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Shahrajabian MH, Sun W. Carob ( Ceratonia siliqua L.), Pharmacological and Phytochemical Activities of Neglected Legume of the Mediterranean Basin, as Functional Food. Rev Recent Clin Trials 2024; 19:127-142. [PMID: 38288801 DOI: 10.2174/0115748871278128240109074506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) has been widely cultivated in different parts of the world, particularly in the Mediterranean region, and the tree belongs to the family Leguminosae. Several studies have indicated that carobs and their products can improve human health and help prevent different specific chronic diseases. Carob can considered as functional food due to its high content in dietary fibers, low-fat content, and high content of minerals. Its fruit is a pod containing 10%-20% seeds, and the pods consist of sugars, proteins, crude fibers, minerals, vitamins, polyphenols, vitamins, and lipids. In many countries in the Middle east, carob is mainly used to prepare as a traditional drink and some kinds of confectioneries. The powders can be utilized to prepare carob juice concentrate. The systematic review of documents from clinical trials and scientific societies dedicated to traditional medicine in China has been carried out. The goal of this review article is a survey of chemical compounds, and pharmaceutical benefits of carob, especially by considering traditional medicinal sciences. Moreover, clinical trials research promotes studies to highlight and focus on the scope of application of traditional medicinal science in the growing system of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Hesam Shahrajabian
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenli Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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De Luca M, Tuberoso CIG, Pons R, García MT, Morán MDC, Martelli G, Vassallo A, Caddeo C. Ceratonia siliqua L. Pod Extract: From Phytochemical Characterization to Liposomal Formulation and Evaluation of Behaviour in Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1209. [PMID: 37371939 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The formulation of plant extracts in phospholipid vesicles is a promising strategy to exploit their biological properties while solving problems related to poor solubility in water, high instability, and low skin permeation and retention time. In this study, Ceratonia siliqua ripe pods were used for the preparation of a hydro-ethanolic extract, which showed antioxidant properties owing to the presence of biologically active compounds identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (e.g., hydroxybenzoic acid and flavonoid derivatives). To improve the applicability of the extract in therapy, a topical formulation based on liposomes was explored. The vesicles were characterized by small size (around 100 nm), negative charge (-13 mV), and high entrapment efficiency (>90%). Furthermore, they displayed both spherical and elongated shapes, with oligolamellar structure. Their biocompatibility was demonstrated in cells, including erythrocytes and representative skin cell lines. The antioxidant activity of the extract was proved by the scavenging of free radicals, the reduction of ferric ions, and the protection of skin cells from oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria De Luca
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Viale dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- KAMABIO Srl, Via Al Boschetto 4/B, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Carlo Ignazio Giovanni Tuberoso
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Ramon Pons
- Department of Surfactants and Nanobiotechnology, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), c/Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Teresa García
- Department of Surfactants and Nanobiotechnology, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), c/Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Del Carmen Morán
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Physiology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology-IN2UB, University of Barcelona, Avda. Diagonal 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Martelli
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Viale dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Antonio Vassallo
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Viale dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff TNcKILLERS Srl, Viale dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Carla Caddeo
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
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Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether-mediated nanostructured lipid carriers enhance trans-ferulic acid delivery by Caco-2 cells superior to solid lipid nanoparticles. ACTA PHARMACEUTICA (ZAGREB, CROATIA) 2023; 73:133-143. [PMID: 36692464 DOI: 10.2478/acph-2023-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
This work aimed to compare the performance of trans-ferulic acid-encapsulated nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for transport by Caco-2 cells. The NLC particles (diameter: 102.6 nm) composed of Compritol® 888 ATO, ethyl oleate, Cremophor® EL, and Transcutol® P were larger than the SLNs (diameter: 86.0 nm) formed without liquid lipid (ethyl oleate), and the former had a higher encapsulation efficiency for trans-ferulic acid (p < 0.05). In vitro cultured Caco-2 cell transport was used to simulate intestinal absorption, and the cellular uptake of NLCs was higher than that of SLNs (p < 0.05). Compared to SLNs, NLCs greatly enhanced trans-ferulic acid permeation through the MillicellTM membrane (p < 0.05). This work confirms that NLCs have better properties than SLNs in terms of increasing drug transport by Caco-2 cells. This helps to comprehend the approach by which NLC-mediated oral bioavailability of trans-ferulic acid is better than that mediated by SLNs, as shown in our previous report.
