Amaranth oil (AMO) and its topical formulation enriched with rose oil (AMOR) were evaluated for anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties in skin-relevant models. Two complementary inflammation models were used to assess immunomodulatory potential, (i) LPS-stimulated macrophages and (ii) TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated immortalized HaCaT keratinocytes, while cytotoxicity and selectivity were tested on human HaCaT keratinocytes and melanoma cell lines (A375, HTB140). GC-MS and FTIR analyses were performed to confirm the presence of key bioactive compounds (squalene, fatty acids, phenolics). AMOR showed significantly higher polyphenol and palmitic acid content than AMO. In both inflammation models, AMOR more effectively reduced IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α release. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that both oils were safe for normal keratinocytes, while selectively cytotoxic to melanoma cells, with AMOR demonstrating greater potency (IC50 A375 = 3.8 μg/mL and HTB140 = 18.9 μg/mL). Albumin-binding studies showed that AMOR had stronger interactions with these proteins, which may enhance delivery and tissue retention. In conclusion, both oils exhibit promising topical safety, but AMOR provides enhanced anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects due to its enriched composition. This study supports the therapeutic potential of amaranth oil in different skin diseases, especially when combined with essential oils of complementary bioactivity.

Background/Objectives: Interest in alternative, non-animal sources of vitamin D has increased due to the global prevalence of its deficiency and the growing demand for plant-based dietary options. Mushrooms and algae have emerged as potential sustainable sources of vitamin D2 and, in selected cases, vitamin D3 following ultraviolet (UV) exposure. However, the comparative bioavailability and clinical effectiveness of vitamin D2 relative to vitamin D3 remain controversial. This review aims to evaluate the content of vitamin D2 in mushrooms and algae, the impact of UV irradiation on its synthesis, and the effectiveness of vitamin D2 supplementation compared with vitamin D3 in humans. Methods: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched (1996-2026). Only human intervention studies were included when assessing clinical efficacy. Data on natural sources and pharmaceutical formulations were analyzed. Results: UV irradiation markedly increases vitamin D2 content in mushrooms, as compared to cultivated products. Algal vitamin D content varies, depending on species and UV exposure, with no robust clinical trials confirming improvement of serum 25(OH)D after algal supplementation. Across multiple randomized controlled trials, vitamin D2 consistently increased circulating 25(OH)D2 but frequently reduced 25(OH)D3 and demonstrated lower efficacy in raising total 25(OH)D compared with vitamin D3, as confirmed by a recent meta-analysis. Conclusions: Although UV-enhanced mushrooms represent a quantifiable dietary source of vitamin D2, clinical evidence consistently indicates lower efficacy of vitamin D2 compared with vitamin D3. Algae cannot currently be considered a validated source of vitamin D for improving human vitamin D status. Further mechanistic and long-term clinical studies are required.

BackgroundDurian pulp consumption is growing rapidly worldwide, but so is the waste it generates: seeds and peels. This study investigates the Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of extracts and microencapsulated extracts from the main components of the durian fruit: seed (Dse), pulp (Dpu), and peel (Dpe).MethodsThe TPC was evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and the antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS methods. The phenolic compounds profile was obtained by UPLC-MS/MS. Microencapsulation of durian extracts was achieved by spray drying using gum arabic and polydextrose as encapsulating agents. A Differential Scanning Calorimeter analyzed the thermostability of microcapsules, while the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds was measured using an in vitro digestion test.ResultsThe seed extracts (18 mg GAE/g DW) showed higher TPC than pulp and peel extracts (1.7 and 6.5 mg GAE/ g DW, respectively). The seed extracts showed the highest antioxidant capacity across all assays (DPPH: 9.9, FRAP: 9.7, ABTS: 9.8 mg TE/g DW) and were strongly correlated with TPC (r = 0.73–0.91, p < 0.001). UPLC results showed that flavonoids (52%) are the predominant polyphenols, followed by phenolic acids (25%), lignans and coumarins (16%), and tannins (6%). Microencapsulation of durian extracts was achieved by spray drying under the optimal conditions of 53.1% gum arabic and 46.9% polydextrose, determined through an experimental design. The microcapsules of the Dse, Dpu, and Dpe extracts were thermostable, whereas the free extracts showed degradation over the temperature range from −4 to 200 °C. The in vitro digestion test showed 69.8–99.7% bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds across the oral, gastric, and intestinal phases, depending on the fruit component, where Dse microcapsules exhibited the highest bioaccessibility.ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrate the promising potential of valorizing bioactive compounds from durian fruit and its waste through extraction and microencapsulation for food and pharmaceutical applications.

