Effect of bioactive substances found in rapeseed, raspberry and strawberry seed oils on blood lipid profile and selected parameters of oxidative status in rats

Comprehensive Review on Fruit Seeds: Nutritional, Phytochemical, Nanotechnology, Toxicity, Food Biochemistry, and Biotechnology Perspective

Fruit seeds are leftovers from a variety of culinary sectors. They are generally unutilized and contribute greatly to global disposals. These seeds not only possess various nutritional attributes but also have many heath-beneficial properties. One way to make use of these seeds is to extract their bioactive components and create fortified food items. Nowadays, researchers are highly interested in creating innovative functional meals and food components from these unconventional resources. The main objective of this manuscript was to determine the usefulness of seed powder from 70 highly consumed fruits, including Apple, Apricot, Avocado, Banana, Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Blueberry, Cherry, Common plum, Cranberry, Gooseberry, Jackfruit, Jamun, Kiwi, Lemon, Mahua, Mango, Melon, Olive, Orange, and many more have been presented. The nutritional attributes, phytochemical composition, health advantages, nanotechnology applications, and toxicity of these fruit seeds have been fully depicted. This study also goes into in-depth detailing on creating useful food items out of these seeds, such as bakery goods, milk products, cereal-based goods, and meat products. It also identifies enzymes purified from these seeds along with their biochemical applications and any research openings in this area.

A Study on the Modifying Effect of Raspberry Seed Oil on Rabbit Meat Quality and Chemical Composition

The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of raspberry seed oil on the slaughter performance traits, plasma lipid concentration and meat quality of purebred Termond White rabbits (n = 42; 18♂, 24♀). In each group (3 × n = 14; 6♂, 8♀), the experimental animals were fed a complete pelleted feed with constant access to drinking water. Rabbits in the first experimental group received a feed ration enriched with a 1% addition of raspberry seed oil, while rabbits in the second experimental group were given a 2% addition of the same oil. These animals were slaughtered on day 84. The addition of raspberry seed oil did not significantly affect the slaughter performance traits of the rabbits (p > 0.05). It also did not significantly affect the fat content, shear force, hardness, springiness, cohesiveness or chewiness of the meat obtained from the rabbits' longissimus lumborum muscle. However, the experiment showed that the addition of raspberry seed oil had a significant effect on the fatty acid profile of rabbit meat (p ≤ 0.05). Even a small share of this oil in the feed ration significantly increased the level of linoleic acid (p ≤ 0.05). This study showed that feeding pellets containing an oil supplement with a high content of unsaturated fatty acids had a positive effect on rabbits' plasma lipid levels.

Evaluation of Recovery Methods for Fragaria vesca L. Oil: Characteristics, Stability and Bioactive Potential

Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) seed oil (WSO) recovered by two methods-cold pressing (CP) and extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO₂E)-taking into account the different extraction times, was characterized for its composition and quality. The cytotoxicity assessment of WSOs was also carried out using the normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cell line. Tocopherol and total polyphenol contents were significantly higher in WSO recovered by SCO₂E, up to 1901.0 and 58.5 mg/kg, respectively, in comparison with CP oil. In CP oil, the highest content of carotenoids and squalene was determined (123.8 and 31.4 mg/kg, respectively). Phytosterol summed up to 5396 mg/kg in WSO collected in 30 min of SCO₂E. Moreover, the highest oxidative stability was found for this oil. All studied WSOs were non-cytotoxic in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leaching and sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays; however, oils collected by SCO₂E in 15 and 30 min were found to be cytotoxic in the tetrazolium salt (MTT) test, with the CC₅₀ at a concentration of 3.4 and 5.5%, respectively. In conclusion, the composition of WSO indicates that, depending on the method of its recovery, seeds can have different bio-potencies and various applications.

