Absorption, metabolism, and excretion of fermented orange juice (poly)phenols in rats

Phytomedicine Fructus Aurantii-derived two absorbed compounds unlock antidepressant and prokinetic multi-functions via modulating 5-HT3/GHSR

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fructus Aurantii (FA), a well-known phytomedicine, has been employed to evoke antidepressant and prokinetic multi-functions. Therein, systematically identifying bioactive components and the referred mechanism is essential for FA.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was planned to answer "2 W" (What and Why), such as which components and pathways contribute to FA's multi-functions. We aimed to identify bioactive compounds as the key for opening the lock of FA's multi-functions, and the molecule mechanisms are their naturally matched lock cylinder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The phytochemical content of FA extract was determined, and the compounds were identified in rats pretreated with FA using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The contribution strategy was used to assess bioactive compounds' efficacy (doses = their content in FA) in model rats with the mechanism. The changes in functional brain regions were determined via 7.0 T functional magnetic resonance imaging-blood oxygen level-dependent (fMRI-BOLD).

RESULT

Eight phytochemicals' content was detected, and merely six components were identified in rats in vivo. Meranzin hydrate + hesperidin (MH), as the primary contributor of FA, exerted antidepressant and prokinetic effects (improvement of indexes for immobility time, gastric emptying, intestinal transit, CRH, ghrelin, ACTH, DA, NA, 5-HT, CORT, and 5-HT3) by regulating 5-HT3/Growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) pathway. These results were validated by 5-HT2A, 5-HT3, and GHSR receptor antagonists combined with molecule docking. MH restored the excessive BOLD activation of the left accumbens nucleus, left corpus callosum and hypothalamus preoptic region.

CONCLUSION

Absorbed MH accounts for FA's anti-depressant and prokinetic efficacy in acutely-stressed rats, primarily via 5-HT3/GHSR shared regulation.

Optimized Sugar-Free Citrus Lemon Juice Fermentation Efficiency and the Lipid-Lowering Effects of the Fermented Juice

Aging and obesity make humans more prone to cardiovascular and metabolic syndrome diseases, leading to several serious health conditions, including hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbance. This study aimed to explore the hypolipidemic effect of fermented citrus lemon juice using a hyperlipidemic hamster model. The sugar-free lemon juice's fermentation was optimized, and the characteristics of fresh and fermented lemon juice (FLJ) were evaluated and compared, which contained polyphenols and superoxide dismutase-like activity. Results showed that the absorption and utilization efficiency of FLJ was higher compared with the unfermented lemon juice. This study's prefermentation efficiency evaluation found that 21-30 days of bacterial DMS32004 and DMS32005 fermentation of fresh lemon juice provided the best fermentation benefits, and 21-day FLJ was applied as a remedy after the efficiency compassion. After six weeks of feeding, the total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) values in the blood and liver of the FLJ treatment groups were decreased compared with the high-fat diet (HFD) group. In addition, the blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were significantly reduced in the FLJ treatment groups compared with the HFD group. In contrast, the blood high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) to LDL-C ratio increased considerably in the FLJ treatment groups, and the total to HDL ratio was significantly lower than in the HFD group. Compared with the HFD group, the TC content in the FLJ treatment groups' feces increased significantly. This study demonstrated that the sugar-free fermentation method and fermentation cycle management provided FLJ with the potential to regulate blood lipids. Further research and verification will be carried out to isolate specific substances from the FLJ and identify their mechanisms of action.

Phenolics and Terpenoids Profiling in Diverse Loquat Fruit Varieties and Systematic Assessment of Their Mitigation of Alcohol-Induced Oxidative Stress

To compare and investigate the phenolic compounds in the peel and flesh of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) and evaluate their ability to protect against alcohol-induced liver oxidative stress, we employed a combination of ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze 22 phenolics and 2 terpenoid compounds in loquat peel and flesh extracts (extraction with 95% ethanol). Among these, six compounds were identified for the first time in loquat, revealing distinct distribution patterns based on variety and tissue. Various chemical models, such as DPPH, FRAP, ORAC, and ABTS, were used to assess free radical scavenging and metal ion reduction capabilities. The results indicate that peel extracts exhibited higher antioxidant capacity compared with flesh extracts. Using a normal mouse liver cell line, AML-12, we explored the protective effects of loquat extracts and individual compounds against ethanol-induced oxidative stress. The findings demonstrate the enhanced cell viability and the induction of antioxidant enzyme activity through the modulation of Nrf2 and Keap1 gene expression. In a C57/BL6 mouse model of alcohol-induced liver damage, loquat extract was found to alleviate liver injury induced by alcohol. The restoration of perturbed serum liver health indicators underscored the efficacy of loquat extract in reclaiming equilibrium. The culmination of these findings significantly bolsters the foundational knowledge necessary to explore the utilization of loquat fruit extract in the creation of health-focused products.

