The multiple nutrition properties of some exotic fruits: Biological activity and active metabolites

Glycolytic genes expression, proapoptotic potential in relation to the total content of bioactive compounds in durian fruits

The properties of durian fruit at five stages of ripeness were evaluated and compared. The physicochemical parameters such as titratable acidity (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) increased, whereas the pH slightly decreased during the ripening process. The highest contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, tannins, vitamin C and the antioxidant capacities, measured by radical scavenging assays, were found in ripe and overripe fruits. The structural properties of extracted polyphenols were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The interaction of polyphenols with the main drug carrier in blood human serum albumin (HSA) showed decrease in its fluorescence intensity. The binding properties of polyphenols were in direct correlation with the antioxidant capacities of the investigated fruits. HepG2 cells evaluated cytotoxic effect and the mechanism of cell death after treatment with durian. The metabolism of carbohydrates was examined on the expression of glycolysis-related genes (hexokinase 2 (HK2); 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase 4 (PFKFB4); facilitated glucose transporter member 1 (SLC2A1 (Glut1)) and lactate dehydrogenase A and utilization of glucose in the hepatocytes with durian treatment. Durian in immature stage had stronger cytotoxic effect and weak proapoptotic potential on HepG2 cells than the mature and overripe ones. The ripe and overripe fruits increased the expression of hepatic HK2 and PFKFB4 glycolytic genes and stimulated glucose utilization in HepG2 cells. The present results indicate that durians reveal different biological activity and may provide their broad and extensive use as medicinal or functional foods.

The Potential Role of Citrus limon Powder as a Natural Feed Supplement to Boost the Productive Performance, Antioxidant Status, and Blood Biochemistry of Growing Rabbits

The current study examined the influence of Citrus limon (dry lemon) on the hemato-biochemical profiles, and antioxidant indices of growing rabbits. Forty-eight growing New Zealand White rabbits (age, eight weeks; weight, 1543.33 ± 25 g) were allocated into three groups (16 animals each), the first group was (control) fed a basal diet, whereas the second and third groups were supplemented with dried lemon, 1% or 2% DLP, respectively. A GC-MS analysis of more than 27 active constituents was performed. Feed conversion efficiency was (p < 0.05) better with diets containing 1% or 2% dry lemon, compared to the control group. Hematological indexes were increased significantly with the addition of DLP compared to those in the control group. Adding 1% or 2% dry lemon to rabbit diet increased (p < 0.05) enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities (TAC, SOD, GSH, GST, and CAT) in serum and liver tissues. Taken together, these data reveal the advantages and antioxidant effects of dry lemon supplementation for growing rabbits once supplemented at a maximum of 2% in their daily diet.

A non-toxic approach to assess total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of exotic tropical fruits from Thailand

A simple flow injection analysis (FIA) integrating with a metal-free approach for total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was developed. The non-toxic reaction was based on generating a vibrant blue radical from imipramine to avoid the potential interferents arising from the colorful fruit extracts. The blue radical can be rapidly scavenged by antioxidant compounds present in the sample. TAC values of Thai tropical fruit extracts were assessed by monitoring the quenching in absorbance of the test mixture following the addition of the antioxidant compounds/fruit extracts. The FIA co-operated in order to increase the sample throughput. The results demonstrated that Antidesma thwaiteaianum Muell. Arg. has the highest capacity followed by Terminalia chebula Retz. and Phyllanthus Emblica Linn., respectively. An excellent correlation between the proposed method was found with the DPPH assay. The proposed method allowed the TAC determination of fruit extracts in a high-throughput and straightforward way in accordance with the principles of green analytical chemistry.

Effect of high-intensity ultrasound on the nutritional profile and volatile compounds of a prebiotic soursop whey beverage

This study evaluated the nutritional profile and volatile compounds present in a novel prebiotic (inulin) soursop whey beverage, due to the effects of high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS). The prebiotic soursop whey beverage was produced and processed by non-thermal high-intensity ultrasound varying the power (0, 200, 400 and 600 W) and by high-temperature short time (72 °C for 15 s) thermal treatment. Total acidity, pH, ascorbic acid content, total phenolics compounds content, antioxidant activity, hypertensive activity, fatty acid profile, volatile organic compounds, macro and micro minerals, as well as the heavy metals in these products, were analyzed. Overall, the HIUS technology induced some positive changes in the nutritional profile of the soursop whey beverage including beneficial effects, e.g., increase of phenolic content, improvement of the antioxidant and anti-hypertensive activity and reduction of undesired minerals. Although some negative changes, such as degradation of the ascorbic acid, decrease of some minerals and production of certain volatile compounds were found, the beneficial effects were prominent, thus, opening new opportunities to develop healthy functional beverages.

