The Role of Polyphenols in Human Health and Food Systems: A Mini-Review

Polyphenols and AGEs/RAGE axis. Trends and challenges

The formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) is a key pathophysiological event linked not only to the onset and progression of diabetic complications, but also to neurodegeneration, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and others important human diseases. AGEs contributions to pathophysiology are mainly through the formation of cross-links and by engaging the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE). Polyphenols are secondary metabolites found largely in fruits, vegetables, cereals, and beverages, and during many years, important efforts have been made to elucidate their beneficial effects on human health, mainly ascribed to their antioxidant activities. In the present review, we highlighted the beneficial actions of polyphenols aimed to diminish the harmful consequences of advanced glycation, mainly by the inhibition of ROS formation during glycation, the inhibition of Schiff base, Amadori products, and subsequent dicarbonyls group formation, the activation of the glyoxalase system, as well as by blocking either AGEs-RAGE interaction or cell signaling.

Weight loss induced by whole grain-rich diet is through a gut microbiota-independent mechanism

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased worldwide. Obesity is a well-known risk factor of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease and raises public health concerns. Many dietary guidelines encourage the replacement of refined grains with whole grains (WGs) to enhance body weight management. Current evidence regarding interrelationships among WGs, body weight, and gut microbiota is limited and inconclusive. In this editorial, we comment on the article by Roager et al published in the recent issue of the Gut 2019; 68(1): 83-93. In the study, obese patients (25 < body mass index < 35 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to receive two 8-wk dietary controlling periods with WGs and refined grain-rich diet. The results showed significantly decreased body weight in the WG group. Either the composition of gut microbiota or short-chain fatty acids, the leading end product of fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrate by gut microbiota, did not differ between the two groups. The study highly indicated that a WG-rich diet reduced body weight independent of gut microbiota. We then raised some plausible mechanisms of how WGs might influence body weight and demonstrated more literature in line with WGs enhance body weight control through a microbiota-independent pathway. Possible mechanisms include: (1) The abundant dietary fiber contents of WGs increase satiety, satiation, energy excretion from stool, and energy expenditure simultaneously decreasing energy absorption and fat storage; (2) The plentiful amount of polyphenols of WGs improve energy expenditure by hampering adipocyte maturation and function; (3) The sufficient magnesium and zinc of WGs guarantee lean body mass growth and decrease fat mass; (4) The effect of WGs on brown adipose tissue is a key component of non-shivering thermogenesis; and (5) The increase of adiponectin by WGs enhances glucose utilization, lipid oxidation, and energy expenditure.

Plant extracts rich in polyphenols: antibacterial agents and natural preservatives for meat and meat products

Plant extracts contain large amounts of bioactive compounds, mainly polyphenols. Polyphenols inhibit the growth of microorganisms, especially bacteria. Their mechanism of action is still not fully understood but may be related to their chemical structure. They can cause morphological changes in microorganisms, damage bacterial cell walls and influence biofilm formation. Polyphenols also influence protein biosynthesis, change metabolic processes in bacteria cells and inhibit ATP and DNA synthesis (suppressing DNA gyrase). Due to the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of phenolic compounds, plant extracts offer an alternative to chemical preservatives used in the meat industry, especially nitrates (III). They can inhibit the growth of spoilage and pathogenic microflora, suppress oxidation of meat ingredients (lipids and proteins) and prevent discoloration. In this paper, we describe the factors that influence the content of polyphenols in plants and plant extracts. We present the antimicrobial activities of plant extracts and their mechanisms of action, and discuss the effects of plant extracts on the shelf-life of meat and meat products.

Health Properties and Composition of Honeysuckle Berry Lonicera caerulea L. An Update on Recent Studies

Lonicera caerulea L., also known as haskap or honeysuckle berry, is a fruit commonly planted in eastern Europe, Canada and Asia. The fruit was registered as a traditional food from a third country under European Union regulations only on December 2018. It is resistant to cold, pests, various soil acidities and diseases. However, its attractiveness is associated mostly with its health properties. The fruit shows anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity-important factors in improving health. These features result from the diverse content of phytochemicals in honeysuckle berries with high concentrations of phytocompounds, mainly hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, flavanols, flavones, isoflavones, flavonols, flavanones and anthocyanins but also iridoids, present in the fruit in exceptional amounts. The content and health properties of the fruit were identified to be dependent on cultivar, genotype and the place of harvesting. Great potential benefits of this nutritious food are its ability to minimize the negative effects of UV radiation, diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases, and to exert hepato- and cardioprotective activity.

Antioxidant Alternatives in the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Comprehensive Review

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that produces a selective loss of the motor neurons of the spinal cord, brain stem and motor cortex. Oxidative stress (OS) associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and the deterioration of the electron transport chain has been shown to be a factor that contributes to neurodegeneration and plays a potential role in the pathogenesis of ALS. The regions of the central nervous system affected have high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced antioxidant defenses. Scientific studies propose treatment with antioxidants to combat the characteristic OS and the regeneration of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels by the use of precursors. This review examines the possible roles of nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene as therapeutic strategies in ALS.

Plasma polyphenols associated with lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentrations: a cross-sectional study within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort

Experimental studies have reported on the anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols. However, results from epidemiological investigations have been inconsistent and especially studies using biomarkers for assessment of polyphenol intake have been scant. We aimed to characterise the association between plasma concentrations of thirty-five polyphenol compounds and low-grade systemic inflammation state as measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). A cross-sectional data analysis was performed based on 315 participants in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort with available measurements of plasma polyphenols and hsCRP. In logistic regression analysis, the OR and 95 % CI of elevated serum hsCRP (>3 mg/l) were calculated within quartiles and per standard deviation higher level of plasma polyphenol concentrations. In a multivariable-adjusted model, the sum of plasma concentrations of all polyphenols measured (per standard deviation) was associated with 29 (95 % CI 50, 1) % lower odds of elevated hsCRP. In the class of flavonoids, daidzein was inversely associated with elevated hsCRP (OR 0·66, 95 % CI 0·46, 0·96). Among phenolic acids, statistically significant associations were observed for 3,5-dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid (OR 0·58, 95 % CI 0·39, 0·86), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid (OR 0·63, 95 % CI 0·46, 0·87), ferulic acid (OR 0·65, 95 % CI 0·44, 0·96) and caffeic acid (OR 0·69, 95 % CI 0·51, 0·93). The odds of elevated hsCRP were significantly reduced for hydroxytyrosol (OR 0·67, 95 % CI 0·48, 0·93). The present study showed that polyphenol biomarkers are associated with lower odds of elevated hsCRP. Whether diet rich in bioactive polyphenol compounds could be an effective strategy to prevent or modulate deleterious health effects of inflammation should be addressed by further well-powered longitudinal studies.

