Bayrak, Burak; Yuca, Hafize; Budak, Yasemin Beyza; Alkuyruk, Satuk Buğra; Özer, Elif Beyza; Bona, Gülnur Ekşi; Aydın, Bilge; Karadayı, Mehmet; Gülşahin, Yusuf; Atila, Alptuğ

This study comprehensively evaluated the phytochemical composition, biological activities, and biosafety profile of different organs and processing by-products of Rosa damascena, with particular emphasis on valorizing pruning residues and distillation wastes. Extraction yields varied among plant parts, with leaves (29.69%) and flowers (14.15%) providing higher recoveries than buds (7.98%) and branches (7.91%). FTIR-ATR spectroscopy differentiated lignocellulosic woody tissues from phenolic- and ester-rich floral materials and confirmed the characteristic aliphatic profile of rose oil. Biological activity assays demonstrated strong α-glucosidase inhibition, particularly in flower extracts (IC50: 37 μg/mL), surpassing acarbose, while branches, buds, and leaves also exhibited high activity; in contrast, hydrosol and essential oil showed no measurable inhibition. Antioxidant capacity assays revealed notable radical scavenging and reducing activities, especially in buds, branches, and flowers, whereas hydrosol and essential oil displayed limited effects. Moderate antimicrobial activity was observed mainly against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans (MIC: 625 μg/mL). LC–MS/MS analysis identified 20 phenolic compounds, with quinic acid as the predominant constituent in buds and flowers. In addition, significant levels of gallic and ellagic acids were detected in distillation wastewater, highlighting the bioactive potential of processing residues. Ames/Salmonella, E. coli WP2, and Allium cepa assays confirmed the absence of genotoxic effects at tested concentrations. Overall, the findings demonstrate that R. damascena organs and industrial by-products represent valuable sources of bioactive compounds, exhibiting in vitro α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities associated with potential antidiabetic effects, as well as notable antioxidant capacity, thereby supporting their prospective utilization in functional food and nutraceutical applications.

Gezer, Arzu; Yediel Aras, Şükran; Ozkaraca, Mustafa; Kilic Baygutalp, Nurcan; Gundogdu, Gülhande; Karadag Sari, Ebru; Bedir, Gürsel; Üstündağ, Hilal

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a widely used food additive, has been associated with various health concerns, including potential reproductive toxicity. This study investigated the protective effects of black garlic (BG) ethanol extract against MSG-induced ovarian damage in rats. Thirty-two female rats in estrus were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8 per group): control (saline), BG (250 mg/kg BW), MSG (4 mg/g BW), and BG+MSG (combined treatment). Treatments were administered daily for 14 days. Ovarian tissues were collected for histopathological, immunohistochemical (IHC), and biochemical analyses. Histopathological examination revealed a significant reduction in cystic follicles in the BG+MSG group compared to the MSG group (p < 0.0001). IHC analysis showed decreased immunoreactivity of endothelin-1 and endothelin-2 in the BG+MSG group compared to the MSG group (both p < 0.01). Biochemical assays demonstrated significantly increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol levels in the BG+MSG group compared to the MSG group (all p < 0.05), while progesterone levels were significantly lower in the MSG group compared to the BG+MSG group (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that BG ethanol extract may mitigate MSG-induced ovarian dysfunction in rats by alleviating degenerative changes in follicles and modulating hormonal levels. This study provides insights into potential natural interventions for MSG-related reproductive toxicity.

