Chaga Mushroom

Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) is a medicinal mushroom with several pharmacological properties that is used as a tea in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, Chaga water extract was digested in vitro to mimic the natural processing and absorption of its biocomponents when it is consumed as functional beverage, and its anticancer activities were evaluated in breast cancer (BC) cell lines, representing HER2-positive and triple-negative subtypes. After chemical characterization by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HR-QTOF) analysis, the effect of Chaga biocomponents on cell viability and cell cycle progression was assessed by MTT assay, FACS analysis, and Western blot. Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) activity was measured by an enzymatic assay. Four highly bioactive triterpenoids (inotodiol, trametenolic acid, 3-hydroxy-lanosta-8,24-dien-21-al, and betulin) were identified as the main components, able to decrease BC cell viability and block the cell cycle in G0/G1 by inducing the downregulation of cyclin D1, CDK4, cyclin E, and phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein. DHFR was identified as their crucial target. Moreover, bioactive Chaga components exerted a synergistic action with cisplatin and with trastuzumab in SK-BR-3 cells by inhibiting both HER2 and HER1 activation and displayed an immunomodulatory effect. Thus, Inonotus obliquus represents a source of triterpenoids that are effective against aggressive BC subtypes and display properties of targeted drugs.

Inonotus obliquus, a rare medicinal and edible fungus, is rich in bioactive polysaccharides. These polysaccharides exhibit diverse biological activities, including gut microbiota-modulating, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, antitumor, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and antiviral activities. Owing to these remarkable bioactivities and favorable safety profiles, Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides (IOPs) have garnered considerable research interest as promising candidates for the development of functional foods and therapeutic agents, particularly for the management of metabolic diseases and cancers. Based on the latest advances in the research on IOPs, this review summarizes its isolation and purification methods, structural characteristics, structure-activity relationships, biological properties and mechanisms, as well as their potential applications. It aims to provide valuable theoretical references for the further development and practical application of IOPs in the fields of medicine and functional foods.

The present study investigated the protective effects of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides (IOPs), artemisinin, and dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on Neospora caninum-induced damage of the reproductive system in male BALB/c mice. This study conducted in vivo resistance experiments against Neosporidium using three drugs: polysaccharides from Betula brownii, artemisinin, and dihydroartemisinin. On the basis of establishing a male mouse animal model of new sporidiosis, after gavage administration, the reproductive organ index of male mice was measured at 7d, 14d, 21d, 35d, and 42d, respectively. HE staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the pathological changes of testicular and epididymal tissues. The improved Pap staining method was used to analyze sperm quality, flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, MDA and ACP activities were measured, and ELISA was used to detect immunoglobulin IgG1, IgG2a, IgE, and cytokine IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α. The qPCR method was used to detect the expression of apoptotic genes Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, P53, as well as sperm related genes C-kit, Plzf, Sycp3, Stra8, Dnajb13, Mrto4, and Ipo11, as well as the levels of NO and AsAb. The results showed that IOPs and DHA exhibited significant anti-neosporal activity. Compared to infected mice, IOPs-treated mice showed significantly increased sperm density (p < 0.05) and sperm motility (p < 0.05), while DHA-treated mice exhibited a remarkably reduced sperm deformity rate (p < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the sperm motility in the ART-treated mice was significantl upregulated (p < 0.01). Histopathological analysis revealed that all three treatments ameliorated testicular and epididymal tissue damage, reduced mitochondrial vacuolization, and improved organ indices. Biochemical assays showed a reduced level of malondialdehyde and a high level of acid phosphatase activity in the testicular tissue of treated mice. Immunological assays confirmed decreased levels of immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), IgG2a, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, tumor necrosis-α factor nitric oxide, and anti-sperm antibodies in the treatment groups. Gene expression analysis indicat

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Acute cold exposure affects the cardiovascular system substantially. Inonotus obliquus (Ach. ex Pers.) Pilát (IO), commonly referred to as "Chaga" in Russian traditional medicine, is a fungus that primarily parasitizes birch trees in cold climate regions. IO is extensively employed in Russian folk medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and symptoms of coronary heart disease. It is purported to holistically modulate cardiovascular function. However, despite the widespread use of I. obliquus aqueous extract (IOE), its cardioprotective effects against acute cold exposure/rewarming (ACE/R)-induced myocardial injury are yet to be elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the cardioprotective efficacy of IOE against ACE/R-induced myocardial injury in rats and to elucidate its underlying mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ACE/R injury model was established by exposing rats to a temperature of -15 °C for 6 h, and then rewarming them to a temperature of 24 °C for 12 h. The rats were administered IOE (300 and 600 mg/kg) or 0.5% CMC-Na (vehicle control) via the intragastric route for 7 consecutive days prior to acute cold exposure. The ACE/R model was established 1 h after the final administration. Cardiac function, hemorheological parameters, myocardial histopathology, and serum levels of myocardial injury markers were assessed to evaluate the cardioprotective efficacy of IOE against ACE/R. Subsequently, in vivo transcriptomic analyses were performed to elucidate the underlying mechanism of IOE. To assess the expression levels of proteins and genes related to mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial function, energy metabolism, and the LKB1/AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway, western blotting and qRT-PCR were performed. RESULTS: IOE significantly attenuated ACE/R-induced hemorheological abnormalities, cardiac dysfunction, and myocardial injury. Transcriptomic sequencing analyses revealed the cardioprotective effects of IOE to be potentially mediated via regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and function. Western blotting and qRT-PCR analyses further confirmed that IOE

