Functional and technological potential of dehydrated Phaseolus vulgaris L. flours

Native corn (Zea mays L., cv. 'Elotes Occidentales') polyphenols extract reduced total cholesterol and triglycerides levels, and decreased lipid accumulation in mice fed a high-fat diet

Obesity is a complex disease with numerous molecular and metabolic implications that could be prevented through proper diet and lifestyle. Native corn is a promissory underutilized plant species containing bioactive compounds that could reduce the impact of obesity. This research aimed to characterize and evaluate the anti-obesogenic effect of a polyphenols-rich extract of native corn ('Elotes Occidentales') in HFD-fed mice. The powdered extract was administered using gelatins to C57BL/6 J mice randomly divided into four groups (n:8/group) for 13 weeks: standard diet (SD) group, HFD group, HFD+200 mg extract/kg body weight (BW), and HFD+400 mg extract/kg BW/day. Ellagic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, and kaempferol were the most abundant phenolics (2022.44-4028.43 µg/g). Among the HFD groups, the highest dose of the extracts promoted the lowest BW gain, and fasting triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Moreover, the HFD+400 mg/kg BW group showed the lowest epididymal and subcutaneous adipose tissue weight and adipocytes' diameter and area between the HFD-treated animals. The extract administration prevented hepatic lipid accumulation. Rutin demonstrated the highest in silico binding affinity with proteins from the AMPK pathway (ACACA, SIRT1, and SREBP1) (-6.70 to -8.70 kcal/mol). Results indicated beneficial effects in alleviating obesity-associated parameters in vivo due to bioactive compounds from native maize extracts.

Chemical Profiling of Polar Lipids and the Polyphenolic Fraction of Commercial Italian Phaseolus Seeds by UHPLC-HRMS and Biological Evaluation

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the oldest food crops in the world. In this study, the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) technique was used to characterize the polar lipid composition and polyphenolic fraction of five bean varieties commonly consumed in Italy: Cannellino (PVCA), Controne (PVCO), Borlotti (PVBO), Stregoni (PVST), and Vellutina (PVVE). Lipid content represents a minor fraction of the whole metabolome in dry beans, and little is known about their polar lipids, which could be potentially bioactive components. Thirty-three compounds were detected through UHPLC-MS/MS, including oxylipins, phospholipids, N-acyl glycerolipids, and several fatty acids. The dichloromethane extracts were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA), with the results showing greater differentiation for the Borlotti variety. Moreover, 27 components belonging to different polyphenol classes, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, catechins, anthocyanins and their glycosides, and some saponins, were identified in the hydroalcoholic seed extracts. In addition, the mineral content of the beans was determined. Considering the high number of compounds in the five apolar seed extracts, all samples were examined to determine their in vitro inhibitory activity against the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is inducible in inflammatory cells and mediates inflammatory responses. Only PVCO showed the best inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme with an IC50 = 31.15 ± 2.16 µg/mL. In light of these results, the potential anti-inflammatory properties of PVCO were evaluated in the LPS-stimulated murine macrophage cell line J774A.1. Herein, we demonstrate, for the first time, that PVCO at 30 µg/mL can significantly reduce the release of TNF-α, with a less significant anti-inflammatory effect being observed in terms of IL-6 release.

Pretreatments and Particle Size on the Glycemic Index and Rheological and Functional Food Properties of Bean Flours

The beans' protein and slow-digesting carbohydrate content make it an appealing choice for healthy food development. However, its properties are influenced by the flour extraction processes. This study is aimed at evaluating the effect of particle size and three pretreatments-drying (D), soaking + cooking + dehydrating 3 h (SCD3), and soaking + cooking + dehydrating 24 h (SCD24)-on the estimated glycemic index (eGI) compared with raw bean flour (R). The methodology covered water absorption (WAI), water solubility (WSI), amylose content, starch digestibility, eGI, phenolic quantification, and rheology. The results showed that WAI correlated negatively with WSI and amylose, varying among pretreatments and sizes. WAI increased as D < SCD24 < SCD3 < R. Glucose release (HI) differed between fine (125 μm) and coarse fractions (242 μm), with SCD24 and R showing the lowest eGI (22.8-24.2). SCD3 had the highest flavonoid concentration, while R and D had more quercetin-3-glucoside. SCD24 displayed higher elastic/viscous moduli than R. Bean flours from all treatments had low GI and contained bioactive polyphenols (catechin, epicatechin, ferulic acid, quercetin). The optimal treatment was SCD24, particularly in the coarse fraction, showing potential for functional food development and novel applications such as precision nutrition.

