Antioxidant and memory enhancing effects of purple sweet potato anthocyanin and cordyceps mushroom extract

Synthesis and characterization of Hypsizygus ulmarius extract mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and test their potentiality on antimicrobial and anticancer effects

The prime aim of this research is to discover new, eco-friendly approaches to reducing agents for manufacturing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from fresh fruiting bodies of the edible mushroom Hypsizygus ulmarius (Hu). The confirmation of Hu-mediated AgNPs has been characterized by UV visible spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, SEM with EDX, HRTEM, AFM, PSA, Zeta poetical and GCMS analysis. The absorption peak of Hu-AgNPs at 430 nm has been confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy analysis. The findings of the particle size study show that AgNPs have a size distribution with an average of 20 nm. The Zeta potential of NPs reveals a significant build-up of negative charges on their surface. The additional hydrate layers that occurred at the surface of AgNPs are shown in the HR-TEM morphology images. The antibacterial activity results showed that Hu-AgNPs were highly effective against both bacterial pathogens, with gram-positive (+) and gram-negative (-) pathogens having a moderate inhibition effect on K. pneumoniae (5.3 ± 0.3 mm), E. coli (5.3 ± 0.1), and S. aureus (5.2 ± 0.3 mm). Hu-AgNPs (IC50 of 50.78 μg/mL) were found to have dose-dependent cytotoxic action against human lung cancer cell lines (A549). Inhibited cell viability by up to 64.31% after 24 h of treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the hand information on the myco-synthesis of AgNPs from the H. ulmarius mushroom extract and the results suggest that it can an excellent source for developing a multipurpose and eco-friendly nano product in future.

Cucurbita maxima Seeds Reduce Anxiety and Depression and Improve Memory

The current study was planned to assess the neuropharmacological benefits of the Cucurbita maxima seed. These seeds have been conventionally used for the nutritional as well as amelioration of various diseases. However, there was a need to provide a pharmacological basis for such use. Four central nervous system-related functions, that is, anxiety, depression, memory, and motor coordination, were evaluated, and the levels of brain biogenic amines were also assessed. Anxiety was evaluated through selected experimental models, such as light and dark apparatus, elevated plus maze, head dip, and open field test. The head dip test was mainly used to assess exploratory behavior. Depression was assessed by two animal models, that is, the forced swim test and tail suspension test. Memory and learning ability were assessed by the passive avoidance test, stationary rod apparatus, and Morris's water maze test. Motor skilled learning was assessed by stationary rod and rotarod apparatus. Reversed phase high-pressure liquid chromatography was used to determine biogenic amine levels. Results reveal that C. maxima exhibited anxiolytic and antidepressant effects with memory improvement. There was a reduction in the weight of the animal following chronic administration. Furthermore, no remarkable effects were observed on motor coordination. Norepinephrine was found elevated, which may be linked to its antidepressant effects. These biological effects of C. maxima may be due to the presence of secondary metabolites, such as cucurbitacin, beta-sitosterol, polyphenolic compounds, citrulline, kaempferol, arginine, β-carotene, quercetin, and other antioxidants. The outcomes of the present study authenticate that the chronic use of C. maxima seeds reduces the intensity of neurological problems like anxiety and depression.

Biology and biotechnological aspect of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.): a commercially important tuber crop

This review highlights the economic importance of sweet potato and discusses new varieties, agronomic and cultivation practices, pest and disease control efforts, plant tissue culture protocols, and unexplored research areas involving this plant. Abstract Sweet potato is widely consumed in many countries around the world, including India, South Africa and China. Due to its valuable nutritional composition and highly beneficial bioactive compounds, sweet potato is considered a major tuber crop in India. Based on the volume of production, this plant ranks seventh in the world among all food crops. Sweet potato is considered a "Superfood" by the 'Centre for Science in the Public Interest' (CSPI), USA. This plant is mostly propagated through vegetative propagation using vine cuttings or tubers. However, this process is costly, labour-intensive, and comparatively slow. Conventional propagation methods are not able to supply sufficient disease-free planting materials to farmers to sustain steady tuber production. Therefore, there is an urgent need to use various biotechnological approaches, such as cell, tissue, and organ culture, for the large-scale production of healthy and disease-free planting material for commercial purposes throughout the year. In the last five decades, a number of tissue culture protocols have been developed for the production of in vitro plants through meristem culture, direct adventitious organogenesis, callus culture and somatic embryogenesis. Moreover, little research has been done on synthetic seed technology for the in vitro conservation and propagation of sweet potato. The current review comprehensively describes the biology, i.e., plant phenotypic description, vegetative growth, agronomy and cultivation, pests and diseases, varieties, and conventional methods of propagation, as well as biotechnological implementation, of this tuber crop. Furthermore, the explored and unexplored areas of research in sweet potato using biotechnological approaches have been reviewed.

Glyceroglycolipids from the solid culture of Ophiocordyceps sinensis strain LY34 isolated from Tibet of China

Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a well-known entomogenous fungus with its fruiting bodies or cultural mycelium as food and herbal medicines in Asia. While metabolites which could responsible for its potent pharmaceutical effects has long remained to be elucidated. In this work, chemical investigation on the solid culture of O. sinensis strain LY34 led to the discovery of six digalactosyldiacylglycerols (DGDGS, 1–6) including one new. The structure of compound 1 was determined based on the comprehensive spectra analysis, including NMR, MSⁿ, IR, and chemical derivatisation. Bioactivity studies showed a weak cytotoxicity of compounds 1–6 against 293 T cell and medium anti-inflammatory activity of compounds 1 and 2 on Raw 264.7 cell. The discovery of DGDGs in O. sinensis provides new insight into the pharmacologically active substances.