A Review on Berry Seeds—A Special Emphasis on Their Chemical Content and Health-Promoting Properties

Berries are important components of the human diet, valued for their high content of nutrients and active compounds. Berry seeds are also important objects of scientific investigation as, in some cases, they can have a higher concentration of certain phytochemicals than other parts of the fruit. Moreover, they are often byproducts of the food industry that can be reused to make oil, extracts, or flour. We have reviewed available literature related to the chemical content and biological activity of seeds from five different berry species—red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L. and Rubus coreanus Miq.), strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa), grape (Vitis vinifera L.), sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.). We have searched various databases, including PubMed, Web of Knowledge, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Last search was conducted on 16.01.2023. Various preparations from berry seeds are valuable sources of bioactive phytochemicals and could be used as functional foods or to make pharmaceuticals or cosmetics. Some products, like oil, flour, or extracts, are already available on the market. However, many preparations and compounds still lack appropriate evidence for their effectiveness in vivo, so their activity should first be assessed in animal studies and clinical trials.

Effect of feeding strawberry, raspberry and rapeseed oil in rats’ diet on the fatty acid profile of muscle tissue

Currently, alternative plant oils with pro-health properties are sought. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of feeding strawberry, raspberry and rapeseed oils in rats’ diet on the fatty acid profile of muscle tissue. Adult rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=7) and fed with the addition of rapeseed, raspberry or strawberry seed oil, respectively, or control group. After a 6-week treatment period, the fatty acid profile in m. latisssimus dorsi, was analyzed using gas chromatography. The dietary strawberry or raspberry seed oil led to a significant increase in C-18:2 n-6 ad C-18:3 n-3 level in muscle fat when compared to control group. At the same time, in the group receiving raspberry oil, an unfavorable phenomenon of lowering the EPA content was observed, while a tendency towards a decrease in DHA level was observed in groups supplemented with both raspberry and strawberry oil. Both oils as a source of PUFA n-3 and n-6, increased ALA n-3 and LA n-6 fatty acids in latissimus dorsi muscle, but due to different activity of enzymes taking apart in conversion of polyunsaturated fatty acids to their long chain derivatives in rats, the research on pig model would be advisable.

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), a Promising Alternative in the Treatment of Hyperglycemia and Dyslipidemias

Raspberry production and consumption have increased in recent years due to its polyphenol content such as anthocyanins and ketones, bioactive compounds that have been studied to reduce blood glucose levels and stabilize the blood lipid profile. The objective of this study was to systematically recover and review scientific evidence regarding the consumption of raspberry or its bioactive compounds and the action mechanisms involved in the hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering effects they present. Original articles from in vitro and in vivo enzyme inhibition studies, animal models, and human clinical studies were compiled in PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases. Studies showed satisfactory results regarding blood glucose level reduction after consumption of frozen or lyophilized raspberry, infusion of raspberry leaves, seed oil, as well as compounds, extracted from the fruit by inhibiting enzymes such as α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and other mechanisms that increase insulin production and insulin sensitivity. However, regarding the lipid-lowering effect, the results were heterogeneous, mainly in terms of stabilization in triglyceride levels. However, a reduction in cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels is reported, as well as an increase in high-density lipoproteins. According to the results, raspberry can be included in the nonpharmacological treatment of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemias; however, further research is considered necessary.

Cold-pressed raspberry seeds oil ameliorates high-fat diet triggered non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered one of the most serious public health problems affecting liver. The reported beneficial impact of raspberries on obesity and associated metabolic disorder makes it a suitable candidate against NAFLD. In the current study, the chemical profile of raspberry seed oil (RO) was characterized by analysis of fatty acid and tocopherol contents using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in addition to the determination of total phenolic and flavonoids. High levels of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (49.9%), α-linolenic acid (25.98%), and oleic acid (17.6%), along with high total tocopherol content (184 mg/100 gm) were detected in oil. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in RO were estimated to be 22.40 ± 0.25 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 mg oil and 1.34 ± 0.15 mg quercetin (QU)/100 mg, respectively. Anti-NAFLD efficacy of RO at different doses (0.4 and 0.8 mL) in a model of a high-fat diet (HFD) fed rats was assessed by estimating lipid profile, liver enzyme activity, glucose and insulin levels as well as adipokines and inflammatory marker. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), which is a molecular target for NAFLD was also tested. Liver histopathology was carried out and its homogenate was used to estimate oxidative stress markers. Consumption of RO significantly improved lipid parameters and hepatic enzyme activities, reduced insulin resistance and glucose levels, significantly ameliorated inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, RO treatment significantly modulated adipokines activities and elevated PPARγ levels. Raspberry seed oil administration significantly improved these HFD induced histopathological alterations. Moreover, a molecular docking study was performed on the identified fatty acids and tocopherols. Among the identified compounds, oleic acid, α-linolenic acid and γ-tocopherol exhibited the highest docking score as PPARγ activator posing them as a potential anti-NAFLD drug leads. Study findings suggest RO as an effective therapeutic candidate for ameliorating NAFLD.

