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- Valorization of Solanum melongena L. crop by-products: Phenolic composition and in vitro antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial propertiesPublication . AƱibarro-Ortega, Mikel; Dias, Maria InĆŖs; PetroviÄ, Jovana; NĆŗƱez, Sonia; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Costa, Eduardo M.; Machado, M.; Pintado, Manuela; SokoviÄ, Marina; LĆ³pez, VĆctor; Barros, Lillian; Pinela, JosĆ©This study explored the valorization of post-harvest eggplant aerial parts as a sustainable source of value-added ingredients by investigating their phenolic composition and in vitro bioactive properties. HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn analysis identified chlorogenic acid derivatives as the predominant phenolic compounds (53 % of the phenolic fraction), followed by O-glycosylated kaempferol and quercetin. The extract displayed antioxidant activity in physiologically relevant cell-based assays and significant Ī±-glucosidase inhibitory capacity that far exceeded that of the standard drug acarbose. It also inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), suggesting its potential to mitigate diabetes-related complications. Furthermore, the extract showed a modest pancreatic lipase inhibitory effect and capacity to suppress interleukin 6 production. Selective cytotoxicity against human gastric and colon adenocarcinoma cell lines and strong antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens were observed. Given the growing demand for natural alternatives to synthetic drugs, these findings position eggplant crop biomass as a promising, sustainable source of active compounds with potential applications in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical formulations for managing type 2 diabetes and other oxidative stress-mediated conditions. This study not only contributes to the valorization of agricultural waste but also expands the research on by-products of Solanaceae crops, offering a pathway for sustainable resource utilization.
- Plantas de pimento dulce (Capsicum annuum L.) em poscesacha como fuente de ingredientes antioxidantes y antidiabĆ©ticosPublication . AƱibarro-Ortega, Mikel; LĆ³pez, VĆctor; Dias, Maria InĆŖs; Mandim, Filipa; Barros, Lillian; Pinela, JosĆ©El estrĆ©s oxidativo desempeƱa un papel fundamental en el desarrollo de enfermedades crĆ³nicas y metabĆ³licas como la diabetes, enfermedades cardiovasculares y neurodegenerativas, obesidad y cĆ”ncer. Esto se debe a la producciĆ³n excesiva de especies reactivas de oxĆgeno que daƱan los lĆpidos, proteĆnas y ADN de los organismos, comprometiendo procesos celulares vitales [1]. Los antioxidantes naturales, como los polifenoles, pueden prevenir estos daƱos y hoy en dĆa existe un creciente interĆ©s por el uso de extractos ricos en estos compuestos como ingredientes funcionales naturales. En el caso del cultivo de pimiento dulce (Capsicum annuum L.), tras la cosecha se genera una grande cantidad de biomasa vegetal infravalorada, que podrĆa contener metabolitos secundarios de alto valor comercial. AsĆ, el objetivo de este estudio fue valorizar estos subproductos agrĆcolas en lĆnea con los objetivos de la Agenda 2030 de Desarrollo Sostenible de las Naciones Unidas. Para ello, los subproductos de la planta fueron empleados para preparar extractos hidroetanĆ³licos [2], los cuales se caracterizaron con respecto a su perfil de compuestos fenĆ³licos mediante HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn y sus propiedades antioxidante, antidiabĆ©tica, anti-obesidad, antiinflamatoria y citotĆ³xica con base en ensayos celulares y enzimĆ”ticos in vitro. El anĆ”lisis cromatogrĆ”fico revelĆ³ un perfil fenĆ³lico con predominio de Ć”cidos fenĆ³licos, como el Ć”cido clorogĆ©nico, y flavonas O-glicosiladas, concretamente luteolina y apigenina. Aunque los extractos presentaron cierta actividad en todos los ensayos realizados, donde mĆ”s se destacaron fue en la actividad antioxidante, antidiabĆ©tica y citotĆ³xica en ciertas lĆneas celulares tumorales. Como conclusiĆ³n, se puede afirmar que los subproductos de plantas de pimiento dulce son una prometedora fuente de compuestos bioactivos de alto valor aƱadido. Estos pueden tener propiedades beneficiosas para la salud del consumidor al ser incorporados en productos alimentarios. AdemĆ”s, fomentar esta prĆ”ctica de circularidad serĆ” importante para la producciĆ³n sostenible de ingredientes alimentarios naturales.