Spent coffee grounds and its antioxidant dietary fiber promote different colonic microbiome signatures: Benefits for subjects with chronodisruption

Chronodisruption, commonly displayed by people living with obesity (PLO), is linked to colonic microbiota dysbiosis, and may increase the risk of many chronic non-communicable diseases, whereas dietary interventions-called chrononutrition may mitigate it. We evaluated the in vitro effects of spent coffee grounds (SCG), and their antioxidant dietary fiber (SCG-DF) on the colonic microbiota of an obese donor displaying dysbiosis and chronodisruption. Basal microbiota pattern was associated with an increased risk of non-communicable chronic diseases. Both samples decrease species richness and increase microbiota diversity (p < 0.05; Chao and Shannon index, respectively), positively enhancing Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes index (SCG, p < 0.04; SCG-DF, p < 0.02). SCG and SCG-DF modulated the microbiota, but SCG-DF induced greater changes, significantly increasing. p_Actonobacterias (SCG p < 0.04; SCG-DF, p < 0.02), and reducing g_Alistipes; s_putredinis, g_Prevotella;s_copri. The highest increase was displayed by p_Proteobacteria (f_Desulfovibrionaceae and f_Alcanigenaceae, p < 0.05), while g_Haemophilus; s_parainfluenzae decreased (p < 0.05). However, neither SCG nor SCG-DF modulated g_Alistipes (evening-type colonic microbial marker) beneficially. SCG and SCG-DF reduced (p < 0.05) g_Lachnospira, a microbial evening-type marker, among other microbial populations, of an obese donor displaying chronodisruption and dysbiosis. SCG and SCG-DF displayed a prebiotic effect with the potential to mitigate diseases linked to chronodisruption.

Common beans as a source of food ingredients: Techno-functional and biological potential

Common beans are an inexpensive source of high-quality food ingredients. They are rich in proteins, slowly digestible starch, fiber, phenolic compounds, and other bioactive molecules that could be separated and processed to obtain value-added ingredients with techno-functional and biological potential. The use of common beans in the food industry is a promising alternative to add nutritional and functional ingredients with a low impact on overall consumer acceptance. Researchers are evaluating traditional and novel technologies to develop functionally enhanced common bean ingredients, such as flours, proteins, starch powders, and phenolic extracts that could be introduced as functional ingredient alternatives in the food industry. This review compiles recent information on processing, techno-functional properties, food applications, and the biological potential of common bean ingredients. The evidence shows that incorporating an adequate proportion of common bean ingredients into regular foods such as pasta, bread, or nutritional bars improves their fiber, protein, phenolic compounds, and glycemic index profile without considerably affecting their organoleptic properties. Additionally, common bean consumption has shown health benefits in the gut microbiome, weight control, and the reduction of the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases. However, food matrix interaction studies and comprehensive clinical trials are needed to develop common bean ingredient applications and validate the health benefits over time.

Agro-Industrial Plant Proteins in Electrospun Materials for Biomedical Application

Plant proteins are receiving a lot of attention due to their abundance in nature, customizable properties, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and bioactivity. As a result of global sustainability concerns, the availability of novel plant protein sources is rapidly growing, while the extensively studied ones are derived from byproducts of major agro-industrial crops. Owing to their beneficial properties, a significant effort is being made to investigate plant proteins' application in biomedicine, such as making fibrous materials for wound healing, controlled drug release, and tissue regeneration. Electrospinning technology is a versatile platform for creating nanofibrous materials fabricated from biopolymers that can be modified and functionalized for various purposes. This review focuses on recent advancements and promising directions for further research of an electrospun plant protein-based system. The article highlights examples of zein, soy, and wheat proteins to illustrate their electrospinning feasibility and biomedical potential. Similar assessments with proteins from less-represented plant sources, such as canola, pea, taro, and amaranth, are also described.

