Bioactive Potential of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.): Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Activity, Bioaccessibility and Prebiotic Potential.

Due to its abundance of physiologically active ingredients, one of the oldest medicinal herbs, elderberry (EB) Sambucus nigra L., is beneficial for both therapeutic and dietary purposes. This study determined the bioaccessibility of the phenolic compounds and the prebiotic potential of the polyphenols from freeze-dried EB powder (FDEBP), along with the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of this extract. The most significant phenolic compounds in black EB are represented by anthocyanins (41.8%), predominating cyanidin-sambubiosides and cyanidin-glucosides (90.1% of the identified anthocyanins). The FRAP assay obtained the highest antioxidant activity value (185 ± 0.18 µmol Fe2+/g DW). The most sensitive to the antimicrobial activity of the extract was proven to be Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.95 mg/mL. To determine the prebiotic potential of the polyphenols, the cell growth of five probiotic strains (Lactobacillus plantarum, L. casei, L. rhamnosus, L. fermentum and Saccharomyces boulardii) was tested. The influence on cell growth was positive for all five probiotic strains used. Overall, the most significant increase (p < 0.05) was recorded at 1.5% FDEBP, on L. casei with a growth index (GI) of 152.44%, very closely followed by GI at 0.5% and 1% concentrations. The stability of the total phenolic compounds through simulated gastronitestinal digestion was increased (93%), and the bioaccessibility was also elevated (75%).

Pharmacological Property and Cytotoxic Effect Showing Antiproliferative Potency in Human Melanoma Cell Lines (A375) of Combretum racemosum P. Beauv. Leaf and Root Extracts Used in Benin.

Combretum racemosum, a plant from the Combretaceae family, is traditionally used in Benin for various health problems. However, scientific research on Beninese samples of this plant is limited. The aim of this study was to identify and assess the bioactive compounds in the plant's leaves and roots. Initial screening involved analyzing powders derived from these parts for total polyphenols, flavonoids, and both condensed and hydrolyzable tannins. The polyphenolic compounds were analyzed using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. To evaluate the plant's antimicrobial properties, the agar diffusion method was employed, while FRAP and DPPH assays were used to determine its antioxidant capacity. For anti-inflammatory activity, the study utilized tests for in vitro protein denaturation inhibition and in vivo acute edema induced by carrageenan. Additionally, an antiproliferative assay was conducted using the human melanoma cell line A375. The analysis revealed the presence of significant polyphenolic compounds in both the leaf and root extracts of C. racemosum. Notably, compounds like Pedunculagin, Vescalagin, Casuarictin, and Digalloyl-glucoside were abundant in the leaves, with Vescalagin being especially predominant in the roots. The study also found that the dichloromethane extracts from the leaves and roots exhibited bactericidal effects on a substantial percentage of meat-isolated strains. Moreover, the antioxidant activities of these extracts were confirmed through FRAP and DPPH methods. Interestingly, the dichloromethane root extract showed strong activity in inhibiting thermal albumin denaturation, while the water-ethanol leaf extract demonstrated significant edema inhibition. Finally, the study observed that C. racemosum extracts reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with leaf extracts showing more pronounced antiproliferative effects than root extracts. These findings highlight the potential of C. racemosum leaves and roots as sources of compounds with diverse and significant biological activities. In conclusion, C. racemosum's leaves and roots exhibit promising biological activities, highlighting their potential medicinal value.

Evaluation of the Astragalus exscapus L. subsp. transsilvanicus Roots' Chemical Profile, Phenolic Composition and Biological Activities.

Novel and natural molecules for pharmaceutical applications are a contemporary preoccupation in science which prompts research in underexplored environments. Astragalus exscapus ssp. transsilvanicus (Schur) Nyár. (ASTRA) is a plant species endemic to Transylvania, having a very similar root system with that of A. membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, known for its health promoting properties. The present study endeavored to perform basic characterization of the ASTRA roots by proximate analysis, to investigate the fatty acid profile of the lipids extracted from the ASTRA roots, to examine the phenolic composition of the root extracts by liquid chromatography, and to evaluate the biological activities through determination of the antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic capacities of the extracts. The primary compounds found in the ASTRA roots were carbohydrates and lipids, and the fatty acid composition determined by GC-MS showed linoleic acid as preponderant compound with 31.10%, followed by palmitic, oleic and α-linolenic acids with 17.30%, 15.61% and 14.21%, respectively. The methanol extract of the ASTRA roots presented highest phenolic content, Astragaloside IV being the predominant compound with 425.32 ± 0.06 µg/g DW. The antimicrobial assay showed remarkable antimicrobial potential of the extract at a concentration of 0.356 and 0.703 mg ASTRA root powder (DW)/mL, highlighting its efficacy to inhibit S. aureus and S. epidermidis bacterial strains. Furthermore, the cell proliferation assessment showed the noteworthy proficiency of the treatment in inhibiting the proliferation of B16F10 melanoma cells.

