Preparation of low molecular weight fucoidan by gamma-irradiation and its anticancer activity

Preparation, antibacterial activity, and structure-activity relationship of low molecular weight κ-carrageenan

κ-Carrageenan (KC) is a polysaccharide widely used in food industry. It has been widely studied for its excellent physicochemical and beneficial properties. However, the high molecular weight and high viscosity of KC make it difficult to be absorbed and to exert its' biological activities, thus limit its extensive industrial application. In order to solve this problem, five low molecular weight κ-carrageenans (DCPs) were prepared by the degradation of KC using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ascorbic acid (AH2). The chemical compositions and structure characteristics of the DCPs were then determined. The results showed that H2O2 and AH2 could effectively degrade KC to DCPs, and DCPs remained the basic skeletal structure of KC. DCPs showed good antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of DCPs with the highest antibacterial effects were 5.25, 4.5, 5.25, and 4.5 mg/mL, respectively. This is due to the underlying mechanism of DCPs that bind to the bacterial membrane proteins and change the membrane permeability, thus exerting antibacterial activity. In addition, Spearman's rank correlation and Ridge regression analysis revealed that the molecular weight and the contents of 3,6-anhydro-D-galactose, aldehyde group, carboxyl, and sulfate were the main structural characteristics affecting the antibacterial activity. Our findings reveal that the H2O2-AH2 degradation treatment could significantly improve the antibacterial activity of KC and provide insights into the quantitative structure-activity relationships of the antibacterial activity of DCPs.

Fucoidan extract from brown seaweed (Sargassum echinocarpum): molecular weight, elemental composition, selectivity and anticancer activity against breast cancer cells

Molecular weight and elemental composition contribute to fucoidan bioactivity. Fucoidan extract from S. echinocarpum had three fractions varying in molecular weights (Mw), whereas crude fucoidan extract had a moderate Mw of 2,034.31 kDa. The fucoidan extract contained several elements, including C (38.19%), O (44.46%), and S (2.61%). Moreover, the fucoidan extract exhibited toxicity to breast cancer cells (MCF-7) at 297.58 ± 2.40 ppm. The extract induced apoptosis by 49.78%, 72.05%, and 89.35% after incubation for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Fucoidan increased MDA levels in MCF-7 cells, indicating its anticancer properties through the induction of apoptosis-induced lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, the anticancer activity of fucoidan extract was not significantly different from the standard fucoidan (F. vesiculosus). In addition, the extract was selective and non-toxic to human normal cells (TIG 1-20), indicating its safety for consumption and potential as an anticancer agent derived from marine algae.

Chemical characterization-function relationship of pectins from persimmon fruit within different ripeness

This study investigated the structural and functional characteristics of two different molecular weight persimmon pectin extracted from unripe persimmon (PP-1) and ripe persimmon (PP-2). The molecular weight was determined as 117.8 kDa and 61.3 kDa for PP-1 and PP-2, which consisting of glucose, rhamnose, mannose, galactose, and xylose. AFM results indicated PP-1 with many linear chains, and short chains in while short chains, branching points, and heterogeneous clumps were found in PP-2.Emulsion characterization and storage stability experiments revealed that PP-1 with more stable emulsifying properties than PP-2 and commercial citrus pectin. In vitro fermentation of PP-1 and PP-2 by gut microbiota indicated that PP-1 and PP-2 groups were higher than inulin group in total SCFAs production after 48 h of fermentation. This study provided useful information for high value utilization of persimmon pectin.

Fucoidan from brown seaweed Tubinaria decurrens: Structure and structure - anticancer activity relationship

The aims of this study are to determine the structure of a fucoidan from brown seaweed Turbinaria decurrens, to investigate its anticancer activity and structure-activity relationship. SEC-MALLS, IR, ESI-MS and NMR spectra analysis indicated that dominant structure of the fucoidan, with a Mw 122.6 KDa, has a backbone of (1 → 3)- and (1 → 4)-α-L-Fucp residues, branched at C-4, sulfate groups are attached at C-2, C-3 and C-4; branches are (1 → 4)-β-D-Galp residues and sulfated at C-2. The fucoidan was hydrolyzed by HCl aqueous solution to obtain hydrolyzed fucoidans. It is assumed that native and hydrolyzed fucoidans have a rod-like conformation in solution with cross-sectional radius of gyration (Rgc) ranged from 0.53 to 1.52 nm as estimated from SAXS measurements. The fucoidans show great anticancer activity against HT29 human colon cancer cell line with IC50 ranging from 5.41 ± 0.36 to 73.52 ± 2.54 μg/mL. Anticancer activity of the fucoidan could be significantly improved by lowering molecular weight, furthermore, fucoidan required small molecular weight, small molecular weight distribution and rod-like structure with a short branch length for high anticancer activity.

Tuning the physiochemical properties of polycaprolactone-hydroxyapatite composite films by gamma irradiation for biomedical applications

Physiochemical properties of polycaprolactone-hydroxyapatite (PCL-HAp) composites were investigated in the pristine and after irradiation of γ rays (25, 50, 75, and 100 kGy). PCL-HAp composites were synthesized by solvent evaporation and characterized using spectroscopic methods as well as biological assays. The surface roughness (RMS) of the irradiated composite film (at 75 kGy) was 80 times higher than that of the pristine. Irradiation tailors the contact angle of the films from 77° to 90° (at 100 kGy). A decrease in particle size (at 100 kGy) of HAp nanorods in PCL-HAp composites film was observed. The XRD peak of PCL was slightly shifted from 21.2° to 21.7° (at 100 kGy) with the decrease in crystallite size. The peak intensity of the PCL and HAp altered on irradiation that was confirmed by FTIR and Raman analysis. Further, the bandgap of the irradiated film was lowered by 13 % (at 25 kGy). The luminescence intensity decreased due to the non-radiative process induced by the irradiation defects. All the samples possess hemocompatibility percentage of <10 % as per ASTM standards. At 75 kGy, fibroblast cell proliferation was higher than the pristine and other doses. The gamma-irradiated PCL-HAp composite films are potential candidates for tissue engineering applications.

