Oxidative stress is an imbalance between levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzymes. Compounds with antioxidant properties, such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), can reduce cellular imbalance caused by an increase in ROS. CoQ10 participates in modulating redox homeostasis due to its antioxidant activity and its preserving mitochondrial functions. Thus, the present study demonstrated the protective effects of CoQ10 against oxidative stress and cytotoxicity induced by arsenic (As). Antioxidant capacity, formation of hydroperoxides, generation of ROS, and the effect on cellular viability of CoQ10, were investigated to determine the protective effect of CoQ10 against As and pro-oxidant compounds, such as zinc. Cell viability assays showed that CoQ10 is cytoprotective under cellular stress conditions, with potent antioxidant activity, regardless of the concentration tested. Zn, when used at higher concentrations, can increase ROS and show a pro-oxidant effect causing cell damage. The cytotoxic effect observed for As, Zn, or the combination of both could be prevented by CoQ10, without any decrease in its activity at cellular levels when combined with Zn.

The balance between embolic risk and bleeding represents a clinical challenge in cancer patient treatment, encouraging studies on adjuvant oncologic treatments. Thereby, this study evaluated the in vitro effect of green tea extract (GTE) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on hemostasis modulation and the antineoplastic effect on melanoma cells (B16-F10) by applying platelet aggregation, angiogenesis and viability cell assays. The results displayed a significant platelet antiaggregant effect, corresponding to 50 and 80% for the extract and EGCG, respectively, compared to the negative control. Furthermore, both GTE and EGCG exhibited antitumor effects by reducing melanoma cell growth by 25 and 50%, respectively, verified by cellular apoptosis. Regarding angiogenesis, these substances inhibited blood vessel formation, reaching about 25% and 99% for GTE and EGCG at 100 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, TNF-α cell stimulation evidenced VEGF and IL-8 secretion inhibition at 55 and 20% with GTE, while EGCG promoted an inhibition around 78% for both VEGF and IL-8. The results indicate the promising performance of GTE and EGCG as an option for treating cancer and its side effects. Nonetheless, further studies are required to elucidate their action mechanism on clotting, cell death and angiogenesis.

Brazilian plant biodiversity is a rich alternative source of bioactive compounds since plant-derived extracts and/or their secondary metabolites exhibit potential properties to treat several diseases. In this context, Licania rigida Benth (Chrysobalanaceae Family), a large evergreen tree distributed in Brazilian semi-arid regions, deserves attention for its widespread use in popular medicine, although its biological properties are still poorly studied. The aim of this study was to examine (1) acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity at 2000 mg/kg dose; (2) in vitro cytotoxicity at 0.1; 1; 10; 100 or 1000 µg/ml; (3) in vivo mutagenicity at 5, 10 or 20 mg/ml, and (4) potential antioxidant protective effect of L. rigida aqueous leaf extract of (AELr). No marked apparent toxic and genotoxic effects were observed using in vitro and in vivo assays after in vitro treatment of Chinese hamster ovary cell line (CHO-K1) with AELr or in vivo exposure of Wistar rats and Drosophila melanogaster to different extract concentrations. Concerning the antioxidant effect, the extract exhibited a protective effect by decreasing lipid peroxidation as determined by malondialdehyde levels. No significant changes were observed for glutathione (GSH) levels and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Data demonstrate the beneficial potential of AELr to be employed for therapeutic purposes. However, further studies are required to validate the pharmacological application of this plant extract to develop as a phytotherapeutic formulation.

Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) has been widely recognized for its pharmacological potential, although studies on its leaves remain scarce. In this study, the hydroethanolic leaf extract (MCHLE) was chemically characterized by LC–MS/MS, revealing the presence of octopamine, ferulate, vitexin-2-O-rhamnoside, and other bioactive phenolics. Toxicological evaluation in Wistar rats demonstrated that both acute (2000 mg/kg) and repeated oral administration (up to 400 mg/kg for 28 days) caused no clinical or behavioral signs of toxicity. Notably, treatment significantly reduced glucose and cholesterol levels, in addition to attenuating lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant defenses. In vivo, MCHLE inhibited leukocyte and neutrophil infiltration in the LPS-induced peritonitis model, with efficacy comparable to dexamethasone. It also reduced TNF-α secretion and nitric oxide generation in peritoneal fluids. In vitro assays with LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages confirmed these effects, showing dose-dependent inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NO production. Gene expression analysis further demonstrated downregulation of TNF-α and MAPK, with marked suppression of NF-κB transcripts. Collectively, these results suggest that MCHLE exerts anti-inflammatory activity by targeting both mediator release and upstream signaling pathways, while maintaining a favorable safety profile, supporting its potential for further investigation as a promising source of bioactive compounds.

Obesity is a significant global health issue, profoundly affecting metabolic and cardiovascular health and other related chronic conditions. In Chile, the prevalence of obesity is among the highest within the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, highlighting a critical public health challenge. This narrative review examines current evidence on the independent and potential synergistic roles of omega-3 fatty acids and exercise in managing obesity-related metabolic dysfunction. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), have been shown to lower triglyceride levels, enhance lipid metabolism, and modulate inflammation via pathways involving peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c). Exercise interventions, such as moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), provide distinct yet complementary metabolic benefits. Specifically, MICT improves body fat distribution and mitochondrial efficiency, whereas HIIT has notable effects on metabolic adaptability and insulin signaling. Additionally, emerging evidence points toward a potential role of the kinin-kallikrein system, particularly kallikrein 7 (KLK7), in obesity-associated insulin resistance. Despite these promising findings, several knowledge gaps persist regarding optimal dosing, intervention timing, population-specific effects, and the exact mechanisms behind the potential synergistic interactions between omega-3 supplementation and structured exercise. This review emphasizes the importance of conducting further research, particularly controlled clinical trials, to clarify these combined interventions’ effectiveness and establish targeted therapeutic strategies tailored to individual metabolic profiles.

Cauliflower by-products represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds that can be valorized as functional ingredients within circular food systems; however, their stability is strongly influenced by processing conditions. This study evaluated the combined effects of plant section (leaves and stems) and drying method (freeze-drying, hot-air drying at 40 °C and solar drying at approximately 30–45 °C) on the nutritional composition, pigment content, antioxidant activity and colour of cauliflower by-product flours. Proximate composition, chlorophylls, carotenoids, total polyphenols, total flavonoids, glucosinolates, sulforaphane and antioxidant activity (ABTS and DPPH assays) were determined, and colour was assessed using CIELAB parameters (L*, a*, b*, chroma, hue angle and browning index). Freeze-drying showed the highest preservation of pigments, phenolic compounds, sulforaphane and antioxidant activity, followed by hot-air drying, while solar drying resulted in the lowest retention. Leaf-derived flours consistently presented higher pigment and phenolic contents and more favorable colour attributes than stem-derived flours. Antioxidant activity was strongly associated with matrices richer in pigments and phenolics. Although leaves exhibited higher glucosinolate contents, sulforaphane levels showed only minor differences between plant sections, suggesting that stem-derived fractions may also represent a valuable raw material considering their greater biomass availability and industrial scalability. Overall, these findings demonstrate that both plant section and drying method significantly influence the techno-functional quality of cauliflower by-product flours and should be jointly considered to optimize the development of stable, functional and sustainable food ingredients.