BACKGROUND: GMK is a bioactive material newly identified from a water extract of mixed mushroom mycelia (Phellinus linteus, Inonotus obliquus, and Ganoderma lucidum). It has shown protective effects against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and lipopolysaccharide-triggered neuroinflammation. However, whether GMK can ameliorate global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (GCIRI) and its associated cognitive deficit remains to be elucidated. METHODS: GCIRI was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion with hypovolemia (BCCAO/H). GMK (30 or 90 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered once daily for 14 days before surgery. Cognitive functions were evaluated using the Y-maze, Barnes maze, and passive avoidance tests. Hippocampal CA1 neuronal survival and glial activation were analyzed by cresyl violet staining and Iba1/GFAP immunohistochemistry. In parallel, PC12 cells were pretreated with GMK (100 or 200 μg/mL, 24 h) before oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R), and apoptosis (TUNEL, Bax/Bcl-2), oxidative stress markers (ROS, MDA, and NO), antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT), and signaling proteins (p-ERK/ERK, iNOS) were examined. RESULTS: GMK significantly ameliorated GCIRI-induced learning and memory impairments, protected CA1 pyramidal neurons, and reduced microglial and astrocytic activation. In OGD/R-challenged PC12 cells, GMK attenuated apoptosis, suppressed ROS, MDA, and NO production, normalized GPX and CAT activities, and favorably regulated p-ERK and iNOS pathways. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that GMK confers dose-dependent behavioral and histopathological protection against GCIRI, potentially by modulating redox- and apoptosis-related signaling (Bax/Bcl-2, GPX/CAT, and ERK/iNOS pathways), with more consistent effects at a higher dose.

BACKGROUND: Inonotus obliquus (Chaga), a medicinal and edible macrofungus abundant in bioactive polyphenols, is a potential source of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents for functional foods. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of three key polyphenols (osmundacetone [OS], protocatechuic aldehyde [PAH], protocatechuic acid [PA]) from I. obliquus and decipher their anti-inflammatory mechanisms via the MyD88/TLR4/NF-κB pathway in a gout-related model. METHODS: Antioxidant activity was assessed by xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition (IC50), superoxide anion (O2-) scavenging, and structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis; in a monosodium urate (MSU)-induced acute gout cell model, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) were quantified, and MyD88/TLR4/NF-κB pathway proteins were analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS: OS showed the strongest XO inhibition (IC50 = 4.91 mM), followed by PAH (IC50 = 5.92 mM) and PA (IC50 = 26.53 mM); OS exerted dual redox effects by scavenging O2- and suppressing XO-mediated O2- generation, with its conjugated C=C-carbonyl system and PAH's aldehyde group enhancing XO binding. All polyphenols and I. obliquus crude extract significantly reduced ROS, NO, LDH, and cytokines (p < 0.05), increased SOD, and downregulated TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB expression. CONCLUSIONS: I. obliquus-derived polyphenols exhibit obvious antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory effects, and regulate oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory mediators, and the MyD88/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in monosodium urate-stimulated RAW 264.7 inflammatory macrophages, supporting their development as natural functional food ingredients and potential candidates for gout-related and oxidative stress-associated inflammatory cellular disorders.

Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides (IOPs) are β-glucan-rich heteropolysaccharides whose structural diversity underlies their immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and gut-organ-axis-mediated activities. This review synthesizes recent advances in IOPs extraction, purification, and structural characterization, clarifying how molecular weight distribution, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkage patterns, branching topology, and triple-helix integrity collectively determine biological performance. Emerging green extraction technologies-such as subcritical water and enzyme-assisted approaches-have improved yield while better preserving native structural features. Practical criteria for raw-material selection and key extraction parameters are further outlined to promote standardized preparation and improve inter-study reproducibility. By integrating current knowledge and refining understanding of IOPs structure-activity relationships, this review seeks to identify critical knowledge gaps and suggest directions for future research and development, including the optimization of extraction strategies, integration of multi-omics technologies to deepen structure-activity elucidation, and expansion of IOPs applications in food, biomedical, and sustainable material fields.

Various stressors reduce the health of honey bees (Apis mellifera) and colony survival. Therefore, there is an ongoing search for substances that strengthen bee immunity. Fungal extracts, which exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and mitigate viral infections, may prove to be such substances. The aim of this study was to determine how fungal extracts from Ganoderma lucidum (GL), Hericium erinaceus (HE), Inonotus obliquus (IO), and Trametes versicolor (TV) affect Carniolan honey bee longevity, antioxidant activity (CAT, GPx, GST, SOD, and TAC levels) and metabolic marker activity (ALP, ALT, and AST). Haemolymph for biochemical analyses was collected from bees at 7, 14, and 21 days after exposure to fungal extracts and stored at - 25 °C until analysis. GL treatment increased bee longevity by 16.4% compared to untreated bees (p < 0.0001). Bees fed with fungal extracts showed increased activities of metabolic markers and antioxidants after 14 and 21 days compared to bees only fed sugar syrup (p < 0.0001). Among all groups, bees fed IO had the highest levels of markers and antioxidants. This study demonstrates that including fungal extracts in the bee diet improves immune indicators in honey bees. © 2026. The Author(s).

Glowing skin is the aspiration of individuals especially women for enhancing the beauty and charm. Modern lifestyle attaches significant importance to skin care. Hence the cosmetic industry is paying immense attention to cosmetic product development. Cosmetic industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world in recent years. Majority of cosmetics contain synthetics as well as natural compounds. The risk associated with synthetic chemicals in cosmetics was realized by consumers and this awareness led to the demand for natural products-based cosmetics. As a result, cosmetic industries are compelled to pay adequate attention to raw materials from natural sources. Traditionally plants have been exploited for cosmetic product formulations. One of the natural resources that has caught the attention of cosmetic industry in recent years is the mushrooms. They are known to have strong antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and tyrosinase, hyaluronidase, collagenase, and elastase inhibitory properties. Because of these attributes they are considered as multifunctional cosmetic bioactive ingredients. They have excellent antioxidant, antiaging, skin whitening, antiwrinkle and moisturizing properties. Common mushrooms frequently used in cosmetic formulation are Lentinula edodes, Grifola frondosa, Ganoderma lucidum, Cordyceps sinensis, Tremella fuciformis, Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Inonotus obliquus, and Hericium erinaceus. Mushroom based cosmetic products have substantial world market especially in USA, China, UK, Korea and Japan. Mushroom cosmetic market presents promising opportunities for expansion because of the growing demands of aging solutions. Global demand is predicted to reach nearly 3.9 billion USD by 2032. This review outlines the importance of mushrooms and their bioactive ingredients for development of skin care formulations and products in the multibillion-dollar cosmetic industry.