Bioactive Compounds of Raspberry Oil Emulsions Induced Oxidative Stress via Stimulating the Accumulation of Reactive Oxygen Species and NO in Cancer Cells

There are growing interests in the complex combinations of natural compounds that may advance the therapy of cancer. Such combinations already exist in foods, and a good representative is seed oils. Two raspberry oils: cold pressed (ROCOP) and one extracted by supercritical CO₂ (ROSCO2) were evaluated for their chemical characteristics and oil emulsions for cell suppression potential against colon adenocarcinoma (LoVo), doxorubicin-resistant colon adenocarcinoma (LoVo/DX), breast cancer (MCF7), doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer (MCF7/DX), and lung cancer (A549) cell lines. The cytotoxicity was also assessed on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). With increasing concentration of raspberry oil emulsions (0.5–10%), increasing inhibition of cancer cell viability and proliferation in all of the lines was observed, with different degrees of potency between cancer types and oil tested. ROSCO2 strongly induced free radical production and DNA strand damage in LoVo and MCF7 cells especially doxorubicin-resistant lines. This suggests that ROSCO2 engages and effectively targets the vulnerabilities of the cancer cell. Generally, both ROSCO2 and ROCOP could be a nontoxic support in therapy of selected human cancers.

The Characterization of Ground Raspberry Seeds and the Physiological Response to Supplementation in Hypertensive and Normotensive Rats

This study aimed to evaluate the protective role of ground raspberry seeds (RBS) as a source of polyphenols and essential fatty acids on blood plasma enzymatic antioxidant status, lipid profile, and endothelium-intact vasodilation during physiological and pathological conditions. Young normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKYs) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) at ten weeks of age were fed with either a control diet or were supplemented with added 7% RBS for six weeks (n = 6). The main component of RBS was dietary fiber (64%) and the main polyphenols were ellagitannins (1.2%) and flavan-3-ols (0.45%). Irrespective of the rat model, ground RBS decreased liver enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (0.9-fold) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging capacity (Catalase, 0.9-fold). In supplemented SHRs, preincubation with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor 1400W, nonselective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin, selective COX-2 inhibitor NS-398, prostacyclin (PGI2) synthesis inhibitor tranylcypromine (TCP), thromboxane receptor (TP) antagonist SQ-29548, thromboxane synthesis inhibitor furegrelate, and 20-HETE synthesis inhibitor HET0016 induced the same relaxant response to acetylcholine as in the nonsupplemented control group. In supplemented WKYs, atherogenic index was decreased (0.8-fold), while iNOS and COX-2-derived PGI2 increased acetylcholine-induced vasodilation. These effects of ground RBS may constitute a potential mechanism for preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Phytosterol, Lipid and Phenolic Composition, and Biological Activities of Guava Seed Oil

Plant seeds have been found to contain bioactive compounds that have potential nutraceutical benefits. Guava seeds (Psidium guajava) are by-products in the beverage and juice industry; however, they can be utilized for a variety of commercial purposes. This study was designed to analyze the phytochemicals of the n-hexane extract of guava seed oil (GSO), to study its free-radical scavenging activity, and to monitor the changes in serum lipids and fatty acid profiles in rats that were fed GSO. The GSO was analyzed for phytochemicals using chromatographic methods. It was also tested for free-radical scavenging activity in hepatoma and neuroblastoma cells, and analyzed in terms of serum lipids and fatty acids. GSO was found to contain phenolic compounds (e.g., chlorogenic acid and its derivatives) and phytosterols (e.g., stimasterol, β-sitosterol and campesterol), and exerted radical-scavenging activity in cell cultures in a concentration-dependent manner. Long-term consumption of GSO did not increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rat serum, but it tended to decrease serum fatty acid levels in a concentration-dependent manner. This is the first study to report on the lipid, phytosterol and phenolic compositions, antioxidant activity, and the hepato- and neuro-protection of hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress levels in the GSO extract.

