Grapefruit (Citrus & times; paradisi) peel is a byproduct whose valorization has frequently relied on microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) to enhance recovery of phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential. Up to now, MAE optimization strategies have largely centered on spectrophotometric indices such as total phenolic content or global antioxidant capacity, providing limited insight into how extraction parameters shape metabolite composition and functional performance. In this study, MAE of residual peel from Star-Ruby grapefruit variety cultivated in Southern Italy was optimized using a multifactorial design-of-experiments (DoE) investigating microwave power (600-1100 W), extraction time (15-40 min), and biomass-to-solvent ratio (1-4 g/100 mL). Extraction efficiency, defined as the cumulative semi-quantitative recovery of structurally characterized secondary metabolites, ranged from 91.33 to 191.22 mg/g dry extract. The fitted quadratic model revealed significant interaction effects, highlighting a non-linear influence of extraction severity on metabolite recovery. To elucidate composition-function relationships, extracts were subjected to targeted and untargeted metabolomic profiling and were evaluated through complementary antioxidant assays. Flavanone glycosides, mainly naringin and narirutin, represented the major fraction of recovered metabolites, while MAE conditions selectively modulated their abundance together with flavonoids, phenolic acids and terpenoid derivatives. Extracts obtained under intermediate conditions exhibited the highest antioxidant performance (e.g., DPPH inhibition similar to 17-18 mg TE/g and ABTS inhibition similar to 48-49 mg TE/g; CUPRAC: similar to 49-50 mg TE/g), whereas milder or more severe conditions resulted in lower or comparable activities despite compositional shifts. Overall, this study provides a mechanistic framework for tailoring phytochemical extraction of residual grapefruit peels through MAE process parameters. The phytochemical and functional data of an Italian pink grapefruit variety further support the targeted valorization of Mediterranean citrus byproducts and may be useful for further development of nutraceutical, functional food, and cosmetic ingredients within a circular bioeconomy strategy.

Age-related and chronic ocular diseases share common underlying mechanisms including oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurodegeneration. In parallel with advances in conventional therapies, interest in bioactive compounds derived from dietary sources (nutraceuticals) has increased due to their multiple molecular effects and potential to modulate the pathways leading to ocular disease. In this work, the current evidence for major classes of nutraceuticals, including carotenoids, polyphenols, organosulfur compounds, and other plant-derived metabolites was examined, with emphasis on their pharmacodynamic properties, mechanisms of action, and clinical relevance in ocular health. Mechanistic insights from in vitro and animal models were integrated with findings from clinical studies, highlighting molecular targets such as Nrf2-mediated antioxidant responses, NF-κB-driven inflammation, angiogenic signaling, and mitochondrial function. Carotenoids including lutein and zeaxanthin show the most consistent clinical evidence, particularly in increasing macular pigment optical density and reducing progression to advanced macular degeneration. In contrast, other carotenoids and most polyphenols including flavonoids, curcumin, and resveratrol demonstrate promising anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects primarily supported by preclinical data, with limited and heterogeneous clinical validation.Overall, current evidence suggests that nutraceuticals may have different effects and applicability in managing ocular diseases, although the majority of compounds discussed remain supported only by mechanistic and preclinical data, instead of clinical evidence. Future progress will require rigorously designed clinical studies, improved pharmacokinetic characterization, and precise stratification of patient populations to establish their therapeutic efficacy and relevance.