Quercetin and Its Fermented Extract as a Potential Inhibitor of Bisphenol A-Exposed HT-29 Colon Cancer Cells’ Viability

Bisphenol A (BPA) promotes colon cancer by altering the physiological functions of hormones. Quercetin (Q) can regulate signaling pathways through hormone receptors, inhibiting cancer cells. The antiproliferative effects of Q and its fermented extract (FEQ, obtained by Q gastrointestinal digestion and in vitro colonic fermentation) were analyzed in HT-29 cells exposed to BPA. Polyphenols were quantified in FEQ by HPLC and their antioxidant capacity by DPPH and ORAC. Q and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) were quantified in FEQ. Q and FEQ exhibited antioxidant capacity. Cell viability with Q+BPA and FEQ+BPA was 60% and 50%, respectively; less than 20% of dead cells were associated with the necrosis process (LDH). Treatments with Q and Q+BPA induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, and FEQ and FEQ+BPA in the S phase. Compared with other treatments, Q positively modulated ESR2 and GPR30 genes. Using a gene microarray of the p53 pathway, Q, Q+BPA, FEQ and FEQ+BPA positively modulated genes involved in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest; bisphenol inhibited the expression of pro-apoptotic and cell cycle repressor genes. In silico analyses demonstrated the binding affinity of Q > BPA > DOPAC molecules for ERα and ERβ. Further studies are needed to understand the role of disruptors in colon cancer.

Chronic Consumption of Moringa Leaf Powder (Moringa oleifera) Concentration-Dependent Effects in a Drosophila melanogaster Type 2 Diabetes Model

OBJECTIVE

The metabolic effects of chronic consumption of food laced with different doses of moringa leaf powder (MLP) were assessed using a heteroallelic mutant of the sole insulin receptor gene of Drosophila melanogaster (InR), and the yellow,white (y,w) control stock.

METHODS

The MLP composition was partially determined. Both strains were raised in a standard diet (SD) or in a SD supplemented with different MLP doses (0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 4.0, and 5.5%) until 4-5 days of emergence. Afterward, the total carbohydrate, lipid, glucose, and triacylglyceride levels were measured in the flies. Additionally, survival and weight changes were reported. For metabolic tests, female and male virgin flies were evaluated separately.

RESULTS

Low MLP supplementation improved carbohydrate and glucose levels in the y,w strain. Additionally, the InR-mutant strain reported lower lipid content when subjected to the same regimes. Survival improved in both strains with low MLP doses, while chronic consumption of high MLP doses resulted in triacylglycerides increase, weight gain, and survival reduction.

CONCLUSION

Low doses of MLP supplementation improves some metabolic parameters that affect flies' survival, especially in the y,w strain. Furthermore, the same low doses of MLP treatments also resulted in metabolic improvements in the InR-mutant flies; however, MLP consumption levels should be carefully assessed.

Supplemental data for this article is available online at.

Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized with Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) Ethanolic Extracts Displayed Antiproliferative Effects and induced Caspase 3 Activity in Human HT29 and SW480 Cancer Cells

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are promising nanomaterials exhibiting anti-cancer effects. Green AuNPs synthesis using plant extracts can be used to achieve stable and beneficial nanoparticles due to their content of bioactive compounds. This research aimed to synthesize and evaluate the antiproliferative and caspase-3 activity induction of green AuNPs synthesized with common mullein (V. thapsus) flowers (AuNPsME) and castor bean (R. communis) leaves (AuNPsCE) ethanolic extracts in human HT29 and SW480 colorectal cancer cells. Their effect was compared with chemically synthesized AuNPs (AuNPsCS). The extracts mainly contained p-coumaric acid (71.88–79.93 µg/g), ferulic acid (19.07–310.71 µg/g), and rutin (8.14–13.31 µg/g). The obtained nanoparticles presented typical FT-IR bands confirming the inclusion of polyphenols from V. thapsus and R. communis and spherical/quasi-spherical morphologies with diameters in the 20.06–37.14 nm range. The nanoparticles (20–200 µg/mL) showed antiproliferative effects in both cell lines, with AuNPsCE being the most potent (IC50 HT29: 110.10 and IC50SW480: 64.57 µg/mL). The AuNPsCS showed the lowest intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in SW480 cells. All treatments induced caspase 3/7 activity to a similar or greater extent than 30 mM H2O2-treated cells. Results indicated the suitability of V. thapsus and R. communis extracts to synthesize AuNPs, displaying a stronger antiproliferative effect than AuNPsCS.

