Antioxidants from seafood play a crucial role in promoting human health by providing a natural source of compounds that mitigate oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, usually as a result of antioxidant imbalance, is strongly linked with DNA damage, inflammation, metabolic diseases, and other hazardous events. This intricate process can be ameliorated by endogenous antioxidant enzymes and molecules, but also by intake of antioxidants naturally present in food. Seafood is rich in bioactive antioxidants like astaxanthin, tocopherols, selenium, coenzyme Q10, glutathione, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which have demonstrated significant potential in reducing cellular oxidative damage.

Some antioxidants in fish, such as astaxanthin, tocopherols, and selenium, collaborate in mitigating oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. This action helps to reduce cellular damage, thereby lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid found in certain fish species like salmon and trout, is known for its superior antioxidant capacity, surpassing vitamin E and other carotenoids. Tocopherols (vitamin E compounds) also contribute to the prevention of lipid oxidation in cell membranes, enhancing cellular integrity and function. Selenium, an essential trace mineral in fish, is a component of selenoproteins with critical antioxidant functions, protecting against oxidative damage and supporting immune function. Additional antioxidants such as coenzyme Q10, found in fish like sardines and mackerel, contribute to cellular energy production while neutralizing free radicals. Glutathione, present in various types of seafood, supports detoxification pathways and bolsters cellular antioxidant defense systems.

This review synthesizes the mechanisms, health benefits, and dietary implications of seafood-derived antioxidants, providing insights into their potential for enhancing human health.

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects 462 million people globally and is linked to complications like retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and coronary artery disease (CAD). T2DM increases CAD risk, contributing to 75% of related mortality. Genetic predispositions and distinct mechanisms differentiate DM-CAD from other forms, such as CAD caused by hypertension or degenerative changes, requiring gene expression profiling and transcriptome and reactome analyses to identify and establish molecular markers and improve its diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies. Methods: The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, GSE250283 and GSE90074, were used to identify the differentially expressed genes involved in DM-CAD. Biological targets were identified that coincided with the identified differentially expressed genes. The biological pathways were analyzed using KEGG, and hub genes were identified for a further functional and signaling pathway analysis. Results: Several differentially expressed gene biomarkers were identified between the control and DM and DM-CAD. NLRP3, TLR4, STAT3, IL6, TNF-α, and NF-κB were found to be upregulated, while PPARG, SIRT1, and ADIPOR1 were downregulated, indicating significant pathways with involvement, including the oxidative stress response, JAK-STAT signaling, and insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Conclusion: Oxidative stress emerges as a critical driver of T2DM-CAD pathogenesis, influencing inflammatory pathways and metabolic dysfunction. Genes such as SOD2, CAT, and GPX1 highlight disruptions in antioxidant defense mechanisms, aligning with mitochondrial dysfunction. Elevated STAT3 expression in the JAK-STAT pathway and NLRP3 activation further exacerbate oxidative damage and inflammation. Meanwhile, the downregulation of SIRT1 and ADIPOQ underscores impaired glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity. These findings position oxidative stress as a key therapeutic target, alongside inflammasome and immune signaling pathways like the JAK-STAT pathway as novel therapeutic targets for mitigating T2DM-CAD's severity.

Abstract

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, commonly known as Parijat, is recognized for its significant antioxidant properties and various therapeutic applications. Recent studies have leveraged network pharmacology techniques to discover the main phytoconstituents in Nyctanthes arbor-tristis that may be able to alter the activity of important therapeutic targets implicated in oxidative stress and associated pathological processes. With an emphasis on its antiproliferative and antioxidant properties, this study combines computational methods to identify putative bioactive compounds and their relationships with important antioxidant enzymes and pathways, offering insights into the plant's potential to fight diseases brought on by oxidative stress. Using a variety of internet databases and software tools, the phytoconstituents of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and their oxidative stress-related therapeutic targets were found. To determine if the found phytoconstituents were suitable as possible therapeutic agents, they underwent a drug-likeness study and were assessed for a number of pharmacokinetic characteristics. Targets exhibiting superior topological parameters and phytoconstituents with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and drug-likeness properties were further examined using molecular docking studies and MMGBSA calculation to assess their binding affinities and interaction stability. In this investigation, 144 phytoconstituents were found in Nyctanthes arbor-tristis. Pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness tests were successfully completed by 103 of the 144 phytoconstituents that were discovered. For these chosen phytoconstituents, a total of 2192 therapeutic targets were discovered, along with 1823 oxidative stress-related disease-associated targets. Forty-four common targets were found when phytoconstituent targets and disease-associated targets intersected. The Cytoscape 3.9.1 program was used to assess topological metrics, including degree centrality and betweenness centrality, which led to the identification of five important proteins as top targets: SOD1, CAT, GPx1, Nrf2, and COX-2. Based on MMGBSA analysis and molecular docking experiments, beta-sitosterol is the most promising candidate since it has the best docking scores (-9.1 kcal/mol) and binding free energy across antioxidant (SOD1, CAT, GPx1, Nrf2) and antiproliferative (COX-2) targets.