This study investigated the interactions between phenolic compounds from Israeli and Chilean white wines and human serum carrier proteins, including human serum albumin (HALB), gamma-globulin (HGLO), and fibrinogen (HFB), to characterize their antioxidant capacity and serum protein-binding behavior under controlled experimental conditions. The analyzed wines included Israeli Chardonnay (ICR), Chilean Chardonnay (CCR), Israeli Sauvignon Blanc (ISB), and Chilean Sauvignon Blanc (CSB). HPLC and FTIR fingerprinting revealed cultivar- and region-dependent differences in phenolic composition, with Chardonnay wines showing stronger protein-binding behavior and Sauvignon Blanc samples displaying high antioxidant efficiency relative to their phenolic content. ICR exhibited the highest total binding capacity, 46.44%, and the strongest albumin interaction, with a binding constant (Kb) of 8.44 × 104 M-1 and a Gibbs free energy (ΔG) value of -35.03 kJ/mol. Empirical fluorescence quenching kinetics demonstrated that white wine phenolics establish stable physical complexes with human serum proteins, displaying a distinct preferential affinity for HALB as the protein showing the strongest apparent interaction among the proteins tested. Two- and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed substantial quenching of the intrinsic tryptophan and tyrosine residues, indicating meaningful microenvironmental alterations within the protein's active transport sites. These empirical interactions were closely mirrored by complementary molecular docking simulations, which provided a structural visualization of the physical binding interactions. ICR also showed the highest antioxidant capacity, with DPPH and CUPRAC values of 1.66 and 2.91 mmol TE/L, respectively. Ethanol control showed negligible effects, indicating that the observed bioactivity was mainly associated with the polyphenolic matrix. Among the investigated samples, Chardonnay showed higher apparent protein-binding capacity, whereas Sauvignon Blanc showed relatively high antioxidant efficiency in relation to its phenolic content.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-based therapies are the cause of 20-30% cases of gastric lesions in chronic users worldwide. Co-medication with omeprazole (OMP) is the most commonly used option to prevent these lesions, although this carries risks of its own; thus, alternatives are being explored, such as dietary antioxidant therapies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) on ibuprofen (IBP)-induced gastric ulcers in a rat model. Quinoa cookies were formulated with heat-treated quinoa using microwave radiation. The intestinal bioaccessibility of phenols and flavonoids, and the antioxidant activity of microwaved quinoa cookies (MQCs) were notably higher than quinoa cookies without thermal treatment (RQCs): 132% TPC, 52% TFC, 1564% TEAC vs. 67% TPC, 24% TFC, and 958% TEAC, respectively. Basal diets were supplemented with MQCs (20%) and quercetin (Q, 0.20%) as a reference flavonoid and administered for 30 days. Gastric lesions were induced by intragastric IBP doses, with OMP treatment as a positive control. Gastric damage index (macroscopic study), histological score (microscopic study), and plasma antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD and CAT) were evaluated. Macroscopic results showed that the addition of MQCs, Q, and OMP decreased the gastric damage index (GDI) by 50%, 40%, and 3%, respectively, as compared to IBP (GDI 100%). Histological analyses showed neutrophil infiltration and congested blood vessels in IBP-treated tissues; in contrast, the experimental diet groups showed lower infiltration for MQC > OMP > Q, respectively. A significant increase in SOD and CAT enzyme activity was observed in the MQC and Q groups as compared to the IBP group. We conclude that a reduction in the GDI and histological score was observed in IBP-induced murine models fed diets containing 20% MQC and 0.20% Q, demonstrating a preventive gastroprotective effect.

Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) tubers contain isoflavones and phenolic acids with potential chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory effects. This study analyzed bioactive and toxic compounds in fresh jicama tuber (flesh and peel) and assessed changes during freezing for 3 and 4 months. Antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated on human thyroid cancer (FTC133, 8505 C, TPC1), and normal cells (Nthy-ori 3 − 1), and RAW 264.7 macrophages. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) identified active compounds. Antioxidant activity was tested using FRAP and DPPH assays. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay, while anti-inflammatory effects were measured via TNF-α, IL-6 (ELISA), and nitric oxide levels (Griess assay). Fresh peel contained the highest levels of isoflavones (mg/100 g dry weight) - biochanin A; 52.5, daidzein; 23.0, genistein; 2.6) and phenolic acids (chlorogenic; 61.7, isochlorogenic acids; 95.8), which declined significantly after freezing. No rotenone was detected. Peel extracts exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity against thyroid cancer cells, particularly FTC133, showing dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability. However, they also exhibited cytotoxicity against normal thyroid cells, highlighting potential risks. Flesh extracts showed weaker cytotoxic effects but demonstrated slightly stronger anti-inflammatory activity than peel extracts. Both extracts effectively reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and nitric oxide levels in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Storage time during freezing had no significant impact on anti-inflammatory activity or cytotoxic potency, but it significantly reduced antioxidant activity. Jicama peel is richer in bioactive compounds than the flesh and exhibits strong cytotoxic effects on thyroid cancer cells, although it also affects normal cells. Freezing reduces phytonutrient content and antioxidant potential but does not alter anti-inflammatory efficacy.

Wheat germ oil (WGO), derived from the nutrient-dense germ of wheat kernels, is a functional bioactive product, known for its rich composition of essential fatty acids, sterols, tocopherols, and polyphenols. This study aimed to comprehensively profile the molecular and therapeutic properties of WGO, focusing on its antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activity. Using advanced analytical techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and fluorescence analysis, WGO was shown to contain high levels of linoleic acid (45.3%), squalene (2.52 g/100 g), and polyphenols. WGO displayed selective cytotoxicity, inhibiting cancer cells’ viability in melanoma, prostate, and colorectal cancer cell lines, but not normal cells, highlighting its chemoprevention potential. Furthermore, WGO significantly reduced LPS-induced nitric oxide and IL-6 production in macrophages, with effects plateauing at higher doses. The 3D fluorescence spectra showed a significant decrease in fluorescence intensity when human serum albumin interacted with the WGO polyphenol fraction, indicating a strong binding affinity and stable complex formation. These findings emphasize the nutritional and therapeutic potential of WGO as a natural bioactive agent, warranting further mechanistic investigation and broader applications in health and disease management.

Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) is a seasonal fruit with a short harvesting period, requiring postharvest processing such as cutting, peeling, freeze-drying, cooking, and frying to enhance its shelf life and nutritional quality. In this study, fresh Monthong durian (MTD), MTD Sticks, MTD Cake, and MTD Chips were analyzed for polyphenols, phenolic acids, tannins, flavonoids and thermal stability. Antioxidant activity was assessed using Cupric reducing antioxidant capacity and DPPH radical scavenger methods. Fourier transform infrared spectra characterized the functional groups in extracts, while protein stability was evaluated by electrophoresis. Polyphenols' interaction with human serum proteins showed varied binding affinities, influenced by glycation, particularly in diabetic conditions. MTD had the highest phenolic content, followed by MTD Sticks, Cake, and Chips. This study proposes that durian products, abundant in polyphenols and produced without added sugar during postharvest processing, could serve as functional foods, potentially supporting the management of glycation-related disorders such as diabetes.

