In this research, we have reported the valorization possibilities of Matricaria recutita white ray florets using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with CO2. Experiments were conducted at temperatures of 35–55 °C and separation pressures of 5–9 MPa to evaluate their impact on the chemical composition and biological activity of the extracts. The total obtained extraction yields varied from 9.76 to 18.21 g 100 g−1 DW input. The greatest extraction yield obtained was at 9 MPa separation pressure and 55 °C in the separation tank. In all obtained extracts, the contents of total phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and sugars were determined. The influence of the supercritical CO2 extraction conditions on the extract antioxidant capacity was evaluated using the quenching activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The chemical composition of the extracts was identified using both gas and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry methods, whereas analyses of major and minor elements as well as heavy metals by microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer were provided. Moreover, extracts were compared with respect to their antimicrobial activity, as well as the cytotoxicity and phototoxicity of the extracts. The results revealed a considerable diversity in the phytochemical classes among all extracts investigated in the present study and showed that the Matricaria recutita white ray floret by-product possesses cytotoxic and proliferation-reducing activity in immortalized cell lines, as well as antimicrobial activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper presenting such comprehensive data on the chemical profile, antioxidant properties, and biological properties of SFE derived from Matricaria recutita white ray florets. For the first time, these effects have been studied in processing by-products, and the results generated in this study provide valuable preconditions for further studies in specific test systems to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action and potential applications, such as potential use in cosmetic formulations.

Aromatic and medicinal plants are a great source of useful bioactive compounds for use in cosmetics, drugs, and dietary supplements. This study investigated the potential of using supercritical fluid extracts obtained from Matricaria chamomilla white ray florets, a kind of industrial herbal byproduct, as a source of bioactive cosmetic ingredients. Response surface methodology to optimize the supercritical fluid extraction process by analyzing the impact of pressure and temperature on yield and the main bioactive compound groups were used. High-throughput 96-well plate spectrophotometric methods were used to analyze the extracts for total phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and sugars, as well as their antioxidant capacity. Gas chromatography and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to determine the phytochemical composition of the extracts. The extracts were also analyzed for antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, phototoxicity, and melanin content. Statistical analysis was performed to establish correlations between the extracts and develop models to predict the targeted phytochemical recovery and chemical and biological activities. The results show that the extracts contained a diverse range of phytochemical classes and had cytotoxic, proliferation-reducing, and antimicrobial activities, making them potentially useful in cosmetic formulations. This study provides valuable insights for further research on the uses and mechanisms of action of these extracts.

The extensive application of synthetic insecticides and herbicides over the past 50 years has led to a number of problems, including negative effects on non-target organisms and the evolution of pesticide-resistant pests. As an alternative means of pest control, plant-based biopesticides have emerged. While developing a new bioinsecticide, allelopathy on both target pests and target crops must be evaluated. We evaluated volatile organic compounds (VOCs), total phenolic content (TPC), total sugars and antiradical activity (ARA), as well as 18 photosynthetic apparatus characterizing functional parameters as stress signaling response to aqueous caraway seed distillation by-product-based extracts. VOCs were detected by headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS). The caraway extract application decreased “green leaf volatile” C4, C5 and C6 alcohol content in the cucumber leaves. Total phenolic content (TPC), total sugars and antiradical activity (ARA) using high-throughput 96-well plate spectrophotometric methods were tested in dried leaves. No significant changes in these parameters were detected in cucumber leaves after the application of extracts. The caraway extract application did not cause changes in the functioning of the photosynthesis apparatus. Aqueous caraway seed distillation by-product-based extracts can be considered non-phytotoxic to cucumber plants; however, they modify the VOC emissions even ten days after treatment.

The goal of the current study was to compare the chemical composition of the roots, shoots, and leaves of wild-growing Eryngium maritimum L., and of in vitro and in field-cultivated plants in Latvia. The essential oil yield obtained by hydrodistillation ranged from 0.14% to 0.54%, while analysis of the chemical composition using GC-MS revealed a total of 44 different volatiles, with differences in the types and amounts of volatiles between the leaves and roots. Using 96-well plate techniques, the concentration of total phenolic compounds, saponins, and sugars in the aqueous ethanolic extracts of E. maritimum were assessed, along with their capacity to scavenge stable DPPH radicals. Extracts from roots had a lower concentration of total phenolic compounds compared to those from the leaves of wild grown and cultivated plants but did not differ from in vitro shoots. Root, leaf, and shoot samples of the same genotype from different growth conditions had approximately the same concentration of total saponins, while total sugar concentrations were higher in the roots. The growth conditions had a significant effect on the concentration of total phenolic compounds and antiradical activity, with differences that were significant observed between plant aboveground and belowground parts. Analysis using UHPLC-ESI-q-TOF-MS revealed 63 compounds, with amino acids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (such as chlorogenic and rosmarinic acid) being the major compound groups that significantly differed between plant growth conditions. We also demonstrated that rapid screening of volatile compounds in in vitro plants using headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry analyses can predict the formation of marker compounds in the same mericlones grown in field conditions. These findings provide valuable insights into the chemical composition of E. maritimum and its potential for use in various applications.

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