Pectin oligosaccharides from hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge. Var. major): Molecular characterization and potential antiglycation activities

Screening and identification of peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 inhibitors from herbal plants extracts and purified natural products by a trypsin assisted sensitive immunoassay based on streptavidin magnetic beads

Peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) plays a critical role in many autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. Herein, a trypsin assisted highly immunoassay method was established to determine PAD4 activity and screen potent inhibitors from herbal plants extracts and purified natural products. The method was applied to determine endogenous PAD4 activity in both cell and tissue lysates, as well as the inhibitory effects of 20 herbal plants and 50 purified natural products. The Cinnamomi ramulus extract showed strongest inhibitory potency with IC50 value lower than 5 μg/mL. Meanwhile, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), widely used as a dietary supplement, was discovered as a promising PAD4 inhibitor with an IC50 value lower than 4 μM. The inhibition kinetic analysis, drug affinity response target stability (DARTS) and molecular docking were performed to confirm the interaction between PQQ and PAD4. This method has great potential for researchers to monitor activities and discover potential inhibitors of PAD4.

Comparative effects of pectin and hydrolyzed pectin coating as pre-frying treatments on acrylamide formation in potato chips

This study aimed to compare the effects of pectin and hydrolyzed pectin coating as pre-frying treatments on acrylamide content and quality characteristics of fried potato chips. The hydrolyzed pectin with molecular weight (Mw) of 8.81 ± 0.49 kDa was obtained through partial degradation of pectin (Mw: 747.57 ± 6.73 kDa) using pectinase. Results showed that both pectin and hydrolyzed pectin coating significantly inhibited acrylamide formation and inhibition rates exceeded 90 %. Hydrolyzed pectin had stronger inhibitory activity against acrylamide formation than pectin, especially when the concentration of hydrolyzed pectin was >2 %, its inhibitory rate exceeded 95 %. Compared to pectin coating, hydrolyzed pectin coating endow fried potato chips with smaller browning, higher crispness, less moisture but higher oil content. Overall, hydrolyzed pectin had better application prospects than pectin in inhibiting acrylamide formation of fried potato chips.

Hawthorn Fruit (Crataegus spp.) Polysaccharides Exhibit Immunomodulatory Activity on Macrophages via TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Activation

The immunostimulatory effects and the involved molecular mechanisms of polysaccharides from hawthorn fruit (Crataegus spp.) have not been well understood. In this study, the chemical composition, monosaccharide composition, uronic acid content, and structural features of hawthorn fruit polysaccharides (HFP) and the two collected fractions were analyzed. Both AF1-2 and AF2 have pectic-like structural features rich in galacturonic acid. AF2 showed superior proinflammatory effects on macrophages which significantly increased the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, but not AF1-2. AF2 was found to activate the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway with suppressed expression of IκBα but up-regulated expression of p-IκBα and nuclear factor-κB P65. The surface binding site of AF2 on macrophage cells was characterized and toll like receptor-4 was responsible for AF2 induced activation of down-stream nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways. AF2 from hawthorn fruit could be potentially used as a natural source of immunomodulator in functional foods.

Preparation, structural characterization, bioactivities, and applications of Crataegus spp. polysaccharides: A review

Crataegus, is a genus within the Rosaceae family. It is recognized as a valuable plant with both medicinal and edible qualities, earning it the epithet of the "nutritious fruit" owing to its abundant bioactive compounds. Polysaccharides are carbohydrate polymers linked by glycosidic bonds, one of the crucial bioactive ingredients of Crataegus spp. Recently, Crataegus spp. polysaccharides (CPs) have garnered considerable attention due to their diverse range of bioactivities, including prebiotic, hypolipidemic, anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, and immunobiological properties. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent research on CPs. The analysis revealed that CPs exhibited a broad molecular weight distribution, ranging from 5.70 Da to 4.76 × 108 Da, and are composed of various monosaccharide constituents such as mannose, rhamnose, and arabinose. Structure-activity relationships demonstrated that the biological function of CPs is closely associated with their molecular weight, galacturonic acid content, and chemical modifications. Additionally, CPs have excellent bioavailability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, which make them promising candidates for applications in the food, medicine, and cosmetic industries. The article also scrutinized the potential development and future research directions of CPs. Overall, this article provides comprehensive knowledge and underpinnings of CPs for future research and development as therapeutic agents and multifunctional food additives.