The growing trend in fruit wine production reflects consumers’ interest in novel, diverse drinking experiences and the increasing demand for healthier beverage options. Fruit wines made from kiwi, pomegranates, and persimmons fermented using S. bayanus Lalvin strain EC1118 demonstrate the versatility of winemaking techniques. Kiwifruit, persimmon, and pomegranate wines were analyzed using HPLC and GC-TOFMS analyses to determine their concentrations of phenolic acids and volatile compounds. These results were supported by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to characterize and compare chemical shifts in the polyphenol regions of these wines. The wines’ characterization included an anti-inflammatory assay based on NO, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 production in the RAW 264.7 macrophage model. FTIR spectroscopy predicted the antioxidant and phenolic contents in the wines. In terms of polyphenols, predominantly represented by chlorogenic, caffeic, and gallic acids, pomegranate and kiwifruit wines showed greater benefits. However, kiwifruit wines exhibited a highly diverse profile of volatile compounds. Further analysis is necessary, particularly regarding the use of other microorganisms in the fermentation process and non-Saccharomyces strains methods. These wines exhibit high biological antioxidant potential and health properties, providing valuable insights for future endeavors focused on designing healthy functional food products.

Kaffir lime juice, often treated as production waste, can be a good source of terpenes. These compounds undergo various decomposition processes under the influence of external factors, especially during transportation and storage. In this paper, it was possible to monitor changes in the terpene profile of kaffir lime juice under different storage conditions, namely, 4 °C, 20 °C, and 35 °C. The identification of key decomposition products was achieved using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and a data mining protocol. It was followed by tracing those products in different storage conditions using a high-throughput proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR–MS) approach. Based on our findings, degradation pathways were presented, showing that the main products resulting from storage are p-cymene, p-cymenene, terpinene-4-ol, and α-terpineol. It was shown that conversion to p-cymenene occurs after 5 days of storage. Terpinene-4-ol and α-terpineol were found to be the final products of the conversion at all temperatures. Changes in the composition of terpenes are important from the point of view of their bioactive properties.

Amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat are the representatives of pseudocereals, different parts and by-products of which are used in daily nutrition and food processing industry. However, only scarce information exists on the bioactivity of their oils. Thus, oils obtained from amaranth, buckwheat, and red, yellow, and white quinoa seeds were evaluated in terms of their nutritional (fatty acid profile, squalene), cytotoxic (against normal and neoplastic gastrointestinal, prostate, and skin cells), anti-inflammatory and antiradical (interleukin 6, TNF-alpha, nitric oxide, DPPH, Total phenolics, and superoxide dismutase) potential in the in vitro model. Linoleic (42.9–52.5

Harvest time impacts the physicochemical properties of hemp. This study investigated the relationship between harvest time on growth parameters, physiological parameter, and color, in addition to Cannabidiol (CBD), Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabigerol (CBG) concentrations. Siskiyou cannabis was harvested at 5 different stages after flowering 50% at week five to week nine. The rational explanation for stages on growth parameters, physiological parameters, color, and total physiochemical properties was found, while total color changes ranged from brightness (L*) decreased gradually from 66.06 at 5 weeks to a minimum of 16.14 at 9 weeks of flowering. On the contrary, the redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) increased from –0.65 and 8.95 at 5 weeks to their peak values of 19.99 and 34.24 at 9 weeks, respectively. The hue also decreased from 110.03 at 5 weeks to a minimum of 80.14 at 9 weeks, with samples being significantly (p <0.05) different. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was higher than 1 % at week 5, which was lower than their Cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations, reaching 14.35% at week 8. Cannabigerol (CBG) in dried samples reached 2.01% at week 7. The average dry weight of inflorescence per plant peaked at 36.75 g in week 8 and week 9 respectively. Significant differences in Crop Growth Rate (CGR) were noted across the harvesting periods, notably 17.13 and 16.70 g cm⁻² day⁻¹ at weeks 8 and 9, respectively, representing the highest dry weight accumulation per unit area. This increase in dry weight accumulation indicates higher efficiency. Finally, the Harvest Index (HI) showed notable discrepancies among the post-flowering harvesting times, with the greatest total dry weight observed at 0.357 and 0.345 at weeks 8 and 9, respectively. These findings could be of industrial relevance for improving post-harvest processes while maintaining the quality of this regulated crop.