Advances in oligosaccharides production from brown seaweeds: extraction, characterization, antimetabolic syndrome, and other potential applications

Brown seaweeds are a promising source of bioactive substances, particularly oligosaccharides. This group has recently gained considerable attention due to its diverse cell wall composition, structure, and wide-spectrum bioactivities. This review article provides a comprehensive update on advances in oligosaccharides (OSs) production from brown seaweeds and their potential health applications. It focuses on advances in feedstock pretreatment, extraction, characterization, and purification prior to OS use for potential health applications. Brown seaweed oligosaccharides (BSOSs) are extracted using various methods. Among these, enzymatic hydrolysis is the most preferred, with high specificity, mild reaction conditions, and low energy consumption. However, the enzyme selection and hydrolysis conditions need to be optimized for desirable yield and oligosaccharides composition. Characterization of oligosaccharides is essential to determine their structure and properties related to bioactivities and to predict their most suitable application. This is well covered in this review. Analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are commonly applied to analyze oligosaccharides. BSOSs exhibit a range of biological properties, mainly antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and prebiotic properties among others. Importantly, BSOSs have been linked to possible health advantages, including metabolic syndrome management. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions, such as obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, oligosaccharides have potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Future research should focus on improving industrial-scale oligosaccharide extraction and purification, as well as researching their potential utility in the treatment of various health disorders.[Figure: see text].

Production of high- and low-molecular weight fucoidan fragments with defined sulfation patterns and heightened in vitro anticancer activity against TNBC cells using novel endo-fucanases of the GH107 family

Fucoidans are complex fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides with pronounced anticancer effects. Their structure-anticancer activity relationships are difficult to determine due to fucoidans' complex, often irregularities-including structures. Fucoidan-active enzymes can be used for this propose. We have investigated two new recombinant endo-fucanases FWf3 and FWf4 from the marine bacterium Wenyingzhuangia fucanilytica CZ1127^T that belong to the 107 family of glycoside hydrolases (GH). Both enzymes cleaved α-(1→4)-glycosidic bonds but in fucoidan fragments with different sulfation patterns. FWf3 is the first characterized endo-fucanase that cleaves glycosidic bonds between 2O- and 2,4diO-sulfated L-fucose residues. The obtained endo-fucanases were used to produce low- and high-molecular weight fucoidan derivatives with different sulfate group locations. Low- and high-molecular weight fucoidan derivatives rich with 2,4diO-sulfation were shown to inhibit MDA-MB-231 cell colony formation more efficiently than the native fucoidan and the derivatives sulfated otherwise. Such derivatives effectively suppressed the mitochondrial membrane potential of MDA-MB-231 cells and reduced the expression of the glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1). Co-treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells with the fucoidan derivatives and oligomycin (an OXPHOS inhibitor) resulted in a synergistic anticancer effect. The data obtained demonstrate, that fucoidan and its 2,4diO-sulfated derivatives can be an effective adjunct in TNBC therapy targeting cell metabolism.

Advances in oligosaccharides production from algal sources and potential applications

In recent years, algal-derived glycans and oligosaccharides have become increasingly important in health applications due to higher bioactivities than plant-derived oligosaccharides. The marine organisms have complex, and highly branched glycans and more reactive groups to elicit greater bioactivities. However, complex and large molecules have limited use in broad commercial applications due to dissolution limitations. In comparison to these, oligosaccharides show better solubility and retain their bioactivities, hence, offering better applications opportunity. Accordingly, efforts are being made to develop a cost-effective method for enzymatic extraction of oligosaccharides from algal polysaccharides and algal biomass. Yet detailed structural characterization of algal-derived glycans is required to produce and characterize the potential biomolecules for improved bioactivity and commercial applications. Some macroalgae and microalgae are being evaluated as in vivo biofactories for efficient clinical trials, which could be very helpful in understanding the therapeutic responses. This review discusses the recent advancements in the production of oligosaccharides from microalgae. It also discusses the bottlenecks of the oligosaccharides research, technological limitations, and probable solutions to these problems. Furthermore, it presents the emerging bioactivities of algal oligosaccharides and their promising potential for possible biotherapeutic application.

Bioactivity of Fucoidan-Rich Extracts from Fucus vesiculosus against Rotavirus and Foodborne Pathogens

Marine algae are sources of bioactive components with defensive properties of great value against microbial infections. This study investigated the bioactivity of extracts from brown algae Fucus vesiculosus against rotavirus, the worldwide leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children. Moreover, one of the extracts was tested against four foodborne bacteria: Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes, and the non-pathogenic: E. coli K12. In vitro tests using MA104 cells revealed that both whole algae extracts and crude fucoidan precipitates neutralized rotavirus in a dose-responsive manner. The maximum neutralization activity was observed when the rotavirus was incubated with 100 μg mL-1 of the hydrochloric acid-obtained crude fucoidan (91.8%), although crude fucoidan extracted using citric acid also demonstrated high values (89.5%) at the same concentration. Furthermore, molecular weight fractionation of extracts decreased their antirotaviral activity and high molecular weight fractions exhibited higher activity compared to those of lower molecular weight. A seaweed extract with high antirotaviral activity was also found to inhibit the growth of C. jejuni, S. Typhimurium, and L. monocytogenes at a concentration of 0.2 mg mL-1. Overall, this study expands the current knowledge regarding the antimicrobial mechanisms of action of extracts from F. vesiculosus.

Effects of degradation on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of carboxymethyl pachymaran

Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf is a well-known edible and medicinal fungus. The polysaccharide in the sclerotium of P. cocos was extracted and prepared into carboxymethyl pachymaran (CMP). Three different degradation treatments including high temperature (HT), high pressure (HP) and gamma irradiation (GI) were used to process CMP. The changes in physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of CMP were then comparatively investigated. We found that the molecular weights of HT-CMP, HP-CMP, and GI-CMP decreased from 787.9 kDa to 429.8, 569.5 and 6.0 kDa, respectively. Degradation treatments had no effect on the main chains of →3-β-D-Glcp-(1 → while changed the branched sugar residues. The polysaccharide chains of CMP were depolymerized after high pressure and gamma irradiation treatments. The three degradation methods improved the stability of CMP solution while decreased the thermal stability of CMP. In addition, we found that the GI-CMP with lowest molecular weight had the best antioxidant activity. Our results suggest that gamma irradiation treatment could degrade CMP as functional foods with strong antioxidant activity.

