Proanthocyanidins: A comprehensive review

Three physical modifications enhanced the binding interactions of Cyperus esculentus protein with proanthocyanidins and physicochemical properties of complexes: The contribution of non-covalent interactions

This study investigated non-covalent interactions between unmodified/modified (ball-milling, BMP; high pressure homogenization, HPHP; cold plasma, CPP) Cyperus esculentus protein (CEP) and proanthocyanidins (PA and PB2) to evaluate structure, functionalities and potential in emulsions. The PA and PB2 addition significantly increased the turbidity and ζ-potential of CEP samples, as confirmed by aggregations observed via atomic force microscopy, validating the formation of protein-proanthocyanidin complexes. Fluorescence quenching and isothermal titration calorimetry revealed that procyanidins caused CEP sample static quenching, with CEP-proanthocyanidins binding affinity order as CPP > HPHP>BMP > CEP. The CEP-proanthocyanidins involve non-covalent interactions, driven by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions, without altering CEP sample spectral bands and secondary structures, but enhancing thermal stabilities, antioxidant activities, and emulsifying properties. Then, the CPP-PA stabilized emulsion droplet size decreased with aqueous phase pH increasing, contrary to ζ-potential values. Conclusively, these findings illustrated that the modified CEP-proanthocyanidin complexes as a promising strategy for addressing these challenges and stabilizing emulsion.

Genetic mechanisms, biological function, and biotechnological advance in sorghum tannins research

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) holds a unique position in the human diet and serves as a stable food source in many developing countries especially in African and south Asian regions. Tannins, the primary secondary metabolites in sorghum, are pivotal in determining its characteristic bitter taste. Beyond their influence on flavor, tannins play a vital role in sorghum's resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and serve as key indicators of grain quality. The concentration of tannins significantly affects the potential for diverse applications of sorghum. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of sorghum tannins, focusing on their genetic basis, biological activities, and biosynthesis mechanisms. It highlights the relationship between tannin levels and grain color and delves into the underlying biogenetic pathways. Furthermore, the potential of functional genomics and biotechnological approaches in precisely controlling tannin levels for sorghum breeding is discussed. This study aims to offer valuable insights and perspectives for advancing both the scientific understanding and practical applications of sorghum tannins.

A decade review on phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr.: Insights into metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. (CSR), a perennial herb with a rich history in traditional medicine, has demonstrated therapeutic potential against metabolic syndrome (MetS) through its active compounds, including proanthocyanidins, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids. MetS, a global health concern, encompasses interlinked conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and inflammation. This review synthesizes recent findings on CSR's pharmacological and phytochemical properties, focusing on its role in ameliorating MetS.

METHODS

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, relevant studies were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI databases up to December 2024. Keywords included "Cynomorium Songaricum Rupr.", "Cynomorii Herba", "Suoyang", "Suo Yang", "Metabolic syndrome", "Proanthocyanidins", "Polysaccharides" and "Triterpenoids" and their combinations. Inclusion criteria emphasized studies exploring CSR's impact on MetS, while duplicate, low-quality studies and studies not written in Chinese, English, or unrelated were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 92 studies were analyzed, revealing that CSR's active components exhibit multi-target effects. Proanthocyanidins reduce glucose absorption and oxidative stress, polysaccharides enhance insulin sensitivity and gut microbiota composition, and triterpenoids mitigate obesity and mitochondria damage. These mechanisms collectively contribute to the beneficial effects of CSR against MetS.

CONCLUSION

CSR presents a promising natural therapy for MetS, utilizing its pharmacologically active compounds to address core metabolic dysfunctions. Future studies should focus on clinical validation and safety assessments to facilitate CSR's integration into modern therapeutic regimens.

Co-assembly of abietic acid and oleanolic acid into nanoparticles encapsulating proanthocyanidin B2 to improve Pac B2 bioavailability and thermal stability

Proanthocyanidin B2 (Pac B2) exhibits potent antioxidant properties but suffers from poor stability in vivo, limiting its applications in food and medicine. This study developed composite nanoparticles (NPs) utilizing abietic acid (AA) and oleanolic acid (OA) as carriers, significantly enhancing Pac B2's stability. The OA/AA-Pac B2 NPs, prepared via solvent co-precipitation, were spherical with an average diameter of 164.18 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 43.21 %, demonstrating improved thermal stability. Analytical techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics revealed interactions such as hydrogen bonding and hydrophobicity between AA and Pac B2. The NPs facilitated sustained release of Pac B2 in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids over 2 h at 37 °C. In vitro tests demonstrated enhanced bioavailability and absorption efficiency of OA/AA-Pac B2 NPs compared with free Pac B2, validating the effectiveness of the co-assembly strategy in improving polyphenols' stability and bioavailability.

Widely targeted metabolomics analysis reveals dynamic changes in metabolites of 'Hass' avocado during postharvest ripening period

Avocado (Persea americana Mill) is a climacteric fruit harvested at the green stage that ripens postharvest to become edible. The 'Hass' cultivar, known for its rich, buttery flavor and pear-shaped appearance, was studied for metabolite changes during postharvest ripening using UPLC-MS/MS approach. The 16-day ripening period could be divided into three stages: evolution (days 1-9), edible ripe (days 10-15) and overripe (day 16). A total of 1397 metabolites were identified across 13 classes. Among them, amino acids transitioned from conjugated to free forms, while sugars converted to monosaccharides, enhancing savory and sweet tastes. The concentration of certain secondary metabolites like terpenes, coumarins, and alkaloids increased, likely supporting antimicrobial defense, alongside a substantial increase in lipid content. Additionally, 20 compounds were screened as markers for edible ripeness. This study provides valuable insights into avocado postharvest ripening and offers references for optimizing shelf-life.

Medicinal plants and their derivatives for skin and hair: a Mediterranean perspective of women care

Since olden days, medicinal and aromatic plants have been consumed due to their well-known therapeutic, ornamental, culinary, and cosmetic properties. Plant-based cosmetics comprise a growing market offering brands of sustainable products with the ultimate goal of responding to the woman needs to boost their natural beauty, such as soothing, toning, moisturizing and protecting skin and hair. The increasing focus on body and beauty care, combined with a better understanding of the diverse biological effects of plants and their derivatives, has revitalized their significance in aesthetic, cosmetic, and dermatological contexts. Concurrently, the increasing prevalence of allergies and hypersensitivity reactions to synthetic additives commonly found in cosmetics and other skin products has spurred interest in seeking healthier and more efficacious natural alternatives. An intense investigation has been stated around the formulation of medicinal plants- and other plant-based cosmetic products for dermatological and aesthetic purposes. Similarly, a raising awareness by cosmetics' manufacturers and related industries have been progressively stated, culminating with the emergence of a line of plant-based cosmetics increasingly safe and with reliable quality features for multiple purposes. Although a high demand for natural-based products for cosmetic purposes has been stated, further studies are required to deepening knowledge on their beneficial properties, safety and quality features and to identify the main limitations and likelihood of side effects occurrence. In this review, an outlook of the current scenario regarding the use of medicinal and aromatic plants as cosmetic ingredients in the formulation of skin care and other dermatological products traditionally used by the Mediterranean woman for prevention and even cure of skin and hair diseases or for beautification is provided.