Preparation and potential antitumor activity of alginate oligosaccharides degraded by alginate lyase from Cobetia marina

It is of great significance to develop marine resources and study its potential biological activity by using alginate lyase produced by marine psychrophilic bacteria. In the previous study, a new marine psychrophilic bacterium (Cobetia marina HQZ08) was screened from the growth area of Laminaria japonica, and it was found that the strain could efficiently produce alginate-degrading enzyme (Aly30). In this paper, the ability of Aly30 to degrade alginate was optimized and the optimal degradation conditions were obtained. It was found that the main degradation product of alginate oligosaccharides was trisaccharide. In vitro cell experiments showed that the antitumor activity of low molecular weight alginate oligosaccharides was better than that of high molecular weight alginate oligosaccharides. In summary, Aly30 had the potential to produce alginate oligosaccharides with low degree of polymerization and antitumor activity, which provided a reference for the enzymatic preparation and application of alginate oligosaccharides.

Complete genome sequence of pectin-degrading Flavobacteriaceae bacterium GSB9

Pectic oligosaccharides, which are considered to be potential prebiotics, may be generated by pectin-degrading enzymes. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the pectin-degrading marine bacterium, Flavobacteriaceae bacterium GSB9, which was isolated from seawater of South Korea. The complete genome sequence revealed that the chromosome was 3,630,376 bp in size, had a G + C content of 36.6 mol%, and was predicted to encode 3100 protein-coding sequences (CDSs), 40 tRNAs, and six 16S-23S-5S rRNAs. Genome sequence analysis revealed that this strain possesses multiple genes predicted to encode pectin-degrading enzymes. Our analysis may facilitate the future application of this strain against pectin in various industries.

Physicochemical, structural and in vitro gastrointestinal tract release properties of ι-carrageenan/sodium caseinate synbiotic microgels produced by double-crosslinking with calcium ions and transglutaminase

The aim of this study was to develop ι-carrageenan (ιC)/sodium caseinate (NaCas) synbiotic microgels loading Lacticasebacillus paracasei produced by double-crosslinking with calcium ions and different concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 15 U/g protein) of transglutaminase (TGase). The synbiotic microgels were coated/filled with pectic oligosaccharide (POS). Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses indicated that L. paracasei was successfully microencapsulated in synbiotic microgels. In Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis, the new formation of covalent and ionic crosslinking was observed in double-crosslinked synbiotic microgels. The encapsulation efficiency of L. paracasei was significantly increased from 87.82 to 97.68 % by increasing the concentration of TGase from 0 to 15 U/g protein, respectively. After exposure to simulated gastric fluid for 2 h and simulated intestinal fluid for 4 h, the survival rate of L. paracasei was significantly increased as the concentration of TGase increased.

Antidiabetic activity of Armillaria mellea polysaccharides: Joint ultrasonic and enzyme assisted extraction

Armillaria mellea polysaccharides (AMPs) were obtained by ultrasonic assisted extraction (U), enzyme assisted extraction (E) and ultrasonic-enzyme assisted extraction (UE), respectively. The yield of UE-AMPs (6.32 ± 0.14%) was 1.64 times higher than that of U-AMPs (3.86 ± 0.11%) and 1.21 times higher than that of E-AMPs (5.21 ± 0.09%); meanwhile, the highest total sugar content and the lowest protein content were found in UE-AMPs. AMPs obtained from the three extraction methods had the same monosaccharide composition but in different proportions, allowing UE-AMPs to have the most potent antioxidant activity. The antidiabetic activity of UE-AMPs was investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. UE-AMPs, when given by gavage, greatly prevented weight loss, increased water intake, and considerably decreased blood glucose levels in diabetic mice, which were dose-dependent (P < 0.05). In addition, UE-AMPs also had a positive effect on the reduction of lipid levels in the blood, oxidative damage and liver function impairment. The pathological observation by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) revealed that UE-AMPs protected the organs of mice from diabetic complications (liver disease and nephropathy). Hence, our findings demonstrate that UE-AMPs are a suitable choice for improving diabetes and its complications and have great application prospects in the fields of natural medicine and functional food.

