Stability of the total antioxidant capacity and total polyphenol content of 23 commercially available vegetable juices before and after in vitro digestion measured by FRAP, DPPH, ABTS and Folin–Ciocalteu methods

In vitro effect of Lenzites betulinus mushroom against therapy-induced DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with acute coronary syndrome

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) represents a group of diseases that are the result of reduced blood flow to the heart. There are natural products, based on mushrooms, used traditionally in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Assessment of the potential protective effect of L. betulinus mushroom against therapy-induced DNA damage in lymphocytes of patients with ACS in relation to the phytochemical properties of the mushroom.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 30 ACS patients and 30 healthy controls. The genotoxic potential of acetone and ethanol extract of L. betulinus was evaluated using the comet assay. The contents of minerals were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Determination of sugars and organic acids was performed using a DIONEX ICS 3000 DP liquid chromatography system. Analysis of fatty acids was performed at Focus GC coupled with PolarisQ mass spectrometer. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the mushroom extracts were measured using spectrophotometric methods. The qualitative and quantitative content of polyphenolic compounds was investigated by the UHPLC-DADMS/MS method.

RESULTS

The comet assay showed that both mushroom extracts did not increase the level of DNA damage in the lymphocytes of healthy individuals, while they significantly decreased the %DNA damage and genetic damage index (p < 0.0005) in the therapy-induced lymphocytes of patients. The mushroom was very rich in phytochemical composition. The results showed that the most abundant components in the mushroom were phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulfur, and calcium among minerals and glucose, fructose, galactose, sorbitol, and turanose among carbohydrates. Among organic acids were present in higher concentrations malic, citric, and maleic acids, while among fatty acids, the most abundant were trans-linoleic, cis-oleic, palmitic, docosahexaenoic and eicosadienoic acids. The results showed that the highest amount of total phenols and flavonoids in the mushroom extracts were obtained in the acetone extract. The most abundant polyphenolic compounds were chlorogenic acid and quercetin in both extracts of mushroom.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that L. betulinus can be considered a mushroom with a high nutritional and functional value. Extracts of the mushroom were not genotoxic in tested concentrations in cultured human lymphocytes of healthy individuals, while in ACS patients they manifested a protective effect against therapy-induced DNA damage. The acetone extract showed a stronger protective effect against therapy-induced DNA damage, which is consistent with its phytochemical composition.

The delayed senescence in harvested blueberry by hydrogen-based irrigation is functionally linked to metabolic reprogramming and antioxidant machinery

Molecular hydrogen is beneficial for fruits quality improvement. However, the mechanism involved, especially cellular metabolic responses, has not been well established. Here, the integrated widely targeted metabolomics analysis (UPLC-MS/MS) and biochemical evidence revealed that hydrogen-based irrigation could orchestrate, either directly or indirectly, an array of physiological responses in blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) during harvesting stage, especially for the delayed senescence in harvested stage (4 °C for 12 d). The hubs to these changes are wide-ranging metabolic reprogramming and antioxidant machinery. A total of 1208 distinct annotated metabolites were identified, and the characterization of differential accumulated metabolites (DAMs) revealed that the reprogramming, particularly, involves phenolic acids and flavonoids accumulation. These changes were positively matched with the transcriptional profiles of representative genes for their synthesis during the growth stage. Together, our findings open a new window for development of hydrogen-based agriculture that increases the shelf-life of fruits in a smart and sustainable manner.

Comparing the antioxidation and bioavailability of polysaccharides from extruded and unextruded Baijiu vinasses via in vitro digestion and fecal fermentation

Extrusion has been proven to be a novel approach for modifying the physicochemical characteristic of Baijiu vinasses (BV) to extract polysaccharides, contributing to the sustainable development of brewing industry. However, the comparison of the bioactivity and bioavailability of extruded (EX) and unextruded (UE) BV polysaccharides was unclear, which impended the determination of the efficacy of extrusion in BV resourcing. In this study, in vitro digestion and fecal fermentation experiments were conducted to investigate the bioavailability, and the results showed that EX exhibited less variation in the monosaccharide composition and molecular weight, while exhibiting a stronger antioxidant capacity compared to UE. Moreover, during fermentation EX increased the abundance of Parasutterella and Lachnospiraceae, while UE promoted the proliferation of Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, and Dialister, resulting in variation in short-chain fatty acids. These findings indicate that extrusion can enhance the capacity of antioxidants and bioavailability of BV polysaccharides.