Elucidation of phenolic metabolites in wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.) by NMR and HPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS: Changes in isolated phenolics and antioxidant effects through diverse growth times

The current research was characterized on phenolic metabolite profile including six chemical structures (phenolic acid, luteolin, orientin, apigenin, isoscoparin, and tricin) in wheat seedlings using HPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS and NMR techniques. Our study was also was the first to demonstrate fluctuations of isolated nine phenolic contents and antioxidant properties in various cultivars of this species with different growth times. The antioxidant abilities differed significantly in the 80 % methanol extracts (600 μg/mL) according to cultivar and growth time, with the highest average activities (DPPH: 82 %; ABTS: 87 %) observed after 7 days. The isolated nine compositions exhibited considerable differences in cultivars and growth times, specifically, isoorientin (6) and isochaftoside (8) were observed the most abundant average contents (99.3; 64.3 mg/100 g), representing approximately 28.3 and 18.3 % (total content: 350.8 mg/100 g). Their total phenolics showed the highest rates (420.8 mg/100 g) at 7 days, followed by 9 → 5 → 12 → 14 days with 374.6 → 366.7 → 350.7 → 241.1 mg/100 g, as the rank orders of antioxidant effects. These findings suggest that wheat seedlings may be a potent source of functional agents.

Effect of Acute Intake of Fermented Orange Juice on Fasting and Postprandial Glucose Metabolism, Plasma Lipids and Antioxidant Status in Healthy Human

Higher postprandial plasma glucose and lipemia, and oxidative and inflammatory responses, are considered important cardiovascular risk factors. Fermentation of fruits has generated products with high concentrations of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential acute effects that fermented orange juice (FOJ) can exert in healthy humans by modulating postprandial response, and inflammatory/antioxidant status, compared with orange juice (OJ). Nine volunteers were recruited for a randomized, controlled, and crossover study. Participants ingested 500 mL of FOJ. At 4 h post intake, subjects consumed a standardized mixed meal. Blood samples were collected at 0-8 h hours post intake. The subjects repeated the protocol with OJ following a 2-week washout period. Glucose and lipid metabolism, plasma antioxidant capacity (ORAC, FRAP), endogenous antioxidants (albumin, bilirubin, uric acid), C-reactive protein and fibrinogen were measured in plasma samples. There was a trend of a smaller increase in LDL-C after FOJ intake compared with OJ, a significant decrease in apo-B and significant increase in ORAC. The glycemic and triglyceride response of meal was attenuated with FOJ. No differences were obtained in endogenous antioxidants and inflammation status between the treatments. The acute consumption of FOJ could play a protective role against cardiovascular risk factors.

Fermentation of Vaccinium floribundum Berries with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Reduces Oxidative Stress in Endothelial Cells and Modulates Macrophages Function

Accumulating evidence suggests that high consumption of natural antioxidants promotes health by reducing oxidative stress and, thus, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Similarly, fermentation of natural compounds with lactic acid bacteria (LAB), such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, enhances their beneficial properties as regulators of the immune, digestive, and cardiovascular system. We investigated the effects of fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on the antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of Pushgay berries (Vaccinium floribundum, Ericaceae family) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and macrophage cell line RAW264.7. Polyphenol content was assayed by Folin–Ciocalteu and HPLC-MS/MS analysis. The effects of berries solutions on cell viability or proliferation were assessed by WST8 (2-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, monosodium salt and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, Trypan blue exclusion test, and Alamar blue assay. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by a cell-based chemiluminescent probe for the detection of intracellular H₂O₂ production in HUVECs. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression levels were investigated by RT-qPCR. Glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities, as markers of intracellular antioxidant defense, were evaluated by spectrophotometric analysis. The immunomodulatory activity was examined in RAW 264.7 by quantification of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and Tumor Necrosis Factor—alpha (TNFα) by RT-qPCR. Data showed that fermentation of Pushgay berries (i) enhances the content of quercetin aglycone, and (ii) increases their intracellular antioxidant activity, as indicated by the reduction in H₂O₂-induced cell death and the decrease in H₂O₂-induced HO-1 gene expression in HUVECs treated for 24 h with fermented berries solution (10 µg/mL). Moreover, treatment with Pushgay berries for 72 h (10 µg/mL) promotes cells growth in RAW 264.7, and only fermented Pushgay berries increase the expression of iNOS in the same cell line. Taken together, our results show that LAB fermentation of Pushgay berries enhances their antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.

