Explore the vast range of titles available.

Fruit coatings serve a dual purpose in preserving the quality of fruits. Not only do they act as a barrier against water evaporation and fungal infiltration, but they also enhance the fruit’s visual appeal in the market. Yet, their influence on the fruit’s quality components, which play a crucial role in determining its nutritional value, taste, and overall flavor, has remained relatively unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of carnauba wax coating on the quality of Moro oranges during storage. The selected fruits were meticulously chosen for uniformity in size. The experiment involved applying carnauba wax, a commonly used type among local producers, at four different concentrations: 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%. These treatments were applied during various storage periods, including immediately after fruits were harvested and after 40 and 80 days. Following the application of these treatments, the oranges were stored in a controlled environment (morgue) at a temperature of 4 ± 1 °C. Subsequently, several physicochemical parameters of both the fruit flesh and skin were examined. The results unveiled a decline in the overall ascorbic acid content of the fruits. In terms of phenol content, a general decreasing trend was observed after harvesting. At each sampling interval during storage, the phenol content in uncoated fruits consistently exceeded that of their waxed counterparts. Significant reduction in fruit weight was observed throughout the storage period. Both vitamin C and total acidity levels in the fruit exhibited decreases during the storage period. As time passed, fruit firmness gradually declined, while fruit decay increased during the 40- and 80-day storage periods for untreated Moro oranges. The anthocyanin content showed an increasing trend. The study also unveiled a decline in the antioxidant capacity of citrus fruits during storage. Strong significant positive correlations were observed between total phenol content and key parameters, such as antioxidant activity (0.941 ** ), MDA (0.364 * ), vitamin C content, and total carbohydrate content (0.475 ** ). Skin radiance showed a perfect correlation with chroma and hue (1.000 ** ). Principal component analysis revealed that the first principal component accounted for 34.27% of the total variance, out of a total of five principal components that explained 77.14% of the variance. Through cluster analysis, the variables were categorized into three distinct groups; one associated with weight loss and another with ion leakage. Considering these findings, carnauba wax-based coating emerges as a promising solution for preserving Moro oranges. It effectively mitigates fruit weight loss and helps maintain fruit firmness during storage, making it a valuable tool for fruit preservation.

Background Medicinal plants like Moringa oleifera , which possess high moisture content and microbial susceptibility, require prompt and efficient drying as a vital post-harvest step to ensure product stability and quality. This process is crucial for maintaining the plant’s sensory attributes and preserving secondary metabolites that are fundamental to its medicinal value and therapeutic effectiveness. The presence of specific functional small molecules and organic acids such as acetic acid, butyric acid, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), salicin, and glycine further amplifies moringa’s pharmacological potential. These compounds act as key signaling agents, regulating various physiological and biochemical pathways that support stress tolerance and health-promoting activities. Consequently, developing optimized drying strategies is essential to retain these beneficial bioactive components. Results This study evaluated the effects of three drying methods—oven drying (50 °C for 24 h), shade drying (120 h), and sun drying (72 h) on the chemical composition and bioactivity of Moringa oleifera leaves. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block with three replications. Key findings showed that sun and oven drying effectively preserved total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, salicin, and glycine. In contrast, shade drying was more effective at retaining antioxidant activity, as well as acetic acid, butyric acid, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Notably, five bioactive compounds—acetic acid, butyric acid, GABA, salicin, and glycine were confirmed and further characterized in the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera in this study. Conclusions Overall, the findings of this study revealed that various drying methods have a significant impact on the preservation of key bioactive compounds in Moringa oleifera . Sun and oven drying were more effective in maintaining phenolic and flavonoid contents, whereas shade drying was better in preserving antioxidant activity and certain organic acids such as acetic and butyric acids. Additionally, specific compounds like salicin and glycine exhibited different responses to drying conditions; salicin reached its highest levels under sun drying, while glycine was maximized with sun drying and moderately retained during oven drying. These results emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate drying techniques based on the targeted bioactive compounds to optimize the medicinal value of herbal plants. Graphical Abstract

