays in exploration of natural resources

Bioassays are the main tool to decipher bioactivities from natural resources thus their selection and quality are critical for optimal bioprospecting. They are used both in the early stages of compounds isolation/purification/identification, and in later stages to evaluate their safety and efficacy. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the most common bioassays used in the discovery and development of new bioactive compounds with a focus on marine bioresources. We present a comprehensive list of practical considerations for selecting appropriate bioassays and discuss in detail the bioassays typically used to explore antimicrobial, antibiofilm, cytotoxic, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-ageing potential. The concept of quality control and bioassay validation are introduced, followed by safety considerations, which are critical to advancing bioactive compounds to a higher stage of development. We conclude by providing an application-oriented view focused on the development of pharmaceuticals, food supplements, and cosmetics, the industrial pipelines where currently known marine natural products hold most potential. We highlight the importance of gaining reliable bioassay results, as these serve as a starting point for application-based development and further testing, as well as for consideration by regulatory authorities.

Phenolic diversity and antioxidant potential of different varieties of bamboo leaves using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and LC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS

Bamboo is a highly sustainable plant with a wide variety of leaves, yet little is known about its bioactive composition. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of 11 different varieties of bamboo leaves using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. As a result, 81 phenolic compounds were tentatively identified, 29 of which were identified for the first time in the literature for bamboo leaves. The tentatively identified compounds fell into five classes (hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, flavones, flavanones, and flavonols). The concentration of phenolic compounds ranged from 103 to 1291 mg/100 g. Among the provisionally identified compounds, there was a predominance of derivatives from the luteolin and apigenin group, with orientin and schaftoside being the majority in each group, respectively. The leaves also showed significant variation in antioxidant activity, highlighting the potential bioactive composition of bamboo leaves for future applications in the food industry.

Anti-inflammatory and in vitro antioxidant activities of Satureja montana dry extract

INTRODUCTION

Many chronic somatic and psychiatric diseases are associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which have detrimental effects on human health.

A Novel Bifunctional Alginate Lyase and Antioxidant Activity of the Enzymatic Hydrolysates

Alginate lyase Aly448, a potential new member of the polysaccharide lyase (PL) 7 family, which was cloned and identified from the macroalgae-associated bacterial metagenomic library, showed bifunctionality. The molecular docking results revealed that Aly448 has two completely different binding sites for alginate (polyMG), poly-α-l-guluronic acid (polyG), and poly-β-d-mannuronic acid (polyM) substrates, respectively, which might be the molecular basis for the enzyme's bifunctionality. Truncational results confirmed that predicted key residues affected the bifunctionality of Aly448, but did not wholly explain. Besides, Aly448 presented excellent biochemical characteristics, such as higher thermal stability and pH tolerance. Degradation of polyMG, polyM, and polyG substrates by Aly448 produced tetrasaccharide (DP4), disaccharide (DP2), and galactose (DP1), which exhibited excellent antioxidant activity. These findings provide novel insights into the substrate recognition mechanism of bifunctional alginate lyases and pave a new path for the exploitation of natural antioxidant agents.

Autochthonous Fermentation as a Means to Improve the Bioaccessibility and Antioxidant Activity of Proteins and Phenolic Compounds of Yellow Pea Flour

This study focused on evaluating the potential of the natural fermentation of pea flour to improve the release of antioxidant compounds. Preliminary fermentations of 36.4% w/w flour dispersions were performed in tubes under different conditions (24 and 48 h, 30 and 37 °C). Finally, fermented flours (FFs) were obtained in a bioreactor under two conditions: 1: 36.4% w/w, 24 h, 30 °C (FF1); 2: 14.3% w/w, 24 h, 37 °C (FF2). The pH values decreased to 4.4-4.7, with a predominance of lactic acid bacteria. As in the fermentations in tubes, an increment in the proteolysis degree (TNBS method) (greater for FF2), polypeptide aggregation and a decrease in their solubility, an increase in <2 kDa peptides, and an increase in the Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) potency of PBS-soluble fractions after fermentation were demonstrated. Also, fermentation increased the proteolysis degree after simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID, COST-INFOGEST) with respect to the non-fermented flour digests, with some differences in the molecular composition of the different digests. ORAC and Hydroxyl Radical Averting Capacity (HORAC) potencies increased in all cases. The digest of FF2 (FF2D) presented the greater ORAC value, with higher activities for >4 kDa, as well as for some fractions in the ranges 2-0.3 kDa and <0.10 kDa. Fermentation also increased the 60%-ethanol-extracted phenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids, and the ORAC activity. After SGID, the flavan-3-ols disappeared, but some phenolic acids increased with respect to the flour. Fermentation in condition 2 was considered the most appropriate to obtain a functional antioxidant ingredient.