The genusEpilobium is widely used for several purposes, including wound healing and the treatment of prostate cancer. In this context, we investigated one Epilobium member, namely, E. dodonaei extracts for antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, inflammation, oxidative stress and matrix degradation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human dermal fibroblasts (LPS + HDF). The extracts were also characterized by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QToF). In general, the methanol extract contained the highest phenolic (145.38 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) g-1) and flavonoid (34.82 mg rutin equivalent (RE) g-1) content and exhibited the best antioxidant properties (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH):494.40 mg trolox equivalent (TE) g-1; cupric reducing antioxidant power (CUPRAC): 881.03 mg TE g; phosphomolybdenum assay: 3.48 mmol TE g-1) compared to the ethyl acetate and water extracts. The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited more substantial enzyme-inhibitory effects than the water extracts. Oenothein B, pedunculagin, galloyl glucose and ellagic acid were the predominant compounds based on the chemical profile. The Water-Soluble Tetrazolium 1 (WST-1) assay confirmed cell viability; protein synthesis of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factors, and of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-11 (IL-11), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ), was determined by western blot. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activities, which are involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis, were measured by gelatin zymography, and gene expression levels were measured. Cellular oxidative stress was assessed using the diacetyldichlorofluorescein (DCFDA) assay. The results suggest that E. dodonaei extracts may be considered potential phytotherapeutic agents to promote dermal healing with their multi-targeted anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Medicinal honeys from Oceania have gained considerable attention due to their peculiar bioactive constituents and potential health applications. Apart from small molecules such as methylglyoxal and hydrogen peroxide, these honeys are rich in phenolic compounds, volatile terpenes, and other bioactive molecules, which collectively contribute to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Recent studies have highlighted the distinctive composition of Oceania honeys such as Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium), Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata), and Agastache (Agastache rugosa) from New Zealand and Australia, demonstrating variability in bioactivity depending on floral source, geographical origin, and processing methods. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the chemical profiles of these honeys with a particular focus on bioactive compounds and distinctive markers, and evaluates their therapeutic potential. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms underlying their bioactivities, as well as emerging clinical and preclinical evidence supporting their medicinal use. By consolidating recent findings, this work provides an updated perspective on the functional properties of Oceania honeys, underscoring their relevance as natural products with significant health-promoting potential.

IntroductionSpontaneous wine fermentation is driven by the ecological succession of vineyard-derived microorganisms, yet little is known about how this process unfolds in Picolit, a grape variety characterized by acinellatura (berry millerandage) and elevated sugar concentration. This study aimed to characterize the microbial and metabolic dynamics of spontaneous Picolit fermentation and to identify the ecological and functional transitions occurring throughout the process.MethodsAn integrated multi-omic approach combining shotgun metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics was applied to spontaneous fermentations of Picolit grapes produced at Aquila del Torre, an organic and biodynamic winery located in Savorgnano del Torre (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy), within the newly established “Friuli Colli Orientali Sottozona Savorgnano D.O.C.” Five fermentation stages were sampled and analyzed to investigate microbial succession, functional pathways and metabolomic changes.ResultsThe initial must displayed high microbial richness dominated by non-Saccharomyces yeasts, oxidative bacteria and Botrytis cinerea. An atypical persistence and increasing abundance of B. cinerea suggested a strong interaction between grape physiology and fungal activity. Early fermentation stages were characterized by diverse non-Saccharomyces taxa, including Lachancea, Pichia, Torulaspora and Schizosaccharomyces, which were associated with acid modulation, aromatic precursor release and phenolic turnover. From mid-fermentation onward, a multi-species Saccharomyces consortium established functional dominance, coinciding with a marked reduction in bacterial diversity and a transition from aroma-related metabolic pathways to stress adaptation functions. Multi-omic network analyses revealed a progressive loss of modularity as fermentation progressed and the system became more stable.DiscussionThese findings demonstrate that spontaneous Picolit fermentation follows a distinctive ecological trajectory shaped by grape physiology, terroir and native microbial diversity. The persistence of B. cinerea, together with the succession of non-Saccharomyces and Saccharomyces populations, highlights unique microbial interactions that may contribute to wine identity. Overall, the results support the enological value of spontaneous fermentation and provide a microbial and functional framework for understanding and valorizing wines produced under the Savorgnano Bianco D.O.C.

Oxidative processes influence several aspects of biology, from the subtle balance of redox signaling to the destructive cascade of oxidative damage associated with chronic disease and aging [...]