Identification of functional compounds in baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) nuts: Nutritional value, volatile and phenolic composition, antioxidant activity and antiproliferative effect

This work aimed to contribute to the nutritional and functional characterization of roasted baru nuts, a seed widely consumed and produced in Brazil. Baru nut was characterized in terms of its nutritional value and volatile composition (SPME-GC-MS analysis). The ultrasound assisted extraction was used to extract free and bound phenolic compounds that were identified by LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS method. Bioactivity assays were carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activity (ORAC and HOSC assay) and anticancer effect (inhibition of HT29 cell growth and targeting of cancer stemness) of baru nut extracts and phenolic compounds. Results showed that baru is a good source of protein and monounsaturated fatty acids, specifically oleic acid (47.20 g/100 g). The predominant volatile compounds are hexanal (71.18%) and 2,5-dimethyl-pyrazine (9.43%). The main phenolic compounds identified were gallic acid and its derivatives, such as gallic acid esters and gallotannins. Among all, gallic acid and methyl gallate seemed to be the main compounds responsible for the high antioxidant activity. The antiproliferative effect evaluated of baru extracts in HT29 cell line showed ability to impair cell growth in both monolayer and spheroid cultures and to reduce ALDH+ population. These results supply new information about the functional compounds presents in baru nut, which are important sources of natural antioxidants and antiproliferative compounds.

Grape seed proanthocyanidins prevent H2 O2 -induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis via SIRT 1 activation in embryonic kidney cells

Grape proanthocyanidins are compounds widely ingested in the diet. This study evaluated their effects on mitochondrial function, apoptosis, and sirtuin 1 and 3 expressions in HEK-293 cells exposed to H₂ O₂ . High-resolution mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography characterized the proanthocyanidins extract and the presence of procyanidins B and C was detected. The extract prevented H₂ O₂ -induced oxidative damage to proteins and lipids and depletion in superoxide dismutase activity. Moreover, it was able to regulate the expression of NADH: Ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S7 and prevent mitochondrial electron transport chain dysfunction, ATP depletion, and apoptosis induced by H₂ O₂ . Finally, the extract was able to regulate sirtuin 1 and 3 expressions, thus maintaining cell viability. These data show that the grape seed proanthocyanidins can target mitochondrial proteins, which may represent an important approach for the management of numerous chronic illnesses associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Proanthocyanidins are phenolic compounds abundant in regular diet, commonly found in grapes and derivatives, pomegranates, apples, and red fruits, all foods known for their beneficial effects on health. The current study highlights the role of proanthocyanidins as mitochondrial modulators that may explain the biological activity attributed to these compounds. This study brings evidence that proanthocyanidins might be considered as a value-added agent for the development of new nutraceutical and or pharmaceutical approaches.

Efficiency of newly formulated functional instant soup mixtures as dietary supplements for elderly

Healthy diet for elderly not only provides them with their needs from macro and micronutrients but also help preventing and treating age-related disorders including non-communicable diseases. So, the present study established to evaluate physical, sensory, chemical and biological characteristics of newly formulated functional instant soup mixtures as dietary supplements for elderly. Lyophilized chickpea, some vegetables and some by-products (at 5% and 10%) were incorporated in the preparation of two instant soup mixtures. The biological effects of the mixtures were studied using a geriatric animal model. The results revealed a reasonable acceptance of the two mixtures even after storage period (4 months) in addition to their contents from protein, fat, crude fiber and carbohydrates (16.62, 6.20, 6.60 and 65.89%, respectively in mixture I; 16.89, 6.30, 6.30 and 54.16%, respectively in mixture II). Mixture II was more promised in flavonoids content and scavenging radical activity than mixture I. Feeding the geriatric rats on the two mixtures did not produce any change in either liver or kidney functions and suggested the ability of these mixtures to prevent the hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and improve bone health. A slight decrease in brain lipid peroxidation, although not statistically significant, of rats has been observed upon feeding on these mixtures. Also, the two mixtures increased feces weight of rats which indicates to the beneficial effects of these mixtures in prevention of constipation. In conclusion the formulated instant soup mixtures with high acceptability and antioxidant activity can provide elderly people with high percent of their requirements from macro and micronutrients.

Divergent Effects of Daidzein and its Metabolites on Estrogen-Induced Survival of Breast Cancer Cells

Although soy consumption is associated with breast cancer prevention, the low bioavailability and the extensive metabolism of soy-active components limit their clinical application. Here, the impact of daidzein (D) and its metabolites on estrogen-dependent anti-apoptotic pathway has been evaluated in breast cancer cells. In estrogen receptor α-positive breast cancer cells treated with D and its metabolites, single or in mixture, ERα activation and Neuroglobin (NGB) levels, an anti-apoptotic estrogen/ERα-inducible protein, were evaluated. Moreover, the apoptotic cascade activation, as well as the cell number after stimulation was assessed in the absence/presence of paclitaxel to determine the compound effects on cell susceptibility to a chemotherapeutic agent. Among the metabolites, only D-4'-sulfate maintains the anti-estrogenic effect of D, reducing the NGB levels and rendering breast cancer cells more prone to the paclitaxel treatment, whereas other metabolites showed estrogen mimetic effects, or even estrogen independent effects. Intriguingly, the co-stimulation of D and gut metabolites strongly reduced D effects. The results highlight the important and complex influence of metabolic transformation on isoflavones physiological effects and demonstrate the need to take biotransformation into account when assessing the potential health benefits of consumption of soy isoflavones in cancer.