Daily Intake of a Phaseolus vulgaris L. Snack Bar Attenuates Hypertriglyceridemia and Improves Lipid Metabolism-Associated Plasma Proteins in Mexican Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Current efforts to prevent dyslipidemia are focused on the development of functional products as an alternative for hypertriglyceridemia management. This study assessed the metabolic effect of the daily consumption of a bean and oats snack bar (BOSB) on hypertriglyceridemia biomarkers among Mexican women. An 8-weeks randomized parallel clinical trial (ID: NCT0496694, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04966494) was conducted with 26 hypertriglyceridemic women allocated to BOSB group (TG = 208.18 ± 56.97 mg/dL) and control group (TG = 182.28 ± 51.39 mg/dL). Only the BOSB group consumed 50 g of the product per day. Fasting blood samples were taken from women with an adherence ≥ 90%. A targeted proteomic analysis with plasma samples of control and BOSB groups were conducted using a human obesity antibody array kit and bioinformatic tools provided by the Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA) software. Serum TG levels in the BOSB group decreased by 37.80% (132.04 ± 27.83 mg/dL) compared with the control group (178.87 ± 32.01 mg/dL); glucose levels decreased by 5.69% in the BOSB group (87.55 ± 3.36 mg/dL). A modest body weight (5%) reduction was also found. Forty proteins were differentially modulated by the BOSB consumption (fold change &gt; 1.2). The proteomic analysis revealed the involvement of BOSB bioactives in prevention of monocytes recruitment and localized inflammatory response, inhibition of pre-adipocyte maturation and adipogenesis, inhibition of hepatic b-oxidation, and potential satiety regulation. These results are promising since the mere intervention with the BOSB reduced serum TG without diet restriction, giving insights for further research in prevention of hypertriglyceridemia.

Sensory and process optimization of a mango bagasse-based beverage with high fiber content and low glycemic index

This research aimed to develop and optimize a mango bagasse (MB) powdered beverage with high fiber content and low glycemic index, acceptable by their potential consumers. The powdered beverage contained 40 g of mango bagasse (Manguifera indica L., var. Manila), xanthan gum (XG), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and silicon dioxide (SDO). The amount of MB remained constant and, 0.5.%, 1.0%, and 2.0% of CMC, XG and SDO were added according to a factorial design 3³. The independent variables evaluated were relative viscosity, sedimentation index, solids (ºBx), and color. Statistical optimization was carried out, looking for low values of viscosity and sedimentation index, obtaining the formulation, 0.5% XG, 0.5% CMC, and 0.5% SDO. A preference test was performed with this formulation using a commercial powdered beverage as a reference, 60 consumers participated. Data showed a preference similar to that of the commercial powered beverage, moreover, the MB beverage had a content of 40.90% of total fiber, from which 15.03% was soluble fiber. The beverage had a low glycemic index (45.99) and its postprandial glycemic curve was stable for 120 min, indicating that the beverage shows potential as a functional food.

