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- Exploring the Chemopreventive and Antioxidant Effects of Spearmint Leaf Hydroethanolic Extract in HPV16-transgenic MicePublication . Jesus, Tiago M.; Azevedo, Tiago; Silva-Reis, Rita; Ferreira, Tiago; Nascimento-Gonçalves, Elisabete; Medeiros, Catarina; Ferreira, João; Gama, Adelina; Gaivão, Isabel; Pires, Maria João; Lanzarin, Germano; Félix, Luís; Venância, Carlos; Medeiros, Rui; Bastos, Margarida M.S.M.; Finimundy, Tiane C.; Barros, Lillian; Costa, Rui M. Gil da; Oliveira, Paula A.Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infectious agent and, in cases of persistent infection, may cause cancer. This study evaluated the toxicological and antitumor properties of Mentha spicata extract (MSE) in KP14HPV16 mice, which carry HPV16 oncogenes. Thirty‑three female FVB/n mice (Mus musculus), including 17 HPV‑transgenic and 16 wild‑type (WT) mice, were divided into six groups. The control groups received tap water (WT‑C, n=5, and HPV‑C, n=6), while the treatment groups received either 0.50 mg/ml MSE (WT‑50 and HPV‑50, n=6) or 0.55 mg/ml MSE (WT‑55 and HPV‑55, n=5) in drinking water for 28 days. Afterwards, animals were sacrificed, and blood and organs were collected for histopathological and biochemical analysis. The main phenolic compounds in MSE were rosmarinic acid and luteolin‑O‑glucoronide. MSE did not significantly affect weight gain in WT mice; however, WT‑55 gained significantly more weight than HPV‑55. MSE demonstrated antioxidant activity as indicated by the modulation of hepatic superoxide dismutase and glutathione S‑transferase (GST) activity, as well as renal GST activity, in MSE‑treated HPV groups. MSE did not reduce histological lesion incidence or systemic inflammation in HPV16‑transgenic mice. In general, while MSE was safe and exhibited antioxidant activity, it did not significantly impact HPV16‑induced lesions, warranting further research to assess systemic effects with different concentrations and durations.
- Bioaccessibility Performance of Phenolic Compounds from Red Fruits During Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion and Colonic FermentationPublication . Bortolini, Débora Gonçalves; Barros, Lillian; Maciel, Giselle Maria; Peralta, Rosane M.; Corrêa, Vanesa G.; Finimundy, Tiane Cristine; Haminiuk, Charles Windson IsidoroRed fruits are rich in phenolic compounds, particularly anthocyanins, which contribute to their vibrant colors and health benefits. However, anthocyanins are chemically sensitive during digestion, which affects their bioaccessibility. This study evaluated the impact of simulated gastrointestinal digestion on whole red fruits (oral, gastric, intestinal, and colonic phases). Total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 8.60−50.41 mg GAE/g DW, total flavonoid content (TFC) from 1.66−10.67 mg CAT/g DW, and total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA) from 0.54−1.28 mg CYA/g DW. Antioxidant activity strongly correlated with TPC (r ≥ 0.91). High-phenolic fruits showed lower bioaccessibility compared with low-phenolic ones. HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn identified glycosylated anthocyanins, which were highly sensitive; jaboticaba anthocyanins were nonbioaccessible, while 51.83% remained bioaccessible in raspberries. Colonic fermentation further reduced TPC and TFC, and anthocyanins were entirely degraded. These results highlight the need for innovative delivery systems to improve anthocyanin bioaccessibility and functional benefits.
