Article
Food Science & Technology
Beatriz H. Paschoalinotto, Maria Ines Dias, Jose Pinela, Tania C. S. P. Pires, Maria Jose Alves, Andrei Mocan, Ricardo C. Calhelha, Lillian Barros, Rafael P. Ineu, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira
Summary: This study explored the chemical composition and bioactive properties of several medicinal and aromatic plants in tisane form, with T5 showing the highest concentration of active compounds. T2 and T4 were highlighted for their antihemolytic, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sunil Kumar Bhanja, Prasenjit Maity, Dilip Rout, Ipsita Kumar Sen, Sukesh Patra
Summary: A pure water soluble xylan with immunostimulating activities and antioxidant properties was isolated from the hot water extraction of Piper betle leaves. The xylan was found to be composed of xylose, galactose, and methyl galacturonate. The results suggest that this xylan has potential as a natural antioxidant and potent immunostimulating agent.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohamed Ali Boujbiha, Hassiba Chahdoura, Khaoula Adouni, Borhane Eddine Cherif Ziani, Mejdi Snoussi, Yasmine Chakroun, Maria Ciudad-Mulero, Virginia Fernandez-Ruiz, Lotfi Achour, Boulbaba Selmi, Patricia Morales, Guido Flamini, Habib Mosbah
Summary: This study validates the beneficial use of Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) fruits and fruit decoctions (VFDs) through in vitro and in vivo experiments. VFDs exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, and gastroprotective activities. This work supports the traditional use of VAC in treating pain, inflammation, and gastric disorders, and encourages further investigation of pharmacological compounds from this species.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Zurek, Karolina Pycia, Agata Pawlowska, Ireneusz Tomasz Kapusta
Summary: This study investigated the polyphenol composition and biological potential of pollen from male Juglans regia flowers. It identified 24 phenolic compounds in the pollen, some of which were reported for the first time. The pollen showed strong antioxidant and cytotoxic activity, as well as potential anticancer effects on certain cancer cell lines.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jawad Zaheer, Qazi Najam-Us-Saqib, Tayyaba Anwar, Fahad Said Khan, Muhammad Akram, Naveed Munir, Maksim Rebezov, Mohammad Ali Shariati, Muthu Thiruvengadam
Summary: Androsace foliosa, also known as rock jasmine, is an important medicinal plant with various pharmacological activities, and may have significance in treating different diseases.
ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Balasaheb Shantilal Kale, Mangesh Shankar Bhale, Aditya Bajirao Bhagat, Sanjay Appaji Khairnar
Summary: This study comprehensively evaluated the pharmacognostic characteristics of an important ethnomedicinal plant, O. quadripartita Salz. ex Decne., including taxonomic, macroscopic, microscopic, fluorescence analysis, and phytochemical analysis. The findings revealed unique microscopic structures and chemical constituents of this plant, which contribute to its standardization.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
ThankGod Anyamele, Promise Nnaemeka Onwuegbuchu, Eziuche Amadike Ugbogu, Chibuike Ibe
Summary: Due to the decreasing efficacy of synthetic drugs, the use of medicinal plants has gained popularity worldwide. Tetrapleura tetraptera, a medicinal plant in West Africa, is commonly used as a spice and for the treatment of diseases. This review provides up-to-date information on the ethnobotanical uses, pharmacological activities, and phytoconstituents of T. tetraptera.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Heba A. M. Abdalla, Mohammed Ali, Mohamed Hamdy Amar, Lingyun Chen, Qing-Feng Wang
Summary: Moringa oleifera and M. peregrina are fast-growing trees that contain various phytochemical and nutrient compounds, which can provide several health advantages and play an important role in the metabolism of the human body, especially in diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, obesity, and high cholesterol and triglycerides.
Article
Plant Sciences
Debora M. Bandeira, Juliana M. Correa, Larissa V. Laskoski, Joelma M. Batista, Jessica Rosset, Willian F. da Costa, Lilian H. Kuo, Fabiana G. S. Pinto
Summary: Extracts and essential oil of Podocarpus lambertii leaves have antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, with potential control over multiple drug-resistant bacteria.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH ON MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Natwasan Jeytawan, Sumed Yadoung, Peerapong Jeeno, Pichamon Yana, Kunrunya Sutan, Warangkana Naksen, Malaiporn Wongkaew, Sarana Rose Sommano, Surat Hongsibsong
Summary: The study showed that Gymnema inodorum from Northern Thailand has high antioxidant and phytochemical potential, with anti-inflammatory effects, especially in baked leaf extracts.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marwa Kerboua, Ali Ahmed Monia, Nsevolo Samba, Lucia Silva, Cesar Raposo, David Diez, Jesus Miguel Rodilla
Summary: In this study, the chemical composition of hexane, chloroform, and ethanol extracts from samples of the lichen Parmotrema hypoleucinum collected in Algeria was investigated. The analysis revealed the presence of fatty acids, hydrocarbons, and derivatives of orsellinic acid in the hexane extracts. HPLC-MS/MS analysis identified characteristic compounds of the lichen, including Atranol, Chloroatranol, Atranorin, and Chloroatranorin. The chloroform and ethanol extracts showed slight differences in their chemical composition.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tshifhiwa Ramabulana, Musawenkosi Ndlovu, Rebamang A. Mosa, Molahlehi S. Sonopo, Mamoalosi A. Selepe
Summary: In this study, analysis of Leucosidea sericea leaf and stem extracts using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry identified various types of compounds. Further purification led to the isolation of 22 compounds, including a new triterpenoid. Some of these compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against digestive enzymes, and two compounds showed higher potency than the positive control.
