Phytochemical-Guided Development and Preclinical Evaluation of Polyphenol-Rich Functional Beverages from Local Uzbek Plant Extracts
Abstract
The present study aimed to develop and evaluate polyphenol-rich functional beverages from locally sourced plant materials using an integrated phytochemical-guided approach. Extracts and concentrates derived from hawthorn ( Crataegus songarica ), mulberry ( Morus nigra L. ), grape pomace, and apple were first characterized for their phenolic, vitamin, and mineral composition. Based on their complementary profiles, five beverage formulations were developed and assessed for physicochemical properties, sensory acceptability, and microbiological stability. Among them, formulations F2, F3, and F5 demonstrated superior sensory performance, with F2 showing the highest levels of phenolic compounds, vitamins, and essential minerals. To evaluate biological relevance, selected plant-based concentrates were tested in a diet-induced metabolic syndrome model in Sprague Dawley rats. The results showed that the concentrates significantly attenuated body weight gain, improved locomotor activity, modulated cardiovascular responses, and normalized biochemical parameters related to lipid metabolism and liver function. Histological analysis further indicated protective effects at the tissue level, particularly in liver and cardiac structures. The findings demonstrate that phytochemical-guided formulation of plant-based beverages can yield systems with both technological feasibility and functional potential. This integrated approach demonstrates the value of combining compositional profiling with preclinical validation to facilitate the development of functional food with the goal of enhancing metabolic health.