The use of blackcurrant pomace and erythritol to optimise the functional properties of shortbread cookies

As a result of the production of blackcurrant juice, pomace is produced, which is a cheap, easy to further process raw material with high health benefits. The aim of the research was to develop a recipe for shortbread cookies based on blackcurrant pomace (0, 10, 30, 50%) and erythritol, and to assess their nutritional value (content of proteins, fats, sugars, dietary fibre, selected minerals and energy value), pro-health properties (antioxidant and anti-diabetic capacity) and sensory evaluation. The energy value of products with 50% of pomace sweetened with erythritol was nearly 30% lower compared to traditional cookies, while the content of dietary fibre was 10 times higher in products with the highest percentage of pomace. The antioxidant capacity and the total content of polyphenolic compounds increased with the increase in pomace content. The ability to inhibit α-amylase by shortbread cookies without pomace was about 400 times lower than those with 50% pomace. The results of the sensory evaluation showed that erythritol-sweetened cookies have more desirable characteristics compared to sucrose-sweetened cookies. Finally, it was proved that the proposed products are an excellent proposal for people struggling with food-dependent diseases, as well as being an opportunity to manage waste from the fruit industry.

Bioactive compounds of honey from different regions of Brazil: the effect of simulated gastrointestinal digestion on antioxidant and antimicrobial properties

Monofloral and multifloral honey produced in different regions may have different bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacities, resulting in changes in the antimicrobial activity of honey. However, many of these compounds degrade due to the extreme digestion conditions, which may inhibit the antimicrobial activity. Given this context, this study aimed to describe the bioactive compounds of honey produced in Brazil and verify if honey samples from different botanical and geographical origins differ in bioactive compounds, and if honey maintains its antimicrobial activity after digestion simulation. Multivariate analysis was used to identify characteristics that differentiated the honey samples according to the botanical and geographical origin criteria. The amount of the bioactive compounds varied significantly: the total phenolic compound content varied from 20.49 to 101.44 mg GAE per 100 g, flavonoids varied from 1.41 to 13.52 mg QE per 100 g, phenolic acids varied from 13.61 to 56.41 mg CAE per 100 g, and carotenoids varied from 0.66 to 4.27 mg β-carotene per g. Multifloral honey (H22) produced in the dry season of northeastern Brazil presented the highest bioactive compound concentration except for the carotenoid content. HPLC-MS analysis showed the presence of six hydroxybenzoic acids, four hydroxycinnamic acids, eight flavonols, three flavanones, two flavones and two isoflavonoids; Pterodon pubescens monofloral honey (H14) from midwestern Brazil stood out in terms of the carotenoid content. All analyzed honey samples exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria before digestive process simulation, and bacteria were inhibited during in vitro digestion; this activity decreased during the simulation of the oral phase, remained in the gastric phase, and disappeared in the intestinal phase.

Extracts of Sideritis scardica and Clinopodium vulgare Alleviate Cognitive Impairments in Scopolamine-Induced Rat Dementia

Sideritis scardica Griseb. and Clinopodium vulgare L., belonging to the Lamiaceae family, are rich in terpenoids and phenolics and exhibit various pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. While the memory-enhancing impacts of S. scardica are well documented, the cognitive benefits of C. vulgare remain unexplored. This study assessed the potential effect of C. vulgare on learning and memory in healthy and scopolamine (Sco)-induced memory-impaired male Wistar rats, comparing it with the effects of S. scardica. Over a 21-day period, rats orally received extracts of cultivated S. scardica (200 mg/kg) and C. vulgare (100 mg/kg), either individually or in combination, with administration starting 10 days before and continuing 11 days simultaneously with Sco injection at a dose of 2 mg/kg intraperitoneally. The results showed that both extracts effectively mitigated Sco-induced memory impairment. Their combination significantly improved recognition memory and maintained monoaminergic function. S. scardica excelled in preserving spatial working memory, while C. vulgare exhibited comparable retention of recognition memory, robust antioxidant activity and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. The extracts alleviated Sco-induced downregulation of p-CREB/BDNF signaling, suggesting neuroprotective mechanisms. The extract combination positively affected most of the Sco-induced impairments, underscoring the potential for further investigation of these extracts for therapeutic development.