Biologically synthesized nanoparticles act as growth stimulants and enhance plant tolerance to stresses. This study aimed to investigate the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized using an aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera as a plant stimulant on the morphological and physiological traits of Pelargonium hortorum under drought stress conditions in greenhouse experiments. First, the synthesis of AgNPs and their morphology and particle size distribution were examined using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Then, to evaluate the effect of nanoparticles on geranium growth, a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, including three levels of drought stress (30, 60, and 90% field capacity) and four levels of nanoparticle foliar application (0, 10, 20, and 30%) with three replications over six months. The results showed that the synthesized nanoparticles were highly homogeneous and spherical, with an average size ranging from 8 to 12 nanometers. Foliar application at a 10% concentration significantly improved all evaluated parameters and partially mitigated the adverse effects of drought stress. The highest phenotypic coefficient of variation belonged to stem diameter (15.27%) and catalase enzyme activity (17.62%). The application of nanoparticles at a 10% concentration significantly increased leaf blade length and width, plant height, flower diameter, petal anthocyanin content, catalase enzyme activity, and chlorophyll content compared to the control. However, regarding stem diameter and flowering time, the highest increase was observed at 20% and 30% nanoparticle concentrations, respectively. Additionally, AgNPs at a 10% concentration increased phosphorus and potassium content in geranium leaves, whereas higher concentrations and drought stress reduced nitrogen and potassium levels. Therefore, foliar application of AgNPs (10%) can reduce the adverse effects of drought stress and serve as a practical, effective, and cost-efficient approach to mitigating stress and improving geranium growth and yield under water-limited conditions.

Ornamental geophytes, renowned for their beauty, hold a special place among flower enthusiasts and producers, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of gardens and orchards. The main aim of this study was to ascertain the viability of cultivating decay-resistant genotypes and identify appropriate planting locations for each species within a one-to-three-year timeframe, contingent upon the specific species. The research took place at the Flower and Plant Production Center of the Gorgan Municipality’s Landscape and Urban Green Space Organization in Iran, with the primary focus on leveraging various geophyte flower species to optimize urban landscapes and elevate their visual allure. Utilizing a completely randomized block design with three replications, the study examined numerous species in the landscape. Various plant growth parameters were evaluated, including flowering time, optimal planting time, flower longevity on the plants, speed of underground bulb sprouting time, and visual quality of the samples. Results revealed that Narcissus jonquilla and Alstroemeria aurea cv. Balance exhibited the longest flower longevity, lasting for 43 days in the second year of growth. Conversely, Gladiolus hybrida (cv. Alexander) and Canna indica (cv. Flaccida and cv. Phasion) demonstrated a flower longevity of 13 days across both cultivation years. Alstroemeria and Crocosmia showed the shortest flowering time, significantly reduced compared to the first year due to the altered planting time. The assessment of visual quality highlighted Polianthes, Dahlia, and Gladiolus cultivars as displaying the highest visual appeal among the studied species. These findings yield valuable insights into the potential production and/or breeding of decay-resistant hybrid cultivars well suited for such regions.

Medicinal plants like Moringa oleifera, which possess high moisture content and microbial susceptibility, require prompt and efficient drying as a vital post-harvest step to ensure product stability and quality. This process is crucial for maintaining the plant's sensory attributes and preserving secondary metabolites that are fundamental to its medicinal value and therapeutic effectiveness. The presence of specific functional small molecules and organic acids such as acetic acid, butyric acid, [gamma]-aminobutyric acid (GABA), salicin, and glycine further amplifies moringa's pharmacological potential. These compounds act as key signaling agents, regulating various physiological and biochemical pathways that support stress tolerance and health-promoting activities. Consequently, developing optimized drying strategies is essential to retain these beneficial bioactive components. This study evaluated the effects of three drying methods--oven drying (50 °C for 24 h), shade drying (120 h), and sun drying (72 h) on the chemical composition and bioactivity of Moringa oleifera leaves. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block with three replications. Key findings showed that sun and oven drying effectively preserved total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, salicin, and glycine. In contrast, shade drying was more effective at retaining antioxidant activity, as well as acetic acid, butyric acid, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Notably, five bioactive compounds--acetic acid, butyric acid, GABA, salicin, and glycine were confirmed and further characterized in the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera in this study. Overall, the findings of this study revealed that various drying methods have a significant impact on the preservation of key bioactive compounds in Moringa oleifera. Sun and oven drying were more effective in maintaining phenolic and flavonoid contents, whereas shade drying was better in preserving antioxidant activity and certain organic acids such as acetic and butyric acids. Additionally, specific compounds like salicin and glycine exhibited different responses to drying conditions; salicin reached its highest levels under sun drying, while glycine was maximized with sun drying and moderately retained during oven drying. These results emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate drying techniques based on the targeted bioactive compounds to optimize the medicinal value of herbal plants.