In vitro anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities of five Indian cultivars of mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit peel extracts

Introduction: All parts of the mango plant contain secondary metabolites that possess several beneficial properties. In the present study, evaluation of in vitro anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities of five Indian cultivars of mango fruit peel extracts were carried out.Methods: Different solvent (hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol) extracts of five Indian cultivars of mango fruit peels were prepared by using soxhalate, and the aqueous extract was prepared by maceration. In vitro anti-oxidant activities of these extracts were determined by using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging methods. Their anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities were determined by agar-well diffusion and HRBC (human red blood cell) methods, respectively.Results: All the five mango peel extracts showed good anti-oxidant activities, especially the methanolic extract of peel of Sindhura cultivar showed better IC50 values of DPPH (21.62±1.82 μg/mL), ABTS (21.33±1.94 μg/mL), H2O2 (19.87±2.61 μg/mL) and NO (57.29±2.17 μg/mL) radical scavenging activities than other extracts. It also possessed higher contents of phenolics (169.18±3.28 mg of GAE/g) and flavonoids (26.18±1.84 mg of QE/g) than the other extracts. All peel extracts of five cultivars of mango fruit revealed good anti-microbial activities against bacterial and fungal cultures and also possessed significant anti-inflammatory activity.Conclusion: The present study revealed that all the mango peel extracts have potential antioxidant activity, as well as better anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities.

Protective effect of DMDD, isolated from the root of Averrhoa carambola L., on high glucose induced EMT in HK-2 cells by inhibiting the TLR4-BAMBI-Smad2/3 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Hyperglycemia stimulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a critical role in initiating and progressing renal fibrosis in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). It is crucial to explore novel renal protective drugs for the treatment of DKD.

OBJECTIVE

The present study is to confirm our hypothesis and to accumulate the information for the application of DMDD (2-Dodecyl-6-methoxycyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione) as a novel therapeutic agent to potentially inhibit renal fibrogenesis and EMT in the DKD.

METHODS

High glucose induced renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2 cells) was cultured and treated with DMDD. The cell viability and DMDD cytotoxicity were assessed by CCK8. Immunofluorescence was used for detection of TLR4 and downstream protein in normal and high glucose induced HK-2 cells. HK-2 cells were transfected with lentivirus codifying for BAMBI (BMP and activin membrane bound inhibitor) and interfering RNA for determination of the effect of BAMBI over-expression and silencing, respectively. TLR4-BAMBI-Smad2/3 pathway was analyzed by means of RT-PCR and western blot.

RESULTS

A high concentration (60mM) of glucose induced significant EMT process and TLR4 expression was increased obviously in this circumstance. DMDD inhibited high expressions of TLR4 and Smad2/3 in HG induced cells and decreased the expression of BAMBI. In addition, the effects of decreased BAMBI expression and increased Smad2/3 expression in HG cultured cells were reversed in the cells of TAK-242 (TLR4 signaling inhibitor) intervention. BAMBI gene silencing dramatically increased EMT process and the over-expression of BAMBI was opposite in HK-2 cells with HG condition. These observations of EMT were ameliorated when the HK-2 cells were pre-treated with DMDD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that DMDD treatment improves EMT in the HG induced HK-2 cells. In addition, DMDD significantly inhibits EMT by TLR4-BAMBI-Smad2/3 pathway, which hints that DMDD may be an alternative approach in diabetic renal injury.

Nutrients, Bioactive Compounds and Bioactivity: The Health Benefits of Sweet Cherries (Prunus avium L.)

Background:

Sweet cherries are one of the most appreciated fruits worldwide as well as one of the great sources of several active substances, as phytochemical compounds (carotenoids, serotonin, melatonin and phenolic compounds) as well as in nutritive compounds (sugars and organic acids). Accumulating research demonstrate that their supplementation in our daily diet can contradict oxidative stress, mitigating or even attenuating chronic diseases, as cancerous processes, antiinflammatory- related disorders, diabetes, and neurological and cardiovascular pathologies. Therefore, the aims of this review are to present an overview on the effects of sweet cherries as health promotors, giving emphasis to the health benefits of their bioactive compounds, particularly their antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-neurodegeneration, anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular effects.

Methods:

Research and online content about sweet cherry fruits is reviewed. The information available has been read several times to avoid inconsistencies. In addition, according what we read, original figures were done and added to facilitate understanding and to enrich the paper.