Elmdoustazar, Pardis; Aydın, Bilge; Önal, Mehmet; Yuca, Hafize; Karadayı, Mehmet; Gülşahin, Yusuf; Demirci, Betül; Karakaya, Songül; Güvenalp, Zühal

This study evaluates the antidiabetic, anti-Alzheimer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of water and methanol extracts, as well as essential oils, from Satureja macrantha and Satureja hortensis. Chemical characterization was conducted using LC–MS/MS for phenolic profiles and GC–MS for essential oil composition. Biological activities were assessed via DPPH˙ and ABTS˙+ assays for antioxidant capacity, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition for antidiabetic potential, cholinesterase inhibition for anti-Alzheimer activity, and the microdilution method for antimicrobial effects. Genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity were evaluated using Ames and Allium cepa assays. Rosmarinic acid was most abundant in S. macrantha water extract (50.687.02 ng/mL), while thymol (45.1%) and p-cymene (45.8%) were identified as major oil components. S. hortensis essential oil showed the strongest α-glucosidase (41.33%) and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition (35.68%), whereas S. macrantha oil exhibited higher acetylcholinesterase inhibition (16.05%). Antioxidant activity was most pronounced in S. macrantha water extract (ABTS˙+: 52.11%, DPPH˙: 28.76%). S. hortensis essential oil demonstrated the most effective antimicrobial properties. These findings suggest that both S. macrantha and S. hortensis could be recommended as safe and effective candidates for use in the development of natural therapeutic agents.

Aydın, Bilge; Aydın, Amine Sena; Çeçen, Ömer; Yuca, Hafize; Bona, Gülnur Ekşi; Demirci, Betül; Bona, Mehmet; Karakaya, Songul

The hypothesis that insulin resistance and impaired insulin-like growth factor signaling contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) has led to the designation of AD as “type 3 diabetes.” Ajuga chamaepitys subsp. chia is traditionally used in Türkiye as an analgesic, tonic, and for the external treatment of hemorrhoids and wound healing. This study evaluates antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticholinesterase activities of methanolic, aqueous extracts, and essential oils from the flowering aerial parts of A. chamaepitys subsp. chia, along with their phytochemical profiles (GC–MS/MS), morphological-anatomical characteristics, and molecular docking analysis. The essential oil yield was 0.002%, comprising 45 compounds (92.5%), with β-pinene (19.8%), α-pinene (12.8%), and germacrene D (10.0%) as major constituents, dominated by monoterpene (39.8%) and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (23.5%). The methanolic extract exhibited moderate bioactivity, achieving 28.36% α-amylase inhibition at 5000 μg/mL and 21.85% acetylcholinesterase inhibition at 100 μg/mL, while also demonstrating notable antioxidant activity with 23.013% ABTS•+ and 8.114% DPPH• scavenging. It showed the highest total phenolic (14.261 μg GAE/mg) and tannin content (34.444 μg TAE/mg) among the tested extracts. Morphologically, the plant features hairy stems and tripartite leaves with a cuticle, trichomes, and diacytic stomata, while anatomically, it presents collenchyma, starch-filled parenchyma, and a distinct cambium in the stem. Molecular docking studies revealed that germacrene D exhibited strong binding affinities to acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase, suggesting multitarget inhibition potential. These findings support the traditional use of A. chamaepitys subsp. chia and highlight its promise as a natural source for therapeutic agents targeting oxidative stress, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Yuca, Hafize; Ayar, Beyzanur; Aydın, Bilge; Çoban, Furkan; Karakaya, Songül

Diabetes, the most prevalent metabolic disorder, is closely linked to Alzheimer's disease, with DM patients showing a two-fold increased risk of developing AD. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) is a prominent wild berry, widely used in juice and food production. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the phytochemical composition and biological activities of different parts of wild V. myrtillus plants, including branches, leaves, and fruits. Using LC–MS/MS, the study quantifies total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins in each part. Biological activities are assessed through antioxidant activity (ABTS and DPPH assays), anticholinesterase (neuroprotective potential), and antidiabetic effects. The experiments revealed that the Leaf of Yer Ligarba (YLL) extract had the highest values in terms of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and total tannin content. Among the extracts, the highest radical scavenging effect was observed with YLL at 86.67% against DPPH. The leaf extracts, Leaf of Dal Ligarba (DLL) and YLL, demonstrated the highest scavenging effects, with inhibition rates of 99.37% and 99.37%, respectively. At one of the common concentrations, 100 μg/mL, acarbose showed 13.12% inhibition, while the Branch of Dal Ligarba (DLB) extract exhibited 98.67% α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition. The highest acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzyme inhibition activities were observed in the Branch of Yer Ligarba (YLB; 27.08%) and the Fruit of Dal Ligarba (DLF; 16%), respectively. Chlorogenic acid was the most abundant phenolic compound, particularly in the DLL 58,569.80 ng/mL. This study highlighted the significant phytochemical content and biological activities of wild bilberry extracts, demonstrating their potential for managing diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's.

