Antidepressive-like effects and antioxidant activity of green tea and GABA green tea in a mouse model of post-stroke depression

CsGAT1 modulates GABA metabolism and positively regulates cold resistance in tea plants

Tea plants (Camellia sinensis) are perennial woody economic crops that are often exposed to a range of abiotic stresses, especially low temperatures, during development. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a nonprotein amino acid widely distributed in plants that is involved in the low-temperature response of plants. Here, we found that CsGAT1 was upregulated in tea leaves subjected to low-temperature stress according to transcriptomic data. Heterologous expression of CsGAT1 in a yeast mutant revealed that it specifically transports GABA. Subcellular localization assays revealed that CsGAT1 was located on the plasma membrane. The organizational localization experiments revealed that the expression level of CsGAT1 was relatively high in the old leaves and roots and relatively low in the flowers. Testing of different cold-tolerant tea germplasm resources revealed that cultivars with relatively low cold resistance presented relatively low CsGAT1 expression and GABA levels. In addition, Arabidopsis plants overexpressing CsGAT1 presented high levels of GABA accumulation and significant low-temperature resistance. In summary, we believe that CsGAT1 regulates the ability of tea plants to resist low-temperature stress by changing the concentration of GABA inside and outside the cell. This study provides a theoretical basis for breeding new tea cultivars with strong resistance to low-temperature stress during production.

Advancing Post-Stroke Depression Research: Insights from Murine Models and Behavioral Analyses

Post-stroke depression (PSD) represents a significant neuropsychiatric complication that affects between 39% and 52% of stroke survivors, leading to impaired recovery, decreased quality of life, and increased mortality. This comprehensive review synthesizes our current knowledge of PSD, encompassing its epidemiology, risk factors, underlying neurochemical mechanisms, and the existing tools for preclinical investigation, including animal models and behavioral analyses. Despite the high prevalence and severe impact of PSD, challenges persist in accurately modeling its complex symptomatology in preclinical settings, underscoring the need for robust and valid animal models to better understand and treat PSD. This review also highlights the multidimensional nature of PSD, where both biological and psychosocial factors interplay to influence its onset and course. Further, we examine the efficacy and limitations of the current animal models in mimicking the human PSD condition, along with behavioral tests used to evaluate depressive-like behaviors in rodents. This review also sets a new precedent by integrating the latest findings across multidisciplinary studies, thereby offering a unique and comprehensive perspective of existing knowledge. Finally, the development of more sophisticated models that closely replicate the clinical features of PSD is crucial in order to advance translational research and facilitate the discovery of future effective therapies.

Contributions of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria on Food Quality and Human Health: Current Applications and Future Prospects

The need to increase food safety and improve human health has led to a worldwide increase in interest in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), produced by lactic acid bacteria (LABs). GABA, produced from glutamic acid in a reaction catalyzed by glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), is a four-carbon, non-protein amino acid that is increasingly used in the food industry to improve the safety/quality of foods. In addition to the possible positive effects of GABA, called a postbiotic, on neuroprotection, improving sleep quality, alleviating depression and relieving pain, the various health benefits of GABA-enriched foods such as antidiabetic, antihypertension, and anti-inflammatory effects are also being investigated. For all these reasons, it is not surprising that efforts to identify LAB strains with a high GABA productivity and to increase GABA production from LABs through genetic engineering to increase GABA yield are accelerating. However, GABA's contributions to food safety/quality and human health have not yet been fully discussed in the literature. Therefore, this current review highlights the synthesis and food applications of GABA produced from LABs, discusses its health benefits such as, for example, alleviating drug withdrawal syndromes and regulating obesity and overeating. Still, other potential food and drug interactions (among others) remain unanswered questions to be elucidated in the future. Hence, this review paves the way toward further studies.

Process Optimization and Quality Components Analysis of γ-Aminobutyric Acid Pickled Tea

Pickled tea is an anaerobically fermented tea common in Thailand, Myanmar and Yunnan minority areas. γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is non-protein amino acid with multiple bioactives, which can be easily produced under anaerobic conditions. During the processing of pickled tea, controlling the process parameters is effective for the production of GABA-rich products; however, the precise parameters remain to be clarified. In the present study, the fresh leaves of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (C. sinensis) 'FudingDabai', C. sinensis 'MabianLv No. 1', C. sinensis 'Wuniuzao' and C. sinensis 'Fuxuan No. 9' were used as raw materials to process GABA-rich pickled tea. Single-factor and orthogonal experiments were conducted to determine the best tea cultivars and optimize the best processing parameters via comparing the content of GABA, tea polyphenols (TPs) and other biochemical components of GABA-rich pickled tea. The results of the signal-factor experiment showed that the fresh leaves of C. sinensis 'MabianLv No. 1' had the highest GABA content of 2.61 mg·g-1 after treatment with vacuum for 6 h; therefore, C. sinensis 'MabianLv No. 1' was selected as the raw material for the subsequent experiments. Orthogonal experiments showed that the highest GABA content of 2.53 mg·g-1 was found in the pickled tea with 8 h of vacuum treatment, 20 min of rolling after microwave fixing, 20 min of spreading and 20 d of anaerobic fermentation at room temperature. Further, the sensory evaluation showed that it possesses a strong sour taste with a slight sweetness and a light yellow color and better comprehensive quality. This indicates that these parameters are optimal for the processing of GABA-rich pickled tea. This study will provide scientific basis for the subsequent production of high GABA tea.

Therapeutic potentialities of green tea (Camellia sinensis) in ischemic stroke: biochemical and molecular evidence

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability and death in patients. Despite considerable recent advances in the treatment of ischemic stroke, only a limited number of effective neuroprotective agents are available for stroke. Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is a popular herbal plant, and numerous studies have indicated its health benefits for several diseases. Green tea is of interest due to its high content of catechin derivatives, including epicatechin, gallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate. This review tried to develop a feasible background for the potential effects of green tea and its bioactive derivatives concerning protection against ischemic stroke. Green tea's antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective effects are believed to be efficacious in stroke treatment. Evidence supports the idea that green tea can be used to assist in treating ischemic stroke.

