Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Efficacy of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) Leaves: Implications for Sustainable Cosmeceutical Development

Chenopodium formosanum (djulis), well known for its vivid color variation during diverse senescence stages, has attracted attention for its perceived health benefits and antioxidant capacity. Djulis leaves, often discarded as biowaste after harvesting, were evaluated for their potential as a source of antioxidant compounds. The current study analyzes the physicochemical and antioxidant activities of red, green, and yellow djulis leaf extracts across various senescence stages to probe their prospective utility in cosmeceuticals. Various plant compounds including total carbohydrates, phenolics and flavonoids, chlorophyll a and b, and betaxanthins and betacyanins were measured using spectrophotometric techniques. Antioxidant potential was assessed using DPPH, FRAP, CUPRAC, TEAC, and DMPD assays. Green djulis leaves displayed elevated total carbohydrate and chlorophyll levels, whereas red djulis leaves exhibited heightened phenolic, flavonoid, betaxanthin, and betacyanin content, indicating its suitability for cosmeceutical applications. Antioxidant evaluations revealed substantial disparities among the extracts, with red djulis leaf extract demonstrating superior antioxidant activity in most assays. These findings revealed the distinct antioxidant profiles of djulis leaf extracts influenced by color and senescence stage. These findings advance our understanding of the bioactive attributes of djulis leaves and their potential for incorporation into functional products.

Stress-relieving properties of a polyherbal blend with Syzygium aromaticum L. and Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner: A review and bibliometric analysis

OBJECTIVE

Syzygium aromaticum and Coffea canephora are acknowledged for their outstanding antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nerve-stimulant properties, showcasing potential in brain protection. Therefore, this study aims to quantitatively review existing literature and assess the potential of using it to formulate a herbal tea blend for managing stress and anxiety.

METHODS

Data was retrieved from the Scopus database, and a bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviewer software.

RESULTS

Following a screening process, a total of 121 articles were identified, with S. aromaticum yielding a higher number compared to C. canephora. A detailed exploration of each plant revealed active components such as eugenol, β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, caffeine, mangiferin, and chlorogenic acids, each exhibiting stimulatory effects alongside antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The neuroprotective effects were attributed to the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, coupled with the stimulation of neurotransmitters and hormones like dopamine, serotonin, cortisol, and adrenaline.

CONCLUSIONS

The review showed that these plants positively affect mood and cognition by influencing the brain's pleasure system. This suggests the need for further research to combine these plant extracts for developing 'Tenang tea', a potential herbal blend for managing stress and anxiety.

Comparative and Correlation Analysis of Young and Mature Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix DC) Leaf Characteristics

Kaffir lime is leaf-oriented minor citrus that required extra attention to study. This study aimed to (i) comparatively analyze the young and mature leaf morpho-ecophysiological characters; and (ii) perform a correlation analysis for revealing the relationship among the physiological characters. Plants were ten one-year-old kaffir lime trees cultured under full sun condition. Leaf size was measured by using a specific allometric model. The Li-6400XT portable photosynthesis system was used to observe the leaf ecophysiological characters. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in leaf size and physiology as the effect of leaf age. A significant size enlargement in mature leaves was noticed, especially in terms of leaf length, area, and weight, of about 77%, 177%, and 196%, respectively. Young leaves experienced a significant improvement in photosynthetic rate and actual water use efficiency for about 39% and 53%, respectively. Additionally, a strong, significant, and positive correlation between leaf chlorophyll, carotenoid content, and photosynthetic rate was found in the present study. Further studies using a multi-omics approach may enrich the science between kaffir lime leaf maturation as the basis of agricultural modification practice.