Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is a widely used food ingredient, although excessive concentrations can pose potential health risks. In the present study, we evaluated the deterioration effects of NaNO2 additives on hematology, metabolic profile, liver function, and kidney function of male Wistar rats. We further explored the therapeutic potential of supplementation with S. costus root ethanolic extract (SCREE) to improve NaNO2-induced hepatorenal toxicity. In this regard, 65 adult male rats were divided into eight groups; Group 1: control, Groups 2, 3, and 4 received SCREE in 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively, Group 5: NaNO2 (6.5 mg/kg body weight), Groups 6, 7 and 8 received NaNO2 (6.5 mg/kg body weight) in combination with SCREE (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight), respectively. Our results revealed that the NaNO2-treated group shows a significant change in deterioration in body and organ weights, hematological parameters, lipid profile, and hepatorenal dysfunction, as well as immunohistochemical and histopathological alterations. Furthermore, the NaNO2-treated group demonstrated a considerable increase in the expression of TNF-α cytokine and tumor suppressor gene P53 in the kidney and liver, while a significant reduction was detected in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and the apoptosis suppressor gene BCL-2, compared to the control group. Interestingly, SCREE administration demonstrated the ability to significantly alleviate the toxic effects of NaNO2 and improve liver function in a dose-dependent manner, including hematological parameters, lipid profile, and modulation of histopathological architecture. Additionally, SCREE exhibited the ability to modulate the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic genes in the liver and kidney. The phytochemical analysis revealed a wide set of primary metabolites in SCREE, including phenolics, flavonoids, vitamins, alkaloids, saponins and tannins, while the untargeted UPLC/T-TOF-MS/MS analysis identified 183 metabolites in both positive and negative ionization modes. Together, our findings establish the potential of SCREE in mitigating the toxic effects of NaNO2 by modulating metabolic, inflammatory, and apoptosis. Together, this study underscores the promise of SCREE as a potential natural food detoxifying additive to counteract the harmful impacts of sodium nitrite.

The pharmaceutical and nutraceutical potentials of whole fruit, pulp and seeds of Rosa pimpinellifolia L. were evaluated. Forty-two phenolic compounds and two triterpenoids were identified in extracts by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS, respectively. The most prominent compounds were ellagic acid, catechin, epicatechin, tannic acid, quercetin, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid. The highest enzyme inhibitory activities of the extracts (94.83%) were obtained against angiotensin-converting enzyme and were almost equal to those of the commercial standard (lisinopril, 98.99%). Whole fruit and pulp extracts (IC50:2.47 and 1.52 μg DW/mL) exhibited higher antioxidant capacity than the standards (α-tocopherol, IC50:9.89 μg DW/mL). The highest antibacterial activity was obtained against Bacillus cereus (MIC: 256 μg/mL) for the whole fruit extract. Correlation analyses were conducted to find the correlation between individual phenolics and enzyme inhibitory activities. The results showed the remarkable future of not only the edible part but also the seeds of black rose hips in phytochemical and functional aspects.

Nutraceuticals represent an emerging and dynamic scientific field due to their important potential in integrated healthcare through nutritional and medicinal approaches that interact and complement each other mutually. In an attempt to find new sources for such preparations, the present research focuses on the species Craterellus cornucopioides (L.) Pers. (Cantharellaceae), also known as the black trumpet. This wild mushroom species is renowned for its culinary excellence and unique taste and is used especially in a dehydrated state. However, beyond its gastronomic value, recent scientific investigations have revealed its potential as a source of bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical and therapeutic significance. Our study aimed, therefore, to review the current data regarding the morphology, chemical profile, and medicinal potential of the black trumpet mushroom, highlighting its unique attributes. By conducting a comprehensive literature analysis, this paper contributes to the broader understanding of this remarkable fungal species as a potential functional food and its promising applications in the field of therapeutics.

Essential oils are well known for their biological properties, making them useful for the treatment of various diseases. However, because of their poor stability and high volatility, their potential cannot be fully exploited. The use of nanoformulations to deliver essential oils can solve these critical issues and amplify their biological activities. We characterized an essential oil from Satureja thymbra via GC-MS and HPLC-DAD to provide qualitative and quantitative data. The essential oil was formulated in phospholipid vesicles which were characterized for size, surface charge, and storage stability. The entrapment efficiency was evaluated as the quantification of the major monoterpenoid phenols via HPLC-DAD. The morphological characterization of the vesicles was carried out via cryo-TEM and SAXS analyses. The essential oil\'s antioxidant potential was assayed via two colorimetric tests (DPPH• and FRAP) and its cytocompatibility was evaluated in HaCaT skin cell cultures. The results showed that the nanoformulations developed for the loading of S. thymbra essential oil were below 100 nm in size, predominantly unilamellar, stable in storage, and had high entrapment efficiencies. The vesicles also displayed antioxidant properties and high cytocompatibility. These promising findings pave the way for further investigation of the therapeutic potential of S. thymbra nanoformulations upon skin application.

The current study focuses on Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) peel and peel extract and their use as functional foods, food additives, or physiologically active constituents in nutraceutical formulations. The pomegranate peel extract is a good source of bioactive substances needed for the biological activity of the fruit, including phenolic acids, minerals, flavonoids (anthocyanins), and hydrolyzable tannins (gallic acid). The macromolecules found in pomegranate peel and peel extract have been recommended as substitutes for synthetic nutraceuticals, food additives, and chemo-preventive agents because of their well-known ethno-medical significance and chemical properties. Moreover, considering the promises for both their health-promoting activities and chemical properties, the dietary and nutraceutical significance of pomegranate peel and pomegranate peel extract appears to be underestimated. The present review article details their nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, food applications, nutraceutical action, and health benefits.

