Bamboo vinegar powder: Unveiling its antioxidant and antifungal efficacy through bioactive compound analysis and...

Bamboo vinegar has been applied in livestock and fisheries as food additives. In this study, the antioxidant and antifungal properties of bamboo vinegar powder extract (BVPE) and its bioactive compounds were explored. BVPE exhibited significant free radical scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals, along with notable antifungal effects against Aspergillus terreus and Paecilomyces variotii. LC-MS/MS analysis identified several bioactive compounds, including 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene, 4-methylcatechol, 3,4-dihydroxyhydrocinnamic acid, and hydroquinone, exhibiting strong antioxidant capacities. Moreover, eight abundant compounds revealed significant antifungal activity, with 4-methylcatechol and 4-methylbenzoic acid displaying potent effects. Notably, 4-methylbenzoic acid, with low cytotoxicity, was assessed for its antifungal mechanism through RNA-seq analysis, suggesting involvement of the shikimate pathway. Molecular docking analysis indicated that 4-methylbenzoic acid could potentially disrupt the shikimate pathway by interacting with key enzymes. Overall, BVPE holds promise as a natural antioxidant and antifungal agent, with particular emphasis on the potential therapeutic role of 4-methylbenzoic acid.