Fragaria Genus: Chemical Composition and Biological Activities

The strawberries represent in our days one of the main fresh fruits consumed globally, inevitably leading to large amounts of by-products and wastes. Usually appreciated because of their specific flavor, the strawberries also possess biological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, or anti-inflammatory effects. In spite of the wide spread of the Fragaria genus, few species represent the subject of the last decade scientific research. The main components identified in the Fragaria species are presented, as well as several biological properties, as emerging from the scientific papers published in the last decade.

Fruit Seeds as Sources of Bioactive Compounds: Sustainable Production of High Value-Added Ingredients from By-Products within Circular Economy

The circular economy is an umbrella concept that applies different mechanisms aiming to minimize waste generation, thus decoupling economic growth from natural resources. Each year, an estimated one-third of all food produced is wasted; this is equivalent to 1.3 billion tons of food, which is worth around US$1 trillion or even $2.6 trillion when social and economic costs are included. In the fruit and vegetable sector, 45% of the total produced amount is lost in the production (post-harvest, processing, and distribution) and consumption chains. Therefore, it is necessary to find new technological and environmentally friendly solutions to utilize fruit wastes as new raw materials to develop and scale up the production of high value-added products and ingredients. Considering that the production and consumption of fruits has increased in the last years and following the need to find the sustainable use of different fruit side streams, this work aimed to describe the chemical composition and bioactivity of different fruit seeds consumed worldwide. A comprehensive focus is given on the extraction techniques of water-soluble and lipophilic compounds and in vitro/in vivo functionalities, and the link between chemical composition and observed activity is holistically explained.

Grinding levels of raspberry pomace affect intestinal microbial activity, lipid and glucose metabolism in Wistar rats

This study presents the effect of raspberry pomace and its grinding level on microbial activity in the gastrointestinal tract as well as on the parameters involved in the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism in Wistar rats. The nutritional experiment was performed using 24 male Wistar rats, which were divided into 3 groups of 8 animals each. The animals were fed a standard diet (C) or a modified diet containing 7% raspberry pomace subjected to standard (SG) or fine (FG) grinding. Finer grinding increased the concentration of polyphenols and altered the composition of the dietary fibre, thereby affecting the intestinal microbial activity and related mechanisms that regulate systemic parameters. The FG diet considerably increased the level of total ellagitannin metabolites in the colon (23.56 μg/g for SG and 79.54 μg/g for FG) and plasma (0.029 μg/mL for SG and 0.041 μg/mL for FG) and reduced β-glucuronidase and α-glucosidase activity (19.2 and 19.7 for SG and 13.3 and 8.7 μmol/h/g for FG, respectively) and short-chain fatty acid production (55.84 μmol/g for SG and 48.60 μmol/g for FG) in the caecum. Compared to the SG, the FG diet improved the antioxidant capacity of water-soluble substances in plasma (4.34 μg/mL for SG and 4.92 μg/mL for FG). Both diets with raspberry pomaces increased the plasma HDL cholesterol (0.48 mmol/L for C, 0.56 mmol/L for SG, 0.57 mmol/L for FG) and decreased the atherogenic index (AI = (TC-HDL)/HDL: 2.57 for C, 1.98 for SG, 2.00 for FG). The FG diet resulted in the lowest plasma glucose level (10.8 mmol/L for C, 8.2 mmol/L for SG, 7.3 mmol/L for FG). In conclusion, both diets with raspberry pomaces modulated intestinal microbial activity and related systemic parameters; however, FG pomace exhibited greater inhibitory effects than SG pomace in the lower gut environment and glucose metabolism.