Polysaccharides from marine biological resources and their anticancer activity on breast cancer

In recent decades, natural products from marine organisms have been widely studied for the treatment of various breast cancers. Among them, polysaccharides have been favored by researchers because of their good effects and safety. In this review, polysaccharides from marine algae including macroalgae and microalgae, chitosan, microorganisms such as marine bacteria and fungi, and starfish are addressed. Their anticancer activities on different breast cancers and action mechanisms are discussed in detail. In general, polysaccharides from marine organisms are potential sources of low side-effect and high efficiency anticancer drugs for development. However, further research on animals and clinical research are needed.

Polysaccharides-Naturally Occurring Immune Modulators

The prevention of disease and infection requires immune systems that operate effectively. This is accomplished by the elimination of infections and abnormal cells. Immune or biological therapy treats disease by either stimulating or inhibiting the immune system, dependent upon the circumstances. In plants, animals, and microbes, polysaccharides are abundant biomacromolecules. Due to the intricacy of their structure, polysaccharides may interact with and impact the immune response; hence, they play a crucial role in the treatment of several human illnesses. There is an urgent need for the identification of natural biomolecules that may prevent infection and treat chronic disease. This article addresses some of the naturally occurring polysaccharides of known therapeutic potential that have already been identified. This article also discusses extraction methods and immunological modulatory capabilities.

Recent developments on natural polysaccharides as potential anti-gastric cancer substance: Structural feature and bioactivity

Gastric cancer (GC) is being a serious threat to human health. Seeking safer and more effective ingredients for anti-GC is of significance. Increasing natural polysaccharides (NPs) have been demonstrated to possess anti-GC activity. However, the information on anti-GC NPs is scattered. For well-understanding the potential of NPs as anti-GC substances, the recent developments on structure, bioactivity and mechanism of anti-GC NPs were comprehensively reviewed in this article. Meanwhile, the structure-activity relationship was discussed. Recent studies indicated that anti-GC NPs could be mainly divided into glucan and heteropolysaccharide, whose structures affected by sources and protocols of extraction and purification. NPs exhibited anti-GC activities in cell and animal experiments as well as clinical trials, and the mechanisms might be anti-proliferation, inducing apoptosis, anti-metastasis and anti-invasion, inducing autophagy, boosting immunity, anti-angiogenesis, reducing drug resistance, anti-angiogenesis, improving antioxidant level and changing metabolites. Moreover, structural features included molecular weight, functional groups, uronic acid and monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkage type, and degree of branching and conformation might influence the activities. Otherwise, modifications could enhance the anti-GC activity of NPs, and anti-GC NPs could be combinedly used with chemotherapeutic drugs. This review supports the applications of NPs in anti-GC and provides theoretical basis for future study.

Fucoidan-Derived Functional Oligosaccharides: Recent Developments, Preparation, and Potential Applications

Oligosaccharides derived from natural resources are attracting increasing attention as both food and nutraceutical products because of their beneficial health effects and lack of toxicity. During the past few decades, many studies have focused on the potential health benefits of fucoidan. Recently, new interest has emerged in fucoidan, partially hydrolysed into fuco-oligosaccharides (FOSs) or low-molecular weight fucoidan, owing to their superior solubility and biological activities compared with fucoidan. There is considerable interest in their development for use in the functional food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, this review summarises and discusses the preparation of FOSs from fucoidan using mild acid hydrolysis, enzymatic depolymerisation, and radical degradation methods, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of hydrolysis methods. Several purification steps performed to obtain FOSs (according to the latest reports) are also reviewed. Moreover, the biological activities of FOS that are beneficial to human health are summarised based on evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies, and the possible mechanisms for the prevention or treatment of various diseases are discussed.

Withaferin A: A Pleiotropic Anticancer Agent from the Indian Medicinal Plant Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Cancer represents the second most deadly disease and one of the most important public health concerns worldwide. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immune therapy are the major types of treatment strategies that have been implemented in cancer treatment. Unfortunately, these treatment options suffer from major limitations, such as drug-resistance and adverse effects, which may eventually result in disease recurrence. Many phytochemicals have been investigated for their antitumor efficacy in preclinical models and clinical studies to discover newer therapeutic agents with fewer adverse effects. Withaferin A, a natural bioactive molecule isolated from the Indian medicinal plant Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, has been reported to impart anticancer activities against various cancer cell lines and preclinical cancer models by modulating the expression and activity of different oncogenic proteins. In this article, we have comprehensively discussed the biosynthesis of withaferin A as well as its antineoplastic activities and mode-of-action in in vitro and in vivo settings. We have also reviewed the effect of withaferin A on the expression of miRNAs, its combinational effect with other cytotoxic agents, withaferin A-based formulations, safety and toxicity profiles, and its clinical potential.

Oral Macrocystis pyrifera Fucoidan Administration Exhibits Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties and Improves DSS-Induced Colitis in C57BL/6J Mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex and multifactorial disorder characterised by relapsing and remitting inflammation of the intestinal tract. Oxidative stress (OS) is the result of an imbalance between production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which has been associated with inflammatory responses and implicated in the exacerbation of IBD. Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide from brown seaweed, is a well-known anti-inflammatory agent and emerging evidence indicates that fucoidan extracts from Macrocystis pyrifera (MPF and DP-MPF) may also modulate oxidative stress. This study investigated the impact of fucoidan extracts, MPF and DP-MPF in a dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced mouse model of acute colitis. 3% DSS was administered in C57BL/6J male mice over a period of 7 days, and MPF and DP-MPF were co-administered orally at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight. Our results indicated that MPF and DP-MPF significantly prevented body weight loss, improved the disease activity index (DAI), restored colon lengths, reduced the wet colon weight, reduced spleen enlargement, and improved the overall histopathological score. Consistent with the reported anti-inflammatory functions, fucoidan extracts, MPF and DP-MPF significantly reduced the colonic levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). In addition, MPF and DP-MPF significantly inhibited levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in colon-derived tissues. Collectively, our results indicate that MPF and DP-MPF exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects representing a promising therapeutic strategy for the cure of IBD.