A Metallomic Approach to Assess Associations of Plasma Metal Levels with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease: An Exploratory Study

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) involves the abnormal activity of transition metals and metal ion dyshomeostasis; however, the potential of trace metal biomarkers in predicting cognitive decline has not been evaluated. This study aimed to assess the potential of 36 trace elements in predicting cognitive decline in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) or AD. Participants (9 controls, 23 aMCI due to AD, and 8 AD dementia) underwent comprehensive cognitive tests, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and trace metal analysis. The correlations between the plasma trace element levels and annual MMSE changes during follow-up were analyzed. We found that an increase in disease severity was linked to lower plasma levels of boron (B), bismuth (Bi), thorium (Th), and uranium (U) (adjusted p < 0.05). Higher baseline calcium levels (r = 0.50, p = 0.026) were associated with less annual cognitive decline; those of B (r = −0.70, p = 0.001), zirconium (r = −0.58, p = 0.007), and Th (r = −0.52, p = 0.020) with rapid annual cognitive decline in the aMCI group; and those of manganese (r = −0.91, p = 0.035) with rapid annual cognitive decline in the AD group. Overall, our exploratory study suggests that plasma metal levels have great potential as in vivo biomarkers for aMCI and AD. Larger sample studies are necessary to confirm these results.

Identification of anthocyanic profile and determination of antioxidant activity of Dahlia pinnata petals: A potential source of anthocyanins

In recent decades, the food industry has focused on the search for potential sources of anthocyanins that are able to provide color to replace synthetic dyes and at the same time provide health benefits through food products. Thus, in the present work, we propose the Dahlia pinnata flower as a potential source of anthocyanins. The dahlia is a native, annual flower from Mexico with a wide diversity of shapes and colors. The ancestral use of the flower in several dishes, its abundance, and the intense color of the flowers known as black make the D. pinnata flower a suitable candidate to be considered as a potential source of anthocyanins. Thus, the aim of this research is the determination of its nutritional composition, anthocyanin profile, and antioxidant activity. For this purpose, proximate composition of petals was determined by the AOAC standard methods. Anthocyanins were extracted from the dried petals of the flower with 0.1% HCl in methanol and 70% aqueous acetone solution and purified through Amberlite-XAD7-HP resin. Then, the purified extracts were analyzed for antioxidant activity by the DPPH method and the anthocyanin profile was characterized by HPLC and UPLC-MS/MS. Results showed that D. pinnata flowers have a proximate composition similar to other important edible flowers with a high level of moisture (87%-92%) and fiber (6%-7%). The antioxidant activity of both purified extracts was considerable (2.6-12 g/ml) compared to other sources of anthocyanins. The anthocyanin profile of the purified extracts contains four main anthocyanins: delphinidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-rutinoside, pelargonidin-3-sambubioside-5-glucoside, and peonidin-3-sambubioside-5-glucoside, the last two being uncommon as major anthocyanin components in other plant sources. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: We present a potential and novel source of anthocyanins based on anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of Dahlia pinnata petals. On the basis of UPLC-MS/MS studies, we identified four main anthocyanins, so this information provides the opportunity to study the source in many areas such as natural pigment stabilization, food additives, and antioxidants.

Purple sweet potato leaf extracts suppress adipogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaf extract (PSPLE) is known to exhibit various biological effects. However, the anti-adipogenic effects of PSPLE on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) remain unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of PSPLE on the adipogenic differentiation of human bone marrow MSCs. PSPLE treatment significantly reduced lipid accumulation and triglyceride levels during adipogenic differentiation. PSPLE suppressed the expression of PPARγ and C/EBPα, which are the master transcription factors orchestrating adipogenesis; moreover, it inhibited the expression of adiponectin, adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which are downstream target genes involved in adipogenic differentiation. Furthermore, PSPLE treatment suppressed glucose transporter 4 expression and intracellular glucose uptake and significantly inhibited the adipogenic differentiation induced factor-stimulated Akt signaling activation. These results indicate that PSPLE suppresses the differentiation of undifferentiated MSCs into adipocyte lineages and inhibits the terminal differentiation from preadipocytes into mature adipocytes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The increase in the prevalence of obesity worldwide is a problem today. Obesity is induced by an excessive accumulation of adipocytes and causes obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Natural compounds derived from plants and fruits have a variety of biological activities and are expected to exert therapeutic effects against various diseases. This study shows that purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaf extract (PSPLE) suppresses adipogenesis of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Thus, PSPLE may be a novel functional food for controlling obesity.

Purple sweet potato extract maintains intestinal homeostasis and extend lifespan through increasing autophagy in female Drosophila melanogaster

Purple sweet potatoes extract (PSPE) have been used as a natural food antioxidant with high anthocyanin concentrations. Research investigated the lifespan and the mechanisms of PSPE on female Drosophila melanogaster. Supplementation of PSPE extended the lifespan by 16.3% and had a protective effect on injury by oxidative stress. PSPE treatment enhanced the endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Furthermore, PSPE significantly up-regulated foxo-related genes, inhibited mTOR mRNA expression, and activated autophagy to maintain intestinal homeostasis. Meanwhile, PSPE improved intestinal barrier dysfunction by 22.86%, decelerated the abnormal proliferation rate of intestinal stem cell (ISCs) by 23.77%, and improved intestinal integrity in geriatric D. melanogaster. In conclusion, PSPE may maintain intestinal homeostasis, and improve the antioxidant and stress resistance capacity through the insulin and rapamycin pathway, thereby extending the lifespan. Therefore, it provides active support to the development and application of PSPE in functional food. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In recent years, with the increase of age, age-related complications have generally increased and seriously affected people's healthy life. Purple sweet potato is a nutrient-rich substance, which not only has a unique color but also contains rich anthocyanins, so it has many potential biological and pharmacological functions. Our results showed that the PSPE had a good effect of maintaining the intestinal homeostasis of the older adult, and provided a favorable theoretical basis for the development of PSPE functional products and scientific academic research.

