South East Anatolia Region has a large genetic plant diversity due to its physical and different climatic charesteristics. These plants are potential sources of antioxidants that prevent oxidative stress caused by oxygen and photons. In recent years, it has become important to study the antioxidant capacity of many molecules found naturally in foods and biological systems. The reason for this is that it is believed that when the consumption of food rich in antioxidants is increased, the risk of developing different degenerative diseases will be reduced. In this study, it was aimed to measure the antoxidant capacity of Quercus infectoria, G.olivier gal seeds grown in Southeastern Anatolia. Q. infectoria gal seeds from Sanlıurfa province were used in our study. Q. infectoria gal seeds were extracted with water, ethanol and methanol and then antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase and superoxide dismutase) and malondialdehyde levels, which are indicators of oxidative stress were determined by spectrophotometric methods. It was found that the antioxidant capacity (catalase and superoxide dismutase activities) of extracts obtained from ethanol and methanol were higher and their malondialdehyde levels were statistically lower than those obtained from water. However, it was determined that there was no statistically significant difference between the antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde levels of the extracts obtained from methanol compared to the extracts obtained from ethanol. It has been concluded that Q. infectoria gal seed has a effective antioxidant effect. In addition, it was observed that extracts obtained from ethanol and methanol have higher antioxidant capacity than extracts obtained from water.

In this study, variation of some chemical components such as anthocyanin, β-carotene, lycopene, phenolic, nitrate, soluble protein, proline, glucose, sucrose and total carbohydrate level ad PAL activity in some wild and cultivated edible mushrooms was examined. For this, four different mushroom species (Agaricus campestris L., Cantharellus cibarius Fr., Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers., Lactarius piperatus L. Pers) were supplied from local market, named Kuzeykent Semt Bazaar, in Kastamonu province of Turkey. Mushroom samples were collected from Araç, Daday, Devrekani and Tosya locations of Kastamonu. According to findings, the highest anthocyanin value and PAL activity were obtained from A. campestris collected from Arac location with 0.107 mg g-1 and 6.99 EU, respectively. The amount of β-carotene (2.297 mg g-1) and lycopene (0.644 mg g-1) was the highest in C. cibarius collected from Tosya location, however; proline, soluble protein, nitrate and glucose level were the maximum in A. campestris collected from Devrekani location with 149.61 µmol g-1, 55.49 mg, 159.963 mg g-1 and 29.36 µg g-1, respectively. While total carbohydrate was the highest in H. erinaceus collected from Araç location with 80.97 µg g-1, sucrose concentration was the maximum with 39.22 mg g-1 in H. erinaceus collected from Daday location. As a result, A. campestris collected from Devrekani location exhibited the highest nutrient in terms of chemicals analysed except anthocyanin and it was followed by H. erinaceus collected from Daday location. However, C. cibarius and H. erinaceus collected from Araç location had lower chemical components. It can be said that these mushroom species are valuable and important as major food sources and non-wood products for Kastamonu province.

Response of sunflower germplasms viz. cultivated sunflower H. annuus and two breeding lines H. annuus x T. rotundifolia and H. annuus x V. encelioides developed after wide hybridization were used for identification of drought tolerant sunflower genotypes at the seedling growth stage. Three water stress levels of zero (control), -0.4, and -0.8 MPa were developed using polyethyleneglycol-6000 (PEG-6000). Physiological and biochemical stress determining parameters such as root and shoots length, fresh weight, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPO), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and antioxidant metabolite content (total antioxidant capacity, total phenols and total flavonoids content) were compared between seedlings of all three genotypes. Results revealed that sunflower genotypes have similar responses at two osmotic potentials for shoot and root length and fresh weight. The data also showed that drought stresss could induce oxidative stress, as indicated by the increase level of ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase at -04 MPa in H. annuus cv 1114. Although the activity of ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase was differentially influenced by drought, the changes of antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase subjected to drought stress follow a similar pattern in both breeding lines, indicating that similar defense systems might be involved in the oxidative stress injury in sunflowers. Increase in content of phenols and flavonoids were detected for all three genotypes under stress, which showed that these were major antioxidant metabolites in scavenging cellular H2O2.