A Pharmacokinetic Study of Mix-160 by LC-MS/MS: Oral Bioavailability of a Dosage Form of Citroflavonoids Mixture

This study was performed to evaluate and compare the pharmacokinetic parameters between two dosage formulations of hesperidin and naringenin: mixture and tablet. Our objective was to determine that the flavonoid tablet does not significantly modify the pharmacokinetic parameters compared with the mixture. For this study, we administered 161 mg/kg of either mixture (Mix-160) or tablet composed of hesperidin and by intragastric administration. Blood microsamples were collected from tail vein up to 24 h. Serum flavonoid extraction was performed by solid phase extraction and analyzed by LC-MS/MS of triple quadrupole (QqQ). Serum concentration vs. time plot showed that data fitted for a first-order model. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by a noncompartmental model. The results showed that the absorption constant is higher than the elimination constant. The first concentration was found at five minutes, and minimal concentration at 24 h after administration, suggesting a enterohepatic recirculation phenomena and regulation of liver cytochromes' activity. We did not find meaningful differences between the pharmacokinetic parameters of both samples. We concluded that tablet form did not interfere with the bioavailability of hesperidin and naringenin, and it could be a suitable candidate for developing a drug product.

Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of Trans-ferulic acid-4-β-glucoside in rats by UPLC-MS/MS

Trans-ferulic acid-4-β-glucoside (FAG) is a monomer extracted from Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata, which is a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of the cold injury. To determine the concentration FAG in rats, it is essential to develop an ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method. The chromatographic separation was achieved by ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column(2.1×50mm, 1.7μm). A Xevo triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer was used to quantitative determination of FAG in the negative ion mode. The standard calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 0.1-100 μg/mL and 0.0626-31.28 μg/g for rat plasma and liver tissue homogenates samples, separately. The inter-and intra-batch precision (RSD%) of the assay was ≤ 8.29% and accuracy (RE%) ranged from -7.41 to 10.99%. The matrix effect was between 92.99 and 102.39%. The oral absolute bioavailability of FAG was obtained as 1.80%. The results of tissue distribution suggested that FAG spread rarely in liver and brown adipose, which was not propitious to exert its ability to treat cold injury. In general, the above studies were significant to provide necessary information for further study.

Pharmacokinetic Characterization of (Poly)phenolic Metabolites in Human Plasma and Urine after Acute and Short-Term Daily Consumption of Mango Pulp

Pharmacokinetic (PK) evaluation of polyphenolic metabolites over 24 h was conducted in human subjects (n = 13, BMI = 22.7 ± 0.4 kg/m2) after acute mango pulp (MP), vitamin C (VC) or MP + VC test beverage intake and after 14 days of MP beverage intake. Plasma and urine samples were collected at different time intervals and analyzed using targeted and non-targeted mass spectrometry. The maximum concentrations (Cmax) of gallotannin metabolites were significantly increased (p < 0.05) after acute MP beverage intake compared to VC beverage alone. MP + VC beverage non-significantly enhanced the Cmax of gallic acid metabolites compared to MP beverage alone. Pyrogallol (microbial-derived metabolite) derivatives increased (3.6%) after the 14 days of MP beverage intake compared to 24 h acute MP beverage intake (p < 0.05). These results indicate extensive absorption and breakdown of gallotannins to galloyl and other (poly)phenolic metabolites after MP consumption, suggesting modulation and/or acclimation of gut microbiota to daily MP intake.