- Thymus species from romanian spontaneous flora as promising source of phenolic secondary metabolites with health-related benefitsPublication . BabotÄ, Mihai; Frumuzachi, Oleg; Mafra, Isabel; Nicolescu, Alexandru; Dias, Maria InĆŖs; Pinela, JosĆ©; Barros, Lillian; AƱibarro-Ortega, Mikel; StojkoviÄ, Dejan; Carevic, Tamara; Mocan, Andrei; LĆ³pez, VĆctor; Crisan, GianinaWild thyme aerial parts (Serpylli herba) are recognized as a valuable herbal product with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. Although pharmacopoeial regulations allow its collection exclusively from Thymus serpyllum, substitution with other species is frequent in current practice. This study analyzed the phenolic composition, antioxidant, and enzyme-inhibitory and antimicrobial activity of the hydroethanolic extracts obtained from five Romanian wild thyme species (Thymus alpestris, T. glabrescens, T. panonicus, T. pulcherimus and T. pulegioides). The analysis of individual phenolic constituents was performed through LC-ESI-DAD/MS2, while for the in vitro evaluation of antioxidant potential, TEAC, FRAP, DPPH, TBARS and OxHLIA assays were employed. The anti-enzymatic potential was tested in vitro against tyrosinase, alpha-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase. High rosmarinic acid contents were quantified in all species (20.06 +/- 0.32-80.49 +/- 0.001 mg/g dry extract); phenolic acids derivatives (including salvianolic acids) were confirmed as the principal metabolites of T. alpestris and T. glabrescens, while eriodictyol-O-di-hexoside was found exclusively in T. alpestris. All species showed strong antioxidant potential and moderate anti-enzymatic effect against alpha-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase, showing no anti-tyrosinase activity. This is the first detailed report on the chemical and biological profile of T. alpestris collected from Romanian spontaneous flora.
- Diversidade nutricional de acessos de tomate de mesa das regiƵes Centro e Norte de PortugalPublication . Pereira, Alexis; AƱibarro-Ortega, Mikel; Rocha, Filomena; Lopes, V. Rolim; Carvalho, Ana Maria; Barata, Ana Maria; Barros, Lillian; Pinela, JosĆ©O tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Ć© uma das culturas hortĆcolas mais importantes em todo o mundo e desempenha um papel fundamental na dieta mediterrĆ¢nica. Ao longo dos anos, o cultivo de tomate em sistemas agrĆcolas extensivos, como hortas e quintais, levou ao surgimento de vĆ”rias variedades tradicionais com caracterĆsticas morfolĆ³gicas e sensoriais distintas. Estas variedades representam um valioso reservatĆ³rio de diversidade genĆ©tica que deve ser preservado. No entanto, hĆ” uma escassez de dados na literatura que relacionem as caracterĆsticas morfolĆ³gicas do tomate com diferenƧas na sua composiĆ§Ć£o. O objetivo deste estudo foi caraterizar a diversidade nutricional de acessos de tomate de mesa originĆ”rios das regiƵes Centro e Norte de Portugal, atualmente conservados no Banco PortuguĆŖs de Germoplasma Vegetal. Para isso, foram selecionados vĆ”rios acessos de tomate conhecidos localmente como "comum," "coraĆ§Ć£o-de-boi," "pequenino," "rasteiro" e "miĆŗdo". Estes acessos foram regenerados em campos experimentais, sob as mesmas condiƧƵes edafoclimĆ”ticas, para obter frutos maduros para anĆ”lise e reposiĆ§Ć£o de sementes. Os frutos foram analisados quanto Ć sua composiĆ§Ć£o centesimal, incluindo os teores de humidade, proteĆna, gordura, cinzas e hidratos de carbono, utilizando mĆ©todos analĆticos oficiais para alimentos. Os perfis individuais de aƧĆŗcares livres, Ć”cidos orgĆ¢nicos, Ć”cidos gordos e tocoferĆ³is foram caraterizados por meio de diferentes tĆ©cnicas cromatogrĆ”ficas. Os carotenoides licopeno e Ī²-caroteno foram quantificados utilizando um mĆ©todo espetrofotomĆ©trico. Os resultados destas anĆ”lises contribuĆram para uma compreensĆ£o abrangente sobre as caracterĆsticas nutricionais dos acessos de tomate de mesa selecionados e com origem nas regiƵes Centro e Norte de Portugal
- Nutrients, Phytochemicals, and In Vitro Biological Activities of Goldenberry (Physalis peruviana L.) Fruit and CalyxPublication . AƱibarro-Ortega, Mikel; Dias, Maria InĆŖs; PetroviÄ, Jovana; Mandim, Filipa; NĆŗƱez, Sonia; SokoviÄ, Marina; LĆ³pez, VĆctor; Barros, Lillian; Pinela, JosĆ©This study provides a comprehensive characterization of Physalis peruviana L., covering the nutritional composition of the fruit and the phytochemical profiles and in vitro bioactive properties of berry and calyx extracts. The fresh fruit stood out as a source of dietary fiber (5.16 g/100 g) and is low in fat (0.49 g/100 g). A 100-g serving also contained notable amounts of ascorbic acid (32.0 mg), tocopherols (2.34 mg), potassium (253 mg), phosphorus (45 mg), and magnesium (20 mg). HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analysis tentatively identified five physalin derivatives and one withanolide in the fruit extract, which showed significant antiproliferative activity against human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NCI-H460) cells. The calyx extracts contained three phenolic acids and four flavonoids, demonstrating high antioxidant activity through physiologically relevant cell-based assays, the ability to inhibit advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation and nitric oxide production, and also antiproliferative properties. These findings highlight goldenberry as a nutrient-dense fruit rich in vitamins and functional compounds with potential health benefits, supporting its recognition as a āsuperfruitā. Furthermore, the fruit calyx emerged as a valuable source of bioactive secondary metabolites with potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries and related sectors.