Polyphenols as possible alternative agents in chronic fatigue: a review

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a pathological state of extreme tiredness that lasts more than six months and may possess an impact on the social, emotional, or occupational functioning of an individual. CFS is characterized by profound disabling fatigue associated with infectious, rheumatological, and neurological symptoms. The current pharmacological treatment for CFS does not offer a complete cure for the disease, and none of the available treatments show promising results. The exact mechanism of the pathogenesis of the disease is still unknown, with current suggestions indicating the overlapping roles of the immune system, central nervous system, and neuroendocrine system. However, the pathological mechanism revolves around inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Polyphenols are the most abundant secondary metabolites of plant origin, with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and can exert protective activity against a whole range of disorders. The current review is aimed at highlighting the emerging role of polyphenols in CFS from both preclinical and clinical studies. Numerous agents of this class have shown promising results in different in vitro and in vivo models of chronic fatigue/CFS, predominantly by counteracting oxidative stress and the inflammatory cascade. The clinical data in this regard is still very limited and needs expanding through randomized, placebo-controlled studies to draw final conclusions on whether polyphenols may be a class of clinically effective nutraceuticals in patients with CFS.

Graphical abstract

Lactobacillus casei and Its Supplement Alleviate Stress-Induced Depression and Anxiety in Mice by the Regulation of BDNF Expression and NF-κB Activation

Stress-induced depression and anxiety (DA) are closely connected to gastrointestinal inflammation and dysbiosis, which can suppress brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain. Herein, we isolated the BDNF expression-inducing probiotics Lactobacillus casei HY2782 and Bifidobacterium lactis HY8002 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated SH-SY5Y cells. Then, we investigated the effects of HY2782, HY8002, anti-inflammatory L-theanine, and their supplement (PfS, probiotics-fermented L-theanine-containing supplement) on DA in mice exposed to restraint stress (RS) or the fecal microbiota of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and depression (FMd). Oral administration of HY2782, HY8002, or L-theanine alleviated RS-induced DA-like behaviors. They also decreased RS-induced hippocampal interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 levels, as well as NF-κB-positive cell numbers, blood corticosterone level, and colonic IL-1β and IL-6 levels and NF-κB-positive cell numbers. L-theanine more potently suppressed DA-like behaviors and inflammation-related marker levels than probiotics. However, these probiotics more potently increased RS-suppressed hippocampal BDNF level and BDNF⁺NeuN⁺ cell numbers than L-theanine. Furthermore, HY2782 and HY8002 suppressed RS-increased Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia populations in gut microbiota. In particular, they increased Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillacease populations, which are closely positively associated with hippocampal BDNF expression, and suppressed Sutterellaceae, Helicobacteriaceae, Akkermansiaceae, and Enterobacteriaceae populations, which are closely positively associated with hippocampal IL-1β expression. HY2782 and HY8002 potently alleviated FMd-induced DA-like behaviors and increased FMd-suppressed BDNF, serotonin levels, and BDNF-positive neuronal cell numbers in the brain. They alleviated blood corticosterone level and colonic IL-1β α and IL-6 levels. However, L-theanine weakly, but not significantly, alleviated FMd-induced DA-like behaviors and gut inflammation. BDNF expression-inducing probiotic (HY2782, HY8002, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus)-fermented and anti-inflammatory L-theanine-containing supplement PfS alleviated DA-like behaviors, inflammation-related biomarker levels, and gut dysbiosis more than probiotics or L-theanine. Based on these findings, a combination of BDNF expression-inducing probiotics with anti-inflammatory L-theanine may additively or synergistically alleviate DA and gut dysbiosis by regulating gut microbiota-mediated inflammation and BDNF expression, thereby being beneficial for DA.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): a comprehensive review of dietary sources, enrichment technologies, processing effects, health benefits, and its applications

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring potential bioactive compound present in plants, microorganisms, animals, and humans. Especially, as a main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, GABA possesses a broad spectrum of promising bioactivities. Thus, functional foods enriched with GABA have been widely sought after by consumers. However, the GABA levels in natural foods are usually low, which cannot meet people's demand for health effects. With the increasing public awareness on the food securities and naturally occurring processes, using enrichment technologies to elevate the GABA contents in foods instead of exogenous addition can enhance the acceptability of health-conscious consumers. Herein, this review provides a comprehensive insight on the dietary sources, enrichment technologies, processing effects of GABA, and its applications in food industry. Furthermore, the various health benefits of GABA-enriched foods, mainly including neuroprotection, anti-insomnia, anti-depression, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetes, and anti-inflammatory are also summarized. The main challenges for future research on GABA are related to exploring high GABA producing strains, enhancing the stability of GABA during storage, and developing emerging enrichment technologies without affecting food quality and other active ingredients. A better understanding of GABA may introduce new windows for its application in developing functional foods.

Special tea products featuring functional components: Health benefits and processing strategies

The functional components in tea confer various potential health benefits to humans. To date, several special tea products featuring functional components (STPFCs) have been successfully developed, such as O-methylated catechin-rich tea, γ-aminobutyric acid-rich tea, low-caffeine tea, and selenium-rich tea products. STPFCs have some unique and enhanced health benefits when compared with conventional tea products, which can meet the specific needs and preferences of different groups and have huge market potential. The processing strategies to improve the health benefits of tea products by regulating the functional component content have been an active area of research in food science. The fresh leaves of some specific tea varieties rich in functional components are used as raw materials, and special processing technologies are employed to prepare STPFCs. Huge progress has been achieved in the research and development of these STPFCs. However, the current status of these STPFCs has not yet been systematically reviewed. Here, studies on STPFCs have been comprehensively reviewed with a focus on their potential health benefits and processing strategies. Additionally, other chemical components with the potential to be developed into special teas and the application of tea functional components in the food industry have been discussed. Finally, suggestions on the promises and challenges for the future study of these STPFCs have been provided. This paper might shed light on the current status of the research and development of these STPFCs. Future studies on STPFCs should focus on screening specific tea varieties, identifying new functional components, evaluating health-promoting effects, improving flavor quality, and elucidating the interactions between functional components.

Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Neuroprotective Effects of Polyphenols-Polyphenols as an Element of Diet Therapy in Depressive Disorders

Depressive disorders can affect up to 350 million people worldwide, and in developed countries, the percentage of patients with depressive disorders may be as high as 10%. During depression, activation of pro-inflammatory pathways, mitochondrial dysfunction, increased markers of oxidative stress, and a reduction in the antioxidant effectiveness of the body are observed. It is estimated that approximately 30% of depressed patients do not respond to traditional pharmacological treatments. However, more and more attention is being paid to the influence of active ingredients in food on the course and risk of neurological disorders, including depression. The possibility of using foods containing polyphenols as an element of diet therapy in depression was analyzed in the review. The possibility of whether the consumption of products such as polyphenols could alleviate the course of depression or prevent the progression of it was also considered. Results from preclinical studies demonstrate the potential of phenolic compounds have the potential to reduce depressive behaviors by regulating factors related to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and modulation of the intestinal microbiota.

Neurobiological Links between Stress, Brain Injury, and Disease

Stress, which refers to a combination of physiological, neuroendocrine, behavioral, and emotional responses to novel or threatening stimuli, is essentially a defensive adaptation under physiological conditions. However, strong and long-lasting stress can lead to psychological and pathological damage. Growing evidence suggests that patients suffering from mild and moderate brain injuries and diseases often show severe neurological dysfunction and experience severe and persistent stressful events or environmental stimuli, whether in the acute, subacute, or recovery stage. Previous studies have shown that stress has a remarkable influence on key brain regions and brain diseases. The mechanisms through which stress affects the brain are diverse, including activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), apoptosis, oxidative stress, and excitatory/inhibitory neuron imbalance, and may lead to behavioral and cognitive deficits. The impact of stress on brain diseases is complex and involves impediment of recovery, aggravation of cognitive impairment, and neurodegeneration. This review summarizes various stress models and their applications and then discusses the effects and mechanisms of stress on key brain regions—including the hippocampus, hypothalamus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex—and in brain injuries and diseases—including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and epilepsy. Lastly, this review highlights psychological interventions and potential therapeutic targets for patients with brain injuries and diseases who experience severe and persistent stressful events.

Pomegranate and Its Components, Punicalagin and Ellagic Acid, Promote Antidepressant, Antioxidant, and Free Radical-Scavenging Activity in Ovariectomized Rats

Previous reports described the antidepressant-like action of the aqueous extract of pomegranate (Punica granatum: AEPG). Thus we evaluated the effect of AEPG and the main compounds found in the extract, punicalagin (PNCG) and ellagic acid (EA), on forced swimming test and the redox environment (reactive oxygen species [ROS] production, lipoperoxidation [LPX], and cellular function) in the brain of rats treated with 3 weeks post ovariectomy exposed ex vivo to pro-oxidants. Also, we selected PNCG and EA to study their antidepressant-like effects (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 10 mg/kg) in the forced swimming test and their scavenging capacities in chemical combinatorial assays (expressed as IC50 values). We observed a 2-fold increase in the formation of ROS and LPX in the brain after exposure to FeSO4. However, these effects were significantly attenuated when rats were treated with AEPG, PNCG, and EA (1 mg/kg and 0.010 mg/kg for 14 days). AEPG and EA significantly increased the cellular function values of brains that had been affected by the effect of FeSO4 and with ONOO-. PNCG and EA significantly reduced immobility behavior at the lower doses used in this study. The capacity of scavenging compounds to eliminate radicals was for hydroxyl radical (⋅OH), superoxide anion (O2⋅⁣-), and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) as follows: AEPG > punicalagin > ellagic acid. In conclusion, the AEPG and their active compounds PNCG and EA promote antidepressant-like actions and antioxidant activity as they attenuate oxidative damage and prevent cellular dysfunction in ovariectomized rat brains.

Mechanistic Basis for the Role of Phytochemicals in Inflammation-Associated Chronic Diseases

Chronic inflammatory diseases occur in a large portion of the population and are associated with a poor diet. Key natural products found in fruits and vegetables may assist in lowering inflammation associated with chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This review seeks to examine the roles of several natural products, resveratrol (RES), quercetin (QUE), curcumin (CUR), piperine (PIP), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and gingerol (GIN), in their ability to attenuate inflammatory markers in specific diseases states. Additionally, we will discuss findings in past and ongoing clinical trials, detail possible phytochemical–drug interactions, and provide a brief resource for researchers and healthcare professionals on natural product and supplement regulation as well as names of databases with information on efficacy, indications, and natural product–drug interactions. As diet and over-the-counter supplement use are modifiable factors and patients are interested in using complementary and alternative therapies, understanding the mechanisms by which natural products have demonstrated efficacy and the types of drugs they interact with and knowing where to find information on herbs and supplements is important for practicing healthcare providers and researchers interested in this field.

Effects of chronic bubble tea administration on behavior and cognition in C57BL/6 mice

PURPOSE

There is a lack of rigorous experimental evidence to verify the effects of bubble tea on body weight and mental health, especially whether it is an addictive thing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male adult C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to two groups, including the bubble-tea and the control group. The change in their body weight was calculated. Behavior tests include novel object recognition test (NORT), elevated plus maze test (EPMT), forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), conditioned place preference (CPP).

