Biological activities of selected polyphenol-rich fruits related to immunity and gastrointestinal health

Exploring the Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Profiles of Aqueous Extracts of Kalanchoe

The use of plants for medicinal purposes has a long history, however it is desirable a continuous evaluation seeking for complementary scientific evidences for their safe application. Species within the Kalanchoe genus are often referred to as "miracle leaf" due to their remarkable healing properties. Traditionally, these plants have been used to treat infections, inflammation, and cancer. Despite their widespread use, the identification of their active components remains incomplete. This study aimed to differentiate K. crenata (KC), K. marmorata (KM), and K. pinnata (KP) by conducting detailed histochemical and phytochemical analyses, and to assess their antioxidant capabilities. The investigation revealed significant differences between the species, highlighting the variability in phenolic (PC) and flavonoid contents (FC) and their distinct antioxidant effects. The KM demonstrated the greatest results (PC: 59.26±1.53 mgEqGA/g; FC: 12.63±0.91 mgEqCQ/g; DPPH⋅ (IC50): 110.66 ug/mL; ABTS⋅+ (IC50): 26.81 ug/mL; ORAC: 9.65±0.75 mmolTE) when compared to KC and KP. These findings underscore a new reference for research within the Kalanchoe genus.

The Antimicrobial Effect of Cornus mas L. and Sorbus aucuparia L. Fruit Extracts against Resistant Uropathogens in Correlation with the Prevalence of Urinary Tract Infections in Companion Animals

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a widespread condition in pets, with many antibiotics being prescribed, contributing to the rise in antimicrobial resistance, which is a worldwide threat. This study's main objective was to analyze the in vitro antimicrobial activity of Cornus mas and Sorbus aucuparia fruit hydro-ethanolic extracts towards bacteria identified in the urine of companion animals experiencing UTIs. Urine samples were collected from dogs and cats (n = 83; 47 negative, 36 positive); several bacterial strains were identified (n = 49) belonging to the Escherichia, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Proteus, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Leclercia, and Kocuria genera. Bacterial susceptibility was tested using the disk diffusion method, with the majority being resistant to several beta-lactams, quinolones, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and nitrofurantoin. Subsequently, 13 resistant isolates were selected to evaluate the fruits extracts' antimicrobial potential using the agar well diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Cornus mas exhibited the greatest activity against Gram-negatives (primarily Pseudomonas luteola), while Sorbus aucuparia showed maximum effects towards Gram-positives (particularly Enterococcus faecalis). The MIC was 0.01 μg/μL for both extracts; the MBC was 0.08 μg/μL for Cornus mas and 0.05 μg/μL for Sorbus aucuparia. However, Cornus mas showed a stronger bactericidal effect. This is the first study to investigate these fruit extracts in UTI isolates of companion animals, and these extracts might be used as substitutes or adjuvants for antibiotics, thus contributing to a reduction in antimicrobial resistance.

Tracking the Variations in Trace Elements, Some Nutrients, Phenolics, and Anthocyanins in Grewia asiatica L. (Phalsa) at Different Fruit Development Stages

Grewia asiatica L. (phalsa) is a very prevalent berry in Pakistan and is consumed extensively as raw or in the form of juice. Here, for the first time, we assessed phalsa from Pakistan in terms of variations in macro and micro minerals, nutrients, and bio-active phyto-constituents including total phenolic and anthocyanin contents at different fruit developmental stages. It was found that the sugars in phalsa increased from D1 (small at the initial fruit setting stage) to D6 development stage (fully ripened fruit) where sugars at D5 (near to fully ripe) and D6 stages were many times greater than at D1, D2 (unripe close to full-size completion), D3 (close to semi ripe), and D4 stage (semi ripened and full-size attainment). Total acidity of was declined in all developmental stages, where the D1 stage displayed maximum and D6 with the lowest acidity. Ascorbic acid was decreased from D1 to D2 and then increased gradually from D3 to D5 stages. At the D6 stage, again a steep decline in ascorbic acid was observed. The total phenolics (mg gallic acid equivalents/100g) at stage D6 were higher (136.02 ± 1.17), whereas D1 being the lowermost in total phenolic content (79.89 ± 1.72). For anthocyanins (mg/100g), an increasing pattern of changes was observed in all stages of phalsa fruit where the D1 stage showed lower (13.97 ± 4.84) anthocyanin contents which then increased gradually at stage D2 (67.79 ± 6.73), but increased sharply at D3 (199.66 ± 4.90), D4 (211.02 ± 18.85), D5 (328.41 ±14.96) and D6 (532.30 ± 8.51) stages. A total of four anthocyanins such as cyanidin, delphidine-3-glucoside, pelargonidin, and malvidin in phalsa were identified using HPLC procedures, and a significant > 90 % DPPH inhibition in phalsa was observed at the D5 and D6 development stages. The macro and micro minerals including Ni, Zn, Fe, Ca, Cu, Mg, Na, P, and K contents were decreased from initial (D1) stage to the final (D6) development stage, while only Fe displayed an increasing trend from the initial to final fruit development stages (D1-D6). Conclusively, these findings could be of great interest for patients who are intended to consume phalsa as adjuvant therapy against diabetes and metabolic syndromes and other diseases involving reactive oxygen species with minimum metal toxicity.