Protective Effects of Dietary Antioxidants against Vanadium-Induced Toxicity: A Review

Vanadium (V) in its inorganic forms is a toxic metal and a potent environmental and occupational pollutant and has been reported to induce toxic effects in animals and people. In vivo and in vitro data show that high levels of reactive oxygen species are often implicated in vanadium deleterious effects. Since many dietary (exogenous) antioxidants are known to upregulate the intrinsic antioxidant system and ameliorate oxidative stress-related disorders, this review evaluates their effectiveness in the treatment of vanadium-induced toxicity. Collected data, mostly from animal studies, suggest that dietary antioxidants including ascorbic acid, vitamin E, polyphenols, phytosterols, and extracts from medicinal plants can bring a beneficial effect in vanadium toxicity. These findings show potential preventive effects of dietary antioxidants on vanadium-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, neurotoxicity, testicular toxicity, and kidney damage. The relevant mechanistic insights of these events are discussed. In summary, the results of studies on the role of dietary antioxidants in vanadium toxicology appear encouraging enough to merit further investigations.

Cardioprotective Effects of Dietary Phytochemicals on Oxidative Stress in Heart Failure by a Sex-Gender-Oriented Point of View

Dietary phytochemicals are considered an innovative strategy that helps to reduce cardiovascular risk factors. Some phytochemicals have been shown to play a beneficial role in lipid metabolism, to improve endothelial function and to modify oxidative stress pathways in experimental and clinical models of cardiovascular impairment. Importantly, investigation on phytochemical effect on cardiac remodeling appears to be promising. Nowadays, drug therapy and implantation of devices have demonstrated to ameliorate survival. Of interest, sex-gender seems to influence the response to HF canonical therapies. In fact, starting by the evidence of the feminization of world population and the scarce efficacy and safety of the traditional drugs in women, the search of alternative therapeutic tools has become mandatory. The aim of this review is to summarize the possible role of dietary phytochemicals in HF therapy and the evidence of a different sex-gender-oriented response.

The Link between Polyphenol Structure, Antioxidant Capacity and Shelf-Life Stability in the Presence of Fructose and Ascorbic Acid

Polyphenols play an important role in the sensorial and health-promoting properties of fruits and vegetables and display varying structure-dependent stability during processing and shelf-life. The current work aimed to increase the fundamental understanding of the link between the stability of polyphenols as a function of their structure, presence of ascorbic acid and fructose and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), using a multi-component model system. Polyphenol extract, used as the multi-component model system, was obtained from freeze-dried, high polyphenol content strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa ‘Nerina’) and twenty-one compounds were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The TAC and the first-order degradation kinetics were obtained, linking the polyphenol stability to its chemical structure, with and without the presence of fructose and ascorbic acid. The TAC (measured by oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assays) was not dramatically affected by storage temperatures and formulation, while polyphenol stability was significantly and structure dependently affected by temperature and the presence of ascorbic acid and fructose. Anthocyanins and phenolic acids were more unstable in the presence of ascorbic acid, while flavonol stability was enhanced by its presence. Shelf life study performed at 37 °C revealed significantly higher stability of purified polyphenols vs. the stability of the same polyphenols in the strawberry extract (multi-component system).

Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Antioxidants from Bamboo Shoots of Phyllostachys pubescens

Bamboo is a well-known medicinal plant in Southeast Asia that recently has attracted attention for its high polyphenol content and its medical and nutraceutical applications. In this work, polyphenols have been recovered for the first time by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) from an unusual Italian cultivar of Phyllostachys pubescens bamboo shoots. The effects of three independent variables, such as extraction time, temperature, and solid/liquid ratio, on polyphenol recovery yield were investigated and successfully optimized through the response surface methodology. We demonstrated that MAE is an excellent polyphenols extraction technique from bamboo shoots because the total phenolic content obtained under microwave irradiation optimal conditions (4 min at 105 °C with 6.25 mg/mL ratio) was about eight-fold higher than that obtained with the conventional extraction method. Furthermore, higher total flavonoid content was also obtained under MAE. Consistent with these results, MAE enhanced the extract antioxidant properties with significant improved DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP scavenging ability. Therefore, this innovative extraction process enhances the recovery of biologically active compounds from Phyllostachys pubescens bamboo shoots with a dramatic reduction of time and energy consumption, which paves the way for its industrial application in functional food production.

The Anti-Proliferative and Anti-Invasive Effect of Leaf Extracts of Blueberry Plants Treated with Methyl Jasmonate on Human Gastric Cancer In Vitro Is Related to Their Antioxidant Properties

Gastric cancer is the third main cause of cancerous tumors in humans in Chile. It is well-accepted that a diet rich in antioxidant plants could help in fighting cancer. Blueberry is a fruit crop with a high content of antioxidants. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is a phytohormone involved in plant defenses under stress conditions. The exogenous application of MeJA can improve the antioxidant properties in plants. We studied in vitro and in vivo anticancer action on human gastric cancer (cell line AGS) and the antioxidant properties of extracts from blueberry plants untreated and treated with MeJA. The results demonstrated that leaf extracts displayed a higher inhibition of cancer cell viability as well as greater antioxidant properties compared to fruit extracts. Besides, MeJA applications to plants improved the antioxidant properties of leaf extracts (mainly anthocyanins), increasing their inhibition levels on cell viability and migration. It is noteworthy that leaf extract from MeJA-treated plants significantly decreased cancer cell migration and expression of gastric cancer-related proteins, mainly related to the mitogen-activating protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Interestingly, in all cases the anticancer and antioxidant properties of leaf extracts were strongly related. Despite highlighted outcomes, in vivo results did not indicate significant differences in Helicobacter pylori colonization nor inflammation levels in Mongolian gerbils unfed and fed with blueberry leaf extract. Our findings demonstrated that MeJA increased antioxidant compounds, mainly anthocyanins, and decreased the viability and migration capacity of AGS cells. In addition, leaf extracts from MeJA-treated plants were also able to decrease the expression of gastric cancer-related proteins. Our outcomes also revealed that the anthocyanin-rich fraction of blueberry leaf extracts showed higher in vitro antiproliferative and anti-invasive effects than the crude leaf extracts. However, it is still uncertain whether the leaf extracts rich in anthocyanins of blueberry plants are capable of exerting a chemopreventive or chemoprotective effect against gastric cancer on an in vivo model.