A Combination of 5-(3',4'-Dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-Valerolactone and Curcumin Synergistically Reduces Neuroinflammation in Cortical Microglia by Targeting the NLRP3 Inflammasome and the NOX2/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

Background/Objectives: 5-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone (γ-VL), recently identified as a predominant microbial metabolite derived from proanthocyanidins, offers benefits such as reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and supporting brain health. Its effects on neuroinflammation and microglial activation remain largely unexplored. Curcumin, a bioactive component isolated from Curcuma longa L., is well known for its ability to reduce microglial activation and pro-inflammatory mediator production and release. While the individual effects of γ-VL and curcumin are well documented, their potential combined effects remain unexplored. This research sought to investigate the possible synergistic effects of γ-VL and curcumin in reducing microglial activation. Methods: Primary rat cortical microglia were pre-treated with γ-VL and curcumin, alone or in combination, before stimulation with LPS. An MTT assay was used to evaluate cell viability, while pro-inflammatory mediators were assessed by real-time PCR and ELISA. Nitric oxide production was evaluated with the Griess assay. SynergyFinder Plus software analyzed potential synergistic effects. Results: The combination of low micromolar concentrations of γ-VL and curcumin synergistically reduced LPS-induced microglial activation. Specifically, the combination exhibited a significantly greater ability to inhibit the production and release of pro-inflammatory factors (such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and NO) compared to each compound individually. Mechanistically, the anti-inflammatory activity was attributed to the downregulation of NLRP3 expression, and the reduction in microglial activation was linked to the modulation of the NOX2/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Conclusions: The combination of low micromolar concentrations of γ-VL and curcumin produces synergistic anti-inflammatory effects in microglia by targeting key inflammatory pathways, indicating its potential utility as a treatment strategy for neurodegenerative diseases involving microglial activation.

Effect of collagen crosslinkers on sodium hypochlorite treated dentin bond strength: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

The bond strength (BS) between composite resin and dentin is a crucial factor determining the long-term success of restorations. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), a frequently used root canal irrigating agent, has been demonstrated to notably influence the properties of dentin, thereby affecting the BS. Moreover, the application of collagen crosslinkers has become a potential approach to improve the stability of the resin-dentin bond. Nevertheless, the effect of collagen crosslinkers on the bond strength (BS) between sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) treated dentin and composite resin remains a topic of contention, and there is a lack of in-depth understanding in the existing literature. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the current literature on the effect of collagen crosslinkers on the BS between sodium hypochlorite treated dentin and composite resin.

Methods

Databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Scopus, Web of Science and SinoMed were searched. In vitro studies reported the effect of crosslinking agents on NaOCl-treated dentin BS were included. The reference lists of studies included via databases were manually searched for more studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The initial search yielded 1,538 studies, and subsequent screening resulted in the inclusion of 14 studies. Most of studies (78.6%, 11/14) were categorized as having a "low" risk of bias. The studies included in the meta-analysis employed a range of cross-linking agents, including ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), phytic acid (IP6), proanthocyanidin (PA), rosmarinic acid (RA) and sodium ascorbate (SA). Subgroup comparisons were performed according to NaOCl exposure duration. Studies treated with different concentration of NaOCl were analyzed separately.

Results

For dentin exposed less than 1 min or NaOCl at lower concentration, significant positive effect cannot be observed when using collagen crosslinkers. For dentin exposed more than 1 min in NaOCl at concentrations greater than 2.5%, EDTA, PA and SA were observed to significantly improve the BS. RA is proved effective in improving the BS of dentin exposed to high concentrations NaOCl within a shorter duration. Current evidence is insufficient to conclude that IP6 has a positive effect in NaOCl-treated dentin bonding performance.

Conclusion

The effect of collagen crosslinkers on the BS of NaOCl treated dentin was influenced by the concentration of NaOCl and the duration of exposure.

Vesicular Carriers for Phytochemical Delivery: A Comprehensive Review of Techniques and Applications

Natural substances, especially those derived from plants, exhibit a diverse range of therapeutic benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial effects. Nevertheless, their use in clinical settings is frequently impeded by inadequate solubility, limited bioavailability, and instability. Nanovesicular carriers, such as liposomes, niosomes, ethosomes, transferosomes, transethosomes, and cubosomes, have emerged as innovative phytochemical delivery systems to address these limitations. This review highlights recent developments in vesicular nanocarriers for phytochemical delivery, emphasizing preparation techniques, composition, therapeutic applications, and the future potential of these systems. Phytosomes, along with their key advantages and various preparation techniques, are extensively described. Various in vitro and in vivo characterization techniques utilized for evaluating these nanovesicular carriers are summarized. Completed clinical trials and patents granted for nanovesicles encapsulating phytochemicals designed for systemic delivery are tabulated. Phytochemical delivery via vesicular carriers faces challenges such as low stability, limited active loading, scalability issues, and high production costs. Additionally, immune clearance and regulatory hurdles hinder clinical application, requiring improved carrier design and formulation techniques.

Proanthocyanidins as the marker of amomum fruit from three botanical origins based on comprehensive profiling with LC-MS and GC-MS combined with chemometrics

INTRODUCTION

Amomum fruit, also known as Sharen, serves as both a functional food and a traditional Chinese medicine with significant pharmacological activities. However, there are three botanical origins of Amomum fruit: Amomum villosum Lour. (AVL), Amomum villosum Lour. var. xanthioides T. L. (AVX), and Amomum longiligulare T. L. Wu (ALW).

OBJECTIVE

Conducting a comprehensive chemical composition analysis of Amomum fruit from three botanical origins aims to identify potential differences in metabolic characteristics.

METHODS

To annotate the metabolic characteristic ions of multi-origin Amomum fruit, we employed metabolomic techniques, including ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with linear ion trap-Orbitrap-tandem mass spectrometry (MS) and gas chromatography-MS, in conjunction with feature-based molecular networking technology. Additionally, chemometrics was utilized to examine the correlations between the various botanical origins.

RESULTS

A total of 201 non-volatile and 151 volatile metabolites were annotated, and most of the proanthocyanidins and flavonoids were identified by feature-based molecular networking. Additionally, 61 non-volatile and 45 volatile feature ions were screened out for classification. Principal component analysis, orthogonal projection to latent structures discrimination analysis, and heat map analysis were employed to clearly distinguish the metabolite profiles of Amomum fruit from different origins. Hierarchical clustering analysis indicated that proanthocyanidins C1 and C2, as well as proanthocyanins oligomers, show significant differential expression between AVX and AVL, which could be the new quality markers for the classification.

CONCLUSION

Classification of the botanical origin of Amomum fruit based on LC-MS characteristic ions proved to be more advantageous. This study introduces new strategies and technical support for the quality control of Amomum fruit and facilitates the identification of unknown compounds for future research.

Harnessing weedy rice as functional food and source of novel traits for crop improvement

A relative of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.), weedy or red rice (Oryza spp.) is currently recognized as the dominant weed, leading to a drastic loss of yield of cultivated rice due to its highly competitive abilities like producing more tillers, panicles, and biomass with better nutrient uptake. Due to its high nutritional value, antioxidant properties (anthocyanin and proanthocyanin), and nutrient absorption ability, weedy rice is gaining immense research attentions to understand its genetic constitution to augment future breeding strategies and to develop nutrition-rich functional foods. Consequently, this review focuses on the unique gene source of weedy rice to enhance the cultivated rice for its crucial features like water use efficiency, abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, early flowering, and the red pericarp of the seed. It explores the debating issues on the origin and evolution of weedy rice, including its high diversity, signalling aspects, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping under stress conditions, the intricacy of the mechanism in the expression of the gene flow, and ecological challenges of nutrient removal by weedy rice. This review may create a foundation for future researchers to understand the gene flow between cultivated crops and weedy traits and support an improved approach for the applicability of several models in predicting multiomics variables.

Effects of Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins on Cadmium-Induced Extracellular Matrix Damage via Inhibiting the ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway in Chicken Chondrocytes

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic, non-essential metal that primarily enters animal bodies through the digestive and respiratory systems, leading to damage to multiple organs and tissues. Cd can accumulate in cartilage and induce damage to chondrocytes. Procyanidins (PAs), also known as concentrated tannic acid or oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), exhibit diverse biological and pharmacological activities. However, the mechanism of OPCs alleviates Cd-induced damage to chondrocytes in chickens remains to be further explored in vitro. Chondrocytes were isolated from both ends of the tibia of 17-day-old SPF chicken embryos, and then subsequently treated with various concentrations of Cd (0, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 μmol/L) or OPCs (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 μmol/L) to investigate the mechanism underlying extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and damage. Cd reduced cell viability, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) secretion, and ECM degradation in chondrocytes by decreasing the expression of type II collagen alpha 1 (COL2A1) and aggrecan (ACAN) while increasing the release of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), along with elevated levels of matrix-degrading enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinases 1 (MMP1), MMP10, and MMP13, and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS4) and ADAMTS5. Cd induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and the expression of matrix-degrading enzymes, impairing ECM synthesis, an effect that could be alleviated by ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126. Chondrocytes were treated with 5 μmol/L Cd and 10 μmol/L OPCs, and it was found that OPCs inhibited the activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway and the expression of matrix-degrading enzymes, while promoting ECM synthesis and alleviating Cd-induced ECM damage in chickens. This study provides a theoretical basis for clinical research on OPCs with respect to the prevention and treatment of Cd-induced chondrogenic diseases in poultry.