Oils from fruit seeds and their dietetic and cosmetic significance

Plant-origin oils are an essential element of the diet, affecting the preservation of health, but also of significant importance for the care of skin and its appendages. Among fats of plant origin, oils from fruit seeds are an important group. They are a rich source of fatty acids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, carotenoids, flavonoids, phytosterols and other bioactive compounds that have positive effect in relation to specific functions of the human body. Fruit seed oils play an important role in health prophylaxis, because they prevent the development of diseases of civilisation, alleviate the effects of stress and slow down the ageing process of the body. Due to the beneficial effects on the skin, they are also used in cosmetology. In formulations of cosmetic preparations, plant oils are the basis for the administration of other active ingredients, but they are also used due to their biological properties. The article discusses in detail the composition, dietary and cosmetic importance of oil from the seeds of raspberries, blackcurrants, rose hips and grapes.

Strawberry seed extract and its major component, tiliroside, promote ceramide synthesis in the stratum corneum of human epidermal equivalents

The activation of peroxisomeproliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α can stimulate the expression of ceramide-related enzymes, and a major component of strawberry seed extract (SSE) tiliroside enhances the expression of PPARα. We determined whether SSE and tiliroside may stimulate ceramide synthesis in the stratum corneum (SC) of the human epidermal equivalents (HEEs) culture model. Treatment with SSE at 1.0 and 3.0 μg/mL elicited a significant increase in the total ceramide content in the SC, which was accompanied by a significant increase in almost all ceramide species except for ceramide [EOS] and [AP]. Treatment with tiliroside at 0.3 μg/mL slightly accentuated the total ceramide content in the SC together with a significant increase in the ceramide [NS, NDS] content. Messenger RNA analysis demonstrated that SSE at 1 or 3 μg/mL significantly stimulated the gene expression of serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) 2, ceramide synthase (CerS) 3, glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), and β-glucocerebrosidase (GBA) but not of SPT1, sphingomyelin synthase (SMS) 1/2 and acid sphingomyelinase (ASM). In contrast, tiliroside elicited significant increases in the gene expression levels of GCS and GBA only at 0.3 and/or 0.1 μg/mL. Western blotting analysis revealed that both SSE and tiliroside enhanced the protein expression levels of GCS and GBA but not of SPT2 at 1 or 3 and 0.1 or 0.3 μg/mL, respectively. These findings suggested that both SSE and tiliroside have a distinct potential to stimulate the level of ceramide [NS, NDS] in the SC by enhancing the expression of GCS and GBA. The higher stimulatory effect with SSE than tiliroside on SC ceramide synthesis correlates with the significant increase observed with SSE but not tiliroside in the gene expression levels of SPT2 and CerS3. Therefore, it is anticipated that SSE is effective in improving skin barrier function and moisture retention in several ceramide-deficit skin conditions, including surfactant-induced roughened skin, xerosis, and atopic dermatitis.

Ultraviolet light-C increases antioxidant capacity of the strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) in vitro and in high-fat diet-induced obese rats

Flavonoids and polyphenols from the strawberry and other fruits have been proposed to reduce the oxidative stress produced by the obesity and her complications. Moreover, it has been proposed that irradiation with UV-C to strawberry may increase the antioxidant capacity of this fruit. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of the UV-C on antioxidant capacity of strawberry in vitro and in vivo. Strawberry slices were irradiated with ultraviolet light-C (UV-C) at 1.2 W/m²/16.5 min; then, the power antioxidant was isolated from the nonirradiated and irradiated strawberry slices into an organic phase, which was lyophilized to finally producing a nonirradiated strawberry extract (NSE) and UV-irradiated strawberry extract (UViSE) powder. After the antioxidant capacity of both extracts were determined in vitro using the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay and in vivo using high-fat diet-induced obese rats. Our results demonstrated that irradiation with UV-C to strawberry slices increased the antioxidants content, which was corroborated in vitro, where the antioxidant capacity of UViSE was higher than the NSE. However, in obese rats, the reduction in the oxidative damage by the UViSE and NSE were similar in peripheral tissues. Interestingly, the UViSE was better than the NSE to reduce the oxidative damage in brain. In conclusion, UV-irradiation increases the antioxidants content of strawberry that is correlated with an increased antioxidant capacity in vitro, but in rats, this antioxidant capacity may be more effective in brain than in peripheral tissues.

