Barley sprouts, rich in bioactive compounds, have gained attention as functional food ingredients because of their antioxidant potential. This study evaluated their bioactive composition and antioxidant capacity, focusing on the saponarin, chlorophyll, policosanol, total polyphenol (TP), and total flavonoid (TF) contents. The antioxidant capacity was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The results showed that barley sprouts contained 8.14 ± 0.02 mg/g of saponarin, 15.36 ± 0.18 mg/g of total chlorophyll, 396.99 mg/100 g of policosanols, 12.64 ± 0.04 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g, and 5.99 ± 0.09 mg of rutin equivalent (RE)/g. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values exhibited the trend FRAP > DPPH > ABTS. Significant correlations (R > 0.891, p < 0.05) were observed between the antioxidant assays and TP and TF contents, indicating their substantial role in the antioxidant properties of barley sprout extracts. These findings suggest that barley sprouts are a valuable natural source of antioxidants for functional food applications. Nevertheless, additional in vivo and clinical research is necessary to improve their bioavailability and expand their potential use in food formulations.

This study aimed to establish a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection (HPLC–PDA) method for the simultaneous quantification of 12 ginsenosides in red ginseng sprout (RGS) extract produced from smart-farm-cultivated ginseng sprouts and to evaluate its antioxidant activity as part of a quality assessment framework. Twelve representative major and heat-transformed minor ginsenosides were selected to capture the characteristic protopanaxadiol and protopanaxatriol profiles of RGS. Hydroponically cultivated ginseng sprouts were subjected to nine cycles of steaming and drying, followed by pressurized extraction. The total ginsenoside content was 31.54 mg/g, with Re and Rd as the predominant ginsenosides. The extract exhibited a high total phenolic content (7.98 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram) and flavonoid content (4.65 mg rutin equivalents per gram). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH IC₅₀ = 7.88 mg/mL) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS IC₅₀ = 24.81 mg/mL) radical scavenging assays. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlations between ginsenosides (Re, Rg2, Rd, and Rh1), phenolic/flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity (R > 0.84, p < 0.01). This study provides an HPLC–PDA platform that achieves baseline-resolved, simultaneous quantification of 12 ginsenosides in RGS and links this compositional profile to antioxidant markers, supporting the quality control of smart-farm-derived ginseng products.

Although chemotherapy is a primary approach for cancer treatment, its efficacy is often compromised by the development of drug resistance and occurrence of serious side effects. To improve chemotherapy outcomes, this study aimed to evaluate the synergistic anticancer effects of fermented noni extract (FN) in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), doxorubicin (DOX), or vincristine (VIN) in A549, MCF-7, and SH-SY5Y cancer cell lines. Cells were treated with FN, anticancer drugs, or their combinations. Cell viability was assessed using XTT assays, and synergism was evaluated by calculating combination index (CI) values. Scratch wound and colony formation assays were conducted to assess cell migration and proliferation. Western blotting was used to analyze the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Combination treatments significantly enhanced cytotoxicity (CI < 1), inhibited migration and colony formation, and induced intrinsic apoptosis. Expression ratios of BAX/BCL-2, cleaved caspase-9/caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 notably increased. These findings suggest that FN enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs by promoting intrinsic apoptotic pathways and may serve as a potential natural adjuvant in cancer therapy.

Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) juice is increasingly recognized for its potential health-promoting properties. In this research, the bioactive compounds and physiological effects of commercial noni juice products in Korea were assessed. Noni juice was found to contain high levels of total phenolics (6.39 ± 1.45 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g) and proanthocyanidins (8.64 ± 6.20 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/g). Furthermore, it exhibited potent antioxidant activities, with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activities of 44.03 ± 14.88% and 55.91 ± 2.62%, respectively, which exceeded those reported for common fruit juices such as apple, orange, and blueberry. Additionally, noni juice reduced lipid accumulation by 5.92% and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by 7.23% in 3T3-L1 adipocytes; improved fusion index to 81.44% and restored myotube diameter by 37.24% in dexamethasone-induced C2C12 cells; and suppressed LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production. These results suggested that noni juice has anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-muscle atrophy, and antioxidant properties, supporting its potential as a functional health beverage.