Variations in Tunisian borage essential oil profiles and their antioxidant activities during flowering

<div><p>This study was conducted to examine the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oils (EOs) of <i>Borago officinalis</i> stem during its flowering stage. The EO composition was characterised by high proportions of <i>E</i>,<i>E</i>-decadienal, the main compound of monoterpene hydrocarbon class, with values varying from 47.08% to 55.28% in two Tunisian regions. The region of Korba exhibited the highest scavenging activity (2.05 mg/mL) by comparison with Beja region. In all tests, the fructification stage showed the best antioxidant activity of all flowering stages.</p></div

Optimizing prickly pear by-product valorization: formulating molasses with enhanced antioxidant capacities and sugar contents

This study endeavoured to capitalize on prickly pear by-products for the optimization of molasses formulation, targeting elevated antioxidant capacities and superior sugar contents. Through robust statistical modelling, the optimal cooking parameters—temperature (70-80 °C) and duration (60–90 min)—were determined, guided by responses of antioxidant activity and Brix value. A D-Optimal mixture design further delineated the ideal proportions of molasses components (pulp, peel, and seeds). Characterization revealed that peel harboured the highest concentrations of total polyphenols (396.41 mg GAE/100g FW) and flavonoids (234.26 mg CE/100g FW), emphasizing its antioxidant potential (DPPH inhibition IC50: 12.72 µg/ml). The optimal cooking conditions were established at 78.35 °C for 79.70 min, with predictive equations guiding ingredient proportions (0.265 g pulp, 0.710 g peel, 0.025 g seed). Intriguingly, while peel inclusion enhanced total sugar content and antioxidant activity, seed incorporation exerted a contrasting effect by reducing total sugar content and limiting antioxidant activity.</p