Production and Characterization of Durvillaea antarctica Enzyme Extract for Antioxidant and Anti-Metabolic Syndrome Effects

In this study, three enzyme hydrolysate termed Dur-A, Dur-B, and Dur-C, were produced from Durvillaea antarctica biomass using viscozyme, cellulase, and α-amylase, respectively. Dur-A, Dur-B, and Dur-C, exhibited fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharide from chemical composition determination and characterization by FTIR analyses. In addition, Dur-A, Dur-B, and Dur-C, had high extraction yields and low molecular weights. All extracts determined to have antioxidant activities by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,20-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt), and ferrous ion-chelating methods. All extracts were also able to positively suppress the activities of key enzymes involved in metabolic syndrome: angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase. In general, Dur-B exhibited higher antioxidant and higher anti-metabolic syndrome effects as compared to the other two extracts. Based on the above health promoting properties, these extracts (especially Dur-B) can be used as potential natural antioxidants and natural anti-metabolic syndrome agents in a variety of food, cosmetic, and nutraceutical products for health applications.

Effect of γ-irradiation on structure, physicochemical property and bioactivity of soluble dietary fiber in navel orange peel

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γ-Irradiation was effective to modify soluble dietary fiber of navel orange peel (OSDF).

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γ-Irradiation could modify the chemical structure of OSDF.

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γ-Irradiation could improve the bioactivities of OSDF.

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The molecular weight profile of OSDF was modified by γ-irradiation.

Soluble dietary fibers are widely used in functional food. In this work, the effects of γ-irradiation on molecular weight, structure, physicochemical properties and bioactivities of soluble dietary fiber in navel orange peel (OSDF) were investigated. Γ-irradiation enhanced the extraction yield of OSDF. The molar ratio of glucose and galacturonic acid was increased. The molecular weight profile of OSDF was modified. Γ-irradiation (3–6 kGy) improved the water holding capacity, water swelling capacity, oil holding capacity, cation-exchange capacity, nitrite adsorption capacity and total antioxidant capacity of OSDF. Glucose adsorption capacity and bifidobacterium proliferation capacity of OSDF were improved in a dose-dependent behaviour. Moreover, γ-irradiation promoted the cracking of microstructure. FT-IR spectra showed that more carboxyl groups were newly formed by γ-irradiation. These findings indicated that γ-irradiation treatment was an efficient technique for improving physicochemical properties and health benefits.

Extraction, Biochemical Characterization, and Health Effects of Native and Degraded Fucoidans from Sargassum crispifolium

In the current investigation, a native crude fucoidan (Ex) was extracted from Sargassum crispifolium, pretreated by single-screw extrusion, and two degraded fucoidans, i.e., ExAh (degradation of Ex by ascorbic acid) and ExHp (degradation of Ex by hydrogen peroxide), were obtained. The extrusion pretreatment increased the extraction yield of fucoidan by approximately 1.73-fold as compared to the non-extruded sample. Among Ex, ExAh, and ExHp, their molecular weight and chemical compositions varied, but the structural features were similar. ExHp possessed the greatest antioxidant activities among the extracted fucoidans. According to the outcome, ExAh exhibited the maximum immune promoting effects via enhanced NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 secretion. Thus, both ExHp and ExAh may potentially be used as an effective antioxidant and as immunostimulant agents, which could be of great value in the development of food and nutraceutical products.

Gamma-Irradiation-Induced Degradation of the Water-Soluble Polysaccharide from Auricularia polytricha and Its Anti-Hypercholesterolemic Activity

The water-soluble polysaccharides (APPs) isolated from the edible mushroom Auricularia polytricha were irradiated by γ-ray at doses of 10, 100, and 1000 kGy. The effect of gamma irradiation on the degradation of the polysaccharide was investigated. After irradiation treatment, the viscosity and molecular weight of APPs decreased with the increase in the irradiation dose. The changes in the enthalpy of APPs after irradiation treatment were observed. Meanwhile, SEM showed that R-APPs were crushed into fragments and the surfaces became smooth and wrinkled after irradiation. In further spectrum analysis, it was found that the glycoside bonds of the polysaccharides were broken and accompanied by the formation of double bonds. This suggested that gamma irradiation could cause the depolymerization and oxidation of polysaccharides. In addition, irradiated APPs could reduce the body weight of hyperlipidemia mice. The levels of serum and liver TC, TG, and serum LDH-c significantly decreased in hyperlipidemia mice after treatment by irradiated APPs. It indicated that gamma irradiation significantly improved the anti-hypolipidemic activity of APPs. The relationship between the physicochemical properties and hypolipidemic activity of polysaccharides was interpreted, which provides a theoretical basis for the further development of APP products. Gamma irradiation is a viable technology for macromolecular modification for degradation.