Absorption, metabolism, and excretion of orange juice (poly)phenols in humans: The effect of a controlled alcoholic fermentation

The consumption of orange juice provides high concentrations of health-promoting bioactive compounds, the amount of which may increase upon alcoholic fermentation. Although fermentation may offer new prospects for the industry of orange-related products, there is a lack of studies reporting the influence of controlled alcoholic fermentation on the bioavailability of orange juice (poly)phenols in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the absorption profile, pharmacokinetic parameters, and urinary excretion of orange juice (poly)phenols in nine volunteers after acute administration of an orange juice and a beverage prepared after controlled alcoholic fermentation of the juice. Plasma and urine samples were analysed through a UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS targeted approach. A total of 24 (poly)phenol metabolites including both flavanone and phenolic acid derivatives were quantified, most of them being recorded only in urine. Phase II conjugates of hesperetin and naringenin were the main metabolites in plasma, while phenolic acids, in particular hydroxybenzoic acids, were the main compounds in urine. (Poly)phenols in both beverages were highly bioavailable (between 46 and 59%) and a notable inter-individual variability was seen. Significant treatment × time interactions were recorded for the sum of flavanones and phenolic acids in plasma, the (poly)phenols in the fermented juice being absorbed faster than after orange juice intake. Nevertheless, despite the food matrix having an impact on the absorption profile of orange juice (poly)phenols, this did not influence the pharmacokinetic parameters and urinary excretion of the (poly)phenol metabolites.

An in vitro exploratory study of dietary strategies based on polyphenol-rich beverages, fruit juices and oils to control trimethylamine production in the colon

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) has been described as a new biomarker of cardiovascular disease (CVD), derived from gut microbial biotransformation of dietary choline and l-carnitine into trimethylamine (TMA) and subsequent hepatic oxidation. (Poly)phenols are among the dietary factors able to interfere with microbial enzymatic activity, possibly modulating TMA biotransformation at the gut level. The aim of this work was to investigate the in vitro biotransformation of choline and carnitine using faecal starters obtained from omnivorous and vegetarian subjects and the effect of (poly)phenol-rich foods on TMA production. Choline and l-carnitine were fermented with vegetarian or omnivorous faecal slurries, alone or in combination with 10 (poly)phenol-rich food items. TMA production from carnitine, but not from choline, was significantly lower when vegetarian faecal starters were used and, among the tested food items, blonde orange juice significantly reduced TMA formation during faecal biotransformation. Consequently, the main compounds of orange juice, namely phenolic compounds, terpenes, limonoids, organic acids and sugars, were tested individually. Sugars exerted the highest inhibitory effect on TMA production. Despite some limitations deriving from the applied in vitro model, this is the first work describing a possible role of some (poly)phenol-rich dietary products on the modulation of TMA colonic production. Free sugars were the main factor responsible for TMA inhibition, suggesting a potential beneficial role of colonic fermentation of carbohydrates in reducing TMA formation from its precursor molecules. This work opens new research directions to evaluate the effect of dietary fermentable fibre on TMA production and, potentially, on circulating TMAO levels.

Consumption of orange fermented beverage improves antioxidant status and reduces peroxidation lipid and inflammatory markers in healthy humans

BACKGROUND

Alcoholic fermentation of fruits has generated novel products with high concentrations of bioactive compounds and moderate alcohol content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effect on cardiovascular risk factors of the regular consumption by healthy humans of a beverage obtained by alcoholic fermentation and pasteurization of orange juice.

RESULTS

Thirty healthy volunteers were enrolled in a randomized controlled study. The experimental group (n = 15) drank 500 mL orange beverage (OB) per day for 2 weeks (intervention phase), followed by a 3-week washout phase. Blood samples were collected at baseline (E-T0) and at the end of the intervention (E-T1) and washout (E-T2) phases. Controls (n = 15) did not consume OB during a 2-week period. OB intake significantly increased oxygen radical absorbance capacity (43.9%) and reduced uric acid (-8.9%), catalase (CAT) (-23.2%), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (-30.2%) and C-reactive protein (-2.1%) (E-T1 vs. E-T0). These effects may represent longer-term benefits, given the decreased uric acid (-8.9%), CAT (-34.6%), TBARS (-48.4%) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (-23.9%) values recorded after the washout phase (E-T2 vs. E-T0).