RESULTS

There was a significant time effect on weight change of the two groups (F = 36.83, P < 0.01). The bubble tea-treated mice spent significantly less time in the open arms, indicating an increase in anxiety (t = 2.39, P = 0.03). In FST, bubble tea treatment produced a significantly increased immobility time (186.58 ± 29.67 s) as compared to pure water treated group (112.50 ± 46.67 s) (t = -3.79, P < 0.01). Similarly, the immobility time in the TST was also significantly increased by bubble tea treatment (437.63 ± 27.72 s) compared to the treatment with pure water (340.24 ± 77.22 s) (t = -3.36, P < 0.01). We investigated the rewarding effects of bubble tea, using the CPP paradigm, which measures the rewarding properties of abused drugs. Independent-samples t-test revealed no significant difference between the two groups (t = -0.47, P = 0.65).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we showed that long-term administration of bubble tea could not induce addictive behavior in mice. Meanwhile, the long-term effects of bubble tea on weight were also very limited. However, long-term consumption of bubble tea can lead to anxiety and depression-like behaviors and impair cognitive function in mice.

NMR, RP-HPLC-PDA-ESI-MSn, and RP-HPLC-FD Characterization of Green and Oolong Teas (Camellia sinensis L.)

Untargeted (NMR) and targeted (RP-HPLC-PDA-ESI-MSⁿ, RP-HPLC-FD) analytical methodologies were used to determine the bioactive components of 19 tea samples, characterized by different production processes (common tea and GABA tea), degrees of fermentation (green and oolong teas), and harvesting season (autumn and spring). The combination of NMR data and a multivariate statistical approach led to a statistical model able to discriminate between GABA and non-GABA teas and green and oolong teas. Targeted analyses showed that green and GABA green teas had similar polyphenol and caffeine contents, but the GABA level was higher in GABA green teas than in regular green tea samples. GABA oolong teas showed lower contents of polyphenols, caffeine, and amino acids, and a higher content of GABA, in comparison with non-GABA oolong teas. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the healthy properties of teas, especially GABA teas, have to be evaluated via comprehensive metabolic profiling rather than only the GABA content.

Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Depression: Evidence from Preclinical Studies

Medicinal plants and their extracts are natural remedies with enormous potential for treating various diseases, including depression and anxiety. In the case of depression, hundreds of plants have traditionally been used in folk medicine for generations. Different plant extracts and natural products have been analyzed as potential antidepressant agents with validated models to test for antidepressant-like effects in animals, although other complementary studies have also been employed. Most of these studies focus on the possible mediators implicated in these potential effects, with dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline being the principal neurotransmitters implicated, both through interference with receptors and with their metabolism by monoamino oxidases, as well as through neuro-endocrine and neuroprotective effects. There are approximately 650 reports of antidepressant-like medicinal plants in PubMed; 155 of them have been compiled in this review, with a relevant group yielding positive results. Saffron and turmeric are the most relevant species studied in both preclinical and clinical studies; St. John's wort or kava have also been tested extensively. To the best of our knowledge, no review to date has provided a comprehensive understanding of the biomolecular mechanisms of action of these herbs or of whether their potential effects could have real benefits. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an update regarding medicinal plants from the year 2000 to the present to examine the therapeutic potential of these antidepressant-like plants in order to contribute to the development of new therapeutic methods to alleviate the tremendous burden that depression causes worldwide.

Green tea protects against hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in diabetic encephalopathy by inhibiting JNK/MLCK signaling

Although diabetic encephalopathy (DE) is a major late complication of diabetes, the pathophysiology of postural instability in DE remains poorly understood. Prior studies have suggested that neuronal apoptosis is closely associated with cognitive function, but the mechanism remains to be elucidated. Green tea, which is a non-fermented tea, contains a number of tea polyphenols, alkaloids, amino acids, polysaccharides and other components. Some studies have found that drinking green tea can reduce the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases and improve cognitive dysfunction. We previously found that myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) regulates apoptosis in high glucose-induced hippocampal neurons. In neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, activation of the JNK signaling pathway promotes neuronal apoptosis. However, the relationship between JNK and MLCK remains to be elucidated. Green tea serum was obtained using seropharmacological methods and applied to hippocampal neurons. In addition, a type 1 diabetes rat model was established and green tea extract was administered, and the Morris water maze test, Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, flow cytometry, western blotting and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labelling assays were used to examine the effects of green tea on hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in diabetic rats. The results demonstrated that green tea can protect against hippocampal neuronal apoptosis by inhibiting the JNK/MLCK pathway and ultimately improves cognitive function in diabetic rats. The present study provided novel insights into the neuroprotective effects of green tea.

Increased Stress Resistance and Lifespan in Chaenorhabditis elegans Wildtype and Knockout Mutants-Implications for Depression Treatment by Medicinal Herbs

Depression and anxiety disorders are widespread diseases, and they belong to the leading causes of disability and greatest burdens on healthcare systems worldwide. It is expected that the numbers will dramatically rise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Established medications are not sufficient to adequately treat depression and are not available for everyone. Plants from traditional medicine may be promising alternatives to treat depressive symptoms. The model organism Chaenorhabditis elegans was used to assess the stress reducing effects of methanol/dichlormethane extracts from plants used in traditional medicine. After initial screening for antioxidant activity, nine extracts were selected for in vivo testing in oxidative stress, heat stress, and osmotic stress assays. Additionally, anti-aging properties were evaluated in lifespan assay. The extracts from Acanthopanax senticosus, Campsis grandiflora, Centella asiatica, Corydalis yanhusuo, Dan Zhi, Houttuynia cordata, Psoralea corylifolia, Valeriana officinalis, and Withaniasomnifera showed antioxidant activity of more than 15 Trolox equivalents per mg extract. The extracts significantly lowered ROS in mutants, increased resistance to heat stress and osmotic stress, and the extended lifespan of the nematodes. The plant extracts tested showed promising results in increasing stress resistance in the nematode model. Further analyses are needed, in order to unravel underlying mechanisms and transfer results to humans.