Plant-Derived Polysaccharides Regulated Immune Status, Gut Health and Microbiota of Broilers: A Review

In modern intensive breeding system, broilers are exposed to various challenges, such as diet changes and pathological environment, which may cause the increase in the incidence rate and even death. It is necessary to take measures to prevent diseases and maintain optimal health and productivity of broilers. With the forbidden use of antibiotics in animal feed, polysaccharides from plants have attracted much attention owing to their lower toxicity, lower drug resistance, fewer side effects, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. It had been demonstrated that polysaccharides derived from plant exerted various functions, such as growth promotion, anti-inflammation, maintaining the integrity of intestinal mucosa, and regulation of intestinal microbiota. Therefore, the current review aimed to provide an overview of the recent advances in the impacts of plant-derived polysaccharides on anti-inflammation, gut health, and intestinal microbiota community of broilers in order to provide a reference for further study on maintaining the integrity of intestinal structure and function, and the related mechanism involved in the polysaccharide administration intervention.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Fucoidan Extracts In Vitro

Fucoidans are sulfated, complex, fucose-rich polymers found in brown seaweeds. Fucoidans have been shown to have multiple bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory effects, and are known to inhibit inflammatory processes via a number of pathways such as selectin blockade and enzyme inhibition, and have demonstrated inhibition of inflammatory pathologies in vivo. In this current investigation, fucoidan extracts from Undaria pinnatifida, Fucus vesiculosus, Macrocystis pyrifera, Ascophyllum nodosum, and Laminaria japonica were assessed for modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in a human macrophage line (THP-1). Fucoidan extracts exhibited no signs of cytotoxicity in THP-1 cells after incubation of 48 h. Additionally, all fucoidan extracts reduced cytokine production in LPS stimulated PBMCs and human THP-1 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. Notably, the 5-30 kDa subfraction from Macrocystis pyrifera was a highly effective inhibitor at lower concentrations. Fucoidan extracts from all species had significant anti-inflammatory effects, but the lowest molecular weight subfractions had maximal effects at low concentrations. These observations on various fucoidan extracts offer insight into strategies that improve their efficacy against inflammation-related pathology. Further studies should be conducted to elucidate the mechanism of action of these extracts.

An α-D-galactan and a β-D-glucan from the mushroom Amanita muscaria: Structural characterization and antitumor activity against melanoma

Polysaccharides α-D-galactan (GAL-Am) and β-D-glucan (GLC-Am) were obtained from Amanita muscaria fruiting bodies. They were purified using different methodologies, such as Fehling precipitation (for both fractions), freeze-thawing process and ultrafiltration (for GLC-Am). Results showed that the GAL-Am has (1 → 6)-linked Galp main chain branched at O-2 by terminal Galp units and has not been previously reported. Besides, GLC-Am has (1 → 3)-linked Glcp in the main chain, substituted at O-6 by (1 → 6)-linked β-Glcp units. Both are water-soluble, with 9.0 × 10³ g/moL and 1.3 × 10⁵ g/moL, respectively. GAL-Am and GLC-Am presented a selective proliferation reduction against B16-F10 melanoma cell line, not affecting non tumoral BALB/3T3 fibroblast cell line. Furthermore, both fractions reduced clonogenic capacity of melanoma cell line over an extended period of time. These results were obtained without modulations in B16-F10 cell adhesion, reinforcing the biological activities towards cell proliferation impairment and eliciting these polysaccharides as promising compounds to further exploration of their antimelanoma properties.

Seaweed polysaccharides: Emerging extraction technologies, chemical modifications and bioactive properties

Nowadays, consumers are increasingly aware of the relationship between diet and health, showing a greater preference of products from natural origin. In the last decade, seaweeds have outlined as one of the natural sources with more potential to obtain bioactive carbohydrates. Numerous seaweed polysaccharides have aroused the interest of the scientific community, due to their biological activities and their high potential on biomedical, functional food and technological applications. To obtain polysaccharides from seaweeds, it is necessary to find methodologies that improve both yield and quality and that they are profitable. Nowadays, environmentally friendly extraction technologies are a viable alternative to conventional methods for obtaining these products, providing several advantages like reduced number of solvents, energy and time. On the other hand, chemical modification of their structure is a useful approach to improve their solubility and biological properties, and thus enhance the extent of their potential applications since some uses of polysaccharides are still limited. The present review aimed to compile current information about the most relevant seaweed polysaccharides, available extraction and modification methods, as well as a summary of their biological activities, to evaluate knowledge gaps and future trends for the industrial applications of these compounds.Key teaching pointsStructure and biological functions of main seaweed polysaccharides.Emerging extraction methods for sulfate polysaccharides.Chemical modification of seaweeds polysaccharides.Potential industrial applications of seaweed polysaccharides.Biological activities, knowledge gaps and future trends of seaweed polysaccharides.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction for the Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from Marine Algae

The increase in life expectancy has led to the appearance of chronic diseases and interest in healthy aging, in turn promoting a growing interest in bioactive compounds (BCs) and functional ingredients. There are certain foods or products rich in functional ingredients, and algae are one of them. Algae consumption has been nominal in Europe until now. However, in recent years, it has grown significantly, partly due to globalization and the adoption of new food trends. With the aim of obtaining BCs from foods, multiple methods have been proposed, ranging from conventional ones, such as maceration or Soxhlet extraction, to more innovative methods, e.g., ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). UAE constitutes a novel method, belonging to so-called green chemistry, that enables the extraction of BCs requiring lower amounts of solvent and energy costs, preserving the integrity of such molecules. In recent years, this method has been often used for the extraction of different BCs from a wide range of algae, especially polysaccharides, such as carrageenans and alginate; pigments, including fucoxanthin, chlorophylls, or β-carotene; and phenolic compounds, among others. In this way, the application of UAE to marine algae is an efficient and sustainable strategy to pursue their deep characterization as a new source of BCs, especially suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.

Discovery of a fucoidan endo-4O-sulfatase: Regioselective 4O-desulfation of fucoidans and its effect on anticancer activity in vitro

Fucoidans are a class of sulfated fucose-containing bioactive polysaccharides produced by brown algae. The biological effects exhibited by fucoidans are thought to be related to their sulfation. However, the lack of methods for sulfation control does not allow for a reliable conclusion about the influence of the position of certain sulfate groups on the observed biological effects. We identified the gene encoding the endo-acting fucoidan sulfatase swf5 in the marine bacterium Wenyingzhuangia fucanilytica CZ1127^T. This is the first report on the sequence of fucoidan endo-sulfatase. Sulfatase SWF5 belongs to the subfamily S1_22 of the family S1. SWF5 was shown to remove 4O-sulfation in fucoidans composed from the alternating α-(1→3)- and α-(1→4)-linked residues of sulfated L-fucose but not from fucoidans with the α-(1→3)-linked backbone. The endo-sulfatase was used to selectively prepare 4O-desulfated fucoidan derivatives. It was shown that the 4O-desulfated fucoidans inhibit colony formation of DLD-1 and MCF-7 cells less effectively than unmodified fucoidans. Presumably, 4O-sulfation makes a significant contribution to the anticancer activity of fucoidans.