Results:

In this review, a total of 202 original reports were used. In respect to health benefits, it is possible to confirm by several studies that, in fact, the consumption of sweet cherries has positive impacts in human health, owing to their wealthy and vast constitution, particularly in phenolic compounds, vitamins and carotenoids whose health properties were already documented.

Conclusion:

The findings of this review support the evidence that sweet cherries can be applied in pharmaceutical and food formulations, since they are able to diminish free radical species and proinflammatory markers, preventing and/ or ameliorating oxidative-stress disorders.

Liquid Biphasic Electric Partitioning System as a Novel Integration Process for Betacyanins Extraction From Red-Purple Pitaya and Antioxidant Properties Assessment

Nowadays, downstream bioprocessing industries inclines towards the development of a green and high efficient bioseparation technology. Betacyanins are presently gaining higher interest in the food science as driven by their high tinctorial strength and health promoting functional properties. In this study, a novel green integration process of liquid biphasic electric partitioning system (LBEPS) was proposed for betacyanins extraction from peel and flesh of red-purple pitaya. Initially, the betacyanins extraction using LBEPS with initial settings was compared with that of liquid biphasic partitioning system (LBPS), and the results revealed that both systems demonstrated a comparable betacyanins extraction. This was followed by further optimizing the LBEPS for better betacyanins extraction. Several operating parameters including operation time, voltage applied, and position of graphitic electrodes in the system were investigated. Moreover, comparison between optimized LBEPS and LBPS with optimized conditions of electric system (as post-treatment) as well as color characterization and antioxidant properties assessment were conducted. Overall, the betacyanins extraction employing the optimized LBEPS showed the significant highest values of betacyanins concentration in alcohol-rich top phase (C t ) and partition coefficient (K) of betacyanins from peel (99.256 ± 0.014% and 133.433 ± 2.566) and flesh (97.189 ± 0.172% and 34.665 ± 2.253) of red-purple pitaya. These results inferred that an optimal betacyanins extraction was successfully achieved by this approach. Also, the LBEPS with the peel and flesh showed phase volume ratio (V r ) values of 1.667 and 2.167, respectively, and this indicated that they have a clear biphasic separation. In addition, the peel and flesh extract obtained from the optimized LBEPS demonstrated different variations of red color as well as their antioxidant properties were well-retained. This article introduces a new, reliable, and effective bioseparation approach for the extraction of biomolecules, which is definitely worth to explore further as a bioseparation tool in the downstream bioprocessing.

Correlation of FT-IR Fingerprint and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Salak (Salacca zalacca) Fruit Extracts Utilizing Orthogonal Partial Least Square

Salak fruit (Salacca zalacca), commonly known as snake fruit, is used indigenously as food and for medicinal applications in Southeast Asia. This study was conducted to evaluate the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of salak fruit extracts in correlation to its Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) fingerprint, utilizing orthogonal partial least square. This calibration model was applied to develop a rapid analytical method tool for quality control of this fruit. A total of 36 extracts prepared with different solvent ratios of ethanol–water (100, 80, 60, 40.20, 0% v/v) and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities determined. The FT-IR spectra of ethanol–water extracts measured in the region of 400 and 4000 cm⁻¹ at a resolution of 4 cm⁻¹. Multivariate analysis with a combination of orthogonal partial least-squares (OPLS) algorithm was used to correlate the bioactivity of the samples with the FT-IR spectral data. The OPLS biplot model identified several functional groups (C–H, C=O, C–N, N–H, C–O, and C=C) which actively induced α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.

Matrix Effect Evaluation and Method Validation of Azoxystrobin and Difenoconazole Residues in Red Flesh Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Matrices Using QuEChERS Sample Preparation Methods Followed by LC-MS/MS Determination

Production of red flesh dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) was hampered by Colletotrichum sp. Pre-harvest application of azoxystrobin and difenoconazole mixture is recommended, therefore, a selective and sensitive multi residues analytical method is required in monitoring and evaluating the commodity's safety. LC-MS/MS is a well-established analytical technique for qualitative and quantitative determination in complex matrices. However, this method is hurdled by co-eluted coextractives interferences. This work evaluated the pH effect of acetate buffered and citrate buffered QuEChERS sample preparation in their effectiveness of matrix effect reduction. Citrate buffered QuEChERS proved to produce clean final extract with relative matrix effect 0.4%-0.7%. Method validation of the selected sample preparation followed by LC-MS/MS for whole dragon fruit, flesh and peel matrices fortified at 0.005, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 g/g showed recoveries 75%-119%, intermediate repeatability 2%-14%. The expanded uncertainties were 7%-48%. Based on the international acceptance criteria, this method is valid.