Nootropic Effects of C. melo and C. lanatus seed extracts

Dementia and related conditions disturb the ability to perform routine life activities prohibiting a person from making appropriate decisions. Seeds of Cucumis melo and Citrullus lanatus have been investigated extensively for various pharmacological properties; hence, considering the presence of bioactive compounds, it was assumed that these seed extracts may support the functioning of the central nervous system. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate the short-term and long-term memory-enhancing effects of C. melo and C. lanatus seed extracts in mice by the Morris water maze (spatial learning and memory), stationary rod test, and passive avoidance tests (fear-motivated tests). Ethanol extract of both seeds were prepared by standard procedure and given to animals in the doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg. The results were compared to standard drugs diazepam and imipramine given in the doses of 3 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg, respectively. Extracts of both the seeds were found to possess significant memory and cognition-enhancing effects in mice when tested by passive avoidance, stationary rod, and water maze tests. Results demonstrate memory and cognition-enhancing effects of these extracts which may be due to the presence of bioactive compounds in these seeds.

Cognitive-Enhancing, Ex Vivo Antilipid Peroxidation and Qualitative Phytochemical Evaluation of the Aqueous and Methanolic Stem Bark Extracts of Lonchocarpus eriocalyx (Harms.)

Over 50 million persons are living with cognitive deficits worldwide, with over 80% of these individuals living in the developing world. The number of affected persons is projected to go over 152 million by the year 2050. Current drugs used for cognitive impairment are debatably ineffective, costly, inaccessible, and associated with undesirable events that call for the search for alternative and complementary approaches. Plants are arguably affordable, accessible, and efficacious. However, despite the reported healing claims, scientific data validating these claims are lacking. L. eriocalyx is traditionally used for the management of various conditions, including cognitive impairment but has not been scientifically explored. In this study, the Morris Water Maze (MWM) method was used to evaluate in vivo cognitive-enhancing effects of studied extracts of L. eriocalyx. Furthermore, following MWM experiments, brains were dissected and processed, and malondialdehyde profiles were determined. Qualitative phytochemical profiles of the studied plant extracts were also determined. The results showed that mice that were treated with the studied plant extracts took significantly shorter transfer latencies, navigation distances, and significantly longer latencies in the target quadrant (NW) (p < 0.05) compared with the negative control mice, indicating cognitive-enhancing activities. Furthermore, cognitively impaired mice that received the studied plant extracts had significantly lower MDA profiles compared with the MDA profile of the negative control group mice (p < 0.05). The cognitive-enhancing and MDA profile lowering effects were attributed to the presence of antioxidant phytoconstituents that ought to have modulated the redox state, thereby attenuating brain damage. These extracts can be, therefore, used for the management of cognitive deficits. Further studies leading to isolation and characterization of active molecules for cognitive impairment are recommended. Furthermore, the precise mechanism(s) through which these extracts exert their pharmacologic activity should be established.

Anthocyanin food colorant and its application in pH-responsive color change indicator films

Recently, interest in smart packaging, which can show the color change of the packaging film according to the state of the food and evaluate the quality or freshness of the packaged food in real-time, is increasing. As a color indicator, a natural colorant, anthocyanin, drew a lot of attention due to their various colors as well as useful functions properties such as antioxidant activity and anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects, prevention of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. In particular, the pH-responsive color-changing function of anthocyanins is useful for making color indicator smart packaging films. This review addressed the latest information on the use of natural pigment anthocyanins for intelligent and active food packaging applications. Recent studies on eco-friendly biodegradable polymer-based color indicator films incorporated with anthocyanins have been addressed. Also, studies on the use of smart packaging films to monitor the freshness of foods such as milk, meat, and fish were reviewed. This review highlights the potential and challenges for the use of anthocyanins as pH-responsive color-changing films for intelligent food packaging applications, which may be beneficial for further development of smart color indicator films for practical use.

Selenium Biofortification and Antioxidant Activity in Cordyceps militaris Supplied with Selenate, Selenite, or Selenomethionine

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element with multiple functions that may help mitigate adverse health conditions. Cordyceps militaris is an edible mushroom with medicinal properties. The experiment was conducted under artificial cultivation, with five Se concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 μg g^-1) and three forms of Se (selenate, selenite, and selenomethionine). C. militaris can absorb inorganic from the substrate and convert it to organic Se compounds (selenocystine, selenomethionine, and an unknown species) in fruiting bodies. Compared with the control treatment, Se applications (40 μg g^-1 selenate and selenite) significantly increased the Se concentration in fruiting bodies by 130.9 and 128.1 μg g^-1, respectively. The biofortification with selenate and selenite did not affect fruiting body production, in some case, but did enhance the biological efficiency. Moreover, the abundance of cordycepin and adenosine increased, while the amino acid contents remained relatively stable. Meanwhile, Se-biofortified C. militaris showed effective antioxidant activities. These results suggest that Se-biofortified C. militaris fruiting bodies may enhance human and animal health when it was included as part of a healthy diet or used as Se supplements.