Can Rice Growth Substrate Substitute Rapeseed Growth Substrate in Rapeseed Blanket Seedling Technology? Lesson from Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Scavenging Analysis

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) seedlings suffering from inappropriate growth substrate stress will present poor seedling quality. However, the regulatory mechanism for the production and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by this type of stress remains unclear. In the current study, a split plot experiment design was implemented with two crop growth substrates-a rice growth substrate (RIS) and rapeseed growth substrate (RAS)-as the main plot and two genotypes-a hybrid and an open-pollinated variety (Zheyouza 1510 and Zheyou 51, respectively)-as the sub-plot. The seedling quality was assessed, and the ROS production/scavenging capacity was evaluated. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems, including ascorbic acid and glutathione metabolism, and RNA-seq data were analyzed under the two growth substrate treatments. The results revealed that rapeseed seedling quality decreased under RIS, with the plant height, maximum leaf length and width, and aboveground dry matter being reduced by 187.7%, 64.6%, 73.2%, and 63.8% on average, respectively, as compared to RAS. The main type of ROS accumulated in rapeseed plants was hydrogen peroxide, which was 47.8% and 14.1% higher under RIS than under RAS in the two genotypes, respectively. The scavenging of hydrogen peroxide in Zheyouza 1510 was the result of a combination of enzymatic systems, with significantly higher peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity as well as glutathione metabolism, with significantly higher reduced glutathione (GSH) content, under RAS, while higher oxidized glutathione (GSSH) was observed under RIS. However, the scavenging of hydrogen peroxide in Zheyou 51 was the result of a combination of elevated oxidized ascorbic acid (DHA) under RIS and higher GSH content under RAS. The identified gene expression levels were in accordance with the observed enzyme expression levels. The results suggest that the cost of substituting RAS with RIS is a reduction in rapeseed seedling quality contributing to excessive ROS production and a reduction in ROS scavenging capacity.

Evaluating the potential of 1-methylcyclopropene treatments on physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, and shelf life of mango fruits under different storage conditions

The effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatments and storage conditions in the regulation of the physicochemical and bioactive properties of mango fruits (Mangifera indica L. cv. BARI-4) were investigated during storage. Different concentrations of 1-MCP treated samples (T0 = Control, T1 = 0.5 μL/L, T2 = 1.0 μL/L, T3 = 1.5 μL/L, and T4 = 2.0 μL/L) were stored in developed storage structure (10±1 °C and 90 % RH), cold storage (3 ± 1 °C and 80 ± 2 % RH), and ambient storage (29 ± 3 °C and 65 ± 2 % RH). The change in fruit quality including weight loss, firmness, surface color, storage life, chemical, and bioactive properties were studied periodically at 10, 20, 30 and 40 days of storage. The results demonstrated that 1-MCP treatment effectively maintained the quality of fruits by retarding the loss of weight, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), and titratable acidity, which were served as a quality parameter during storage. The 1-MCP treatment dramatically delayed the change in color, quality measures, and bioactive properties compared to the control group. The storage condition greatly influenced the postharvest quality value and storage life. In combination with the developed storage structure and 1-MCP treatment preserved the acceptability of fruits to a great extent for around 40 days. The T2 = 1.0 μL/L 1-MCP treatment preserved the fruit quality for the highest days of storage 14, 34, and 46 days in ambient storage, cold storage, and develop storage structure respectively. The developed storage structure (10 ± 1 °C and 90 % RH) with 1-MCP (1.0 μL/L) treatment suggested the optimum storage ability for preserving the postharvest storage life of mango fruits. By implementing these findings mango growers and suppliers can reduce post-harvest losses, expand market reach, and provide consumers with high-quality mangoes that retain their quality for an extended period.

Isolation and Identification of Lichen Photobionts Collected from Different Environments in North of Portugal and Evaluation of Bioactivities of Their Extracts