Applications of Microextraction Technology for the Analysis of Alcoholic Beverages Quality: Current Perspectives and Future Directions

Alcoholic beverages are loved by the majority of consumers because of their diverse characteristics and rich nutritional value; thus, ensuring their quality is necessary for maintaining the rapid development of the alcoholic beverage industry. Due to trace levels of various quality factors and the complexity of the beverage body matrix, pretreatment is usually required before analysis. Among the many pretreatment methods available, microextraction has attracted increasing attention because it aligns with the development direction of green chemistry. This review surveys advancements in microextraction techniques pertaining to three quality aspects in the most frequently consumed alcoholic beverages: baijiu and huangjiu (spirits) and wine and beer (fermented alcoholic drinks). Furthermore, new directions in their development are discussed.

Natural flavonoids from herbs and nutraceuticals as ferroptosis inhibitors in central nervous system diseases: current preclinical evidence and future perspectives

Flavonoids are a class of important polyphenolic compounds, renowned for their antioxidant properties. However, recent studies have uncovered an additional function of these natural flavonoids: their ability to inhibit ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is a key mechanism driving cell death in central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including both acute injuries and chronic neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by iron overload-induced lipid peroxidation and dysfunction of the antioxidant defense system. This review discusses the therapeutic potential of natural flavonoids from herbs and nutraceuticals as ferroptosis inhibitors in CNS diseases, focusing on their molecular mechanisms, summarizing findings from preclinical animal models, and providing insights for clinical translation. We specifically highlight natural flavonoids such as Baicalin, Baicalein, Chrysin, Vitexin, Galangin, Quercetin, Isoquercetin, Eriodictyol, Proanthocyanidin, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, Dihydromyricetin, Soybean Isoflavones, Calycosin, Icariside II, and Safflower Yellow, which have shown promising results in animal models of acute CNS injuries, including ischemic stroke, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. Among these, Baicalin and its precursor Baicalein stand out due to extensive research and favorable outcomes in acute injury models. Mechanistically, these flavonoids not only regulate the Nrf2/ARE pathway and activate GPX4/GSH-related antioxidant pathways but also modulate iron metabolism proteins, thereby alleviating iron overload and inhibiting ferroptosis. While flavonoids show promise as ferroptosis inhibitors for CNS diseases, especially in acute injury settings, further studies are needed to evaluate their efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and blood-brain barrier penetration for clinical application.

Chemistry of lignin and condensed tannins as aromatic biopolymers

Aromatic biopolymers are the second largest group of biopolymers after polysaccharides. Depolymerization of aromatic biopolymers, as cheap and renewable substitutes for fossil-based resources, has been used in the preparation of biofuels, and a range of aromatic and aliphatic small molecules. Additionally, these polymers exhibit a robust UV-shielding function due to the high content of aromatic groups. Meanwhile, the abundance of phenolic groups in their structures gives these compounds outstanding antioxidant capabilities, making them well-suited for a diverse array of anti-UV and medical applications. Nevertheless, these biopolymers possess inherent drawbacks in their pristine states, such as rigid structure, low solubility, and lack of desired functionalities, which hinder their complete exploitation across diverse sectors. Thus, the modification and functionalization of aromatic biopolymers are essential to provide them with specific functionalities and features needed for particular applications. Aromatic biopolymers include lignins, tannins, melanins, and humic acids. The objective of this review is to offer a thorough reference for assessing the chemistry and functionalization of lignins and condensed tannins. Lignins represent the largest and most prominent category of aromatic biopolymers, typically distinguishable as either softwood-derived or hardwood-derived lignins. Besides, condensed tannins are the most investigated group of the tannin family. The electron-rich aromatic rings, aliphatic hydroxyl groups, and phenolic groups are the main functional groups in the structure of lignins and condensed tannins. Methoxy groups are also abundant in lignins. Each group displays varying chemical reactivity within these biopolymers. Therefore, the selective and specific functionalization of lignins and condensed tannins can be achieved by understanding the chemistry behavior of these functional groups. Targeted applications include biomedicine, monomers and surface active agents for sustainable plastics.

The Effects of Polyphenols on Doxorubicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity by Modulating Inflammatory Cytokines, Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, and Oxidative DNA Damage

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracyclic antibiotic with anti-neoplastic activity that has been found to be a highly effective and commonly used chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of a variety of solid and hematologic malignancies. However, its effectiveness has been limited by the occurrence of dose-related renal, myocardial, and bone marrow toxicities. The clinical use of DOX is associated with nephrotic syndrome characterized by heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipidemia. DOX-induced changes in the renal tissue of rats include increased glomerular capillary permeability and tubular atrophy. Several lines of evidence suggest that reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress have been associated with DOX-induced renal damage. The mechanism of DOX-induced nephrotoxicity is believed to be mediated through free radical formation, iron-dependent oxidative damage of biological macromolecules, and membrane lipid peroxidation. Polyphenols are present in high concentration in fruits and vegetables. They have been shown to have potent antioxidant and cytoprotective effects in preventing endothelial apoptosis caused by oxidants. Treatment with polyphenols has been shown to prevent liver damage and suppress overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, which is induced by various inflammatory stimuli. In addition, epidemiological studies have suggested that the intake of polyphenols may be associated with a reduced risk of DOX-induced nephrotoxicity by modulating inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and oxidative DNA damage. Therefore, in the present review, we examined the influence of polyphenols on DOX-induced nephrotoxicity.

From "Maraschino" to Cell Cultures: A Deep Study on Prunus cerasus L. Cell Culture Juices

Prunus cerasus var. Marasca (Rosaceae) is an important Croatian cultivar, known wordwide for the production of Luxardo maraschino liqueur, which occurs in the eastern Po Valley of Italy. Besides liqueur, Marasca is attractive for its beneficial effects on human health and well-being. The undifferentiated in vitro cell cultures of Marasca were investigated as a source of healthy products. The in vitro conditions for obtaining callus and suspension cultures under photoperiod were defined. The cell lines were evaluated for growth rate, total phenol and proanthocyanidin contents, and antioxidant activities via colorimetric assays. The best cell lines were also subcultured in darkness, studying the importance of the light parameter in the possible industrial scaling-up. The juices extracted from the obtained biomasses were analyzed by LC-DAD-MS and six flavanone derivatives, among which naringenin and its glucoside were identified. The quantitative analysis, pursued during the cell growth cycle, revealed that the flavanone content was higher at the end of the growth cycle (28th day) and that the total content of identified flavanone compounds varied from 17.22 to 79.22 μg/mL of juice. The results of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities on Caco-2 cells support the potential applications of this material in human health.

Organoid, organ-on-a-chip and traditional Chinese medicine

In the past few years, the emergence of organoids and organ-on-a-chip (OOAC) technologies, which are complementary to animal models and two-dimensional cell culture methods and can better simulate the internal environment of the human body, provides a new platform for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) studies. Organoids and OOAC techniques have been increasingly applied in the fields of drug screening, drug assessment and development, personalized therapies, and developmental biology, and there have been some application cases in the TCM studies. In this review, we summarized the current status of using organoid and OOAC technologies in TCM research and provide key insights for future study. It is believed that organoid and OOAC technologies will play more and more important roles in research and make greater contributions to the innovative development of TCM.