This study was designed to investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of the haustoria and flowers of Cuscuta campestris (Convolvulaceae). Ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous extracts were prepared. Results revealed that the highest total phenolic and flavonoids contents were accumulated in the aqueous (43.41 mg GAE/g) and methanol (73.31 mg RE/g) extracts of the haustorium. Chemical analysis by UPLC-ESI-QToF-MS revealed that the extracts, mainly those of the haustorium, were predominantly composed of 3-p-coumaroylquinic acid, chlorogenic acid, 4-feruloylquinic acid, 1-O-caffeoyl-O-rutinose ester, cuscuta propenamide 1, luteolin glucoside isomer, kaempferol, and isoquercitrin. The best antioxidant activity was mainly recorded from the haustorium (DPPH = 48.63 and 47.12 mg TE/g, p >= 0.05 from the methanol and aqueous extracts; ABTS = 82.78 mg TE/g from the latter; CUPRAC and FRAP = 163.64 and 87.36 mg TE/g from the methanol extract; PBD = 1.23 mmol TE/g from the ethyl acetate extract), while the flower aqueous extract displayed the highest chelating capacity (50.19 mg EDTAE/g). The highest anti-acetylcholinesterase (2.90 mg GALAE/g) and anti-butyrylcholinesterase (1.53 mg GALAE/g) activities were recorded from the ethyl acetate of the flower while the best anti-tyrosinase activity was obtained from its methanolic extract (54.70 mg KAE/g). The aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts of the haustorium showed the best inhibitory effect against the alpha-glucosidase (1.79 mmol ACAE/g) and alpha-amylase (0.58 mmol ACAE/g) respectively. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations showed that isoquercitrin and isorhamnetin strongly interacted with cholinesterases and carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, whereas caffeoyl-syringoylquinic acid derivatives preferentially bound to butyrylcholinesterase and alpha-glucosidase. This work represents the first in-depth study on C. campestris and the results indicated that it may represent a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential utility in the prevention or management of oxidative stress-related disorders.

Can waste serve as a source of known or novel molecules for plant disease management? This review explores this question, which is closely linked to the necessity of mitigating the environmental impact of agriculture, specifically in terms of waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, it addresses the increasing demand for safer, environmentally friendly alternatives to ensure sustainable plant production and protection. To satisfy these needs, research efforts over the past few decades have primarily focused on biocontrol strategies, with the valorization of waste being addressed only recently. Different approaches have been applied for extracting bioactive molecules from waste, ranging from green chemistry to microbial fermentation. We discuss secondary metabolites, elicitors, and biosurfactants obtained chemically and from fermentation. Microorganisms growing on waste can produce biomass or spores [bioactive ingredients of plant-protection products (PPPs)] and facilitate the extraction of active compounds. Although the production of spores on waste material is now well-established on an industrial scale, the extraction of biologicals from waste and/or their production through fermentation are still at the experimental stage. The growing knowledge on the bioactivity of agri-food waste-derived molecules against phytopathogens is paving the way for the development of new PPPs suitable for integrated pest management. The waste-based PPPs pipeline described here shows strong potential to generate both established and novel, regulation-compliant compounds without sacrificing disease-control efficacy.

Pinus pinea L. is a widespread Mediterranean conifer whose bark-derived tissues remain poorly investigated as potential sources of bioactive secondary metabolites. In this study, a hydroalcoholic crude extract of the periderm, an outer renewable bark layer compatible with sustainable collection, was evaluated as an underexplored natural matrix. HPLC-DAD identified taxifolin as the main quantified marker compound, corresponding to 21.1 mg/g of dry extract. Untargeted UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis revealed a polyphenol-rich profile, mainly represented by condensed tannins and flavonoids in ESI(-) mode, while terpenoids were more evident in ESI(+) mode. The extract showed concentration-dependent DPPH radical-scavenging activity, with an IC50 of 12.31 µg/mL, comparable to ascorbic acid. Comparison with taxifolin tested at concentrations equivalent to those estimated in the extract indicated that taxifolin accounted for only part of the observed antioxidant response. In SH-SY5Y cells, the extract was cytocompatible up to 1 µg/mL and partially counteracted H2O2-induced reduction in cell viability within this non-cytotoxic range. TXRF analysis provided a preliminary safety-oriented elemental profile, with regulated elements detected at low levels. Overall, these findings support P. pinea periderm as a renewable Mediterranean source of secondary metabolites with antioxidant potential, while further mechanistic and toxicological studies are required to confirm its functional applicability.