- Green and Innovative Extraction: Phenolic Profiles and Biological Activities of Underutilized Plant Extracts Using Pulsed Electric Fields and MacerationPublication . Pallarés, Noelia; Berrada, Houda; Ferrer, Emilia; Rached, Wahiba; Pinela, José; Mandim, Filipa; Pires, Tânia C.S.P.; Finimundy, Tiane C.; Barba, Francisco J.; Barros, LillianUnderutilized plant species such as Asteriscus graveolens (Forssk.) Less., Haloxylon scoparium Pomel, and Ruta chalepensis L. have been historically valued in traditional medicine for their potential health benefits. These species present an untapped source of bioactive compounds with significant applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries, including the development of functional foods and additives. Recent advances in food processing have introduced innovative methods, such as pulsed electric fields (PEFs), to enhance the extraction of valuable compounds without compromising their integrity or quality. This study investigates the impact of PEF technology on the recovery of bioactive compounds from these plants, comparing it with conventional maceration (MAC) techniques. Phenolic compound profiles and biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects, were evaluated. The results demonstrated that for R. chalepensis, PEF extraction achieved comparable phenolic content (58 mg/g) to MAC (72 mg/g). However, MAC generally provided higher phenolic yields for other plants. A. graveolens extracts exhibited significant antitumoral and anti-inflammatory potentials. The antimicrobial results indicated that MAC extracts were more effective against bacterial growth, while PEF extracts outperformed MAC against A. brasiliensis (MIC: 10 mg/mL). Antioxidant potential was observed in both methods, with TBARS IC50 values ranging from 17 to 79.5 µg/mL. While MAC generally yielded superior results, PEF extraction showed great promise as an environmentally sustainable alternative, eliminating the need for organic solvents and aligning with green extraction principles.
- Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Rubus Idaeus Bioresidues: A Full Screening on Phenolic Composition and Bioactive PotentialPublication . Plasencia, Paula; Finimundy, Tiane C.; Carocho, Márcio; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Añibarro-Ortega, Mikel; Pires, Tânia C.S.P.; Barreiro, Filomena; Garcia, Pablo A.; Barros, Lillian; Heleno, Sandrina A.Purpose Rubus idaeus cultivation has boosted productivity due to its high nutritional value. In consequence, waste produc- tion increased. The discarded biomass, including leaves and aerial components, can be transformed into valuable functional ingredients for industrial applications, such as cosmetics. Studying their bioactivity potential is highly relevant. Methods According to the present idea, the research involved producing extracts from raspberry plant branches and leaves by employing four different techniques: aqueous decoction, aqueous infusion, hydroethanolic maceration, and ultrasound- assisted extraction (UAE). Subsequently, these compounds were screened for their bioactive potential, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. Results The ultrasound-assisted extraction produced extracts rich in phenolic compounds, whereas the infusion and macera- tion methods resulted in higher flavonol contents. Among the identified phenolic compounds, hydrolyzable tannins, particu- larly galloyl-bis-HHDP-glucose, were the most dominant ones. Regarding antioxidant potential, the decoction extract was the strongest, while the infusion showed the greatest potential for inhibiting lipid peroxidation. The UAE extract was found to be highly effective as an antibacterial agent. Both infusion and UAE extracts demonstrated the highest anti-inflammatory potential. Conclusion The combination of these results highlights the sample’s bioactive potential and the importance of exploiting bioresidues as unique, sustainable candidates for industrial applications.