Xylanopectinolytic enzymes by marine actinomycetes from sediments of Sarena Kecil, North Sulawesi: high potential to produce galacturonic acid and xylooligosaccharides from raw biomass

BACKGROUND

Actinomycetes isolated from marine habitats are known to have the potential for novel enzymes that are beneficial in the industry. In-depth knowledge is necessary given the variety of this bacterial group in Indonesia and the lack of published research. Actinomycetes isolates (BLH 5-14) obtained from marine sediments of Sarena Kecil, Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, showed an ability to produce pectinase and xylanase that have equal or even higher potential for pectic-oligosaccharides (POS) and xylooligosaccharides (XOS) production from raw biomass than from commercial substrates. This study's objective was to characterize both enzymes to learn more for future research and development.

RESULTS

Pectinase had the highest activity on the 6^th day (1.44±0.08 U/mL) at the optimum pH of 8.0 and optimum temperature of 50 °C. Xylanase had the maximum activity on the 6^th day (4.33±0.03 U/mL) at optimum pH 6.0 and optimum temperature 60 °C. Hydrolysis and thin layer chromatography also showed that pectinase was able to produce monosaccharides such as galacturonic acid (P1), and xylanase was able to yield oligosaccharides such as xylotriose (X3), xylotetraose (X4), and xylopentaose (X5). BLH 5-14 identified as the genus Streptomyces based on the 16S rDNA sequences and the closely related species Streptomyces tendae (99,78%).

CONCLUSIONS

In the eco-friendly paper bleaching industry, Streptomyces tendae has demonstrated the potential to create enzymes with properties that can be active in a wide range of pH levels. The oligosaccharides have the potential as prebiotics or dietary supplements with anti-cancer properties. Further research is needed to optimize the production, purification, and development of the application of pectinase and xylanase enzymes produced by Actinomycetes isolates.

Advances in Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides: Extraction, purification, structure, biosynthesis, and bioactivity

Polygonatum sibiricum has been used as food and medicine for thousands of years, and P. sibiricum polysaccharides (PSPs) have become the hot research spot due to their various health-promoting functions. Numerous studies have shown that PSPs possess huge potential in the application of functional food and medicine fields. However, the research status and features of the preparation process, molecular structure, and bioactivities of PSPs are unclear. Therefore, this review makes a comprehensive summary and proposes new insights and guidelines for the extraction, purification, structural features, biosynthesis, and multiple bioactivities of PSPs. Notably, it is concluded that PSPs mainly contain several types of polysaccharides, including fructan, pectin, galactomannan, glucomannans, arabinogalactan, and galactan, and multiple bioactivates, including osteogenic activity, anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, anti-depression, antioxidant, antiglycation, and protective effect against neurotoxicity and gut microbiota regulating activity. This review contributes to the structure-function study and resource utilization of P. sibiricum and its polysaccharides in food fields.

Food Applications and Potential Health Benefits of Hawthorn

Hawthorn (Crataegus) is a plant of the Rosaceae family and is widely grown throughout the world as one of the medicinal and edible plants, known as the “nutritious fruit” due to its richness in bioactive substances. Preparations derived from it are used in the formulation of dietary supplements, functional foods, and pharmaceutical products. Rich in amino acids, minerals, pectin, vitamin C, chlorogenic acid, epicatechol, and choline, hawthorn has a high therapeutic and health value. Many studies have shown that hawthorn has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-cardiovascular disease, and digestive enhancing properties. This is related to its bioactive components such as polyphenols (chlorogenic acid, proanthocyanidin B2, epicatechin), flavonoids (proanthocyanidins, mucoxanthin, quercetin, rutin), and pentacyclic triterpenoids (ursolic acid, hawthornic acid, oleanolic acid), which are also its main chemical constituents. This paper briefly reviews the chemical composition, nutritional value, food applications, and the important biological and pharmacological activities of hawthorn. This will contribute to the development of functional foods or nutraceuticals from hawthorn.