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Wu J, Wang H, Liu Y, Xu B, Du B, Yang Y. Effect of Ultrasonic Irradiation on the Physicochemical and Structural Properties of Laminaria japonica Polysaccharides and Their Performance in Biological Activities. Molecules 2022; 28:8. [PMID: 36615204 PMCID: PMC9822460 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the large molecular weight and complex structure of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJP), which limit their absorption and utilization by the body, methods to effectively degrade polysaccharides had received more and more attention. In the present research, hot water extraction coupled with three-phase partitioning (TPP) was developed to extract and isolate LJP. Ultrasonic L. japonica polysaccharides (ULJP) were obtained by ultrasonic degradation. In addition, their physicochemical characteristics and in vitro biological activities were investigated. Results indicated that ULJP had lower weight-average molecular weight (153 kDa) and looser surface morphology than the LJP. The primary structures of LJP and ULJP were basically unchanged, both contained α-hexo-pyranoses and were mainly connected by 1,4-glycosidic bonds. Compared with LJP, ULJP had stronger antioxidant activity, α-amylase inhibitory effect and anti-inflammatory effect on RAW264.7 macrophages. The scavenging rate of DPPH free radicals by ULJP is 35.85%. Therefore, ultrasonic degradation could effectively degrade LJP and significantly improve the biological activity of LJP, which provided a theoretical basis for the in-depth utilization and research and development of L. japonica in the fields of medicine and food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Wu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Natural Products Activity Components and Function, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Huiying Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Natural Products Activity Components and Function, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Yanfei Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Natural Products Activity Components and Function, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Baojun Xu
- Food Science and Technology Program, Department of Life Sciences, BNU–HKBU United International College, Zhuhai 519087, China
| | - Bin Du
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Natural Products Activity Components and Function, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Yuedong Yang
- Food Science and Technology Program, Department of Life Sciences, BNU–HKBU United International College, Zhuhai 519087, China
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Locust Bean Gum, a Vegetable Hydrocolloid with Industrial and Biopharmaceutical Applications. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238265. [PMID: 36500357 PMCID: PMC9736161 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Locust bean gum (LBG), a vegetable galactomannan extracted from carob tree seeds, is extensively used in the food industry as a thickening agent (E410). Its molecular conformation in aqueous solutions determines its solubility and rheological performance. LBG is an interesting polysaccharide also because of its synergistic behavior with other biopolymers (xanthan gum, carrageenan, etc.). In addition, this hydrocolloid is easily modified by derivatization or crosslinking. These LBG-related products, besides their applications in the food industry, can be used as encapsulation and drug delivery devices, packaging materials, batteries, and catalyst supports, among other biopharmaceutical and industrial uses. As the new derivatized or crosslinked polymers based on LBG are mainly biodegradable and non-toxic, the use of this polysaccharide (by itself or combined with other biopolymers) will contribute to generating greener products, considering the origin of raw materials used, the modification procedures selected and the final destination of the products.
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Červenka L, Frühbauerová M, Palarčík J, Muriqi S, Velichová H. The Effect of Vibratory Grinding Time on Moisture Sorption, Particle Size Distribution, and Phenolic Bioaccessibility of Carob Powder. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27227689. [PMID: 36431790 PMCID: PMC9698127 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Carob pod powder, an excellent source of health-promoting substances, has found its use in a wide range of food products. Grinding conditions affect the physical and chemical properties of the powder, but their influence on the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds in carob pod powder has not yet been determined. The carob pods were ground for 30-180 s in a vibratory grinder. The median values (D50) of particle size decreased after 60 s of grinding (87.9 μm), then increased to 135.1 μm. Lightness showed a negative correlation with D50 and aw, while the values of redness and yellowness decreased with the reduction in particle size and water activity. The smaller the value of D50, the higher the equilibrium moisture content of carob powder. Phenolic acids (vanillic, ferulic, cinnamic) and flavonoids (luteolin, naringenin, apigenin) were found in all samples of carob powder. The grinding time influenced their content in carob powder, with maximum values at 180 s. Similar observations were made when assessing antioxidant capacity. The in vitro digestion process only improved the bioaccessibility of catechin content in all samples. However, the bioaccessibility of the phenolic compounds and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents decreased with the increase in grinding time. Our findings revealed that the grinding of carob pods for 180 s improved the extractability of phenolics; however, their bioaccessibility was reduced. It is sufficient to ground the carob pod for 30 s, ensuring good availability of nutraceuticals and lower energy cost for grinding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libor Červenka