Superfruits: Phytochemicals, antioxidant efficacies, and health effects - A comprehensive review

The term "superfruit" has gained increasing usage and attention recently with the marketing strategy to promote the extraordinary health benefits of some exotic fruits, which may not have worldwide popularity. This has led to many studies with the identification and quantification of various groups of phytochemicals. This contribution discusses phytochemical compositions, antioxidant efficacies, and potential health benefits of the main superfruits such as açai, acerola, camu-camu, goji berry, jaboticaba, jambolão, maqui, noni, and pitanga. Novel product formulations, safety aspects, and future perspectives of these superfruits have also been covered. Research findings from the existing literature published within the last 10 years have been compiled and summarized. These superfruits having numerous phytochemicals (phenolic acids, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, iridoids, coumarins, hydrolysable tannins, carotenoids, and anthocyanins) together with their corresponding antioxidant activities, have increasingly been utilized. Hence, these superfruits can be considered as a valuable source of functional foods due to the phytochemical compositions and their corresponding antioxidant activities. The phytochemicals from superfruits are bioaccessible and bioavailable in humans with promising health benefits. More well-designed human explorative studies are needed to validate the health benefits of these superfruits.

Polyphenolic content, in vitro antioxidant activity and chemical composition of extract from Nephelium lappaceum L. (Mexican rambutan) husk

OBJECTIVE

To determinate the recovery of total polyphenolic compounds content, in vitro antioxidant activity and HPLC/ESI/MS characterization of extract from Nephelium lappaceum L. (Mexican rambutan).

METHODS

The rambutan husk extract was obtained by aqueous extraction and a polyphenolic fraction was recovered using Amberlite XAD-16. The total polyphenolic compounds content was determined by the Folin Ciocalteu and butanol-HCI methods. In vitro antioxidant activity was performed using ABTS and ferric reducing antioxidant power methods.

RESULTS

Mexican rambutan husk showed a total polyphenolic content of 582 mg/g and an evident antioxidant activity by ABTS and ferric reducing antioxidant power analysis. The HPLC/ESI/MS assay allowed the identification of 13 compounds, most of which belong to ellagitannins. Geraniin, corilagin and ellagic acid were present in the sample; the mineral composition was also evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

Rambutan husk cultivated in Mexico is a promising source for the recovery of added value bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity, which have potential applications as bioactive antioxidant agents for the treatment of diseases.

Anti-inflammatory effects of water extract from bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum) leaves in vitro

Fruits and vegetables have been recognized as natural sources of various bioactive compounds. Peppers, one such natural source, are consumed worldwide as spice crops. They additionally have an important role in traditional medicine, as a result of their antioxidant bioactivity via radical scavenging. However, there are no reports regarding the bioactivity of the bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum), a commonly used edible vegetable. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of water extract from bell pepper leaves on mouse spleen cells, and explore the potential mechanism underlying this effect. The extract was prepared through homogenization of bell pepper leaves in deionized water. The sterilized supernatant was added to a mouse spleen cell culture stimulated by concanavalin A. Following 72 h of culture, the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the culture supernatant were measured using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system, and levels of inflammatory proteins were assessed using western blotting. The bell pepper leaf extract significantly inhibited inflammatory cytokine production, inhibited cell proliferation without producing cytotoxicity, and suppressed the expression of inflammatory proteins. These results suggest that components of the bell pepper leaf extract possess anti-inflammatory activity. The study of the anti-inflammatory mechanism of bell pepper leaf extract has provided useful information on its potential for therapeutic application.

Quality Assessment and Mathematical Modeling of Hot-Air Convective Drying of Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) Fruit

The influence of drying on the color, porosity, shrinkage and moisture of persimmon fruit during convective drying was determined by computer vision. The experiments were performed with persimmon fruit that were cut into slab 20 × 20 mm, which were arranged into a bigger slab, 60 × 60 mm. Drying process was carried out at 60 °C. Noticeable changes in quality parameters (color, porosity and shrinkage) could be observed during the drying process, where the central region of the sample evidenced less changes. Persimmon’s physical properties were experimentally obtained as the temperature function and heat and mass convective coefficients were adjusted as a time function. A numerical simulation using the Finite Volume Method allowed to describe the evolution of temperature and moisture content distributions during drying. The numerical and experimental results of temperature and moisture during persimmon drying were found to be in a good agreement.