- Extraction optimization of bioactive compounds from Thymus ulgaris L.: comparison of heat-assisted and ultrasound-assisted extractionsPublication . Caleja, Cristina; Pereira, Eliana; Sprea, Rafael M.; Finimundy, Tiane C.; Carocho, Márcio; Amaral, Joana S.; Prieto Lage, Miguel A.; Barros, LillianPlants have been used since ancient times due to their biological action associated mainly with several phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds1. Thymus vulgaris L. is a species described as a potential source of natural molecules with applications in the food industry, but also in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects2. In this sense, the present study aimed to compare extraction systems in terms of phenolic compounds from T. vulgaris through the heat-assisted (HAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) techniques, aiming to improve its potential for industrial applications. For this propose, an extraction optimization was studied using three independent variables, time (t, minutes), solvent (S, % of ethanol), and temperature (T, ºC) or power (P, W), in a three-level Box-Behnken design, analyzing the surface methodology (RSM). The extraction yield and the content in phenolic compounds identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS were the experimental responses applied. The polynomial models were successfully fitted to the experimental data and used to determine the optimal HAE and UAE conditions. Nineteen phenolic compounds were identified, nine of which were phenolic acids (mainly caffeic acid derivatives) and ten flavonoids: flavan-3-ols (catechin derivatives), flavones (quercetin derivatives), flavonols (apigenin and luteolin derivatives) and flavanones (eriodictyol derivatives). The conditions obtained for the optimal extraction of phenolic compounds, that allowed the experimental validation of the predictive model are 3% ethanol (v/v) for 89 minutes at a temperature of 98º C for HAE and 77% ethanol (v/v) for 17 minutes at 207 W for UAE. Extraction optimization is important from an industrial point of view, as it allows obtaining extracts with a high content of bioactive compounds. Considering that the phenolic composition appears in literature as a direct influence on bioactive properties, the optimization processes will allow a better exploitation of extracts, ensuring the greatest cost reduction for the industry.
- Nutritional quality and staling of wheat bread partially replaced with Peruvian mesquite (Prosopis pallida) flourPublication . Gonzales-Barron, Ursula; Dijkshoorn, Rody; Maloncy, Maikel; Finimundy, Tiane C.; Carocho, Márcio; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barros, Lillian; Cadavez, VascoThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of partially replacing two types of wheat flour (low ash content [type 55] and high ash content [type 65]) with Peruvian Prosopis pallida (mesquite) pod flour (0, 5, 10, 15%) on the nutritional quality and staling of composite breads. Mesquite flour (MF) enhanced the nutritional quality by increasing the fibre contents and unsaturated fatty acids of the bread. MF did not affect crumb hardness either when prepared with wheat flour type 65 (p = 0.374) or 55 (p = 0.122), but reduced crumb resilience (p 0.001) and water activity (p = 0.003) in both wheat flour types. When blended with wheat flour type 55, increasing levels of MF delayed the dehydration (p 0.001) and resilience loss rates. Likewise, the higher the MF level, the slower the crumb hardening of composite breads formulated with wheat flour type 55 (p = 0.028). Thus, MF did not only enhance the nutritional profile of composite breads, but could also retard staling as a supplement of wheat flour type 55.
- Infusions of herbal blends as promising sources of phenolic compounds and bioactive propertiesPublication . Finimundy, Tiane C.; Pereira, Carla; Dias, Maria Inês; Caleja, Cristina; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Soković, Marina; Stojković, Dejan; Carvalho, Ana Maria; Rosa, Eduardo; Barros, Lillian; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.Several plants have been used for medicinal applications and have been traditionally consumed as decoctions and infusions. Although some herbs are used alone as a beverage, they are often blended in mixtures to maximize their e ects. Herein, the nutritional characterization of six infusions from herbal blends was evaluated using the o cial methods of analysis (AOAC international). A further characterization of the individual phenolic profile was also performed by HPLC-DAD/ESI-MSn, and finally bioactive potential was determined by evaluating the antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities of each blend. The wide variety of plants in each sample led to variability in the results for all analyzed parameters. However, blends containing 15% Laurus nobilis L. and 15% Juglan regia L. in their composition showed higher sugar content and energy contribution; higher concentration of phenolic compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids); greater antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory capacity; and also better antimicrobial e ects against all the tested bacterial and fungal strains. Further studies will be necessary to evaluate the real synergistic e ects that these two species show in the presence of other plants, and to evaluate their potential for application in various food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical products as infusion preparations.