Hawthorn Juice Simulation System for Pectin and Polyphenol Adsorption Behavior: Kinetic Modeling Properties and Identification of the Interaction Mechanism

The interaction between polyphenols and polysaccharides plays an important role in increasing the turbidity stability of fruit juice and improving unpleasant sensory experiences. The binding adsorption behavior between hawthorn pectin (HP) and polyphenols (epicatechin and chlorogenic acid) accorded with the monolayer adsorption behavior driven by chemical action and were better fitted by pseudo-second order dynamic equation and Langmuir model. The HP binding sites (Qm) and adsorption capacity (Qe) to epicatechin were estimated at 75.188 and 293.627 μg/mg HP, respectively, which was about nine and twelve times higher than that of chlorogenic acid. The interaction between HP and polyphenols exhibited higher turbidity characteristics, particle size and lower zeta potential than epicatechin and chlorogenic acid alone. Meanwhile, according to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis, it could be speculated that the interaction between HP and polyphenols resulted in chemical combination. Moreover, ΔH < 0 and TΔS < 0, which indicated that the interaction between HP and polyphenols was mainly driven by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces.

High pressure processing improves the texture quality of fermented minced pepper by maintaining pectin characteristics during storage

Texture quality affects the sensory and market acceptance of fermentation minced pepper (FMP), but it will deteriorate during storage. Thus, high pressure processing (HPP) and thermal pasteurization (TP) were used to improve the texture quality of FMP during storage. The results showed that variations in texture quality and pectin characteristics under HPP and TP treatments were similar during storage. The hardness, cell wall material (CWM) and sodium carbonate-soluble pectin (SSP) content, water-soluble pectin (WSP) molecular weight (M_w ) decreased, while WSP content and sodium chelate-soluble pectin (CSP) M_w increased after storage. HPP-treated FMP showed higher hardness (66.64-85.95 N) than that in TP-treated one (57.23-62.72 N) during storage. Rhamnose (Rha), arabinose, mannose, and glucose were the crucial compositions in three pectins, and their total molar ratios, respectively, reached 89.19% and 87.97% after HPP and TP treatment. However, the molar ratio of most monosaccharide in three pectins decreased after storage. Atomic force microscope images indicated the short chains and branch structures increased but aggregates decreased in most pectin components during storage. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated FMP hardness was extremely (p < 0.01) positively correlated with CWM and SSP content, and extremely (p < 0.01) negatively correlated with WSP content. Compared to TP treatment, HPP presented higher hardness, SSP content and M_w , Rha content, CSP M_w , and lower WSP content during storage. Hence, HPP was an effective method to improve the texture quality of FMP by maintaining pectin characteristics during storage. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Softening is one of the main factors affecting market value and consumer preferences for FMP, and it is closely related to the modification and depolymerization of pectin. Changes of texture quality and pectin properties in HPP- and TP-treated FMP during storage were assessed, including hardness, the content, monosaccharide compositions, M_w distribution, and nanostructure of WSP, SSP, and CSP. Compared to TP treatment, HPP could effectively improve the texture quality of FMP by inhibiting pectin degradation during storage. All the findings presented in this study would help to provide new insights into regulating the texture quality of FMP.

Effect of pectin oligosaccharides supplementation on infant formulas: The storage stability, formation and intestinal absorption of advanced glycation end products

Pectin oligosaccharides with a molecular weight greater than 700 Da was obtained from the pomace of kiwi (Actinidia arguta). Based on characteristics analysis and inhibitory activity of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation in vitro, the target pectin oligosaccharides was added to infant formulas and then subjected to accelerated storage. Results showed that pectin oligosaccharides supplementation inhibited the browning of infant formulas and glassy transition of lactose, and slowed down the increase of water activity under accelerated storage conditions. Pectin oligosaccharides also inhibited the formation of AGEs in infant formulas, such as 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural, N^ε-carboxymethyl-lysine, N^ε-carboxyethyl-lysine, methylglyoxal hydromidazolones, glyoxal hydromidazolones, glyoxal-lysine dimer, methylglyoxal-lysine dimer and pyrraline. Besides, permeability studies using Caco-2 cell monolayer also showed that pectin oligosaccharides supplementation inhibited the intestinal absorption of AGEs, especially 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural, Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine, Nε-carboxyethyl-lysine and glyoxal hydromidazolones. These results provide a reliable theoretical basis for the application of pectin oligosaccharides in infant formulas.