Biological activity of optimized phenolic extracts of quince (Cydonia oblonga Miller) parts before and after simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

In this study, the phenolic extracts of Eşme quince parts (pulp, peel, seed, juice, and leaf) were obtained under optimized extraction conditions. Then, the total phenolic content (TPC), the quantities of main phenolic compounds, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity and the change in bioactivity properties (TPC, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activity on the same sixteen microorganisms) after in vitro digestion of each quince part were evaluated. The order of TPC and antioxidant activity was determined as leaf > peel > juice > pulp > seed. After in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, a decrease was observed for the TPC (average 5-fold reduction) and antioxidant activity (more than 2.5-fold reduction) in all quince parts except quince seed than their extract forms. The quince leaf extract exhibited the highest antibacterial activity. Overall, this study exhibited that the quince leaf was considered a promising, cheap, and natural source for nutritional or pharmaceutical applications with biological activity properties.

Interindividual differences in aronia juice tolerability linked to gut microbiome and metabolome changes-secondary analysis of a randomized placebo-controlled parallel intervention trial

BACKGROUND

Aronia melanocarpa is a berry rich in polyphenols known for health benefits. However, the bioavailability of polyphenols has been questioned, and the individual taste acceptance of the fruit with its specific flavor varies. We recently observed substantial differences in the tolerability of aronia juice among healthy females, with half of the individuals tolerating aronia juice without complaints. Given the importance of the gut microbiome in food digestion, we investigated in this secondary analysis of the randomized placebo-controlled parallel intervention study (ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT05432362) if aronia juice tolerability was associated with changes in intestinal microbiota and bacterial metabolites, seeking for potential mechanistic insights into the impact on aronia polyphenol tolerance and metabolic outcomes.

RESULTS

Forty females were enrolled for this 6-week trial, receiving either 100 ml natural aronia juice (verum, V) twice daily or a polyphenol-free placebo (P) with a similar nutritional profile, followed by a 6-week washout. Within V, individuals were categorized into those who tolerated the juice well (Vt) or reported complaints (Vc). The gut microbiome diversity, as analyzed by 16S rRNA gene-based next-generation sequencing, remained unaltered in Vc but changed significantly in Vt. A MICOM-based flux balance analysis revealed pronounced differences in the 40 most predictive metabolites post-intervention. In Vc carbon-dioxide, ammonium and nine O-glycans were predicted due to a shift in microbial composition, while in Vt six bile acids were the most likely microbiota-derived metabolites. NMR metabolomics of plasma confirmed increased lipoprotein subclasses (LDL, VLDL) post-intervention, reverting after wash out. Stool samples maintained a stable metabolic profile.

CONCLUSION

In linking aronia polyphenol tolerance to gut microbiota-derived metabolites, our study explores adaptive processes affecting lipoprotein profiles during high polyphenol ingestion in Vt and examines effects on mucosal gut health in response to intolerance to high polyphenol intake in Vc. Our results underpin the importance of individualized hormetic dosing for beneficial polyphenol effects, demonstrate dynamic gut microbiome responses to aronia juice, and emphasize personalized responses in polyphenol interventions.

Rowanberry-A Source of Bioactive Compounds and Their Biopharmaceutical Properties

After a period of intense development in the synthesis pharmaceutical industry, plants are making a comeback in the public focus as remedies or therapeutic adjuvants and in disease prevention and ensuring the wellbeing and equilibrium of the human body. Plants are being recommended more and more in alimentation, in their natural form, or as extracts, supplements or functional aliments. People, in general, are in search of new sources of nutrients and phytochemicals. As a result, scientific research turns to lesser known and used plants, among them being rowanberries, a species of fruit very rich in nutrients and underused due to their bitter astringent taste and a lack of knowledge regarding the beneficial effects of these fruit. Rowan fruits (rowanberries) are a rich source of vitamins, polysaccharides, organic acids and minerals. They are also a source of natural polyphenols, which are often correlated with the prevention and treatment of modern world diseases. This article presents the existing data regarding the chemical composition, active principles and biopharmaceutical properties of rowan fruits and the different opportunities for their usage.

Effect of Supplementation with Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Extract on Inflammatory Status and Selected Markers of Iron Metabolism in Young Football Players: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial

The use of herbal medicinal products and supplements in amateur and professional sports has increased in the last decades. This is because most of these products and supplements contain bioactive compounds with a variety of biological properties that exert a physiological effect on the human body. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of dietary supplementation with lyophilized black chokeberry extract on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, hepcidin, and selected markers of iron metabolism in a group of young football players. This double-blind study included 22 male football players (mean = 19.96 ± 0.56), divided into two groups: supplemented and placebo. Before and after a 90-day period of training combined with supplementation (6 g of lyophilized black chokeberry extract), participants performed maximal multistage 20-m shuttle run tests at the beginning and at the end of the supplementation period, with blood sampled for analysis at different times before and after exercise. The levels of IL-6, IL-10, ferritin, myoglobin, hepcidin, 8-OHdG, albumin, and TAC were analyzed. The analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of 90-day supplementation with the lyophilized extract on changes in the IL-6 and IL-10 levels, and TAC induced by maximal aerobic effort. In conclusion, supplementation with lyophilized black chokeberry extract improves the performance and antioxidant status of serum in humans and induces protective changes in inflammatory markers.

