Phytomedicine in Southeast Asia%253A Harnessing Biodiversity for Sustainable Healthcare and Economic Growth

The future of phytomedicine in Southeast Asia (SEA) appears promising due to the region’s diverse tropical flora, which includes nearly 50,000 known medicinal plants. This review examines current trends in medicinal plant research, the incorporation of phytomedicine into modern healthcare systems, existing challenges, and potential solutions. Recent research has highlighted the therapeutic potential of several notable SEA medicinal plants. Moreover, some countries in the SEA, such as Thailand and Vietnam, have effectively integrated traditional medicine into their modern healthcare systems. By 2026, the herbal medicine market is expected to reach USD 104.78 billion, with Southeast Asia (SEA) playing a significant role in this global economic expansion. However, conservation challenges, methodological complexities, and strict regulatory requirements hinder the practices of phytomedicine. This review emphasizes the importance of international collaboration, technological innovation, and the implementation of sustainable policies in overcoming these challenges. Therefore, phytomedicine has the potential to enhance the global economy, drive healthcare innovation, and promote sustainability by addressing key challenges and harnessing the region’s abundant biodiversit

Zooming in Into the Taxonomic Identification of a Human Breast-milk Derived Bifidobacterium sp. 2450

Exact species%252Fsubspecies identification is essential in understanding human-associated microbiota and the practical application of a particular bacterial isolate. With the fast evolution of DNA sequencing technology, however, there is a transition in molecular identification methods from single gene sequence- to whole genome sequence analysis, resulting in subtle changes in bacterial taxonomy. Here we report the application of three different species identification molecular methods and species delineation concepts to identify a human breast milk isolate Bifidobacterium sp. 2450 - classical 16S-rDNA sequence analysis, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and digital DNA%253ADNA hybridization (dDDH). Comparison of the partial 16S-rDNA sequence of Bifidobacterium sp. 2450 and type strains of the Bifidobacterium genus positioned the new isolate in the B. longum cluster. At subspecies level, including the four subspecies of B. longum (longum, infantis, suis and suillum), the partial 16S-rDNA sequence derived from Bifidobacterium sp. 2450 was >99.5%25 (1490 bp) identical to B. longum ssp. infantis. MLST was based on the concatenated partial sequences of the clpC, dnaG, dnaJ1, hsp60, purF, rpoC and xfp genes. Unlike16S-rDNA sequence analysis, MLST situated Bifidobacterium sp. 2450 closer to the B. longum ssp. longum cluster, separately from B. longum ssp. infantis. Next, dDDH was performed to compare the draft genome of Bifidobacterium sp. 2450 to complete genomes of type strains. Hybridization values with the type strain of B. longum ssp. longum DSM 20219 were 75.8 against only 62.4 for B. longum ssp. infantis DSM 20088. With a species delineation threshold for dDDH of 70, this method identified Bifidobacterium sp. 2450 as B. longum ssp. longum. Although the results from the three methods disagreed at intraspecies level, they all confirmed the new isolate to belong to the B. longum species, an identification level that is satisfactory for practical purposes

Indoor Air Quality Assessment at Biga Vocational School

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has gained significant importance by affecting health and occupational safety with the increase in time spent in indoor environments. In this study, IAQ at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Biga Vocational School was evaluated and air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and formaldehyde (HCHO) were examined in various indoor areas such as classrooms, canteen, corridors, laboratories and conference hall. Measurements were carried out using PCE RCM 15 Air Quality Measurement Instrument over multiple periods. The results show that PM concentrations were generally within acceptable limits but increased with student density and long-term occupancy. The intermittent exceedance of recommended TVOC thresholds underscores the necessity for enhanced ventilation strategies, particularly during periods of peak occupancy. HCHO levels remained low, indicating appropriate material selection in building construction and furnishing. The study emphasizes the necessity of periodic monitoring, optimized ventilation and awareness programs to improve indoor air quality and provide a healthier learning environment. Additionally, indoor temperature and humidity values were also measured and evaluated. The measurement results are thoroughly analyzed in the final section