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant, Antiperoxidative, and Antihemolytic Properties Investigation of Three Apiaceae Species Grown in the Southeast of Morocco

For a long time, Apiaceae species have been widely employed in the southeast of Morocco for culinary and folk healing purposes. In the current study, we investigated three Apiaceae herbs known as coriander (Coriandrum sativum), celery (Apium graveolens), and parsley (Petroselinum crispum) for their antioxidant, antiperoxidative, and antihemolytic properties. The HPLC-DAD has been used to classify and measure phenolic compounds. The major phenolic compounds studied were p-coumaric, chlorogenic, caffeic acids, luteolin, and quercetin. The polyphenol level was also estimated via Folin-Ciocalteu's method, aluminium chloride, and acidified vanillin. Parsley showed the highest polyphenol level and, thus, showed potential antioxidant activities demonstrated by DPPH, ABTS scavenging tests, and reducing power (FRAP), as well as TBARS assays. Very strong correlations were depicted among phenol levels and antioxidant assays (R ² ≥ 0.910) and among antihemolytic activity and flavonoids (R ² ≥ 0.927), indicating the implication of phenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids, in the antiradical properties. These finding may prove the traditional use of these Apiaceae species in the management of numerous disorders cited within the Moroccan pharmacopoeia.

Microbial degradation of poultry feather biomass in a constructed bioreactor and application of hydrolysate as bioenhancer to vegetable crops

Bioconversion of recalcitrant keratinous biomass is one of the greatest ways to utilize products of feather hydrolysis and recycle them into bionetwork. Present study revealed 87% degradation of poultry feathers within 48 h in a constructed bioreactor using Chryseobacterium sp. RBT. The resulting feather hydrolysate (FH) was rich in soluble protein (3.56 ± 0.18 mg/ml), amino acids (3.83 ± 0.20 mg/ml), and macro and micro nutrients like N (8.0302%), P (0.3876%), K (0.5532%), Cu (0.0684%), Mg (0.8078%), Mn (0.2001%), Ca (0.4832%), Zn (0.0442%), and Fe (0.0330%). HPTLC analysis of FH revealed presence of tryptophan, cysteine, methionine, phenylalanine, glycine, valine, tyrosine, lysine, leucine, and serine as the primary amino acids. Field studies were conducted to apply FH as the bioenhancer to commercially important crops like brinjal and chilli through root drenching (20%, v/v). FH showed positive impact on the growth and development of plants along with early flowering and improved crop yield. In addition, nutritional quality of brinjal and chilli in terms of protein, amino acids, reducing sugars, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant was elevated. Therefore, promotion and utility of by-products generated in feather degradation would be an effective strategy focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and problems associated with the waste management.

Agriculture waste valorisation as a source of antioxidant phenolic compounds within a circular and sustainable bioeconomy

Agro-food industrial waste is currently being accumulated, pushing scientists to find recovery strategies to obtain bioactive compounds within a circular bioeconomy. Target phenolic compounds have shown market potential by means of optimization extraction techniques.

Recent Advances on the Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Red Grape Polyphenols: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

In this review, special emphasis will be placed on red grape polyphenols for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, their capacity to inhibit major pathways responsible for activation of oxidative systems and expression and release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines will be discussed. Furthermore, regulation of immune cells by polyphenols will be illustrated with special reference to the activation of T regulatory cells which support a tolerogenic pathway at intestinal level. Additionally, the effects of red grape polyphenols will be analyzed in obesity, as a low-grade systemic inflammation. Also, possible modifications of inflammatory bowel disease biomarkers and clinical course have been studied upon polyphenol administration, either in animal models or in clinical trials. Moreover, the ability of polyphenols to cross the blood-brain barrier has been exploited to investigate their neuroprotective properties. In cancer, polyphenols seem to exert several beneficial effects, even if conflicting data are reported about their influence on T regulatory cells. Finally, the effects of polyphenols have been evaluated in experimental models of allergy and autoimmune diseases. Conclusively, red grape polyphenols are endowed with a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential but some issues, such as polyphenol bioavailability, activity of metabolites, and interaction with microbiota, deserve deeper studies.

Polyphenols for diabetes associated neuropathy: Pharmacological targets and clinical perspective

OBJECTIVES

Diabetic neuropathy (DNP) is a widespread and debilitating complication with complex pathophysiology that is caused by neuronal dysfunction in diabetic patients. Conventional therapeutics for DNP are quite challenging due to their serious adverse effects. Hence, there is a need to investigate novel effective and safe options. The novelty of the present study was to provide available therapeutic approaches, emerging molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways and future directions of DNP as well as polyphenols' effect, which accordingly, give new insights for paving the way for novel treatments in DNP.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A comprehensive review was done in electronic databases including Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, national database (Irandoc and SID), and related articles regarding metabolic pathways on the pathogenesis of DNP as well as the polyphenols' effect. The keywords "diabetic neuropathy" and "diabetes mellitus" in the title/abstract and "polyphenol" in the whole text were used. Data were collected from inception until May 2019.

RESULTS

DNP complications is mostly related to a poor glycemic control and metabolic imbalances mainly inflammation and oxidative stress. Several signaling and molecular pathways play key roles in the pathogenesis and progression of DNP. Among natural entities, polyphenols are suggested as multi-target alternatives affecting most of these pathogenesis mechanisms in DNP.

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed novel pathogenicity signaling pathways of DNP and affirmed the auspicious role of polyphenols to tackle these destructive pathways in order to prevent, manage, and treat various diseases. Graphical Abstract .

