Paweł Paśko

This study investigated the interactions between phenolic compounds from Israeli and Chilean white wines and human serum carrier proteins, including human serum albumin (HALB), gamma-globulin (HGLO), and fibrinogen (HFB), to characterize their antioxidant capacity and serum protein-binding behavior under controlled experimental conditions. The analyzed wines included Israeli Chardonnay (ICR), Chilean Chardonnay (CCR), Israeli Sauvignon Blanc (ISB), and Chilean Sauvignon Blanc (CSB). HPLC and FTIR fingerprinting revealed cultivar- and region-dependent differences in phenolic composition, with Chardonnay wines showing stronger protein-binding behavior and Sauvignon Blanc samples displaying high antioxidant efficiency relative to their phenolic content. ICR exhibited the highest total binding capacity, 46.44%, and the strongest albumin interaction, with a binding constant (Kb) of 8.44 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ and a Gibbs free energy (ΔG) value of −35.03 kJ/mol. Empirical fluorescence quenching kinetics demonstrated that white wine phenolics establish stable physical complexes with human serum proteins, displaying a distinct preferential affinity for HALB as the protein showing the strongest apparent interaction among the proteins tested. Two- and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed substantial quenching of the intrinsic tryptophan and tyrosine residues, indicating meaningful microenvironmental alterations within the protein’s active transport sites. These empirical interactions were closely mirrored by complementary molecular docking simulations, which provided a structural visualization of the physical binding interactions. ICR also showed the highest antioxidant capacity, with DPPH and CUPRAC values of 1.66 and 2.91 mmol TE/L, respectively. Ethanol control showed negligible effects, indicating that the observed bioactivity was mainly associated with the polyphenolic matrix. Among the investigated samples, Chardonnay showed higher apparent protein-binding capacity, whereas Sauvignon Blanc showed relatively high antioxidant efficiency in relation to its phenolic content.

Background/Objectives: Interest in alternative, non-animal sources of vitamin D has increased due to the global prevalence of its deficiency and the growing demand for plant-based dietary options. Mushrooms and algae have emerged as potential sustainable sources of vitamin D₂ and, in selected cases, vitamin D₃ following ultraviolet (UV) exposure. However, the comparative bioavailability and clinical effectiveness of vitamin D₂ relative to vitamin D₃ remain controversial. This review aims to evaluate the content of vitamin D₂ in mushrooms and algae, the impact of UV irradiation on its synthesis, and the effectiveness of vitamin D₂ supplementation compared with vitamin D₃ in humans. Methods: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched (1996–2026). Only human intervention studies were included when assessing clinical efficacy. Data on natural sources and pharmaceutical formulations were analyzed. Results: UV irradiation markedly increases vitamin D₂ content in mushrooms, as compared to cultivated products. Algal vitamin D content varies, depending on species and UV exposure, with no robust clinical trials confirming improvement of serum 25(OH)D after algal supplementation. Across multiple randomized controlled trials, vitamin D₂ consistently increased circulating 25(OH)D₂ but frequently reduced 25(OH)D₃ and demonstrated lower efficacy in raising total 25(OH)D compared with vitamin D₃, as confirmed by a recent meta-analysis. Conclusions: Although UV-enhanced mushrooms represent a quantifiable dietary source of vitamin D₂, clinical evidence consistently indicates lower efficacy of vitamin D₂ compared with vitamin D₃. Algae cannot currently be considered a validated source of vitamin D for improving human vitamin D status. Further mechanistic and long-term clinical studies are required.

Dietary factors, including the consumption of isoflavones-rich foods of plant origin, may contribute to the reduced incidence of prostate cancer. Isoflavones, natural phytoestrogens often found in legumes, can modulate estrogen and androgen receptor signaling. This study aimed to evaluate the biological potential of isoflavone-rich extracts obtained from twelve species from the Fabaceae family, targeting prostate cancer cell viability, proliferation, inflammatory markers, prostate-specific antigen secretion, and 5α-reductase activity. The tested extracts showed moderate cytotoxic activity against prostate cancer cell lines, apart from highly susceptible PC3 cells, and only weak toxicity to normal prostate epithelial cells. Significant antiproliferative activity was observed, especially for Cytisus scoparius, Ononis arvensis, and Genista tinctoria, while most extracts reduced prostate-specific antigen (PSA) secretion in normal prostate cells. Furthermore, the extracts showed anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6) and improving cytokine balance indices. Multivariate analyses revealed correlations between total isoflavone content and antiproliferative activity.

Skin aging, pigmentation disorders and skin barrier dysfunction are strongly associated with oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation. In this context, plant sprouts have gained popularity as a rich source of bioactive compounds and are becoming promising candidates for dermatological applications. The aim of this review was to summarize current scientific research on the potential of sprout extracts in skin care and to identify the biological mechanisms underlying their dermatological activity. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases up to February 2026. Studies assessing the effects of topical sprout extracts on skin structure, inflammation, pigmentation, and hair growth were included. A total of 31 studies met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to qualitative analysis. Available evidence indicates that sprout extracts have multifaceted effects relevant to skin health, including stimulation of collagen synthesis, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases, improvement of epidermal hydration, melanogenesis, and suppression of inflammatory signaling pathways. These effects are largely attributed to bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, isothiocyanates, and other antioxidant phytochemicals, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. Preliminary clinical studies suggest that ingredients derived from sprouts may improve skin elasticity, hydration, and photoprotection. Although most of the evidence comes from in vitro and animal studies, it preliminarily supports the emerging concept of “food for skin” and highlights the potential of sprouted plant materials as multifunctional ingredients in dermatology.