Antidiabetic, Lipid Normalizing, and Nephroprotective Actions of the Strawberry: A Potent Supplementary Fruit

The study was designed to assess the effect of different strawberry extracts on glucose levels, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress in nicotinamide-streptozotocin (NIC-STZ) induced diabetic rats. The associated changes were evaluated through biochemical, molecular, and histological assays. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ to albino Wistar rats after treatment with nicotinamide. Aqueous, hydroalcoholic, and alcoholic strawberry extracts were administrated orally to diabetic rats. Treatment of strawberry extracts improved lipid profile, liver function, and serum creatinine and led to a significant increase in antioxidant status in diabetic rats. Real-time PCR expression analysis of genes from the liver of animals treated with strawberry extracts exhibited downregulation of several fatty acid synthesis genes, transcription factors, such as Sterol regulatory Element Binding Transcription factor (SREBP) and Nuclear Factor-κβ (NF-κβ), and inflammatory markers, like Interleukin 6 (IL6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α). Strawberry extracts also upregulated liver Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). Histological examination confirmed the nephroprotective and β-cell regeneration/protection effects of strawberry extracts. The present study demonstrates several beneficial effects of strawberry extracts along with its probable mechanism of action.

The Protective Properties of the Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats Mediated by Anti-Apoptotic and Upregulation of Antioxidant Genes Expression Effects

The strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) has been extensively used to treat a wide range of ailments in many cultures. The present study was aimed at evaluating the hepatoprotective effect of strawberry juice on experimentally induced liver injury in rats. To this end, rats were introperitoneally injected with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) with or without strawberry juice supplementation for 12 weeks and the hepatoprotective effect of strawberry was assessed by measuring serum liver enzyme markers, hepatic tissue redox status and apoptotic markers with various techniques including biochemistry, ELISA, quantitative PCR assays and histochemistry. The hepatoprotective effect of the strawberry was evident by preventing CCl₄-induced increase in liver enzymes levels. Determination of oxidative balance showed that strawberry treatment significantly blunted CCl₄-induced increase in oxidative stress markers and decrease in enzymatic and non-enzymatic molecules in hepatic tissue. Furthermore, strawberry supplementation enhanced the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, and restrained the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and caspase-3 with a marked reduction in collagen areas in hepatic tissue. These findings demonstrated that strawberry (F. ananassa) juice possessed antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-fibrotic properties, probably mediated by the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids compounds.

Transfer and Mass Balance of Ellagitannins, Anthocyanins, Flavan-3-ols, and Flavonols during the Processing of Red Raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.) to Juice

The putative health benefits of raspberries and raspberry-based products are potentially attributable to the presence of polyphenolic compounds, such as ellagitannins, anthocyanins, flavanols, and flavonols. Their content in the products of raspberry processing into juice may be affected by the fruit cultivar, technological process parameters, and the properties of the polyphenolics themselves. The objective of the study was to investigate the composition and quantity of the above polyphenolics in raspberries and the products of their processing (that is, juice and press cake, including its seed and seedless fractions). The study also examined the relationship between the molecular mass of ellagitannins and their transfer to juice. The average percentage contributions of ellagitannins, anthocyanins, flavanols, and flavonols to total polyphenolics in the fruits were 64.2%, 17.1%, 16.9%, and 1.8%, respectively. Analysis of raspberry products showed that the dominant compounds in juice were anthocyanins, with 65.1% contribution to total polyphenolics, while in raspberry press cake, they were tannins (98.0%, mainly ellagitannin including lambertianin C and sanguiin H-6). As shown by our mass-balance calculations, on average, 68.1% of ellagitannins and 87.7% of flavanols were retained in press cake, especially in its seedless fraction. In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between the molecular mass of ellagitannins and their transfer to juice. An increase in molecular mass from 1568 to 2805 Da resulted in a more than 10-fold decrease in ellagitannin transfer.