CONCLUSION

The regular consumption of OB improved antioxidant status and decreased inflammation state, lipid peroxidation and uric acid levels. Thus OB may protect the cardiovascular system in healthy humans and be considered a novel functional beverage. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bioavailability of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Flavanones and Biological Activity of Their Circulating Metabolites in Human Pro-Angiogenic Cells

Myeloid angiogenic cells (MACs) play a key role in endothelial repairing processes and functionality but their activity may be impaired by the lipotoxic effects of some molecules like stearic acid (SA). Among the dietary components potentially able to modulate endothelial function in vivo, (poly)phenolic compounds represent serious candidates. Here, we apply a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to shed light on the prospects of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), a citrus fruit rich in flavanones and other phenolic compounds, in the framework of lipotoxicity-induced MACs impairment. The flavanone profile of bergamot juice was characterized and 16 compounds were identified, with a new 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG) flavanone, isosakuranetin-7-O-neohesperidoside-6″-O-HMG, described for the first time. Then, a pilot bioavailability study was conducted in healthy volunteers to assess the circulating flavanone metabolites in plasma and urine after consumption of bergamot juice. Up to 12 flavanone phase II conjugates (sulfates and glucuronides of hesperetin, naringenin and eriodyctiol) were detected and quantified. Finally, the effect of some of the metabolites identified in vivo, namely hesperetin-7-O-glucuronide, hesperetin-3′-O-glucuronide, naringenin-7-O-glucuronide and naringenin-4′-O-glucuronide, was tested, at physiological concentrations, on gene expression of inflammatory markers and apoptosis in MACs exposed to SA. Under these conditions, naringenin-4′-O-glucuronide and hesperetin-7-O-glucuronide were able to modulate inflammation, while no flavanone glucuronide was effective in curbing stearate-induced lipoapoptosis. These results demonstrate that some flavanone metabolites, derived from the in vivo transformation of bergamot juice phenolics in humans, may mitigate stearate-induced inflammation in MACs.

Flavanones: Citrus phytochemical with health-promoting properties

Citrus fruit and juices represent one of the main sources of compounds with a high potential for health promoting properties. Among these compounds, flavanones (such as hesperetin, naringenin, eriodictyol, isosakuranetin, and their respective glycosides), which occur in quantities ranging from ∼180 to 740 mg/L (depending on the Citrus species and cultivar) are responsible for many biological activities. These compounds support and enhance the body's defenses against oxidative stress and help the organism in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Moreover, among other properties, they also show anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial activities. This review analyzes the biochemistry, pharmacology, and biology of Citrus flavanones, emphasizing the occurrence in Citrus fruits and juices and their bioavailability, structure-function correlations and ability to modulate signal cascades both in vitro and in vivo. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(4):495-506, 2017.

Phytobioactive compound-based nanodelivery systems for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus - current status

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major chronic disease that is prevalent worldwide, and it is characterized by an increase in blood glucose, disturbances in the metabolism, and alteration in insulin secretion. Nowadays, food-based therapy has become an important treatment mode for type 2 diabetes, and phytobioactive compounds have gained an increasing amount of attention to this end because they have an effect on multiple biological functions, including the sustained secretion of insulin and regeneration of pancreatic islets cells. However, the poor solubility and lower permeability of these phyto products results in a loss of bioactivity during processing and oral delivery, leading to a significant reduction in the bioavailability of phytobioactive compounds to treat T2DM. Recently, nanotechnological systems have been developed for use as various types of carrier systems to improve the delivery of bioactive compounds and thus obtain a greater bioavailability. Furthermore, carrier systems in most nanodelivery systems are highly biocompatible, with nonimmunologic behavior, a high degree of biodegradability, and greater mucoadhesive strength. Therefore, this review focuses on the various types of nanodelivery systems that can be used for phytobioactive compounds in treating T2DM with greater antidiabetic effects. There is also additional focus on improving the effects of various phytobioactive compounds through nanotechnological delivery to ensure a highly efficient treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Cancer prevention and therapy through the modulation of the tumor microenvironment