Biophysical and in Vivo Studies Identify a New Natural-Based Polyphenol, Counteracting Aβ Oligomerization in Vitro and Aβ Oligomer-Mediated Memory Impairment and Neuroinflammation in an Acute Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

In this study natural-based complex polyphenols, obtained through a smart synthetic approach, have been evaluated for their ability to inhibit the formation of Aβ₄₂ oligomers, the most toxic species causing synaptic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and neuronal death leading to the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. In vitro neurotoxicity tests on primary hippocampal neurons have been employed to select nontoxic candidates. Solution NMR and molecular docking studies have been performed to clarify the interaction mechanism of Aβ₄₂ with the synthesized polyphenol derivatives, and highlight the sterical and chemical requirements important for their antiaggregating activity. NMR results indicated that the selected polyphenolic compounds target Aβ₄₂ oligomeric species. Combined NMR and docking studies indicated that the Aβ₄₂ central hydrophobic core, namely, the 17-31 region, is the main interaction site. The length of the peptidomimetic scaffold and the presence of a guaiacol moiety were identified as important requirements for the antiaggregating activity. In vivo experiments on an Aβ₄₂ oligomer-induced acute mouse model highlighted that the most promising polyphenolic derivative (PP04) inhibits detrimental effects of Aβ₄₂ oligomers on memory and glial cell activation. NMR kinetic studies showed that PP04 is endowed with the chemical features of true inhibitors, strongly affecting both the Aβ₄₂ nucleation and growth rates, thus representing a promising candidate to be further developed into an effective drug against neurodegenerative diseases of the amyloid type.

Artificial Intelligence Applied to Flavonoid Data in Food Matrices

Increasing interest in constituents and dietary supplements has created the need for more efficient use of this information in nutrition-related fields. The present work aims to obtain optimal models to predict the total antioxidant properties of food matrices, using available information on the amount and class of flavonoids present in vegetables. A new dataset using databases that collect the flavonoid content of selected foods has been created. Structural information was obtained using a structural-topological approach called TOPological Sub-Structural Molecular (TOPSMODE). Different artificial intelligence algorithms were applied, including Machine Learning (ML) methods. The study allowed us to demonstrate the effectiveness of the models using structural-topological characteristics of dietary flavonoids. The proposed models can be considered, without overfitting, effective in predicting new values of Oxygen Radical Absorption capacity (ORAC), except in the Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) algorithm. The best optimal model was obtained by the Random Forest (RF) algorithm. The in silico methodology we developed allows us to confirm the effectiveness of the obtained models, by introducing the new structural-topological attributes, as well as selecting those that most influence the class variable.

Polydatin and Resveratrol Inhibit the Inflammatory Process Induced by Urate and Pyrophosphate Crystals in THP-1 Cells

Resveratol (RES) and its natural precursor polydatin (PD) are polyphenols that may display a broad variety of beneficial effects including anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the role of RES and PD in the inflammatory process induced by monosodium urate (MSU) and calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystals in vitro. A monocytic cell line (THP-1) was primed for 3 hours with phorbol myristate acetate (100 ng/mL) and stimulated with synthetic MSU (0.05 mg/mL) and CPP (0.025 mg/mL) crystals. RES and PD were added to cultures concurrently with the crystals, or as 2-hour pretreatment. The effect of the two polyphenols was evaluated on intracellular and extracellular IL-1β levels, NACHT-LRRPYD-containing protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production, and the assessment of crystal phagocytosis. RES and PD strongly inhibited IL-1β induced by crystals after cell pretreatment. Cell pretreatment was effective also in reducing IL-1 mRNA expression while no effect was observed on NLRP3 gene expression. RES and PD had no effect on crystal phagocytosis when used as pretreatment. Both polyphenols were significantly effective in inhibiting ROS and NO production. Our results demonstrated that RES and PD are effective in inhibiting crystal-induced inflammation. Data obtained after cell pretreatment allow us to hypothesize that these polyphenols act on specific signaling pathways, preventing inflammation.

Fruits of new selection forms and varieties of snowball tree for manufacture of products of therapeutic and prophylactic purpose

The paper presents the results of the comparative assessment of varieties and selected breeding forms of the snowball tree (Viburnum opulus L., Adoxaceae). The article presents the biochemical composition, marketable and taste qualities of fruits of varieties and elite forms of the snowball tree of regular selection of the Institute of Horticulture of the NAAS and its network, grown under conditions of the Central part of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. We selected the sources of specific economic and valuable features: large-fruits (weight of the fruit of 1.24–1.80 g, weight of bunch of 109–126 g – Velykoplidna, Ania, Uliana, ЕF-3-10-2010), high taste qualities – degustation evaluation of 8.8–9.0 points and chemical composition of fruits (EF-5-12-2012, EF-3-10-2010, Bagriana, Koralova). The study revealed that the fruits of some selection samples are promising raw materials for production of food products and ingredients of functional purpose, including syrups, mors, juices (varieties Kоrаlоvа, Bаhrianа, Аnia, Uliana, ЕF-3-10-2010, ЕF-5-12-2012, ЕF-7-31-12 with sugar-acid index of 4.86–7.63 and juiciness of the fruit of 4.86–7.63%); jelly, marmalade (Bаhrianа, Аnia, Kоrаlоvа, ЕF-3-10-2010, which have increased content of pectic substances – 9.1–13.0 mg/kg and Р-active compounds – 740–950 mg%); powdered food additives (Kоrаlоvа, ЕF-3-10-2010, ЕF-5-12-2012, ЕF-7-31-12); manufacturing pharmaceuticals (ЕF-2-56-13). Consumption of these products reduces the risk of diet-related diseases, preventing deficiency and replenishing nutrients in the human body, thus preserving and improving health due to the presence of physiologically functional ingredients in their composition. The modern food industry is paying more attention to healthy food with a balanced composition of nutrients, including functional products. Today the snowball tree is a nichе plant both in Ukraine and in the world. According to national scientists and market analysts, today some important factors of the cultivation expediency of snowball tree fruits can be distinguished. The weather and climate and soil conditions in Ukraine are quite favourable for cultivation of this plant. The creation of raw material zones would allow the population to be provided with functional products in sufficient quantity, and, if necessary, allow this plant to be cultivated for export.