Dietary fibre fractions rich in (poly)phenols from orange by-products and their metabolisation by in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation

Orange peel is an interesting by-product because of its composition, particularly its dietary fibre and flavanones. The aim of this work was to extract different fibre fractions from orange peel to obtain potential added-value ingredients and evaluate how the presence of fibre may interfere with (poly)phenol metabolism. Using an aqueous extraction, as a green extraction method, an insoluble fibre fraction (IFF) and a water-soluble extract (WSE) were obtained. Those fractions were analysed to determine the proximate and dietary fibre composition, hydration properties, (poly)phenol composition and antioxidant capacity, comparing the results with the orange peel (OP). The IFF presented the highest content of insoluble dietary fibre and the WSE showed the highest content of (poly)phenols, these being mainly flavanones. An in vitro faecal fermentation was carried out to evaluate the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and lactate as prebiotic indicators; the IFF gave the highest production, derived from the greater presence of dietary fibre. Moreover, catabolites from (poly)phenol metabolism were also analysed, phenylpropanoic acids being the major ones, followed by phenylacetic acids and benzoic acids. These catabolites were found in higher quantities in WSE, because of the greater presence of (poly)phenols in its composition. IFF also showed a significant production of these catabolites, which was delayed by the greater presence of fibre. These results reveal that the new ingredients, obtained by an environmentally friendly water extraction procedure, could be used for the development of new foods with enhanced nutritional and healthy properties.

Antioxidant efficiency and oxidizability of mayonnaise by oximetry and isothermal calorimetry

This study aimed to introduce a new method based on isothermal calorimetry (IC) for measuring the autoxidation rate in mayonnaise samples. Mayonnaise samples were prepared by homogenizing an aqueous phase, consisting of vinegar and egg yolk, with various oil phases, including sunflower, corn, extra virgin olive, grape seed, and apple seed oils at 60 °C. The rate of free radical formation (Ri) was controlled by adding AIBN (Ri = 4.4±0.1×10-9 M/s). The autoxidation rate determined by IC was highly correlated with the one measured using the oxygen uptake method (R2 = 0.99). The IC method accurately indicated the antioxidant capacity and rates of both inhibited and uninhibited periods, together with the oxidizability of mayonnaise samples. The mayonnaise made with extra virgin olive oil exhibited the lowest oxidizability, while sunflower oil showed maximum antioxidant efficiency. A significant advantage of the IC method was its ability to simultaneously measure up to 24 samples with minimal effort.

Combined Strategy Using High Hydrostatic Pressure, Temperature and Enzymatic Hydrolysis for Development of Fibre-Rich Ingredients from Oat and Wheat By-Products

Wheat bran (WB) and oat hull (OH) are two interesting undervalued cereal processing sources rich in total dietary fibre (TDF) and other associated bioactive compounds, such as β-glucans and polyphenols. The aim of this study was to optimise a combination chemical (enzymes) and physical (high hydrostatic pressure-temperature) strategies to increase the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds naturally bound to the bran and hull outer layers. WB and OH were hydrolysed using food-grade enzymes (UltraFloXL and Viscoferm, for WB and OH, respectively) in combination with HPP at different temperatures (40, 50, 60 and 70 °C) and hydrolysis either before or after HPP. Proximal composition, phytic acid, β-glucans, total phenolics (TPs) and total antioxidant activity (TAC) were evaluated to select the processing conditions for optimal nutritional and bioactive properties of the final ingredients. The application of the hydrolysis step after the HPP treatment resulted in lower phytic acid levels in both matrices (WB and OH). On the other hand, the release of β-glucan was more effective at the highest temperature (70 °C) used during pressurisation. After the treatment, the TP content ranged from 756.47 to 1395.27 µmol GAE 100 g-1 in WB, and OH showed values from 566.91 to 930.45 µmol GAE 100 g-1. An interaction effect between the temperature and hydrolysis timing (applied before or after HPP) was observed in the case of OH. Hydrolysis applied before HPP was more efficient in releasing OH TPs at lower HPP temperatures (40-50 °C); meanwhile, at higher HPP temperatures (60-70 °C), hydrolysis yielded higher TP values when applied after HPP. This effect was not observed in WB, where the hydrolysis was more effective before HPP. The TP results were significantly correlated with the TAC values. The results showed that the application of optimal process conditions (hydrolysis before HPP at 60 or 70 °C for WB; hydrolysis after HPP at 70 °C for OH) can increase the biological value of the final ingredients obtained.