We reviewed published data on the efficacy of plant-derived preparations, including the authors' original in vitro findings on the antiviral activity of aqueous and dry ethanol extracts against the RNA virus SARS-CoV-2 and the DNA virus herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The study evaluates the activity of an aqueous extract prepared from fermented leaves of Epilobium angustifolium L., as well as dry ethanol extracts obtained from clove spice (Syzygium aromaticum L.), black and green tea (Camellia sinensis L.), leaves of Rhaponticum carthamoides, the basidiomycete fungus chaga (Inonotus obliquus (Ach. ex Pers.) Pil.), and four lichen species: Cetraria islandica L., Usnea L., Pseudevernia furfuracea L., and Cladonia stellaris Opiz. HPLC analysis of several dry ethanol extracts suggests that their antiviral activity may be attributed to polyphenolic compounds and ecdysteroids. These findings may serve as a basis both for the identification of individual bioactive plant-derived compounds and for the development of cost-effective therapeutic or prophylactic agents against COVID-19 and for reducing the recurrence rate of chronic genital herpes. © 2026. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

Recent studies highlight the immunomodulatory properties of Chaga mushrooms. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial skin disorder involving interactions between innate and adaptive immune responses. This investigation evaluates the anti-atopic dermatitis activity of a by-product from ethanol-extracted Chaga mushroom (E-CME), positioning it as a sustainable natural candidate for AD therapeutic development. The antioxidant potential of E-CME was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging, H2O2 scavenging, metal chelation, and FRAP assays. In vitro, its immunomodulatory effects were evaluated in HaCaT and RBL-2H3 cell lines by measuring cytokine release and β-Hexosaminidase activity. For in vivo analysis, E-CME was topically applied to BALB/c mice sensitized with Dermatophagoides farinae extract (DFE), with AD induced by DNCB. Post-treatment, inflammatory cytokine expression and MAPK marker expression were examined. E-CME treatment significantly improved dermatitis scores (p < 0.05), mast cell infiltration, serum immunoglobulin levels (24.07% increase of IgG2, 26.19% decrease of IgE), oxidative stress markers, and skin cytokine gene expression. Spleen and lymph node weights, plus splenocyte viability, also improved with E-CME treatment. These findings suggest that E-CME possesses substantial therapeutic potential for AD management, attributed to its antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, possibly mediated by the inhibition of oxidative stress-associated inflammatory pathways.

Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) is a medicinal basidiomycete fungus with diverse bioactive compounds and pharmacological properties. This study systematically compared green extraction techniques: maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and combined supercritical CO2-pressurized liquid extraction (ScCO2-PLE), using solvents of varying polarity (water, 50%, and 70% ethanol). Chaga extracts were analyzed for phytochemical composition (HPLC-Orbitrap Exploris 120) and antioxidant activity toward DPPH and hydroxyl (•OH) radicals using EPR spectroscopy. The results revealed that both solvent polarity and extraction technique significantly influenced extraction efficiency and antioxidant potential. The UAE extraction method achieved the highest overall recovery of phenolic and triterpenoid compounds, with extracts obtained using 50% and 70% ethanol exhibiting the most pronounced and well-balanced radical scavenging activity (>98% toward DPPH, >91% toward •OH). Correlation and PCA analyses identified phenolic and triterpenoid compounds, including fungal-specific polyphenols such as hispidin and hispolon, as key contributors to antioxidant activity. Among the extracts obtained using different solvents, the extracts with the highest overall antioxidant potential were encapsulated into liposomes and evaluated for their DPPH and •OH radical scavenging. Encapsulation effectively preserved the antioxidant activity of ethanol-derived extracts, demonstrating that Chaga liposomes can maintain bioactivity while offering the advantages of controlled delivery. Combining optimized extraction with liposomal encapsulation thus represents a promising strategy to enhance the stability and practical applicability of Chaga antioxidants in nutraceutical or therapeutic contexts.

Infections affecting the nervous system require a rapid expansion of effective therapeutic strategies. The emergence of new viral pathogens continues to pose a substantial threat to brain health worldwide, as evidenced by the recent pandemic. The neurological consequences of infections are often characterized by protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress, pathological hallmarks that compromise neuronal integrity and cognitive function. In this landscape, natural bioactive compounds are gaining increasing attention as promising candidates for therapeutic support. Among these, edible and medicinal mushrooms represent an emerging frontier in neuroprotection. Species such as Lentinula edodes, Tremella fuciformis, Auricularia auricula-judae, Pleurotus eryngii, Agaricus bisporus, Ganoderma lucidum, Inonotus obliquus, and Hericium erinaceus are recognized for their unique ability to produce bioactive molecules with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities. This review explores for the first time the complex interplay between infections and neurological disorders, highlighting the potential of mushrooms not only as functional foods but also as complementary allies in safeguarding brain health.

Triterpenoids of the lanostane type are the primary characteristic compounds isolated from Inonotus obliquus. Phytochemical investigations on the EtOAc extract of the fungus led to the isolation of three new lanostane-type triterpenoids (compounds 1-3) and 18 known derivatives. Their structures were determined from spectroscopic data, including NMR and HR-ESI-MS data, and quantum chemical calculations. The isolated lanostane-type triterpenoids exhibit a range of structures, characterised by the different C-17 side chains such as a 21, 24-cyclopentanol moiety, a γ-lactone ring, and a tetrahydrofuran ring. The 13C chemical shifts variation for both C-21 and C-24 in 21, 24-cyclolanostanes were examined and summarised, offering a useful diagnostic tool to determine the relative configuration of the 21, 24-cyclopentanol moiety in the four types of 21, 24-cyclolanostanes.