Evaluation of Polyphenolic Composition and Antimicrobial Properties of Sanguisorba officinalis L. and Sanguisorba minor Scop.

The most widespread Sanguisorba species are Sanguisorba officinalis L. and Sanguisorba minor Scop. which are also found in the Romanian flora and classified as medicinal plants because of hemostatic, antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant and antiviral activities. This study aimed to characterize and compare Sanguisorba species in order to highlight which species is more valuable according to phenolic profile and antimicrobial activity. Based on high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with photodiode array detection and mass spectrometry (electrospray ionization) (HPLC-DAD-MS (ESI+)) analysis, it was evident that the ethanol extract obtained from the leaves of S. minor Scop. contains the highest content of phenolic compounds at 160.96 mg/g p.s., followed by the flower and root extract (131.56 mg/g dw and 121.36 mg/g dw, respectively). While in S. officinalis, the highest amount of phenols was recorded in the root extract (127.06 mg/g), followed by the flower and leaves extract (102.31 mg/g and 81.09 mg/g dw, respectively). Our results show that among the two species, S. minor Scop. is richer in phenolic compounds compared with the S. officinalis L. sample. In addition, the antimicrobial potential of each plant organ of Sanguisorba species was investigated. The ethanol extract of S. minor Scop. leaves exhibited better antibacterial activity against all of the bacteria tested, especially on Staphylococcus aureus, with an inhibition zone of 15.33 ± 0.83 mm. Due to the chemical composition and antimicrobial effect, the Sanguisorba species can be used as food supplements with beneficial effects on human health.

Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Viscum album L. Subsp. album and Effects on Its Host Trees.

Viscum album L. subsp. album is a hemiparasitic plant that is recognized as a medicinal plant due to its beneficial effects, including anti-tumor activity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxic, hypoglycemic, and antimicrobial properties as well as for lowering blood pressure. On the other hand, mistletoe is a biotic stressor for both deciduous trees and conifers. Our main aim was to evidence the influence of mistletoe on the content of chlorophylls, proline, total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity of leaves from tree host trees (Malus domestica, Prunus domestica, and Populus alba) that grow on the northwest of Romania. In addition, HPLC-DAD-MS-ESI+ was used to analyze the phenolic acid and flavonoid profiles of V. album L. subsp. album leaves according to their parasitized hosts. A significant decrease in chlorophyll a level of approximately 32% was detected in poplars infested with mistletoe, followed by infested apples and plums with pigment reductions of 29.25% and 9.65%, respectively. The content of total phenols and flavonoids in the parasitized trees was higher compared to the non-parasitized ones. In the case of poplar, which presented the highest incidence of mistletoe infestation (70.37%), the content of total phenols in the leaves was two times higher compared to non-infested leaves. Based on HPLC chromatographic analysis, leaves of mistletoe growing on apple (VAM) had the highest content of phenolic acids (7.833 mg/g dw), followed by mistletoe leaves on poplar (VAO) and plum (VAP) (7.033 mg/g dw and, respectively, 5.559 mg/g dw). Among the flavonols, the predominant component was Rhamnazin glucosides in the amount of 1.025 ± 0.08 mg/g dw in VAO, followed by VAP and VAM (0.514 ± 0.04 and 0.478 ± 0.04 mg/g dw, respectively). Although our results show that mistletoe negatively influences the host trees, it is still a valuable plant that must be exploited to bring benefits to human health.

Carotenoid Recovery from Tomato Processing By-Products through Green Chemistry.

The recovery of bioactive compounds from agro-industry-derived by-products sustains circular economy principles by encouraging maximized recycling and minimized waste. Tomato processing by-products are abundant in carotenoids, which have several health-promoting properties, and their reintegration into functional food products represents a major interest for scientists and manufacturers. In the present study, carotenoids were recovered from tomato processing by-products based on the principles of green chemistry by using generally recognized as safe (GRAS) solvents, freeze-drying as pretreatment, and ultrasound in the recovery procedure. Spectrophotometric measurements and HPLC were used to identify and quantify total and individual carotenoids from the extracts. The highest values for lycopene (1324.89 µg/g dw) were obtained when ethyl lactate was applied as a solvent, followed by ethyl acetate with slightly smaller differences (1313.54 µg/g dw). The extracts obtained from freeze-dried samples presented significantly lower amounts of lycopene, indicating that carotenoids are highly susceptible to degradation during lyophilization. Flaxseed, grape seed, and hempseed oils were enriched with carotenoids and their rheological measurements showed favorable viscoelastic properties, especially hempseed and flaxseed oil, with viscosity under 50 mPa·s. Considering the results and the economic perspective of carotenoid recovery from tomato processing by-products, ethyl acetate is suitable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly for carotenoid extraction.

