This research investigates the effects of different extraction processes on the oil extractability, oxidative stability, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of crude rice bran oil (CRBO). The experimental extraction processes include hexane extraction (HE), cold press extraction (CE), thermally pretreated cold press extraction (CCE), and ultrasound-pretreated cold press extraction (UCE). The results show that thermal cooking and ultrasound pretreatment significantly improve the oil extractability of the cold press extraction process. The oil yields of CE, CCE, and UCE were 14.27, 17.31, and 16.68 g oil/100 g rice bran, respectively. The oxidative stability of CE and CCE oils was higher than HE and UCE oils, as evidenced by the synchrotron-radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) absorption peak. The ρ-anisidine values of HE, CE, CCE, and UCE were 0.30, 0.20, 0.91, and 0.31, respectively. Meanwhile, ultrasound pretreatment significantly reduced the bioactive compounds and chemical antioxidant activity of UCE oil. The CE, CCE, and UCE oils (0.1% oil concentration) exhibited higher inhibitory effects against hydrogen-peroxide-induced cellular oxidative stress, compared to HE oil (0.39% oil concentration). Essentially, CCE is operationally and environmentally suitable for improving the oil yield, oxidative stability, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities of CRBO.

This study investigated the effects of various cryoprotectant combinations on post-thaw sperm quality, biomolecular changes, DNA methylation, and pregnancy rates using Boer goat semen. Synchrotron-based Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (SR-FTIR) was used to assess biomolecular changes. A Tris-based extender supplemented with 5% glycerol was used in combination with different concentrations of cryoprotectants, including 1% and 3% soybean lecithin and 10% and 18% egg yolk, with Andromed^® serving as the control. SR-FTIR analysis revealed that the combination of 5% glycerol and 18% egg yolk (T4) resulted in significantly higher levels of lipids, ester lipids, and secondary protein structures (α-helix) compared with those under the other treatments (p < 0.05). Analysis of the principal component analysis (PCA) score plot and correlation loadings revealed a positive association between the cryoprotectant combination of T4 and increased levels of lipids and ester lipids, as well as enhanced sperm motility, progressive motility, and viability. Furthermore, this combination achieved a pregnancy and parturition rate of 66.67%, which was notably higher than the rate achieved with Andromed^® (37.50%). Moreover, T4 did not show a significant difference in DNA methylation levels compared to Andromed^® and fresh sperm (p > 0.05). Overall, the results indicated that specific cryoprotectant combinations play a key role in enhancing the biomolecular and functional integrity of freeze-thawed Boer goat semen.

Ficus carica L. leaves represent an underutilized agricultural byproduct despite growing consumer interest in functional foods. Four fig leaf cultivars representing diverse geographic origins (BTM, Black Violet, Longue d'Aout, and Sultane) were compared to investigate drying temperature (50°C–80°C) effects on bioactivity through water extraction. The extract demonstrating superior antioxidant activity was subsequently evaluated for safety using cell‐based cytotoxicity testing. Bioactive profiling assessed total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with principal component analysis (PCA) accomplished cultivar discrimination. Cell‐based cytotoxicity testing via 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay evaluated safety on Caco‐2, HepG2, and THLE‐2 cells. Results identified 60°C as the optimal drying temperature across all cultivars ( p < 0.05). Longue d'Aout demonstrated superior bioactivity: TPC = 53.8 mg GAE/g extract, DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) IC ₅₀ = 0.96 mg/mL. Higher temperatures (70°C–80°C) significantly reduced bioactivity. Conversely, ABTS (2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid)) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) revealed cultivar‐specific temperature responses. FTIR‐PCA successfully discriminated cultivars with 96.8% accuracy (PC‐1: 85%, PC‐2: 7%). All extracts demonstrated excellent safety (IC ₅₀ = 7–15.3 mg/mL, safety factor 70–1530×). Selective cytotoxicity to cancer cells emerged: HepG2 (IC ₅₀ = 7 mg/mL) versus hepatocytes THLE‐2 (IC ₅₀ = 15.3 mg/mL), showing 2.18‐fold selectivity. FTIR achieved 96.8% discrimination accuracy for quality control. Water‐based extraction assessment confirmed excellent safety profiles in normal hepatocytes and selective cancer cell toxicity. Superior bioactivity and excellent safety profiles validate fig leaf extracts as safe functional food ingredients, warranting investigation into their potential anti‐cancer mechanisms.