The life cycle study revealed distinct impact of foliar-applied nano-Cu on antioxidant traits of barley grain comparing with conventional agents

Despite that the applicability of Cu-based engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) as an antibacterial and antifungal agent for plant protection has been studied widely, little is known about their role in the improvement of crop yield and quality. Here, a full life study was performed to investigate the nutritional quality and bioactivity of barley grains under foliar application of nano-/microparticulate (nano-Cu, nano-CuO, micro-Cu) and ionic Cu compounds (CuSO₄, CuEDTA). Hordeum vulgaris L. plants were sprayed with Cu compounds at 500 mg/L during the end of tillering and the beginning of heading. Yield, mineral composition, protein and dietary content, antioxidant (phenolic, anthocyanin, flavonoid, tannin, flavanol) content and antioxidant capacity of barley grain were evaluated. Grain yield was unaffected by all treatments. Only nano-Cu and ionic compounds enhanced Cu accumulation in grain: 2-fold increase was observed compared to the control (2.6 µg/kg). Nano-Cu also increased the dietary fiber content by 19.9 %, while no impact of the other treatments was determined. The content of phenolic compounds, the main group of antioxidants, remained unchanged after Cu supply. In general, for all Cu treatment, antiradical and reducing abilities were decreased or were at the similar level in relation to the control. On the other hand, chelating power in grain extracts was 2-4 times higher under nano-Cu/nano-CuO/micro-Cu than in the untreated sample, while the ionic compounds had no impact on the chelating indicator. Our results demonstrated that more favorable effects were triggered by nano-Cu than CuSO₄ or CuEDTA on the tested indicators of barley grain, despite that both compounds resulted in similar superior Cu acquisition. It suggests that nano-Cu may be considered as an alternative agent to be used as economic and traditional fertilizers.

Screening of Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anti-Adipogenic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Five Selected Medicinal Plants of Nepal

Introduction

Herbal products have been widely used for the treatment of diseases throughout the ages. In this research, we investigated antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-adipogenic, and anti-inflammatory activities of methanolic extracts of five ethnomedicinally important plants; namely, Alnus nepalensis, Dryopteris sparsa, Artocarpus lacucha, Litsea monopetala, and Lyonia ovalifolia.

Methods

We investigated the DPPH free radical scavenging potential, sensitivity of selected bacterial strains towards the extracts using a disc diffusion assay, anti-inflammatory activity in RAW-264.7 cells, and anti-adipogenic activity by the ORO assay in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.

Results and discussion

The extract of A. nepalensis showed significant antioxidant activity (IC₅₀=4.838 µg/mL), followed by A. lacucha, L. monopetala, and L. ovalifolia, exhibiting comparable IC₅₀ values to that of ascorbic acid (IC₅₀=5.063 µg/mL). Alnus nepalensis also showed good antibacterial activity in disc diffusion methods, with remarkable zones of inhibition in A. baumannii (14.66 mm) and P. mirabilis (15.50 mm) bacterial species. In addition, A. nepalensis was found to increase adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells, evidenced by increased lipid deposition in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. A similar pattern of increased adipogenesis was observed on treatment with L. ovalifolia extracts. On the other hand, A. lacucha effectively reduced lipid deposition in 3T3-L1 cells at 100 µg/mL (75.18±6.42%) by inhibiting adipogenesis, showing its potential use in the management of obesity. Furthermore, A. lacucha 100 µg/mL (15.91±0.277 µM) and L. monopetala 75 µg/mL (12.52±0.05 µM) and 100 µg/mL (11.77±0.33 µM) significantly inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells. Also, A. nepalensis and L. ovalifolia inhibited NO production significantly, endorsing their anti-inflammatory potential.

Conclusion

The findings from these in-vitro studies suggest that the selected five plants possess remarkable antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-adipogenic, and anti-inflammatory activities. This study opens the door to conduct further advanced in-vivo experiments to find possible lead compounds for the development of valuable therapeutic agents for common health problems.

Structural Activity and HAD Inhibition Efficiency of Pelargonidin and Its Glucoside-A Theoretical Approach

Anthocyanins are an important pharmaceutical ingredient possessing diet regulatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Pelargonidin is an important anthocyanin-based orange-red flavonoid compound used in drugs for treating hypoglycemia, retinopathy, skeletal myopathy, etc. The main sources of pelargonidin are strawberries and food products with red pigmentation. There is a lack of evidence for supporting its use as an independent supplement. In the present study, pelargonidin and pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside are studied for their structural properties using quantum chemical calculations based on density functional theory. The results confirmed that the parent compound and its glycosylated derivative acted as good electron donors. Electrostatic potential, frontier molecular orbitals, and molecular descriptor analyses also substantiated their electron donating properties. Furthermore, based on the probability, a target prediction was performed for pelargonidin and pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside. Hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase was chosen as an enzymatic target of interest, since the presence work focuses on glucuronidated compounds and their efficacy over diabetes. Possible interactions between these compounds and a target with nominable binding energies were also evaluated. Further, the structural stability of these two compounds were also analyzed using a molecular dynamics simulation.

Polyphenols composition and the biological effects of six selected small dark fruits

The health-promoting activities of fruits are in the limelight in view of the growing risks posed by civilisational diseases and are connected with polyphenols. The present study examined bilberry, blueberry, blackcurrant, redcurrant, cherry and plum for their polyphenolic content and biological activities. The contents of total polyphenolic compounds and their subclasses were determined. Liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to characterise the polyphenolic profiles. Small dark fruits' antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cholinesterase activities were also extensively determined. Significant qualitative and quantitative differences in the analysed fruits' polyphenols composition and biological activities were demonstrated. The highest polyphenolic contents and antioxidant activities were established in blackcurrant fruit, but bilberry also had our attention due to an additional mild influence on antioxidant enzymes. The condensed tannin content in small dark fruits is developed. All tested fruits exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-cholinesterase activities.