Mango Pectic Oligosaccharides: A Novel Prebiotic for Functional Food

Prebiotics are functional food ingredients that assist probiotic growth and render many other health benefits. Mango peel is the biomass of the processing industry and has recently been value-added as a dietary fiber pectin. Besides its general use as a food additive, mango peel pectin (MPP) is partially hydrolyzed by pectinase to obtain pectic oligosaccharides (POSs) that have recently gained attention as novel prebiotic products and in medical research. This review describes probiotic candidates responsible for the digestion of pectin derivatives and the advantages of POSs as functional additives and their current best retrieval options. Mango pectic oligosaccharide (MPOS) recovery from low methoxyl MPP from mango with prebiotic performance both in vivo and in vitro environments is discussed. Current research gaps and potential developments in the field are also explored. The overall worthiness of this article is the potential use of the cheap-green food processing bioresource for high-value components.

Micro-Fourier-transform infrared reflectance spectroscopy as tool for probing IgG glycosylation in COVID-19 patients

It has been reported that patients diagnosed with COVID-19 become critically ill primarily around the time of activation of the adaptive immune response. However the role of antibodies in the worsening of disease is not obvious. Higher titers of anti-spike immunoglobulin IgG1 associated with low fucosylation of the antibody Fc tail have been associated to excessive inflammatory response. In contrast it has been also reported that NP-, S-, RBD- specific IgA, IgG, and IgM are not associated with SARS-CoV-2 viral load, indicating that there is no obvious correlation between antibody response and viral antigen detection. In the present work the micro-Fourier-transform infrared reflectance spectroscopy (micro-FTIR) was employed to investigate blood serum samples of healthy and COVID-19-ill (mild or oligosymptomatic) individuals (82 healthcare workers volunteers in “Instituto de Infectologia Emilio Ribas”, São Paulo, Brazil). The molecular-level-sensitive, multiplexing quantitative and qualitative FTIR data probed on 1 µL of dried biofluid was compared to signal-to-cutoff index of chemiluminescent immunoassays CLIA and ELISA (IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2). Our main result indicated that 1702–1785 \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\hbox {cm}^{-1}$$\end{document}cm-1 spectral window (carbonyl C=O vibration) is a spectral marker of the degree of IgG glycosylation, allowing to probe distinctive sub-populations of COVID-19 patients, depending on their degree of severity. The specificity was 87.5 % while the detection rate of true positive was 100%. The computed area under the receiver operating curve was equivalent to CLIA, ELISA and other ATR-FTIR methods (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$>0.85$$\end{document}>0.85). In summary, overall discrimination of healthy and COVID-19 individuals and severity prediction as well could be potentially implemented using micro-FTIR reflectance spectroscopy on blood serum samples. Considering the minimal and reagent-free sample preparation procedures combined to fast (few minutes) outcome of FTIR we can state that this technology is suitable for fast screening of immune response of individuals with COVID-19. It would be an important tool in prospective studies, helping investigate the physiology of the asymptomatic, oligosymptomatic, or severe individuals and measure the extension of infection dissemination in patients.

Protective effect of oligosaccharides isolated from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer against UVB-induced skin barrier damage in BALB/c hairless mice and human keratinocytes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Skin barrier dysfunction can lead to water and electrolyte loss, triggering homeostatic imbalances that can trigger atopic dermatitis and anaphylaxis. Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with known therapeutic benefits for the treatment of skin diseases, including photodamage repair effects and reduction of pigmentation. However, few reports exist that describe effectiveness of ginseng active components for repair of skin barrier damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ginseng oligosaccharide extract (GSO) was prepared from P. ginseng via water extraction followed by ethanol precipitation and resin and gel purification. GSO composition and structural characteristics were determined using LC-MS, HPLC, FT-IR, and NMR. To evaluate GSO as a skin barrier repair-promoting treatment, skin of UVB-irradiated BALB/c hairless mice was treated with or without GSO then skin samples were evaluated for epidermal thickness, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and stratum corneum water content. In addition, UVB-exposed skin samples and HaCaT cells were analyzed to assess GSO treatment effects on levels of epidermal cornified envelope (CE) protein and other skin barrier proteins, such as filaggrin (FLG), involucrin (IVL), and aquaporin-3 (AQP3). Meanwhile, GSO treatment was also evaluated for effects on UVB-irradiated hairless mouse skin and HaCaT cells based on levels of serine protease inhibitor Kazal type-5 (SPINK5), trypsin-like kallikrein-related peptidase 5 (KLK5), chymotrypsin-like KLK7, and desmoglein 1 (DSG1). These proteins are associated with UVB-induced skin barrier damage manifesting as dryness and desquamation.