Protein Concentrates on Tepary Bean (Phaseolus acutifolius Gray) as a Functional Ingredient: In silico Docking of Tepary Bean Lectin to Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma

The tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius Gray) is a US-Mexico frontier native crop, produces high yields in agriculture, and needs to be reconsidered because of its nutritional and functional properties. This study aimed to determine the technological and nutritional properties of flours and protein concentrates of tepary bean, besides determining an in silico agonist effect of tepary bean lectin to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ). We evaluated the technological properties of raw samples (tepary flour and tepary protein concentrate) and cooked samples (tepary flour and tepary protein concentrate). The flours present a significant difference (p < 0.05) concerning protein concentrates in water absorption and oil absorption capacity. The raw samples' emulsifying capacity was higher than that reported in the literature for other legumes, but not the cooked samples. The samples' foaming capacity had no significant difference in treatments (p > 0.05), and cooked tepary bean protein concentrate presented complete gelation at a lower concentration (2%). Nutritionally, raw samples present a protein percentage of 23.46 ± 0.06 and 71.38 ± 0.44 and cooked samples present a protein percentage of 25.27 ± 0.04 and 62.69 ± 0.14; a chemical score of 72, 86, 82, and 72; in vitro protein digestibility (%) = 48.20 ± 0.31, 49.80 ± 0.80, 61.77 ± 1.70, and 63.61 ± 4.19; and C-PER = 0.86, 1.34, 1.93, and 1.81, respectively. All the samples showed methionine + cysteine as the limiting amino acid. All these nutritional data are very similar to the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). SDS-PAGE preserves the lectin fraction in both protein concentrates. The in silico study of tepary lectin (PDB: 6tt9) shows that there were seven peptides that presented values below -120 kcal/mol: PEW, VSVGF, PSQK, TTPW, ATSF, ITY, and TSF, with VSVGF, PSQK, and PEW having the highest affinity for active sites of the PAPRγ receptor (binding energies from -5.32 to -7.04 kcal/mol). These peptides could show antiadipogenic or antidiabetic activity based on the intermolecular bond energies and open an interesting research item.

In vitro gastrointestinal digestion and simulated colonic fermentation of pistachio nuts determine the bioaccessibility and biosynthesis of chronobiotics

Chronodisruption leads to obesity and other metabolic disorders that can be alleviated by food-derived potential chronobiotics, such as phytomelatonin (PMT), phenolic compounds (PCs) and dietary fiber rich pistachios. Pistachios with (PN + SC) or without (PN) the seed coat were investigated for their in vitro chronobiotic potential since they are one of the main reported PMT sources. Consequently we evaluated the bioaccessibility, permeability, and biosynthesis of pistachio chronobiotics, particularly PMT, during gastrointestinal and colonic fermentation. The maximum in vitro bioaccessibility and apparent permeability (efflux-prone) of PCs, flavonoids and PMT were sample-specific [∼1.3% (both), 27 and 3.4% (PN + SC)], but additional amounts (flavonoids > PCs > PMT) were released under simulated colonic conditions. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs; 38 mM; >50% butyrate, PN + SC > PN) and some metabolites (e.g., indole, benzaldehyde, phenolic acids, and aliphatic/aromatic hydrocarbons) were detected depending on the sample. The predominant pistachio butyrate production during in vitro colonic fermentation can improve chronodisruption and benefit obese individuals. Pistachio's digestion increases the bioaccessibility and intestinal permeability of potential chronobiotics (PMT and PCs) and the biosynthesis of colonic metabolites (SCFAs, among others) also with chronobiotic potential.

Colonic metabolites from digested Moringa oleifera leaves induced HT-29 cell death via apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy

Colorectal cancer is an important concern in modern society. Risk factors such as the diet indicate the need to find healthy food products displaying additional health benefits. This study aimed to characterise and evaluate the impact of the colonic metabolites from the fermented non-digestible fraction of Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves (FNFM) on cell death mechanisms from HT-29 cells. MO leaves were digested in vitro, and the 12 h-colonic extract was obtained. FNFM mainly contained morin and chlorogenic acids (41.97 and 25.33 µg/g sample). Butyric acid was ranked as the most important metabolite of FNFM. The FNFM exerted antiproliferative effect against HT-29 colorectal cancer cells (half lethal concentration, LC₅₀: 5.9 mL/100 mL). Compared to untreated control, LC₅₀ increased H2O2 production (149.43%); induced apoptosis (119.02%), autophagy (75.60%), and necrosis (87.72%). These results suggested that digested MO colonic metabolites exert antiproliferative effect against HT-29 cells, providing additional health benefits associated with MO consumption.