Exploration of grape pomace peels and amaranth flours as functional ingredients in the elaboration of breads: phenolic composition, bioaccessibility, and antioxidant activity

This study evaluated the incorporation of two ingredients as a source of bioactive compounds: amaranth flour (AF) and grape pomace peels flour (GP) to improve the nutritional qualities and functional properties of a wheat bread, emphasising the revalorisation of agricultural residues from grape winemaking as an ethical and economically viable source of bioactive compounds. Specifically, wheat flour (WF) substitutions were carried out for the individual ingredients, replacing 20% WF (A20 bread) or 5% GP (GP5 bread) and a mixture of both ingredients 20% WF and 5% GP (A20GP5 bread), and the antioxidant potential of the breads was analysed. The effect of simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) on the phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of the fortified breads was also investigated. The substitution of WF by AF or GP introduced several phenolic compounds, digestion increased the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds and reshaped their phenolic composition profiles. The combined presence of AF and GP in the breads modified the phenolic compounds composition and improved their antioxidant activity after SGID. Interactions between the phenolic compounds and other AF components (possibly proteins) were observed, which could protect the phenols from degradation during SGID, allowing them to be released after SGID.

Novel 3-hydroxypyridin-4(1H)-One derivatives as ferroptosis inhibitors with iron-chelating and reactive oxygen species scavenging activities and therapeutic effect in cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity

Recent advances in understanding the role of iron and ROS in cell death suggest new therapeutic avenues to treat organ damage including acute kidney injury (AKI). Inhibiting ferroptosis was expected to have great potential for the treatment of this disease. Ferroptosis is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and currently, a majority of reported ferroptosis inhibitors belong to either radical-trapping antioxidants or iron chelators. However, clinically used iron chelators such as deferoxamine and deferiprone have limited efficacy against ferroptosis (generally with EC50 > 100 μM), despite their proven safety. Herein, we present the rational design of novel ferroptosis inhibitors by incorporating the naturally occurring cinnamic acid scaffold and the 3-hydroxypyridin-4(1H)-one iron-chelating pharmacophore. Through ABTS˙+ radical-scavenging assay, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) measurement, Fe3+ affinity evaluation, and anti-erastin-induced HT22 cell ferroptosis assays, we identified compound 9c as the most prospective ferroptosis inhibitor (ABTS˙+, IC50 = 4.35 ± 0.05 μM; ORCA = 23.79 ± 0.56 TE; pFe3+ = 18.59; EC50 = 14.89 ± 0.08 μM, respectively). Notably, 9c dose-dependently alleviated cell death in cisplatin-induced AKI model. Our results provide insight into the development of new ferroptosis inhibitors through rational incorporation of pharmacophores from existing ferroptosis inhibitors, and compound 9c could be a promising lead compound worth further investigation.

Antioxidant peptides, the guardian of life from oxidative stress

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced during oxidative metabolism in aerobic organisms. Under normal conditions, ROS production and elimination are in a relatively balanced state. However, under internal or external environmental stress, such as high glucose levels or UV radiation, ROS production can increase significantly, leading to oxidative stress. Excess ROS production not only damages biomolecules but is also closely associated with the pathogenesis of many diseases, such as skin photoaging, diabetes, and cancer. Antioxidant peptides (AOPs) are naturally occurring or artificially designed peptides that can reduce the levels of ROS and other pro-oxidants, thus showing great potential in the treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases. In this review, we discussed ROS production and its role in inducing oxidative stress-related diseases in humans. Additionally, we discussed the sources, mechanism of action, and evaluation methods of AOPs and provided directions for future studies on AOPs.

Marrubium vulgare Extract Improves Spatial Working Memory and Oxidative Stress Damage in Scopolamine-Treated Rats

Background

The cholinergic neuronal loss in the basal forebrain and increasing brain oxidative stress are one of the main features of the brain suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Marrubium vulgare (M. vulgare), commonly known as 'white horehound,' possesses a variety of valuable properties, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities. Moreover, it possesses neuromodulatory properties that could potentially impact short-term memory functions.

Objective

The present study was undertaken to investigate the preventive effects of water M. vulgare extract on working memory, cholinergic neurotransmission, and oxidative stress in rats with scopolamine (Sco)-induced dementia.

Methods

Male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were divided into four experimental groups. The plant extract was administered orally for 21 days, and Sco (2 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally for 11 consecutive days. The behavioral performance of the animals was evaluated by the T-maze test. The effect of the extract on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and antioxidant status in cortex and hippocampus were also monitored.

Results

Our experimental data revealed that treatment with M. vulgare significantly increased the percentage of correct choices of rats with Sco-induced dementia in the T maze test (by 38%, p < 0.05). Additionally, it reduced AChE activity in the hippocampus (by 20%, p < 0.05) and alleviated oxidative stress induced by Sco, particularly in the cortex.

