Bioactive compounds are naturally occurring food constituents with potentially health-promoting properties, although no official daily intake recommendations have currently been established for them. Among these, phytochemicals—such as betalains, carotenoids, organosulfur compounds, phenolics, and phytosterols—stand out due to their biological relevance. Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for advancing phytochemical research, from identifying novel sources and optimizing production to evaluating their biological functions and potential applications. This review summarizes conventional and emerging sources of these key phytochemicals, including wild edible plants, microorganisms, algae, insects, and food industry by-products, emphasizing their potential under sustainability and climate change contexts. Advances in extraction technologies and the use of green solvents are also discussed. Furthermore, genetic and agronomic strategies to enhance bioactive content are considered. The article also addresses formulation approaches focused on delivery systems to improve dispersibility, stability, and bioavailability.

Beyond the importance of organic seeds as key inputs in sustainable food production systems, when assessing the scientific evidence supporting their agronomic performance, commercialization, and quality/compositional characterization, several critical gaps remain. Aspects such as defining organic, agroecological and conventional seeds, regulatory frameworks, and compositional characteristics are frequently addressed in a fragmented manner in the literature. Discussing the implications of organic seed production, together with clarifying terms that are often used indiscriminately, is essential to ensure appropriate standards and product quality. At the same time, research-driven methodologies for control and data generation play a crucial role in overcoming challenges related to certification and traceability, particularly in the seed sector. Nevertheless, current evidence on organic seeds remains limited and largely exploratory, with variable results across studies and a strong influence of confounding factors (genetic, regional, climate). This situation complicates the identification of universal markers and the development of robust classification models. To address these limitations, this review integrates and reflects on the state-of-the-art knowledge on organic seed production, including agronomic, regulatory, and market traits. In addition, we synthesize major analytical approaches to assess organic seed authentication, highlighting the potential of intrinsic compositional features through fingerprinting strategies using elemental, isotopic, and metabolomic profiles as complementary tools from the traditionally used techniques based on physicochemical and physiological parameters (e.g., vigour, germination, purity). The remaining challenge lies in connecting academic research and practical application. While holistic approaches, such as omics, provide insights into seed composition and marker discovery, their use is restricted to laboratory settings due to the need for costly instrumentation and complex data processing. Advancing this field requires translating these findings into accessible tools by using the identified markers that support regulatory frameworks, which finally promote agronomic practices and market expansion, also ensuring transparency in the organic seed sector.

Hypertension remains a prevalent global health issue, with numerous strategies aimed at mitigating its widespread impact. Recently, there has been growing interest in developing nutraceuticals derived from natural bioactive compounds with cardio-protective properties. Brassica microgreens-young, edible seedlings-are rich sources of phytochemicals, such as glucosinolates, which modulate the biological processes influencing CVDs. However, the underlying pathogenesis pathways are not yet fully understood. This study aims to investigate the effects of phytochemicals from brassica microgreens (MG) on both hypertension modulation and metabolic pathways. To achieve this, a dietary intervention using brassica microgreens was conducted on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive ones (WKY). The treatment involved a diet with 5% w/w of lyophilized brassica MG incorporated into the standard food (ad-libitum) of the animals, for either 24 h (acute treatment) or 4 weeks (chronic treatment). Systolic blood pressure and different oxidative/inflammatory markers were evaluated at the beginning and end of the treatment. Urine and plasma samples were collected posttreatment and analyzed using untargeted metabolomic approaches based on UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS to identify the metabolic pathways alterations induced by MG intake. Chronic treatment positively influenced hemodynamic parameters, which correlated with improvements in oxidative-inflammatory marker values. Metabolomics analysis provided a robust molecular characterization of normotensive, hypertensive, treated, and untreated groups with MG. Potential metabolites associated with brassica consumption, particularly cauliflower, were identified, such as sinigrin-derived and indolic metabolites, which may be linked to hypertension modulation. This study also highlighted the impact of lipid metabolism on the hypertensive phenotype, offering new insights into the physio-pathological metabolic pathways. From this, metabolomics shows potential to emerge as a novel tool for theragnosis in arterial hypertension. Moreover, the consumption of brassica microgreens may be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle, potentially offering a dietary strategy for cardiovascular risk prevention and management.