Optimization of Berry Infusions with High Polphenol Content

Goji berry, also known as wolfberry, is a plant that grows in the Asian region. It is a red-orange elliptical fruit with a sweet, sour taste due to the presence of phenolic compounds. Recently, goji berry is becoming more and more popular because of the health benefits of bioactive ingredients. The present study aims to determine infusion parameters for producing functional beverages rich in bioactive components and suitable for consumption with maximum benefit to human health. In this context, the response surface methodology (RSM) was used for experimental design. Three independent variables were determined, which are temperature (75ndash%253B95 deg%253BC), time (5ndash%253B15 min), and mass (2ndash%253B5 g), to optimize the desired quality characteristics in goji berry teas and to evaluate the interactions of the independent variables. The three-variable experimental design was implemented 6 replications in the center point, resulting in 20 total trial patterns. The total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, anthocyanin content, and condensed tannin content of the samples were determined. For optimization, it is aimed that goji berry infusions have the values of maximum total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, anthocyanin content, and condensed tannin content. As a result of the analysis of variance (ANOVA), a meaningful model for total anthocyanin content, total flavonoid content, condensed tannin content, and phenolic content values could not be established (plt%253B0.05), but statistically significant model was obtained for DPPH (plt%253B0.05). Temperature and mass were found to be statistically significant (plt%253B0.05) on DPPH. Depending on the levels of the selected quality characteristics, the parameters that will provide an optimum formulation of goji berry infusions were suggested as 85.77deg%253BC, 5 min., and 5 g, according to the desirability function (0.634). Thus, the parameters of antioxidant capacity, total phenolic substance, total anthocyanin, total flavonoid, and total condensed tannin content were determined to maximize bioactive substances and be beneficial for consumer health

Recombinat Production and Characterization of the SUMO-Tagged N-Glycosidase F Enzyme

Glycans, a key component of cells, are abundant and diverse biopolymers found in covalent bonds of sucrose attached to proteins and lipids. They significantly contribute to mass and structural variation in biological systems. In order to characterize glycans, study their effects in various experiments, and comprehend their roles, it is necessary to isolate them from the proteins with which they are associated. Chemical methods and various enzymes separate glycans. The ease of application of chemical methods, despite their low cost, chemical methods ease of application affects the chemical structure of both glycans and the remaining part of the polypeptide during deglycosylation. Additionally, the high salt content of the separated glycans makes mass spectrometry analysis of these glycants difficult. For these reasons, the use of enzymes in glycan studies has increased in recent years. One of the most commonly used enzymes in this field, N-glycosidase F has a wide spectrum and the ability to successfully release various N-glycan structures from glycoprotein. In this study, the PNGase F enzyme, secreted by Flavobacterium meningosepticum, was efficiently produced in a recombinant manner. The enzyme, which contains 314 amino acids, is the most effective method for removing N-glycan from glycoproteins

Chitosan Nanofibers Enriched with Oleuropein via Electrospinning%253A Potential as Active Packaging Materials

The development of sustainable and functional food packaging materials is crucial to addressing global challenges such as environmental pollution, food waste, and the demand for eco-friendly solutions. This study explores the fabrication of oleuropein-incorporated chitosan nanofibers using the electrospinning technique. Oleuropein, a phenolic compound known for its potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, was integrated into chitosan-based nanofibers to enhance their functional characteristics. The structural, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of the nanofiber films were thoroughly evaluated. Results revealed that increasing oleuropein concentration significantly influenced the viscosity of the polymer solutions and nanofiber morphology while having negligible effects on electrical conductivity. The films exhibited enhanced total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity with higher oleuropein concentrations, with the OLE_3.75 sample achieving the highest TPC (31.66plusmn%253B3.29 mg GAE%252Fg film) and strong DPPH scavenging activity (87.15plusmn%253B1.14%25). Antimicrobial tests demonstrated selective inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria), with inhibition zones of 18.50plusmn%253B0.15 mm and 17.50plusmn%253B0.25 mm for OLE_2.5 and OLE_3.75 films, respectively, while showing no activity against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacteria). These findings underscore the potential of oleuropein-loaded PEO%252Fchitosan nanofiber films as innovative active packaging materials with robust antioxidant and selective antimicrobial properties. This research contributes to the advancement of multifunctional, biodegradable packaging solutions that align with sustainability and food safety goals, offering promising applications in food preservation and biomedical fields