Conclusions

M. vulgare water extract demonstrated working memory preserving effect in rats with Sco-induced dementia, AChE inhibitory activity and in vivo antioxidant potential, and deserve further attention.

Insights into tissue-specific anthocyanin accumulation in Japanese plum (Prunus salicina L.) fruits: A comparative study of three cultivars

In the present study, three matured Japanese plum cultivars with different colored peel and flesh were selected to mine the key transcription factors regulating anthocyanin formation in tissues. Results showed that PsMYB10 was correlated with structural genes C4H, F3H, and ANS. PsMYB6 could positively regulate C4H (r = 0.732) and accumulated anthocyanins in Sanhua plum's flesh. Sanhua plum has the highest phenolic and anthocyanin contents (10.24 ± 0.37 gallic acid equivalent mg g-1 dry weight (DW) and 68.95 ± 1.03 μg g-1 DW), resulting itself superior biological activity as 367.1 ± 42.9 Trolox equivalent mg g-1 DW in oxygen radical absorbance capacity value and 72.79 ± 4.34 quercetin equivalent mg g-1 DW in cellular antioxidant activity value. The present work provides new insights into the regulatory mechanism of tissue-specific anthocyanin biosynthesis, confirming the pivotal role of anthocyanins in the biological activity of plums, providing essential support for the development of horticultural products enriched with anthocyanins.

Chemopreventive Effect of an In Vitro Digested and Fermented Plant Sterol-Enriched Wholemeal Rye Bread in Colon Cancer Cells

Diet is crucial for the prevention of colorectal cancer. Whole grains are the source of beneficial compounds for this, such as fiber. The enrichment of wholemeal rye bread with plant sterols (PSs) could increase its beneficial effects. This study aimed to assess the potential antiproliferative effect of this enriched food on colon adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) compared with a non-enriched one. After a human oral chewing, simulated semi-dynamic gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation in a simgi® system, fermentation liquids (FLs) obtained were used as treatment for cells. Cytotoxicity assay showed that samples diluted 1/5 (v/v) with DMEM are not toxic for non-tumoral cells, whereas they damage tumoral cells. Samples with PS (FLPS) produced a higher chemopreventive effect (vs. blank) in MTT and apoptosis assays, as well as higher gene expression of TP53 and Casp8. Nevertheless, FL0 (without PS) produced a higher chemopreventive effect in a cell cycle and reduced glutathione and calcium assays, besides producing higher gene expression of Casp3 and lower CCND1. The distinct antiproliferative effect of both FLs is attributed to differences in PSs, short chain fatty acids (lower concentration in FLPS vs. FL0) and antioxidant compounds. These results may support wholemeal rye bread consumption as a way of reducing the risk of colorectal cancer development, although further research would be needed.

Investigation of Volatile Components and Assessment of Antioxidant Potential in Seven Lamiaceae Plant Hydrosols

Aromatic plants of the family Lamiaceae, especially of the genus Thymus, have promising antioxidant applications in pharmacology, medicine, food, cosmetology, and aromatherapy. Hydrosols (HDs) were extracted by hydrodistillation from seven species of Lamiaceae, including Thymus vulgaris, Thymus mongolicus, Mentha × piperita, Melissa officinalis, Rosmarinus officinali, Salvia elegans, and Leonurus artemisia. In total, 369 volatile components were determined and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Among them, alcohols (2.86-28.48%), ethers (2.46-10.69%), and phenols (0.11-21.78%) constituted a large proportion, mainly linalool (0.28-19.27%), eucalyptol (0.16-6.97%), thymol (0-19.54%), and carvacrol (0-26.82%). Multivariate statistical analyses were performed and 27 differential metabolites were screened. Three different methods (ABTS+•, DPPH•, and FRAP) were used to determine the in vitro antioxidant activity of seven HDs. Thymus vulgaris hydrosols (Tv HDs) and Thymus mongolicus hydrosols (Tm HDs) had the strongest antioxidant activity and their stronger antioxidant capacity was related to their high levels of phenolic constituents, mainly thymol. The antioxidant activity of the other five Lamiaceae HDs was associated with their high alcohol (mainly linalool and eucalyptol) content, and the alcohol constituents may synergistically affect their antioxidant capacity. Therefore, the present study suggests that Lamiaceae plants can be utilized as antioxidant products or antioxidants in different industrial sectors including pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and agrochemicals.