LC-ESI-MS/MS Polyphenolic Profile and In Vitro Study of Cosmetic Potential of Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. Herb Extracts

The aim of the present study was to investigate the phenolic composition and the biological properties of different Aerva lanata (L). Juss. herb extracts obtained with the use of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), i.e., a green, ecological method, for cosmetic purposes. All samples exhibited high DPPH^• (9.17–119.85 mg TE/g) and ABTS^•+ (9.90–107.58 mg TE/g) scavenging activity. The extracts exhibited considerable anti-lipoxygenase (EC₅₀ between 1.14 mg/mL and 3.73 mg/mL) and anti-xanthine oxidase (EC₅₀ between 1.28 mg/mL and 3.72 mg/mL) activities, moderate chelating activity (EC₅₀ between 1.58 mg/mL and 5.30 mg/mL), and high antioxidant potential in the ORAC assay (0.36–3.84 mM TE/g). Changes in the polyphenol profile of the analysed samples depending on the solvent and temperature used for the extraction were determined with the liquid chromatography/electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method. Twenty-one phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, were detected and quantified. It was shown that tiliroside was one of the main phenolic metabolites in the A. lanata (L.) Juss. herb., which may suggest that this compound may be largely responsible for the observed anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts. In addition, the studied extracts exhibited promising skin-related (anti-tyrosinase, anti-elastase, anti-collagenase, and anti-hyaluronidase) activity. This study showed that Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. contains high amounts of phenolic compounds, including tiliroside, and has good skin-related activities. Therefore, the plant may be interesting as a novel source of bioactive agents for cosmetic industries.

Rowan Berries: A Potential Source for Green Synthesis of Extremely Monodisperse Gold and Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antimicrobial Property

Rowanberries (Sorbus aucuparia) are omnipresent in Europe. The medicinal importance of rowanberries is widely known and corresponds to the active ingredients present in the fruits, mainly polyphenols, carotenoids, and organic acids. In the current study, we explored rowanberries for the reduction of gold and silver salts into nanoparticles. Rowanberries-mediated gold nanoparticles (RB-AuNPs) formed within 5 s at room temperature, and silver nanoparticles (RB-AgNPs) formed in 20 min at 90 °C. The produced nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), single-particle inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (sp-ICP-MS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). The characterization confirmed that the nanoparticles are highly monodisperse, spherical, stable over long periods, and exhibit a high negative zeta potential values. The produced RB-AuNPs and RB-AgNPs were 90–100 nm and 20–30 nm in size with a thick biological corona layer surrounding them, providing extreme stability but lowering the antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobials study of RB-AgNPs revealed that the nanoparticles have antimicrobial potential with an MBC value of 100 µg/mL against P. aeruginosa and 200 µg/mL against E. coli.

Blackberry Leaves as New Functional Food? Screening Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Microbiological Activities in Correlation with Phytochemical Analysis

Blackberry fruits are recognized as functional foods while blackberry leaves are outside this classification and they also contain active compounds with health-promoting potential. Therefore, the aim of this study was the phytochemical analysis of blackberry leaves of varieties (Chester, Loch Ness, Loch Tay and Ruczaj) and screening of their biological activity (antioxidant potential, possibility of inhibition of enzymes, anti-inflammatory and microbial activity). The following compounds from selected groups: phenolic acids (caffeic acid, ellagic acid, gallic acid, syringic acid), flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol) and their glycosides (rutin, isoquercetin, hyperoside) and flavon-3-ols (catechin, epicatechin) were chromatographically determined in the aqueous and hydroalcoholic leaves extracts. All tested blackberry leaves extracts showed antioxidant effects, but the highest compounds content (TPC = 101.31 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (e.g., DPPH IC₅₀ = 57.37 μg/mL; ABTS IC₅₀ = 24.83 μg/mL; CUPRAC IC₅₀ = 62.73 μg/mL; FRAP IC₅₀ = 39.99 μg/mL for hydroalcoholic extracts) was indicated for the Loch Tay variety. Blackberry leaf extracts’ anti-inflammatory effect was also exceptionally high for the Loch Tay variety (IC₅₀ = 129.30 μg/mL), while leaves extracts of the Loch Ness variety showed a significant potential for microbial activity against Lactobacillus spp. and Candida spp. Summarizing, the best multidirectional pro-health effect was noted for leaves extracts of Loch Tay variety.

Cyclodextrin as Functional Carrier in Development of Mucoadhesive Tablets Containing Polygoni cuspidati Extract with Potential for Dental Applications

Polygoni cuspidati root is a resveratrol-rich source with anti-inflammatory, angiogenic and neuroprotective effects. The raw material was standardized for the content of resveratrol, for which there is a special justification for administration within the oral mucosa. To improve the solubility of resveratrol and to assure its high content in plant material, an ultrasound-assisted extraction method was applied. The addition of cyclodextrin was found to increase the extraction efficiency of resveratrol (from 13 to 297 µg per 1 g of plant material in case of 50% ethanol extracts) and enhanced its antioxidant activity as compared to pure Polygoni cuspidati extract/resveratrol. Cyclodextrin plays the role of a functional extract regarding technological properties (increasing the extraction of resveratrol from the extract, improving mucoadhesive properties). Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop mucoadhesive tablets containing combinations of the Polygoni cuspidati extract with a cyclodextrin carrier for buccal delivery. The tests sequentially included extract preparation and characterization of its physical and biological properties and then formulation studies with a broad description of the prototype properties. The test results indicate that cyclodextrin increases the efficiency of resveratrol extraction from Polygoni cuspidati rhizome, which is a rich source of resveratrol, and its extract enclosed in a mucoadhesive tablet guarantees prolonged action at the site of administration.