Sunflower lecithin is a food ingredient obtained as a by-product of sunflower oil refining; however, its chemical complexity and functional properties, particularly in fluid (non-deoiled) form, remain poorly characterized. In this study, sunflower fluid lecithin (SFL) produced at industrial scale was investigated through an integrated approach combining physicochemical quality assessment, compositional analysis, profiling of unsaponifiable matter and minor bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity evaluation, and safety verification. SFL complied with regulatory specifications for food-grade phosphatide concentrates, showing low moisture and insoluble matter contents together with acceptable oxidative and hydrolytic stability. Compositional analysis revealed phospholipids as main components, associated with neutral lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and mineral residues. UPLC-QTOF-MS profiling detected phenolic acid derivatives, including caffeoylquinic compounds, while spectrophotometric assays confirmed measurable total phenolic and flavonoid contents (10.73 mg GAE/g and 0.85 mg RE/g, respectively). The unsaponifiable fraction contained minor lipophilic compounds such as tocopherols and photosynthetic pigments, retained due to mild processing conditions during lecithin recovery. In vitro functional analysis revealed broad-spectrum antioxidant activity, including radical scavenging (DPPH 12.99 mg TE/g; ABTS 16.60 mg TE/g), reducing capacity (CUPRAC 32.25 mg TE/g), and metal-chelating activity. Overall, results highlight the chemical and functional complexity of SFL, supporting its role as a multifunctional ingredient and promoting the sustainable valorization of oil-refining by-products in food production.

Crataegus monogyna Jacq. (hawthorn) berry is a polyphenol-rich natural product with potent antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. However, its practical application in food and nutraceutical formulations is limited by poor stability and low bioavailability. This study proposes a sustainable strategy to improve polyphenol retention and bioactivity through microencapsulation using sodium alginate combined with agro-industrial byproducts, namely citrus pectin and spray-dried whey protein obtained from cheese industry residues. C. monogyna fruit extract was encapsulated using two encapsulation systems: alginate-pectin (AP) and alginatepectin-whey protein (APW). LC-MS/MS profiling identified chlorogenic acid, rutin, procyanidin B2, hyperoside, and vitexin as the main constituents. Encapsulation significantly improved stability: APW retained 30.48% of polyphenols and 94.88% of tannins, compared with 20.04% and 70.74% in AP, while AP better preserved flavonoids (89.43% vs. 82.47%). Antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC) confirmed preserved or enhanced radical scavenging activity, despite a slight reduction in reducing power. Molecular docking revealed strong binding of rutin (-6.93 kcal/mol) and procyanidin B2 (-6.40 kcal/mol) to whey proteins as bioactive binders. FTIR, SEM, and TGA/DSC analyses confirmed hydrogen bonding, porous microstructures, and improved thermal stability. Overall, these findings highlight the synergistic role of whey proteins as bioactive binders and polysaccharides as structural stabilizers. This valorization of agro-industrial by-products demonstrates a promising approach for the development of stable, functional, and sustainable food-grade nutraceuticals, paving the way for innovative applications in dietary supplements and fortified foods.

The increasing generation of agro-industrial residues requires the development of sustainable valorization strategies for converting low-value biomasses into high-added-value products within a circular bioeconomy framework. In this study, tomato peels (TP) derived from the tomato-processing industry and green waste (GW) from urban pruning activities were investigated as substrates for solid-state fermentation (SSF) mediated by Trichoderma harzianum, with the aim of evaluating fungal growth, metabolomic remodeling, and the production of antioxidant bioactive compounds. Different substrate formulations containing TP and GW were subjected to SSF for 7 days, and fungal colonization was monitored. The highest fungal colonization was observed in substrates containing high proportions of GW, whereas pure tomato peels showed negligible colonization, indicating a strong substrate-dependent effect on fungal development. UPLC-QToF-MS metabolomic profiling was subsequently performed on the fermented substrate formulations using three independent biological replicates per treatment, whereas the 100% TP formulation, which showed negligible fungal colonization, was excluded from metabolomic analysis. Results revealed marked differences among fermented substrates, and 22 discriminant metabolites significantly enriched in those containing higher proportions of TP were identified. These metabolites mainly included hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids, lignans, phenolic glycosides, and organic acids, such as coumaric acid, hydroxycaffeic acid, cinnamoylglucose, citric acid, and cyanidin glycosides, suggesting fermentation-associated transformation and release of phenolic compounds. Fermented extracts obtained from mixed substrates enriched in TP exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging capacities reaching up to 63.48 µmol TE/g dw and 119.67 µmol TE/g dry weight, respectively, together with increased total phenolic content. The integration of microbiological, metabolomic, and antioxidant analyses demonstrated that co-fermentation of tomato-processing byproducts with green waste can modulate fermentation outcomes and enhance antioxidant potential. Overall, this study provides new insights into substrate-driven metabolic transformations during Trichoderma-mediated SSF and highlights the potential of mixed agro-industrial residues as sustainable feedstocks for the production of antioxidant-rich extracts with possible nutraceutical and biotechnological applications.