Nutraceuticals as a potential adjunct therapy toward improving vascular health in CKD

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health epidemic and increases risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Vascular dysfunction is a major independent risk factor toward increased risk for CVD in CKD. Several mechanisms have been postulated to result in vascular dysfunction in CKD, including oxidative stress-mediated inflammation by redox imbalance and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and synthesis. Therefore, strategies that decrease oxidative stress and/or increase NO bioactivity may have major clinical implications toward improving vascular health and reducing the burden of CVD in CKD. Nutraceutical therapy in the form of polyphenols, dietary nitrates, or selective mitochondria-targeting therapies has recently been shown to improve vascular function by reducing oxidative stress and/or increasing NO bioavailability and synthesis. This review, therefore, highlights these three emerging nutraceuticals recently implicated in pathophysiological improvement of vascular function in CKD. This review also describes those pathophysiological mechanisms thought to be responsible for the beneficial effects on the vasculature and possible experimental considerations that may exist within human CKD populations. It is clear throughout this review that human-based mechanistic preclinical and health-related clinical studies are lacking regarding whether nutraceuticals do indeed improve vascular function in patients with CKD. As such, a comprehensive, detailed, and fully integrated understanding of nutraceuticals and vasculature function is necessary in patients with CKD. Many opportunities exist for original mechanistic and therapeutic discoveries and investigations on select nutraceuticals and their impact on vascular outcomes in patients with CKD, and these will remain exciting avenues of research in the future.

Relationship Between Oxidative Stress, ER Stress, and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes: The Battle Continues

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in which oxidative stress is thought to be a primary cause. Considering that mitochondria are the main source of ROS, we have set out to provide a general overview on how oxidative stress is generated and related to T2D. Enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress occurs in mitochondria as a consequence of an overload of glucose and oxidative phosphorylation. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays an important role in oxidative stress, as it is also a source of ROS. The tight interconnection between both organelles through mitochondrial-associated membranes (MAMs) means that the ROS generated in mitochondria promote ER stress. Therefore, a state of stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are consequences of this vicious cycle. The implication of mitochondria in insulin release and the exposure of pancreatic β-cells to hyperglycemia make them especially susceptible to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. In fact, crosstalk between both mechanisms is related with alterations in glucose homeostasis and can lead to the diabetes-associated insulin-resistance status. In the present review, we discuss the current knowledge of the relationship between oxidative stress, mitochondria, ER stress, inflammation, and lipotoxicity in T2D.

Virgin Olive Oil and Health: Summary of the III International Conference on Virgin Olive Oil and Health Consensus Report, JAEN (Spain) 2018

The Mediterranean diet is considered as the foremost dietary regimen and its adoption is associated with the prevention of degenerative diseases and an extended longevity. The preeminent features of the Mediterranean diet have been agreed upon and the consumption of olive oil stands out as the most peculiar one. Indeed, the use of olive oil as the nearly exclusive dietary fat is what mostly characterizes the Mediterranean area. Plenty of epidemiological studies have correlated that the consumption of olive oil was associated with better overall health. Indeed, extra virgin olive oil contains (poly)phenolic compounds that are being actively investigated for their purported biological and pharma-nutritional properties. On 18 and 19 May 2018, several experts convened in Jaen (Spain) to discuss the most recent research on the benefits of olive oil and its components. We reported a summary of that meeting (reviewing several topics related to olive oil, not limited to health) and concluded that substantial evidence is accruing to support the widespread opinion that extra virgin olive oil should, indeed, be the fat of choice when it comes to human health and sustainable agronomy.

Antioxidant and Pro-Oxidant Activities of Melatonin in the Presence of Copper and Polyphenols In Vitro and In Vivo

Melatonin is a well-documented antioxidant. Physicochemical analysis using the density functional theory suggests that melatonin is a copper chelating agent; however, experimental evidence is still in demand. The present study investigated the influence of melatonin on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from polyphenol autoxidation in the presence of copper. Surprisingly, we found that melatonin paradoxically enhanced ROS formation in a redox system containing low concentrations of copper and quercetin (Que) or (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), due to reduction of cupric to cuprous ion by melatonin. Addition of DNA to this system inhibited ROS production, because DNA bound to copper and inhibited copper reduction by melatonin. When melatonin was added to a system containing high concentrations of copper and Que or EGCG, it diminished hydroxyl radical formation as expected. Upon addition of DNA to high concentrations of copper and Que, this pro-oxidative system generated ROS and caused DNA damage. The DNA damage was not prevented by typical scavengers of hydroxyl radical DMSO or mannitol. Under these conditions, melatonin or bathocuproine disulfonate (a copper chelator) protected the DNA from damage by chelating copper. When melatonin was administered intraperitoneally to mice, it inhibited hepatotoxicity and DNA damage evoked by EGCG plus diethyldithiocarbamate (a copper ionophore). Overall, the present study demonstrates the pro-oxidant and antioxidant activities of melatonin in the redox system of copper and polyphenols. The pro-oxidant effect is inhibited by the presence of DNA, which prevents copper reduction by melatonin. Interestingly, in-vivo melatonin protects against copper/polyphenol-induced DNA damage probably via acting as a copper-chelating agent rather than a hydroxyl radical scavenger. Melatonin with a dual function of scavenging hydroxyl radical and chelating copper is a more reliable DNA guardian than antioxidants that only have a single function of scavenging hydroxyl radical.

Viburnum opulus Fruit Phenolic Compounds as Cytoprotective Agents Able to Decrease Free Fatty Acids and Glucose Uptake by Caco-2 Cells

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in studying food-originated phytocompounds with beneficial influences for humans. Amongst the most active natural substances are polyphenols, for which high content has been identified in the Viburnum opulus berry, and which are unused in Western Europe. Due to its strong antioxidant activity we explored the potential of V. opulus as a preventive agent against diet-related chronic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Among the causes of these ailments is oxidative stress, as well as impaired glucose and free fatty acids (FFA) uptake. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine biological activity of V. opulus phenolic extracts as cytoprotective agents able to decrease induced oxidative stress, lower lipid accumulation and attenuate glucose and FFA uptake by Caco-2 cells via GLUT2 and CD36/FAT transporters. To determine the source of the most biologically active phenolic compounds, we obtained four phenolic compounds extracts as crude juice, phenolics isolated from juice and two preparations of phenolics obtained with different extraction agents from fruit pomace. Among the studied extracts, the phenolic rich fraction obtained from fruit juice revealed the strongest activity to decrease uptake of glucose, FFA and accumulation of lipid droplets in Caco-2 cells without affecting their viability (IC₀ 50 μg/mL). Observed uptake attenuation was followed by decrease of the CD36/FAT gene expression, without influence on the GLUT2 and PPARα levels. We suspect that V. opulus phenolics were able to modulate the cellular membrane dynamic, although that hypothesis requires further, more detailed studies. Extracts revealed strong chemo-preventive activity against oxidative stress induced chemically by tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BOOH), as well as against DNA damage through the induction of DNA repair after cell exposition to methylnitronitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and H₂O₂. Our findings suggest Viburnum opulus fruit as a dietary source of phytocompounds, which could be considered as a tailored design food supplement components for the prevention and treatment of postprandial elevation of glucose and fatty acids through delaying the rate of glucose and fatty acid absorption by intestinal cells.