The rising demand for sustainable and health-conscious protein sources has driven interest in fungal-derived mycoprotein as an alternative to conventional meat products. While commercial mycoprotein production predominantly relies on Fusarium venenatum, concerns over mycotoxin potential and limited strain diversity indicate the need to explore safer and edible basidiomycetes. In this study, 28 species across four taxonomic orders within Basidiomycota were screened for their potential as mycoprotein sources. Hyphal growth dynamics were measured on potato dextrose agar, and crude protein content was quantified from submerged mycelial cultures using the Kjeldahl method. Results revealed significant inter-order variation: Polyporales exhibited the fastest radial growth, while Agaricales grew the slowest. Highest crude protein levels were observed in Inonotus obliquus (41.98%), Neolentinus lepideus (40.27%), and Bjerkandera adusta (39.15%). The dual assessment of growth kinetics and nutritional value identified strains from Gloeophyllales, Hymenochaetales, and Polyporales as promising candidates for scalable mycoprotein development. These findings show the potential of basidiomycetous fungi as safe and effective sources of mycoprotein and provide a framework for future fermentation optimization and functional food innovation.

Inonotus obliquus f. sterilis, chaga mushroom, is a complex formation with significant participation of woody material, which combines the characteristics of a granular core and pseudosclerotium plate. The aim of this work is a morphometric analysis of various parts of chaga raw materials with an assessment of the possibilities of its primary sorting depending on the purposes of further use. Five non-homogenized samples of chaga raw materials collected in the Pskov Region, Russia and one homogenized sample (in powder form) from the Republic of Serbia were analyzed. Macroscopic analysis showed clearly differentiation of the dark-colored and anthracite-dense, brittle cortex and softer brown-reddish medullary zones, as well as white granular mycelial pulp penetrating the medullary zone at the base of the conch and coloring it around in yellow or golden color. Micromorphological analysis of fungal material confirmed the differentiation of chaga raw materials and helped to find taxonomically valuable microstructures, such as brown-colored hyphal clusters from the cortex zone and storage hyphae from the medullary zone. For raw materials from the cortex zone, these are brown-colored hyphal clusters. The raw materials of the medullary zone are characterized by a free arrangement of hyphae in the presence of storage hyphae. The morphological term plerosetae for monomitic setae with a wall that strongly swells in water was introduced, as well. The mycelial pulp was characterized by dense mycelium textura intricata with a small number of plerosetae. The significance of the revealed characteristics for the sorting of chaga raw materials for further use was shown. For preventive usage of water extract of the mushroom preliminary sorting is not necessary. Meanwhile for pharmaceutical production using mainly alcohol extraction and subsequent purification protocols sorting before drying of raw materials to separate the medullary tissue from the crust and mycelial pulp is required.

Inonotus obliquus is a medicinal mushroom rich in bioactive metabolites, including polysaccharides and antioxidants, that provide notable nutritional and therapeutic benefits. However, conventional extraction techniques are hindered by low efficiency, thermal degradation of high-molecular-weight β-glucans, and poor retention of heat-sensitive antioxidants. To overcome these limitations, this study developed a temperature-gated natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) extraction strategy for Inonotus obliquus. Specifically, hydrophilic NADES based on choline chloride (ChCl)/polyol systems were optimized to enable temperature-controlled separation of polysaccharides and antioxidants. Among them, ethylene glycol-based with the optimized ChCl:EG:H2O NADES, polysaccharides were best obtained at 90 °C. Conversely, ultra-high temperatures (120-200 °C) switched the outcome toward antioxidants, despite caramelization beyond 180 °C. This tunability allowed for the selective recovery of either high-mass β-glucans at low temperatures or potent antioxidant-rich supernatants at 180 °C, with the latter involving partial degradation of β-glucans. Structural transitions under high-temperature conditions were further confirmed by FT-IR analysis. Overall, this study establishes a green and efficient temperature-gated NADES platform for the co-production of both preserved polysaccharides and potent antioxidants from Inonotus obliquus within a single system. This strategy enables the dual-target extraction of functionally distinct fractions and effectively overcomes the conventional trade-off between yield and thermal stability.

Inonotus obliquus is an edible and medicinal mushroom which is used to multiple products. In this study, 8 secondary metabolites (1-8) were identified from the edible mushroom I. obliquus through nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) data analysis. All metabolites were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activities in LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cells with the IC50 values of 8.47-25.53 μM. Among these, compound 1 showed notably reduced NO generation, restrained COX-2, iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA levels expression. Concurrently, the neuroprotective potential of compound 1 was preliminarily evaluated in a scopolamine (SCOP)-induced mice model. Behavioral assays revealed that supplementation with 1 markedly ameliorated cognitive impairment, and significantly suppressed the mRNA expression of neurotrophic factor, including NGF and BDNF. In conclusion, I. obliquus and compound 1 hold promise as natural therapeutic agents for improving cognitive function and related aspects of brain health.

Inonotus obliquus is a medicinal fungus that has been valued for its anti-diabetic properties in China for thousands of years. Inotodiol is a characteristic triterpenoid isolated from Inonotus obliquus. The inactivation effect and mechanism of α-glucosidase induced by inotodiol were investigated using fluorescence, FTIR, CD spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulation, and the glycemic regulation of inotodiol was studied on insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Inotodiol could effectively inhibit α-glucosidase activity (IC50 = 1.09 ± 0.08 mmol L-1) in a reversible and noncompetitive manner. Inotodiol interacted with α-glucosidase via a static quenching process with a binding constant of 1.52 × 103 mol L-1 at 298 K. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed that inotodiol interacted with α-glucosidase mainly by hydrogen bonding, and the complex system was stable. Furthermore, inotodiol could increase glucose consumption and glycogen synthesis in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells through the IRS1/PI3K/Akt-mediated GSK3β signaling pathway. Overall, this study suggested that inotodiol has the potential to be an agent or functional food for diabetics.