Purple sweet potato color protects against high-fat diet-induced cognitive deficits through AMPK-mediated autophagy in mouse hippocampus

Prevention of obesity-induced cognitive decline is an important public health goal. Purple sweet potato color (PSPC), a class of naturally occurring anthocyanins, has beneficial potentials including antioxidant and neuroprotective activity. Evidence shows that anthocyanins can activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a critical mediator of autophagy induction. This study investigated whether PSPC could improve cognitive function through regulating AMPK/autophagy signaling in HFD-fed obese mice. Our results showed that PSPC significantly ameliorated obesity, peripheral insulin resistance and memory impairment in HFD-fed mice. Moreover, enhanced autophagy was observed, along with the decreased levels of protein carbonyls, malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the hippocampus of HFD-fed mice due to PSPC administration. PSPC also promoted hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and neuron survival in HFD-fed mouse. These improvements were mediated, at least in part, by the activation of AMPK, which was confirmed by metformin treatment. It is concluded that PSPC has great potential to improve cognitive function in HFD-fed mice via AMPK activation that restores autophagy and protects against hippocampal apoptosis.

Berberis vulgaris: specifications and traditional uses

The medicinal plants from genus Berberis are particularly important in traditional medicine and the food basket of Iranians. Given various plants from genus Berberis and their economic, nutritional, and medicinal status in Iran, this study seeks to investigate the findings of recent studies on the phytochemical characteristics, specifications, and uses of Berberis vulgaris. In this review article, 350 articles were initially retrieved from reliable scientific databases using relevant search terms. Then, 230 articles were selected and 120 were excluded after a primary analysis. Finally, 98 articles related to the subject under study were meticulously examined and the required data were extracted and classified according to the research purposes. The findings were divided into eight separate sections: Introducing Berberidaceae family, different species of Berberis, pharmaceutical organs, B. vulgaris nutrition facts and minerals, the antioxidants and alkaloids compounds in fruit and other organs, action mechanisms of preventing and treating diseases, traditional uses of B. vulgaris, and its properties reported by recent studies. The results briefly indicate that B. vulgaris contains a large number of phytochemical materials including ascorbic acid, vitamin K, several triterpenoids, more than 10 phenolic compounds and more than 30 alkaloids. Therefore B. vulgaris may have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, analgesic and anti-nociceptive and hepato-protective effects. Regarding the use of different organs of B. vulgaris in traditional medicine and their confirmed effects in the recent studies, it is possible to use different organs of B. vulgaris, especially fruit, to develop new drugs.

Food-based anthocyanin intake and cognitive outcomes in human intervention trials: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Preclinical evidence suggests that the anthocyanins, which comprise a subclass of dietary flavonoids providing the purple and red pigmentation in plant-based foods, may have a beneficial impact on cognitive outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted to identify the published literature on food-based anthocyanin consumption and cognitive outcomes in human intervention trials. The literature search followed PRISMA guidelines and included six databases, as well as additional hand searching.

RESULTS

Seven studies were included in this review, comprising acute trials (n = 4) and longer-term (n = 3) interventions that assessed multiple cognitive outcomes in children, adults and older adults with cognitive impairment. Six of seven studies reported improvements in either a single, or multiple, cognitive outcomes, including verbal learning and memory, after anthocyanin-rich food consumption. As a result of methodological limitations and the large clinical and methodological diversity of the studies, the pooling of data for quantitative analysis was not feasible.

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of food-based anthocyanin consumption on both acute and long-term cognition appears promising. However, adequately powered studies that include sensitive cognitive tasks are needed to confirm these findings and allow the translation of research into dietary messages.

Protective Effects of Selenium, Vitamin E, and Purple Carrot Anthocyanins on D-Galactose-Induced Oxidative Damage in Blood, Liver, Heart and Kidney Rats

The present study was performed to investigate the protective effects of selenium (Se), vitamin E (Vit E) and anthocyanins from purple carrots and their combination against the oxidative stress induced by D-galactose in rats. A total of 80 male rats were equally divided into 11 groups, one of which acted as control (I) just receiving intraperitoneal injections of physiological saline. The remaining ten groups (II-XI) were intraperitoneally injected with D-galactose at a dose of 400 mg kg(-1) body weight (BW) per day for 42 consecutive days. Rats in groups III-XI were treated with antioxidants via gavage per day as follows: group III: Se-methylselenocysteine (SeMSC), IV: Se as sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), V: Se-enriched yeast (SeY), VI: Vit E as α-tocopherol acetate, VII: anthocyanin from purple carrots (APC), VIII: APC + Vit E, IX: SeMSC + APC+ Vit E, X: Na2SeO3 + APC + Vit E, XI: SeY + Ant + Vit E. The results showed that the rats treated with antioxidants (III-XI) showed significant decreases in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl protein (PCO) compared with the D-galactose-treated group (II) in the heart, liver, kidneys, and blood. Moreover, there were significant increases in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione (GSH) concentration, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the heart, liver, kidneys, and blood of antioxidant-treated animals (III-XI) than those in control group (I). In addition, the combined treatments of two or three antioxidants showed greater antioxidant activities than those of individual treatments, suggesting the synergistic antioxidant effects of Se, Vit E, and APC. In conclusion, all the antioxidants exhibited protective effects against D-galactose-induced oxidative damage in rats, and these antioxidants showed a synergistic effect.

Plant-growth regulators alter phytochemical constituents and pharmaceutical quality in Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.)

Background

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is one of the most important consumed crops in many parts of the world because of its economic importance and content of health-promoting phytochemicals.

Methods

With the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) as our model, we investigated the exogenous effects of three plant-growth regulators methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA), and abscisic acid (ABA) on major phytochemicals in relation to phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity. Specifically, we investigated the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and total β-carotene content (TCC). Individual phenolic and flavonoid compounds were identified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). Antioxidant activities of treated plants were evaluated using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and a β-carotene bleaching assay. Anticancer activity of extracts was evaluated against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) using MTT assay.