Annually, coffee production in the Dominican Republic generates 18,405 tons of byproducts such as husk, pulp, silver skin, and parchment. These residues, rich in polyphenols, offer health benefits due to their ability to alleviate disorders related to obesity, a condition characterized by excess body fat, chronic inflammation, and elevated oxidative stress in adipose tissue. These negative effects can be mitigated by the bioactive compounds found in coffee and its byproducts. This study conducts an exhaustive literature review on the impact of coffee consumption and its byproducts on obesity-related alterations and oxidative stress, enhanced through artificial intelligence. Based on Scopus searches using the keywords "Coffee Therapy", which yielded 1811 articles, downloaded in CSV format, we employed artificial intelligence and natural language processing in Python to generate thematic clusters. Subsequently, 61 articles were selected from the most representative clusters aligning with our research objectives. Chlorogenic acid, a potent antioxidant present in coffee and its byproducts, has proven to be pivotal in the observed benefits for metabolic health. Supplementation with husk extract and green coffee has been shown to significantly reduce body weight, inflammation, and improve metabolic health in obese individuals. This is largely attributed to increased antioxidant defenses, as chlorogenic acid effectively eliminates free radicals, reduces oxidative stress, and enhances insulin sensitivity, factors closely linked to the development of obesity. Moreover, coffee extracts significantly reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells, particularly at higher doses (400 and 800 μg/mL). Additionally, an intake of 400 mg of coffee polyphenols, primarily chlorogenic acid, can significantly improve various metabolic markers, such as glucose levels and lipid profiles. These findings support the recommendation of moderate coffee consumption, of around 2-3 twelve-ounce cups daily, for overall health benefits.

Introduction:
The development of functional hydrogels through 4D printing represents a breakthrough in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. By incorporating bioactive extracts from natural sources such as Rhodiola rosea (Różeńca górskiego) and Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola), these hydrogels offer enhanced therapeutic potential. The project investigates the chemical composition and properties of these plants and their extracts, aiming to utilize their bioactive compounds in hydrogel matrices.

Methods:
The chemical composition of Rhodiola rosea and Gotu Kola extracts was analyzed using spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques to identify key bioactive components. Hydrogels were synthesized using sodium alginate, hyaluronic acid, and poly(vinyl alcohol), and were 4D-printed using a customized extrusion-based printer. The bioactive extracts were incorporated during the hydrogel preparation, ensuring their stability and functionality.

Results:
The hydrogel matrices demonstrated high biocompatibility and stability, with controlled swelling and degradation profiles suitable for biomedical applications. Incorporation of Rhodiola rosea extract, rich in salidroside and rosavins, enhanced antioxidant and adaptogenic properties. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Gotu Kola extract, containing asiaticoside and madecassoside, significantly improved wound-healing and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The combined use of alginate, hyaluronic acid, and poly(vinyl alcohol) facilitated cross-linking, mechanical robustness, and sustained release of bioactive compounds.

Conclusion:
This study highlights the potential of 4D-printed hydrogels as advanced biomaterials for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. The integration of bioactive plant extracts from Rhodiola rosea and Gotu Kola offers a novel approach to enhancing the functional and therapeutic properties of hydrogels, paving the way for innovative solutions in regenerative medicine and pharmaceutical formulations.