Impact of cooking and nixtamalization on the bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity of phenolic compounds from two sorghum varieties

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) has been sparsely used as human food due to certain anti-nutritional factors such as tannins that reduce its digestibility, although the grain is an important source of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds (PCs). This study aimed to assess the impact of cooking and alkaline cooking (nixtamalization) on the bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity of PCs of two sorghum varieties (white/red). Nixtamalization was the most effective procedure for the reduction of tannins (74.3%). Gallic acid proved to be the most bioaccessible PC (6359 μg/g). The total phenolics and condensed tannins correlated with the antioxidant capacity (ABTS/DPPH; R²: 0.30-0.43, p < 0.05). These results confirm the potential of thermal procedures to significantly modify the bioaccessibility of sorghum compounds, enhancing their concentrations and reducing anti-nutritional factors (tannins) while improving their antioxidant capacity.

Impact of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity of bioactive compounds from Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) leaves and juice extracts

The fruits consumption is highly associated with a lessening in the risk of the chronic noncommunicable diseases. Despite their content of bioactive compounds, physiological conditions might affect their bioaccessibility and biological potential. Hence, the purpose of this research was to evaluate the bioaccessibility and in vitro antioxidant capacity of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, ascorbic acid, and mono/oligosaccharides) from passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) juice and leaves extracts (PJE and PLE, respectively) during an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. PLE exhibited the highest overall bioaccessibility of phenolics and mono/oligosaccharides. Ascorbic acid and kaempferol were the most bioaccessible (up to 12- and 13-fold, respectively) compounds and showed the highest net permeabilities (0.32-34.65 × 10^-5 ). Chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and xylose showed the highest correlation with the antioxidant capacity (ABTS/DPPH methods). These results indicated the ability of digestion to improve bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity of bioactives compounds from P. edulis extracts. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Several international organizations, World Health Organization (WHO) among them, are actively encouraging an increase in the fruit and vegetable intake worldwide in response to the global rise in noncommunicable diseases, among other actions. Fruits and processed foods are increasingly used in the European food industry. Additionally, exotic and tropical fruits cannot be produced in the European Union, which opens up a variety of opportunities for our Colombian tropical fruits such as mango or exotic fruits such as passion fruit. Evaluating parameters such as bioaccessibility and intestinal permeability of these bioactives derived from both P. edulis juice and leaves extracts contributes with new evidence regarding their stability along the gastrointestinal tract and their consumption as a source of health-promoting compounds. The results of this research are an important achievement on the way to make the transition from basic to applied research. Informing the health benefits of this tropical fruit can stimulate its demand.

Effect of the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on free-phenolic compounds and mono/oligosaccharides from Moringa oleifera leaves: Bioaccessibility, intestinal permeability and antioxidant capacity

Moringa oleifera is a plant recognized for its compounds such as dietary fiber (oligosaccharides, amongst others) and polyphenols, with biological activities. These properties depend on bioactive compounds (BC) interactions with food matrix/digestion conditions, which have not been evaluated. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the bioaccessibility, intestinal permeability and antioxidant capacity of BC (free-phenolic compounds (PC); and mono/oligosaccharides (MOS)) from Moringa oleifera leaves (ML) powder during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The gallic/caffeic acids, morin, kaempferol, mannose and stachyose showed the highest bioaccessibilities (~6-210%). The PC correlated with the antioxidant capacity (R²: 0.59-0.98, p < .05), whereas gallic/caffeic acids were the highest. The apparent permeability coefficients of bioactive compounds (0.62-36.65 × 10^-4 cm/s) and water flux/glucose transport confirmed the model similarity to in vivo experiments. The results suggest that ML digestion dynamically modifies PC/MOS bioaccessibility/antioxidant capacity while most of them are not completely absorbed in the small intestine.