Seaweed as a Source of Natural Antioxidants: Therapeutic Activity and Food Applications

Seaweed is a valuable source of bioactive compounds, polysaccharides, antioxidants, minerals, and essential nutrients such as fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins that could be used as a functional ingredient. The variation in the composition of biologically active compounds in seaweeds depends on the environmental growth factors that make seaweed of the same species compositionally different across the globe. Nevertheless, all seaweeds exhibit extraordinary antioxidant potential which can be harnessed for a broad variety of food applications such as in preparation of soups, pasta, salads, noodles, and other country specific dishes. This review highlights the nutritional and bioactive compounds occurring in different classes of seaweeds while focusing on their therapeutic activities including but not limited to blood cell aggregation, antiviral, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. The review also explores the existing and potential application of seaweeds as a source of natural antioxidant in food products. Seaweed-derived compounds have great potential for being used as a supplement in functional foods due to their high stability as well as consumer demand for antioxidant-rich foods.

Enhanced Cellular Uptake in an Electrostatically Interacting Fucoidan-L-Arginine Fiber Complex

Fucoidan is an abundant marine sulfated polysaccharide extracted from the cell wall of brown macroalgae (seaweed). Recently, fucoidan has been highly involved in various industrial applications, such as pharmaceuticals, biomedicals, cosmetics, and food. However, the presence of a sulfate group (negative surface charge) in the fucoidan structure limits its potential and biological activity for use in biomedical applications during cellular uptake. Thus, we aimed to improve the uptake of fucoidan by using an L-arginine uptake enhancer within an in vitro study. A Fucoidan-L-Arginine (Fuc-L-Arg) fiber complex was prepared via α-helical electrostatic interactions using a freeze-drying technique and confirmed using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In addition, fucoidan was conjugated with cyanine 3 (Cy3) dye to track its cellular uptake. Furthermore, the results of Fuc-L-Arg (1:1, 1:2.5) complexes revealed biocompatibility >80% at various concentrations (5, 10, 25, 50, 100 µg/mL). Owing to the higher internalization of the Fuc-L-Arg (1:5) complex, it exhibited <80% biocompatibility at higher concentrations (25, 50, 100 µg/mL) of the complex. In addition, improved cellular internalization of Fuc-L-Arg complexes (1:5) in HeLa cells have been proved via flow cytometry quantitative analysis. Hence, we highlight that the Fuc-L-Arg (1:5) fiber complex can act as an excellent biocomplex to exhibit potential bioactivities, such as targeting cancers, as fucoidan shows higher permeability in HeLa cells.

Molar mass effect in food and health

It is demanded to supply foods with good quality for all the humans. With the advent of aging society, palatable and healthy foods are required to improve the quality of life and reduce the burden of finance for medical expenditure. Food hydrocolloids can contribute to this demand by versatile functions such as thickening, gelling, stabilising, and emulsifying, controlling texture and flavour release in food processing. Molar mass effects on viscosity and diffusion in liquid foods, and on mechanical and other physical properties of solid and semi-solid foods and films are overviewed. In these functions, the molar mass is one of the key factors, and therefore, the effects of molar mass on various health problems related to noncommunicable diseases or symptoms such as cancer, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, constipation, high blood pressure, knee pain, osteoporosis, cystic fibrosis and dysphagia are described. Understanding these problems only from the viewpoint of molar mass is limited since other structural characteristics, conformation, branching, blockiness in copolymers such as pectin and alginate, degree of substitution as well as the position of the substituents are sometimes the determining factor rather than the molar mass. Nevertheless, comparison of different behaviours and functions in different polymers from the viewpoint of molar mass is expected to be useful to find a common characteristics, which may be helpful to understand the mechanism in other problems.

The combined impact of xylo-oligosaccharides and gamma-irradiated Astragalus polysaccharides on growth performance and intestinal mucosal barrier function of broilers

This study was conducted to investigate the individual and combined effects of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) and gamma-irradiated Astragalus polysaccharides (IAPS) on the growth performance and intestinal mucosal barrier function of broiler chickens. A total of 240 1-day-old Ross-308 chicks were allocated into 5 groups for 21 d: control group (basal diet), antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) group (basal diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg chlortetracycline), XOS group (basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg XOS), IAPS group (basal diet supplemented with 600 mg/kg IAPS), and XOS + IAPS group (basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg XOS and 600 mg/kg IAPS). The results showed that birds in the XOS + IAPS group showed higher ADG and lower feed-to-gain ratio than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The XOS, IAPS, and XOS + IASP treatments significantly increased villus height (VH) of all intestine segments, jejunal goblet cell numbers, and VH–to–crypt depth ratio (VH/CD) of broilers than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Birds in the XOS + IAPS group had higher jejunal VH/CD ratio and goblet cell numbers than those from the XOS or IAPS groups (P < 0.05). In addition, there was a synergy effect between XOS and IAPS on increasing duodenal goblet cell numbers and improving ileal morphology (higher VH and VH/CD ratio) (P < 0.05). The XOS, IAPS and XOS + IAPS treatments increased the mRNA expression of zonula occludens-1 and occludin of the jejunum as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Simultaneously, birds in the XOS + IAPS group showed lower plasma D-lactic acid concentration and higher mRNA expression of claudin-1, claudin-3, and occludin in the jejunum than those in the control or IAPS groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, there was no significant difference in growth performance, intestinal morphology, and intestinal barrier function of broilers between the AGP and XOS + IAPS groups. In conclusion, the combination of XOS and IAPS had a better potential as chlortetracycline substitute for improving the growth performance, intestinal morphology, and intestinal barrier function of broilers.