Microgreens, also called superfoods, emerge because of their high levels of nutrients, diverse flavour profiles, and sustainable cultivation methods, which make them culinary delights and valuable to a healthy and flavorful diet. The present study investigated Brassicaceae family microgreens, proposing a novel system (quality indices) that allows scoring among them. Fourteen Brassica microgreen species were morphological, phytochemical, and sensorial investigated. The morphological assessment revealed that radish microgreens exhibited the highest leaf area (p < 0.05), while red mizuna demonstrated superior yield. Cauliflower microgreens contained the highest concentrations of ascorbic acid (HPLC-DAD) and total phenolic content (p < 0.05). Phytochemical analysis using HPLC-MS/MS identified over 18 glucosinolates and phenolic compounds. Red mustard and red cabbage showed the highest glucosinolate content (p < 0.05). Watercress exhibited the highest phenolic compound content (p < 0.05), primarily flavonoids, while broccoli and radish contained the highest isothiocyanate levels. Cauliflower microgreens resulted in the most consumer-accepted variety. Appling quality indices scoring system identified radish, cauliflower, and broccoli microgreens as the most promising species. This study underscores the potential of Brassica microgreens as an excellent source of health-promoting phytochemicals with favorable market acceptance, providing valuable insights for both nutritional research and commercial applications.

Brassica microgreens are rich in bioactive compounds, whose concentrations are influenced by environmental and cultivation conditions. This study evaluates the impact of different substrates and fertigation treatments, including sulfur, on the yield, morphology, and phytochemical profile of radish, red cabbage, white mustard, and red mizuna microgreens. Phytochemicals analyzed included total phenolic compounds (TPC), ascorbic acid (AA), and glucosinolates. Nutrient solutions (NS) increased yield by 30 % compared to distilled water control. Nutrient-rich substrates significantly increased radish and red mizuna yields. Both substrate and fertigation treatments significantly affected morphology. AA and TPC increased significantly (up to 43 %) under restrictive fertigation and substrate conditions. Substrates and NS did not significantly affected glucosinolate levels, but changed their profiles by increasing indole glucosinolates with distilled water. Conversely to AA and TPC, NS improved yield without affecting glucosinolate levels by dilution in higher biomass. Thus, agricultural practices provide valuable tools for modulating the functionality of microgreens.

Microgreens are novel foods with high concentrations of bioactive compounds and can be grown easily and sustainably. Among all the microgreens genera produced, Brassicaceae stand out because of the wide evidence about their beneficial effects on human health attributed to phenolic compounds, vitamins, and particularly glucosinolates and their breakdown products, isothiocyanates and indoles. The phytochemical profile of each species is affected by the growing conditions in a different manner. The agronomic practices that involve these factors can be used as tools to modulate and enhance the concentration of certain compounds of interest. In this sense, the present review summarizes the impact of substrates, artificial lighting, and fertilization on bioactive compound profiles among species. Since Brassicaceae microgreens, rich in bioactive compounds, can be considered functional foods, we also included a discussion about the health benefits associated with microgreens’ consumption reported in the literature, as well as their bioaccessibility and human absorption. Therefore, the present review aimed to analyze and systematize cultivation conditions of microgreens, in terms of their effects on phytochemical profiles, to provide possible strategies to enhance the functionality and health benefits of Brassicaceae microgreens.