Green Tea, A Medicinal Food with Promising Neurological Benefits

Neurological disorders and their sequelae, as of the widespread and critical humans’ complications, affect the body's nervous systems, organ functions, and behaviors. According to WHO, neurological disorders are currently predicted to affect more than one billion people globally. It is well-established that complementary medicine is one of the high accepted interventions that could have been considered for the management of neurological ailments. The current review aimed to compile all the crucial data reporting the investigation on the conspicuous intervention of green tea (made of Camellia sinensis) and related lead compounds (especially l-theanine, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, epicatechin-3-gallate, epicatechin, and epigallocatechin) for their neurological activities, mechanisms of action, and clinical properties. According to the documents, green tea exhibits antidepressant, anti-neurodegenerative (e.g., anti-Parkinson and anti-Alzheimer), as well as neuroprotective effects.Chief among them, for offering novel work, it is worth focusing on several related assessments with great attention to more extensive standardized clinical trials, and subsequently more in-depth pharmacokinetic studies to safely introduce this beneficial medicinal food as a neuro-effective agent.

A standardized polyphenol mixture extracted from poplar-type propolis for remission of symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection (URTI): A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The most common symptoms of mild upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are sore throat, muffled dysphonia, and swelling and redness of the throat, which result from the inflammation process following acute bacterial or viral infection.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

As propolis is a natural resinous substance traditionally used to maintain oral cavity and upper respiratory tract health due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, the aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of an oral spray based on poplar-type propolis extract with a known and standardized polyphenol content, on the remission of the symptoms associated with mild uncomplicated URTIs.

STUDY DESIGN

A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed.

METHODS

This study was conducted in 122 healthy adults who had perceived mild upper respiratory tract infections. Participants, randomly assigned to receive either propolis oral spray (N = 58) or placebo (N = 64), underwent four visits (baseline = t0, after 3 days = t1 and after 5 days = t2 and after a follow-up of 15 days = t3) in an outpatient setting. Propolis oral spray total polyphenol content was 15 mg/ml. The dosage was 2-4 sprays three times/day (corresponding to 12-24 mg of polyphenols/day), for five days. The duration of the study was 8 weeks.

RESULTS

After 3 days of treatment, 83% of subjects treated with propolis oral spray had remission of symptoms, while 72% of subjects in the placebo group had at least one remaining symptom. After five days, all subjects had recovered from all symptoms. This means that resolution from mild uncomplicated URTIs took place two days earlier, instead of taking place in five days as recorded in the control group. There was no relationship between the ingestion of propolis oral spray or placebo and adverse reactions.

CONCLUSION

Propolis oral spray can be used to improve both bacterial and viral uncomplicated URTI symptoms in a smaller number of days without the use of pharmacological treatment, leading to a prompt symptom resolution.

Role of the Phytochemical Compounds like Modulators in Gut Microbiota and Oxidative Stress

BACKGROUND

Currently, daily consumption of green herb functional food or medicinal herbs has increased as adopted by many people worldwide as a way of life or even as an alternative to the use of synthetic medicines. Phytochemicals, which are a series of compounds of relatively complex structures and restricted distribution in plants, usually perform the defensive functions for plants against insects, bacteria, fungi or other pathogenic factors. A series of studies have found their effectiveness in the treatment or prevention of systemic diseases such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, Crohn's disease and so on.

OBJECTIVE

This review systematizes the literature on the mechanisms of the phytochemicals that react against unique free radicals and prevent the oxidative stress and also summarizes their role in gut microbiota inhibiting bacterial translocation and damage to the intestinal barrier and improving the intestinal membrane condition.

CONCLUSION

The gut microbiota modulation and antioxidant activities of the phytochemicals shall be emphasized on the research of the active principles of the phytochemicals.

GABA-enriched teas as neuro-nutraceuticals

Teas enriched in GABA are consumed for their beneficial effects on blood pressure, stress and anxiety. These effects may involve actions of GABA on the central and peripheral nervous systems. The anaerobic procedures for the production of GABA-enriched teas increase GABA levels by 10-20 times. They also significantly alter the levels of other constituents that may interact with the actions of GABA. These include epigallocatechin gallate, caffeine and theanine. The possible interactions of these active constituents make the understanding of the effects of GABA-enriched teas complex. More data is needed to establish where and how GABA is acting following consumption of GABA-enriched teas. While there is considerable evidence that such GABA is acting on GABA receptors in the periphery, there is rather less evidence that is acting directly in the brain. Certainly, there is more to the action of GABA-enriched teas than GABA itself.

Brain foods - the role of diet in brain performance and health

The performance of the human brain is based on an interplay between the inherited genotype and external environmental factors, including diet. Food and nutrition, essential in maintenance of brain performance, also aid in prevention and treatment of mental disorders. Both the overall composition of the human diet and specific dietary components have been shown to have an impact on brain function in various experimental models and epidemiological studies. This narrative review provides an overview of the role of diet in 5 key areas of brain function related to mental health and performance, including: (1) brain development, (2) signaling networks and neurotransmitters in the brain, (3) cognition and memory, (4) the balance between protein formation and degradation, and (5) deteriorative effects due to chronic inflammatory processes. Finally, the role of diet in epigenetic regulation of brain physiology is discussed.