Determination of the Effects of Different Tree Logs on Some Important Volatile Aroma Components in the Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus Jacq Kumm)

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) is grown in significant quantities around the world. Compared to the Agaricus species, it is highly tolerant to hot and cold conditions, making it easier to cultivate. At the same time, their cultivation can be done in many different nutrient media. This provides advantages in the agricultural use of many waste materials or materials used for heating purposes. In addition, mushrooms have an important place in the agriculture and food sector, especially with their unique flavor. In the study, oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) was grown in nutrient media prepared using logs of beech (Fagus spp.), chestnut (Quercus spp.), poplar (Populus spp.), linden (Tilia spp.) trees. The research was conducted in the mushroom cultivation facility at C.O.M.U., Faculty of Agriculture, Horticulture Department. In the study, aroma compounds were analyzed in mushrooms grown in the mentioned media. Under the conditions of our study, it was found that linden logs were not suitable for Pleurotus ostreatus production. Major aroma components were 3 octanone, 3-octanol, 1-octen-3-ol components known to create mushroom aroma, odor or taste. It has been determined that total rate of these components, which are important in the aroma industry, are at higher levels in the nutrient medium consisting of poplar tree logs

Effects of Some Distillation Wastes Used in Growing Media on the Quality of Tomato and Cucumber Seedlings

The present research aimed to evaluate the utilization of some medicinal aromatic plants%252339%253B distillation wastes (sage, thyme, mint, and basil) to provide an option for seedling growth media to ameliorate the seedling quality as well as to the restricted sources of peat. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) were used as vegetative production materials. In the present study, including control media five different growing media consisting of distillation waste of thyme, sage, mint, and basil at 3%253A1 (peat%253A distillation wastes) rates were prepared. Consequently, it can be said some medicinal aromatic plant distillation wastes have the potential to be used as a support to seedling growing media

Determination of Volatile Aroma Compounds in the Catherina Peach Variety

Peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch), belonging to the Rosaceae family and classified under the Prunoidea subfamily of the Rosales order, is divided into three cultural forms%253A fuzzy (Prunus persica vulgaris Mill), non-fuzzy (Nectarines) (Prunus persica var. nectarina Maxim), and tomato peach (Prunus persica var. platycarpa). Peaches are primarily consumed as fresh fruit but are also used for industrial purposes. This study utilized the Catherina variety from a specific orchard in the Kumkale region of Çanakkale%252339%253Bs. The collected samples were analyzed in the laboratory to examine their chemical properties. A total of 33 components were identified through the analyses. According to the results, the total values of the aroma groups were as follows%253A aldehydes (443.65 mu%253Bg%252Fkg), lactones (35.48 mu%253Bg%252Fkg), alcohols (10.80 mu%253Bg%252Fkg), esters (29.41 mu%253Bg%252Fkg), and terpenes (19.28 mu%253Bg%252Fkg). This study determined the volatile aroma compound values of the Catherina peach variety

Effect of pH-shift Treatment and Ultrasonication on the Physical Stability and Properties of Hemp Seed Milk

Hemp seed milk is a growing beverage with excellent nutritional content and minimal allergenicity, which offers a tasty substitute for other plant-based milk types. During this research, we investigated the individual and combined impact of pH shift and ultrasound (US) on the stability characteristics of hemp seed milk. The effect of pH shift and US were investigated on the physico-chemical properties of hemp, milk, sedimentation index, rheological properties, color, oBrix, physical stability, titratable acidity, and emulsion stability index (ESI) measurements. According to the obtained data, applying individual US techniques showed the best results, with the highest stability characteristics and better rheological properties, the highest L* (lightness) and oBrix values, and the lowest titratable acidity values. Interestingly, the individual application of the pH-shift technique showed the lowest physical stability results. In comparison, pH shift treatment combined with the US demonstrated moderate stability. Thus, the pH shift and the US are remarkable non-thermal processing methods for producing stable hempseed milk