Işık, Mesut; Dikici, Emrah; Altın, Sevgi; Alp, Cemalettin; Kırboğa, Kevser Kübra; Köksal, Ekrem; Beydemir, Şükrü

The phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity, and enzyme inhibition activities of Mangifera indica L. leaf (MLs) ethanol extract were comprehensively evaluated to explore its therapeutic and industrial applications. Quantitative profiling of 21 phenolic compounds was performed using the LC–MS/MS method, with vanillic acid (1242.47 μg/L), gallic acid (283.58 μg/L), and quercetin (102.40 μg/L) identified as the most abundant constituents. Antioxidant activities were assessed through DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays, revealing moderate radical scavenging (DPPH: 26.87% ± 2.25%, ABTS: 14.65% ± 1.83%) and metal reduction capacities (FRAP: 0.118 ± 0.07, CUPRAC: 0.172 ± 0.03). In addition, MLs extract demonstrated dose-dependent inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE, IC50: 18.73 μg/mL), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE, IC50: 8.56 μg/mL), and α-glucosidase (IC50: 10.83 μg/mL), highlighting its potential in the management of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and metabolic disorders including diabetes. The findings emphasize the bioactive potential of M. indica leaves, positioning them as a promising resource for sustainable valorization. By showcasing the applicability of this agricultural by-product, the study provides a foundation for innovations in the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical sectors. Nevertheless, further in vivo and clinical investigations are essential to fully validate their safety and therapeutic efficacy.

Deniz, Elif Ulutaş; Yuca, Hafize; Aydın, Bilge; Öztürk, Gözde; Çoban, Furkan; Göger, Gamze; Demirci, Betül; Karakaya, Songül

Garlic (Alliaceae), an annual herb, is renowned not only for its distinctive flavor but also for its extensive therapeutic applications in managing various ailments and health conditions. In this study, garlic products identified as the best-selling items in Turkish pharmacies for various purposes were compared with garlic grown under standard conditions in terms of chemical composition and antidiabetic, anticholinesterase, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Three of garlic samples were prepared by researchers. According to survey results, the most commonly sold garlic-related products in pharmacies are black garlic extract tablets (4), capsules (5), garlic oil (6), garlic oil pearls (7), and fermented garlic (8). Diallyl disulfide (DADS) was identified as a predominant compound in sampled oils, ranging from 4.9% to 48.6%. Another noteworthy finding is the identification of allyl methyl disulfide and allyl methyl trisulfide as major components in sampled oils, with concentrations spanning from 2.9% to 9.8% and 0.4% to 17.5%, respectively. In both 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS·+) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) tests, Sample 1 (fermented) exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Sample 3 (cultivated) was richer in total phenol–total tannin content. Sample 6 exhibited the highest α-glucosidase inhibition among antidiabetic activities, reaching 28.93%. Sample 5 capsules demonstrated the highest α-amylase inhibition at 51.50%. Sample 7 exhibited the most notable inhibition against both acetylcholinesterase (22.92%) and butyrylcholinesterase (13.37%). Samples 3, 6, and 8 were found to be more effective against Candida tropicalis with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 625 μg/mL. A comprehensive study on garlic products, including popular items from Turkish pharmacies and those grown under standard conditions, revealed diverse chemical compositions and multifaceted health properties.