Recently we reported about the consumption of red wines from grapes, having several health properties. There are different types of wines that originated from grapes and other fruits. In the present study fruit wines from persimmon, kiwifruit and pomegranate were investigated and compared for their antioxidant ability, using cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. To the fruit wines were applied the same methods of investigation as to the traditional ones made from grapes. The results showed the highest antioxidant activity of pomegranate, followed by kiwifruit and persimmon wines. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used in order to correlate these results. The interaction of wine bioactive compounds with the main serum proteins in the human metabolism, such as human serum albumin (HSA), globulin (GL), and fibrinogen (FB), showed that pomegranate wine possesses higher quenching properties than kiwifruit and persimmon wines. All determined fluorescence indices have a direct correlation with the bioactivity of polyphenols and not with the content of alcohol. We hypothesize that the results of the interaction of main human serum proteins with bioactive compounds of wines can be additional predictors of their health properties. The used analytical methods for quality of fruit wines can be applied to a wide range of fruits and vegetables.

Human carnosinases (CNs) are dimeric dipeptidases in the metallopeptidase M20 family. Two isoforms of carnosinases (Zn2+ -containing carnosinase 1 (CN1) found in serum and Mn2+ -carnosinase 2 (CN2) in tissue) were identified. Both CNs cleave histidine-containing (Xaa-His) dipeptides such as carnosine where CN2 was found to accept a broader spectrum of substrates. A loss of CN function, resulting in a high carnosine concentration, reduces risk for diabetes and neurological disorders. Although several studies on CN activities and its Michaelis complex were conducted, all shed the light on CN1 activity where the CN2 data is limited. Also, the molecular details on CN1 and CN2 similarity and dissimilarity in structure and function remain unclear. Thus, in this work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to study structure and dynamics of human CN1 and CN2 in comparison. The results show that the different catalytic ability of both CNs is due to their pocket size and environment. CN2 can accept a wider range of substrate due to the wider mouth of a binding pocket. The L1 loop seems to play a role in gating activity. Comparing to CN2, CN1 provides more electronegative entrance, more wettability, and higher stability of catalytic metal ion-pair in the active site which allow more efficient water-mediated catalysis. The microscopic understanding obtained here can serve as a basis for CN inhibition strategies resulting in higher carnosine levels and consequently mitigating complications associated with diseases such as diabetes and neurological disorder.

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopies were applied to characterize and compare the chemical shifts in the polyphenols’ regions of some fruit wines. The obtained results showed that FTIR spectra (1800–900 cm−1) and 1H NMR (δ 6.5–9.3 ppm) of different fruit wines can be used as main indices of the year of vintage and quality of fruit wines. In addition to the classical determination of antioxidant profiles and bioactive substances in wines, fluorometric measurements were used to determine the interactions of wine substances with the main human serum proteins. The results showed relatively high binding properties of wines with the highest one for pomegranate, followed by kiwifruit and persimmon wines. The interactions of vitamin C, catechin and gallic acid with human serum albumin (HSA) were also examined by docking studies. The docking calculations showed that gallic acid has a stronger binding affinity compared to catechin and vitamin C. The stronger binding affinity of gallic acid may be due to three hydrogen bonds and pi–pi interactions. The fluorescence and docking studies proved that only the bioactive compounds of wines and not the amount of alcohol have high binding properties to human serum proteins. The emphasis in this report was made on the utility of FTIR, NMR and fluorescence of wines as a mean of wine authentication and its fingerprint. The findings, based on polyphenols from fruits and fruit wines, their bioactivity and health properties, offer valuable insights for future endeavours focused on designing healthy food products.

Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix) is a popular citrus in Southeast Asia. Despite the growing interest in the peel of the fruit, the leaves are the most frequently used part of the fruit. The aim of the study was to determine the main by-products of the peel, such as pectins, minerals, essential oil, and bioactive compounds, and to evaluate the possibility of using them in various branches of industry. In the study of the essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation performed using the TGA chromatography technique (GC-MS), sabinene (31.93%), β-pinene (26%), and limonene (19%) were selected as the most abundant volatile compounds. Nine microelements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Ni, Cr, Mo, and V), four macroelements (Mg, Ca, K, and Na), and seven ballast substances (Cd, Hg, Pb, Al, V, Sr, and Pt) were also determined using the microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry technique (MP-AES). In the case of microelements, iron 32.72 ± 0.39 mg/kg DW (dry weight) had the highest concentration. In the case of macroelements, the calcium content was 9416 ± 34 mg/kg DW. Optimization of the pectin extraction was also performed by selecting citric acid and obtaining a yield of 7.6–17.6% for acid extraction and 9.9–28.2% for ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), depending on the temperature used. The obtained pectins were characterized by the degree of methylation, galacturonic acid content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, and DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) analysis. Among bioactive compounds, the contents of polyphenols (22.63 ± 2.12 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoids (2.72 ± 0.25 mg CE/g DW, vitamin C (2.43 ± 0.19 mg Asc), xantoproteins + carotenes (53.8 ± 4.24 ug), anthocyanins (24.8 ± 1.8 mg CGE/kg DW), and chlorophylls A and B (188.5 ± 8.1, 60.4 ± 3.23 µg/g DW) were evaluated. Antioxidant capacity using (cupric ion-reducing antioxidant capacity) CUPRAC and DPPH assays was also provided with the results of 76.98 ± 8.1, and 12.01 ± 1.02 µmol TE/g DW, respectively.

The study aimed to provide the chemical, aroma and prohealth characteristics of the kaffir lime juice. A procedure using solid-phase microextraction with gas chromatography (SPME-GC-TOFMS) was optimized and validated for the determination of terpenes of kaffir lime. Main physicochemical parameters: pH, vitamin C, citric acid and °Brix were evaluated. Micro- and macro elements were determined using microwave plasma optic emission spectrometry (MP-OES). The binding of kaffir lime terpenes to human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy (3D-FL). β-Pinene and Limonene were selected as the most abundant terpenes with the concentration of 1225 ± 35 and 545 ± 16 µg/g, respectively. The values of citric acid, vitamin C, °Brix and pH were 74.74 ± 0.50 g/kg, 22.31 ± 0.53 mg/100 mL, 10.35 ± 0.70 and 2.406 ± 0.086 for, respectively. Iron, with a concentration of 16.578 ± 0.029 mg/kg, was the most abundant microelement. Among the macroelements, potassium (8121 ± 52 mg/kg) was dominant. Kaffir lime binding to HSA was higher than β-Pinene, which may indicate the therapeutic effect of the juice. Kaffir lime juice is a source of terpenes with good aromatic and bioactive properties. Fluorescence measurements confirmed its therapeutic effect. Kaffir lime juice is also a good source of citric acid with potential industrial application. The high content of minerals compared to other citruses increases its prohealth value.