- Assessment of the use of common juniper (Juniperus communis L.) foliage following the cascade principlePublication . Mediavilla, Irene; Bados, Raquel; Barros, Lillian; Xavier, Virginie; Finimundy, Tiane C.; Pires, Tânia C.S.P.; Heleno, Sandrina A.; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Amaral, Joana S.; Rizzo, Andrea Maria; Casini, David; Lombardi, Giacomo; Chiaramonti, David; Camara, Miguel; Suarez, Ana; Ardid, Tomas; Esteban Pascual, Luis SaulJuniperus communis L. is a species commonly grown in regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and is a good candidate to be cultivated in marginal lands. Plants coming from a pruning performed in a natural population located in Spain were used to assess the yield and quality of different products obtained following the cascade principle. A total of 1050 kg of foliage biomass were crushed, steam-distilled, and separated into fractions to produce biochar and absorbents for the pet industry using pilot plants. The obtained products were analysed. The essential oil, with a yield of 0.45% dry basis and a qualitative chemical composition similar to that described for the berries in international standards or monographs, showed antioxidant activity with promising CAA results (inhibition of 89% of the cell's oxidation). However, regarding antibacterial and antifungal activities, it only inhibited the growth of microorganisms at the maximum concentration tested, 2.5%. Concerning the hydrolate, it did not show bioactivity. Regarding the biochar, whose yield was 28.79% dry basis, interesting results were obtained for its characterisation as a possible soil improver for agronomic purposes (PFC 3(A)). Finally, promising results were obtained regarding the use of common juniper as absorbent, taking into account the physical characterisation and odour control capacity.
- Chemical composition and bioactive properties of purple french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris l.) as affected by water deficit irrigation and biostimulants applicationPublication . Fernandes, Ângela; Figueiredo, Sara Monteiro; Finimundy, Tiane C.; Pinela, José; Tzortzakis, Nikolaos; Ivanov, Marija; Soković, Marina; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Petropoulos, Spyridon Α.; Barros, LillianBiostimulants are a novel and eco-friendly agronomic tool with practical applications in alleviating negative effects of environmental stressors. The present work studied the effects of three biostimulant products (Nomoren (N), Twin-Antistress (TW), and X-Stress (XS)) under normal irrigation (W+) and water deficit irrigation conditions (W-) on the nutritional, chemical composition and bioactive properties of common bean fresh pods. A variable effect of biostimulants and water deficit irrigation was observed on nutritional value parameters, while fructose and sucrose were the main detected sugars, especially in NW+ and CW-treatments. Oxalic, malic, and citric acid were the main detected organic acids, while γ-and total tocopherol content was the highest in TWW+. (+)-Catechin and (-)-epicatechin were the most abundant phenolic compounds, especially in the NW-treatment. A variable antioxidant capacity was observed for the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and Oxidative Haemolysis assays (OxHLIA), while TWW+ extracts showed the best overall results against the tested fungi. In conclusion, the tested biostimulants had a positive effect on chemical composition and bioactivities of purple bean depending on the irrigation regime.
- Sequential steps of the incorporation of bioactive plant extracts from wild Italian Plantago coronopus L. and Cichorium intybus L. leaves in fresh egg pastaPublication . Ceccanti, Costanza; Finimundy, Tiane C.; Melgar Castañeda, Bruno; Pereira, Carla; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barros, LillianThe application of bioactive extracts from Cichorium intybus L. and Plantago coronopus L. species were incorporated as a functional ingredient in fresh egg pasta (Fettuccine). In that sense, a pasta making procedure was accessed using different concentrations of the plant extracts (0.25–0.63 mg/g), drying times (20–420 min) and drying temperatures (40–90 ◦C; only for P. coronopus enriched pasta), to screen an optimal factor selection in the pasta making procedure and to enhance the bioactive properties of the final product. In the chemical characterisation of the plant extracts, twenty-five phenolic compounds were tentatively identified (twenty compounds belonging to phenolic acid and phenylpropanoid classes and five belonging to the flavonoid sub-class) and a strong synergy between the plant extract concentration and the drying time was showed. The analysed antioxidant properties were enhanced by the phenolic compounds of the extracts and a new functional food with higher bioactive quality was developed.