Medicinal plants like Moringa oleifera, which possess high moisture content and microbial susceptibility, require prompt and efficient drying as a vital post-harvest step to ensure product stability and quality. This process is crucial for maintaining the plant's sensory attributes and preserving secondary metabolites that are fundamental to its medicinal value and therapeutic effectiveness. The presence of specific functional small molecules and organic acids such as acetic acid, butyric acid, [gamma]-aminobutyric acid (GABA), salicin, and glycine further amplifies moringa's pharmacological potential. These compounds act as key signaling agents, regulating various physiological and biochemical pathways that support stress tolerance and health-promoting activities. Consequently, developing optimized drying strategies is essential to retain these beneficial bioactive components. This study evaluated the effects of three drying methods--oven drying (50 °C for 24 h), shade drying (120 h), and sun drying (72 h) on the chemical composition and bioactivity of Moringa oleifera leaves. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block with three replications. Key findings showed that sun and oven drying effectively preserved total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, salicin, and glycine. In contrast, shade drying was more effective at retaining antioxidant activity, as well as acetic acid, butyric acid, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Notably, five bioactive compounds--acetic acid, butyric acid, GABA, salicin, and glycine were confirmed and further characterized in the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera in this study. Overall, the findings of this study revealed that various drying methods have a significant impact on the preservation of key bioactive compounds in Moringa oleifera. Sun and oven drying were more effective in maintaining phenolic and flavonoid contents, whereas shade drying was better in preserving antioxidant activity and certain organic acids such as acetic and butyric acids. Additionally, specific compounds like salicin and glycine exhibited different responses to drying conditions; salicin reached its highest levels under sun drying, while glycine was maximized with sun drying and moderately retained during oven drying. These results emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate drying techniques based on the targeted bioactive compounds to optimize the medicinal value of herbal plants.

Medicinal plants like Moringa oleifera, which possess high moisture content and microbial susceptibility, require prompt and efficient drying as a vital post-harvest step to ensure product stability and quality. This process is crucial for maintaining the plant's sensory attributes and preserving secondary metabolites that are fundamental to its medicinal value and therapeutic effectiveness. The presence of specific functional small molecules and organic acids such as acetic acid, butyric acid, [gamma]-aminobutyric acid (GABA), salicin, and glycine further amplifies moringa's pharmacological potential. These compounds act as key signaling agents, regulating various physiological and biochemical pathways that support stress tolerance and health-promoting activities. Consequently, developing optimized drying strategies is essential to retain these beneficial bioactive components. This study evaluated the effects of three drying methods--oven drying (50 °C for 24 h), shade drying (120 h), and sun drying (72 h) on the chemical composition and bioactivity of Moringa oleifera leaves. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block with three replications. Key findings showed that sun and oven drying effectively preserved total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, salicin, and glycine. In contrast, shade drying was more effective at retaining antioxidant activity, as well as acetic acid, butyric acid, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Notably, five bioactive compounds--acetic acid, butyric acid, GABA, salicin, and glycine were confirmed and further characterized in the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera in this study. Overall, the findings of this study revealed that various drying methods have a significant impact on the preservation of key bioactive compounds in Moringa oleifera. Sun and oven drying were more effective in maintaining phenolic and flavonoid contents, whereas shade drying was better in preserving antioxidant activity and certain organic acids such as acetic and butyric acids. Additionally, specific compounds like salicin and glycine exhibited different responses to drying conditions; salicin reached its highest levels under sun drying, while glycine was maximized with sun drying and moderately retained during oven drying. These results emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate drying techniques based on the targeted bioactive compounds to optimize the medicinal value of herbal plants.