Antimicrobial Potential of Polyphenols: Mechanisms of Action and Microbial Responses-A Narrative Review

Polyphenols (PPs) are recognized as bioactive compounds and antimicrobial agents, playing a critical role in enhancing food safety, preservation, and extending shelf life. The antimicrobial effectiveness of PPs has different molecular and biological reasons, predominantly linked to their hydroxyl groups and electron delocalization, which interact with microbial cell membranes, proteins, and organelles. These interactions may reduce the efficiency of metabolic pathways, cause destructive damage to the cell membrane, or they may harm the proteins and nucleic acids of the foodborne bacteria. Moreover, PPs exhibit a distinctive ability to form complexes with metal ions, further amplifying their antimicrobial activity. This narrative review explores the complex and multifaceted interactions between PPs and foodborne pathogens, underlying the correlation of their chemical structures and mechanisms of action. Such insights shed light on the potential of PPs as innovative natural preservatives within food systems, presenting an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to synthetic additives.

Polymerization of proanthocyanidins under the catalysis of miR397a-regulated laccases in Salvia miltiorrhiza and Populus trichocarpa

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) play significant roles in plants and are bioactive compounds with health benefits. The polymerization mechanism has been debated for decades. Here we show that laccases (LACs) are involved in PA polymerization and miR397a is a negative regulator of PA biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza and Populus trichocarpa. Elevation of miR397a level causes significant downregulation of LACs, severe reduction of polymerized PAs, and significant increase of flavan-3-ol monomers in transgenic S. miltiorrhiza and P. trichocarpa plants. Enzyme activity analysis shows that miR397a-regulated SmLAC1 catalyzes the polymerization of flavan-3-ols and the conversion of B-type PAs to A-type. Both catechin and epicatechin can serve as the starter unit and the extension unit during PA polymerization. Overexpression of SmLAC1 results in significant increase of PA accumulation, accompanied by the decrease of catechin and epicatechin contents. Consistently, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated SmLAC1 knockout shows the opposite results. Based on these results, a scheme for LAC-catalyzed PA polymerization is proposed. The work provides insights into PA polymerization mechanism.

The application of procyanidins in diabetes and its complications: a review of preclinical studies

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its various complications, including diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, and ulcers, pose significant challenges to global health. This review investigates the potential of procyanidins (PCs), a natural polyphenolic compound, in preventing and managing diabetes and its complications. PCs, recognized for their strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperglycemic properties, play a crucial role in reducing oxidative stress and enhancing endothelial function, which are essential for managing diabetic complications. This review elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which PCs improve insulin sensitivity and endothelial health, thereby providing protection against the various complications of diabetes. The comprehensive analysis underscores the promising therapeutic role of PCs in diabetes care, indicating the need for further clinical studies to confirm and leverage their potential in comprehensive diabetes management strategies.

A Comprehensive Review of Bioactive Tannins in Foods and Beverages: Functional Properties, Health Benefits, and Sensory Qualities

Tannins, a diverse class of polyphenolic compounds, are widely present in a variety of plant-based foods and beverages, where they contribute significantly to flavor, astringency, and numerous health benefits. Known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties, tannins are associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Their bioavailability and metabolism are influenced by factors such as polymerization, solubility, and interactions with the gut microbiota. Tannin-rich beverages, including tea, wine, fruit juices, and cider, offer a range of health-promoting effects, including antioxidant, cardioprotective, and antimicrobial activities. In addition, tannins contribute significantly to the sensory and nutritional characteristics of fruits, nuts, and vegetables, influencing flavor, color, and nutrient absorption. The levels and efficacy of tannins are subject to variation due to factors such as ripeness and food processing methods, which can increase their impact on food quality and health. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the bioactive roles of tannins, their nutritional implications, and their sensory effects, highlighting their importance in both dietary applications and overall well-being.

Polyphenol oxidase gene editing changed the flavonoid composition and browning process of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) callus

Postharvest pericarp browning, caused primarily by the enzymatic oxidation of phenols, reduces the shelf life and market value of litchi fruit and is considered a major limitation for the development of the litchi industry. Previous studies have shown that polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is a key enzyme and that flavonoids are important substrates for enzymatic browning; however, direct evidence is still lacking. This study investigated the differences in the browning process among the wild type (WT) and four PPO gene-edited litchi calli to verify the function of PPO in the browning of litchi tissues. Compared to the WT callus, the proliferation rate, relative expression of litchi PPO gene (LcPPO), PPO activity and color changes significantly decreased or slowed down in all gene-edited calli, indicating that the latter exhibited a slower browning process. Using a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry approach (LC-MS/MS), 83 metabolites of flavonoids were identified, of which 58 were differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs). Venn analysis revealed 12 common DAMs across different genotypic contrasts that were mostly enriched in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. It was presumed that the decrease of LcPPO expression in gene-edited calli led to the reduced PPO activity, then reduced the (-)-epicatechin oxidation. The accumulation of (-)-epicatechin caused the common upregulation of procyanidin B2 and upstream substances such as dihydrokaempferol, taxifolin, naringenin chalcone, 7,4'-dihydroxyflavone, and rutin in their biosynthesis pathways. The results provide novel evidence that (-)-epicatechin acts as the primary direct substrate in the enzymatic browning reaction mediated by PPO.

Nutrients and Nutraceuticals from Vitis vinifera L. Pomace: Biological Activities, Valorization, and Potential Applications

Grape pomace, also known as wine pomace, is a by-product of winemaking that has traditionally been discarded. However, recent studies have highlighted its rich nutritional and bioactive potential, positioning it as a promising resource for various applications in the functional food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. This review explores the nutrient and nutraceutical contents of grape pomace, including its high levels of polyphenols, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and melatonin. The biological activities of grape pomace, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects, are also discussed, emphasizing its potential as raw material endowed with multifunctional properties. Additionally, the valorization of grape pomace as a food supplement and for the development of cosmetics is examined, focusing on its incorporation into dietary products and skincare formulations. The growing interest in the sustainable utilization of grape pomace is underscored, highlighting its significant role in promoting human health and contributing to a circular economy.

Optimization of pH-responsive microgel for the co-delivery of Weizmannia coagulans and procyanidins to enhance survival rate and tolerance

The purpose of this study was to prepare a pH-responsive microgel for co-delivering Weizmannia coagulans 99 (BC99) and procyanidins (PCs) to enhance the survival rate and tolerance of probiotics in complex micro-environment. The effects of different concentrations of PCs on the properties of microgels were optimized, and found that the spherical microgels had higher encapsulation efficiency (90.27 ± 2.51%) and smaller size when the concentration of PCs was 20 μg/mL. The interaction among PCs, pectin and protein could effectively improve the survival rate of BC99 under different pH, bile salt, digestive enzyme and temperature conditions, maintain their stability in acidic gastric fluid, and realize the release of probiotics in neutral intestinal fluid. Moreover, the microgel was able to protect BC99 against H2O2 and antibiotics. This work provides a pH-responsive co-loaded microgels for BC99 and PCs, and has the potential in the loading and delivery of other probiotics and polyphenols.

Metabolomics analysis reveals crucial effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the metabolism of quality compounds in shoots and roots of Camellia sinensis L

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are known as plants' mutualists to enhance plant growth, but their impact on the quality-related metabolites in Camellia sinensis still needs to be studied. In this study, the 2-year-old potted C. sinensis cv. 'Longjing 43' was inoculated with AMF Rhizophagus irregularis to examine the effect of AMF colonization for 3 months on plant growth, photosynthesis, and changes in metabolomics and associated gene expression in the shoots and roots of tea plants. The results showed that AMF not only promoted the growth of tea plants but also significantly up-regulated the total contents of flavonoids and free amino acids, especially the anthocyanins, flavanols, GABA, and arginine. Consistently, the expression of genes such as F3H, DFR, LAR, ANR, UFGT, GDH, and GS in tea shoots was induced by AMF. Further studies found that transcription factors MYBs and HY5, as well as phytohormone strigolactones, were induced by AMF, which may participate in the regulatory mechanism controlling the metabolism of tea-quality compounds. These findings revealed regulatory mechanisms through which AMF affected tea quality and provided a theoretical basis for the application of AMF in tea gardens to improve the economic value and health benefits of tea.