New insights into the effects of caffeine on adult hippocampal neurogenesis in stressed mice: Inhibition of CORT-induced microglia activation

Chronic stress-evoked depression has been implied to associate with the decline of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Caffeine has been known to combat stress-evoked depression. Herein, we aim to investigate whether the protective effect of caffeine on depression is related with improving adult hippocampus neurogenesis and explore the mechanisms. Mouse chronic water immersion restraint stress (CWIRS) model, corticosterone (CORT)-established cell stress model, a coculture system containing CORT-treated BV-2 cells and hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) were utilized. Results showed that CWIRS caused obvious depressive-like disorders, abnormal 5-HT signaling, and elevated-plasma CORT levels. Notably, microglia activation-evoked brain inflammation and inhibited neurogenesis were also observed in the hippocampus of stressed mice. In comparison, intragastric administration of caffeine (10 and 20 mg/kg, 28 days) significantly reverted CWIRS-induced depressive behaviors, neurogenesis recession and microglia activation in the hippocampus. Further evidences from both in vivo and in vitro mechanistic experiments demonstrated that caffeine treatment significantly suppressed microglia activation via the A2AR/MEK/ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results suggested that CORT-induced microglia activation contributes to stress-mediated neurogenesis recession. The antidepression effect of caffeine was associated with unlocking microglia activation-induced neurogenesis inhibition.

Health Functions and Related Molecular Mechanisms of Tea Components: An Update Review

Tea is widely consumed all over the world. Generally, tea is divided into six categories: White, green, yellow, oolong, black, and dark teas, based on the fermentation degree. Tea contains abundant phytochemicals, such as polyphenols, pigments, polysaccharides, alkaloids, free amino acids, and saponins. However, the bioavailability of tea phytochemicals is relatively low. Thus, some novel technologies like nanotechnology have been developed to improve the bioavailability of tea bioactive components and consequently enhance the bioactivity. So far, many studies have demonstrated that tea shows various health functions, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immuno-regulatory, anticancer, cardiovascular-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and hepato-protective effects. Moreover, it is also considered that drinking tea is safe to humans, since reports about the severe adverse effects of tea consumption are rare. In order to provide a better understanding of tea and its health potential, this review summarizes and discusses recent literature on the bioactive components, bioavailability, health functions, and safety issues of tea, with special attention paid to the related molecular mechanisms of tea health functions.

The Role of Oxidative Stress in Common Risk Factors and Mechanisms of Cardio-Cerebrovascular Ischemia and Depression

The public health sector faces a huge challenge as a result of the high prevalence and burden of disability caused by ischemic cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and depression. Although studies have explored the underlying mechanisms and potential therapies to address conditions, there is no treatment breakthrough, especially for depression which is highly influenced by social stressors. However, accumulating evidence reveals that CVD and depression are correlated and share common risk factors, particularly obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. They also share common mechanisms, including oxidative stress (OS), inflammation and immune response, cell death signaling pathway, and microbiome-gut-brain axis. This review summarizes the relationship between ischemic CVD and depression and describes the interactions among common risk factors and mechanisms for these two diseases. In addition, we propose that OS mediates the crosstalk between these diseases. We also reveal the potential of antioxidants to ameliorate OS-related injuries.

Application of Pontentilla anserine, Polygonum aviculare and Rumex crispus Mixture Extracts in a Rabbit Model with Experimentally Induced E. coli Infection

The study evaluated the anti-colibacteriosis efficacy of herbs in experimental infection by rabbit pathogenic strain of E. coli O103 eae+. It also studied the effects of herbal mixture added to feed or water on blood parameters. This animal model was used since some E. coli strains pathogenic for rabbits are similar to the strains that are pathogenic to humans. The components of herbal extracts were Rumex crispus, Pontentilla anserine, and Polygonum aviculare. Supplementation was carried out in water (ExpW group) or feed (ExpF group), and four weeks later the animals were infected with the E. coli O103 eae+ strain. The administration of herbs increased the mean concentration of total protein and serum albumin (p < 0.01) without causing disturbances of electrolyte and acid-base balance. The highest total antioxidant capacity (TAS) value (p < 0.01) was observed in the ExpF group. The administration of a mixture of herbs and feed caused more reduction in the number of E. coli in cecum than supplementation into water after an experimental infection. The herbs applied in rabbits did not harm the secretory functions of liver, electrolyte, and acid-base balance of the blood. The application of the tested herbal mixtures can control the activity of the intestinal microbial community.

Antidepressive effects of a chemically characterized maqui berry extract (Aristotelia chilensis (molina) stuntz) in a mouse model of Post-stroke depression

Mood disorders occur in 30% of stroke patients, and of these post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most significant. This study aimed to evaluate the antidepressive-like effects and in vivo antioxidant activity of a chemically characterized maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis (Molina) Stuntz) extract obtained from an optimized extraction method, on a murine PSD model. The extraction process was optimized to maximize anthocyanin content, and the phytochemical profile of the extract was evaluated using a multi-methodological approach including a liquid chromatographic method coupled with mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The antidepressive-like activity was investigated through despair swimming and tail suspension tests. The in vivo antioxidant activity was evaluated in mouse brain tissue by measuring the activity of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation products. A number of compounds have been first identified in maqui berry here, including malvidin-glucoside, GABA, choline and trigonelline. Moreover, the results showed that the antidepressive-like activity exerted by the extract, which was found to restore normal mouse behavior in both despair swimming and tail suspension tests, could be linked to its antioxidant activity, leading to the conclusion that maqui berries might be useful for supporting pharmacological therapy of PSD by modulating oxidative stress.

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of 30 Chinese Teas

Tea has been reported to prevent and manage many chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, and the antioxidant capacity of tea may be responsible for these health benefits. In this study, the antioxidant capacities of fat-soluble, water-soluble, and bound-insoluble fractions of 30 Chinese teas belonging to six categories, namely green, black, oolong, dark, white, and yellow teas, were systematically evaluated, applying ferric-reducing antioxidant power and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays. In addition, total phenolic contents of teas were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method, and the contents of 18 main phytochemical compounds in teas were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results found that several teas possessed very strong antioxidant capacity, and caffeine, theaflavine, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, as well as eight catechins, were the main antioxidant compounds in them. Thus, these teas could be good natural sources of dietary antioxidants, and their extracts might be developed as food additives, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Effects and Mechanisms of Tea and Its Bioactive Compounds for the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases: An Updated Review

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are critical global public health issues with high morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological studies have revealed that regular tea drinking is inversely associated with the risk of CVDs. Additionally, substantial in vitro and in vivo experimental studies have shown that tea and its bioactive compounds are effective in protecting against CVDs. The relevant mechanisms include reducing blood lipid, alleviating ischemia/reperfusion injury, inhibiting oxidative stress, enhancing endothelial function, attenuating inflammation, and protecting cardiomyocyte function. Moreover, some clinical trials also proved the protective role of tea against CVDs. In order to provide a better understanding of the relationship between tea and CVDs, this review summarizes the effects of tea and its bioactive compounds against CVDs and discusses potential mechanisms of action based on evidence from epidemiological, experimental, and clinical studies.