Prunus padus L. bark as a functional promoting component in functional herbal infusions – cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects

The study assessed the health-promoting properties and the content of minerals in the bark of bird cherry (Prunus padus L.), which was then used as an ingredient in functional teas. The infusions were made with the use of Matricaria chamomilla L., Tilia cordata Mill., and Calendula officinalis L., and then combined with the bark in various proportions. The prepared infusions were tested for antioxidant activity, ability to reduce copper ions and iron ions, as well as the ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals. In the next stage, the antimicrobial activity and the ability to inhibit the enzyme cycloxygenase-2 were assessed. Bird cherry bark contains a high potassium content of 19.457 ± 762 mg/kg d.m. In all the tests evaluating the antioxidant activity, infusions from the bark of bird cherry alone and with its 30% addition had the strongest properties. The analyzed infusions also have the ability to reduce Cu(ii) ions; they are active to reduce Fe(iii) ions and scavenge hydroxyl radical. The highest antimicrobial activity was found for teas with 20 and 30% bark, especially against Listeria monocytogenes (25.0–27.0 mm) (±3.0). The bark infusion was also found to have the highest inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) – 77.0%.

Effect of Marination with Black Currant Juice on the Formation of Biogenic Amines in Pork Belly during Refrigerated Storage

The effect of marination with black currant juice (BCJ) was investigated for their effects on meat quality and content of biogenic amines (BAs) [putrescine (PUT), cadaverine (CAD), histamine (HIM), tyramine (TYM), and spermidine (SPD)] in pork belly during storage at 9°C. BCJ was shown to have antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, the pH of pork belly marinated with BCJ (PBB) was significantly lower than that of raw pork belly (RPB) during storage. No significant difference in microorganisms between RPB and PBB was observed at day 0 of storage. However, at days 5 and 10 of storage, volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) was significantly decreased in PBB compared to RPB, and PBB also demonstrated significantly lower numbers of bacteria associated with spoilage (Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas spp.) at these time-points. PBB was also associated with significantly reduced formation of BAs (PUT, CAD, TYM, and total BAs) compared to RPB at days 5 and 10 of storage. These results indicated that BCJ can be regarded as a natural additive for improving meat quality by preventing increased pH, VBN, bacterial spoilage, and inhibiting BAs formation during refrigerated storage.

The Types of Polysaccharide Coatings and Their Mixtures as a Factor Affecting the Stability of Bioactive Compounds and Health-Promoting Properties Expressed as the Ability to Inhibitthe α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase of Chokeberry Extracts in the Microencapsulation Process

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of microencapsulating chokeberry extract by extrusion, and assess the effects of the selected carrier substance on the contents of polyphenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, color of microspheres, and ability of microspheres to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase, after 14 and 28 days of storage. The results showed that appropriate selection of the polysaccharide coating is of great importance for the proper course of the microencapsulation process, the polyphenolic content of chokeberry capsules, and their antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. The addition of guar gum to a sodium alginate solution significantly increased the stability of polyphenolic compounds in microspheres during storage, whereas the addition of chitosan had a significantly negative effect on the stability of polyphenols. The coating variant composed of sodium alginate and guar gum was also found to be the most favorable for the preservation of the antioxidant activity of the capsules. On the other hand, capsules composed of sodium alginate, guar gum, and chitosan showed the best antidiabetic properties, which is related to these tricomponent microspheres having the best α-glucosidase inhibition.

Understanding the Gastrointestinal Protective Effects of Polyphenols using Foodomics-Based Approaches

Plant polyphenols are rich sources of natural anti-oxidants and prebiotics. After ingestion, most polyphenols are absorbed in the intestine and interact with the gut microbiota and modulated metabolites produced by bacterial fermentation, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Dietary polyphenols immunomodulatory role by regulating intestinal microorganisms, inhibiting the etiology and pathogenesis of various diseases including colon cancer, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis. Foodomics is a novel high-throughput analysis approach widely applied in food and nutrition studies, incorporating genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and integrating multi-omics technologies. In this review, we present an overview of foodomics technologies for identifying active polyphenol components from natural foods, as well as a summary of the gastrointestinal protective effects of polyphenols based on foodomics approaches. Furthermore, we critically assess the limitations in applying foodomics technologies to investigate the protective effect of polyphenols on the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Finally, we outline future directions of foodomics techniques to investigate GI protective effects of polyphenols. Foodomics based on the combination of several analytical platforms and data processing for genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics studies, provides abundant data and a more comprehensive understanding of the interactions between polyphenols and the GI tract at the molecular level. This contribution provides a basis for further exploring the protective mechanisms of polyphenols on the GI system.

The biological activities of postbiotics in gastrointestinal disorders

According to outcomes from clinical studies, an intricate relationship occurs between the beneficial microbiota, gut homeostasis, and the host's health status. Numerous studies have confirmed the health-promoting effects of probiotics, particularly in gastrointestinal diseases. On the other hand, the safety issues regarding the consumption of some probiotics are still a matter of debate, thus to overcome the problems related to the application of live probiotic cells in terms of clinical, technological, and economic aspects, microbial-derived biomolecules (postbiotics) were introducing as a potential alternative agent. Presently scientific literature confirms that the postbiotic components can be used as promising tools for both prevention and treatment strategies in gastrointestinal disorders with less undesirable side-effects, particularly in infants and children. Future head-to-head trials are required to distinguish appropriate strains of parent cells, optimal dosages of postbiotics, and assessment of the cost-effectiveness of postbiotics compared to alternative drugs. This review provides an overview of the concept and safety issues regarding postbiotics, with emphasis on their biological role in the treatment of some important gastrointestinal disorders.