An exploration of the interaction, structural characterization and anti-oxidative properties of proanthocyanidin and beta-lactoglobulin complex

Proanthocyanidin (PC) is with antioxidant, anticancer and neuroprotective effects. Cow's milk beta-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) is reported with higher immunoregulatory activity but lower antioxidative function. In this study, a β-Lg-PC complex was prepared, and the interaction and structural characterization of β-Lg-PC complex were investigated by fluorescence spectral analysis, infrared spectroscopy and molecular docking, etc. PC quenched the intrinsic fluorescence and changed the conformation of β-Lg. The optimal ratio of β-Lg and PC (10:3, w/w) was determined by measuring the particle size and ζ potential. Molecular docking results implied that the covalent binding among complex was mainly concentrated on the binding of PC to amino acid residue ILE 71. Moreover, the antioxidant effects and mechanism of β-Lg-PC complex were explored using LPS-induced oxidative stress model of RAW264.7 cells. The results showed that β-Lg-PC could alleviate oxidative stress by slowing down the LPS-induced decline in SOD enzyme activity, increase in ROS level, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and increase in apoptosis in RAW264.7 cells.

Metabolome and comparative genome provide insights into secondary metabolites generation of a rare karst-growing Rhododendron in vitro culture

Rhododendron species have the potential to be rich in secondary metabolites with pharmaceutical or industrial value. However, there is a lack of comprehensive metabolome studies at the genome level, particularly for unique and rare species like Rhododendron bailiense, which exclusively grows in karst environments in Guizhou, southwest China. Recently, genome assembly data for this species was available. In this study, nontargeted metabolomics was employed to investigate the secondary metabolites profile of R. bailiense callus. The callus of R. bailiense was induced using 0.2 mg L-1 TDZ (Thidiazuron) + 0.1 mg L-1 IBA (3-Indole butyric acid). A comparison between light-treated calli and dark-cultured calli revealed differential accumulation of metabolites, particularly in flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins, and hydroxycinnamic acids, known for their beneficial effects such as antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Proanthocyanidins, with various health-promoting effects, were found to accumulate significantly in dark-cultured calli. Light conditions promoted diterpene and triterpene products, whereas darkness favored sesquiterpene products. Additionally, the study demonstrated the potential of utilizing Agrobacterium transformation technology on callus suspension cells to enhance secondary metabolite production. Comparison with the genome of Rhododendron molle revealed that the R. bailiense genome exhibited active 'glycosyltransferase activity,' possessed a higher number of copies of monoterpene and sesquiterpene terpene synthases, and contained high copies of specific cytochrome P450 members (CYP71, CYP76, CYP79, CYP82, CYP736). This study offers valuable insights and potential strategies for the biosynthesis and production of Rhododendron secondary metabolites with pharmaceutical or industrial significance.

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract Improves Growth Performance and Protects Against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress to the Liver and Intestine in Weaned Hyla Rabbits

Three experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on the growth performance of weaned Hyla rabbits and explore its protective effects against oxidative stress in the liver and intestine by establishing a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress model. In Exp.1, ninety-six weaned rabbits were used to evaluate the effects of dietary GSPE level on growth performance, and the results showed that a 400 mg/kg GSPE addition increased the feed conversion ratio and liver coefficient and promoted cholesterol metabolism. Exp.2 was conducted to explore the H2O2 concentration required to establish an oxidative stress model, indicating that the model could be established by an intraperitoneal injection of 10% H2O2 at a dosage of 1 mL/kg body weight. In Exp.3, seventy-two weaned rabbits were used to investigate the protective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in the liver and intestine. Our findings showed that 400 mg/kg GSPE supplementation could alleviate the adverse effects of H2O2 injection on the antioxidant capacity in the liver and intestine as well as liver morphology. Therefore, an addition of 400 mg/kg GSPE could improve growth performance and alleviate H2O2-induced adverse effects on the liver and small intestine by enhancing the antioxidative capacity in weaned Hyla rabbits.

Seaweed and yeast extracts as sustainable phytostimulant to boost secondary metabolism of apricot fruits

In our study, we investigated the effects of Expando, a commercial biostimulant derived from seaweed and yeast extracts, on the secondary metabolism of Lady cot and Orange prima apricot cultivars. Notably, treatments with or 5.0 L/ha of Expando improved fruit uniformity and harvests synchronization, providing agronomic benefits. Expando positively influenced the biosynthesis of essential bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins in both apricot pulp and peel, as validated by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. These metabolic enhancements translated into significantly increased total antioxidant activity, particularly evident in the peel samples. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed distinct effects of the 5.0 and 4.0 L/ha treatments, distinguishing them from lower doses and the control group. Our findings emphasize the potential of Expando to enhance the phytochemical profile of apricot fruits, positioning biostimulants as pivotal tools for improving fruit quality and sustainability in agriculture. Expando offers a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to enhancing crop yield and nutritional value, representing a significant step towards more resilient and environmentally conscious farming practices. Further research is needed to explore its broader implications and optimize application strategies for commercial orchards.

Enhanced Corneal Repair with Hyaluronic Acid/Proanthocyanidins Nanoparticles

This study investigates the therapeutic potential of hyaluronic acid/proanthocyanidin (HA/PAC) nanoparticles in treating alkali-induced corneal burns. Alkali burns are common ocular emergencies that can lead to severe vision impairment if not promptly and properly treated. The low water solubility of proanthocyanidins (PACs), which are potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, limits their bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. To overcome this, hyaluronic acid (HA) was utilized as a carrier to form HA/PAC nanoparticles, enhancing PAC's solubility and bioavailability. The HA/PAC nanoparticles were characterized for morphology, granulometric distribution, hemolysis, and cytotoxicity, demonstrating high blood compatibility and noncytotoxicity. The in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of HA/PAC were evaluated, showing enhanced activity compared to PAC alone. In vivo studies on C57 mice confirmed the accelerated healing of corneal injuries and reduced corneal opacity with HA/PAC treatment. Histopathological analysis and cytokine quantification further supported the anti-inflammatory and proregenerative effects of HA/PAC, suggesting its potential as an effective treatment for corneal alkali burns.

Morin, as a natural flavonoid, provides promising influences against cardiovascular diseases

The present investigation evaluated the potential impacts of morin, a natural flavonoid, against cardiovascular disorders. Since inception until September 2024, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science have been searched extensively. The process involved eliminating duplicate entries and conducting a systematic review of the remaining studies post-full-text screening. The search was conducted with meticulousness and in adherence to established protocols. Morin has shown various cardioprotective effects in experimental models. It reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue damage in conditions like myocardial ischemia, injury, and infarction. It also mitigates the harmful effects of toxins and improves hemodynamic parameters, antioxidant levels, and cardiac function. Moreover, it can address conditions like chronic iron overload and metabolic syndrome. Its mechanisms of action involve regulating signaling pathways, promoting autophagy, and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Morin hydrate is promising as a therapeutic agent for cardiovascular and related disorders. Morin Hydrate exhibits promising cardioprotective properties, effectively reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in myocardial conditions while also countering the effects of toxins and improving heart function. Additionally, it holds the potential for addressing chronic iron overload and metabolic syndrome. Its multifaceted mechanisms, including signaling pathway regulation and promotion of autophagy, highlight its therapeutic potential for various cardiovascular and related disorders.