Valorization of Olive Leaf Polyphenols by Green Extraction and Selective Adsorption on Biochar Derived from Grapevine Pruning Residues

Given today's increasingly intensive agriculture, one key problem area considers the valorization and reuse of wastes from food and agricultural production with minimal impact on the environment. Due to its physicochemical characteristics, biochar (BC) derived from grapevine pruning residue has shown considerable potential for use as an adsorbent. High-value phytochemicals found in abundance in the olive leaf (OL) can be employed in many different industrial sectors. The potential application of BC in the removal of specific polyphenolic components from OL extracts has been investigated in the present study. Water, as the most available and greenest of solvents, was investigated as to its use in the extraction of polyphenols, which was carried out by comparing maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and microwave-assisted extraction, considering different temperatures and solid-to-liquid (s/l) ratios. The BC adsorption capacity of selected polyphenols was fitted with both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The Freundlich model fitted better relative to OL polyphenols adsorption. Oleuropein was the most abundant compound identified in the extracts, obtaining the highest Kf value (20.4 (mg/g) × (L/g)n) and R2 coefficient (0.9715) in the adsorption on the biochar's surface. The optimum conditions in the dosage experiment suggest the use of 0.5 g of BC using 3 g/L extracts, with an exception for oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, for which the highest biochar dose (2.5 g) performed better. Considering the compounds' concentrations and the BC dose, BC from grapevine pruning residues demonstrated a potential use in the uptake of specific polyphenols from olive leaves, making it a promising adsorbent for such applications.

Antioxidant Capacity of Free and Peptide Tryptophan Residues Determined by the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) Assay Is Modulated by Radical-Radical Reactions and Oxidation Products

The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) assay is commonly employed for determining the antioxidant capacity of bioactive peptides. To gain insights into the meaning of this index for peptides containing a single Trp, we studied the consumption of this residue and fluorescein (FLH, the probe of ORAC method), induced by radicals generated by AAPH (2,2'-Azo-bis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride) thermolysis. ORAC values were rationalized from kinetics and computational calculations of bond dissociation energies (BDE) of the N-H bond (indole ring of Trp). Free Trp, di- and tri- peptides, and three larger peptides were studied. Solutions containing 70 nM FLH, 1-5 μM free Trp or peptides, and 10 mM AAPH were incubated at 37 °C in phosphate buffer. Kinetic studies showed that FLH minimally affected Trp consumption. However, a clear protection of FLH, characterized by pseudo-lag times, was evidenced, reflecting radical-radical reactions and FLH repairing. Peptides showed similar ORAC values (~1.9-2.8 Trolox equivalents), while BDE varied between 91.9 and 103.5 kcal. These results, added to the protection of FLH observed after total consumption of Trp, indicate a lack of discrimination of the assay for the chemical structure of peptides and the contribution of oxidation products to the index.

The Influence of Selected Insecticides on the Oxidative Response of Atta sexdens (Myrmicinae, Attini) Workers

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated as products of normal cellular metabolic activities; however, the use of pesticides to control leafcutter ants leads to unbalanced ROS production. We evaluated the effects of two insecticides (fipronil, sulfluramid) and metallic insecticide complex (magnesium complex [Mg(hesp)2(phen)] (1)) on the superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and the overall antioxidant capacity using two different methodologies: total radical-trapping potential (TRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Media workers of Atta sexdens (C. Linnaeus) were exposed to the insecticides for 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h before their fat bodies were dissected for analysis. The results showed that although the sulfluramid may cause the production of ROS, its slow action in the organism does not lead to oxidative stress. There is a rise in oxidative stress in workers of leafcutter ants treated with fipronil because SOD significantly increased when compared to the control group. On the other hand, Mg1-complex suppressed both GSH and SOD, indicating that the immune system may be affected by Mg1-complex, which has a delayed activity ideal for its use in chemical pest control. Both TRAP and ORAC evaluated total antioxidant capacities; however, ORAC proved to be a more sensitive method. In conclusion, the Mg1-complex is a new compound that should be further investigated as a potential replacement for fipronil and sulfluramid in pest control.

