To meet the demand for new functional foods in line with the trend of sustainable development, a novel probiotic yogurt fortified with 1%, 3%, and 5% apple pomace flour (APF) added immediately after inoculation with Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum was developed. Upon fermentation in the presence of APF, a number of probiotic strains remained within the required range, while the syneresis of enriched yogurts was reduced up to 1.8 times in comparison to the control. Supernatants (i.e., extracted whey) obtained from yogurts with 1%, 3%, and 5% APF respectively had 1.4-, 1.8-, and 2.3-fold higher total phenolic content (TPC) than the control, 3.3-, 4.7-, and 8.0-fold higher radical scavenging (DPPH), and 1.3-, 1.6-, and 1.7-fold higher reducing activity (FRAP). Also, probiotic yogurt supernatants (3% and 5%) inhibited colon cancer cells’ viability (HCT 116, 12% and 17%; SW-620, 13% and 19%, respectively). The highest firmness, cohesiveness, and viscosity index values, and the highest scores for color and taste, were obtained for yogurt with 3% APF, indicating that this is the optimal APF amount for the production of novel yogurt with functional properties.

Many traditional remedies represent potential candidates for integration with modern medical practice, but credible data on their activities are often scarce. For the first time, the anti-virulence potential and the safety for human use of the ethanol extracts of two medicinal plants, Persicaria maculosa (PEM) and Bistorta officinalis (BIO), have been addressed. Ethanol extracts of both plants exhibited anti-virulence activity against the medically important opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. At the subinhibitory concentration of 50 µg/mL, the extracts demonstrated a maximal inhibitory effect (approx. 50%) against biofilm formation, the highest reduction of pyocyanin production (47% for PEM and 59% for BIO) and completely halted the swarming motility of P. aeruginosa. Both extracts demonstrated better anti-quorum sensing and antibiofilm activities, and a better ability to interfere with LasR receptor, than the tested dominant extracts’ constituents. The bioactive concentrations of the extracts were not toxic in the zebrafish model system. This study represents an initial step towards the integration of P. maculosa and B. officinalis for use in the treatment of Pseudomonas infections.

Following the idea of sustainability in food production, a yogurt premix based on beetroot (Beta vulgaris) pomace flour (BPF) was developed. BPF was granulated with lactose solution containing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) by a fluidized bed. Particle size increased ~30%. A decrease in Carr Index from 21.5 to 14.98 and Hausner ratio from 1.27 to 1.18 confirmed improved flowability of granulated BPF, whereas a decrease in water activity implied better storability. Yogurts were produced weekly from neat starters and granulated BPF (3% w/w) that were stored for up to one month (4 °C). High viability of Streptococcus thermophilus was observed. Less pronounced syneresis, higher inhibition of colon cancer cell viability (13.0–24.5%), and anti-Escherichia activity were ascribed to BPF yogurts or their supernatants (i.e., extracted whey). Acceptable palatability for humans and dogs was demonstrated. A survey revealed positive consumers’ attitudes toward the granulated BPF as a premix for yogurts amended to humans and dogs. For the first time, BPF granulated with LAB was used as a premix for a fermented beverage. An initial step in the conceptualization of a novel DIY (do it yourself) formula for obtaining a fresh yogurt fortified with natural dietary fiber and antioxidants has been accomplished.

Polygonum aviculare and Persicaria amphibia (subfam. Polygonoideae) are used in traditional cuisines and folk medicine in various cultures. Previous studies indicated that phytochemicals obtained from Polygonoideae plants could sensitize chemoresistant cancer cells and enhance the efficacy of some cytostatics. Here, the cytotoxic properties of chemically characterized ethanol extracts obtained from P. aviculare and P. amphibia, individually and in combination with doxorubicin (D), were determined against hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells. Phenolic composition, cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, and the expression of Keap1 and Nrf2 were examined by following methods: LC-MS/MS, LC-DAD-MS, MTT, flow cytometry, and qRT-PCR. Extracts were rich in dietary polyphenolics. Synergistic cytotoxicity was detected for extracts combined with D. The observed synergisms are linked to the interference with apoptosis, cell cycle, and expression of Keap1-Nrf2 genes involved in cytoprotection. The combined approach of extracts and D could emerge as a potential pathway of chemotherapy improvement.