The Role of Polyphenols in Abiotic Stress Tolerance and Their Antioxidant Properties to Scavenge Reactive Oxygen Species and Free Radicals

Plants have evolved complex mechanisms to cope with diverse abiotic stresses, with the phenylpropanoid pathway playing a central role in stress adaptation. This pathway produces an array of secondary metabolites, particularly polyphenols, which serve multiple functions in plant growth, development, regulating cellular processes, and stress responses. Recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying phenylpropanoid metabolism have revealed complex regulatory networks involving MYB transcription factors as master regulators and their interactions with stress signaling pathways. This review summarizes our current understanding of polyphenol-mediated stress adaptations in plants, emphasizing the regulation and function of key phenylpropanoid pathway compounds. We discussed how various abiotic stresses, including heat and chilling stress, drought, salinity, light stress, UV radiation, nanoparticles stress, chemical stress, and heavy metal toxicity, modulate phenylpropanoid metabolism and trigger the accumulation of specific polyphenolic compounds. The antioxidant properties of these metabolites, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, lignin, and polyphenols, and their roles in reactive oxygen species scavenging, neutralizing free radicals, membrane stabilization, and osmotic adjustment are discussed. Understanding these mechanisms and metabolic responses is crucial for developing stress-resilient crops and improving agricultural productivity under increasingly challenging environmental conditions. This review provides comprehensive insights into integrating phenylpropanoid metabolism with plant stress adaptation mechanisms, highlighting potential targets for enhancing crop stress tolerance through metabolic adjustment.

The influence of different crosslinking agents onto the physical properties, integration behavior and immune response of collagen-based barrier membranes

This study investigates the mechanical properties as well as in vitro and in vivo cyto- and biocompatibility of collagen membranes cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (GA), proanthocyanidins (PC), hexamethylendiisocyanate (HMDI) and 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EC/NHS). A non-crosslinked membrane was used as reference control (RF). The initial in vitro cytotoxic analyses revealed that the PC, EC, and HMDI crosslinked membranes were cytocompatible, while the GA crosslinked membrane was cytotoxic and thus selected as positive control in the further in vivo study. Cross-linking enhances the tensile strength and collagenase resistance, effectively prolonging the membrane's standing time in vivo. Using (immune-) histochemistry and histomorphometrical analyses, the cellular inflammatory responses, tissue integration and vascularization patterns at 10-, 30-, and 90-day post-implantation in a subcutaneous implantation model in rats were analyzed. The PC membrane elicited the mildest inflammatory cell levels, akin to the RF membrane, while other groups induced an M1-dominated macrophage response and numerous multinucleated giant cells throughout the study period. EC membranes maintained structural stability up to 30 days post-implantation, similar to the GA group, whereas others collapsed prematurely. Concurrent with membrane collapse, transmembrane vascularization occurred across all groups. Histopathological and histomorphometry results reveal the intricate interplay of inflammatory cell populations in vascularization. These findings offer valuable insights into the pivotal role of cross-linkers in modulating mechanical properties and tissue responses of collagen membranes.

Development and Assessment of a Color-Variable Chlorine Dioxide Slow-Releasing Card for Litchi Preservation

Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) gas has attracted considerable attention due to its safety and efficiency. In this study, we successfully developed a color-variable ClO2 slow-releasing card for postharvest litchi. The optimal ClO2 slow-releasing card was prepared as follows: Card A was soaked in 2.5 mol/L NaClO2 and 0.3 mol/L CaCl2. Card B was soaked in 1 mol/L oxalic acid, 0.3 mol/L CaCl2, and natural pigment. Finally, cards A and B were dried and adhered using 60% gelatin. The ClO2 releasing time of the card was more than 120 h at 5-25 °C, and it could change color from dark yellow to white. The qualities of 3 kg litchi treated with no pieces (CK), half a piece (T1), one piece (T2), two pieces (T3), and three pieces (T4) of ClO2 slow-releasing card were compared. The results showed that litchi of T1 had significantly (p < 0.05) higher L* and a* values but a lower respiration rate and relative conductivity than CK after 7 days of storage, showing the best pulp qualities and pericarp color. Further correlation analyses revealed a significant positive correlation (R2 = 0.971) between Cya-3-O-gal-1 and a*, indicating a sharp decline in Cya-3-O-gal-1 and strong pericarp browning in CK. On the contrary, the low-releasing ClO2 of T1 effectively inhibited Cya-3-O-gal-1 degradation. This could be one of the reasons for the superior pericarp color of T1. This study provides a visual, efficient, and economical solution for postharvest litchi.

Database, prediction, and antibacterial research of astringency based on large language models

Astringency, a sensory experience causing mouth dryness, significantly impacts the taste of foods such as wine and tea, and astringent molecules may exhibit antibacterial properties. Traditional methods for predicting astringency are costly, and the connection between astringency and antibacterial activity remains largely unexplored. In this study, we present a pioneering computational approach that includes: (1) the creation of the first comprehensive astringency database comprising 238 molecules; (2) the development of a Ligand-Based Prediction (LBP) framework that combines large language models, deep learning, and traditional machine learning for enhanced molecular and peptide prediction; (3) an astringency predictor achieving 0.95 accuracy and 0.90 AUC, validated through electronic tongue measurements; (4) antibacterial predictors for molecules and peptides with accuracies of 0.92 and 0.88, respectively, revealing that 51 % of astringent molecules possess antibacterial properties; (5) accessibility of these predictors via the AstringentPD and ABPD web servers. This work not only enhances the understanding of taste-related molecules but also elucidates the relationship between astringency and antibacterial properties, setting the stage for future explorations in food science and medicinal applications.

Enhancing stability, bioavailability and nutritional intervention effect of procyanidins using bio-based delivery systems: A review

Procyanidins (PCs), a kind of polyphenolic compound, have attracted extensive attention due to their strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other activities. However, PCs are susceptible to complex micro-environments, resulting in low stability, poor target tissue delivery and bioavailability, which limits their biological effects. Therefore, it is urgent to find some suitable pathways to protect PCs, avoid their degradation, and maximize their health benefits in nutritional intervention. This review focused on the design and construction of different types of bio-based delivery systems loaded with PCs, such as nanoparticles, microparticles, emulsions, liposomes, hydrogels and fibers. The advantages and biological effects of PCs-based delivery systems in promoting cellular uptake, realizing targeted release of organs, cells and organelles, and even nutritional intervention for different chronic diseases were summarized. Furthermore, the development prospects and challenges of delivery systems in the field of precision nutrition were discussed. The construction of these delivery systems can effectively improve the stability and bioavailability of PCs, and maximize their precise nutritional intervention for various chronic diseases.

Assessing Therapeutic Value and Side Effects of Key Botanical Compounds for Optimized Medical Treatments

Due to the significance of variable chemical groups across a wide spectrum of modern medicine, it is imperative to determine what is the most widely used group in medical applications with the fewest side effects. Ten compounds from ten chemical groups that are most commonly known for their medical uses were compared in terms of their therapeutic potential and side effects. The comparison among the selected compounds indicated the superiority of the flavonoids over other groups in the multitude of their utilizations and the lower side effects. Kaempferol and quercetin showed higher medical utilization with lower side effects. Whereas alkaloid compounds showed the lowest levels of medical use and the highest levels of side effects. Based on the comparison conducted, it is concluded to give priority to flavonoid compounds being used in medical applications because they exhibit the highest medical uses with the lowest side effects. Within flavonoids, kaempferol and quercetin are the two compounds that are highly recommended to be used in the widest range of medical applications. Serious caution should be considered before applying alkaloids to any medical service. Understanding the characteristics of these compounds can aid in developing safer and more effective treatments for medicinal plants.

Structural and mechanistic insights into the anti-tyrosinase, anti-melanogenesis, and anti-browning effect of proanthocyanidins from seed coats of Acer truncatum Bunge

Acer truncatum is a multifunctional tree species with broad applications in ornamental, healthy drink, and seed oil. In the present study, proanthocyanidins were isolated from the seed coats of A. truncatum, which were largely discarded as industrial wastes in seed oil production. Meanwhile, structural features, effects and mechanisms of anti-tyrosinase, anti-melanogenesis, and anti-browning of A. truncatum seed coat proanthocyanidins (ASPs) were systematically investigated. The joint application of FT-IR, MALDI-TOF-MS, hiolysis-coupled reverse-phase LC-ESI-MS, together with normal-phase LC confirmed that ASPs were predominately constituted by procyanidins with a mean polymerization degree of 12.09. Furthermore, ASPs powerfully inhibited both monophenolase and diphenolase activities of tyrosinase, and the inhibition of diphenolase was proved to be reversible and competitive-uncompetitive mixed type. Analyses of fluorescence quenching, UV spectra, and copper-ion chelation indicated that ASPs could inhibit tyrosinase in varied stages, and molecular docking and dynamic simulation further revealed the interaction mode between ASPs and tyrosinase. Cell assays further suggested that ASPs exhibited a strong inhibition against intracellular tyrosinase activity and melanin production through suppressing the expression of tyrosinase and microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) at transcription level and caused apoptosis in B16F10 cells at higher concentrations. Antioxidant and anti-browning studies demonstrated that ASPs possessed high capacities of antioxidant, and potently suppress the browning of fresh-cut potatoes. Therefore, this study confirmed that seed coats of Acer truncatum is a potential natural source of tyrosinase, melanogenesis, and browning inhibitor, which provided a theoretical basis for the utilization of ASPs in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food industries.