The Sex-Gender Effects in the Road to Tailored Botanicals

Phenols are a wide family of phytochemicals that are characterized by large chemical diversity and are considered to bioactive molecules of foods, beverages, and botanicals. Although they have a multitude of biological actions, their beneficial effects are rarely evidenced in clinical research with high scientific rigor. This may occur due to the presence of numerous confounders, such as the modulation of phenol bioavailability, which can be regulated by microbiota, age, sex-gender. Sex-gender is an important determinant of health and well-being, and has an impact on environmental and occupational risks, access to health care, disease prevalence, and treatment outcomes. In addition, xenobiotic responses may be strongly influenced by sex-gender. This review describes how sex–gender differentially influences the activities of phenols also in some critical periods of women life such as pregnancy and lactation, considering also the sex of fetuses and infants. Thus, sex–gender is a variable that must be carefully considered and should be used to propose directions for future research on the road to tailored medicine and nutrition.

Antimetastatic Properties of Tea Polyphenols

Metastasis of cells from primary site to distant organs involves a series of sequential steps, and molecules responsible for all these events are understandably considered as potential targets for metastasis management. Tea polyphenols, the secondary metabolites of the tea leaf Camellia sinensis, are increasingly being studied for their antimetastatic properties. In this article, effects of green tea polyphenols (GTP) and black tea polyphenols (BTP) on the molecules and events involved in metastasis are discussed in detail. As tea is a very popular beverage, tea polyphenols are expected to be potential chemopreventive agents that can be taken with normal diet and can be nontoxic due to their natural origin. However, individual variations in metabolic pathways, bioavailability, dose, and toxicity are some important factors that can modify the effectiveness of tea polyphenols within the human system.

Using systematic reviews in the scientific substantiation of health properties of foods and food constituents

Systematic literature reviews are one of the main methodologies used to substantiate the health properties of foods and food constituents purported to affect human physiology. This tool is based on scientific evidence obtained from correctly performed randomized controlled trials. Systematic reviews make it possible to conclude whether there is a causal relationship between food consumed and health effects observed, thus supporting the use of the term “functional foods.” We present and analyze the prinicpal characteristics of, and ways by which, systematic reviews can contribute to the regulatory approval of health claims directed to consumers.

Transformation of polyphenols found in pigmented gluten-free flours during in vitro large intestinal fermentation

In this work, 18 gluten-free flours (prepared from cereals, pseudocereals and legumes), differing in pigmentation, were screened for their phenolic profiles, cooked and, then, subjected to digestion and large intestinal fermentation in vitro. A combined targeted/untargeted metabolomic approach was used to elucidate the microbial biotransformation processes of polyphenols following digestion. This preliminary work demonstrated an increase in 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (on average from 0.67 up to 1.30 μmol/g dry matter) throughout large intestinal fermentation of pseudocereals (esp. quinoa), due to their high alkylresorcinol contents. Isoflavones were converted into equol- or O-desmethylangolensin- derivatives, whereas anthocyanins were degraded into lower-molecular-weight phenolics (i.e., protocatechuic aldehyde and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, with the latter exhibiting the highest increase over time). A decreasing trend was observed for antioxidant activities (i.e., FRAP and ORAC values) moving from digested to faecal fermented samples. These findings highlight that gluten-free flours are able to deliver bioaccessible polyphenols to the colon.

Inside and Beyond Color: Comparative Overview of Functional Quality of Tomato and Watermelon Fruits

The quali-quantitative evaluation and the improvement of the levels of plant bioactive secondary metabolites are increasingly gaining consideration by growers, breeders and processors, particularly in those fruits and vegetables that, due to their supposed health promoting properties, are considered "functional." Worldwide, tomato and watermelon are among the main grown and consumed crops and represent important sources not only of dietary lycopene but also of other health beneficial bioactives. Tomato and watermelon synthesize and store lycopene as their major ripe fruit carotenoid responsible of their typical red color at full maturity. It is also the precursor of some characteristic aroma volatiles in both fruits playing, thus, an important visual and olfactory impact in consumer choice. While sharing the same main pigment, tomato and watermelon fruits show substantial biochemical and physiological differences during ripening. Tomato is climacteric while watermelon is non-climacteric; unripe tomato fruit is green, mainly contributed by chlorophylls and xanthophylls, while young watermelon fruit mesocarp is white and contains only traces of carotenoids. Various studies comparatively evaluated in vivo pigment development in ripening tomato and watermelon fruits. However, in most cases, other classes of compounds have not been considered. We believe this knowledge is fundamental for targeted breeding aimed at improving the functional quality of elite cultivars. Hence, in this paper, we critically review the recent understanding underlying the biosynthesis, accumulation and regulation of different bioactive compounds (carotenoids, phenolics, aroma volatiles, and vitamin C) during tomato and watermelon fruit ripening. We also highlight some concerns about possible harmful effects of excessive uptake of bioactive compound on human health. We found that a complex interweaving of anabolic, catabolic and recycling reactions, finely regulated at multiple levels and with temporal and spatial precision, ensures a certain homeostasis in the concentrations of carotenoids, phenolics, aroma volatiles and Vitamin C within the fruit tissues. Nevertheless, several exogenous factors including light and temperature conditions, pathogen attack, as well as pre- and post-harvest manipulations can drive their amounts far away from homeostasis. These adaptive responses allow crops to better cope with abiotic and biotic stresses but may severely affect the supposed functional quality of fruits.

Biological Potential and Medical Use of Secondary Metabolites

This Medicines special issue focuses on the great potential of secondary metabolites for therapeutic applications. The special issue contains 16 articles reporting relevant experimental results and overviews of bioactive secondary metabolites. Their biological effects and new methodologies that improve the lead compounds’ synthesis were also discussed. We would like to thank all 83 authors, from all over the world, for their valuable contributions to this special issue.