Zeaxanthin Combined with Tocopherol to Improve the Oxidative Stability of Chicken Oil

Chicken oil is prone to oxidation due to the high content of unsaturated fatty acids. The interaction of antioxidants was affected by their concentration, ratio, and reaction system. In this article, mixtures of zeaxanthin and tocopherols (α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol) were chosen to enhance the oxidative stability of chicken oil. The antioxidation of zeaxanthin with tocopherols was analyzed using the Rancimat test, the free radical scavenging capacity and the Schaal oven test (the variation of antioxidant content, PV and shelf life prediction). The optimal concentration of zeaxanthin determined by Rancimat in chicken oil was 20 mg/kg. The binary mixtures have a strong synergistic effect in the ABTS experiment, and the clearance rate was up to 99%, but antagonistic effect in ORAC. The degree of synergism between zeaxanthin and tocopherols was determined by ratio. The interaction between zeaxanthin and α-tocopherol was synergistic, while the types of interaction between zeaxanthin and γ-tocopherol were affected by concentration. The main synergistic interaction mechanism was the regeneration of tocopherol by zeaxanthin. Synergistic combinations of zeaxanthin with α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol played a key role in the primary oxidation stage of the lipid. The best synergistic combination was A3 (zeaxanthin+α-tocopherol: 15+50 23 mg/kg), which could extend the shelf life of chicken oil (92.46 d) to 146.93 days. This work provides a reference for zeaxanthin and tocopherol to improve the oxidative stability of animal fat.

Influence of sprouting on the bioaccessibility and bioactivity of benzoxazinoids, phenolic acids, and flavonoids of soft and hard wheat cultivars

Grain germination increases the contents of benzoxazinoids and the antioxidant capacity of wheat and differentially affects the phytochemical composition of hard and soft wheat cultivars. It was investigated whether wheat cultivars (sprouted or not) with distinct grain texture characteristics (BRS Guaraim, soft vs. BRS Marcante, hard texture) would have different behavior in relation to changes in phytochemical compounds, bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity during simulated gastrointestinal digestion of a tabbouleh preparation. Sprouting increased the nominal amount of phytochemicals in tabbouleh resulting in increased release of phenolic acids (up to 7.5-fold) and benzoxazinoids (up to 12.5-fold) during all digestion phases besides higher bioaccessibility (up to 2.8-fold). Sprouting caused greater increase in the bioaccessibility of phenolic acids for the soft wheat cultivar (4.5-fold) than for the hard cultivar (1.9-fold) and it increased the colon available index of phenolic acids only for the soft cultivar (1.8-fold). Flavonoids, mainly represented by apigenin glycosides, were marginally increased after sprouting but underwent relative increase along digestion being the major phytochemicals found in the bioaccessible fraction obtained after intestinal digestion (73-94% of total phytochemicals). The increase in apigenin glycosides was associated to the increase of in vitro and intracellular antioxidant capacity of tabbouleh along digestion. Sprouting increased the peroxyl radical removal capacity of tabbouleh in the gastric phase and in the non-bioaccessible fraction regardless of the cultivar. The highest hydroxyl radical removal capacities were found in non-sprouted cultivars, especially in the soft texture cultivar in the undigested and bioaccessible fractions. The bioaccessible fraction obtained after wheat digestion was more efficient to scavenge intracellular ROS than undigested samples, the highest scavenging potency being observed for the hard texture cultivar with no effect of sprouting. These findings confirm the hypothesis that the phytochemicals of hard and soft wheat cultivars (sprouted or not) have different behavior during digestion in terms of biotransformation, bioaccessibility and ability to remove reactive species and indicate that tabbouleh produced from sprouted wheat results in increased release of bioactive phytochemicals during digestion.

A Comprehensive Study on the Chemical Characterization and Neuroprotective Evaluation of Pracaxi Nuts Extracts Obtained by a Sustainable Approach

The Amazonian Pentaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntze nuts contain a lipidic fraction with health-promoting effects, but little is known about the bioactivity of other constituents. In this study, the lipidic fraction obtained using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with CO2 was chemically characterized by using lipidomics techniques. The SFE-CO2 residue, named as pracaxi cake, was re-extracted by pressurized liquid extraction following a biorefinery approach. Using a response surface methodology and based on the extraction yield and different in vitro assays, two optimum conditions were obtained: 80% and 12.5% of ethanol at 180 °C. Under these conditions, extraction yield and different in vitro measurements related to neuroprotection were assessed. Chemical characterization of these extracts suggested the presence of triterpenoid saponins and spermidine phenolamides, which were not previously reported in pracaxi nuts. These results suggest that pracaxi oil extraction by-products are a valuable source of bioactive compounds with neuroprotective potential.