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentská 573, 532 10 Pardubice, Czech Republic
- Correspondence:
| | - Michaela Frühbauerová
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentská 573, 532 10 Pardubice, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Palarčík
- Institute of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentská 573, 532 10 Pardubice, Czech Republic
| | - Sali Muriqi
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentská 573, 532 10 Pardubice, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Velichová
- Department of Food Analysis and Chemistry, Faculty of Technology, Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín, Nám. T. G. Masaryka 5555, 460 01 Zlín, Czech Republic
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Antonopoulou E, Panteli N, Feidantsis K, Mastoraki M, Koutsogeorgiou EI, Grivaki E, Papagrigoriou T, Christias SP, Chatzifotis S, Lazari D, Andreadis SS, Krigas N. Carob ( Ceratonia siliqua) as Functional Feed Is Beneficial in Yellow Mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor) Rearing: Evidence from Growth, Antioxidant Status and Cellular Responses. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091840. [PMID: 36139915 PMCID: PMC9495811 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In terms of sustainability and circular economy, agricultural by-products may be efficiently reused in insects’ rearing for high-quality protein sources in human diet and animal feeds. The present study aimed to explore whether the utilization of carob pods as feeding substrate may beneficially affect Tenebrio molitor’s growth, nutritional value, antioxidant status and cellular responses. Increasing levels of milled whole carob pods (0, 25, 50, 75, 100%) were used as alternative wheat bran (control) substrates for yellow mealworm rearing, while growth performance, proximate composition, total phenolic content, antioxidant enzyme activity and the expression of stress- and apoptotic-related proteins were evaluated in larvae. The results showed that carob pods’ content up to 75% did not significantly differentiate larvae weight, development time and total dry matter. Larvae total phenolic content and antioxidant activity exhibited a significant increase at 75% content. Although the antioxidant enzymes’ activity decreased at both 25 and 50% levels, higher carob content levels (75 and 100%) resulted in no significant changes compared to the control. Carob pods led to decreased apoptotic indicators and the low expression of most stress-related proteins compared to the control. The present findings demonstrate that carob pods and their antioxidant properties exert beneficial effects on T. molitor’s rearing and nutritional status, although 100% carob content may impact adversely the larvae due to the high amounts of carob tannins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthimia Antonopoulou
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence: (E.A.); or (N.K.); Tel.: +30-2310-998563 (E.A.); +30-2310-471110 (N.K.)
| | - Nikolas Panteli
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kostantinos Feidantsis
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Mastoraki
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Gournes Pediados, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Eleni I. Koutsogeorgiou
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization—Dimitra, 57001 Thermi, Greece
| | - Eirini Grivaki
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodora Papagrigoriou
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Stavros Chatzifotis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Gournes Pediados, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Diamanto Lazari
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stefanos S. Andreadis
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization—Dimitra, 57001 Thermi, Greece
| | - Nikos Krigas
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization—Dimitra, 57001 Thermi, Greece
- Correspondence: (E.A.); or (N.K.); Tel.: +30-2310-998563 (E.A.); +30-2310-471110 (N.K.)
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Particle Size Effect of Integral Carob Flour on Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds during Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion. Foods 2022; 11:foods11091272. [PMID: 35563995 PMCID: PMC9101685 DOI: 10.3390/foods11091272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Carob fruit is native to the Mediterranean region and produced mainly in Portugal, Italy, Morocco and Turkey. The production of the carob fruit in Portugal is highly extensive and sustainable. Currently, carob flour (CF) production is mainly achieved after pulp separation, despite it having been demonstrated that the seeds improve the extraction efficiency of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, promoting human health. This study aimed to produce an integral CF through an innovative process and assess its physicochemical and bioactive properties at different particle sizes throughout simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) digestion. The sugar content profile obtained throughout GIT digestion indicated that sucrose, the sugar present at the highest concentration in undigested CF, was digested and broken down into simple sugars, namely glucose and fructose. The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity obtained for the ≤100 µm fraction were in accordance and gastric digestion promoted an increase in the TPC value compared to the undigested sample. The >100 µm fractions displayed a distinct profile from the ≤100 µm fraction. This study showed that the particle size affects the sugar, antioxidant and total phenolic content of CFs and also their gastrointestinal tract digestion. The ≤100 µm fraction demonstrated the most suitable profile as a functional food ingredient.
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