Results

TPC, TFC, TAC, and TCC and antioxidant activities were substantially increased in MeJA-, SA-, and ABA-treated plants. Among the secondary metabolites identified in this study, MeJA application significantly induced production of quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid. Luteolin synthesis was significantly induced by SA application. Compared with control plants, MeJA-treated sweet potato exhibited the highest PAL activity, followed by SA and ABA treatment. The high DPPH activity was observed in MeJA followed by SA and ABA, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 2.40, 3.0, and 3.40 mg/mL compared with α-tocopherol (1.1 mg/mL). Additionally, MeJA-treated sweet potato showed the highest β-carotene bleaching activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 2.90 mg/mL, followed by SA (3.30 mg/mL), ABA (3.70 mg/mL), and control plants (4.5 mg/mL). Extracts of sweet potato root treated with MeJA exhibited potent anticancer activity with IC₅₀ of 0.66 and 0.62 mg/mL against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines respectively, compared to that of extracts of sweet potato treated with SA (MDA-MB-231 = 0.78 mg/mL; MCF-7 = 0.90 mg/mL) and ABA (MDA-MB-231 = 0.94 mg/mL; MCF-7 = 1.40 mg/mL). The results of correlation analysis showed that anthocyanins and flavooids are corresponding compounds in sweet potato root extracts for anticancer activity against breast cancer cell lines.

Conclusions

MeJA has great potential to enhance the production of important health-promoting phytochemicals in sweet potato.

Nutritional effects on the mycelial growth and enzymatic activity of Isaria farinosa, and Hepialus larvae growth

AIMS

To investigate the nutritional requirements of the mycelial growth and pathogenesis-related enzymatic activity on Isaria farinosa and the nutritional effect of fungus on its host Hepialus larvae.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sixteen carbon sources, 16 nitrogen sources and 9 vitamin combinations were tested. The nutritional conditions that significantly prevented I. farinosa pathogenesis were selected as feed additives for rearing Hepialus larvae. Citric acid significantly inhibited the growth of I. farinosa and the activity of three enzymes. l-histidine and l-aspartic acid significantly reduced the dry weights of mycelia and their protease and lipase activities. Vitamin combination that lacked VB 1 significantly increased the growth of I. farinosa and enhanced its chitinase and lipase activities. l-aspartic acid, VB 1 or a combination of them were beneficial for maintaining the larvae survival rate and decreasing the disease rate. The result provides new insight to develop a nutrition-based strategy to control fungal epidemics during insect rearing.

CONCLUSIONS

The ability of some specific nutrients to inhibit mycelial growth and enzymatic activity can prevent epidemics of fungal disease.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These results will aid in the development of nutrition-based strategies to control entomopathogenic fungal epidemics during the large-scale rearing of insects.

Dietary Polyphenol Supplementation Prevents Alterations of Spatial Navigation in Middle-Aged Mice

Spatial learning and memory deficits associated with hippocampal synaptic plasticity impairments are commonly observed during aging. Besides, the beneficial role of dietary polyphenols has been suggested as potential functional food candidates to prevent this memory decline. Indeed, polyphenols could potentiate the signaling pathways of synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory. In this study, spatial learning deficits of middle-aged mice were first highlighted and characterized according to their navigation patterns in the Morris water maze task. An eight-week polyphenol-enriched diet, containing a polyphenol-rich extract from grape and blueberry (PEGB; from the Neurophenols Consortium) with high contents of flavonoids, stilbenes and phenolic acids, was then successful in reversing these age-induced effects. The use of spatial strategies was indeed delayed with aging whereas a polyphenol supplementation could promote the occurrence of spatial strategies. These behavioral results were associated with neurobiological changes: while the expression of hippocampal calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII) mRNA levels was reduced in middle-aged animals, the polyphenol-enriched diet could rescue them. Besides, an increased expression of nerve growth neurotrophic factor (NGF) mRNA levels was also observed in supplemented adult and middle-aged mice. Thus these data suggest that supplementation with polyphenols could be an efficient nutritional way to prevent age-induced cognitive decline.

Effects of powdered Montmorency tart cherry supplementation on an acute bout of intense lower body strength exercise in resistance trained males

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine whether short-term ingestion of a powdered tart cherry supplement prior to and following intense resistance-exercise attenuates muscle soreness and recovery strength loss, while reducing markers of muscle damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Methods

Twenty-three healthy, resistance-trained men (20.9 ± 2.6 yr, 14.2 ± 5.4 % body fat, 63.9 ± 8.6 kg FFM) were matched based on relative maximal back squat strength, age, body weight, and fat free mass. Subjects were randomly assigned to ingest, in a double blind manner, capsules containing a placebo (P, n = 12) or powdered tart cherries [CherryPURE^®] (TC, n = 11). Participants supplemented one time daily (480 mg/d) for 10-d including day of exercise up to 48-h post-exercise. Subjects performed ten sets of ten repetitions at 70 % of a 1-RM back squat exercise. Fasting blood samples, isokinetic MVCs, and quadriceps muscle soreness ratings were taken pre-lift, 60-min, 24-h, and 48-h post-lift and analyzed by MANOVA with repeated measures.

Results

Muscle soreness perception in the vastus medialis (¼) (p = 0.10) and the vastus lateralis (¼) (p = 0.024) was lower in TC over time compared to P. Compared to pre-lift, TC vastus medialis (¼) soreness was significantly attenuated up to 48-h post-lift with vastus lateralis (¼) soreness significantly lower at 24-h post-lift compared to P. TC changes in serum creatinine (p = 0.03, delta p = 0.024) and total protein (p = 0.018, delta p = 0.006) were lower over time and smaller from pre-lift levels over time compared to P Significant TC group reductions from pre-lift levels were found for AST and creatinine 48-h post-lift, bilirubin and ALT 60-min and 48-h post-lift. No significant supplementation effects were observed for serum inflammatory or anti-inflammatory markers. None of the free radical production, lipid peroxidation, or antioxidant capacity markers (NT, TBARS, TAS, SOD) demonstrated significant changes with supplementation. Changes in TC whole blood lymphocyte counts (p = 0.013) from pre-lift were greater compared to P, but TC lymphocyte counts returned to pre-lift values quicker than P.

