Journals
2025 EN
Hosaflioglu Ibrahim
ABSTRACT Plants play an essential role in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Plants show broad‐spectrum biological activity due to the bioactive compound contents. Hence, plants provide an essential contribution to drug invention and progress. In this study, phytochemical analysis and antioxidant effects of the Astragalus onobrychis plant were investigated. The flower, leaf, and stem parts of Astragalus onobrychis were extracted with methanol. The quantitative analysis of corresponding parts was conducted by LC‐ESI‐MS/MS, and it was detected that the flowers, leaves, and stems contained 12, 19, and 17 compounds, respectively. The flowers were determined to contain kaempferol‐3‐glucoside (0.395 mg/g extract) as a major product. Additionally, routine (0.132) was defined as the leading product in the leaf parts of the plant. The main product of the stem part of the plant was detected as coumarin (0.068). Antioxidant activity tests of flower, leaf, and stem extracts of the Astragalus onobrychis plant were performed. It was determined that the flowers showed the highest antioxidants among them. DPPH activity of flowers was determined as 4.56 ± 0.42 (IC50, μg/mL). Moreover, the antibacterial activity of flowers, leaves, and stem was performed using B . subtilis , S . aureus , E . coli , and P . aeruginosa , and flowers displayed excellent antibacterial activity against B . subtilis and E . coli with a value of 10.5 μg/mL.
Journals
2025 EN
Hassan Arkan Mohammed · Altemimi Ammar B. · Ghanbarzadeh Babak
+6 more
ABSTRACT Edible coatings are a thin layer of substances that are put on the surface of food. This work was designed to investigate strawberry coating prepared of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), gelatin (G) enriched with lemon essential oil (LEO) in various concentrations (0.5%, 1.5%, 3%), on the antimicrobial characteristics, shelf life, physicochemical, and sensory properties of strawberries preserved for 16 days at 4°C ± 1°C and an RH of 85% ± 5%. It was found that adding LEO to the CMC + G coating inhibited yeast and mold growth as well as decreased weight loss. The total flavonoid (TF), total phenol content (TPC), ascorbic acid, and antioxidant activity (AOA) all decreased slowly. Furthermore, the CMC + G + LEO combination reduced fruit deterioration due to respiration‐related cell wall degradation and delayed titratable acidity (TA); pH changes, as well as losses of the fruit's total soluble solid (SS), were decreased. Likewise, the simultaneous use of CMC, G, and LEO in the sensory assessment (texture, flavor, appearance, and over all acceptance) improved aroma and appearance in the sensory assessment of the current research employing CMC + G + LEO 3%. It also proved to be efficient in reducing firmness loss, total flavonoids, ascorbic acid, TPC, and AOA in strawberry fruits compared with the uncoated.
Journals
2025 EN
Ammar Naglaa M. · Kadry Mai O. · Abd Elkarim Asmaa S.
+7 more
ABSTRACT Amaranthus species, including A. spinosus Linn, are well‐known vegetables whose leaves, shoots, fragile stems, and grains are commonly utilized as herbs in soups or sauces, aside from traditional uses to treat a wide range of illnesses. Ovarian hyperthecosis is a common syndrome associated with metabolomics and endocrinology that lowers female fertility. The investigation of novel biomarkers and targeted therapies for the detection and treatment of ovarian hyperthecosis is of interest. Types of noncoding RNAs known as circular RNAs (circRNAs) have covalently closed cyclic structures, are widely distributed, and exhibit expression patterns that are particular to different stages of development. Ovarian hyperthecosis was induced in rats via dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) followed by 1 month of treatment with 50 and 100 mg/kg of the A. spinosus EtOH extract. Further, oxidative stress biomarkers including GSH and MDA were investigated in addition to hormonal biomarkers, such as Luteinizing hormone and testosterone hormone, a metabolomics approach modeled using orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA), and circRNA (hsa‐circ‐0001577). Furthermore, UHPLC‐ESI‐Orbitrap‐MS analysis was used for metabolites profiling to identify active agents in the plant extract. Results revealed a significant improvement in these biomarkers in the DHEA group treated with A. spinosus , especially at high doses, and further confirmed via histopathological assays. Multivariate data analyses of serum metabolome indicated significant variations in serum profiles among normal, disease, and treated groups. Variable importance in the projection (VIP) values guided the selection of differentiated metabolites, revealing significant changes in metabolite concentrations. UHPLC‐ESI‐Orbitrap‐MS analysis identified 72 bioactive metabolites belonging to phenolics, triterpenoidal saponins, and pyridines In conclusion, A. spinosus could be a management approach for ovarian hyperthecosis therapy via regulating circRNA (hsa‐circ‐0001577), disturbed hormonal balance, and metabolomics biomarkers based assays.
Journals
2025 EN
Abedelmaksoud Tarek Gamal · Younis Mohamed Ibrahim · Altemimi Ammar B.