Lichens are organisms constituted by a symbiotic relationship between a fungus (mycobiont) and a photoautotrophic partner (photobiont). Lichens produce several bioactive compounds; however, the biotechnological exploitation of this organism is hampered by its slow growth. To start studying the possibility of exploiting lichens as alternative sources of bioactive compounds, eighteen lichens were collected in the north of Portugal in order to isolate and study the bioactivity of their photobionts. It was possible to isolate and cultivate only eight photobionts. Three of them, LFR1, LFA2 and LCF3, belong to the Coelastrella genus, the other two (LFA1 and LCF1) belong to the Chlorella genus and for the remaining three photobionts, LFS1, LCA1 and LCR1, it was impossible to isolate their microalgae. These only grow in consortium with bacteria and/or cyanobacteria. All extracts showed antioxidant activity, mainly at a concentration of 10 mg.mL-1. LFS1, a consortium extract, showed the highest antioxidant power, as well as the highest concentration of phenolic compounds (5.16 ± 0.53 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE).g-1). The extracts under study did not show significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Listeria or Salmonella. The Coelastrella sp. and LFA1 extracts showed the highest hyaluronidase inhibition. The LFR1 extract at a concentration of 5 mg.mL-1 showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity (79.77 ± 7.66%). The extracts of Coelastrella sp. and LFA1 also showed greater antidiabetic activity, demonstrating the high inhibitory power of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. LFR1 at a concentration of 5 mg.mL-1, due to its selective cytotoxicity inhibiting the growth of cancer cells (Caco-2 cells), is a promising anticancer agent.

A comprehensive study on Geranium robertianum L. antibacterial potential

AIMS

The research aimed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction of secondary metabolites and the antibacterial activity of the plant species Geranium robertianum. The phytochemical profiles of the optimized extracts, as well as their antibacterial and synergistic activity with an antibiotic and their potential mechanisms of action and cytotoxicity, were examined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Response Surface Methodology was used to optimize extraction conditions. Optimized ethanol and acetone extracts were tested via microdilution, checkerboard, time-kill kinetics, and cell membrane permeability methods. The extracts displayed broad antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 1.25 to 20 mg ml-1. In addition, the extract synergistically reacted with gentamicin against gentamicin-resistant strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, enhancing the efficacy of the antibiotic up to 32-fold. The extracts demonstrated strain-dependent bactericidal activity in a 24-h time interval. They increase the permeability of the cell membrane, thus disrupting its normal functioning. The cytotoxic concentration (CC50) on human keratinocytes was 1771.24 ± 5.78 µg ml-1 for ethanol extract, and 958.01 ± 6.14 µg ml-1 for acetone extract. Kaempferol, ellagic acid, quercetin, and rutin were recognized as the main components in both extracts.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study indicate that the extracts of G. robertianum can be considered as potential natural antibacterial agents in the control of microorganisms.

Difunctional AuNPs@PVP with oxidase-like activity for SERRS detection of total antioxidant capacity

Assessing the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of foods plays a significant role in dietary guidance and disease risk reduction. Therefore, building a simple, rapid, and sensitive sensing method for detecting TAC possesses broad application prospects. Herein, we constructed a novel nanozyme catalyzed‒surface-enhanced Raman resonance scattering (SERRS) sensing strategy for analysis of TAC based on polyvinylpyrrolidone coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs@PVP) that was synthesized by one step reduction method. AuNPs@PVP not only served as the SERRS substrate but also possessed high oxidase activity which can catalyze 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation by generating hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and superoxide anion free radical (•O2-). According to the inhibiting effect of antioxidants, ascorbic acid (AA) was selected as the representative for TAC detection. The linear range and limit of detection (LOD) were determined to be 10-8‒10-5 M and 0.6 nM, respectively. More importantly, the proposed nanozyme catalyzed‒SERRS strategy has been successfully applied to the detection of TAC in fruit juices, demonstrating promising potential in the field of food supervision and healthcare applications.

Gluten-free wafer formulation: Development, characterisation and addition of flavourings with antioxidant capacity

The incidence of celiac disease is increasing, therefore the demand for gluten-free products that also satisfy the nutritional requirements of celiac individuals is rising. Thus, the objective of the present work was to develop a gluten-free nutritionally balanced wafer formulation with a high content of antioxidants. First, the animal fat used in the traditional formulation was successfully replaced by high oleic sunflower. Second, the antioxidant content of several flavourings (cinnamon/honey/anise/vanilla) was measured and their addition to a gluten-free wafer formulation was evaluated. Third, multivariate statistical tools were used to select the formulation that properly mimicked the characteristics of a gluten-containing wafer. According to the results, anise and cinnamon were the most suitable flavourings to prepare gluten-free wafers, and the sensory analysis concluded that these formulations were highly acceptable (means>6.7 on the hedonic scale). Finally, the storage time analysis indicated that the texture of the gluten-free wafers was more susceptible to water absorption than gluten-containing wafers. Besides, cinnamon wafers presented a higher bioaccessible antioxidant capacity than anise wafers (43.5 ± 0.1 mg Trolox/g and 18.8 ± 0.9 mg Trolox/g respectively) (p < 0.05), which remained stable for four months. This indicates that during its shelf life, the product could be consumed with its beneficial effects intact.