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Uttam Kumar Jana, Rahul Kumar Suryawanshi, Bhanu Pratap Prajapati, Naveen Kango
Summary: Functional oligosaccharides, such as mannooligosaccharides (MOS), are non-digestible food ingredients with potential health benefits. MOS can be produced from microbial mannanases and have various applications in the food and feed industry, offering anticancer and immunomodulatory effects. Commercial MOS, derived from yeast cell wall mannan, is widely used as a prebiotic for poultry and aquaculture, stimulating the growth of probiotic microflora.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Luiz Leonardo Saldanha, Aislan Quintiliano Delgado, Laurence Marcourt, Nathalia Aparecida de Paula Camaforte, Priscilla Maria Ponce Vareda, Samad Nejad Ebrahimi, Wagner Vilegas, Anne Ligia Dokkedal, Emerson Ferreira Queiroz, Jean-Luc Wolfender, Jose Roberto Bosqueiro
Summary: The leaves of Bauhinia holophylla, traditionally used in Brazil to treat diabetes, have been found to contain multiple compounds that exhibit hypoglycemic activity, including lithospermoside. The hypoglycemic properties of the leaves seem to be the result of the activity of three unrelated classes of compounds, supporting their traditional use in treating diabetes.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joao Ferreira, Anja Hartmann, Carlos Martins-Gomes, Fernando M. Nunes, Eliana B. Souto, Dario L. Santos, Helena Abreu, Rui Pereira, Mario Pacheco, Isabel Gaivao, Amelia M. Silva
Summary: The red seaweeds Grateloupia turuturu and Porphyra umbilicalis are rich in bioactive compounds, with water extracts having higher content in reducing compounds and showing the strongest antioxidant activity. These seaweeds also exhibit anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory activities, indicating their potential as functional food and sources of bioactive compounds for food and pharmaceutical industries.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Lucas Vinicius Cavichi, Angela Liberal, Maria Ines Dias, Filipa Mandim, Jose Pinela, Marina Kostic, Marina Sokovic, Daneysa Lahis Kalschne, Angela Fernandes, Cristiane Canan, Lillian Barros, Joana S. S. Amaral
Summary: In recent years, there has been an increased interest in using plants as food and sources of bioactive compounds, specifically wild plants that have been traditionally used for various purposes in different cultures. The study focused on Commelina erecta, a wild edible plant that has limited research, aiming to enhance knowledge about its nutritional, chemical, and bioactive profile. The results showed that this plant species has a similar nutritional profile to other frequently consumed wild edible plants in Brazil. Additionally, it exhibited promising antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, supporting its traditional use as food and medicine and promoting food sovereignty and sustainability.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Applied
Maurizio Battino, Tarun Belwal, Miguel A. Prieto
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Angela Liberal, Daiana Almeida, Angela Fernandes, Carla Pereira, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira, Ana Maria Vivar-Quintana, Lillian Barros
Summary: This study assessed the nutritional and chemical profiles, as well as the antioxidant capacity, of 34 Armun tilde a lentil samples. The results showed that lentils contain valuable nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and ashes. The growing season had a significant impact on the major nutrients in lentils, while the soil type did not seem to affect any of the parameters analyzed.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Carlos S. H. Shiraishi, Yosra Zbiss, Custodio Lobo Roriz, Maria Ines Dias, Miguel A. Prieto, Ricardo C. Calhelha, Maria Jose Alves, Sandrina A. Heleno, Vasco da Cunha Mendes, Marcio Carocho, Rui M. V. Abreu, Lillian Barros
Summary: The leaves of fig tree varieties BN and DA have shown good antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. Fig leaves can be regarded as sustainable sources of valuable bioactive molecules for various industrial applications.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jessica Ribeiro, Vanessa Silva, Andreia Monteiro, Madalena Vieira-Pinto, Gilberto Igrejas, Filipa S. Reis, Lillian Barros, Patricia Poeta
Summary: Chicken meat is widely consumed around the world, and antibiotics have been used in its production to ensure high levels of output. However, the use of antibiotics in animal production has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly in the gut microbiota. Studies have found resistant strains of Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli in the gastrointestinal tract of chickens, with Enterococcus spp. showing resistance to at least seven classes of antibiotics and E. coli showing resistance to at least four. Some clonal lineages have also been identified in both broilers and humans, suggesting the transmission of bacteria through contaminated food, direct contact with animals, or environmental exposure.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Beatriz Nunes Silva, Vasco Cadavez, Cristina Caleja, Eliana Pereira, Ricardo C. Calhelha, Mikel Anibarro-Ortega, Tiane Finimundy, Marina Kostic, Marina Sokovic, Jose Antonio Teixeira, Lillian Barros, Ursula Gonzales-Barron