- Enhancing Tomato Growth and Quality Under Deficit Irrigation with Silicon ApplicationPublication . AƱibarro-Ortega, Mikel; Pereira, Alexis; Pinela, JosĆ©; Liava, Vasiliki; Chaski, Christina; Alexopoulos, Alexios A.; Barros, Lillian; Petropoulos, Spyridon A.This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two irrigation systems (deficit irrigation (DI)ā70% of field capacityāand full irrigation (FI)ā100% of field capacity) and a biostimulant formulation (silicon (Si) and calcium (Ca) at four different rates) on the chemical composition and fruit quality of greenhouse-grown tomatoes. Deficit irrigation and biostimulant application influenced the proximate composition of tomato fruits. Fructose and glucose were the main soluble sugars, while malic and citric acids were the predominant organic acids. Free sugar and organic acid content increased under DI and biostimulant applications. In contrast, deficit irrigation combined with biostimulant application decreased Ī±-tocopherol levels. In terms of carotenoids, lycopene and Ī²-carotene concentrations were higher under full irrigation. The main fatty acids were palmitic (C16:0) and linoleic (C18:2n6) acids, with saturated (SFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids being the main classes. Moreover, biostimulant applications reduced the total phenolic content regardless of the irrigation regime, whereas the flavonoid content increased when biostimulants were applied under FI conditions. Regarding antioxidant activity (assessed by TBARS and OxHLIA assays), a variable response to irrigation and biostimulant application was observed. In conclusion, the application of Si and Ca under DI showed promising results in terms of yield and quality of tomato fruit and it could be considered a sustainable strategy to mitigate adverse effects of climate change on horticultural crops.
- Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Rubus Idaeus Bioresidues: A Full Screening on Phenolic Composition and Bioactive PotentialPublication . Plasencia, Paula; Finimundy, Tiane C.; Carocho, MĆ”rcio; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; AƱibarro-Ortega, Mikel; Pires, TĆ¢nia 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 sampleās bioactive potential and the importance of exploiting bioresidues as unique, sustainable candidates for industrial applications.
- Extraction of anthocyanins from red raspberry for natural food colorants development: Processes optimization and in vitro bioactivityPublication . Rocha, Rosiane; Pinela, JosĆ©; Abreu, Rui M.V.; AƱibarro Ortega, Mikel; Pires, TĆ¢nia C.S.; Saldanha, Ana LuĆsa; Alves, Maria JosĆ©; Nogueira, AntĆ³nio JosĆ© M.; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barros, LillianHeat (HAE)-and ultrasound (UAE)-assisted extraction methods were implemented to recover anthocyanins from red raspberry. Processing time, ethanol concentration, and temperature or ultrasonic power were the independent variables combined in five-level rotatable central composite designs coupled with response surface methodology (RSM) for processes optimization. The extraction yield and levels of cyanidin-3-O-sophoroside (C3S) and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) were monitored by gravimetric and HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn methods, respectively, and used as response criteria. The constructed theoretical models were successfully fitted to the experimental data and used to determine the optimal extraction conditions. When maximizing all responses simultaneously, HAE originated slightly higher response values (61% extract weight and 8.7 mg anthocyanins/g extract) but needed 76 min processing at 38Ć¢āĀ¦ C, with 21% ethanol (v/v), while the UAE process required 16 min sonication at 466 W, using 38% ethanol (v/v). The predictive models were experimentally validated, and the purple-red extracts obtained under optimal condition showed antioxidant activity through lipid peroxidation and oxidative hemolysis inhibition, and antibacterial effects against food-related microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. These results highlight the potential of red raspberry extracts as natural food colorants with bioactive effects and could be exploited by industries interested in the production of anthocyanin-based products.
