Propolis-Loaded Niosomes for Dermopharmaceutic and Cosmetic Applications: Development, Stability, Safety, and Bioactivity Studies.

Propolis, produced bybees, is composed of several biologically relevant phenolic compounds with known analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, wound healing, and antibacterial effects, having gained significant interest for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. Niosomes, self-assembled vesicular nanosystems, are highly researched for topical delivery due to providing controlled and sustained release, protecting encapsulated compounds from degradation, improving stability, and having good biocompatibility and biodegradability. This work aimed to develop novel propolis-loaded niosomes with small and homogeneous particle size, high encapsulation efficiency, controlled release, adequate stability, relevant bioactivity, and high safety for topical application, for therapeutic and/or cosmetic purposes.

Effect of Heat-Assisted and Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Methods on the Phenolic Profile and Biological Activity of L. Extracts.

This study compares the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of extracts obtained using heat-assisted extraction (HAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), both optimized through response surface methodology (RSM), with the primary goal of maximizing the extraction of bioactive compounds from L. Eight phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts, with rosmarinic acid being the most abundant. Depending on the selected conditions in each optimization, the concentration of this compound varied from 2.

Synthesis of Tricyclic and Tetracyclic Lactone Derivatives of Thieno[2,3-]pyrazine or Thieno[2,3-]quinoline: Preliminary Antitumor and Antiparasitic Activity Evaluation.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic lactone derivatives of thieno[2,3-]pyrazine or thieno[2,3-]quinoline, and 2-pyrones were prepared using different methodologies. Pd/Cu-catalyzed Sonogashira coupling using EtN as a base, of methyl 7-bromothieno[2,3-]pyrazine-6-carboxylate and (het)arylalkynes to yield the Sonogashira ester products, gave also the corresponding tricyclic lactones as minor products. However, the major products did not cyclize with TFA.

Bioactive potential of Tripleurospermum inodorum with detailed insight into anti-inflammatory activity through in vitro, in vivo evaluations and network pharmacology.

This study evaluated Tripleurospermum inodorum extract for cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm properties, alongside its phenolic profile, predicted pharmacological interactions and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties. The methanolic extract of T. inodorum was rich in apigenin derivatives, including apigenin-O-pentoside (5.

Optimization of heat and ultrasound-assisted extraction of Eucalyptus globulus leaves reveals strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

The extraction of phenolic compounds from eucalyptus leaves was optimized using heat and ultrasound-assisted techniques, and the bioactive potential of the resulting extract was assessed. The independent variables, including time (t), solvent concentration (S), and temperature (T) or power (P), were incorporated into a five-level central composite design combined with Response Surface Methodology. Phenolic content was determined by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS and used as response criteria.

Valorisation of pumpkin by-products: Chemical composition and bioactive properties of pumpkin seeds, peels, and fibrous strands from different local landraces of Greece.

This study evaluated the fruit by-products (peels, seeds, and fibrous strands) from 11 pumpkin genotypes cultivated in Greece aiming to valorize them as natural sources of bioactive compounds. Five compounds, including (-)-epicatechin and chicoric acid isomers, were identified in peels, while seeds and fibrous strands mainly contained (-)-epicatechin. Organic acids and tocopherols varied significantly among genotypes, with oxalic, quinic, and malic acids being predominant.

Soybean Flour Fortified with Powder to Increase Iron Bioavailability Improves Gut Health and Oxidative Balance In Vivo.

Background: Insects like have an excellent nutritional profile, including iron. However, the bioavailability of this iron and its effects on intestinal health and oxidative balance remain unclear. To enhance acceptance, insects can be used in powder form and combined with common flours.

Authenticity and Bioactive Markers Search in the Phenolic-Rich Extracts of Asteraceae Medicinal Plants Through Integrative Computational Chemometrics.

The Asteraceae family has been of significant concern for ethnobotanical studies, thanks to its health-promoting properties linked to a plethora of bioactive compounds, among which phenolic compounds play a critical role. In this work, a workflow based on computational chemometrics was employed to assess the authenticity and biomarker search of five key Asteraceae species commonly employed in traditional medicine. The UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS-MS phenolic profile of Asteraceae extracts was combined with the evaluation of several in vitro biological properties.

Valorization of natural resources - development of a functional plant-based beverage.

Plant-based beverages are gaining attention due to their potential to offer sustainable and health-promoting alternatives to traditional dairy products. This study aimed to develop a dehydrated functional plant-based beverage composed of tigernut tubers (Cyperus esculentus L.), mukua pulp (Adansonia digitata L.

Jatoba ( L.) Pod Residue: A Source of Phenolic Compounds as Valuable Biomolecules.

This study aimed at investigating the chemical composition and a selected group of bioactivities of jatoba ( L.) pod residue. An aqueous extract (deionized water; AE) and a hydroethanolic extract (ethanol: deionized water, 70:30 /; ETOH) were obtained via maceration.

The influence of magnesium and manganese cations on the chemical and bioactive properties of purple and green basil.

This research investigated the effects of hydroponic cultivation with enriched concentrations of magnesium (+Mg), manganese (+Mn), a combination of +Mg and +Mn, or decreased concentrations of these minerals (control) on the nutritional, chemical, and bioactive attributes of purple and green basil. While Mn significantly increased the growth of purple basil and affected the composition of essential oil and mineral accumulation, plants treated with Mg showed alterations in nutrient absorption. Protein values were lower, indicating suboptimal protein synthesis, but significant increases were observed in fat, ash, and carbohydrates, suggesting a more nutrient-rich composition due to hydroponic cultivation.