RESULTS

GSO was shown to consist of oligosaccharides comprised of seven distinct types of monosaccharides with molecular weights of approximately 1 kDa that were covalently linked together via β-glycosidic bonds. In vivo, GSO applied to dorsal skin of BALB/c hairless mice attenuated UVB-induced epidermal thickening and moisture loss. Furthermore, GSO ameliorated UVB-induced reductions of levels of FLG, IVL, and AQP3 proteins. Additionally, GSO treatment led to increased DSG1 protein levels due to decreased expression of KLK7. In vitro, GSO treatment of UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells led to increases of FLG, IVL, and AQP3 mRNA levels and corresponding proteins, while mRNA levels of desquamation-related proteins SPINK5, KLK5, KLK7, and DSG1 and associated protein levels were restored to normal levels.

CONCLUSION

A P. ginseng oligosaccharide preparation repaired UVB-induced skin barrier damage by alleviating skin dryness and desquamation symptoms, highlighting its potential as a natural cosmetic additive that can promote skin barrier repair after UVB exposure.

A natural anti-obesity reagent derived from sea buckthorn polysaccharides: Structure characterization and anti-obesity evaluation in vivo

Sea buckthorn polysaccharide (SBP) has received increasing attention for its various bioactive functions. In this study, a novel polysaccharide SBP-1 was initially separated from crude SBP and further purified to obtain its main fraction SBP-1-A with a Mw of 9944 Da, consisting of Rha, Ara, Gal, Glc, and GalA. The structure of SBP-1-A was characterized based on FT-IR, GC-MS, and 1D/2D NMR, and its backbone was composed of a repeated unit of → 3,4)-β-l-Rhap-(1 → 4)-α-d-GalAp-(1 → 4)-α-d-GalAp-(1 → with branches at C-4 position comprised of α-l-Araf, β-d-Galp, β-d-Glcp, α-d-Glcp. Besides, the anti-obesity effects of SBP-1 on high-fat diet mice were evaluated, indicating it could restrain the body weight gain and lipids accumulation by promoting the expression of PGC1α, UCP-1, and PRDM16 to activate the brown adipocyte and improve the thermogenesis. In summary, the results offered new supports for the structural information of SBP and its feasibility to be used as a natural anti-obesity reagent.

Superfruits in China: Bioactive phytochemicals and their potential health benefits - A Review

The term "superfruit" usually refers to certain fruits, which are rich in antioxidant components, therefore, are beneficial to human health. In China, there has been the concept of health preservation and dietary therapy through food intake in a long history. However, some other superfruits growing mainly in China have not attracted extensive attention, such as Cili, Goji berry, and sea buckthorn. Many studies suggested all of these superfruits showed strong antioxidant effects and anti-inflammatory activity in common. However, there are various other advantages and functions in different fruits. This article reviewed the research findings from the existing literature published about major antioxidant bioactive compounds and the potential health benefits of these fruits. The phytochemicals from superfruits are bioaccessible and bioavailable in humans with promising health benefits. More studies are needed to validate the health benefits of these superfruits. It would provide essential information for further research and functional food development.

Enzymatic extraction of pectic oligosaccharides from finger citron (Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis Swingle) pomace with antioxidant potential

Finger citron pomace is a cheap and renewable by-product of the citrus processing industry, representing up to 60% of the fruit biomass. In this study, a pectinase-based and ultrasonic-assisted method was firstly used to extract pectic oligosaccharides (POS) from finger citron pomace. Using the orthogonal experiment design (OED), the maximum conversion rate of up to 64.5% from pomace to POS was obtained under the extraction conditions of 0.25 mg mL^-1 pectinase and 50 mg mL^-1 pectin at 45 °C and pH 4.5 for 2 h. The extracted POS was then fractionated and purified to homogeneous oligosaccharides (FCPOS-1) with a molecular weight of 2.15 kDa, and the analyses of monosaccharide composition, FTIR, NMR and ESI-MS indicated that FCPOS-1 consisted of GalA and a small amount of mannose, galactose and arabinose. Multiple antioxidant activity assays in vitro revealed that FCPOS-1 possessed remarkable antioxidant properties, especially scavenging activity against DPPH radicals up to 94.07%. FCPOS-1 has the potential to be an effective natural antioxidant for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Hawthorn pectin: Extraction, function and utilization

Pectin has been widely used as emulsifiers, gelling agents, glazing agents, stabilizers, and thickeners in food products. Hawthorn pectin has a higher viscosity than other foods-derived pectin such as lemon and apple pectin. It is also reported as a multifunctional fruit substance, which reduces the risk of hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia. Therefore, hawthorn pectin is a potential resource for the development of new drugs, functional foods, and health-care products. This review symmetrically summarized the extraction methods, physiological characteristics, functional properties, and processing technologies of hawthorn pectin. It laid a foundation for the further research of hawthorn pectin and promoted the diversified utilization of hawthorn.