The Sorbus spp.-Underutilised Plants for Foods and Nutraceuticals: Review on Polyphenolic Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Potential

The Sorbus spp. are valuable plants, which have been used for ornamental purposes, in traditional medicines and less seldom in foods. Recent studies have revealed different anatomical parts of the Sorbus spp. to contain valuable phytochemicals demonstrating various bioactivities. However, in terms of applications in the products intended for human consumption, Sorbus still remains as an underutilised genus. The increasing number of studies on phytochemicals, antioxidant potential and other bioactivities of Sorbus extracts has revealed the prospects of expanding its use in natural medicines, cosmetics and as innovative food ingredients, which might find wider applications in functional foods and/or nutraceuticals. Caffeoylquinic acids, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins have been reported in various Sorbus spp. as the most abundant polyphenolic antioxidants. The preparations of various plant anatomical parts have been used in ethnopharmacology as natural remedy for treating bacterial, viral, inflammatory diseases including tumors. Sorbus spp. plant parts have also been tested for management of diabetes, neurological, and cardiovascular disorders. The present review is focused on Sorbus plants (in total 27 Sorbus spp.), their composition and properties in terms of developing promising ingredients for foods, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and other applications. It is expected that this review will assist in designing further studies of rowans and other Sorbus spp. in order to expand their uses for various human applications.

The Role of Dietary Phenolic Compounds in Epigenetic Modulation Involved in Inflammatory Processes

A better understanding of the interactions between dietary phenolic compounds and the epigenetics of inflammation may impact pathological conditions and their treatment. Phenolic compounds are well-known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-cancer properties, with potential benefits in the treatment of various human diseases. Emerging studies bring evidence that nutrition may play an essential role in immune system modulation also by altering gene expression. This review discusses epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, post-translational histone modification, and non-coding microRNA activity that regulate the gene expression of molecules involved in inflammatory processes. Special attention is paid to the molecular basis of NF-κB modulation by dietary phenolic compounds. The regulation of histone acetyltransferase and histone deacetylase activity, which all influence NF-κB signaling, seems to be a crucial mechanism of the epigenetic control of inflammation by phenolic compounds. Moreover, chronic inflammatory processes are reported to be closely connected to the major stages of carcinogenesis and other non-communicable diseases. Therefore, dietary phenolic compounds-targeted epigenetics is becoming an attractive approach for disease prevention and intervention.

Ultrasonication assisted salt-spices impregnation in black carrots to attain anthocyanins stability, quality retention and antimicrobial efficacy on hot-air convective drying

The present study aims at optimisation of enhanced solute impregnation through ultrasonication (US) at 37 kHz using central composite design of response surface methodology (RSM). Black carrots were blanched at 98 °C/3 min followed by immersion in salt-spices based solutions for 8 h, treated with bath sonication at specific intervals (2, 4 & 6 h) for 5, 10 and 15 min. Responses for optimum water loss (WL), solute gain (SG), anthocyanins retention, texture and highest antioxidant activity were optimized in effect of NaCl%, spices mix% and US time. The suggested models were of good fit while lack of fit as non-significant (p < 0.0500). Best combination was compared for anthocyanins retention on pressure-cooking (120 °C/15 psi) with fresh, blanched, salt-spiced without US subjected to hot-air convective drying (55 °C/5 h). Ultrasonication-assisted salt-spiced convective dried (USPCD) carrots retained highest anthocyanin content (41%) post cooking which correlated with increased glass transition (T_g) and antimicrobial efficacy (as zone of inhibition) in comparison to fresh, blanched convective dried (BCD) and salt-spiced convective dried (SPCD) carrots. FTIR spectra suggested the correlation of textural effects with pectin degradation and solute impregnation. XRD spectra revealed changes in pectin (2θ = 22.06°) and NaCl crystallinity peaks at 2θ = 27.49, 31.86, 45.62, 56.68, 66.45 and 75.43°, owing to the processing of black carrots. The spectra also confirmed higher solute impregnation in USPCD than SPCD carrots. Scanning electron micrographs of USPCD also indicated higher impregnation through smallest pores visible in longitudinal section of carrot tissue structure, which also appeared to be polymeric network filled with higher solutes than SPCD. Taken together, US assisted solute impregnation might have provided protection to the anthocyanins degradation as well as retention of other quality parameters on processing.

Black Chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa L.-A Qualitative Composition, Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Potential

Black chokeberry (Aronia melnocarpa) is a source of many bioactive compounds with a wide spectrum of health-promoting properties. Fresh, unprocessed chokeberry fruits are rarely consumed due to their astringent taste, but they are used in the food industry for the production of juices, nectars, syrups, jams, preserves, wines, tinctures, fruit desserts, jellies, fruit teas and dietary supplements. Polyphenols are biofactors that determine the high bioactivity of chokeberries, some of the richest sources of polyphenols, which include anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, flavanols, proanthocyanidins, and phenolic acids. Chokeberry fruit and products have great antioxidant and health-promoting potential as they reduce the occurrence of free radicals. This publication reviewed the scientific research regarding the phenolic compounds and the antioxidant potential of chokeberry fruits, products and isolated compounds. These findings may be crucial in future research concerning chokeberry based functional food products. Chokeberry fruits can be considered as promising component of designed food with enhanced antioxidant potential. However, like other plants and medicinal products of natural origin, black chokeberry requires extensive studies to determine its antioxidant potential, safety and mechanisms of action.