Radishes (Raphanus sativus L.) are cruciferous vegetables with remarkable nutraceutical properties given their distinctive isothiocyanates (ITCs) profile. These compounds are formed after glucosinolates-Myrosinase enzymolysis. Although it is important to characterize radishes' ITCs levels, it is also necessary to evaluate the bioactive compounds' physiological fate after radishes ingestion. To do so, the extraction techniques should adapt to such conditions of high aqueous environment. In this work, we studied the bioaccessibility of ITCs and indole-3-carbinol (I3C) in radishes taproots considering the analytical implications of this biological process. Results showed that ITCs and indole profiles in the radish's taproots after aqueous-myrosinase hydrolysis followed by Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction were distinctively different from other reports. After in vitro digestion, raphasatin showed the highest bioaccessibility despite its low quantitative yields. Notably, I3C and S-Sulforaphene become promising phytochemicals, due to their bioaccessibility and their considerable remaining amounts after digestion.

Sediment organic matter (SOM) plays an important role in capturing polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) due to its affinity to hydrophobic and lipophilic compounds. Previous publications about correlations between PBDE concentrations and SOM content showed discrepancies among the results, reporting either significant positive correlations or no correlations at all. This work aimed to provide a deeper insight into SOM characteristics that might determine the concentrations of PBDEs in sediments. Sediment samples from Mendoza province, Argentina, were analyzed to contrast two models, environmental and experimental, using multivariate learning methods. Mendoza has been going through increasing events of drought and water scarcity, hence the occurrence, transport, and fate of contaminants as PBDEs in aquatic environments is of superlative importance. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares regression (PLS) were used to evaluate the correlations between physicochemical properties of sediments, semi-quantitative Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) area ratios obtained from SOM spectra, and PBDE concentrations in sediments. Moreover, a linear model was proposed to determine SOM density using FTIR area ratios and it was used as an additional variable in multivariate analyses. The results obtained from PCA and PLS were consistent and revealed that PBDE concentrations in sediments were correlated with a more degraded SOM, characterized by shorter and more branched hydrocarbon chains. PBDE concentrations were also correlated with higher SOM density values, which in turn were correlated with SOM degradation. These findings extend previous understanding and emphasize that not only is the organic matter content a factor in determining PBDE concentrations in sediments, but also and more significantly, its degree of degradation.

BACKGROUND:Cardiovascular inflammation and oxidative stress are determining factors in high blood pressure and arrhythmias. Indole-3-carbinol is a cruciferous-derived phytochemical with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, its implications on the modulation of cardiovascular inflammatory-oxidative markers are unknown.OBJECTIVES:To establish the effects of indole-3-carbinol on the oxidative-inflammatory-proarrhythmic conditions associated with hypertension.MATERIALS:Histological, biochemical, molecular, and functional aspects were evaluated in 1) Culture of mouse BV-2 glial cells subjected to oxidative-inflammatory damage by lipopolysaccharides (100 ng/mL) in the presence or absence of 40 μM indole-3-carbinol (n = 5); 2) Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto rats receiving indole-3-carbinol (2000 ppm/day, orally) during the first 8 weeks of life (n = 15); 3) Isolated rat hearts were submitted to 10 min regional ischemia and 10 min reperfusion.RESULTS:1) lipopolysaccharides induced oxidative stress and increased inflammatory markers; indole-3-carbinol reversed both conditions (interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor α, the activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, heat shock protein 70, all p < 0.01 vs lipopolysaccharides). 2) SHR rats showed histological, structural, and functional changes with increasing systolic blood pressure (154 ± 8 mmHg vs. 122 ± 7 mmHg in Wistar Kyoto rats, p < 0.01); Inflammatory-oxidative markers also increased, and nitric oxide and heat shock protein 70 decreased. Conversely, indole-3-carbinol reduced oxidative-inflammatory markers and systolic blood pressure (133 ± 8 mmHg, p < 0.01 vs. SHR). 3) indole-3-carbinol reduced reperfusion arrhythmias from 8/10 in SHR to 0/10 (p = 0.0007 by Fisher's exact test).CONCLUSIONS:Indole-3-carbinol reduces the inflammatory-oxidative-proarrhythmic process of hypertension. The nitric oxide and heat shock protein 70 are relevant mechanisms of indole-3-carbinol protective actions. Further studies with this pleiotropic phytochemical as a promising cardioprotective are guaranteed.