Exploring the potential of larvae extracts: A promising approach for dermocosmetic formulations.

Globally, the yearly disposal of 1.3 billion tonnes of food raises environmental and public health concerns. Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae present a sustainable solution, converting organic waste into nutrient-rich biomass.

Enhancing Wound Healing: A Comprehensive Review of Sericin and L. as Potential Dressings.

Wound healing, a complex physiological process orchestrating intricate cellular and molecular events, seeks to restore tissue integrity. The burgeoning interest in leveraging the therapeutic potential of natural substances for advanced wound dressings is a recent phenomenon. Notably, Sericin, a silk-derived protein, and L.

Biochemical Composition of Pumpkin Seeds and Seed By-Products.

The goal of the current work was to assess the nutritional profile and phytochemical properties of cucurbit ( L.) seeds, seed oils and oil extraction by-products (e.g.

Exploring Therapeutic Advances: A Comprehensive Review of Intestinal Microbiota Modulators.

The gut microbiota establishes a mutually beneficial relationship with the host starting from birth, impacting diverse metabolic and immunological processes. Dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance of microorganisms, is linked to numerous medical conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders. This imbalance promotes the proliferation of toxin-producing bacteria, disrupts the host's equilibrium, and initiates inflammation.

Detailed Phytochemical Composition, Cyto-/Hepatotoxicity, and Antioxidant/Anti-Inflammatory Profile of Moroccan Spices: A Study on Coriander, Caraway, and Mystical Cumin.

Coriander, caraway, and mystical cumin are famous for their aromatic properties and widely used in Moroccan cuisine. The nutritional/phytochemical composition of their seeds (used for food flavoring and preservation) were compared. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and hepatotoxic effects were also explored.

Revitalising Riboflavin: Unveiling Its Timeless Significance in Human Physiology and Health.

Since the early twentieth century, research on vitamins has revealed their therapeutic potential beyond their role as essential micronutrients. Riboflavin, known as vitamin B2, stands out for its unique characteristics. Despite numerous studies, riboflavin remains vital, with implications for human health.

Chemical and Bioactive Evaluation of Essential Oils from Edible and Aromatic Mediterranean Lamiaceae Plants.

The Lamiaceae family, which includes several well-known aromatic plants, is scientifically relevant due to its essential oils (EOs). In this work, four EOs from Mediterranean species, namely L., L.

Bee Venom-Loaded Niosomes as Innovative Platforms for Cancer Treatment: Development and Therapeutical Efficacy and Safety Evaluation.

Despite past efforts towards therapeutical innovation, cancer remains a highly incident and lethal disease, with current treatments lacking efficiency and leading to severe side effects. Hence, it is imperative to develop new, more efficient, and safer therapies. Bee venom has proven to have multiple and synergistic bioactivities, including antitumor effects.

Chemical and Bioactive Properties of Red Rice with Potential Pharmaceutical Use.

Red rice has been proposed as a super-food. Accordingly, the nutritional properties (AOAC), as well as its chemical composition, including sugars (HPLC-RI), organic acids (UFLC-PDA), tocopherols (HPLD-FD), and phenolic compounds (LC-DAD-ESI/MSn), together with the main bioactive properties (antioxidant, cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and antibacterial activities), were evaluated to access its nutritional benefits and health improvement potential. The most abundant macronutrients found were carbohydrates (87.

The Role of Gut Microbiota in the Etiopathogenesis of Multiple Chronic Diseases.

Chronic diseases (CD) may result from a combination of genetic factors, lifestyle and social behaviours, healthcare system influences, community factors, and environmental determinants of health. These risk factors frequently coexist and interact with one another. Ongoing research and a focus on personalized interventions are pivotal strategies for preventing and managing chronic disease outcomes.

Chemical profiles and bioactivities of polyphenolic extracts of Lavandula stoechas L., Artemisia dracunculus L. and Ocimum basilicum L.

This study assessed the chemical profiles and bioactivities of the infusions, decoctions and hydroethanolic extracts of tarragon, basil and French lavender. The extracts were chemically characterised (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) and their bioactivities were evaluated in vitro. All extracts revealed antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant properties.

Nutritional profiling, fiber content and bioactivities of wheat-based biscuits formulated with novel ingredients.

This study evaluated the nutritional profile and fiber content of innovative formulations of wheat-based biscuits enriched with chia seeds, carob flour and coconut sugar. The antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities were also investigated to understand the potential health advantages of the incorporation of these new ingredients. The novel biscuits demonstrated significant improvements in protein and mineral content, with increases of 50% and 100% in chia biscuits, and up to 20% and 40% in carob biscuits, respectively.

Differentiating between Monofloral Portuguese Bee Pollens Using Phenolic and Volatile Profiles and Their Impact on Bioactive Properties.

Nowadays, bee products are commended by consumers for their medicinal and dietary properties. This study aimed to differentiate between monofloral bee pollens originating from Portugal using phenolic and volatile profiles and investigate their antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. Total phenolic and flavonoid compounds were recorded between 2.