Response of sunflower germplasms viz. cultivated sunflower H. annuus and two breeding lines H. annuus x T. rotundifolia and H. annuus x V. encelioides developed after wide hybridization were used for identification of drought tolerant sunflower genotypes at the seedling growth stage. Three water stress levels of zero (control), -0.4, and -0.8 MPa were developed using polyethyleneglycol-6000 (PEG-6000). Physiological and biochemical stress determining parameters such as root and shoots length, fresh weight, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPO), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and antioxidant metabolite content (total antioxidant capacity, total phenols and total flavonoids content) were compared between seedlings of all three genotypes. Results revealed that sunflower genotypes have similar responses at two osmotic potentials for shoot and root length and fresh weight. The data also showed that drought stresss could induce oxidative stress, as indicated by the increase level of ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase at -04 MPa in H. annuus cv 1114. Although the activity of ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase was differentially influenced by drought, the changes of antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase subjected to drought stress follow a similar pattern in both breeding lines, indicating that similar defense systems might be involved in the oxidative stress injury in sunflowers. Increase in content of phenols and flavonoids were detected for all three genotypes under stress, which showed that these were major antioxidant metabolites in scavenging cellular H2O2.

Processed chicken meat products are more susceptible to oxidative deterioration which reduces the quality and safety of the product, therefore, the need to include antioxidants during processing order delay its processes. Chicken meat (from live broiler birds procured from the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Ibadan) was ground through a 5 mm plate of a meat mincer. Ingredients such as red pepper, black pepper, garlic, onions, salt, refined vegetable oil (Grand soya oil®) ice flakes and Lemon Grass Leaf Powder (LGLP) were added and mixed thoroughly with chicken meat for homogeneity. There were four treatment groups: T1 = (0g LGLP), T2 = (2g LGLP), T3 = (4g LGLP), T4 = (6g LGLP). Each batch was oven cooked separately and replicated three times. Proximate composition (%), sensory characteristics (9-point hedonic scale), Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS MDAµg/g) were assessed and data generated were analysed using ANOVA @ P<0.05). Moisture 51.24 (6gLGLP) was significantly higher than 52.69 (4gLGLP), 53.04(2gLGLP) and 54.69 (0gLGLP); fat 16.09 (2gLGLP) is similar with 17.19 (4g LGLP) and lower than 15.89 (0gLGLP) but lower than 17.48 (6gLGLP) (P<0.05). Crude protein 19.52 (4gLGLP) is similar to 18.10 (2gLGLP) and 19.18 (6gLGLP) but significantly higher than 17.85 (0gLGLP). The hardness 2983.81kg (0gLGLP) and 3442.86kg (2gLGLP) were similar but lower than 5395.55kg (4gLGLP) and 5523.17kg (6gLGLP) (P>0.05). Chewiness 2790.83kg (0gLGLP) is not different from 3413.43kg (2gLGLP) and 5315.52 (4gLGLP) but higher (P<0.05) than 5523.10kg (6gLGLP) (P>0.05). No significant variation exists in the sensory characteristics among chicken meatballs. The TBARS 1.74 (6gLGLP) is lower than 1.80 (4gLGLP), 1.86 (2gLGLP) and 1.84 (0gLGLP). Utilisation of different levels of lemongrass leaf powder in chicken meat balls production increased the nutrition and improved the lipid oxidation stability of the product during refrigerated storage.