Medicinal plants like Moringa oleifera, which possess high moisture content and microbial susceptibility, require prompt and efficient drying as a vital post-harvest step to ensure product stability and quality. This process is crucial for maintaining the plant's sensory attributes and preserving secondary metabolites that are fundamental to its medicinal value and therapeutic effectiveness. The presence of specific functional small molecules and organic acids such as acetic acid, butyric acid, [gamma]-aminobutyric acid (GABA), salicin, and glycine further amplifies moringa's pharmacological potential. These compounds act as key signaling agents, regulating various physiological and biochemical pathways that support stress tolerance and health-promoting activities. Consequently, developing optimized drying strategies is essential to retain these beneficial bioactive components. This study evaluated the effects of three drying methods--oven drying (50 °C for 24 h), shade drying (120 h), and sun drying (72 h) on the chemical composition and bioactivity of Moringa oleifera leaves. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block with three replications. Key findings showed that sun and oven drying effectively preserved total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, salicin, and glycine. In contrast, shade drying was more effective at retaining antioxidant activity, as well as acetic acid, butyric acid, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Notably, five bioactive compounds--acetic acid, butyric acid, GABA, salicin, and glycine were confirmed and further characterized in the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera in this study. Overall, the findings of this study revealed that various drying methods have a significant impact on the preservation of key bioactive compounds in Moringa oleifera. Sun and oven drying were more effective in maintaining phenolic and flavonoid contents, whereas shade drying was better in preserving antioxidant activity and certain organic acids such as acetic and butyric acids. Additionally, specific compounds like salicin and glycine exhibited different responses to drying conditions; salicin reached its highest levels under sun drying, while glycine was maximized with sun drying and moderately retained during oven drying. These results emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate drying techniques based on the targeted bioactive compounds to optimize the medicinal value of herbal plants.

Medicinal plants like Moringa oleifera, which possess high moisture content and microbial susceptibility, require prompt and efficient drying as a vital post-harvest step to ensure product stability and quality. This process is crucial for maintaining the plant's sensory attributes and preserving secondary metabolites that are fundamental to its medicinal value and therapeutic effectiveness. The presence of specific functional small molecules and organic acids such as acetic acid, butyric acid, [gamma]-aminobutyric acid (GABA), salicin, and glycine further amplifies moringa's pharmacological potential. These compounds act as key signaling agents, regulating various physiological and biochemical pathways that support stress tolerance and health-promoting activities. Consequently, developing optimized drying strategies is essential to retain these beneficial bioactive components. This study evaluated the effects of three drying methods--oven drying (50 °C for 24 h), shade drying (120 h), and sun drying (72 h) on the chemical composition and bioactivity of Moringa oleifera leaves. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block with three replications. Key findings showed that sun and oven drying effectively preserved total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, salicin, and glycine. In contrast, shade drying was more effective at retaining antioxidant activity, as well as acetic acid, butyric acid, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Notably, five bioactive compounds--acetic acid, butyric acid, GABA, salicin, and glycine were confirmed and further characterized in the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera in this study. Overall, the findings of this study revealed that various drying methods have a significant impact on the preservation of key bioactive compounds in Moringa oleifera. Sun and oven drying were more effective in maintaining phenolic and flavonoid contents, whereas shade drying was better in preserving antioxidant activity and certain organic acids such as acetic and butyric acids. Additionally, specific compounds like salicin and glycine exhibited different responses to drying conditions; salicin reached its highest levels under sun drying, while glycine was maximized with sun drying and moderately retained during oven drying. These results emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate drying techniques based on the targeted bioactive compounds to optimize the medicinal value of herbal plants.