On-Site Evaluation of Constituent Content and Functionality of Perilla frutescens var. crispa Using Fluorescence Spectra

Perilla frutescens leaves are hypothesized to possess antioxidant and amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation inhibitory properties primarily due to their polyphenol-type compounds. While these bioactivities fluctuate daily, the traditional methods for quantifying constituent contents and functional properties are both laborious and impractical for immediate field assessments. To address this limitation, the present study introduces an expedient approach for on-site analysis, employing fluorescence spectra obtained through excitation light irradiation of perilla leaves. Standard analytical techniques were employed to evaluate various constituent contents (chlorophyl (Chl), total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and rosmarinic acid (RA)) and functional attributes (DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and Aβ aggregation inhibitory activity). Correlations between the fluorescence spectra and these parameters were examined using normalized difference spectral index (NDSI), ratio spectral index (RSI), and difference spectral index (DSI) analyses. The resulting predictive model exhibited a high coefficient of determination, with R2 values equal to or greater than 0.57 for constituent contents and 0.49 for functional properties. This approach facilitates the convenient, simultaneous, and nondestructive monitoring of both the chemical constituents and the functional capabilities of perilla leaves, thereby simplifying the determination of optimal harvest times. The model derived from this method holds promise for real-time assessments, indicating its potential for the simultaneous evaluation of both constituents and functionalities in perilla leaves.

The Anti-Oxidant Curcumin Solubilized as Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsions or Chitosan Nanocapsules Effectively Reduces Helicobacter pylori Growth, Bacterial Biofilm Formation, Gastric Cell Adhesion and Internalization

The bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) represents a major risk factor associated with the development of gastric cancer. The anti-oxidant curcumin has been ascribed many benefits to human health, including bactericidal effects. However, these effects are poorly reproducible because the molecule is extremely unstable and water insoluble. Here we solubilized curcumin as either nanoemulsions or chitosan nanocapsules and tested the effects on H. pylori. The nanoemulsions were on average 200 nm in diameter with a PdI ≤ 0.16 and a negative zeta potential (-54 mV), while the nanocapsules were 305 nm in diameter with a PdI ≤ 0.29 and a positive zeta potential (+68 mV). Nanocapsules were safer than nanoemulsions when testing effects on the viability of GES-1 gastric cells. Also, nanocapsules were more efficient than nanoemulsions at inhibiting H. pylori growth (minimal inhibitory concentration: 50 and 75 μM, respectively), whereby chitosan contributed to this activity. Importantly, both formulations effectively diminished H. pylori's adherence to and internalization by GES-1 cells, as well as biofilm formation. In summary, the demonstrated activity of the curcumin nanoformulations described here against H. pylori posit them as having great potential to treat or complement other therapies currently in use against H. pylori infection.

Phenolics from Chilean Bee Bread Exhibit Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties: The First Prospective Study

Bee bread (BB) is a beehive product generated upon fermentation of pollen combined with flower nectar and glandular secretions. The potential application of BB is related to its nutritional and functional components, including phenolic compounds. This is the first prospective study on palynological parameters, phenolics, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity of Chilean bee bread in vitro. The tested material exhibited high levels of phenolics (1340±186 mg GAE/100 g BB) and showed antioxidant capacity as determined by the FRAP (51±2 μmol Trolox equivalent/g BB) and ORAC-FL (643±64 μmol Trolox equivalent/g BB) and antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pyogenes. Furthermore, the phenolic acids and flavonoids was determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the concentration was determined using liquid chromatography with diode array detection. Kaempferol, quercetin, ferulic acid, and rutin were the main phenolics found. This study demonstrates the bioactive potential of Chilean BB and supports the evidence that this bee product is a promising source of antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds.

Food Monitoring: Limitations of Accelerated Storage to Predict Molecular Changes in Hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) under Realistic Conditions Using UPLC-ESI-IM-QTOF-MS

Accelerated storage is routinely used with pharmaceuticals to predict stability and degradation patterns over time. The aim of this is to assess the shelf life and quality under harsher conditions, providing crucial insights into their long-term stability and potential storage issues. This study explores the potential of transferring this approach to food matrices for shelf-life estimation. Therefore, hazelnuts were stored under accelerated short-term and realistic long-term conditions. Subsequently, they were analyzed with high resolution mass spectrometry, focusing on the lipid profile. LC-MS analysis has shown that many unique processes take place under accelerated conditions that do not occur or occur much more slowly under realistic conditions. This mainly involved the degradation of membrane lipids such as phospholipids, ceramides, and digalactosyldiacylglycerides, while oxidation processes occurred at different rates in both conditions. It can be concluded that a food matrix is far too complex and heterogeneous compared to pharmaceuticals, so that many more processes take place during accelerated storage, which is why the results cannot be used to predict molecular changes in hazelnuts stored under realistic conditions.