The Cardioprotective Role of Nitrate-Rich Vegetables

Nitric oxide (NO) is an inorganic radical produced by both the non-enzymatic nitrate (NO3-)-nitrite (NO2-)-NO pathway and enzymatic reactions catalyzed by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Also, as nitrate and nitrite from dietary and other endogenous sources can be reduced back to nitric oxide in vivo, the endogenous NO level can be increased through the consumption of nitrate-rich vegetables. Ingestion of dietary NO3- has beneficial effects which have been attributed to a subsequent increase in NO: a signaling molecule that may regulate various systems, including the cardiovascular system. A diet rich in NO3- from green leafy and root vegetables has cardioprotective effects, with beetroot products being particularly good sources of NO3-. For example, various studies have demonstrated a significant increase in nitrite levels (regarded as markers of NO) in plasma after the intake of beetroot juice. The present review describes the current literature concerning the role of nitrate-rich vegetables (especially beetroot products) in the prophylaxis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This review is based on studies identified in electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Knowledge, Sci Finder, Web of Science, and SCOPUS.

Beetroot juice supplementation and exercise performance: is there more to the story than just nitrate?

This mini-review summarizes the comparative effects of different sources of dietary nitrate (NO3-), beetroot juice (BRJ) and nitrate salts (NIT), on physiological function and exercise capacity. Our objectives were to determine whether BRJ is superior to NIT in enhancing exercise-related outcomes, and to explore the potential contribution of other putatively beneficial compounds in BRJ beyond NO3-. We conducted a comparative analysis of recent studies focused on the impact of BRJ versus NIT on submaximal oxygen consumption (VO2), endurance performance, adaptations to training, and recovery from muscle-damaging exercise. While both NO3- sources provide benefits, there is some evidence that BRJ may offer additional advantages, specifically in reducing VO2 during high-intensity exercise, magnifying performance improvements with training, and improving recovery post-exercise. These reported differences could be due to the hypothesized antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory properties of BRJ resulting from the rich spectrum of phytonutrients it contains. However, significant limitations to published studies directly comparing BRJ and NIT make it quite challenging to draw any firm conclusions. We provide recommendations to help guide further research into the important question of whether there is more to the story of BRJ than just NO3-.

Food-grade hexosomes as efficient vehicles for delivery of fish-purified antioxidant peptide

Herein, we describe the potential use of food-grade hexosomes (HEXs) for delivering fish-purified antioxidant peptide (PF10). Using a binary lipid mixture of Dimodan U/citrem, the nanocarriers were produced with a size range of 202.7-569.8 nm and peptide encapsulation efficiency of 64.6-89.3%. These HEXs were also characterized by SAXS and cryo-TEM, and were able to sustain the release of PF10, where only 32.2% released in PBS after 24 h. SAXS findings verified that PF10 modulate the internal structure of HEXs in a pH-dependent manner. Antioxidant assays proved the efficacy of such nano-self-assemblies in maintaining the bioactivity of the loaded peptide. Moreover, the in vitro gastrointestinal stability test indicated that the antioxidant capacity of the free- and PF10-loaded HEXs decreased under SGF/SIF conditions with the reduction in activity being greater for the free PF10. The present findings may provide a useful basis for development of pH-responsive nano-self-assemblies for delivery of antioxidant peptides.

A newly isolated intestinal bacterium involved in the C-ring cleavage of flavan-3-ol monomers and the antioxidant activity of the metabolites

Flavan-3-ols are an important class of secondary metabolites in many plants. Their bioavailability and bioactivity are largely determined by the metabolism of intestinal microbiota. However, little is known about the intestinal bacteria involved in the metabolism of flavan-3-ols and the activities of the metabolites. C-ring cleavage is the initial and key step in the metabolism of flavan-3-ol monomers. Here, we isolated a strain from porcine cecum content, which is capable of cleaving the heterocyclic C-ring to form 1-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2'',4'',6''-trihydroxyphenyl)propan-2-ol from (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin, and 1-(3',4',5'-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2'',4'',6''-trihydroxyphenyl) propan-2-ol from (-)-epigallocatechin. The strain was identified as Streptococcus pasteurianus (Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. Pasteurianus, designated as F32-1) based on 16S rDNA similarity and MALDI-TOF-MS identification. The formation of the C-ring cleavage structural unit by the F32-1 strain enhanced the chemical antioxidant ability and altered the cellular antioxidant activity of (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin and (-)-epigallocatechin. Overall, in this study we isolated a new intestinal bacterium involved in the C-ring cleavage of flavan-3-ol monomers and elucidated the bioactivity of their metabolites.