Co-pigmentation of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) anthocyanins with phenolic co-pigments and herbal extracts

The co-pigmentation of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) anthocyanins with ten phenolic co-pigments was studied. Tested compounds provoked different co-pigmentation effect, manifested by hyperchromic and batochromic shifts. The co-pigmentation was accompanied by a magnification of color intensity and decrease of color hue, both related to a more pleasant color. The hyperchromic effect was the most significant for rosmarinic acid (51.02%), syringic acid (43.24%) and catechin (39.73%). However, it was observed at the highest pigment/co-pigment ratio (1:50), not achievable in plant matter. Targeting the potential practical application of co-pigmentation, we tested eight herbal extracts for their co-pigmentation ability with aronia anthocyanins. The use of herbal extracts led to a significant hyperchromic effect at much lower pigment/co-pigment ratios, compared to pure compounds. The use of selected herbal extracts as co-pigments opens realistic prospects for development of aronia functional foods with improved sensory properties and biological effects, due to enhanced color and anthocyanin stability.

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) polyphenols reveal different antioxidant, antimicrobial and neutrophil-modulating activities

The current study reports data on antioxidant, antimicrobial and neutrophil-modulating activities of different polyphenolic preparations from black chokeberry fruits: crude extract, purified extract standardized to 20% and 40% anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins; as well as pure compounds (chlorogenic acid, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, epicatechin, rutin and quercetin) present in black chokeberries. Minor phenolic components - quercetin and epicatechin showed the highest ORAC and TRAP antioxidant activity. Given the amount of individual phenolics in the fruits, proanthocyanidins are the major contributor to antioxidant activity of fresh black chokeberries. Studied polyphenols and preparations had no effect on the spontaneous chemiluminescence (CL) of human neutrophils and only mild effect on PMA-activated CL. Greater effects were observed on OZP-activated CL, being statistically significant (p < 0.05) for quercetin and rutin. The antimicrobial activity test against 10 pathogens showed that black chokeberry proanthocyanidins are the most potent antimicrobial agents in the fruit.

Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa(Michx.) Elliot) Fruits and Functional Drinks Differ Significantly in Their Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) fruits are among the richest sources of polyphenols and anthocyanins in plant kingdom and suitable raw material for production of functional foods. The popularity of chokeberries is not only due to their nutritional value but also to the constantly emerging evidence for their health-promoting effects. The current study presents detailed information about the content and composition of sugars, organic acids, and polyphenols in 23 aronia samples grown under the climatic conditions of Bulgaria, in 2016 and 2017. Sorbitol was found to be the main carbohydrate of fresh aronia fruits. Its content was in the range 6.5–13 g/100 g fresh weight (FW), representing 61%–68% of low-molecular-weight carbohydrates. Organic acids were represented by substantial amounts of quinic acid (average content 404.4 mg/100 g FW), malic acid (328.1 mg/100 g FW), and ascorbic acid (65.2 mg/100 g FW). Shikimic acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, and succinic acid were found as minor components. Chokeberries were particularly rich in proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and hydroxycinnamic acids. The total polyphenol content of aronia fruits varied between 1022 mg/100 g FW and 1795 mg/100 g FW and ORAC antioxidant activity from 109 µmol TE/g to 191 µmol TE/g FW. We also investigated the relationship between the chemical composition of berries and chemical compositions and antioxidant activity of aronia functional drinks—juices and nectars. The differences in the chemical composition of the fruits resulted in functional foods that differ significantly in their chemical composition and antioxidant activity. Additionally, we demonstrated that temperature of juice pressing and nectar extraction has a profound effect on the polyphenol content and composition of these products. This is very important since differences in the chemical composition of raw chokeberries and variation of technological parameters during processing could result in functional foods with different chemical composition, rendering different biological activity.

Sorbus aucuparia and Sorbus aria as a Source of Antioxidant Phenolics, Tocopherols, and Pigments

Due to its nutritive and medicinal properties, berries of some Sorbus species are used for the preparation of jams and jelly as well as in traditional medicine. On the other hand, their chemical composition is not much studied especially of those grown in Balkan Peninsula. We have analyzed individual phenolics, tocopherols, carotenoids and chlorophylls using HPLC in berries from Sorbus aucuparia and Sorbus aria collected in different localities in Serbia and Montenegro together with the amounts of total phenolics and proanthocyanidins as well as their radical scavenging activity against DPPH radical. Berries of S. aucuparia were richer source of polyphenolics in comparision with S. aria and, regardless the species and locality, caffeoylquinic acids such as neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid were the most abundant compounds. Among analyzed tocopherols the most abundant in all samples was α-tocopherol (0.48 - 19.85 μg/g dw) as it was β-carotene among carotenoids (mean concentration of 0.98 μg/g dw in S. aucuparia and 0.40 μg/g dw in S. aria, respectively). Correlation between total phenolics and DPPH radical scavenging activity was noticed. Our study represents comprehensive report on chemical composition of S. aucuparia and S. aria which could contribute to a better understanding of their quality.