Macroalgal dietary glycans: potential source for human gut bacteria and enhancing immune system for better health

Macroalgae are the diverse group of photosynthetic algae found at the intertidal regions of oceans. Recent advances suggest that macroalgal derived glycans have tremendous potential to maintain gut microbiome and immune system. The human gut bacteria harbor unique arsenals for utilizing a variety of macroalgal glycans, and produce a variety of oligosaccharides in vivo. Those oligosaccharides interact with immune cell receptors, and also are available for microbial fermentation, thus play magnificent roles in balancing the gut homeostasis. However, this area of research is still in infancy condition in term to understand their molecular interactions. For wooing this area, we urge to emphasize more studies on mechanistic level sympathetic of depolymerizing marine dietary glycans by gut bacteria and elucidating molecular aspect of glycans to cell receptors interactions. This will invent new nutraceutical strategies to purposefully manipulate the microbial composition to improve health. Therefore, review focuses on the recent development of mechanistic understanding of human gut bacterial communities for utilizing macroalgal derived glycans. Recent trends of application of glycans in modulating immune system at mechanistic level and their available evidences are discussed.

Microbiota populations and short-chain fatty acids production in cecum of immunosuppressed broilers consuming diets containing γ-irradiated Astragalus polysaccharides

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of γ-irradiated Astragalus polysaccharides (IAPS) on growth performance, cecal microbiota populations, and concentrations of cecal short-chain fatty acids of immunosuppressed broilers. A total of 144 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned into 3 groups: nontreated group (control), cyclophosphamide (CPM)-treated groups fed either a basal diet or the diets containing 900 mg/kg IAPS, respectively. On day 16, 18, and 20, broilers in the control group were intramuscularly injected with 0.5 mL sterilized saline (0.75%, wt/vol), and those in the CPM and IAPS groups were intramuscularly injected with 0.5 mL CPM (40 mg/kg of BW). The trial lasted 21 d. Compared with the control group, CPM treatment decreased the broiler average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake (P < 0.05) but did not affect the overall microbial diversity and compositions, as well as the concentrations of cecal acetate, propionate, and butyrate in cecum of broilers (P > 0.05). Dietary IAPS supplementation increased broiler ADG, Shannon index, and decreased Simpson index (P < 0.05). Specifically, broilers fed diets containing IAPS showed lower abundances of Faecalibacterium, Bacteroides, and Butyricicoccus and higher proportions of Ruminococcaceae UCG-014, Negativibacillus, Shuttleworthia, Sellimonas, and Mollicutes RF39_norank, respectively (P < 0.05). The IAPS treatment also increased butyrate concentration (P < 0.05) and tended to elevate acetate concentration (P = 0.052) in cecal digesta. The results indicated that IAPS are effective in increasing the cecal beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids production, contributing to improvement in the growth performance of immunosuppressive broilers. These findings may expand our knowledge about the function of modified Astragalus polysaccharides in broiler chickens.

Gamma-irradiation degraded sulfated polysaccharide from a new red algal strain Pyropia yezoensis Sookwawon 104 with in vitro antiproliferative activity

Pyropia yezoensis Sookwawon 104 is a newly cultivated strain of red marine algae. The present study aimed to investigate the in vitro antiproliferative activity of sulfated polysaccharide extracted from P. yezoensis Sookwawon 104 (PYSP), as well as that of its low molecular weight (Mw) derivatives. PYSP is a heterogeneous sulfated polysaccharide mainly composed of galactose, glucose and fucose. PYSP was degraded by gamma-irradiation at doses of 20 and 100 kGy to produce two derivatives, named as PYSP-20 and PYSP-100, respectively. Comparison of PYSP, PYSP-20 and PYSP-100 revealed clear differences in their molecular weight (Mw) distributions, and distinct in vitro antiproliferative activities against Hep3B, MDA-MB-231 and HeLa cancer cell lines. PYSP-20 and PYSP-100 exhibited stronger antiproliferative effects than PYSP, suggesting that the reduction in Mw may have increased the in vitro antiproliferative activity. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of the antitumor gene P53 and cell cycle-associated genes P21, Cyclin B1 and cyclin dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) were further analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR in PYSP-20 and PYSP-100-treated cancer cells. PYSP and its derivatives were shown to inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells by regulating the expression of P53, P21, Cyclin B1 and Cdk1. In conclusion, low-Mw polysaccharide derivatives prepared from P. yezoensis Sookwawon 104 by gamma-irradiation exhibit significant inhibition effects on cancer cell proliferation in vitro and may be a novel source of potential anticancer therapeutic agents.

Different extraction methods bring about distinct physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of Sargassum fusiforme fucoidans

Fucoidan is a complex sulfated polysaccharide and an active component found in the cell wall of brown seaweeds. In the present study, fucoidans were obtained from Sargassum fusiforme using different extraction methods, including hot water (prepared fucoidan was named as WSFF), dilute hydrochloric acid (ASFF), and calcium chloride solution (CSFF). The assessments were performed on S. fusiforme fucoidans based on their chemical composition, molecular conformations, and in vitro antioxidant activities. ASFF showed the maximum extraction yield (11.24%), whereas CSFF exhibited the minimum yield (3.94%). The monosaccharide composition of WSFF, ASFF, and CSFF was similar, but the molar ratio of monosaccharide was quite different. Moreover, their molecular weight, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum, surface morphology, uronic acid content and degree of sulfation were distinct. The Congo red test and Circular dichroism spectroscopy analysis displayed some differences in solution conformation of these samples. Furthermore, WSFF, ASFF, and CSFF showed distinct in vitro antioxidant activities evaluated by DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. The present study provides scientific evidence on the influences of extraction methods on the physicochemical characteristics, conformation behaviors and antioxidant activities of S. fusiforme fucoidans.