Amaranth oil (AMO) and its topical formulation enriched with rose oil (AMOR) were evaluated for anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties in skin-relevant models. Two complementary inflammation models were used to assess immunomodulatory potential, (i) LPS-stimulated macrophages and (ii) TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated immortalized HaCaT keratinocytes, while cytotoxicity and selectivity were tested on human HaCaT keratinocytes and melanoma cell lines (A375, HTB140). GC-MS and FTIR analyses were performed to confirm the presence of key bioactive compounds (squalene, fatty acids, phenolics). AMOR showed significantly higher polyphenol and palmitic acid content than AMO. In both inflammation models, AMOR more effectively reduced IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α release. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that both oils were safe for normal keratinocytes, while selectively cytotoxic to melanoma cells, with AMOR demonstrating greater potency (IC₅₀ A375 = 3.8 μg/mL and HTB140 = 18.9 μg/mL). Albumin-binding studies showed that AMOR had stronger interactions with these proteins, which may enhance delivery and tissue retention. In conclusion, both oils exhibit promising topical safety, but AMOR provides enhanced anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects due to its enriched composition. This study supports the therapeutic potential of amaranth oil in different skin diseases, especially when combined with essential oils of complementary bioactivity.

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of space-like environment on the chemopreventive activity of Brassica sprouts against thyroid cancer cells in vitro. For this purpose the sprouts of broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, and Brussels sprouts were cultivated in darkness and in microgravity for 5–7 days. Then, the sprouts’ extracts were examined for cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity against thyroid cancer and normal cells. The tested microgravity environment stimulated the cytotoxic activity of kohlrabi sprouts, causing approximately 50% reduction in thyroid cancer cells’ viability, while at the same time increasing the viability of normal thyroid cells. Broccoli sprouts showed the strongest antiproliferative activity against normal thyroid cells, with the best effect visible for darkness conditions, which may contribute to the reduction of thyroid hyperplasia. Microgravity and darkness significantly enhanced the antiproliferative activity of kale, especially in 7-day-old sprouts (inhibition approximately 90%). The tested conditions also increased the antiproliferative activity of kohlrabi sprouts, but in the case of Brussels sprouts the effect was unfavorable. The study showed that microgravity and darkness conditions may have significant influence on the chemopreventive role of Brassica sprouts against thyroid cancer cells in vitro, especially in the case of broccoli and kohlrabi sprouts.

Currently, new cultivation methods are increasingly sought to create functional foods that could reduce the risk of certain diseases. Benign prostatic hyperplasia represents significant health challenges worldwide and because of that, we investigated the effect of microgravity and total darkness on the anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-androgenic activity of white clover sprouts. The use of clover sprouts, a widely studied plant from the Fabaceae family, can be promising due to their rich phytochemical profile, including isoflavones, known for estrogenic properties. Anti-proliferation activity was determined using a crystal violet assay. Analysis of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and 5-α-reductase level was performed using ELISA kits, similarly to anti-inflammatory activity. White clover sprouts exerted anti-proliferative activity against PNT2 prostate cells stimulated by testosterone, and total darkness increased this activity. In addition, anti-androgenic activity of white clover sprouts was demonstrated, through the inhibition of PSA and 5-α-reductase activity, which was most visible in 7-days-old sprouts growing in conditions of microgravity and standard light. In turn, the anti-inflammatory activity of the tested sprouts was rather moderate, but most observed in the inhibition of pro-inflammatory interleukin 6 (IL-6). White clover sprouts cultivated in microgravity and darkness may represent a candidate for novel functional food with anti-androgenic activity.

Iodine has an essential role in the human body; however, its insufficiency is still a challenge. Therefore, the search for new strategies to increase iodine intake in the daily diet is fully justified, with sprouts as a preferred and interesting candidates for biofortification. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of different methods of iodine enrichment of legume sprouts (yellow lupine, lentil, red and white clover, and common vetch) as well as to identify the most promising species for iodine bioaccumulation. The iodine content in mineralized sprout extracts was determined using the Sandell–Kolthoff method. Watering seeds, previously soaked in water (1 day), with a 6.5 mg/L potassium iodide solution (7 days) revealed to be the most effective fortification model, achieving the highest iodine concentrations in all tested species, with white clover being the best accumulator (1026.7 ± 60.4 µg I/100 g fresh weight) of this component. In turn, the greatest changes in biomass were observed in red clover (even up to 250% of the control). Iodine biofortification of legume sprouts could be effective; nevertheless, further research in this area is required.

Chirality plays a key role in the effectiveness and toxicity of bioactive compounds. Usnic acid (UA), a lichen metabolite, exists as two enantiomers. Despite numerous studies on its biological properties, enantioselective aspects remain poorly recognized. This study assessed the cytotoxicity of UA enantiomers against colon, prostate, thyroid, brain, and breast cancer cell lines, as well as non-cancerous cells. Cell viability was determined by the MTT assay after 24, 48, and 72 h. Colon cancer HCT116 cells were the most sensitive (IC₅₀ ~10 µg/mL, 72 h), with no enantiomeric dominance. In prostate cancer PC3 cells, (+)-UA was more effective. Moderate cytotoxic effect was noted for thyroid cancer cells; however, this was evaluated for the first time. MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were strongly affected (IC₅₀ 15.8 and 20.2 µg/mL for (+)- and (−)-UA, 72 h), as compared to MCF7 cells. Brain cancer cells were the least affected, as so were normal astrocytes. UA had no effect on normal colon epithelial cells but showed moderate toxicity in prostate, thyroid, and breast cells. To conclude, the overall cytotoxicity of (+)-UA was stronger than its (−)-enantiomer, while the latter compound was more toxic to normal cells. These findings highlight the advantage of (+)-UA, especially in chemopreventive strategies.