Acknowledgments: Acknowledgments: This research was carried out within the SMART-MAT Functional Materials Scientific Club of the Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics at Cracow University of Technology and as part of the project entitled " Functional hydrogels obtained using 4D printing" financed by the FutureLab organization operating at Cracow University of Technology

Introduction:
The development of biocomposites for regenerative medicine focuses on combining natural and synthetic components to create materials with enhanced bioactivity and functionality. This project explores biocomposites based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and bioactive plant extracts from Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) and Potentilla erecta (Rhizome of Tormentil). These materials aim to promote tissue regeneration and accelerate wound healing.

Methods:
The chemical composition of Gotu Kola and Rhizome of Tormentil extracts was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectroscopic methods to identify active compounds such as asiaticoside and catechins. PVA was used as the primary polymer matrix, modified with plant extracts to enhance bioactivity. The biocomposites were synthesized through a solvent casting method, followed by cross-linking to improve mechanical stability. Characterization included swelling behavior, mechanical strength and antioxidant activity.

Results:
The biocomposites exhibited excellent mechanical properties and controlled swelling behavior, making them suitable for regenerative medicine. The incorporation of Gotu Kola extract significantly improved antioxidant and wound-healing properties, while the Rhizome of Tormentil extract contributed anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Biocompatibility tests showed that the materials support cell attachment and proliferation, confirming their potential for tissue engineering applications.

Conclusion:
The proposed biocomposites demonstrate a promising approach to regenerative medicine, offering a combination of mechanical robustness, bioactivity, and biocompatibility. Future studies will focus on in vivo evaluations and further optimization of extract concentrations to tailor the biocomposites for specific clinical applications.

Acknowledgments: This research was carried out within the SMART-MAT Functional Materials Scientific Club of the Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics at Cracow University of Technology and as part of the project entitled " Biocomposites for Regenerative Medicine Applications" financed by the FutureLab organization operating at Cracow University of Technology.

The increasing demand for sustainable agriculture underscores the need for eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides. To address this issue, the European Union supports Integrated Pest Management (IPM), with a particular focus on biopesticides as safer, more sustainable options. Orange peels, a by-product of citrus processing, contain bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and pesticidal properties [1]. However, these valuable compounds are often discarded, contributing to environmental pollution. Hence, this study investigates the recovery of active molecules (AMs) from citrus waste, specifically orange peels, to develop new biopesticides. A key aspect of this research is the development of an eco-friendly extraction method for AMs. Traditional methods like Soxhlet extraction are energy-intensive, use harmful chemicals, and generate waste. In contrast, the Naviglio extractor, a solid–liquid extraction technique, operates at room temperature and uses negative pressure to efficiently extract bioactive compounds while minimizing environmental and safety concerns, using different times of extraction (2 h, 22 h, 96 h) [2]. The results show that the extracts obtained with the Naviglio extraction method are endowed with higher antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by their greater total phenolic content (TPC) and radical-scavenging activity (RSA) compared to Soxhlet extraction [3]. UV-Vis and LC-MS analyses were performed to assess the chemical profiles of the extracts. The Naviglio extracts exhibited higher absorbance and distinctive peaks associated with carotenoids, confirming their presence. LC-MS analysis revealed that several compounds were present in the extracts, with their intensity decreasing as extraction time increased. Apigenin 7-O-glucoside, hexamethylquercetagetin, nobiletin, sinensetin, and tangeretin were identified as the main phenolic components. These findings suggest extraction time is a key factor influencing the composition and concentration of bioactive compounds in orange peel extracts. This research promotes a circular economy by utilising citrus waste, transforming waste into valuable resources.

References

1. Cirrincione F. et al. (2024) Food Res, Int, 187, 114422

1. Naviglio D. et al. (2003) Anal. Lett. 36,8, 1647–1659

1. Famiglietti M. et al. (2022) Foods 11(14), 2078

The development of biocomposites for regenerative medicine focuses on combining natural and synthetic components to create materials with enhanced bioactivity and functionality. This project explores biocomposites based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and bioactive plant extracts from Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) and Potentilla erecta (Rhizome of Tormentil). These materials aim to promote tissue regeneration and accelerate wound healing.

