Research Topic: antioxidants

The Antioxidant Properties of Extracts of Cuscuta spp. Depend on the Parasite and the Host Species

Dodder plants (Cuscuta species) used in traditional medicine contain powerful antioxidant compounds that can help protect cells from damage. This study found that different dodder species have varying amounts of these beneficial compounds, and surprisingly, the type of host plant the dodder parasitizes directly affects how many antioxidants it produces. When dodders infect aromatic plants like thyme and rosemary, they accumulate more antioxidant compounds than when grown on other plants.

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Diet-Derived Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs) Induce Muscle Wasting In Vitro, and a Standardized Vaccinium macrocarpon Extract Restrains AGE Formation and AGE-Dependent C2C12 Myotube Atrophy

This research shows that processed foods high in sugar and fat create harmful compounds called AGEs that can cause muscle loss and weakness. Cranberry extract, which contains natural antioxidants, was found to be particularly effective at blocking AGE formation and preventing muscle cell damage. The study suggests that eating foods containing cranberry extract might help prevent age-related muscle loss and the negative effects of unhealthy Western diets on muscle health.

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Isolation and Structural Characterization of Melanins from Red and Yellow Varieties of Stropharia rugosoannulata

Researchers studied the pigments that give mushrooms their colors, specifically looking at red and yellow varieties of wine cap mushrooms. They found that these colors come from melanin, the same pigment found in human skin. The study revealed that the red variety has more of certain melanin types than the yellow variety, which explains why they look different. These pigments could have health benefits because melanins are known to have antioxidant and anti-tumor properties.

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Effect of Dietary Insect Meal and Grape Marc Inclusion on Flavor Volatile Compounds and Shell Color of Juvenile Abalone Haliotis iris

Researchers tested whether using insect meal and grape marc as sustainable alternatives to fish meal in abalone feed would affect meat flavor and shell color. The study found that grape marc reduced unpleasant off-flavors in the meat while insect meal had minimal effect on flavor. Neither ingredient significantly changed shell color. These findings suggest these sustainable ingredients could improve both environmental impact and product quality in abalone farming.

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Nomilin from Yuzu Seed Has In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Downregulates Melanogenesis in B16F10 Melanoma Cells through the PKA/CREB Signaling Pathway

Scientists extracted a compound called nomilin from yuzu seeds and tested whether it could lighten skin by reducing melanin production. They found that nomilin works by blocking an enzyme called tyrosinase that makes melanin, and it reduces the activity of cell signaling pathways involved in skin darkening. The study shows nomilin could be used as a natural skin-whitening ingredient in cosmetics without the side effects of synthetic alternatives.

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Anti-Xanthine Oxidase 5′-Hydroxyhericenes A–D from the Edible Mushroom Hericium erinaceus and Structure Revision of 3-[2,3-Dihydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-1-yl]-pyridine-4,5-diol

Researchers isolated new compounds from Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) that can inhibit xanthine oxidase, an enzyme linked to breast cancer development. One compound called hericerin showed strong activity against a specific type of breast cancer cell (T47D cells) while being less harmful to normal cells. The study also corrected a misidentification from previous research, confirming that a compound previously thought to have a different structure was actually adenosine. These findings suggest Lion’s mane could be developed into a natural anti-cancer treatment.

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Impact of Air-Drying Temperature on Antioxidant Properties and ACE-Inhibiting Activity of Fungal Fermented Lentil Flour

Researchers fermented lentils with oyster mushrooms to create nutritious flour with health benefits. Two lentil varieties responded differently to fermentation, with one showing four times more mushroom growth and nearly complete removal of phytic acid (an antinutrient). The fermented flour was dried at different temperatures and tested for antioxidant and blood pressure-lowering properties. Results show the fermented flours have promising cardiovascular benefits and could be used as healthy food ingredients.

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Antioxidant Potential-Rich Betel Leaves (Piper betle L.) Exert Depigmenting Action by Triggering Autophagy and Downregulating MITF/Tyrosinase In Vitro and In Vivo

This research shows that betel leaves, a traditional herb used in Asian cultures, can lighten skin pigmentation through multiple mechanisms. The extract works by reducing tyrosinase enzyme activity, activating cellular cleanup processes called autophagy, and boosting the body’s natural antioxidant defenses. In both laboratory cells and living mice exposed to UV radiation, betel leaves extract effectively reduced unwanted skin darkening, suggesting it could be developed into safe natural skin-whitening products.

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Chitosan and Chitooligosaccharide: The Promising Non-Plant-Derived Prebiotics with Multiple Biological Activities

Chitosan and chitooligosaccharide are natural compounds derived from crustacean shells and fungi that act as prebiotics to improve gut health. These compounds can fight bacteria and viruses, reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative stress, and help maintain healthy weight and blood sugar levels. They represent a promising, biodegradable alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals with multiple health benefits.

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Conversion of Soluble Compounds in Distillery Wastewater into Fungal Biomass and Metabolites Using Australian Ganoderma Isolates

Researchers discovered that Ganoderma mushroom mycelium can clean up rum distillery wastewater while producing edible, protein-rich fungal biomass. The mycelium successfully removed harmful compounds from the wastewater and accumulated bioactive compounds with health benefits. This dual-benefit approach transforms an environmental waste problem into a valuable food ingredient, offering a sustainable and economical solution for the distillery industry.

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