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the polyphenolic profile and bioactive properties of lemon balm, sage, and spearmint extracts. The results showed that some of these extracts may have the ability to prevent food spoilage and promote health benefits while not displaying toxicity against healthy cells. Although sage extracts did not exhibit anti-inflammatory capacity, they often showed the best outcomes in terms of other bioactivities. Overall, the research provides insight into the potential of plant extracts as a source of active phytochemicals and as natural food additives.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Angela Liberal, Daiana Almeida, Angela Fernandes, Carla Pereira, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira, Ana Maria Vivar-Quintana, Lillian Barros
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional profiles and antioxidant potential of different lentil varieties, as well as the impact of cultivation type (conventional or organic) and variety on these parameters. The results showed that all the varieties analyzed are an excellent source of fiber and have good antioxidant capacity. Lentil variety has a greater influence on its nutritional composition than the type of cultivation.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Daniele Bobrowski Rodrigues, Lavinia Verissimo, Tiane Finimundy, Joana Rodrigues, Izamara Oliveira, Joao Goncalves, Isabel P. Fernandes, Lillian Barros, Sandrina A. Heleno, Ricardo C. Calhelha
Summary: This study aimed to screen the phenolic compound composition and bioactivities of chestnut burs, shells, and leaves extracts as natural ingredients, primarily for food preservation. The extracts from chestnut shells and burs showed the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
Article
Plant Sciences
Edmilson Emanuel Monteiro Correia, Artur Figueirinha, Lisa Rodrigues, Jose Pinela, Ricardo C. Calhelha, Lillian Barros, Chantal Fernandes, Ligia Salgueiro, Teresa Goncalves
Summary: This study chemically characterized the ethanolic extract of Withania chevalieri and evaluated its bioactivities as antidermatophytic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer. The results demonstrated the potential of WcCEE as an effective treatment for skin fungal infections, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Breno Martins de Deus, Conceicao Fernandes, Adriana K. Molina, Virginie Xavier, Tania C. S. P. Pires, Filipa Mandim, Sandrina A. Heleno, Tiane C. Finimundy, Lillian Barros
Summary: Consumer demand for natural and healthier products has increased interest in the bioactive and therapeutic properties of plant extracts. This study evaluates the phenolic compounds profile, bioactivities, and toxicities of plant extracts from eight European flora species. The results suggest that these extracts have potential as natural preservatives due to their richness in bioactive compounds.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bianca R. Albuquerque, Tiane C. Finimundy, Jose Pinela, Tania C. S. P. Pires, Filipa Mandim, Josiana Vaz, Rubia C. G. Correa, Maria Beatriz P. P. Oliveira, Lillian Barros
Summary: This study aimed to determine the chemical composition and assess the bioactivities of the hydroethanolic extracts of different parts of Eugenia brasiliensis, a little explored Brazilian berry. The peel fraction showed the highest concentration of organic acids, vitamins, tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, while the seed fraction had the highest content of monounsaturated fatty acids and hydrolysable tannins. The study also revealed that the residue of E. brasiliensis could serve as a good source of bioactive compounds, but further research is still needed to confirm its safety and understand the mechanisms behind its biological activities.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joana Madureira, Bianca Albuquerque, Maria Ines Dias, Jose Pinela, Ricardo C. Calhelha, Celestino Santos-Buelga, Fernanda M. A. Margaca, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira, Sandra Cabo Verde, Lillian Barros
Summary: Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was used to recover hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol from olive pomace. Optimization of the extraction process showed that UAE yielded higher amounts of both compounds compared to heat-assisted extraction (HAE). However, HAE extract exhibited greater bioactivity, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and cytotoxic effects, as well as no antifungal potential against C. albicans. These results provide valuable insights for the development of new bioactive ingredients in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Izamara de Oliveira, Antonios Chrysargyris, Tiane C. Finimundy, Marcio Carocho, Celestino Santos-Buelga, Ricardo C. Calhelha, Nikolaos Tzortzakis, Lillian Barros, Sandrina A. Heleno
Summary: In this study, pansy and viola edible flowers were grown hydroponically with varying levels of Mg and Mn. The effects of nutrient levels on plant growth and nutritional composition were investigated, and the chemical compounds and activities in the flowers were analyzed. The results showed that Mg enrichment had a negative impact on plant growth and mineral accumulation, but improved photosynthetic performance. The edible flowers contained significant amounts of protein, low levels of fat, and various sugar contents, and exhibited antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory properties. This research not only expands our understanding of Mg and Mn interaction, but also accelerates important advancements in sustainable agriculture and food health, promoting a healthier and more conscious future.