A low-molecular-weight ascophyllan prepared from Ascophyllum nodosum: Optimization, analysis and biological activities

In this study, a low-molecular-weight saccharide fragment (LMWAs-L) was prepared from alginate lyase (EC 4.2.2.3) hydrolyzed ascophyllan by ultra-filtration separation method. LMWAs-L was a homogeneous saccharide fraction with an average molecular weight of 6.96 kDa. Enzymolysis process optimization experiments revealed that the optimum process parameters for preparing LMWAs-L were the enzyme concentration 0.02 U/mL, initial pH 6.8, and enzymolysis temperature 43 °C. After optimization, the yield of LMWAs-L was increased to 9.74% higher than that without optimization. Interestingly, LMWAs-L exhibited stronger enhancing activities on the proliferation and migration of human skin fibroblasts cells in vitro and better antibacterial activities as compared to native ascophyllan at the same mass concentration. Our study establishes a simple way to prepare low-molecular-weight saccharide with beneficial bioactivities from ascophyllan efficiently. This is the first report to reveal that ascophyllan and its low-molecular-weight saccharide have the potentials to be developed as natural biological dressing and antibacterial agents.

Marine oligosaccharides originated from seaweeds: Source, preparation, structure, physiological activity and applications

Marine polysaccharides originated from seaweeds, including agar, alginate, carrageenan, and fucoidan, possess various kinds of physiological activities and have been widely used in food, agricultural and medical areas. However, the application has been greatly limited by their poor solubility and low bioavailability. Thus marine oligosaccharides, as the degradation products of those polysaccharides, have drawn increasing attentions due to their obvious biological activities, good solubility and excellent bioavailability. This review will summarize the recent advances on the source, molecular structure and physiological activity of marine oligosaccharides, emphasizing their application as functional food additives. Furthermore, the relationship between the structure and the physiological activity of marine oligosaccharides is also elucidated and highlighted. The review concludes with an outlook toward potential applications for preparing the functional oligosaccharides in food biotechnology and agriculture fields.

Seaweed and seaweed-derived metabolites as prebiotics

Seaweeds and their bioactive compounds, particularly polysaccharides and phenolics can be regarded as great dietary supplements with gut health benefits and prebiotics. These components are resistant to digestion by enzymes present in the human gastrointestinal tract, also selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and the production of fermentation products such as short chain fatty acids. Commonly, the health benefits of seaweed components are assessed by including them in an in vitro anaerobic fermentation system containing human fecal inocula that mimics the environment of the human large bowel. Regarding to the complex interactions between dietary components, gastrointestinal physiological processes, and gut microbiota are difficult to model in vitro. Consequently it is important to follow up the promising in vitro results with in vivo animal or human testing. The aim of this chapter is to have a comprehensive review on the application of seaweeds and seaweed-derived metabolites as prebiotics, and understand the trends, gaps and future directions of both scientific and industrial developments. This work contributes to develop and expand new platform of seaweed utilization for higher-value products, particularly to functional food and nutraceutical industries in order to serve the social demand for health awareness and support economic development.

Inhibitory Effect of Depolymerized Sulfated Galactans from Marine Red Algae on the Growth and Adhesion of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli

Active polysaccharides as safe and natural polymers against bacterial diarrhea have been reconsidered as an alternative to antibiotics. This work investigated the inhibiting effect of depolymerized sulfated galactans from Eucheuma serra and Gracilaria verrucosa on the growth and adhesion of diarrheagenic enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88. Results showed that the sulfated polysaccharides with molecular weight distribution ≤20.0 kDa exhibited antibacterial activity against ETEC K88. A structure-activity study revealed that the anti-ETEC K88 activity of sulfated polysaccharides is strictly determined by their molecular weight distribution, sulfate group content, and monosaccharide composition. In addition, the promoted nucleic acid release and the fluorescence quenching of membrane proteins were observed after the treatment with selected polysaccharides. Scanning electron microscopy further confirmed that the depolymerized sulfated galactans can effectively inhibit ETEC K88 adhesion. In conclusion, depolymerized sulfated galactans exhibited an inhibitory effect on the growth and adhesion of ETEC K88.

Marine Polysaccharides in Pharmaceutical Applications: Fucoidan and Chitosan as Key Players in the Drug Delivery Match Field

The use of marine-origin polysaccharides has increased in recent research because they are abundant, cheap, biocompatible, and biodegradable. These features motivate their application in nanotechnology as drug delivery systems; in tissue engineering, cancer therapy, or wound dressing; in biosensors; and even water treatment. Given the physicochemical and bioactive properties of fucoidan and chitosan, a wide range of nanostructures has been developed with these polysaccharides per se and in combination. This review provides an outline of these marine polysaccharides, including their sources, chemical structure, biological properties, and nanomedicine applications; their combination as nanoparticles with descriptions of the most commonly used production methods; and their physicochemical and biological properties applied to the design of nanoparticles to deliver several classes of compounds. A final section gives a brief overview of some biomedical applications of fucoidan and chitosan for tissue engineering and wound healing.

Hesperidin structurally modified by gamma irradiation induces apoptosis in murine melanoma B16BL6 cells and inhibits both subcutaneous tumor growth and metastasis in C57BL/6 mice

Hesperidin is a flavonoid which occurs in citrus fruits. Hesperidin was gamma-irradiated at doses of 0, 30, 70, and 150 kGy. Gamma irradiation induced a decreased hesperidin peak, and a new radiolytic peak that gradually increased up to 150 kGy. The new radiolytic peak was fractionated, and the fractionated hesperidin derivative was used for subsequent experiments. Hesperidin gamma-irradiated at 150 kGy was toxic toward B16BL6 cells, but not toward bone marrow-derived macrophages. This cytotoxicity was exerted via induction of apoptosis, as reflected by the high population of double-positive cells, increased sub-G1 phase cells, depolarization of matrix metalloproteinase, production of reactive oxygen species, weakness of cell adhesion, changes in cell morphology, and inhibition of B16BL6 cell migration. Furthermore, 150 kGy gamma-irradiated hesperidin decreased the expression of Bcl-2 and pro-caspases-3 and -9, increased the expression of Bax and cytosolic cytochrome c, and increased the cleavage of poly ADP ribose polymerase. In vitro mechanistic study revealed that 150 kGy gamma-irradiated hesperidin achieved significantly greater inhibition of lung metastasis and growth of melanoma B16BL6 cells in C57BL/6 mice than non-irradiated intact hesperidin did. These results suggest that the structural modification of hesperidin induced by gamma irradiation could facilitate the development of anti-cancer drugs.