The development of sustainable and cost-effective fermentation processes requires the use of unconventional substrates and optimization strategies. In this study, Ziziphus lotus juice (ZLJ) was investigated as a novel carbon source for Saccharomyces cerevisiae biomass production. A Plackett-Burman design was applied to identify critical factors, with sugar concentration, yeast extract (YE), MgSOa, and MnSOa emerging as the most influential. Response surface methodology (RSM) was then combined with artificial neural networks (ANNs) to capture nonlinear factor interactions. The optimal ANN architecture achieved high predictive accuracy, and its applicability domain confirmed robust generalization across training, validation, and testing datasets. To further refine medium composition, a genetic algorithm (GA) was integrated with the RSM-ANN model. The optimized conditions (5.27 g/L YE, 0.01 g/L MgSOa, 0.05 g/L MnSOa, 80 g/L ZLJ) yielded a biomass production of 7.23 g/L, representing a twofold increase compared to the initial medium (3.81 g/L). The RSM-ANN-GA framework outperformed RSM, reducing prediction errors and enhancing model reliability. Results highlight the potential of ZLJ as a cost-effective, nutrient-rich substrate and demonstrates the power of hybrid computational modeling for fermentation optimization. The integrated RSM-ANN-GA approach offers a scalable and reproducible strategy for improving yeast biomass production, with broader applicability to microbial bioprocesses and industrial biotechnology. This work is the first to combine Z. lotus juice valorization with a hybrid RSM-ANN-GA framework for yeast biomass optimization, enabling efficient modeling of nonlinear nutrient interactions. The proposed strategy demonstrates clear advantages over conventional RSM and provides a transferable approach for optimizing fermentation processes using unconventional substrates.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:This study is the first to comprehensively investigate the phenolic profile, therapeutic potential, and acute toxicity of Putoria calabrica, a Mediterranean medicinal plant. It aims to evaluate its potential for innovative wound healing formulations by analyzing the phenolic composition of five extracts, assessing antifungal activity, and evaluating toxicity, hemoglobin oxidative status, and wound healing efficacy in animal models. METHODS:The phenolic content of the extracts was analyzed using HPLC-DAD. Antifungal activity was assessed on solid PDA media, while biochemical parameters were determined spectrophotometrically. KEY FINDINGS:Ten phenolics were identified, with vitexin (20.84 mg/g), rutin (17.66 mg/g), and chlorogenic acid (14.15 mg/g) as the predominant. Methanol extract showed the highest antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium chrysogenum with rates of 57.61% and 59.62% inhibition respectively, and a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of 8 mg/ml, comparable to ethanol extract. The latter also inhibited hemoglobin degradation and methemoglobin formation at 2.5-5.0 mg/ml. In mice, ethanol extract ointments (5% and 10%) showed no toxicity, with a 96.43% wound contraction after 18 days of applying the 10% formulation. CONCLUSIONS:The current findings suggest that P. calabrica leaf extracts may offer a promising natural remedy with wound healing, antioxidant, and antifungal properties, deserving further investigation for therapeutic applications.