+2 more
ABSTRACT This review delves into the diverse array of bioactive compounds present in plant‐based foods, emphasizing their extraction, isolation, identification, characteristics, and emerging applications. Plant‐based foods are abundant in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and carotenoids, which have gained substantial attention for their potential health benefits and functional properties. The extraction of these compounds employs both conventional methods, like solvent extraction, and modern techniques, including supercritical fluid extraction, ultrasound‐assisted extraction, and microwave‐assisted extraction, all designed to efficiently recover bioactive compounds while maintaining their structural integrity and bioactivity. Isolation processes, such as chromatography (HPLC, GC), centrifugation, and filtration, are employed to separate and purify these compounds from complex plant matrices. Advanced analytical methods, including mass spectrometry (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and infrared spectroscopy (IR), are used for the identification and structural elucidation of these bioactive compounds, providing detailed insights into their chemical makeup and properties. The characteristics of these compounds, such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities, have been extensively studied for their therapeutic potential. Additionally, the growing applications of bioactive compounds in functional foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmeceuticals underscore their expanding significance across various industries. This review offers a thorough exploration of bioactive compounds in plant‐based foods, covering their extraction and isolation methods, identification, properties, and emerging uses, underscoring their vast potential to enhance human health and well‐being.
Journals
2025 EN
Demirtas İbrahim · Atalar Mehmet Nuri · Bingol Zeynebe
+5 more
ABSTRACT The search for novel therapeutic agents has led to increasing interest in natural products, driven by the recognition that they may offer safer and more sustainable alternatives to synthetic drugs. This study aims to fill the gap in knowledge regarding the biological activity and safety of the water extract of chestnut ( Castanea mollissima ) (chestnut), a plant species with a long history of use in traditional medicine, by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of its antioxidant, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective properties. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the water extract of chestnut for the first time using various bioanalytical antioxidant methods. The extract's inhibitory effects on key enzymes like acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and α‐glycosidase were evaluated due to their relevance in metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Developmental toxicity and cytotoxicity were assessed using zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) embryos to evaluate the extract's biological safety. The major phenolic compounds present in the extract were identified by liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS), revealing catechin, gallic acid, taxifolin, and epicatechin as the predominant constituents. Antioxidant capacity was determined through radical scavenging assays using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH • ) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS •+ ), alongside ferric (Fe 3+ ), cupric (Cu 2+ ), and Fe 3+ ‐TPTZ (ferric‐tripyridyltriazine) reducing power assays. The findings highlight the significant antioxidant, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective potential of the chestnut water extract, supporting its prospective use in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.
Journals
2025 EN
Arshad Muhammad Tayyab · Basher Nosiba S. · Ibrahim Nasir A.
+12 more
ABSTRACT The stunning nutritional and medicinal attributes of tropical fruits have propelled them to international fame. Passion fruit ( Passiflora edulis ) and mangosteen ( Garcinia mangostana ) are two examples of such fruits. This review discusses in depth their phytochemical composition, health benefits, and utility in the industrial sector. Mangosteen is an important dietary food and nutraceutical agent that exhibits high antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer properties because of its richness in xanthones, anthocyanins, and polyphenols. Passion fruit has the potential to serve as an antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and anticancer agent because it is rich in vitamins (A, B2, and C), carotenoids, and polyphenols. Owing to its antioxidant nature, mangosteen has applications in the cosmetics industry. Passion fruit, however, is extensively used in beverages, pastries, and sweets owing to its flavor and bioactive benefits. This review highlights the numerous uses of these fruits and demonstrates how they can contribute to the areas of sustainable agriculture, medicine, and nutrition. Perishability, limited cultivation, and underutilized by‐products (e.g., peels and seeds) are challenges that persist despite their benefits. Enhancing postharvest technologies, boosting agronomic practices, and valoring waste would make them more commercially viable. Enhancing extraction procedures, shelf life, and finding new applications in pharmaceuticals and functional foods are all directions in which future investigations need to focus to provide maximum social, economic, and health gains.
Journals
2025 EN
Ibrahim Yakubu · Jamil Amilia Afzan Mohd · Basri Nurul Iftida
+3 more
ABSTRACT Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly recognized as a public health concern among pregnant women due to its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Inadequate knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to vitamin D may contribute to this issue. The study aimed to evaluate the KAP and serum vitamin D concentration among pregnant women. The study was a hospital‐based cross‐sectional study involving pregnant women residing in the Klang Valley area. Relevant data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and physical activity were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected using the veni puncture technique, and serum vitamin D levels were measured using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ELCIA) technique. There was a significantly higher proportion of participants with good knowledge as compared with participants with poor knowledge (54.1% vs. 45.9%); p = 0.015. There was a significantly higher proportion of participants with negative attitudes as compared with positive attitudes (54.8% vs. 45.2%); p = 0.0001 and inconsistent practice level (50.7% vs. 49.3%); p = 0.953. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 64.4%. Further analysis revealed that non‐Malay participants had significantly higher odds of having good knowledge of vitamin D compared to Malays (aOR = 0.420, p = 0.027). Employment status was significantly associated with good practices. Employed participants were two times more likely to demonstrate vitamin D‐related practices (aOR = 2.036, p = 0.049) compared to their unemployed counterparts. There were no significant associations between sociodemographic characteristics and participants' attitudes on vitamin D. Despite the high levels of knowledge about vitamin D among the participants, the majority had negative attitudes, inconsistent practice levels, and a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. The findings underscore the need for policies and culturally acceptable strategies aimed at promoting attitudes and practices to prevent vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy.