Phytochemistry Profile, Nutritional Properties and Pharmacological Activities of Mauritia flexuosa

Mauritia flexuosa L. (Arecaceae) is a popular Brazilian fruit known as "buriti" and belonging to the category of functional foods. This work reviewed the phytochemistry profile, nutritional and pharmacological activities of M. flexuosa. The main bioactive compounds reported to buriti were carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, fiber, phytosterols, and mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. These compounds were mainly related to antioxidant, hypolipemiant, photoprotector, antiaggregant, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemiant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. Furthermore, some compounds present in buriti fruit and its properties were tested in vitro and in vivo and showed biotechnology applications, especially for extraction of fiber, polysaccharides, pigments, antioxidants, and oil. Howerer, the buriti fruit shows great relevance to the development of new products in food, pharmaceutical and chemical industry, this fruit is still underexploited and it has need to expand its production chain and processing to encourage their consumption and utilization.

Bioactive amines in Passiflora are affected by species and fruit development

Bioactive amines were determined in selected passion fruit species and throughout fruit development. The same amines (spermine, spermidine, agmatine, putrescine and tryptamine) were found in four Passiflora species (2008-2010 growing seasons) at different concentrations: P. alata had higher polyamines (spermine+spermidine, 8.41mg/100g); P. setacea and P. nitida had higher putrescine (>7.0mg/100g); and P. setacea had higher agmatine contents (1.37mg/100g) compared to the others. The indolamine tryptamine was present at low concentrations in all species (~0.05mg/100g). P. nitida and P. alata had the highest soluble solids (~18°Brix); P. edulis had the lowest pH (2.97) and P. nitida the highest pH (4.19). Throughout P. setacea fruit development, the concentrations of spermidine, putrescine and agmatine decreased; spermine contents did not change; and pH decreased. Fruit shelf life and some of the health promoting properties of Passiflora and their synthesis are modulated by species.

Bioactivities and Health Benefits of Wild Fruits

Wild fruits are exotic or underutilized. Wild fruits contain many bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins and flavonoids. Many studies have shown that wild fruits possess various bioactivities and health benefits, such as free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity. Therefore, wild fruits have the potential to be developed into functional foods or pharmaceuticals to prevent and treat several chronic diseases. In the present article, we review current knowledge about the bioactivities and health benefits of wild fruits, which is valuable for the exploitation and utilization of wild fruits.

Potential use of durian fruit (Durio zibenthinus Linn) as an adjunct to treat infertility in polycystic ovarian syndrome

Infertility due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a worldwide problem that is increasing at alarming rates. Insulin resistance, the prime factor of PCOS, induces comorbid metabolic syndrome as well. Durian (Durio zibenthinus Linn), a fruit of Southeast Asia, is used as a natural supplement in healthy diets. This paper is a short literature review that examines the fruit's effects against various components of metabolic syndrome and its fertility-enhancing properties in PCOS. Various published literature was reviewed to learn of the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-obesity, anticholesterol, and antihypoglycaemic nature of the fruit. The literature search was done using PubMed, Google Scholar and library databases. The keywords used were polycystic ovarian syndrome, infertility, metabolic syndrome and Durian zibenthinus Linn. Reviewed studies showed that the fruit is effective against various components of metabolic syndrome, but the mechanisms of action against anovulation and menstrual disturbances in PCOS have yet to be studied. The traditional use of durian as a fertility-enhancing agent needs to be validated scientifically by isolating its various components and ascertaining its fertility enhancing properties.

The flesh ethanolic extract of Hylocereus polyrhizus exerts anti-inflammatory effects and prevents murine colitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

IBD is a chronic disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by mucosal inflammation and epithelial damage. Biologic therapy has significantly improved the course of the disease but there are still a high percentage of patients that do not respond to current therapies. We aim to determine the effects of the flesh ethanolic extract of Hylocereus polyrhizus (EH) in a mice model of colitis induced by TNBS.

METHODS

Balb/c mice received TNBS (175 mg/kg, 100 μl, i.r.) and six and thirty hours later were administered with EH (1 g/kg, i.p.). Mice were weighted daily and after sacrificing (2 and 4 days after TNBS) we analyzed mucosal histology, myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules (qPCR) and NF-κB and Iκβ-α protein levels. The chemical characterization of the EH was determined by LC-MS/MS.

RESULTS

The administration of EH to TNBS-treated mice prevented (P < 0.05) the loss of body weight and significantly reduced in the colon: a) histological damage score, b) MPO enzymatic activity c) the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules and d) Iκβ-α degradation and nuclear NF-κβ protein levels. The LC-MS analysis detected metabolites such as polyphenols and fatty acids.

CONCLUSION

Systemic administration of the ethanolic extract of H. polyrhizus exerts an anti-inflammatory effect and prevents murine colitis induced by TNBS.