Metabolomics reveals diet-derived plant polyphenols accumulate in physiological bone

Plant-derived secondary metabolites consumed in the diet, especially polyphenolic compounds, are known to have a range of positive health effects. They are present in circulation after ingestion and absorption and can be sequestered into cells within particular organs, but have rarely been investigated systematically in osteological tissues. However, a small number of polyphenols and similar molecules are known to bind to bone. For example alizarin, a plant derived anthraquinone and tetracycline (a naturally occurring antibiotic), are both absorbed into bone from circulation during bone formation and are used to monitor mineralization in osteological studies. Both molecules have also been identified serendipitously in archaeological human bones derived from natural sources in the diet. Whether an analogous mechanism of sequestration extends to additional diet-derived plant-polyphenols has not previously been systematically studied. We investigated whether a range of diet-derived polyphenol-like compounds bind to bone using untargeted metabolomics applied to the analysis of bone extracts from pigs fed an acorn-based diet. We analysed the diet which was rich in ellagitannins, extracts from the pig bones and surrounding tissue, post-mortem. We found direct evidence of multiple polyphenolic compounds in these extracts and matched them to the diet. We also showed that these compounds were present in the bone but not surrounding tissues. We also provide data showing that a range of polyphenolic compounds bind to hydroxyapatite in vitro. The evidence for polyphenol sequestration into physiological bone, and the range and specificity of polyphenols in human and animal diets, raises intriguing questions about potential effects on bone formation and bone health. Further studies are needed to determine the stability of the sequestered molecules post-mortem but there is also potential for (palaeo)dietary reconstruction and forensic applications.

Impact of Gut Microbiota Composition on Onset and Progression of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases

In recent years, mounting scientific evidence has emerged regarding the evaluation of the putative correlation between the gut microbiota composition and the presence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and arterial hypertension. The aim of this narrative review is to examine the current literature with respect to the relationship between intestinal dysbiosis and the insurgence/progression of chronic NCDs, analyzing the physiopathological mechanisms that can induce microbiota modification in the course of these pathologies, and the possible effect induced by microbiota alteration upon disease onset. Therapy based on probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplant can represent a useful therapeutic tool, as has been highlighted on animal studies. To this moment, clinical studies that intended to demonstrate the beneficial effect induced by this kind of oral supplementation on the gut microbiota composition, and subsequent amelioration of signs and symptoms of chronic NCDs have been conducted on limited sample populations for a limited follow-up period. Therefore, to fully evaluate the therapeutic value of this kind of intervention, it would be ideal to design ample population; randomized clinical trials with a lengthy follow up period.

Flaxseed Lignans as Important Dietary Polyphenols for Cancer Prevention and Treatment: Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics, and Molecular Targets

Cancer causes considerable morbidity and mortality across the world. Socioeconomic, environmental, and lifestyle factors contribute to the increasing cancer prevalence, bespeaking a need for effective prevention and treatment strategies. Phytochemicals like plant polyphenols are generally considered to have anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects, which explain their promotion for human health. The past several decades have contributed to a growing evidence base in the literature that demonstrate ability of polyphenols to modulate multiple targets of carcinogenesis linking models of cancer characteristics (i.e., hallmarks and nutraceutical-based targeting of cancer) via direct or indirect interaction or modulation of cellular and molecular targets. This evidence is particularly relevant for the lignans, an ubiquitous, important class of dietary polyphenols present in high levels in food sources such as flaxseed. Literature evidence on lignans suggests potential benefit in cancer prevention and treatment. This review summarizes the relevant chemical and pharmacokinetic properties of dietary polyphenols and specifically focuses on the biological targets of flaxseed lignans. The consolidation of the considerable body of data on the diverse targets of the lignans will aid continued research into their potential for use in combination with other cancer chemotherapies, utilizing flaxseed lignan-enriched natural products.

Microencapsulation of Elsholtzia ciliata Herb Ethanolic Extract by Spray-Drying: Impact of Resistant-Maltodextrin Complemented with Sodium Caseinate, Skim Milk, and Beta-Cyclodextrin on the Quality of Spray-Dried Powders

Spray-drying is the most popular encapsulation method used for the stabilization and protection of biologically active compounds from various environmental conditions, such as oxidation, moisture, pH, and temperature. Spray-drying increases the bioavailability of the natural active compounds and improves the solubility of low-soluble compounds. The aim of this work was to study the effects of different wall materials and optimize wall material solution's composition on physicochemical properties of microcapsules loaded with phenolics, extract rich in volatile compounds and essential oil from Elsholtzia ciliata herb. For encapsulation of elsholtzia and dehydroelsholtzia ketones, more suitable wall materials were used-beta-cyclodextrin and sodium caseinate. Four phenolics-sodium caseinate, skim milk, beta-cyclodextrin, and resistant-maltodextrin-were used. A D-optimal mixture composition design was used to evaluate the effect of wall material solution's composition using sodium caseinate (0.5-1 g), skim milk (6-10 g), resistant-maltodextrin (8-12 g), and beta-cyclodextrin (0.5-1 g) for the encapsulation efficiency, drying yield, and physicochemical properties. The optimal mixture composition was 0.54 g of sodium caseinate, 10 g of skim milk, 8.96 g of resistant-maltodextrin, and 0.5 g of beta-cyclodextrin. These encapsulating agents had a good performance in the microencapsulation of E. ciliata ethanolic extracts by the spray-drying technique. It is proven that the produced microparticles have a good potential to be included in various pharmaceutical forms or food supplements.

Roles of Phenolic Compounds in the Reduction of Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases

The population is now living longer during the period classified as "elderly" (60 years and older), exhibiting multimorbidity associated to the lengthening of the average life span. The dietary intake of phenolic compounds (PC) may affect the physiology, disease development and progression during the aging process, reducing risk factors of age related diseases. The aim of this review is to briefly describe some of the possible effects of a series of PC on the reduction of risk factors of the onset of cardiovascular diseases, considering their potential mechanisms of action. The main actions described for PC are associated with reduced platelet activity, anti-inflammatory effects, and the protection from oxidation to reduce LDL and the generation of advanced glycation end products. Preclinical and clinical evidence of the physiological effects of various PC is presented, as well as the health claims approved by regulatory agencies.