Changes on the phytochemicals profile of instant corn flours obtained by traditional nixtamalization and ohmic heating process

We studied the changes in the phytochemicals profile of two instant corn flours produced by different process: traditional nixtamalization process (TN) and by ohmic heating process (OH). The highest total phenolics content was found in the OH flours (OHF), which showed predominance of bound phenolics and free flavonoids compared with the TN flours (TNF). Ferulic acid measured by HPLC-DAD was the most abundant compound in its bound form in the OHF, but decreased by 57% in TNF. The insoluble fiber content was preserved by the OHF (17.49%) and the soluble fiber increased ∼65% compared with TNF. These data suggest that instant corn flours processed by OH preserves the phenolic profile and antioxidant profile similarly than flours processed by TN; furthermore, water waste was reduced significantly, and no effluents were produced in the ohmic heating process.

Bioaccessibility during In Vitro Digestion and Antiproliferative Effect of Bioactive Compounds from Andean Berry ( Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) Juice

Berry consumption is associated with colorectal-cancer chemoprevention, but digestive conditions can affect this property. The bioaccessibility and apparent permeability coefficients of bioactive compounds from Andean Berry Juice (ABJ) after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation were analyzed. The antiproliferative effect of the fermented nondigestible fraction was evaluated against SW480 colon-adenocarcinoma cells. Gallic acid displayed the highest bioaccessibility in the mouth, stomach, small intestine, and colon. However, chlorogenic acid exhibited the highest apparent permeability coefficients (up to 1.98 × 10^-4 cm/s). The colonic-fermentation fraction showed an increase of ≥50% antiproliferative activity against SW480 cells (19.32%, v/v), equivalent to those of gallic acid (13.04 μg/g), chlorogenic acid (7.07 μg/g), caffeic acid (0.40 μg/g), ellagic acid (7.32 μg/g), rutin (6.50 μg/g), raffinose (0.14 mg/g), stachyose (0.70 mg/g), and xylose (9.41 mg/g). Bioactive compounds from ABJ are bioaccessible through the gastrointestinal tract and colon fermentation, resulting in antiproliferative activity.

In vitro health promoting properties of antioxidant dietary fiber extracted from spent coffee (Coffee arabica L.) grounds

Antioxidant dietary fiber extracted from spent coffee grounds (FSCG) was evaluated as a potential functional food ingredient when incorporated in a food model (biscuits), and digested in vitro under simulated human gastrointestinal conditions. FSCG added to biscuits increased its total dietary fiber, antioxidant capacity after in vitro digestion, bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds (gallic acid and catechin) and amino acids. Furthermore, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), involved in chronic diseases, decreased up to 6-folds in the biscuits containing FSCG when compared with the traditional biscuit. The digestible fraction of biscuits containing the highest amount of FSCG (5 g) displayed the higher inhibiting α-glucosidase activity, correlating with the bioaccessibility of ascorbic acid and catechin. Our study seems to indicate that anti-diabetic compounds may be released in the small intestine during FSCG digestion, where biscuits containing FSCG may be able to beneficially regulate sugar metabolism thereby helping in producing foods friendly for diabetes.

Interactions of flavonoids with α-amylase and starch slowing down its digestion

Hydrophobic flavonoids can suppress starch digestion in the intestine by forming starch-flavonoid complexes.

Evaluation of Fungal Growth on Olive-Mill Wastewaters Treated at High Temperature and by High-Pressure Homogenization

Reuse of olive mill wastewaters (OMWWs) in agriculture represents a significant challenge for health and safety of our planet. Phytotoxic compounds in OMWW generally prohibit use of untreated OMWWs for agricultural irrigation or direct discharge into surface waters. However, pretreated OMWW can have positive effects on chemical and microbiological soil characteristics, to fight against fungal soil-borne pathogens. Low amounts of OMWW following thermal (TT-OMWW) and high-pressure homogenization (HPH-OMWW) pretreatments counteracted growth of some of 12 soil-borne and/or pathogenic fungi examined. With fungal growth measured as standardized change in time to half maximum colony diameter, Δτ, overall, HPH-OMWW showed increased bioactivity, as increased mean Δτ from 3.0 to 4.8 days. Principal component analysis highlighted two fungal groups: Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Alternaria alternata, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Rosellinia necatrix, with growth strongly inhibited by the treated OMWWs; and Aspergillus ochraceus and Phaeoacremonium parasiticum, with stimulated growth by the treated OMWWs. As a non-thermal treatment, HPH-OMWW generally shows improved positive effects, which potentially arise from preservation of the phenols.