Conclusion

Short-term supplementation of Montmorency powdered tart cherries surrounding a single bout of resistance exercise, appears to be an effective dietary supplement to attenuate muscle soreness, strength decrement during recovery, and markers of muscle catabolism in resistance trained individuals.

Age-Related Cognitive Impairment as a Sign of Geriatric Neurocardiovascular Interactions: May Polyphenols Play a Protective Role?

It is known that endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases implicated also in cognitive decline. Experimental studies pointed to the fact that the modification of NO levels via NOS activity may affect the blood pressure level as well as several higher nervous functions—for example, learning and memory. There are emerging evidences from in vitro and animal studies suggesting that polyphenols may potentially have a protective effect on the development of neurodegenerative diseases and may improve cognitive function as well as positively affecting the blood pressure regulatory mechanisms. This review accentuates the need for precisely defined clinically controlled studies as well as for use of adequate experimental procedures discriminating between the human higher brain functions and the only overall activation of the brain cortex. The physiological neurocardiovascular interactions are implicated in the increased healthy life span as well.

Novel value-added uses for sweet potato juice and flour in polyphenol- and protein-enriched functional food ingredients

Blackcurrant, blueberry, and muscadine grape juices were efficiently sorbed, concentrated, and stabilized into dry granular ingredient matrices which combined anti-inflammatory and antioxidant fruit polyphenols with sweet potato functional constituents (carotenoids, vitamins, polyphenols, fibers). Total phenolics were highest in blackcurrant-orange sweet potato ingredient matrices (34.03 mg/g), and lowest in muscadine grape-yellow sweet potato matrices (10.56 mg/g). Similarly, anthocyanins were most concentrated in blackcurrant-fortified orange and yellow sweet potato matrices (5.40 and 6.54 mg/g, respectively). Alternatively, other protein-rich edible matrices (defatted soy flour, light roasted peanut flour, and rice protein concentrate) efficiently captured polyphenols (6.09–9.46 mg/g) and anthocyanins (0.77–1.27 mg/g) from purple-fleshed sweet potato juice, with comparable efficiency. Antioxidant activity correlated well with total phenolic content. All formulated ingredient matrices stabilized and preserved polyphenols for up to 24 weeks, even when stored at 37°C. Complexation with juice-derived polyphenols did not significantly alter protein or carbohydrate profiles of the matrices. Sensory evaluation of the ingredient matrices suggested potential uses for a wide range of functional food products.

Mycosynthesis: antibacterial, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom) extract

In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were rapidly synthesized from silver nitrate solution at room temperature using Inonotus obliquus extract. The mycogenic synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). SEM revealed mostly spherical nanoparticles ranging from 14.7 to 35.2nm in size. All AgNPs concentrations showed good ABT radical scavenging activity. Further, AgNPs showed effective antibacterial activity against both gram negative and gram positive bacteria and antiproliferative activity toward A549 human lung cancer (CCL-185) and MCF-7 human breast cancer (HTB-22) cell lines. The samples demonstrated considerably high antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities against bacterial strains and cell lines.

In vivo antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and anti-tumor activities of anthocyanin extracts from purple sweet potato

Anthocyanin from purple sweet potato (PSP) extracted by microwave baking (MB) and acidified electrolyzed water (AEW) exhibited antioxidant activity. After further purification by macroporous AB-8 resin, the color value of PSP anthocyanin (PSPA) reached 30.15 with a total flavonoid concentration of 932.5 mg/g. The purified extracts had more potent antioxidant activities than the crude extracts. After continuously administering the PSP extracts to 12-mo-old mice for 1 mo, the anti-aging index of the experimental group was not significantly different from that of 5-mo-old mice. To a certain degree, PSPA was also effective for controlling plasma glucose levels in male Streptozocin (STZ)-treated diabetic mice. In addition, the extracts inhibited Sarcoma S180 cell growth in ICR mice. Mice consuming the PSP extracts formed significantly fewer and smaller sarcomas than mice consuming the control diets. The highest inhibition rate was 69.03%. These results suggest that anthocyanin extracts from PSP not only exert strong antioxidant effects in vitro, but also had anti-aging, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-tumor activities.

Neuroprotective effect of olive oil in the hippocampus CA1 neurons following ischemia: Reperfusion in mice

INTRODUCTION

Transient global ischemia induces selective, delayed neuronal death of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1. Oxidative Stress is considered to be involved in a number of human diseases including ischemia. Preliminary studies confirmed reduction of cell death in brain following treatment with antioxidants.

AIM

According to this finding, we study the relationship between consumption of olive oil on cell death and memory disorder in brain ischemia. We studied the protective effect of olive oil against ischemia-reperfusion.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN INCLUDES THREE GROUPS: Intact (n = 8), ischemic control (n = 8) and treatment groups with olive oil (n = 8). The mice treated with olive oil as pre-treatment for a week. Then, ischemia induced by common carotid artery ligation and following the reduction of inflammation [a week after ischemia], the mice post-treated with olive oil. Nissl staining applied for counting necrotic cells in hippocampus CA1. Tunnel kit was used to quantify apoptotic cell death while to short term memory scale, we apply y-maze and shuttle box tests and for detection the rate of apoptotic and treated cell, we used western blotting test for bax and bcl2 proteins.