Pectin and homogalacturonan with small molecular mass modulate microbial community and generate high SCFAs via in vitro gut fermentation

The intestinal fermentability of pectic polysaccharides is largely determined by its molecular size. In this study, fermentation properties of enzymatic-modified apple pectin (AP) and homogalacturonans (HG) with high, medium and low molecular weight (Mw) were evaluated by in vitro fermentation model, and their structural changes were also investigated. Results showed that Mw, monosaccharide contents and molecular linearity of the AP hydrolysates were reduced after microbial degradation. On the other hand, culture media supplemented with low-Mw AP (60,300 g/mol) and low-Mw HG (861 g/mol) exhibited lower pH (5.1 and 5.7, respectively) and produced higher total short-chain fatty acid contents (SCFA, 230.40 mmol/L and 187.19 mmol/L, respectively). However, reduced trends in abundance of the pectinolytic microorganisms Faecalibacterium and Eubacterium were showed as Mw of the HG decreased, whereas growth of the SCFA-producer genera Bifidobaacterium, Megasphaera and Allisonella were improved. This work confirmed that low-Mw pectin and homogalacturonan generated more beneficial metabolites, developing structure-microbiota-gut health relationship.

Preparation, characterization, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of acid-soluble pectin from okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Currently, there are few studies on acid-soluble pectin from okra, especially in biological activity for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. In this study, the antioxidant properties of acid-soluble okra pectin components and their anti-inflammatory were explored. Firstly, two acid-soluble okra pectic fractions, namely crude acid-soluble okra pectin (CAOP) and acid-soluble okra pectin (AOP), were obtained and exhibited structural and compositional variation. The two pectic fractions contained a low degree of esterification (42.0-46.5%) and a relatively high uronic acid content (31.6-37.3%). AOP was composed of galacturonic acid (79.1 mol/%), galactose (4.3 mol/%), rhamnose (14.5 mol/%) and xylose (2.1 mol/%), and the molecular weight was 92.8 kDa. Morphological and thermal properties of acid-soluble okra pectin components were also investigated. Compared to CAOP, AOP expressed better antioxidant activity, and suppressed the NO production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. All the above results indicated that AOP had the potential to act as a natural antioxidant or a functional anti-inflammatory food, which would broaden the development and utilization of okra resources.

Study on the functional properties and structural characteristics of soybean soluble polysaccharides by mixed bacteria fermentation and microwave treatment

The soybean soluble polysaccharide was prepared by mixed fermentation of lactic acid bacteria and Neurospora crassa and microwave treatment. The functional properties and structure characteristics of soybean soluble polysaccharide before and after modification were compared. Results revealed that after fermentation treatment, the content of soybean soluble polysaccharide increased to 7.09%, which was 3.16 times that of raw materials, and the microwave treatment was further increased to 7.69%. The glucose adsorption capacity, glucose dialysis retardation index and the α-amylase activity inhibition ration of soybean soluble polysaccharides increased significantly, promotes intestinal flora growth in vitro after fermentation of mixed bacteria and microwave treatment. At the same time, the analysis of monosaccharide composition and structural characteristics showed that the monosaccharide components of soybean soluble polysaccharide were redistributed after modification treatment, Scanning electron microscopy showed that modified soybean soluble polysaccharide has a larger surface area; Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction proved that the modification has slight changes in the functional groups and crystal structure of soybean soluble polysaccharide. These results suggested that okara may be a potentially inexpensive source of natural soybean soluble polysaccharide and a potential functional food ingredient.