Amplifying Bioactivity of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) fruit puree through Ultrasonication: Antioxidant and antiproliferative activity

Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) serves as a significant reservoir of polyphenol compounds. This impact of ultrasonication processing on the bioaccessibility of blue honeysuckle fruit puree during in vitro digestion was evaluated. The polyphenol compounds, antioxidant capacity and antiproliferative activity were measured, with a particular focus on determining the total proanthocyanidin content of the puree during digestion. The results revealed that the U300 W treatment significantly increased antioxidant content and enhanced the stability of antioxidant capacity, leading to stronger antiproliferative activity. A total of 33 compounds, including 14 phenolic acids, 5 flavanols, 1 flavanol-3-ol, 1 flavanone alcohol, 3 flavanones, 1 flavanone, and 8 non- polyphenols were found in both untreated and ultrasonicated puree during in vitro digestion. The untreated puree contained 22 compounds, while the ultrasonicated puree contained 33. Compared to untreated samples, ultrasonicated samples contained significantly higher levels of loganic acid, dihydrokaempferol, kaempferol derivatives, and plantagoside. Except for vanillic acid, citric acid, protocatechuic acid, and luteolin-4'-O-glucoside, the polyphenols showed a decreasing trend during oral-gastric-small intestinal-colon digestion. The U500 W ultrasonicated fruit puree exhibited the strongest antiproliferative activity. Overall, the results demonstrated that ultrasonication has the potential to enhance the bioaccessibility of antioxidant compounds and the antiproliferative activity of blue honeysuckle fruit puree.

Effect of Proanthocyanidins from Grape Seed Extract on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting the urinary tract that occurs mainly in men over 40 years of age. Among the natural therapies, proanthocyanidins (PACs), which can treat a wide range of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), have been shown to play an important role in the treatment of pathologies concerning prostate health. In this regard, the present study aimed to evaluate the different bioactivities of a grape seed extract (GSE), rich in polymeric PACs, and its version processed under alkaline conditions (ATGSE), characterized by a higher content of oligomeric PACs, in an animal model of BPH induced by subcutaneous injection of testosterone (1 mg/mouse).

METHODS

These latter were divided into a control group (vehicle, olive oil), a BPH group (testosterone 1 mg/mouse), and four treatment groups treated with GSE (500 mg/kg) and ATGSE (125, 250, 500 mg/kg) by oral gavage. At the experimental endpoint (4 weeks), hematological and biochemical analyses of blood and tissues were performed.

RESULTS

Data showed that oral administration of ATGSE (250 mg/kg) was significantly more effective than GSE in reducing prostate (p ≤ 0.0001) and seminal vesicle (p ≤ 0.0001) weight. Moreover, ATGSE exhibited enhanced effectiveness in significantly reducing PSA levels (p ≤ 0.0001 vs. GSE) and the expression of key pro-inflammatory cyto-chemokines in prostate and seminal vesicles homogenates.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings pave the way for the clinical application of ATGSE as a nutraceutical and/or functional food.

Microneedle Electrode Patch Modified with Graphene Oxide and Carbon Nanotubes for Continuous Uric Acid Monitoring and Diet Management in Hyperuricemia

Hyperuricemia is a common disorder induced by purine metabolic abnormality, which will further cause chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and gout. Its main pathological characteristic is the high uric acid (UA) level in the blood, so that the detection of UA is highly important for hyperuricemia diagnosis and therapy. Herein, we report a biocompatible and minimally invasive microneedle electrode patch (MEP) for continuous UA monitoring and diet management in hyperuricemia. The composite of graphene oxide and carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes was modified on the microneedle electrode surface to enhance its sensitivity, selectivity, and stability, thus realizing the continuous detection of UA in the interstitial fluid to accurately predict the UA level in the blood. This further allowed us to study the hypouricemic effect of anthocyanins on the hyperuricemia model mouse. It was found that anthocyanins extracted from blueberry can effectively inhibit the activity of xanthine oxidase to reduce the production of UA. The UA level of hyperuricemia model mice fed with anthocyanins is ∼1.7 fold lower than that of the control group. We believe that this MEP offers enormous promise for continuous UA monitoring and diet management in hyperuricemia.

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins Ameliorate Cadmium-Induced Senescence of Osteocytes Through Combating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Osteocyte senescence is associated with skeletal dysfunction, but how to prevent bone loss and find the effective therapeutic targets is a potential scientific concern. Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental contaminant that causes substantial bone damage in both animals and humans. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) are naturally polyphenolic substances found in various plants and demonstrate significant anti-senescence potential. Here, we investigated the protective effects of OPC against Cd-induced senescence of osteocytes and identify potential regulatory mechanisms. OPC alleviated Cd-induced senescence of osteocytes by attenuating cell cycle arrest, reducing ROS accumulation, and suppressing pro-inflammatory responses in vitro. Furthermore, OPC effectively prevented the Cd-induced breakdown of dendritic synapses in osteocytes in vitro. Correspondingly, OPC ameliorated Cd-induced damage of osteocytes through anti-senescence activity in vivo. Taken together, our results establish OPC as a promising therapeutic agent that ameliorates Cd-induced osteocyte senescence by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

Proanthocyanidin offers protection against diabetic nephropathy: elucidation of its mechanism of action using animal models

CONTEXT

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus and is the leading cause of kidney disease in patients undergoing renal replacement therapy. DN is associated with an increased risk of death in patients with diabetes. Conventional therapy for DN includes intensive control of blood glucose level and blood pressure and renin-angiotensin system blockade. However, this approach has limited treatment effects on DN. Therefore, identifying novel drugs to delay the progression of DN is urgently needed. Proanthocyanidin (PA) has been shown to exert potentially beneficial effects on DN. However, the protective mechanism and efficacy are yet to be elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the efficacy and potential mechanisms of PA in animal models of DN.

METHODS

Preclinical studies were searched from Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar databases, with the search deadline of August 2023. Keywords ('diabetic nephropathies', 'nephropathies, diabetic', 'diabetic kidney diseases', 'proanthocyanidin', 'anthocyanidin polymers', 'procyanidins', 'animal*', 'rat', and 'mice') were used to search the databases. RevMan 5.3 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 22 studies involving 538 animals were included in this analysis. The pooled results indicated that PA therapy significantly improved kidney function and reduced proteinuria and blood glucose levels. The protective mechanism of PA was associated with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifibrotic, and antiapoptotic effects; inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress; and alleviation of mitochondrial dysfunction and dyslipidemia.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that PA alleviates DN by mediating multiple targets and pathways.