The chemical composition of Gotu Kola and Rhizome of Tormentil extracts was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectroscopic methods to identify active compounds such as asiaticoside and catechins. PVA was used as the primary polymer matrix, modified with plant extracts to enhance bioactivity. The biocomposites were synthesized through a solvent casting method, followed by cross-linking to improve mechanical stability. Characterization included swelling behavior, mechanical strength, antioxidant activity, and biocompatibility.

The biocomposites exhibited excellent mechanical properties and controlled swelling behavior, making them suitable for regenerative medicine. The incorporation of Gotu Kola extract significantly improved antioxidant and wound-healing properties, while the Rhizome of Tormentil extract contributed anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Biocompatibility tests showed that the materials support cell attachment and proliferation, confirming their potential for tissue engineering applications.

The project is financed with funds from the state budget granted by the Minister of Science within the framework of the "Student Scientific Clubs Create Innovations" (SKN/SP/601893/2024) "Application of Biohydrogels Containing Adaptogens in Innovative Chronic Wound Therapy". The research work was carried out within the SMART-MAT Functional Materials Science Club (section Smart-Mat) at the Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics of the Cracow University of Technology.

By-products from the agro-food industry can serve as innovative sources of natural ingredients in the reformulation of traditional foods, enhancing their overall quality, extending secondary shelf-life (SSL), and mitigating food loss and waste. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the addition in a ready-to-use meat pâté of an olive vegetation water phenolic extract (OWVE) at two concentrations (250 mg of phenols per kg of product (MP1) and 500 mg of phenols per kg of product (MP2)). Physicochemical and sensory properties and the antioxidant activity of OWVE-added pâté samples were evaluated and compared with a control sample (CTRL; without antioxidants), simulating the retail storage conditions typical for products sold loose in deli counters. The evolution of key quality parameters was monitored during the SSL at various intervals: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 days after the packaging was opened. The addition of OWVE effectively reduced the formation of primary and secondary oxidation products, thereby enhancing the oxidative stability of the lipid fraction. The formation and accumulation of aldehydes C6–C9, which are responsible for the "rancid off-flavour", were significantly minimised in the OWVE-added pâté samples in a dose-dependent way. Additionally, the OWVE-added samples demonstrated significantly higher antioxidant activity and α-tocopherol content compared to the CTRL at every assessed time point. No sensory defects were detected in any of the samples; however, a more pronounced olive flavour was noted in the MP2 samples compared to MP1 and CTRL. The findings of this study suggest that OWVE could serve as a promising natural preservative for food formulations with complex compositions. This highlights its potential usefulness in countertop gastronomy products, allowing for the extension of SSL without the need for synthetic additives. This approach offers a sustainable solution for reducing food loss and waste in marketing and home preservation practices.

Aromatic herbs are a fundamental component of the Mediterranean Diet (MD), enhancing the flavor of dishes and serving as a healthier substitute for salt. This not only enhances to the overall appeal of the diet, but also contributes to its health benefits, due to the richness of these herbs in bioactive molecules, such as phenolics, which possess antioxidant properties. The extraction of these compounds represents a crucial phase in their application in various industries. However, the use of conventional solvents poses risks to both the environment and human health. Green solvents, such as Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs), have been identified as promising alternatives due to their non-toxic, eco-friendly, and less energy-demanding nature. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of two NADESs, namely glycerol--urea (Gly:U) (1:1) and choline chloride--lactic acid (CC:LA) (1:3), in comparison to the conventional solvent methanol for the extraction of phenolic compounds from six aromatic herbs which are commonly used in the MD: Mentha spicata L., Coriandrum sativum L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Thymus vulgaris L., Ocimum basilicum L., and Origanum vulgare L. Extracts were obtained via ultrasound-assisted extraction. Phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured spectrophotometrically, and antioxidant activity was assessed via DPPH and ORAC assays. The results revealed higher phenolic concentrations in NADES extracts compared to methanol. O. vulgare extracted with Gly:U exhibited the highest phenolic content (99.45 ± 6.63 mg_GAE/g_DW), while M. spicata with Gly:U showed the highest flavonoid content (39.95 ± 0.55 mg_QE/g_DW). NADES extracts also demonstrated superior antioxidant activity in both assays. The findings suggest that extractions using NADESs are more effective than conventional solvents for extracting phenolics and promoting bioactivity. These green solvents are aligned with sustainable practices for use in various industries, thereby enhancing the valorization of Mediterranean herbs.