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) exhibits cytotoxic effects against breast cancer cells. Mycosynthesized nanoparticles, owing to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low toxicity, present a promising therapeutic approach. This study explored the cytotoxic potential of gold nanoparticles synthesized using Chaga mushroom extract (AuCh-NPs) combined with Light Emitting Diode (LED) irradiation (530 nm) on human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells, aiming to develop a safe and effective sensitizer for photothermal therapy. The AuCh-NPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM, particle size analysis, and zeta potential measurements. Cytotoxicity was evaluated via MTT assay under LED irradiation with total light exposure 325.8 and 488.7 J cm-2, alongside mechanistic studies involving wound healing, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, annexin V analysis, real-time PCR, and comet assays.TEM revealed spherical AuCh-NPs with sizes ranging from 15.4 to 28.9 nm. The MTT assay demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity under LED irradiation, with AuCh-NPs exhibiting a lower IC50 (5.56 µM) than citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (AuCit-NPs, 7 µM). Cell cycle analysis revealed significant arrest in G0/G1 (91.68%) and S (7.55%) phases, while annexin V analysis confirmed apoptosis induction. Real-time PCR showed upregulation of the pro-apoptotic genes BAX, and the comet assay indicated increased double-strand DNA damage in MCF-7 cells treated with AuCh-NPs compared to AuCit-NPs. These findings highlight the superior selective cytotoxicity of AuCh-NPs against MCF7 cells, positioning them as a promising targeted agent for photothermal therapy in breast cancer treatment. © 2025. The Author(s).

This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals from Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) against colorectal cancer (CRC) using a combination of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and bioinformatics. Active components and targets of Chaga mushroom and CRC were collected from databases. A drug-compound-target-disease network was constructed, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was performed to identify core targets. KEGG and GO enrichment analyses were conducted to elucidate the involved pathways. Molecular docking estimated the binding affinities of key compounds to their targets, and bioinformatics analysis assessed differential gene expression and immune infiltration. The study identified 26 bioactive compounds and 244 potential targets. Core targets included AKT1, IFNG, and MMP9. Molecular docking showed strong binding affinities, and bioinformatics analysis revealed significant differential expression and immune infiltration patterns. These findings suggest that Chaga mushroom phytochemicals may exert anticancer effects through multiple pathways, highlighting their potential as novel CRC treatments. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of Chaga mushroom phytochemicals on CRC. Future research should focus on experimental validation and further exploration of their therapeutic potential.

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) is a ubiquitous enzyme that maintains cellular nucleotide balance by catalyzing the transfer of phosphate groups between nucleoside diphosphates and triphosphates. Although the evolutionary conservation of NDPK is well established, several aspects of its diversification and functional adaptation remain unclear. The central question of this work is how NDPK evolved across plant species, focusing on the Solanaceae family and how its evolutionary history relates to the diversification of its cellular functions. Phylogenetic and molecular dating analyses showed that the division between NDPK groups 1 and 2 predates the divergence of plants and animals, whereas plant-specific NDPK types (I-IV) originated early in streptophyte evolution. Solanaceae species retain a conserved set of NDPK genes, including a type III isoform with features consistent with mitochondrial targeting. Functional assays in isolated potato tuber mitochondria revealed high NDPK activity in the intermembrane space, sustaining ADP supply to oxidative phosphorylation. Activation of mitochondrial NDPK induced a phosphorylative respiratory state, which partially dissipated the mitochondrial membrane potential and significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. GDP and UDP were preferentially phosphorylated, conferring a stronger antioxidant effect than other nucleotides. Consistently, the mitochondrial isoform StNDPK3 was upregulated during tuber development. Together, our results demonstrate that NDPKs are evolutionarily conserved yet functionally diversified enzymes in plants and identify mitochondrial NDPK as a key modulator of mitochondrial redox homeostasis. By linking nucleotide metabolism to Δψm control and ROS suppression, this study highlights a previously underappreciated antioxidant mechanism that integrates mitochondrial energy metabolism with developmental and stress-related processes in plants.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe inflammatory condition associated with high morbidity and mortality, and there are currently no specific pharmacological treatments available. In this context, plants and natural products have emerged as promising therapeutic alternatives. SteLL (Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi leaf lectin) has demonstrated several biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of SteLL in a murine model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. Female BALB/c mice received intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of SteLL (1, 5, or 10 mg/kg), dexamethasone (2 mg/kg), or vehicle (PBS). Sixty minutes later, ALI was induced by intranasal instillation of 25 µL of LPS (1 μg/μL). After 24 h, the animals were euthanized. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained to evaluate inflammatory parameters and lungs were collected for histopathological analysis. The tested doses of SteLL resulted in a 45-66% lower leukocyte infiltration. The group treated with 5 mg/kg exhibited a lower proportion of neutrophils and a higher proportion of mononucleated cells. Pre-treatment with SteLL also minimized plasma leakage and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Furthermore, SteLL attenuated the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines at all tested doses as well as prevented nitric oxide (NO) production at the highest dose (10 mg/kg). Histopathological analysis showed that SteLL (5 and 10 mg/kg) attenuated LPS-induced lung injury. Overall, SteLL demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects, showing its potential as a plant-derived compound for modulating pulmonary inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Beets are enriched in bioactive compounds with beneficial effects on cardiovascular function. Nitrate is a precursor for nitric oxide synthesis, exhibiting an effect on cardiomyocytes and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion, improving endothelial function and reducing arterial stiffness. Betanin, saponins and phenolic compounds, other beet compounds, can limit the generation of reactive oxygen species and modulate gene expression. However, it has been a challenge to develop beetroot formulations for the oral administration of these compounds while preserving pleasant sensory characteristics. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop an innovative dairy-beetroot powder drink, microencapsulated in polysaccharides, i.e., maltodextrin, cassava starch or a combination of both, that could be easily reconstituted. KEY RESULTS: The microencapsulated formulation following freeze-drying displayed low water activity (<0.30) and high solubility (>90%), with rapid dispersion in aqueous medium. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the preservation of functional groups from the dairy base and sugar beetroots. Thermogravimetry analyses pointed out a slight increase in thermal stability for the powder formulation. The microencapsulation efficiency of betalains reached 81% in the powder formulation that combined cassava starch and maltodextrin as encapsulation agents. The novel dairy-beetroot powder drink can be stored at room temperature, ensuring microbiological safety and preserving good sensory acceptance. CONCLUSIONS: Dairy-beetroot powder microcapsules emerge as an efficient food strategy to provide bioaccessible dietary nitrate and antioxidant compounds, overcoming flavor and stability limitations but still aiding in terms of its vascular and hemodynamic-protective effects.