Dietary Black Raspberry Seed Oil Ameliorates Inflammatory Activities in db/db Mice

The objective of this study was to evaluate the status of the markers related to inflammation in db/db mice fed black raspberry seed (BRS) oil, which is rich in α-linolenic acid. Mice were divided into four groups: (1) C57BL/6 mice fed 16 % calories from soybean oil (normal CON); (2) C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice fed 16 % calories from soybean oil (CON); (3) C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice fed 8 % calories from soybean and 8 % calories from BRS oil (BRS 50 %); and (4) C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice fed 16 % calories from BRS oil (BRS 100 %). After 10 weeks, n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the livers and epididymal adipose tissues of the BRS 50 % and BRS 100 % mice than in the CON. Serum TNFα and IL-6 were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the BRS 50 % and BRS 100 % than in the CON. Serum IL-10 was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the BRS 100 % than the CON. In the liver and epididymal adipose tissue, mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the BRS 50 % and BRS 100 % were lower than in the CON. Anti-inflammatory markers were higher in the epididymal adipose tissues of the BRS 50 % and BRS 100 % than in the CON. In the epididymal adipose tissue, macrophage infiltration markers (F4/80 and CD68) and leptin mRNA were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the BRS 50 % and BRS 100 % than in the CON. Results of this study suggest that BRS oil may have anti-inflammatory effects in obese diabetic mice by ameliorating inflammatory responses.

Ivy leaves extract based – lipid nanocarriers and their bioefficacy on antioxidant and antitumor activities

Two issues were addressed in the paper: (1) the use of medicinal herbs as functional ingredients entrapped into lipid-based nanocarriers; (2) the efficacy of phytochemical-based nanocarriers with promising antioxidant and antitumor benefits.

Red Raspberries and Their Bioactive Polyphenols: Cardiometabolic and Neuronal Health Links

Diet is an essential factor that affects the risk of modern-day metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and Alzheimer disease. The potential ability of certain foods and their bioactive compounds to reverse or prevent the progression of the pathogenic processes that underlie these diseases has attracted research attention. Red raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.) are unique berries with a rich history and nutrient and bioactive composition. They possess several essential micronutrients, dietary fibers, and polyphenolic components, especially ellagitannins and anthocyanins, the latter of which give them their distinctive red coloring. In vitro and in vivo studies have revealed various mechanisms through which anthocyanins and ellagitannins (via ellagic acid or their urolithin metabolites) and red raspberry extracts (or the entire fruit) could reduce the risk of or reverse metabolically associated pathophysiologies. To our knowledge, few studies in humans are available for evaluation. We review and summarize the available literature that assesses the health-promoting potential of red raspberries and select components in modulating metabolic disease risk, especially cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and Alzheimer disease-all of which share critical metabolic, oxidative, and inflammatory links. The body of research is growing and supports a potential role for red raspberries in reducing the risk of metabolically based chronic diseases.

Dietary Supplementation with Raspberry Seed Oil Modulates Liver Functions, Inflammatory State, and Lipid Metabolism in Rats

BACKGROUND

Although raspberry seed oil (RO) is rich in essential fatty acids, there is a lack of experiments assessing benefits of its consumption.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with RO on healthy rats and rats with low-grade systemic inflammation, liver disorders, and dyslipidemia induced by a high-fat/low-fiber (HF/LF) diet.

METHODS

Thirty-two rats were allocated into 4 groups of 8 rats each and fed for 8 wk a control (C; 7% lard and 5% cellulose) or HF/LF (21% lard and 2% cellulose) diet or modifications of these diets in which 7% RO replaced all (C+RO group) or a proportion of (HF/LF+RO group) the lard. Effects of diet and RO and their interaction on bacterial activity and metabolite formations in the distal intestine, liver fat and glutathione concentration, plasma lipid profile, transaminase activities, and plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were tested.

RESULTS

Dietary RO decreased plasma alanine and aspartate transaminase activities (43.4 and 157 vs. 25.6 and 115 U/L, respectively; P < 0.05 and P < 0.005) and plasma TNF-α and triglyceride concentrations (132 pg/mL and 2.07 mmol/L vs. 86.5 pg/mL and 0.99 mmol/L, respectively; P < 0.05). In livers of the C+RO group, the fat concentration was decreased, whereas the glutathione to glutathione disulfide ratio was increased compared with the C group (30.1% and 6.20 μmol/g vs. 23.3% and 7.25 μmol/g, respectively; P ≤ 0.05); however, those differences were not observed between the HF/LF groups (P-interaction < 0.05). In the HF/LF+RO group, the plasma CRP concentration was lower than in the HF/LF group (88.1 vs. 765 pg/mL; P ≤ 0.05) and similar to that in the C and C+RO groups (158 and 128 pg/mL, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Dietary RO improves plasma lipid profile and liver functions and reduces low-grade systemic inflammation in rats; however, the extent of these beneficial effects is partly dependent on the diet type.