Due to problems with selenium deficiency in humans, the search for new organic molecules containing this element in plant biofortification process is highly required. Selenium organic esters evaluated in this study (E-NS-4, E-NS-17, E-NS-71, EDA-11, and EDA-117) are based mostly on benzoselenoate scaffolds, with some additional halogen atoms and various functional groups in the aliphatic side chain of different length, while one compound contains a phenylpiperazine moiety (WA-4b). In our previous study, the biofortification of kale sprouts with organoselenium compounds (at the concentrations of 15 mg/L in the culture fluid) strongly enhanced the synthesis of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. Thus, the study aimed to discover the relationships between molecular characteristics of the organoselenium compounds used and the amount of sulfur phytochemicals in kale sprouts. The statistical partial least square model with eigenvalues equaled 3.98 and 1.03 for the first and second latent components, respectively, which explained 83.5% of variance in the predictive parameters, and 78.6% of response parameter variance was applied to reveal the existence of the correlation structure between molecular descriptors of selenium compounds as predictive parameters and biochemical features of studied sprouts as response parameters (correlation coefficients for parameters in PLS model in the range-0.521 ÷ 1.000). This study supported the conclusion that future biofortifiers composed of organic compounds should simultaneously contain nitryl groups, which may facilitate the production of plant-based sulfur compounds, as well as organoselenium moieties, which may influence the production of low molecular weight selenium metabolites. In the case of the new chemical compounds, environmental aspects should also be evaluated.

Abstract This project was aimed to identify the quenching chemistry of biologically important reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS, including radicals), to show antioxidant action against reactive species through H‐atom and electron transfer reactions, and to evaluate the ROS/RNS scavenging activity of antioxidants with existing analytical methods while emphasizing the underlying chemical principles and advantages/disadvantages of these methods. In this report, we focused on the applications and impact of existing assays on potentiating future research and innovations to evolve better methods enabling a more comprehensive study of different aspects of antioxidants and to provide a vocabulary of terms related to antioxidants and scavengers for ROS/RNS. The main methods comprise the scavenging activity measurement of the hydroxyl radical (•OH), dioxide(•1–) (O2•–: commonly known as the superoxide radical), dihydrogen dioxide (H2O2: commonly known as hydrogen peroxide), hydroxidochlorine (HOCl: commonly known as hypochlorous acid), dioxidooxidonitrate(1–) (ONOO−: commonly known as the peroxynitrite anion), and the peroxyl radical (ROO•). In spite of the diversity of methods, there is currently a great need to evaluate the scavenging activity of antioxidant compounds in vivo and in vitro. In addition, there are unsatisfactory methods frequently used, such as non-selective UV measurement of H2O2 scavenging, producing negative errors due to incomplete reaction of peroxide with flavonoids in the absence of transition metal ion catalysts. We also discussed the basic mechanisms of spectroscopic and electrochemical nanosensors for measuring ROS/RNS scavenging activity of antioxidants, together with leading trends and challenges and a wide range of applications. This project aids in the identification of reactive species and quantification of scavenging extents of antioxidants through various assays, makes the results comparable and more understandable, and brings a more rational basis to the evaluation of these assays and provides a critical evaluation of existing ROS/RNS scavenging assays to analytical, food chemical, and biomedical/clinical communities by emphasizing the need for developing more refined, rapid, simple, and low‐cost assays and thus opening the market for a wide range of analytical instruments, including reagent kits and sensors.

The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of different cultivars of Actinidia arguta (kiwiberry) on the bioavailability of mineral elements and to examine the mineral profile of rats fed atherogenic diets enriched with kiwiberries. The following cultivars of Actinidia arguta were used: Bingo, M1, Anna, Weiki, Jumbo, and Geneva. Kiwiberry has recently become popular in the market. It is a precious source of biologically active components, vitamins, and minerals. The livers, spleens, and kidneys were examined for mineral contents using the flame atomic absorption spectroscopy method. The bioavailability of Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu was evaluated. The addition of kiwiberries in atherogenic diets increased the contents of Fe in the rat liver. The bioavailability of Mn, Zn, and Cu, calculated on the basis of the contents in the livers, was significantly decreased in rats fed diets with 5% additional kiwiberries. We supposed that the effect of kiwiberry on the bioavailability of the studied minerals may be related to the diet components of bioactive substances present in fruits (polyphenols, vitamins, dietary fiber, and tannins).