Hypericum species are known for their ability to produce multiple classes of secondary metabolite and in this article the possible health-promoting role of H. empetrifolium and H. lydium have been evaluated combining in vitro and in silico approaches. H. empetrifolium and H. lydium extracts were obtained using different solvents (ethyl acetate, aceton, aceton/water, and water) and the composition was compared using NMR and LC-MS based approaches. Myricetin-3-O-glucoside, Kaemempferol -3-O-glucoside, and hyperopliphylirrin were present only in H. empetrifolium. Rutin, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside ant the triterpenoids oleanolic and ursolic acid were only detected in H. lydium. To establish a possible role against degenerative diseases antioxidant, antiradical activities of the extracts were studied and H. empetrifolium acetone/water and water extracts were the more active regarding these effects. The extracts were also evaluated for the inhibition of key-enzymes involved in degenerative diseases namely cholinesterase and tyrosinase for CNS-related pathologies and amylase for metabolic-related diseases. Significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase was observed for the extracts obtained with lipophilic solvents. The extracts were also studied for their possible antiproliferative activity on cell lines including tumor (DU-145, A549, and MCF-7) and non-tumoral cells (HEK-293) revealing moderate activities. H. lydium ethyl acetate showed late apoptotic (17.5%) and necrotic (46.6%) effects in the Annexin V/PI assay. Molecular docking was used to establish possible interaction of identified compounds with target enzymes and a good interaction between rutin and tyrosinase, myricetin-7-O-glucoside and amylase, was reported. In conclusion, Hypericum empetrifolium and H. lydium thanks to their complex pattern of phytoconstituents and thanks to their significant antioxidant effects as well as with the ability to act on some key-target enzymes involved in degenerative diseases can be considered a good vegetal source for the preparation of nutraceuticals and food supplements useful as health-promoting products against oxidative stress-related diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of Carthamus caeruleus L. root juice (CRJ), which is used in the traditional medicine of Algeria. The product was characterized by colorimetric assays (total polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins) and by RP-HPLC-DAD analysis. Experiments were conducted in vitro to assess the ability of CRJ to stabilize human erythrocyte membranes under various stress conditions and inhibit albumin denaturation, a process linked to inflammation. An in silico study was also performed to investigate the inhibitory effects on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and assess the phenolic constituents with the highest activity. Moderate levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins were assessed; among these, 22 compounds were identified via chromatographic analysis. While present at low concentrations, some of these compounds, including myricetin, luteolin, and quercetin, are known to exhibit bioactivity at micromolar levels. CRJ provided erythrocyte membranes with notable protection against disruption caused by hypotonic NaCl solutions (protection levels of 90.51%, 87.46%, and 76.87% at NaCl concentrations of 0.7%, 0.5%, and 0.3%, respectively), heat stress (81.54%), and oxidative damage from HClO (75.43%). Additionally, a protection of 61.5% was observed against albumin denaturation. Docking analysis indicated favorable COX-2 binding for myricetin, luteolin, and quercetin. In conclusion, the root juice derived from C. caeruleus demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in silico. However, further studies, including in vivo investigations, are necessary to confirm efficacy and fully elucidate the mechanisms of action.

Gut microbiota (GM) and fecal metabolome are shaped by different dietary regimens. Nevertheless, outlining generalized patterns is challenging, due to the intrinsic heterogeneity of individual dietary choices. In this work, the fecal metabolome of adult volunteers consuming omnivorous (n=44), vegetarian (n=29), and vegan diets (n=25) for at least 12 months was characterized. The crosstalk among diet, GM and fecal metabolome was also investigated correlating metabolomics and metataxonomics data. Untargeted metabolomic profiles were correlated with metataxonomics data previously acquired on the same stool samples. The sphingomyelin SM(d18:2/18:1-2OH) and phosphoethanolamines from animal-based food were associated to the omnivorous diet and were negatively correlated to beneficial Bacteroides ovatus and Odoribacter genus. Plant glycerides, sterols, triterpenes, and oleic-linoleic acid were associated with the vegan diet. Oleic-linoleic acid was positively correlated with Alistipes putredinis. Chenodeoxycholic acid, a primary bile acid, was identified as a marker of vegan diet, while ketolithocholic acid, a secondary bile acid, was associated to the omnivorous diet. This latter was also negatively correlated to B.ovatus. Overall, results confirm that assessing markers of dietary regimens instead of specific food categories is challenging, especially if volunteers' diet is not strictly monitored. However, the integration of metabolomics and metataxonomic data allows to better understand the effects of specific food components on the GM and represents a suitable approach for further molecular investigation in nutrition.