Ultra-Long-Term Anti-Inflammatory Polyphenol Capsule to Remodel the Microenvironment for Accelerating Osteoarthritis Healing by Single Dosage

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic inflammatory disease that leads to disability and death. Existing therapeutic agents often require frequent use, which can lead to drug resistance and long-term side effects. Polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. However, they are limited by their short half-life and low bioavailability. This work presents a novel pure polyphenol capsule for sustained release of polyphenols, which is self-assembled via hydrophobic and hydrogen bonds. The capsule enhances cellular uptake, scavenges reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, reduces inflammatory markers, and remodels the OA microenvironment by inhibiting the p38 MAPK pathway. The capsule overcomes the limitations of short half-life and low bioavailability of polyphenols and achieves single-dose cure in mouse and dog OA models, providing an optimal therapeutic window for OA repair. Taking advantage of simple manufacturing, convenient administration, and pure polyphenol composition, these capsules show great potential for clinical treatment of osteoarthritis and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Cranberry Juice, Cranberry Tablets, or Liquid Therapies for Urinary Tract Infection: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

With over 50% of women suffering from at least one episode of urinary tract infection (UTI) throughout their lifetime and an increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, efforts need to be made to clearly identify the evidence supporting potential non-drug interventions. This study aims to compare the effects of cranberry juice, cranberry tablets, and increased liquids for the management of UTIs.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched for randomised controlled trials. The primary outcome was the number of UTIs, and the secondary outcomes were UTI symptoms and antimicrobial consumption. A risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 20 trials (3091 participants) were included, with 18 studies highlighting a 54% lower rate of UTIs with cranberry juice consumption than no treatment and a 27% lower rate than placebo liquid. Cranberry juice also resulted in a 49% lower rate of antibiotic use than placebo liquid and a 59% lower rate than no treatment, based on a network meta-analysis of six studies. The use of cranberry compounds also reduced the prevalence of symptoms associated with UTIs.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

With moderate to low certainty, the evidence supports the use of cranberry juice for the prevention of UTIs. While increased liquids reduce the rate of UTIs compared with no treatment, cranberry in liquid form provides even better clinical outcomes in terms of reduction in UTIs and antibiotic use and should be considered for the management of UTIs.

PATIENT SUMMARY

With the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant UTIs, alternate non-drug treatment options for its management are required. Available evidence supports the use of cranberry compounds and increases in fluid intake for managing UTIs.

Proanthocyanidins mitigate the toxic effects in loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) exposed to phenanthrene via Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway

Phenanthrene (PHE) is a typical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compound that is ubiquitous in the environment and accumulates in aquatic products, thereby posing a risk to food safety. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) is widely distributed powerful antioxidants with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the alleviating effects of dietary OPC on oxidative stress, inflammatory suppression, and tissue damage caused by PHE exposure in loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus). In the study, loach was continuously exposed to 2.36 mg/L PHE for 28 days, after which they were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 200, 400, or 800 mg/kg OPC. The results displayed that PHE exposure resulted in significantly increased levels of liver health parameters (AST, ALT, COR, LDH, and ADA) compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The PHE-exposed fish showed the lowest levels of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, GSH, GST, GSH-Px, and GR) and the greatest levels of oxidative stress parameters (ROS and MDA). PHE exposure resulted in down-regulation of nrf2, ho-1, gsh-px, gst, and nqo-1, and up-regulation of keap-1 gene expressions in loach (P < 0.05). Moreover, PHE-induced decreased the levels of immunity indicators (CRP, MPO, C3, C4, IgM, and LYS). An up-regulation of pro-inflammatory genes (nf-κb, il-1β, il-8, il-6, il-12, and tnf-α) and a down-regulation of anti-inflammatory gene il-10 were the consequences of the PHE exposure. In addition, tissues showed histopathological alterations including vacuolization (liver), displaced nuclei (liver), atrophy (gills), glomerular congestion (kidney), and inflammatory cell infiltration (spleen) caused by PHE. Notably, dietary supplementation of OPC augmented immuno-antioxidant parameters, including their key genes, reduced oxidative stress and immunosuppression, and ameliorated tissue damage compared to fish exposed to PHE. In summary, supplementation with 400 mg/kg OPC in the diets could effectively alleviate the oxidative damage and inflammatory response induced by PHE exposure in loach through the Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway and enhance the defense ability against toxic substances of loach.

Compositional Analysis of Grape Berries: Mapping the Global Metabolism of Grapes

To characterize the nutrients and bioactive compounds in grape berries and to explore the real cause of the "French paradox" phenomenon, we performed metabolomic analysis of 66 grape varieties worldwide using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS). A nontargeted metabolomics approach detected a total of 4889 metabolite signals. From these, 964 bioactive and nutrient compounds were identified and quantified, including modified flavonoids, medicinal pentacyclic triterpenoids, vitamins, amino acids, lipids, etc. Interestingly, metabolic variations between varieties are not explained by geography or subspecies but can be significantly distinguished by grapes' color, even after excluding flavonoids and anthocyanins. In our analysis, we found that purple grape varieties had the highest levels of key bioactive components such as flavonoids, pentacyclic triterpenes, and polyphenols, which are thought to have a variety of health benefits such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties, when compared to grapes of other colors. In addition, we found higher levels of vitamins in red and pink grapes, possibly explaining their role in preventing anemia and scurvy and protecting the skin. These findings may be a major factor in the greater health benefits of wines made from purple grapes. Our study provides comprehensive metabolic profiling data of grape berries that may contribute to future research on the French paradox.

The Lotus corniculatus MYB5 functions as a master regulator in proanthocyanidin biosynthesis and bioengineering

KEY MESSAGE

PAs varied greatly in leaves of different germplasm accessions in Lotus corniculatus and over-expression of LcMYB5 led to high PA accumulation in L. japonicus hairy roots. Proanthocyanidins (PAs) content in leaves is an important quality trait in forage species. The leaves of most forage crops accumulated no or little PAs, which makes it difficult to discover key genes involved in PA biosynthesis in the leaves. We found PAs content varied greatly in leaves of different germplasm accessions in Lotus corniculatus, which is one of the most agriculturally important forage crops. Through a combination of global transcriptional analysis, GO and KEGG analysis, and phylogenetic analysis, we discovered that LcMYB5 was strongly correlated with PA accumulation in leaves of L. corniculatus. The subcellular localization and transactivation activity assays demonstrated that LcMYB5 localized to the nucleus and acted as a transcriptional activator. Over-expression of the two homologs of LcMYB5 (LcMYB5a and LcMYB5b) in the L. japonicus hairy roots resulted in a particular high level of PAs. Global transcriptional analysis and qRT-PCR assays indicated that LcMYB5a and LcMYB5b up-regulated the transcript levels of many key PA pathway genes in the transgenic hairy roots, including structural genes (eg. CHS, F3H, LAR, ANR, and TT15) and regulatory genes (eg. TT8 and TTG1). Collectively, our data suggests that LcMYB5 independently regulates PA accumulation in the leaves of Lotus as a master regulator, which can be bioengineered for PAs production in the leaves of forage species.

Analysis of Adverse Reactions Associated with the Use of Crataegus-Containing Herbal Products

Background/Objectives: Products from various parts of Crataegus species are traditionally applied as a cardiotonic. In Europe and the USA, mainly Crataegus monogyna Jacq. (Lindm.) and Crataegus laevigata (Poir.) DC (synonym Crataegus oxyacantha L.) are used, but worldwide, other Crataegus species are also used. Phytotherapeutic preparations with a standardised content of flavonoids and/or oligomeric procyanidins are commercially available. The products are generally considered as safe and are at most associated with minor and atypical adverse reactions. The aim of this study was to critically assess the information about the safety of Crataegus-containing products in humans. Methods: A scoping review of the literature about adverse reactions associated with Crataegus-containing products was performed. Next, individual case safety reports (ICSRs) were assessed, which were included in VigiBase (the World Health Organisation's global database of adverse event reports for medicines and vaccines) and in the database of the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb. The findings are discussed in relation to the literature. Results: The scoping review yielded 23 clinical studies with single-herb and 14 with multi-herb preparations, from which only a few minor gastrointestinal and cardiac events had been reported. A total of 1527 reports from VigiBase, from 1970 to 2023, were analysed, as well as 13 reports from Lareb. The most frequently reported adverse reactions belonged to the system organ classes 'gastrointestinal disorders', 'skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders', 'general disorders and administration site conditions', 'cardiac disorders' or 'nervous system disorders'. In 277 reports of VigiBase, a single-herb product was the only suspect for causing the adverse reaction(s). Of these, 12.6% were graded as serious. Conclusions: The results of our study provide deeper insight in the adverse reaction profile of Crataegus-containing products and should contribute to their safe application in the treatment of less severe forms of cardiac failure.