Journals
2025 EN
Ikram Ali · Ibrahim Nasir A. · Arshad Muhammad Tayyab
+8 more
ABSTRACT Mushrooms have long been used in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where they play an important role in promoting overall health and well‐being. However, the therapeutic benefits of mushrooms have made this group of macrofungi a significant part of traditional medicine, particularly in Southeast Asia and China. Across the globe, cancer is the leading cause of death. Powerful anti‐cancer medications known as traditional chemotherapeutic agents treat this dangerous disease. However, patients are always accompanied by immunosuppression, increasing the risk of tumor return and mortality. Identifying, separating, and transferring bioactive macromolecules naturally present in tumor‐genic foods could be a promising option. Mushrooms are a source of macromolecules such as ergosterol, p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, linoleic acid, β‐glucan, α‐glucan, resveratrol, concanavalin A, Cibacron blue affinity protein, and others. Numerous studies have demonstrated that oyster mushroom extracts are full of macromolecules like β‐glucan and other polysaccharides that inhibit the proliferation of cancer cell types without affecting healthy cells. The genera Phellinus, Pleurotus, Agaricus, Ganoderma, Clitocybe, Antrodia, Trametes, Cordyceps, Xerocomus, Calvatia, Schizophyllum, Flammulina, Suillus, Inonotus, Inocybe, Funlia, Lactarius, Albatrellus, Russula, and Fomes are the mushrooms that have been linked to success against cancer. The anticancerous substances are essential because they create reactive oxygen species, inhibit mitotic kinase, prevent mitosis, inhibit angiogenesis, and topoisomerase, which ultimately stop cancer growth. This review provides the most recent results on the pharmacologically active chemicals, their potential as antitumor agents, and the underlying mechanism of biological activity.
Journals
2025 EN
Tourabi Meryem · El Abdali Youness · Faiz Khaoula
+10 more
ABSTRACT Mentha longifolia is frequently utilized as a natural treatment in conventional medicine to treat diverse illnesses, including gastrointestinal, respiratory, and inflammatory disorders. The present study aimed to unveil the phenolic composition, as well as the antioxidant, antihemolytic, and antimicrobial potential of different parts of Mentha longifolia . HPLC‐DAD analysis was employed to identify the phenolic components of extracts from different plant parts. The total flavonoid and phenolic contents were measured. Four assays were conducted to assess the antioxidant capacity in vitro, including DPPH, ABTS, RP, and TAC assays. The antihemolytic potential of different parts of M. longifolia was also evaluated. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the microdilution method, and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was assessed. Thirteen compounds were identified in M. longifolia extracts, among them kaempferol, quercetin, ferulic acid, and gallic acid. However, the aerial part of M. longifolia (leaves and stem) and root extract contained a high polyphenol content and exhibited nutritional properties. Leaf extract comprises a high level of flavonoid content combined with significant antioxidant potency and demonstrated excellent antibacterial and antifungal activity. Moreover, a significant antihemolytic capacity was observed in the root, stem, and seed extracts. Based on the findings of the current study, M. longifolia extracts exhibited high antihemolytic power along with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, suggesting their potential use in the development of plant‐based drugs in the future.
Journals
2025 EN
Mohammadzadeh Behrooz · Feizy Javad
ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the nutritional value of the five commercial fish species from the Persian Gulf. All species were low‐fat (0.07–1.64 g/100 g) and low‐calorie fish (108.54–126.17 cal/100 g). Lysine was the most important essential amino acid (EAA) (27.52%–28.82%). The total aromatic amino acids (TArAA), the ratios of essential amino acids to total amino acids (EAA/TAA), and the essential amino acids to non‐essential amino acids (EAA/NEAA) were higher than recommended by FAO/WHO. Tryptophan was the primary limiting amino acid. Nemipterus japonicus had the best protein quality with an EAAI (75.92) and BV (71.02). Oleic acid (57.32%–72.75%) and alpha‐linolenic acid (14.81%–39.45%) were the most abundant monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), respectively. The Platycephalus indicus , with high PUFA and PI levels (3.97% and 7.02%, respectively), has better lipid quality than other species. Consuming 111 g (59% meal portion), 258 g (138%), 180 g (96%), and 443 g (237%) of Atropus atropos , Sphyraena jello , N. japonicus , and Argyrops spinifer , respectively, could meet daily Ca, K, Fe, and Zn requirements. The Na/K ratio in five species and the Ca/Mg ratio in A. atropos and N. japonicus were in the standard range. In conclusion, all five fish species are good sources of lysine, oleic acid, alpha‐linolenic acid, K, Ca, Zn, and Fe. N. japonicus and P. indicus have the best protein and lipid nutritional quality, respectively; they can be suggested for a healthy diet.