RESULTS

High rate of apoptosis was seen in ischemic group that significantly associated with short-term memory loss. Cell death was significantly lower when mice treated with olive oil. The memory test results were adjusted with cell death results and bax and bcl2 expression in all groups' comparison. Ischemia for 15 min induced cell death in hippocampus with more potent effect on CA1.

CONCLUSION

Olive oil intake significantly reduced cell death and decreased memory loss.

Characterization of the regulatory network of BoMYB2 in controlling anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple cauliflower

Purple cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) Graffiti represents a unique mutant in conferring ectopic anthocyanin biosynthesis, which is caused by the tissue-specific activation of BoMYB2, an ortholog of Arabidopsis PAP2 or MYB113. To gain a better understanding of the regulatory network of anthocyanin biosynthesis, we investigated the interaction among cauliflower MYB-bHLH-WD40 network proteins and examined the interplay of BoMYB2 with various bHLH transcription factors in planta. Yeast two-hybrid studies revealed that cauliflower BoMYBs along with the other regulators formed the MYB-bHLH-WD40 complexes and BobHLH1 acted as a bridge between BoMYB and BoWD40-1 proteins. Different BoMYBs exhibited different binding activity to BobHLH1. Examination of the BoMYB2 transgenic lines in Arabidopsis bHLH mutant backgrounds demonstrated that TT8, EGL3, and GL3 were all involved in the BoMYB2-mediated anthocyanin biosynthesis. Expression of BoMYB2 in Arabidopsis caused up-regulation of AtTT8 and AtEGL3 as well as a subset of anthocyanin structural genes encoding flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase, dihydroflavonol 4-reductase, and leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase. Taken together, our results show that MYB-bHLH-WD40 network transcription factors regulated the bHLH gene expression, which may represent a critical feature in the control of anthocyanin biosynthesis. BoMYB2 together with various BobHLHs specifically regulated the late anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway genes for anthocyanin biosynthesis. Our findings provide additional information for the complicated regulatory network of anthocyanin biosynthesis and the transcriptional regulation of transcription factors in vegetable crops.

Anti-obesity and antioxidative effects of purple sweet potato extract in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in vitro

The purpose of the current study was to determine the anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects of an extract of purple sweet potatoes (PSPs) on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. For this purpose, differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with a PSP extract at concentrations of 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 μg/mL for 24 hours. Then, we measured the changes in the sizes of the adipocytes, the secretion of leptin, and the mRNA/protein expression of lipogenic, inflammatory, and lipolytic factors after the treatment with the PSP extract. The PSP extract diminished leptin secretion, indicating that growth of fat droplets was suppressed. The extract also suppressed the expression of mRNAs of lipogenic and inflammatory factors and promoted lipolytic action. The antioxidative activity of the PSP extract was also measured using three different in vitro methods: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing ability potential assay, and chelating activity of transition metal ions. Taken together, our study shows that PSP extract has antilipogenic, anti-inflammatory, and lipolytic effects on adipocytes and has radical scavenging and reducing activity.

Dose-response effect of black maca (Lepidium meyenii) in mice with memory impairment induced by ethanol

Previous studies have shown that black variety of maca has beneficial effects on learning and memory in experimental animal models. The present study aimed to determine whether the hydroalcoholic extract of black maca (BM) showed a dose-response effect in mice treated with ethanol 20% (EtOH) as a model of memory impairment. Mice were divided in the following groups: control, EtOH, ascorbic acid (AA) and 0.125, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 g/kg of BM plus EtOH. All treatments were orally administered for 28 days. Open field test was performed to determine locomotor activity and water Morris maze was done to determine spatial memory. Also, total polyphenol content in the hydroalcoholic extract of BM was determined (0.65 g pyrogallol/100 g). Mice treated with EtOH took more time to find the hidden platform than control during escape acquisition trials; meanwhile, AA and BM reversed the effect of EtOH. In addition, AA and BM ameliorated the deleterious effect of EtOH during the probe trial. Correlation analyses showed that the effect of BM a dose-dependent behavior. Finally, BM improved experimental memory impairment induced by ethanol in a dose-response manner due, in part, to its content of polyphenolic compounds.

Anthocyanins isolated from the purple-fleshed sweet potato attenuate the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells by blocking the PDGF receptor

During the process of liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a critical role in the increased formation and reduced degradation of extracellular matrix in the liver. We investigated the anti-proliferative effects of an anthocyanin fraction (AF), isolated from the purple-fleshed sweet potato, on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-dependent signaling pathways in HSC-T6 cells. HSC proliferation plays a pivotal role in liver fibrogenesis. The AF suppressed HSC activation, including PDGF-induced proliferation and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. Additionally, AF inhibited PDGF-BB-induced Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. AF inhibited the phosphorylation level of PDGF receptor-β (PDGFR-β) following PDGF-BB stimulation, providing a mechanism for the inhibition of AF-mediated kinase. These results suggest that AF suppresses HSC proliferation by blocking PDGFR-β signaling, inhibiting Akt and ERK1/2 activation and α-SMA expression.