Chagas disease and leishmaniasis are among the most widespread neglected tropical diseases, and their current therapies have limited efficacy and several toxic side effects. The present study reports the chemical and antikinetoplastid profiles of extracts from five Salvadoran Celastraceae species against the Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes stage and Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania donovani promastigote forms. The phytochemical profile evinced the presence of flavonoids, tannins, sterols, and triterpenes as the main components in all plant species, whereas quinonemethide triterpenoids (QMTs) were restricted to the root bark of the studied species. Antikinetoplastid evaluation highlights the root bark extracts from Zinowewia integerrima, Maytenus segoviarum, and Quetzalia ilicina as the most promising ones, exhibiting higher potency against T. cruzi (IC50 0.71-1.58 µg/mL) and L. amazonensis (IC50 0.38-2.05 µg/mL) than the reference drugs, benznidazole (IC50 1.81 µg/mL) and miltefosine (IC50 2.64 µg/mL), respectively. This potent activity was connected with an excellent selectivity index on the murine macrophage J774A.1 cell line. These findings reinforce the potential of QMTs as antikinetoplastid agents for the development of innovative phytopharmaceuticals and the plant species under study as a source of these promising lead compounds.

Indigenous to Lebanon, Origanum syriacum L. and Cousinia libanotica D.C. are notable plants in the Middle East, with O. syriacum known for its aromatic qualities and C. libanotica being less explored. Both plants have a significant role in traditional medicine for treating various ailments. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition and biological properties of the extracts from these plants. The extracts were obtained through cold maceration with solvents of increasing polarity. The ethyl acetate extract of O. syriacum exhibited the highest total polyphenol content. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) identified fifteen compounds in both C. libanotica and O. syriacum extracts, whereas gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis unveiled 179 volatile compounds. Notably, the O. syriacum-MeOH extract showed moderate antioxidant activity. Both plants\' methanolic extracts demonstrated significant anti-Alzheimer\'s potential. The O. syriacum-dichloromethane and C. libanotica-cyclohexane extracts displayed the highest cytotoxicities against the HCT-116 cell line. For anti-proliferative activity against the Caco-2 cell line, the O. syriacum-methanol and C. libanotica-cyclohexane extracts were the most effective. This study provides valuable insights into the phytochemistry and potential therapeutic applications of extracts from these two oriental plant species.

Native species from the Amazonia are still unknown or underutilized and few information about their chemical and biological properties are available in the literature. Among the underutilized plant species in the Amazonia, Garcinia macrophylla can be seen as a promising source of bioactive compounds with relevant biological properties. The stem bark and leaves were the main investigated plant parts, mainly concerning the antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxicity and antidiabetic properties. However, the bioactive compounds and biological properties of the edible fruits were not yet reported. Systematic investigations covering the Amazonia biome, concerning plants and vegetables as strategic resources are of paramount importance for the sustainable development of the forest. Therefore, this review gathered the available information in the literature concerning general aspects, chemical profile and biological properties of G. macrophylla, for the first time, which highlighted that systematic and robust in vitro and in vivo research, are still needed to elucidate the phytochemical profiles and associated relevant biological properties.

Tea (Camellia sinensis) has grown for over 300 years and is recognized worldwide as among other well-renowned crops. The quality of black tea depends on plucking (method, standard, season, and intervals), withering and rolling (time and temperature), fermentation (time, temperature, and RH), drying (temperature and method), and storage conditions, which have a high influence on the final quality of black tea. At the rolling stage, the oxidation process is initiated and ends at the early drying stage until the enzymes that transform tea polyphenols into thearubigins (TRs) and theaflavins (TFs) are denatured by heat. By increasing fermentation time, TRs increased, and TF decreased. Each is liable for black tea\'s brightness, taste, and color. The amino acids and essential oils also grant a distinctive taste and aroma to black tea. Throughout withering, rolling, and fermentation, increases were found in essential oil content, but during drying, a decrease was observed. However, the Maillard reaction, which occurs when amino acids react with sugar during drying, reimburses for this decrease and enhances the flavor and color of black tea. As compared to normal conditions, accelerated storage showed a slight decrease in the total color, TF, and TRs. It is concluded that including plucking, each processing step (adopted technique) and storage system has a remarkable impact on black tea\'s final quality. To maintain the quality, an advanced mechanism is needed to optimize such factors to produce high-quality black tea, and an objective setting technique should be devised to attain the desirable quality characteristics.

Vernonia is a woody shrub of the family Asteraceae. Over 1500 species are distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia. There are more than 54 species known to possess similar morphological features with the characteristic bitter taste. The pharmacological properties of different parts like seeds, leaves, and roots are well documented in folk medicine. They are rich in biologically active constituents such as alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroid tannins, and carotenoids having broad therapeutic activities like antiinflammatory, hypoglycemic, hyperlipidemia, antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidative, antiproliferative, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, etc. The present study summarizes and discusses the phytochemical profile, pharmacological properties, and toxicological effects of the Vernonia plant.