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is the leading cause of hemolytic anemia in dogs. Although renal injury has been reported in IMHA patients, laboratory findings defining the type and extent of renal damage remain inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate key laboratory findings in the assessment of renal function in dogs with a suspected diagnosis of IMHA and to correlate these findings with disease prognosis. A prospective study was conducted on 21 dogs treated at a veterinary hospital with a suspected diagnosis of IMHA. Blood samples were collected for complete blood count and biochemical analyses, and urinalysis was performed. Significant alterations in renal function were observed in IMHA patients. The urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) was elevated compared to controls (P < 0.0002) and correlated with the degree of anemia (R = -0.638) and the inflammatory status, assessed by white blood cell count (R = 0.550). In addition, urinary bilirubin levels were increased in IMHA patients (P < 0.0001), suggesting that bilirubin is an important prognostic marker of the disease. Renal function is impaired in IMHA patients, and urinary bilirubin levels serve as a valuable prognostic indicator.

Humic substances (HS) are widely recognized as plant biostimulants, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying their mode of action remain incompletely defined. Here, we used RNA sequencing to investigate the early transcriptional responses of rice roots exposed for only 4 h to vermicompost-derived humic acid (HA). Our results reveal a rapid and pronounced transcriptional reprogramming consistent with the establishment of a eustress-like physiological state. HA treatment induced 231 genes, whereas only seven were repressed, indicating a predominantly stimulatory effect on gene expression. The induced genes were significantly enriched in functional categories related to redox homeostasis, glutathione metabolism, oxidoreductase and peroxidase activities, and cellular detoxification, suggesting an immediate adjustment of intracellular redox balance and antioxidant capacity. Concomitantly, pathways associated with phenylpropanoid metabolism, oxylipin biosynthesis, and jasmonate-mediated signaling were activated, together with the induction of transcription factors from the WRKY and C2H2 zinc finger families, supporting early regulatory control of defense-related networks. The coordinated activation of redox- and hormone-associated pathways indicates that HA rapidly modulates ROS-dependent signaling and integrates it with jasmonate-centered responses. Importantly, this transcriptional signature is consistent with a eustress-like state in which defense and adaptive mechanisms are mobilized without evidence of acute stress injury. Collectively, our findings establish a mechanistic framework for HS action in which HA functions as a chemical eustressor that rapidly reconfigures redox-hormone crosstalk, positioning reactive oxygen species signaling as a central integrative hub underlying the biostimulant and adaptive effects of humic substances in plants. © 2026 The Author(s). Physiologia Plantarum published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Chagas disease progresses through distinct clinical stages, from an asymptomatic form to severe cardiomyopathy. This multicenter, cross-sectional study aimed to characterize the systemic and cellular immune and oxidative profiles associated with each clinical stage. METHODS: Seropositive individuals for Chagas disease were recruited through a multicentric approach across three public hospitals in Argentina and classified as having no demonstrable pathology (NDP), mild to moderate cardiomyopathy (MCC), or severe cardiomyopathy (SCC). Healthy individuals (HI), seronegative for Chagas disease were included as the control group. Plasma immune and redox status was assessed through cytokine levels, antioxidant enzyme activity, and markers of tissue damage. Using peripheral blood mononuclear cells, we evaluated oxidative stress and the expression of genes involved in pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and Nrf2-regulated antioxidant responses. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses were conducted to evaluate the ability of plasma Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity to discriminate between clinical stages as a potential biomarker. RESULTS: NDP individuals displayed a pattern of selective immune activation along with increased antioxidant responses and elevated plasmatic SOD activity, suggesting a balanced systemic immuno-oxidative state. In contrast, MCC and SCC stages exhibited broader inflammatory response, higher ROS levels, and reduced antioxidant defenses. Plasma SOD activity declined with disease severity and showed strong discriminatory capacity between stages. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight state-associated immunoredox imbalance as a key feature of Chagas' cardiomyopathy. While further studies are needed, superoxide dismutase activity is emerging as a promising minimally invasive biomarker for monitoring the stages of this infectious disease.

Urban coastal lagoons are highly vulnerable ecosystems increasingly affected by metal contamination, as well as multiple anthropogenic stressors. This study evaluated ecotoxicological and human health risks associated with chronic metal exposure in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from an anthropogenically impacted lagoon in southeastern Brazil. Monitoring was conducted over one year (2022-2023) across four seasonal campaigns. Fifty-seven tilapia specimens were collected during dry and rainy seasons, and liver and muscle tissue were analyzed for antioxidant biomarkers (superoxide dismutase-SOD, glutathione S-transferase-GST, reduced glutathione-GSH, total antioxidant capacity-TAC), oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation-LPO, protein carbonyl-PTC), and metal detoxification (metallothionein-MT). Endocrine disruption was assessed via plasma vitellogenin (VTG), and human health risks were estimated. Metal and metalloid diversity was higher in the dry season (12 vs. 7 elements), with some sites (P1-P3) presenting critical levels. Metals and metalloids in MT-enriched subcellular tissue fractions revealed seasonal shifts in As, Co, Rb, and Se, with Cd, Hg, and Pb detected only in liver during the dry period. Sex differences observed regarding GSI (females > males; p ≤ 0.05) aligned with higher male VTG levels. Antioxidant responses were higher in the dry season (hepatic SOD +81.9%), while oxidative damage increased substantially in both tissues (muscle +75.7%, liver +79.6%). The applied integrated biomarker-metal approach revealed a clear dry-season intensification of metal and metalloid exposure and biological responses, emphasizing endocrine and oxidative alterations and highlighting the need for seasonal biomonitoring efforts. © 2026 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Skin aging involves complex molecular changes that current strategies struggle to reverse. Here, we developed a machine learning approach using Support Vector Regression to predict biological skin age from proteomic profiles, enabling objective assessment of anti-aging formulations. In this exploratory, proof-of-concept, prospective observational study, we set out to characterize treatment-induced proteomic changes in human skin as the pre-specified primary outcome. Women (ages 20-80) received 30-day topical quinoa bioester application on one forearm, with the contralateral forearm receiving vehicle. Mass spectrometry revealed significant upregulation of barrier function proteins (desmoglein-1, filaggrin), antioxidant enzymes (SOD1, glutaredoxin-1), and protease inhibitors. Our Support Vector Regression (SVR) model, trained on pre-treatment proteomes, predicted lower proteomic ages for quinoa bioester-treated skin compared to vehicle-treated skin, with observed median differences of 11 and 16 years for participants under and over 50, respectively (p < 0.01 for participants ≥50 years). While these values do not necessarily correspond to biological years, these findings demonstrate that topical bioactives can induce detectable shifts in skin proteomic profiles. These results establish a quantitative framework for evaluating skin rejuvenation strategies and suggest quinoa bioester as a promising anti-aging cosmeceutical. © 2026. The Author(s).