Fil: Gimenez, Virna Martin. Universidad Catolica de Cuyo - Sede San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias de la Alimentacion, Bioquimicas y Farmaceuticas. Instituto de Investigacion en Ciencias Quimicas; Argentina

Among healthy vegetables, those of the genus Allium stand out. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been associated with these vegetables, attributed mainly to organosulfur compounds (OSCs). In turn, they are linked to a protective effect counteracting cardiovascular disease development. Now, to really ensure the bioactive efficacy of the said compounds once consumed, it is necessary to previously evaluate the ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) profile. Alternatively, in vitro and in silico methods attempt to avoid or reduce experimental animals’ use and provide preliminary information on drugs’ ability to overcome the various biological barriers inherent in the ADME process. In this sense, in silico methods serve to provide primary information on drugs’ bioavailability mechanisms. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a stationary phase composed of phospholipids, the so-called immobilized artificial membrane (IAM), has been widely recognized as a valuable alternative method to extract and quantify information about the structure and physicochemical properties of organic compounds which are extensively used in studies of quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSARs). In the present study, the chromatographic capacity factors (log k’ (IAM)) for 28 OSCs were determined by IAM-HPLC. In order to evaluate the ability of the IAM phase in assessing lipophilicity of the compounds under study, several quantitative structure–retention relationships (QSRRs) were derived from exploring fundamental intermolecular interactions that govern the retention of compounds under study on IAM phases. As expected, the hydrophobic factors are of prime importance for the IAM retention of these compounds. However, the molecular flexibility and specific polar interactions expressed by several electronic descriptors (relative negative charge, RNCG, and Mulliken electronegativity) are also involved. We also evaluated the IAM phase ability to assess several ADME parameters for the OSCs under study obtained using the SwissADME web tool integrated into the SwissDrugDesign workspace and the PreADMET web tool. The human gastrointestinal absorption (HIA), blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeation, and skin permeability were investigated through QSAR modeling, using several chemometric approaches. The ADME properties under study are strongly dependent on hydrophobic factors as expressed by log k’ (IAM), which provide evidence for the great potential of the IAM phases in the development of QSAR models.

Amongst functional foods, garlic and its by-products stand out given their rich phytochemical profile. A comprehensive analytical approach becomes necessary to fully address garlic preparations health-promoting activities, considering the coexistence of several active ingredients from different chemical families. For this, we developed a multi-phytochemical protocol combining Ultrasound and Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction, coupled to Liquid Chromatography, for the determination of flavonols, organosulfur compounds, and inulin. Hydrophilic interaction chromatography showed an adequate resolution of flavonols and sugars in a shorter time. The protocol showed a suitable performance and acceptable quantitative yields for garlic powder, cooked garlic, black garlic, and liquid garlic flavouring samples. Additionally, the proposed methodology represented a useful tool to assess how the different garlic products related to functional properties, taking into account the various phytochemical families present in each sample. This is the first time a comprehensive and multi-phytochemical validated analysis of garlic preparations is proposed.

Phytochemicals are dietary compounds considered lifespan-essentials. Their beneficial effects strongly depend on their bioaccessible quantities, in turn determined by food matrix components. Organosulfur compounds (OSCs) are renowned phytochemicals responsible for garlic health-effects. Currently, garlic matrix role in OSCs bioaccessibility has not been studied. Furthermore, the digestive behavior of isolated OSCs added to garlic preparations is unknown. In order to decipher these questions, different garlic matrices were subjected to in vitro digestion. Our findings demonstrate that garlic matrix impacts significantly on OSCs digestive performance. Therefore, digestive stability and bioaccessibility varied with the garlic preparation form. Powdered garlic, in fresh and stir-fried form, presented the highest stability and bioaccessibility values because matrix components suspended in digestive fluids protected OSCs during digestion. Hence, garlic powder would be suitable for OSCs dietary incorporation and functional food design. On the other hand, naturally occurring OSCs were more stable than isolated OSCs added to garlic samples. This behavior can be explained by a more deepen interaction of endogenous compounds with the matrix components and their location inside the vegetable structure. Therefore, OSCs addition procedures in food matrices should be carefully designed to optimize the phytochemical bioefficacy.