A review of polyphenolics in oak woods

Polyphenolics, which are ubiquitous in plants, currently are among the most studied phytochemicals because of their perceptible chemical properties and antioxidant activity. Oak barrels and their alternatives, which are widely used in winemaking nowadays, contribute polyphenolics to wines and are thought to play crucial roles in the development of wines during aging. This study summarizes the detailed information of polyphenolics in oak woods and their products by examining their structures and discussing their chemical reactions during wine aging. This paper evaluates the most recent developments in polyphenolic chemistry by summarizing their extraction, separation, and their identification by the use of chromatographic and spectral techniques. In addition, this paper also introduces polyphenol bioactive ingredients in other plant foods.

Dietary strawberry seed oil affects metabolite formation in the distal intestine and ameliorates lipid metabolism in rats fed an obesogenic diet

Objective

To answer the question whether dietary strawberry seed oil rich in α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid (29.3 and 47.2% of total fatty acids, respectively) can beneficially affect disorders induced by the consumption of an obesogenic diet.

Design

Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups of eight animals each and fed with a basal or obesogenic (high in fat and low in fiber) diet that contained either strawberry seed oil or an edible rapeseed oil. A two-way analysis of variance was then applied to assess the effects of diet and oil and the interaction between them.

Results

After 8 weeks of feeding, the obesogenic diet increased the body weight and the liver mass and fat content, whereas decreased the cecal acetate and butyrate concentration. This diet also altered the plasma lipid profile and decreased the liver sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) content. However, the lowest liver SREBP-1c content was observed in rats fed an obesogenic diet containing strawberry seed oil. Moreover, dietary strawberry seed oil decreased the cecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) regardless of the diet type, whereas the cecal β-glucuronidase activity was considerably increased only in rats fed an obesogenic diet containing strawberry seed oil. Dietary strawberry seed oil also lowered the liver fat content, the plasma triglyceride level and the atherogenic index of plasma.

Conclusions

Strawberry seed oil has a potent lipid-lowering activity but can unfavorably affect microbial metabolism in the distal intestine. The observed effects are partly due to the synergistic action of the oil and the obesogenic diet.

Native Oils from Apple, Blackcurrant, Raspberry, and Strawberry Seeds as a Source of Polyenoic Fatty Acids, Tocochromanols, and Phytosterols: A Health Implication

The oils from strawberry, blackcurrant, raspberry, and apple seeds were characterized by a high content of unsaturated fatty acids (90.8%, 88.6%, 94.0%, and 86.9%, resp.). Strawberry and raspberry oils had high levels of C18:2 (45.4% and 49.0%) andαC18:3 (29.0% and 33.0%, resp.). Blackcurrant oil was the richest source ofγC18:3 (18.5%) and C18:4 (3.6%). Apple oil had high levels of C18:2 (55.5%) and C18:1 (29.4%). Blackcurrant oil had 229.5 mg/100 g of tocochromanols, predominantlyγ-tocopherol (117.8 mg/100 g) andα-tocopherol (84.3 mg/100 g). Raspberry oil was rich inγ-,α-, andδ-tocopherol (193.5; 65.6; and 32.2 mg/100 g, resp.). Strawberry oil containedγ- andδ-tocopherol, 49.0 and 6.1 mg/100 g, respectively. Apple contained all isomers ofα-,β-,γ-, andδ-tocopherols at 41.7, 62.7, 13.6, and 21.8 mg/100 g, respectively. The level of tocotrienols in the analysed oils ranged from 0.85 to 6.73 mg/100 g. Ten different phytosterols were found in the tested oils. The richest sources of phytosterols were blackcurrant oil (6824.9 μg/g) followed by raspberry (5384.1 μg/g), strawberry (4643.1 μg/g), and apple oil (3460.0 μg/g). The dominant compound in the analysed oils was sitosterol, from 2630 μg/g in apple oil to 3630 μg/g in blackcurrant oil.