Cognitive tests used in chronic adult human randomised controlled trial micronutrient and phytochemical intervention studies

In recent years there has been a rapid growth of interest in exploring the relationship between nutritional therapies and the maintenance of cognitive function in adulthood. Emerging evidence reveals an increasingly complex picture with respect to the benefits of various food constituents on learning, memory and psychomotor function in adults. However, to date, there has been little consensus in human studies on the range of cognitive domains to be tested or the particular tests to be employed. To illustrate the potential difficulties that this poses, we conducted a systematic review of existing human adult randomised controlled trial (RCT) studies that have investigated the effects of 24 d to 36 months of supplementation with flavonoids and micronutrients on cognitive performance. There were thirty-nine studies employing a total of 121 different cognitive tasks that met the criteria for inclusion. Results showed that less than half of these studies reported positive effects of treatment, with some important cognitive domains either under-represented or not explored at all. Although there was some evidence of sensitivity to nutritional supplementation in a number of domains (for example, executive function, spatial working memory), interpretation is currently difficult given the prevailing ‘scattergun approach’ for selecting cognitive tests. Specifically, the practice means that it is often difficult to distinguish between a boundary condition for a particular nutrient and a lack of task sensitivity. We argue that for significant future progress to be made, researchers need to pay much closer attention to existing human RCT and animal data, as well as to more basic issues surrounding task sensitivity, statistical power and type I error.

Ethanol and water extract of purple sweet potato exhibits anti-atherosclerotic activity and inhibits protein glycation

It is well known that extracts of purple sweet potato (PSP) have potent antioxidant activity. However, it has not been established whether extracts of PSP inhibit oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or protein glycation. LDL oxidation and protein glycation are well-known risk factors for chronic metabolic diseases, such as atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Chopped and sliced PSP and yellow sweet potato (YSP) were extracted individually at a concentration of 1 g of PSP tuber/mL using either ethanol or water for 6 hours. The PSP ethanol extract (100-fold diluted) showed stronger radical (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) scavenging activity than the water extract of PSP and the ethanol extract of YSP (up to a sixfold higher activity). The ethanol extract of PSP also exhibited the highest increase in ferric reducing ability among all extracts. Cupric ion-mediated LDL oxidation was strongly inhibited by the ethanol extract of PSP, with similar potency to vitamin C treatment (final concentration, 10 mM). The PSP extract strongly inhibited fructose-mediated protein glycation as determined by fluorescence spectroscopy. The PSP extract-treated apolipoprotein (apo) A-I showed a decreased multimerization pattern on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, whereas glycated apoA-I showed the strongest multimeric band. PSP extract treatment also inhibited the uptake of oxidized LDL into human macrophage cells with suppression of malondialdehyde production in the cell culture medium. In conclusion, these results suggest that the extract of PSP can be used as a putative anti-atherosclerotic and antidiabetic agent with strong antioxidant functions. This is the first report to show the biological functions of PSP extract to treat hyperlipidemic and hyperglycemic disorders.

Purple sweet potato color protects mouse liver against d-galactose-induced apoptosis via inhibiting caspase-3 activation and enhancing PI3K/Akt pathway

Purple sweet potato color (PSPC) has been shown to possess hepatoprotective effects in our previous study. To clarify the detailed mechanism of hepatoprotective effects of PSPC, we investigated the potential protective effect of PSPC against caspase-3 activation induced by d-gal, as well as its influence on Bcl-2 levels and PI3K/Akt cell survival pathway. The results of TUNEL assay showed that PSPC effectively suppressed the d-gal-induced hepatocytes apoptosis, suggesting that anti-apoptosis mechanism was involved in PSPC-mediated protection against d-gal-induced liver injury in mouse. PSPC significantly increased GSH levels and promoted a marked increase in the activities of GSH related enzymes including GR, GST in d-gal-treated mice. The activation and activity of caspase-3 were markedly inhibited by the treatment of PSPC in the livers of d-gal-treated mice. Furthermore, the level of Bcl-2 was significantly raised, and the levels of PI3K p110 and phosphorylated Akt were also largely enhanced by the treatment of PSPC in the livers of d-gal-treated mice. In conclusion, these results suggested that PSPC could protect mouse liver against d-gal-induced hepatocyte apoptosis via attenuating oxidative stress, inhibiting the activation of caspase-3 and enhancing cell survival signaling (enhancing the level of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway).

Comparative in vitro antioxidant potential of different parts of Ipomoea asarifolia, Roemer & Schultes, Guiera senegalensis, J. F. Gmel and Anisopus mannii N. E. Brown

In this study, the radical scavenging capacity of Guiera senegalensis, Ipomoea asarifolia and Anisopus mannii were compared. The ascorbic acid equivalent of the stem bark (2.1 mM), leaves (2.05 mM) and root barks (1.89 mM) of Guiera senegalesis are much higher than any part of Ipomoea asarifolia or Anisopus manii. The stem bark, leaves and root bark of Guiera Senegalensis had IC50 of 15.4, 20.0 and 17.0 µL respectively, while corresponding parts of Ipomoea asarifolia showed IC50 of 50, 42 and 65 µL, respectively. These results suggest that Guiera senegalensis and Ipomoea asarifolia possess significant antioxidant capacities to warrant further detailed studies on the role of this property in their therapeutic effects.

Pharmacological actions of Cordyceps, a prized folk medicine

Cordyceps species, including C. sinensis, C. militaris, C. pruinosa and C. ophioglossoides, are prized traditional medicinal materials. The aim of this article is to review the chemical constituents and pharmacological actions of Cordyceps species. The chemical constituents include cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) and its derivatives, ergosterol, polysaccharides, a glycoprotein and peptides containing α-aminoisobutyric acid. They include anti-tumour, anti-metastatic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antimicrobial, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycaemic, anti-ageing, neuroprotective and renoprotective effects. Polysaccharide accounts for the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumour, anti-metastatic, immunomodulatory, hypoglycaemic, steroidogenic and hypolipidaemic effects. Cordycepin contributes to the anti-tumour, insecticidal and antibacterial activity. Ergosterol exhibits anti-tumour and immunomodulatory activity. A DNase has been characterized.