Cancer arises in the context of an in vivo tumor microenvironment. This microenvironment is both a cause and consequence of tumorigenesis. Tumor and host cells co-evolve dynamically through indirect and direct cellular interactions, eliciting multiscale effects on many biological programs, including cellular proliferation, growth, and metabolism, as well as angiogenesis and hypoxia and innate and adaptive immunity. Here we highlight specific biological processes that could be exploited as targets for the prevention and therapy of cancer. Specifically, we describe how inhibition of targets such as cholesterol synthesis and metabolites, reactive oxygen species and hypoxia, macrophage activation and conversion, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase regulation of dendritic cells, vascular endothelial growth factor regulation of angiogenesis, fibrosis inhibition, endoglin, and Janus kinase signaling emerge as examples of important potential nexuses in the regulation of tumorigenesis and the tumor microenvironment that can be targeted. We have also identified therapeutic agents as approaches, in particular natural products such as berberine, resveratrol, onionin A, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, curcumin, naringenin, desoxyrhapontigenin, piperine, and zerumbone, that may warrant further investigation to target the tumor microenvironment for the treatment and/or prevention of cancer.

Mind the gap-deficits in our knowledge of aspects impacting the bioavailability of phytochemicals and their metabolites--a position paper focusing on carotenoids and polyphenols

Various secondary plant metabolites or phytochemicals, including polyphenols and carotenoids, have been associated with a variety of health benefits, such as reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and several types of cancer, most likely due to their involvement in ameliorating inflammation and oxidative stress. However, discrepancies exist between their putative effects when comparing observational and intervention studies, especially when using pure compounds. These discrepancies may in part be explained by differences in intake levels and their bioavailability. Prior to exerting their bioactivity, these compounds must be made bioavailable, and considerable differences may arise due to their matrix release, changes during digestion, uptake, metabolism, and biodistribution, even before considering dose- and host-related factors. Though many insights have been gained on factors affecting secondary plant metabolite bioavailability, many gaps still exist in our knowledge. In this position paper, we highlight several major gaps in our understanding of phytochemical bioavailability, including effects of food processing, changes during digestion, involvement of cellular transporters in influx/efflux through the gastrointestinal epithelium, changes during colonic fermentation, and their phase I and phase II metabolism following absorption.

Squeezing fact from fiction about 100% fruit juice

Total fruit intake in the United States is ~1 cup equivalent per day, or one-half of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendation for adults. Two-thirds of the fruit consumed is whole fruit and one-third is 100% juice. The nutritional value of whole fruit, with the exception of fiber and vitamin C, may be retained with appropriate juice production methods and storage conditions. One-hundred percent fruit juice consumption is associated with a number of health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health and decreased obesity, although some of these and other potential benefits are controversial. Comprehensive analyses of the evidence by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2014, the US Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee in 2010, and the Australian Dietary Guidelines of 2013 concluded that 100% fruit juice is not related to adiposity in children when consumed in appropriate amounts for age and energy needs. However, some reports suggest the consumption of fruit juice contributes to unhealthful outcomes, particularly among children. A dietary modeling study on the best ways to meet the fruit intake shortfall showed that a combination of whole fruit and 100% juice improved dietary density of potassium and vitamin C without significantly increasing total calories. Notably, 100% juice intake was capped at amounts consistent with the 2001 American Pediatric Association guidance. The preponderance of evidence supports the position that 100% fruit juice delivers essential nutrients and phytonutrients, provides year-round access to a variety of fruits, and is a cost-effective way to help people meet fruit recommendations.

Consumption of orange fermented beverage reduces cardiovascular risk factors in healthy mice

The consumption of fruits prevents the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Alcoholic fermentation has been carried out in fruits resulting in products which provide high concentration of bioactive compounds and variable alcohol content. The aim of this study was to assess the potential beneficial effect of an orange beverage obtained by alcoholic fermentation and pasteurization of orange juice on cardiovascular risk biomarkers. For this purpose, four mice groups (n = 8) ingested orange beverage (equivalent volume to 250 mL/day in human), orange juice, alcoholic solution (at the proportional amount of orange beverage) or water during 12 weeks. The equivalent amount to double serving of orange beverage (500 mL/day) was administered to mice in a subsequent intervention, and a control group was also evaluated. Orange beverage consumption increased levels of glutathione and uric acid, improved lipid profile, decreased oxidized LDL and maintained levels of IL-6 and C-reactive protein. Synergistic effects between the bioactive compounds and the alcohol content of orange beverage may occur. The intake of double serving also increased antioxidant enzyme activities, bilirubin content and plasma antioxidant capacity. These results suggest that orange beverage may produce greater protection against cardiovascular risk factors than orange juice in healthy mice.