[Neurobiological effects of theanine and its possible use in neurology and psychiatry]

Theanine is an analog of glutamate and the major aminoacid in green tea. It has received growing attention in recent years because of its beneficial effects on the central nervous system. Theanine was shown to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and to stimulate neurogenesis. Anti-stress and calming effects of theanine are the most apparent and well-studied. A number of studies showed neuroprotective effects of theanine after an ischemic cerebral injury or the exposure to toxic chemicals. It also improved cognitive function including attention, memory and learning. Recent studies demonstrated a promising role of theanine in augmentation therapy for major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. Theoretical grounds for using theanine in treatment of bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder and some neurodegenerative disorders are discussed.

A novel mechanism of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) protecting human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) against H2O2-induced oxidative injury

Vascular endothelial cell damage is related to many vascular diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a vital role in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases. Herein, H₂O₂-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) injury model was used to explore the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of ROS-induced oxidative stress and cell dysfunction. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally occurring four-carbon non-protein amino acid, has antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory action. In the present study, we demonstrated that GABA could scavenge free radicals including DPPH and ABTS, reverse H₂O₂-induced suppression on HUVEC proliferation, HUVEC apoptosis and ROS formation via p65 signaling. Interestingly, GABA treatment alone did not cause significant changes in p65 phosphorylation, suggesting that GABA will not cause imbalance in NF-κB signaling and ROS formation without oxidative stress. Moreover, GABA also modulated Keap1-Nrf2 and Notch signaling pathways upon H₂O₂ stimulation, suggesting that GABA may exert its effect via multi mechanisms. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that GABA inhibits H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in HUVECs via inhibiting ROS-induced NF-κB and Caspase 3 pathway activation. GABA may, therefore, have potential as a pharmacological agent in the prevention or treatment of oxidative injury-related cardiovascular disease.

L-theanine ameliorate depressive-like behavior in a chronic unpredictable mild stress rat model via modulating the monoamine levels in limbic-cortical-striatal-pallidal-thalamic-circuit related brain regions

L-theanine, originally found in green tea, elicits various physiological effects, such as promoting relaxation, improving concentration and learning ability, and providing antianxiety-like and antidepressant-like properties. This study aims to investigate the effects of L-theanine (2 mg/kg) on monoamine levels in an animal model of depression. The effect of l-theanine on the symptoms of depression was examined through the open-field test, sucrose preference test, and forced swim test. The monoamine neurotransmitters that involve serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) were measured in the limbic-cortical-striatal-pallidal-thalamic (LCSPT)-circuit related brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAC), striatum (ST), amygdala, and hippocampus (HIP). L-theanine ameliorated the depressive-like behaviors in the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat model. In the PFC, NAC, and HIP, L-theanine administration significantly increased the levels of 5-HT, NE, and DA. In the ST, the levels of 5-HT and DA were increased after the administration of L-theanine. However, in the HIP, only the level of DA significantly changed after the treatment of L-theanine. Taken together, these results indicated that L-theanine has possibly antidepressant-like effects in the CUMS rat model, which could be mediated by the monoamine neurotransmitters in the LCSPT-circuit related brain regions.

Colon Bioaccessibility and Antioxidant Activity of White, Green and Black Tea Polyphenols Extract after In Vitro Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion

The beneficial effects of the tea beverage are well-known and mainly attributed to polyphenols which, however, have poor bioaccessibility and bioavailability. The purpose of the present study was the evaluation of colon bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity of tea polyphenolic extract. An 80% methanolic extract (v/v) of tea polyphenols was obtained from green (GT), white (WT) and black tea (BT). Simulated gastrointestinal (GI) digestion was performed on acid-resistant capsules containing tea polyphenolic extract. The main tea polyphenols were monitored by HPLC-diode-array detector (DAD) method; in addition, Total Phenol Content (TPC) and antioxidant activity were evaluated. After GI digestion, the bioaccessibility in the colon stage was significantly increased compared to the duodenal stage for both tea polyphenols and TPC. Similarly, the antioxidant activity in the colon stage was significantly higher than that in the duodenal stage. Reasonably, these results could be attributable in vivo to the activity of gut microbiota, which is able to metabolize these compounds, generating metabolites with a greater antioxidant activity. Our results may guide the comprehension of the colon digestion of polyphenols, suggesting that, although poorly absorbed in the duodenum, they can exert their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in the lower gut, resulting in a novel strategy for the management of gut-related inflammatory diseases.

Ternary deep eutectic solvent magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers for the dispersive magnetic solid-phase microextraction of green tea

Ternary deep eutectic solvent magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers grafted on silica were developed for the selective recognition and separation of theophylline, theobromine, (+)-catechin hydrate, and caffeic acid from green tea through dispersive magnetic solid-phase microextraction. A new ternary deep eutectic solvent was adopted as a functional monomer. The materials obtained were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. The practical recovery of the theophylline, theobromine, (+)-catechin hydrate, and caffeic acid isolated with ternary deep eutectic solvent magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers in green tea were 91.82, 92.13, 89.96, and 90.73%, respectively, and the actual amounts extracted were 5.82, 4.32, 18.36, and 3.69 mg/g, respectively. The new method involving the novel material coupled with dispersive magnetic solid-phase microextraction showed outstanding recognition, selectivity and excellent magnetism, providing a new perspective for the separation of bioactive compounds.