This study explores the phytochemical composition and antibacterial properties of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Anastatica hierochuntica against foodborne pathogens and clinical isolates. Phytochemical analysis identified key compounds, including alkaloids (7.15 ± 0.0365 mg/g), flavonoids (3.16 ± 0.007 mg/g), and tannins (0.18 ± 0.0025 mg/g). Food samples yielded Escherichia coli isolates, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Salmonella typhi, and Serratia marcescens. The antibacterial efficacy was assessed using the agar well diffusion method against these pathogens and clinical isolates, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The aqueous extract demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against all food pathogens, with Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, and Serratia marcescens exhibiting the largest inhibitory zones (34 mm). Among clinical isolates, only Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed selective inhibition. Conversely, the methanolic extract was largely ineffective, displaying activity only against Serratia marcescens (average inhibitory zone of 11.7 mm). These results underscore the potential of A. hierochuntica aqueous extracts as a natural antimicrobial agent and suggest further investigation into its bioactive compounds for improving food safety and addressing multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Aronia melnocarpa, commonly known as chokeberry, originates from the eastern region of North America and belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Maloideae subfamily. The sour taste of fresh chokeberries makes them infrequently eaten as is, but they find extensive use in the food industry for creating fruit juices, fruit teas, wines, jams, jellies, and dietary supplements. Chokeberries represent a source of a wide range of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits for humans. Among the effects supporting human health are antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, as well as protection for the heart, liver, and nervous system. The abundant presence of polyphenols, such as phenolic acids, flavonols, anthocyanins, flavanols, and proanthocyanidins, plays a crucial role in conferring the remarkable bioactivity of chokeberries. These compounds are responsible for many of the health benefits associated with the consumption of chokeberries. Chokeberry fruits and their derived products showcase notable antioxidant properties and have the potential to promote health by effectively reducing the formation of free radicals. In this review, a comprehensive analysis of scientific research has been conducted to explore the polyphenolic compounds found in chokeberries, as well as their antioxidant potential. The findings in this review are likely to have a significant impact on future research focused on developing functional food products based on chokeberries. Chokeberries possess the potential to serve as food constituents intentionally crafted to augment antioxidant capacity. However, similar to other natural plants and medicinal products, conducting extensive research is crucial to assess the antioxidant potential, safety, and mechanisms of action of chokeberries. Therefore, the aim is to make a positive contribution to the continuation of research on the positive effects of chokeberry on health.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott extracts. Results showed that the total phenols and flavonoids contents of the extracts ranged from 24.57 to 316.11 mg GAE/g and from 1.80 to 12.41μg QE/mg, respectively. Ethyl acetate (EaES) and aqueous (AqES) extracts from seeds showed the highest DPPH scavenging capacity (IC50= 5.51 and 23.43 μg/mL). EaES from seeds, stem bark and fruit pod were the most active in inhibiting β-carotene oxidation. While, aqueous extracts have the ability to chelate ferrous ions. Significant antibacterial activity was obtained against Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeroginosa; and inhibition zones varied between 10 to 29.5 mm. MIC and MBC ranged from 0.7–11.25 mg/mL and 5.63–22.5 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, synergistic effects were obtained, where inhibition zones varied between 7 and 50 mm. These results support the use of this species in traditional medicine in many physiological disorders and could be used where antioxidant and antibacterial are warranted.

Spices and herbs are groups of vegetables with important properties for human health and food industries. They are generally consumed in cooked recipes and such treatment may affect the content of vital components such antioxidants. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of the cooking temperatures on total phenolics, flavonoids and vitamin C of some spices and herbs used in the locality of Bamenda, Cameroon. Briefly, the most consumed spices and herbs were selected through structured questionnaires administered to individuals involved in their consumption and selling. Thereafter, samples were collected and subjected to different boiling treatments and the levels of the antioxidants (flavonoids, phenols and vitamin C) were determined. Results showed that almost half the participants (48%) used Parsley, Basil, White pepper, Njansa, Mint and African nutmeg mainly for flavoring and medicinal purposes. The cooking temperature of 65°C increased total phenolics and flavonoids in spices (Mint, White pepper, Njangsa and African nutmeg) and herbs (Parsley, Basil) while higher heat treatments (75 and 85°C) lowered the content of these pytochemicals. Boiling of spices or herbs significantly and temperature dependently reduced the vitamin C content in all spice and herb samples with respect to the control raw samples. Summarily, the moderate boiling (65°C) treatment used by the local populations favors release of total phenolics and flavonoids though with some reducing effect on vitamin C.