- Tomato plant biomass: from agricultural by- products to bioactive extracts with industrial applicationPublication . Pinela, JosĆ©; AƱibarro-Ortega, Mikel; ÄiriÄ, Ana; Rocha, Filomena; Barata, Ana Maria; SokoviÄ, Marina; Carvalho, Ana Maria; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barros, LillianTomatoes are highly consumed worldwide and their annual production generates a significant amount of plant by-products, especially aerial biomass. Although tomatoes are well-known for their nutritional composition and health-promoting effects [1], little information is available in the literature on the plant remains of this crop. Therefore, considering the substantial availability of this natural resource and the current trends of circularity and sustainable development, this study was carried out to evaluate the phenolic profile and bioactive properties of tomato plant biomass resulting from the regeneration of table tomato landraces conserved ex-situ in the Portuguese Genebank (BPGV), Braga, Portugal. The plant material resultant from the pruning performed after the flowering season was lyophilized and ground to prepare hydroethanolic extracts, which were characterized for their polyphenols composition (by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) and used to evaluate the antioxidant activity (through oxidative haemolysis inhibition, DPPH scavenging capacity, and reduction power assays) and antimicrobial potential against food-borne bacteria and fungi (by serial microdilution and p-INT methods) [2]. The chromatographic analysis allowed identifying phenolic acids and flavonoids, with prevalence of quercetin-3-O-rutinoside. The extracts showed antioxidant activity, with EC50 values lower than those previously reported for the respective table tomato fruits, thus translating a higher activity [2]. The extracts were also effective in some extent in protecting the erythrocyte population from the oxidative hemolysis caused the thermal decomposition of the free-radical initiator AAPH. Despite their low activity against the tested microfungi, some extracts had ability to inhibit and kill some bacteria (including Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, and Enterobacter cloacae) more effectively than ampicillin. Overall, it was concluded that table tomato plant biomass can be valorized to produce phenolic-rich extracts with antioxidant and antibacterial activities for possible use in the agri- food sector as natural preservatives.
- Recovery of bioactive polyphenols from Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Mill.) rind using binary mixtures of propylene glycol and waterPublication . Ferreira, Olga; AƱibarro-Ortega, Mikel; Pinela, JosƩ; Barros, LillianAloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Mill.) is a succulent plant species cultivated worldwide for its jelly-like parenchyma that is used by cosmetic, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. This gel fillet is found protected by a thick layer (green rind) that constitutes 20-30% of the whole leaf weight [1], which is often discarded as waste. However, this biowaste can be valorised as a source of high added-value compounds [2]. Today, the principles of green chemistry have been introduced into extraction schemes with the aim of making processes more sustainable. Some studies have also shown that polyols in aqueous solution may constitute a very suitable extraction medium for polyphenol recovery [3]. Therefore, this study was carried out to characterize the phenolic profile of Aloe vera rind, evaluate antioxidant properties, and investigate the suitability of propylene glycol-water mixtures for extracting these bioactives. The leaf rind was separated from the fillet gel parenchyma, freeze-dried and reduced to a fine powder. First, a solid-liquid extraction was performed with ethanol/water (80:20, v/v) to obtain a combined extract, from which the phenolic profile was characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS and the antioxidant activity was evaluated by the in vitro cell-based assays of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and OxHLIA (oxidative haemolysis inhibition assay) [4]. Afterwards, binary mixtures of propylene glycol (propane-1,2-diol)-water (from 0 to 95 %, w/w) were used in extractions performed at 50 oC for 60 min, whose efficiency was monitored based on the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, measured by colorimetric methods [5]. Different phenolic compounds were identified in the Aloe vera rind extract, including chromones (aloesin A and B), anthrones (aloin A and B), and flavones (luteolin and apigenin glucoside derivatives). Aloesin and aloin (Figures 1 and 2) are recognized for their skin regeneration (wound healing) and laxative effects, respectively, being among the most important physiologically active compounds found in Aloe [6,7]. The combined extract also had interesting antioxidant properties, being particularly effective in protecting erythrocytes from the free radical-induced oxidative damage, with an IC50 value close to that of the positive control, trolox. Regarding the effect of the extraction solvents on the recovery of total phenolics and flavonoids, it was found that intermediate propylene glycol-water mixtures lead to higher amounts than when used alone. Thus, this study showed that Aloe vera rind can be used as an interesting source of bioactive compounds and that propylene glycol in aqueous solution may improve its extraction.