Nondestructive measurement of pectin polysaccharides using hyperspectral imaging in mulberry fruit

Pectin polysaccharide is an important phytochemical with potential biomedical applications. It is commonly measured by time-consuming destructive chemical methods. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using visible and near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (HSI) techniques to rapidly measure pectin polysaccharides in intact mulberry fruits. Based on spatial information provided by HSI images, the representative spectrum of each whole mulberry was accurately extracted without background. The effects of storage temperature on two varieties of mulberries for model establishment were studied. The performances of two spectral ranges obtained by Si and InGaAs CCD detectors for pectin prediction were compared. The best predictions were obtained from dilute alkali soluble pectin and total soluble pectin in Dashi mulberry fruit stored at room temperature, with residual predictive deviation values of 2.317 and 1.935, respectively. Our results show that HSI is a promising alternative to the chemical method to rapidly and nondestructively measure the pectin content.

Roles and Mechanisms of Hawthorn and Its Extracts on Atherosclerosis: A Review

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially atherosclerosis, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally; it causes a considerable burden on families and caregivers and results in significant financial costs being incurred. Hawthorn has an extensive history of medical use in many countries. In China, the use of hawthorn for the treatment of CVD dates to 659 AD. In addition, according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, it acts on tonifying the spleen to promote digestion and activate blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis. This review revealed that the hawthorn extracts possess serum lipid-lowering, anti-oxidative, and cardiovascular protective properties, thus gaining popularity, especially for its anti-atherosclerotic effects. We summarize the four principal mechanisms, including blood lipid-lowering, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and vascular endothelial protection, thus providing a theoretical basis for further utilization of hawthorn.

Structural characterization and antioxidant activity of oligosaccharides from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer

The purpose of present work was to investigate the antioxidant activity of oligosaccharides from mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) and cultivated ginseng (CG). The antioxidant activity of total oligosaccharides from MCG and CG were compared preliminary. And then, the total oligosaccharides of MCG, which displayed stronger activity than that of CG, were separated by Carbon-Celite column and eluted with water and ethanol of different concentrations (30%, 50%, 70%, 95%, v/v). Five fractions, MCGOS-H₂O, MCGOS-30, MCGOS-50, MCGOS-70, MCGOS-95, were obtained. Seven oligosaccharides were purified from MCGOS-30-MCGOS-95. The structure features of oligosaccharides (MCGO-1-MCGO-7) were characterized using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), methylation and gas chromatography-mass (GC-MS), as well as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. ABTS radical scavenging assay, DPPH radical scavenging assay as well as ferric reducing antioxidant power assay were adopted for antioxidant activity of all the different oligosaccharides sub-fraction. The result showed that the fractions of MCGOS-70 and MCGOS-95 exhibited significant radical scavenging activity with DPPH and ABTS. In conclusion, the oligosaccharides from MCG possessed the significant antioxidant activity. Therefore, we propose that the oligosaccharides from Panax ginseng can be developed as natural antioxidants in food and pharmaceutical fields.

Pectic polysaccharides from purple passion fruit peel: A comprehensive study in macromolecular and conformational characterizations

A polysaccharide (PFPP) from purple passion fruit peel was optimally extracted, with the highest yield (10.05%, w/w) obtained under 35 °C extraction temperature, 240 W ultrasonic power, 65:1 mL/g liquid-to-solid ratio, 0.6% (w/v) ammonium oxalate, 30 min extraction time and pH 2.0. According to composition analyses, pectic PFPP and its fractions (PFPP-10, -15 and -20) were revealed as linear homogalacturonans interrupted by rhamnogalacturonan I in different lengths and extensities, where low esterification degrees (35.35-39.66%) were indicated via FT-IR. Furthermore, based on macromolecular models, comprehensive analyses on macromolecular and conformational characterizations of PFPP fractions were conducted quantitatively through, e.g., shape factor (1.42-1.79), Mark-Houwink-Sakurada exponent (0.55-0.74), conformational power-law exponent (0.52-0.58), fractal dimension (1.72-1.94) and persistence length (6.73-13.47 nm). Therefore, different semi-flexible coil conformations were proposed schematically, where lower molecular-weight PFPP fractions were less flexible. This could provide a molecular basis for precise re-utilizations of PFPP in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Structural characterization, antioxidant activity, and antiglycation activity of polysaccharides from different chrysanthemum teas

In this study, structural characteristics, antioxidant activity, and antiglycation activity of polysaccharides from different chrysanthemum teas were investigated and compared.