Centaurea L. plants are used in phytotherapy and as food. C. tougourensis (CT) and C. dimorpha (CD) are endemic of Algeria and have been scarcely studied up to now. Here, the phenolic content of their aerial parts was investigated using validated methods. Furthermore, the antioxidant properties of CT and CD were evaluated by performing DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and phenanthroline assays. CD showed the highest total phenol (219.8 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid (82.8 mg QE/g extract) contents. CT showed the highest flavonol content (46.3 mg QE/g). Chlorogenic acid, 4-OH-benzoic acid, and protocatechuic acid were the main compounds detected by LC-MS/MS. Several flavonoids were also detected in CD, while only hesperidin was detected in CT. Both the species showed antioxidant properties; however, radical scavenging activity and FRAP of CD were significantly higher than CT and were comparable with positive controls. Overall, this work affords a contribution to the characterisation and valorisation of the Algerian flora.

Background/Objectives: Herbal extracts from Betula alba (birch) are traditionally used for their purported diuretic effects, but scientific evidence supporting these claims remains limited. In this pilot study, we evaluated the short-term effects of a standardized B. alba leaf extract in healthy adult rats using an untargeted urinary metabolomics approach based on UPLC-QTOF. Methods: Two doses, 25 or 50 mg/kg, of a standardized B. alba extract were orally administered to rats. The extract contains hyperoside (0.53%), quercetin glucuronide (0.36%), myricetin glucoside (0.32%), and chlorogenic acid (0.28%) as its main constituents. After 3 days of treatment, the 24 h urine output was measured. Results: While no statistically significant changes were observed in the 24 h urine volume or the urinary Na+ and K+ excretion, multivariate metabolomic analysis revealed treatment-induced alterations in the urinary metabolic profile. Notably, the levels of two glucocorticoids, i.e., corticosterone and 11-dehydrocorticosterone, were increased in treated animals, suggesting that the extract may influence corticosteroid metabolism or excretion, potentially impacting antidiuretic hormone signaling. Elevated bile-related compounds, including bile acids and bilin, and glucuronidated metabolites were also observed, indicating changes in bile acid metabolism, hepatic detoxification, and possibly gut microbiota activity. Conclusions: Although this study did not confirm a diuretic effect of B. alba extract, the observed metabolic shifts suggest broader systemic bioactivities that warrant further investigation. Overall, the results indicate that the approach based on urinary metabolomics may be valuable in uncovering the mechanisms of action and evaluating the bioactivity of herbal extracts with purported diuretic properties.

The phytochemical composition of Prunus cerasus var. marasca pomace produced as industrial byproduct was investigated. Its antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase properties were also assessed to evaluate a possible reuse as a bioactive food ingredient. Secondary metabolites were extracted from pomace using an optimized ultrasound-assisted maceration in ethanol/water. Total phenols (26.2 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (2.5 mg RE/g), and anthocyanins (82.5 µg CE/g) in the extract were determined spectrophotometrically. Seventy metabolites were identified by UHPLC-QToF-MS, and several are here reported in marasca cherries for the first time. The extract exerts valuable free-radical scavenging, metal-reducing, and metal-chelating activities that underlie its antioxidant properties. Also, it inhibits tyrosinase with an effect equaling 39 mg kojic acid/g of extract. However, temperatures >4°C during 6-month storage significantly affected the phenolic content and bioactivity of extract. Pomace of P. cerasus var. marasca cherries can be reused as a source of bioactive secondary metabolites, which can be easily recovered by sustainable ultrasound-assisted maceration. The extract can potentially be used as an additive to increase the oxidative stability of food products and control enzymatic browning, and improve their nutraceutical properties. However, storage time and temperature should be carefully evaluated in order to preserve extract's properties. Alternatively, appropriate stabilization strategies need to be developed further.