Physicochemical and nutraceutical properties of moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves and their effects in an in vivo AOM/DSS-induced colorectal carcinogenesis model

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a plant that has generated great interest in recent years because of its attributed medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to characterize the bioactive compounds of moringa leaves (MO) and evaluate their effect on a colorectal carcinogenesis model. Twenty-four male CD-1 mice were divided into 4 groups: Group 1 fed with basal diet (negative control/NC); Group 2 received AOM/DSS (positive control); Groups 3 and 4 were fed with basal diet supplemented with moringa leaves (2.5% w/w and 5% w/w, respectively) for 12weeks. Moringa leaves exhibited a high content of dietary fiber (~18.75%) and insoluble dietary fiber (2.29%). There were identified 9 phenolic compounds whereas the chlorogenic and ρ-coumaric acid showed the higher contents (44.23-63.34μg/g and 180.45-707.42μg/g, respectively). Moringa leaves decreased the activity of harmful fecal enzymes (β-glucosidase, β-glucuronidase, tryptophanase and urease up to 40%, 43%, 103% and 266%, respectively) as well tumors incidence in male CD1-mice (~50% with 5% w/v of moringa dose). These findings suggest that the bioactive compounds of moringa such as total dietary fiber and phenolic compounds may have chemopreventive capacity. This is the first study of the suppressive effect of moringa leaves in an in vivo model of AOM/DSS-induced colorectal carcinogenesis.

Microbiota source impact in vitro metabolite colonic production and anti-proliferative effect of spent coffee grounds on human colon cancer cells (HT-29)

Human gut flora-mediated non-digestible fraction of spent coffee grounds (hgf-NDSCG) was evaluated for its chemopreventive effect and molecular mechanisms involved on human colon adenocarcinoma HT-29 cell survival using two different microbiota source [lean (L) and overweight (OW)]. The source of human gut flora (hgf) (L or OW) affected the pH of hgf-NDSCG only minimally, but linearly reduced those of hgf-inulin. The variability between lean and overweight microbiota was characterized by the metabolism and/or bioaccessibility of different phenolic metabolites, their intermediate and end products as well as by variable time courses. Apoptosis of colon cancer HT-29 cells depended on the microbiota source with the lean microbiota expressing a low lethal concentration 50 (LC₅₀/L-hgf-NDSCG=13.5%). We demonstrate that NDSCG and its colonic metabolite from lean microbiota induced HT-29 cell apoptosis by reducing catalase and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α as biomarkers of in vivo oxidative stress as the primary mechanism underlying its overall chemoprotection against colon cancer.

Mango-bagasse functional-confectionery: vehicle for enhancing bioaccessibility and permeability of phenolic compounds

Study on bioaccessibility and absorption path of mango bagasse phenolics.

Delivery of Flavonoids and Saponins from Black Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Seed Coats Incorporated into Whole Wheat Bread

Cereal-based products can be used as vehicles for the delivery of relevant bioactive compounds since they are staple foods for most cultures throughout the world. The health promoting benefits of flavonoids and saponins contained in black bean seed coats have been previously described. In the present work, the effect of adding flavonoids and saponins from black bean seed coat to the typical yeast-leavened whole wheat bread formulation in terms of bread features, organoleptic properties and phytochemical profile was studied. The retention of bioactive compounds was determined and the inhibitory effects of in vitro enzyme digested samples on two colon cancer cell lines (Caco-2 and HT29) was evaluated. The addition of bioactive compounds did not significantly affect baking properties or texture parameters. Among organoleptic properties of enriched breads, only crumb color was affected by the addition of bioactive compounds. However, the use of whole wheat flour partially masked the effect on color. More than 90% of added flavonoids and saponins and 80% of anthocyanins were retained in bread after baking. However, saponins were reduced more than 50% after the in vitro enzyme digestion. The black bean seed coat phytochemicals recovered after in vitro enzyme digestion of enriched breads significantly reduced by 20% the viability of colon cancer cells without affecting standard fibroblast cells (p < 0.05).