Preparative Purification of Polyphenols from Aronia melanocarpa (Chokeberry) with Cellular Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activity

The aim of this study was the purification process of polyphenols from Aronia melanocarpa (chokeberry), and the purification parameters were optimised by adsorption and desorption tests. By comparing adsorption and desorption ability of polyphenols from chokeberry on six kinds of macroporous resin, XAD-7 resin was selected. Experiments prove that the best purification parameters of static adsorption and desorption were sample pH = 4.0 with 4 h of adsorption; and desorption solvent is 95% ethanol (pH = 7.0) with 2 h of desorption. The best dynamic parameters were 9.3 bed volume (BV) of sample loading amount at a feeding flow rate of 2 BV/h, and washing the column with 5.8 BV of water, followed by subsequent elution with an eluent volume of 5.0 mL at an elution flow rate of 2 BV/h. Next the antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of polyphenols from chokeberry, blueberries, haskap berries was studied on HepG2 human liver cancer cells. The results show that polyphenol from chokeberry has a strong antioxidant effect. Taking into account the content of polyphenols in fruit, polyphenols from chokeberry represent a very valuable natural antioxidant source with antiproliferative products.

Pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside and its metabolites have modest anti-inflammatory effects in human whole blood cultures

This study hypothesized that the predominant strawberry anthocyanin, pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside (Pg-3-glc), and 3 of its plasma metabolites (4-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, and phloroglucinaldehyde [PGA]) would affect phagocytosis, oxidative burst, and the production of selected pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in a whole blood culture model. For the assessment of phagocytosis and oxidative burst activity of monocytes and neutrophils, whole blood was preincubated in the presence or absence of the test compounds at concentrations up to 5 μmol/L, followed by analysis of phagocytic and oxidative burst activity using commercially available test kits. For the cytokine analysis, diluted whole blood was stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in the presence or absence of the test compounds at concentrations up to 5 μmol/L. Concentrations of selected cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) were determined using a cytometric bead array kit. There were no effects of any of the test compounds on phagocytosis of opsonized or nonopsonized Escherichia coli or on oxidative burst activity. Pg-3-glc and PGA at 0.08 μmol/L increased the concentration of IL-10 (P < .01 and P < .001, respectively), but there was no effect on tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, and there were no effects of the other compounds. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a lack of effect of these compounds on the opsonization, engulfment, and subsequent destruction of bacteria. Pg-3-glc and PGA, at physiologically relevant concentrations, had anti-inflammatory properties; however, effects were modest, only observed at the lowest dose tested and limited to IL-10.

Therapeutic Applications of Rose Hips from Different Rosa Species

Rosa species, rose hips, are widespread wild plants that have been traditionally used as medicinal compounds for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases. The therapeutic potential of these plants is based on its antioxidant effects caused by or associated with its phytochemical composition, which includes ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds and healthy fatty acids among others. Over the last few years, medicinal interest in rose hips has increased as a consequence of recent research that has studied its potential application as a treatment for several diseases including skin disorders, hepatotoxicity, renal disturbances, diarrhoea, inflammatory disorders, arthritis, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, obesity and cancer. In this review, the role of different species of Rosa in the prevention of treatment of various disorders related to oxidative stress, is examined, focusing on new therapeutic approaches from a molecular point of view.

Chemical composition of rosehips from different Rosa species: an alternative source of antioxidants for the food industry

It is important to explore new sources of natural additives because the demand for these compounds by consumers is increasing. These products also provide health benefits and help in food preservation. An unexplored source of nutrients and antioxidant compounds is rosehip, the fleshy fruit of roses. This work compares the antioxidant compound (vitamin C, neutral phenols and acidic phenols) content of four Rosa species rosehips: R. pouzinii, R. corymbifera, R. glauca and R. canina from different geographical zones. Results show quantitative variability in ascorbic acids and neutral phenols content, and quantitative and qualitative differences in acidic phenol content, depending on species. Vitamin C concentration was highly variable depending on species, R. canina being the one with the highest concentration and R. pouzinii the one with the lowest content. Variability was found in total neutral polyphenols concentration and a correlation between freshness of the rosehips and concentration of neutral polyphenols was also found. Significant differences were found in the acidic phenols content among the studied species. Generally antioxidant activity was higher in the vitamin C fraction.

Ultrasound and Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Elecampane (Inula helenium) Roots

The aim of the current research was to perform two “green chemistry” extractions (ultrasound and microwave irradiation) with methanol, 70% (v/v) ethanol and water for extraction of biologically active substances from elecampane ( Inula helenium L.) roots and to compare their contents in all extracts. The presence of carbohydrates (sugars, fructooligosaccharides and inulin), total phenols and flavonoids were established. In vitro antioxidant potential was also evaluated by four assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and CUPRAC). Water extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) showed the highest value of inulin (38 g/100 g dry weight plant material). The highest antioxidant activity was possessed by the 70% (v/v) ethanol extracts obtained by UAE: DPPH – 107.2 mM TE/g dw, ABTS – 86.0 mM TE/g dw, FRAP – 67.0 mM TE/g dw and CUPRAC −173.0 mM TE/g dw, respectively. The reason for this probably depended on the highest content of total phenols in the 70% UAE ethanol extract {7.9 mg GAE/g dw, phenolic acids (chlorogenic, caffeic, p-coumaric, sinapic and ferulic acids)}, especially chlorogenic acid (1.84 mg/g) and flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol and catechin; 26.4 mg QE/g dw). UAE was evaluated as a promising approach for the simultaneous extraction of bioactive compounds (dietary fibers and antioxidants) from elecampane roots in comparison with microwave irradiation.