Flavonoids, a ubiquitous class of plant secondary metabolites, are increasingly pivotal as chemical markers for ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of herbal medicines (HMs). Their broad distribution, biological activities, and detectability make them ideal for this role. This comprehensive review critically examines current trends and analytical perspectives regarding flavonoids in HM quality control. We first explore advanced quality control strategies that move beyond single-compound quantification, including chemical fingerprinting, metabolomics, network pharmacology, and the innovative concept of Q-markers. The review then provides an in-depth analysis of the analytical techniques central to flavonoid analysis, from the routine use of HPTLC and HPLC-UV to advanced hyphenated systems like UHPLC-QTOF-MS, highlighting their applications in authentication, standardization, and adulteration detection. Furthermore, we emphasize the growing importance of modern data analysis workflows, particularly the integration of chemometrics and molecular networking, for interpreting complex datasets and identifying robust, bioactivity-relevant markers. By synthesizing recent research (2017–2024), this work underscores a paradigm shift towards holistic, multi-marker approaches and data-driven methodologies. It concludes that the synergistic application of advanced analytical techniques with sophisticated data modeling is essential for the future of HM quality control, ensuring reliable and standardized herbal products for global consumers.

In recent years, research and development in the field of green extraction of bioactive compounds from plants has intensified. This increased focus is driven by market trends, environmental concerns, and consumers’ growing interest in natural and healthy ingredients, as well as bioactive compounds. This development aligns with a global trend toward more sustainable use of natural resources. In this context, macroalgae have been recognized as valuable sources of bioactive compounds with various health benefits. These molecules include proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, and pigments. Phycobiliproteins (PBPs) are pigments and metabolites of particular interest that can be extracted from microalgae. This group of colored proteins, mainly present in cyanobacteria and red algae, is known to have a wide range of potential applications. However, conventional methods for extracting PBPs, such as homogenization, maceration, and freezing, are time-consuming and energy-intensive, often producing unsatisfactory yields. As a result, new extraction technologies have been developed, including ultrasound-assisted extraction, ionic liquid extraction methods, and the use of natural deep eutectic solvents. This review summarizes existing green processes for extracting and purifying PBPs, with the aim of enabling feasible and sustainable valorization of algae. Specifically, it covers various extraction and purification techniques of PBPs, as well as the effects of environmental growth conditions on the production of these metabolites. It also highlights the biological and pharmacological activities of PBPs and explores their potential applications in the food, cosmetic, and biomedical sectors.

Manihot esculenta (cassava) roots is a major food crop for its energy content. Leaves contain nutrients and demonstrate biological properties but remain undervalorized. In order to develop a bioguided optimization of cassava nutrition–health properties, we compared the phytochemistry and bioactive potential of cassava root flour extract (CF) with cassava flour extract enriched with 30% leaves powder (CFL). Cassava flour supplementation impact was explored on flour composition (starch, fiber, carotenoids, phenolic compounds), in vivo glycemic index, and bioactivity potential using macrophage cells. We assessed the impact of cassava flour supplementation on free radicals scavenging and cellular production of pro-inflammatory mediators. CFL showed higher levels of fiber, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and lower glycemic index. Significantly higher bioactive properties (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant) were recorded, and inhibition of cytokines production has been demonstrated as a function of extract concentration. Overall, our results indicate that enrichment of cassava flour with leaves significantly enhances its nutrition–health and bioactive potential. This bioguided matrix recombination approach may be of interest to provide prophylactic and therapeutic dietary strategy to manage malnutrition and associated chronic non-communicable diseases characterized by low-grade inflammation and unbalanced redox status. It would also promote a more efficient use of available food resources.

In this present study, the efficiency of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) in increasing the yields of extraction of starch and polyphenols from Canna indica L. (Canna) rhizomes were analyzed, along with its influence on the physiochemical properties of the extracted compounds. Extraction parameters (temperature, time, and solid-to-liquid ratio) were optimized through Box–Behnken response surface design (BBD). The physiochemical and functional properties of starch and polyphenols were investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the swelling and solubility index, oil and water absorption index, total polyphenol yield, and antioxidant activity assays (DPPH and ORAC). The starch yield obtained from Canna at the optimum extraction conditions (temperature 40 °C, time 10 min, and solid-to-liquid ratio 1:30 g/mL) was 19.81%. The obtained starch yield was found to be significantly higher than the yield attained through the conventional extraction method without adverse changes in the physicochemical and functional properties. The total polyphenol extraction yield from the Canna rhizome, through UAE, was significantly higher (1061.72 mg GAE/100 g) than that of the conventional method. The antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds was proportional to the attained polyphenol yield. Our results suggest that UAE optimized conditions efficiently and improved Canna starch and polyphenol extraction yields while preserving their functional properties.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents significant health challenges on a global scale, primarily encompassing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions are characterized by cycles of relapse and remission. Current treatment options, including conventional chemical therapies and biologics such as anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor α (anti-TNFα), anti-integrin, anti-interleukins 12 (IL-12) or 23 (IL-23) agents, Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1p) receptor modulators, provide symptomatic relief but do not offer a cure. These therapies are associated with both localized and systemic adverse effects, necessitating careful patient monitoring. Probiotics and prebiotics have been investigated for their potential to enhance gut microbiota diversity, which may assist in managing IBD. However, their efficacy in preventing disease flares remains limited. Recent advances in drug delivery systems, including pressure-based and pH-sensitive formulations, aim at enhancing localized treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Additionally, a pharmacogenomic approach could improve treatment personalization, optimize therapeutic outcomes, and enhance patients’ quality of life by addressing mental health needs and ensuring comprehensive follow-up care. Despite increased awareness and education among healthcare providers regarding IBD, there is still a need for clearer guidance on available treatment options. Objective: This review aims at providing deeper understanding of IBD management strategies, ultimately striving to improve the quality of care for individuals affected by this disease.