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Sepsis remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide and is driven by a dysregulated host response to infection. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from white adipose tissue (WAT) have shown therapeutic potential in sepsis; however, the properties of brown adipose tissue (BAT)-derived MSCs remain poorly characterized, particularly in obesity, a condition known to alter MSC phenotype and function. We compared the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs isolated from brown versus white adipose depots of obese donors in a clinically relevant model of sepsis in obese rats. METHODS: Obesity was induced in Wistar rats through a high-fat diet. MSCs were isolated from brown and white adipose tissue and characterized by plastic adherence, surface marker expression, and gene expression profiling. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Twenty-four hours after CLP, animals received saline, WAT-MSCs, or BAT-MSCs (1 × 10⁶ cells). Primary outcomes were 48-h survival and bacterial burden. Secondary outcomes included blinded histological assessment and molecular analyses of lung, kidney, and liver injury, focusing on inflammatory cytokines, fibrotic signaling, and oxidative stress. RESULTS: Both MSC populations met established characterization criteria. BAT-MSCs exhibited higher baseline expression of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant genes. In obese septic rats, treatment with BAT-MSCs significantly improved 48-h survival compared with WAT-MSCs and reduced bacterial burden more effectively. Histological analyses demonstrated greater protection across organs, including reduced alveolar collapse, renal brush-border injury, and hepatic necrosis. Molecular analyses showed more pronounced suppression of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and transforming growth factor-β signaling, along with reduced collagen deposition and oxidative stress (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In obese septic rats, BAT-MSCs provided superior early survival benefit and multi-organ protection compared with WAT-MSCs. These findings identify brown adipose tissue as a promising MSC source for sepsis therapy and support further translational and mechanistic investigation.

Chagas disease is a significant public health problem with benznidazole (BZ) and nifurtimox being the only available treatments. This study evaluated the trypanocidal activity of disulfiram (DS) in Swiss mice infected with the Y and VL-10 Trypanosoma cruzi strains. DS was tested alone or in combination with BZ at different doses for 20 consecutive days during the acute or chronic phase of the infection. Parasitological cure, inflammation in the heart and colon, and serum nitric oxide levels were assessed; in Y strain-infected animals, liver oxidative damage was also evaluated, while in VL-10-infected animals, parasitemia, survival rate, and collagen formation were analyzed. The combination of BZ + DS (100 mg/kg +50 mg/kg) induced 50% parasitological cure, reduced cardiac inflammation in Y strain infection, and decreased cardiac fibrosis in VL-10 strain infection. However, the results suggest a limited adjuvant effect of disulfiram, warranting further investigation.

To reduce pressure on capture fisheries, sustainable aquaculture must decrease its dependency on fish meal and fish oil. Microalgae are a promising substitute due to their complete nutritional profile and low-footprint production process. This study examined the use of the cyanobacterium Limnospira maxima (commercially known as Spirulina) as a partial substitute for fish meal in feed for juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). We developed isoproteic (36%) and isoenergetic (3000 kcal kg-1) fish feed formulations containing 0% (control), 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% L. maxima dry biomass. The experimental diets were then fed to 360 juvenile O. niloticus (1.32 ± 0.35 g) for 85 days using a randomized experimental design. The hepatic, intestinal, and muscle (fillet) tissues of the fish were collected for morphophysiological, fatty acid, and proteomic analyses. The intestinal coefficient, number of intestinal villi, villus height, and hepatosomatic index were essentially the same for all treatments (p > 0.05). Treatments containing 20-30% L. maxima exhibited a higher degree of unsaturation and better dietary fat quality. A greater abundance of the enzymes SOD, GSR, PRX1, and PLD3 in the experimental groups indicated higher antioxidant activity, whereas a greater abundance of acyl-CoA dehydrogenases indicated better use of fatty acids as an energy source. These trends were more evident in the 20-30% inclusion range. Thus, adding L. maxima to fish feed improves farming performance, fish health, and product quality. The results encourage the use of microalgae to promote more sustainable aquaculture.

