Blackberry fruits are recognized as functional foods while blackberry leaves are outside this classification and they also contain active compounds with health-promoting potential. Therefore, the aim of this study was the phytochemical analysis of blackberry leaves of varieties (Chester, Loch Ness, Loch Tay and Ruczaj) and screening of their biological activity (antioxidant potential, possibility of inhibition of enzymes, anti-inflammatory and microbial activity). The following compounds from selected groups: phenolic acids (caffeic acid, ellagic acid, gallic acid, syringic acid), flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol) and their glycosides (rutin, isoquercetin, hyperoside) and flavon-3-ols (catechin, epicatechin) were chromatographically determined in the aqueous and hydroalcoholic leaves extracts. All tested blackberry leaves extracts showed antioxidant effects, but the highest compounds content (TPC = 101.31 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (e.g., DPPH IC₅₀ = 57.37 μg/mL; ABTS IC₅₀ = 24.83 μg/mL; CUPRAC IC₅₀ = 62.73 μg/mL; FRAP IC₅₀ = 39.99 μg/mL for hydroalcoholic extracts) was indicated for the Loch Tay variety. Blackberry leaf extracts’ anti-inflammatory effect was also exceptionally high for the Loch Tay variety (IC₅₀ = 129.30 μg/mL), while leaves extracts of the Loch Ness variety showed a significant potential for microbial activity against Lactobacillus spp. and Candida spp. Summarizing, the best multidirectional pro-health effect was noted for leaves extracts of Loch Tay variety.

Common hop (Humulus lupulus L.) has significant health-promoting properties. Hop cones contain resins, essential oils, proteins, polyphenols, lipids, waxes, and cellulose. Hop extracts include bioactive compounds such as polyphenolic compounds (phenolic acids, and flavonols), and chlorophylls. The aim of this study was to compare the pro-health potential of hop cone extracts obtained from three cultivars (Magnum, Lubelski, and Marynka). The results showed that the cones of Magnum cultivar demonstrated the highest biological activity. The sum of phenolic acids and flavonols in ethanol extract was the highest for this variety and was equal 4903.5 µg/g dw. Ethanol extracts of Magnum cultivars showed the highest degree of iron ion chelation (55.43–88.76%) as well as the activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (4.75 mmol Tx/g dw). Hop cone extracts as cholinesterase inhibitors showed high potential for aqueous variants. In terms of antimicrobial activity, all investigated extracts demonstrated strong inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, with the Magnum cultivar showing the strongest inhibition. Owing to the biofunctional features of hop cone, it can be concluded that it is an attractive raw material with pro-health potential that can be used much more widely in food technology. However, it should be noted that toxicological tests and in vitro tests must be carried out before the raw material is used in food production.

Extraction conditions are an important factor in the process of obtaining bioactive compounds from plant matrix. These compounds differ structurally. Structures of phyto-compounds and their interactions with other food ingredient are not fully known, while these two aspects should play a significant role in extrahents choice and determination of extraction process conditions. Mulberry (Morus alba) is a plant growing in Asia, which fruits are rich in bioactive ingredients and high anti-oxidative potential. In our study we analyzed mulberry fruits extracts differing in the extra hent applied: acetone, methanol, ethanol and water. All tested extracts possessed rich polyphenolic composition and radical scavenging ability. The significant differences among the extracts in phenolic acids and flavonoids compositions were noticed, where the highest values were observed for acetone extract. The extrahent applied affects the antioxidative profile of tested samples, as well. The highest scavenging activity against ABTS was observed for acetone and ethanol extracts, while the poorest activity had water extract. Similar results were provided for ferrous ion reducing test and Fe chlating activity (acetone>ethanol>methanol>water). These results are helpful when selecting solvents with appropriate bioactive compounds compositions and high phytochemical profiles to be used as ingredients in supplements, as well as in functional foods.

Centella asiatica extract is a valued plant material with known anti-inflammatory and anti-microbiological properties. Using the Design of Experiment (DoE) approach, it was possible to obtain an optimized water/alcoholic extract from Centella asiatica, which allowed the preparation of the final material with biological activity in the wound healing process. Studies on the novel applications of Centella asiatica in conjunction with the multifunctional chitosan carrier have been motivated by the plant’s substantial pharmacological activity and the need to develop new and effective methods for the treatment of chronic wounds. The controlled release of asiaticoside was made possible by the use of chitosan as a carrier. Based on the findings of investigations using the PAMPA skin assay, which is a model imitating the permeability of actives through skin, this compound, characterized by sustained release from the chitosan delivery system, was identified as being well able to permeate biological membranes such as skin. Chitosan and the lyophilized extract of Centella asiatica worked synergistically to block hyaluronidase, exert efficient microbiological activity and take part in the wound healing process, as proven in an in vitro model. A formulation containing 3% extract with 3% medium-molecular-weight chitosan was indicated as a potentially new treatment with high compliance and effectiveness for patients. Optimization of the chitosan-based hydrogel preparation ensured the required rheological properties necessary for the release of the bioactive from the chitosan delivery system and demonstrated a satisfactory antimicrobial activity.

Currently, coniferous shoots are almost absent as a food ingredient despite their wide availability in many parts of the world. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the composition of selected plant metabolites, evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of selected shoots collected in 2019 from the arboretum in Zielonka (Poland), including individual samples from Picea abies L. (PA), Larix decidua Mill (LD), Pinus sylvestris L. (PS), Pseudotsuga menziesii (PM) and Juniperus communis L. (JC). The present work has shown that aqueous extracts obtained from tested shoots are a rich source of phenols such as caffeic acid, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and many others. Obtained extracts exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in vitro. The highest sum of the studied phenolic compounds was found in the PA sample (13,947.80 µg/g dw), while the lowest in PS (6123.57 µg/g dw). The samples were particularly rich in ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. The highest values regarding the Folin-Ciocâlteu reagent (FCR) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) reducing ability tests, as well as the total flavonoid content assay, were obtained for the LD sample, although the LD (14.83 mg GAE/g dw) and PM (14.53 mg GAE/g dw) samples did not differ statistically in the FCR assay. With respect to free radical quenching measurements (DPPH), the PA (404.18-μM Trolox/g dw) and JC (384.30-μM Trolox/g dw) samples had the highest radical quenching ability and did not differ statistically. Generally, extracts obtained from PA and PS showed the highest antimicrobial activity against tested Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria and fungi.