Brassicaceae vegetables are important crops consumed worldwide due to their unique flavor, and for their broadly recognized functional properties, which are directly related to their phytochemical composition. Isothiocyanates (ITC) are the most characteristic compounds, considered responsible for their pungent taste. Besides ITC, these vegetables are also rich in carotenoids, phenolics, minerals, and vitamins. Consequently, Brassica’s phytochemical profile makes them an ideal natural source for improving the nutritional quality of manufactured foods. In this sense, the inclusion of functional ingredients into food matrices are of growing interest. In the present work, Brassicaceae ingredients, functionality, and future perspectives are reviewed.

CYP2A6 is a human enzyme responsible for the metabolic elimination of nicotine, and it is also involved in the activation of procarcinogenic nitrosamines, especially those present in tobacco smoke. Several investigations have reported that reducing this enzyme activity may contribute to anti-smoking therapy as well as reducing the risk of promutagens in the body. For these reasons, several authors investigate selective inhibitors molecules toward this enzyme. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interactions between a set of organosulfur compounds and the CYP2A6 enzyme by a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis. The present work provides a better understanding of the mechanisms involved, with the final goal of providing information for the future design of CYP2A6 inhibitors based on dietary compounds. The reported activity data were modeled by means of multiple regression analysis (MLR) and partial least-squares (PLS) techniques. The results indicate that hydrophobic and steric factors govern the union, while electronic factors are strongly involved in the case of monosulfides.

Miniaturized extraction techniques are one of the most significant advances in analytical chemistry today.

Numerous studies have shown that organosulfur compounds (OSCs) from raw and cooked garlic act as bioactive phytochemicals. Nevertheless, data related to OSCs bioaccessibility is scarce. This information would be useful to establish how garlic should be consumed for maximize its beneficial effects. In the present work, cooking influence on OSCs bioaccessibility, intestinal permeability and blood stability was assayed. Target analytes were allicin, (E)/(Z)-ajoene, 2-vinyl-4H-1,3-dithiin (2-VD), diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS) and diallyl trisulfide (DATS). The results showed that all OSCs studied were bioaccessible in raw and cooked garlic. In contrast, allicin, DAS and 2VD would be able to permeate less than 5% through the intestine. Furthermore, OSCs reacted rapidly with blood; less than 20% of 2VD, DAS and DADS could remain unreacted at the half hour. In conclusion, raw and cooked garlic intake provides bioactive OSCs that could be absorbed at a moderate rate. Raw garlic digestion showed a greater OSCs quantitative yield. 2-Vinyldithiin was the garlic compound that showed better permeability and stability.

Actualmente existe una marcada tendencia hacia el consumo de alimentos que además de valor nutritivo aporten beneficios a la salud y debido a esto, el diseño y desarrollo de este tipo de alimentos toma gran interés entre distintas disciplinas (comercio, industria, academia). Lo que se busca es desarrollar productos alimentarios en los cuales se preserven y potencien sus propiedades benéficas, asegurando su estabilidad desde el almacenamiento hasta su consumo.

Los compuestos organoazufrados (OSCs) presentes en el ajo (Allium sativum L.) son los principales responsables de diversas propiedades biologicas. En la actualidad investigaciones relacionadas con el analisis de alimentos funcionales se enfocan en la determinacion y cuantificacion de fitoquimicos, tales como los compuestos de nuestro interes. Si bien, es valuable la presencia de componentes bioactivos en alimentos, tambien es de interes conocer su eficacia biologica.