This study for the first time investigated the effects of poultry litter containing cypermethrin (740 μg kg-1 d.w.) and metals on Folsomia candida, assessing lethality, behavior, reproduction, and oxidative stress biomarkers, which were combined into an Integrated Biomarker Response (IBR) assessment. The sublethal effects covered application rates equivalent to those reported for different cropping systems (2.0-25.0 t ha-1). Compared to control soil, poultry litter showed elevated concentrations in mg kg-1 of Cu (27.5), Zn (36.6), Mn (37.7), and Cr (0.93). The median lethal concentrations (LC50) were 10.82% at 7 days and decreased to 3.59% at 14 days. Significant avoidance and reproductive effects were detected at poultry litter concentrations of 0.5% (10 t ha-1) and 0.1% (2 t ha-1), respectively. The corresponding median effective concentrations (EC50) were 1.38% for avoidance and 0.188% for reproduction. Antioxidant biomarkers, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), and metallothionein (MT), together with oxidative damage indicators, malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (CARB), revealed a response pattern: at intermediate concentrations (0.75-1.0%), an increase in enzyme activities and antioxidant defenses levels was observed; however, at 0.75% and 1.25%, oxidative damage occurred. Principal Component Analysis and correlation analyses indicate that higher litter concentrations impair antioxidant defenses, increase oxidative damage, and trigger compensatory detoxification in F. candida, while the IBR revealed progressive changes in the antioxidant system in response to increasing poultry litter concentrations. Notably, to the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence of pyrethroid occurrence in poultry litter, revealing a previously unrecognized contamination pathway and underscoring potential risks to soil ecosystems.

In this study, bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethanolic extract from Eremanthus crotonoides leaves enabled the isolation of two bioactive sesquiterpene lactones, centratherin and goyazensolide, which were evaluated for their antimycobacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The extract exhibited MIC50 values of 42.0 ± 0.1 and 39.0 ± 0.1 µg/mL against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and the hypervirulent M299 strain, respectively, along with notable NO inhibitory activity. Fractionation by high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC), followed by purification also employing HSCCC, yielded centratherin and goyazensolide, representing the first report of their isolation from E. crotonoides using this technique. These compounds showed potent activity against H37Rv (MIC50 = 1.5 ± 0.1 and 2.5 ± 0.1 µg/mL, respectively) but markedly reduced activity against M299 (MIC50 = 92.7 ± 0.1 and 90.6 ± 0.1 µg/mL). Both compounds also exhibited IC50 values of 0.45 ± 0.1 and 0.34 ± 0.1 µg/mL for nitric oxide inhibition, with low cytotoxicity. Collectively, these findings provide the first evidence of the antimycobacterial potential of these compounds against virulent M. tuberculosis strains and underscore their promise as potential drug candidates. © 2026 The Author(s). Chemistry & Biodiversity published by Wiley‐VHCA AG.

This study was conducted to evaluate the bioactive (antioxidant and antimicrobial) properties of essential oils (EOs) from seven genotypes of Lippia gracilis Schauer (LGRA106, LGRA107, LGRA108, LGRA109, LGRA110, LGRA201, and LGRA202). In addition, predictive models of bacterial growth under different pH conditions (5.0, 6.0, and 9.0), in the presence and absence of LGRA 109 EO (1.32, 2.64, or 5.29 mg/mL), were obtained. The LGRA106 and LGRA109 EOs exhibited strong antioxidant (2652.2 μmol Trolox/L via the FRAP method) and antimicrobial (minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations of 1.32-2.64 mg/mL) activities, respectively. The Baranyi and Roberts model showed good agreement with the experimental data, with coefficients of determination ranging from 0.84 to 0.99 and adequate representation of the growth curves. The model was validated using Bias and accuracy factor values of 1, and root mean square error values ranging from 0.02 to 0.14. The model was applied to predict bacterial growth under the tested conditions. Lag phase time and maximum specific growth rate parameters were determined for all the tested bacteria. The combination of pH and EO was effective in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Typhimurium. These results demonstrate that L. gracilis EOs are potent natural antioxidants and antimicrobials that may be further explored for applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.

Blackberry (Rubus spp.) is a highly perishable fruit rich in bioactive compounds, particularly anthocyanins, which are associated with significant health benefits. This study investigated the application of nanofiltration using a pilot-scale spiral-wound module (DOW® NF90-2540) as a mild technology to concentrate phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins, in blackberry juice. The process achieved concentration factors (CF) of 2.2 for monomeric anthocyanins and 1.9 for total phenolic content (TPC), reaching values of 54.3 mg C3G·100 mL-1 and 326.85 mg GAE·100 mL-1, respectively. The antioxidant capacity (ABTS+ and DPPH methods) also increased significantly in the concentrated fraction (CF 1.9 and 1.7, respectively). Stability of the concentrated juice was evaluated during 90 days of frozen storage, showing that low temperatures effectively preserved anthocyanin levels and visual quality, with only minor variations in color parameters (L*, a*, b*). Furthermore, the concentrated blackberry juice was successfully incorporated into apple-orange juice blends, generating formulations with progressively increased phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and red color intensity as the proportion of blackberry concentrate increased. Anthocyanin bioaccessibility in these juice blends was also evaluated and was not proportional to the increase in anthocyanin content. Strong correlations between anthocyanin concentration, antioxidant capacity, and CIELAB color parameters highlight the dual functional and technological role of blackberry compounds. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the feasibility of nanofiltration as a mild and efficient strategy for concentrating anthocyanins and phenolic compounds from blackberry juice while preserving physicochemical quality and color attributes.

The focus on natural compounds and their potential health benefits has gained considerable momentum in scientific research, particularly in the context of cancer prevention and treatment, a global issue that demands innovative approaches. Among natural sources, fruits from the Amazon rainforest have garnered attention for their rich nutritional profiles and bioactive compounds, which may provide therapeutic properties. This study aimed to compile scientific data found in the literature up to 2025 on the nutritional compounds, phytochemicals, and anticancer properties of selected fruits including murici (Byrsonima crassifolia and B verbascifolia), taperebá (Spondias mombin), camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia), bacuri (Platonia insignis), araçá-boi (Eugenia stipitata), tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum), and abricó (Mammea americana), highlighting the main mechanisms involved. These fruits have shown promising evidence of various anticancer actions, including antiproliferative, antigenotoxic, antimutagenic, antioxidant, antiangiogenic, antimetastatic, and anti-inflammatory effects. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying these actions and synthesizing results from in vitro and in vivo studies, this research underscores the invaluable role of these Amazonian fruits as potent sources of bioactive compounds, offering new perspectives for advancing cancer treatment strategies. © The Author(s) 2026. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Life Sciences Institute. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact [email protected] for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact [email protected].