Neurobehavioral changes in mice offspring exposed to green tea during fetal and early postnatal development

BACKGROUND

Green tea extract (GTE) has various health promoting effects on animals and humans. However, the effects of perinatal exposure to GTE on the behavioral aspects of offspring have not been elucidated thus far. GTE was provided for pregnant female mice at concentrations of either 20 or 50 g/L, beginning the day of conception until the third week after delivery, postnatal day 22 (PD 22). Mice pups were subjected to behavioral testing to assess sensory motor reflexes, locomotion, anxiety, and learning on various postnatal days.

RESULTS

Perinatal exposure to GTE resulted in a significant reduction in body weight, as well as earlier body hair appearance and opening of the eyes. Sensory motor reflexes exhibited faster responses and significant stimulatory effects in pups exposed to GTE. During the adolescent period, male and female offspring exhibited increased locomotor activity (on PD 22), reduced anxiety and fear (on PD 25), and enhanced memory and learning abilities (on PD 30), all in both GTE treated groups. All blood counts (RBCs, WBCs, Hb, and platelets), and glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and low density lipoprotein concentrations were significantly lower in the GTE-treated pups; however, there was no effect on high density lipoprotein levels.

CONCLUSION

Our data provide evidence that the high dose of GTE (50 g/L) had higher anxiolytic properties and positive effects on locomotor activities and sensory motor reflexes, as well as learning and memory of the offspring than the low dose of GTE (20 g/L).

Improvement of Antioxidant Defences and Mood Status by Oral GABA Tea Administration in a Mouse Model of Post-Stroke Depression

Green GABA (GGABA) and Oolong GABA (OGABA) teas are relatively new varieties of tea, whose chemical composition and functional properties are largely under-studied, despite their promising health capacities. Post stroke depression (PSD) is a complication of stroke with high clinical relevance, yielding increasing mortality and morbidity rates, and a lower response to common therapies and rehabilitation. Methods: Two chemically characterized commercial samples of GGABA and OGABA were investigated for effects on mood following oral administration using a mouse model of PSD, through common validated tests including the Despair Swimming Test and Tail Suspension Test. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of GGABA and OGABA was evaluated by determining the levels of lipid peroxidation products and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the mouse brain in vivo. Results: GGABA and OGABA attenuated depressed mood by influencing behavioral parameters linked to depression. GGABA was more active than OGABA in this study, and this effect may be likely due to a higher content of polyphenolic substances and amino acids in GGABA compared to OGABA. GGABA also exerted a greater antioxidant activity. Conclusions: Our data suggests that GABA tea is a promising candidate that can be used as an adjuvant in the management of PSD.

Quality components and antidepressant-like effects of GABA green tea

After vacuum anaerobic and aerobic treatment, the GABA content in green tea is significantly increased, reaching the standard of GABA tea. And daily oral GABA green tea extract can prevent depression or improve the depressive state of animals.

Healthy properties of green and white teas: an update

Green tea has been consumed for centuries in Japan, China and Morocco.

Post-Stroke Depression Modulation and in Vivo Antioxidant Activity of Gallic Acid and Its Synthetic Derivatives in a Murine Model System

Gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, GA) is a plant secondary metabolite, which shows antioxidant activity and is commonly found in many plant-based foods and beverages. Recent evidence suggests that oxidative stress contributes to the development of many human chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative pathologies, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cancer. GA and its derivative, methyl-3-O-methyl gallate (M3OMG), possess physiological and pharmacological activities closely related to their antioxidant properties. This paper describes the antidepressive-like effects of intraperitoneal administration of GA and two synthetic analogues, M3OMG and P3OMG (propyl-3-O-methylgallate), in balb/c mice with post-stroke depression, a secondary form of depression that could be due to oxidative stress occurring during cerebral ischemia and the following reperfusion. Moreover, this study determined the in vivo antioxidant activity of these compounds through the evaluation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (Cat) activity, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in mouse brain. GA and its synthetic analogues were found to be active (at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg) in the modulation of depressive symptoms and the reduction of oxidative stress, restoring normal behavior and, at least in part, antioxidant endogenous defenses, with M3OMG being the most active of these compounds. SOD, TBARS, and GSH all showed strong correlation with behavioral parameters, suggesting that oxidative stress is tightly linked to the pathological processes involved in stroke and PSD. As a whole, the obtained results show that the administration of GA, M3OMG and P3OMG induce a reduction in depressive symptoms and oxidative stress.

Effect of Winemaking on the Composition of Red Wine as a Source of Polyphenols for Anti-Infective Biomaterials

Biomaterials releasing bactericides have currently become tools for thwarting medical device-associated infections. The ideal anti-infective biomaterial must counteract infection while safeguarding eukaryotic cell integrity. Red wine is a widely consumed beverage to which many biological properties are ascribed, including protective effects against oral infections and related bone (osteoarthritis, osteomyelitis, periprosthetic joint infections) and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, fifteen red wine samples derived from grapes native to the Oltrepò Pavese region (Italy), obtained from the winemaking processes of “Bonarda dell’Oltrepò Pavese” red wine, were analyzed alongside three samples obtained from marc pressing. Total polyphenol and monomeric anthocyanin contents were determined and metabolite profiling was conducted by means of a chromatographic analysis. Antibacterial activity of wine samples was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans, responsible for dental caries, Streptococcus salivarius, and Streptococcus pyogenes, two oral bacterial pathogens. Results highlighted the winemaking stages in which samples exhibit the highest content of polyphenols and the greatest antibacterial activity. Considering the global need for new weapons against bacterial infections and alternatives to conventional antibiotics, as well as the favorable bioactivities of polyphenols, results point to red wine as a source of antibacterial substances for developing new anti-infective biomaterials and coatings for biomedical devices.