Implementation of an Analytical Method for Spectrophotometric Evaluation of Total Phenolic Content in Essential Oils.

Over the past decade, there has been growing interest in polyphenols' research since these compounds, as antioxidants, have several health benefits, such as preventing neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes. This study implements an analytical method to assess the total phenolic content (TPC) in essential oils using Folin-Ciocalteu's phenol reagent and quantifies the individual phenolic compounds by liquid chromatography. Thus, the research design and methodology included: (1) extraction of essential oil from dried thyme leaves by hydrodistillation; (2) spectrophotometric measurement of TPC by Folin-Ciocalteu method; and (3) identification and quantification of individual phenolic compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS). Results revealed a TPC of 22.62 ± 0.482 mg GAE/100 µL and a polyphenolic profile characterized by phenolic acids (52.1%), flavonoids (16.1%), and other polyphenols (31.8%). Thymol, salvianolic acid A, and rosmarinic acid were the major compounds of thyme essential oil. The proposed analytical procedure has an acceptable level of repeatability, reproducibility, linearity, LOD (limit of detection), and LOQ (limit of quantification).

Physico-Chemical, Nutritional, and Sensory Evaluation of Two New Commercial Tomato Hybrids and Their Parental Lines.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is the globally most consumed vegetable. The objective of this research was to analyze physico-chemical, nutritional and sensorial components (taste and flavor) in two new commercial hybrids (AS 300 F1 and AS 400 F1) and their four F7 parental lines. Two widely grown F1 hybrids (Precos F1 and Addalyn F1) were used as controls. The results obtained for carbohydrates (HPLC-RID) indicated that the highest values (27.82 mg/g) were recorded in the paternal line AS 10 of the new hybrid AS 400 F1. The highest values of total organic acids (HPLC-VWD) were recorded in Addalyn F1 (5.06 m/g), while the highest value of phenolic compounds (HPLC-DAD-ESI⁺) were identified in the maternal line AS 09 of the hybrid AS 400 F1 (96.3 µg/g). Intrinsic sensory values were analyzed by male and female tasters of different ages using a hedonic scale. The tasters' perception revealed obvious taste differences between tomato genotypes. The study allowed determining genetic parameters of interest (heterosis and heterobeltosis) for the new hybrids, as well as a detailed characterization of the chemical composition and organoleptic quality of the parental breeding lines and their hybrids, which is useful in tomato breeding.

Apple Pomace as a Sustainable Substrate in Sourdough Fermentation.

Innovations range from food production, land use, and emissions all the way to improved diets and waste management. Global apple production has amounted to over 87 million tons/year, while 18% are processed, resulting in 20-35% (apple fruit fresh weight) apple pomace (AP). Using modern AP management, integrated knowledge in innovative fermentation demonstrates opportunities for reducing environmental pollution and integration into a circular economy. With this association in view, integrating AP flour during sourdough fermentation increases the nutritional value, highlighting a new approach that could guide innovative fermented foods. In this study, the wheat flour (WF) and AP flour were mixed at different ratios, hydrated with water (1:1 w/v), and fermented using a selective culture of Fructilactobacillus florum DSM 22689 and baker's yeast (single and co-culture). Sourdough fermentation was monitored and analyzed for 72 h. Results suggested that AP may be an important source of organic acids and fermentable sugars that increase nutritional sourdough value. AP flour addition in WF had a positive effect, especially in fermentations with 95% WF and 5% AP, mainly in co-culture fermentation.

Volatile and phenolic profiles of traditional Romanian apple brandy after rapid ageing with different wood chips.

The aim of this work was to find differences in the volatile and phenolic profiles of the traditional Romanian apple brandy palinca aged with various species of wood chips. Seven types of wood species, two types of oak (Quercus petraea and Quercus robur), plus sweet chestnut, mulberry, walnut, fir and cherry, were considered. The majority of volatile compounds characterizing the aroma profile of palinca were esters, particularly ethyl esters, with ethyl isobutyrate, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl caproate, ethyl octanoate and ethyl decanoate as the most abundant. The most important source of catechin was cherry wood. Rutin and juglone were solubilised only in walnut wood aged brandy. Vanillin, increased significantly in chestnut aged apple brandy. Given the cost and difficulty in handling wooden barrels, and as an alternative being able to select from a range of specific wooden chips, this work could potentially guide actors in beverage industry to less expensive alternatives.