Validating the Health Benefits of Coffee Berry Pulp Extracts in Mice with High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Diabetes

The effects of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) berry pulp extracts (CBP extracts) on the improvement of diabetes, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were evaluated using various in vitro antioxidant activity assays and through a high-fat diet-induced mild diabetic obese mouse model. After an 84-day oral administration of CBP extracts (400-100 mg/kg), bioactivities were evaluated. The in vitro analysis showed the highest DPPH● scavenging activity of 73.10 ± 4.27%, ABTS● scavenging activity of 41.18 ± 1.14%, and SOD activity of 56.24 ± 2.81%, at a CBP extract concentration of 1000 µg/mL. The in vivo analysis of the CBP extracts showed favorable and dose-dependent anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, NAFLD, nephropathy, and hyperlipidemia refinement effects through hepatic glucose enzyme activity, 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) up-regulation, antioxidant activity, lipid metabolism-related gene expression, and pancreatic lipid digestion enzyme modulatory activities. This study shows that an appropriate oral dosage of CBP extracts could function as a potent herbal formulation for a refinement agent or medicinal food ingredient to control type 2 diabetes and related complications.

The Nutritional and Functional Properties of Protein Isolates from Defatted Chia Flour Using Different Extraction pH

This study aims to determine the effects of various alkaline pHs on the nutritional and functional properties of protein isolated from defatted chia flour (DCF). The DCF isolated using alkali extraction method at pH 8.5, 10.0, and 12.0 were coded as CPI-8.5, CPI-10.0, and CPI-12.0, respectively. The highest extraction yield and protein recovery yield was demonstrated by CPI-12.0 (19.10 and 59.63%, respectively), with a total protein content of 74.53%, and glutelin showed the highest portion (79.95%). The CPI-12.0 also demonstrated the most elevated essential (36.87%), hydrophobic (33.81%), and aromatic (15.54%) amino acid content among other samples. The DCF exhibited the highest water (23.90 gg-1) and oil (8.23 gg-1) absorption capacity, whereas the CPI-8.5 showed the highest protein solubility (72.31%) at pH 11. DCF demonstrated the highest emulsifying capacity at pH 11 (82.13%), but the highest stability was shown at pH 5 (82.05%). Furthermore, CPI-12.0 at pH 11 shows the highest foaming capacity (83.16%) and stability (83.10%). Despite that, the CPI-10.0 manifested the highest antioxidant capacity (DPPH: 42.48%; ABTS: 66.23%; FRAP: 0.19), as well as ACE-I (35.67%). Overall, the extraction pH had significant effects in producing chia protein isolates (CPI) with improved nutritional and functional qualities.

Quality attributes of the developed banana flour: Effects of drying methods

The study aims to investigate the effects of different drying methods on the changes in functional properties, physicochemical composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, sensory attributes, and microstructural quality of the banana flours. Two local banana cultivars, Mehersagar and Sabri, were dried to produce flour using four distinct drying methods: freeze drying (FD), cabinet drying (CD), microwave oven drying (MOD), and forced air oven drying (FOD). The functional properties of the developed banana flours were observed where the findings were as water holding capacity (0.93 ± 0.06-2.74 ± 0.04 g water/g dry sample), oil absorption capacity (0.87 ± 0.06-2.22 ± 0.10 g oil/g dry sample), swelling capacity (4.62 ± 0.02-5.05 ± 0.03 g paste/g dry sample), bulk density (0.54 ± 0.04-0.81 ± 0.02 g/ml), tapped density (0.62 ± 0.04-0.93 ± 0.03 g/ml) and Carr's Index (9.38 ± 0.47-13.58 ± 0.43%). Freeze-dried Mehersagar cultivar's flour showed the leading functional properties with good flowability and cohesiveness. The physicochemical parameters of the flours also revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in lightness (L*) (50.51 ± 1.49-72.21 ± 1.05), moisture content (3.96 ± 0.09-7.74 ± 0.13%), protein (2.72 ± 0.07-3.93 ± 0.06%), crude fat (0.11 ± 0.01-0.36 ± 0.04%), crude fiber (0.64 ± 0.03-1.22 ± 0.03%), carbohydrate (84.15 ± 0.24-88.26 ± 0.15%) and energy content (354.25 ± 0.57-370.02 ± 0.39 kcal/g). Total flavonoid content (21.44 ± 0.04-34.34 ± 0.03 mgQE/100g) and phenolic content (29.91 ± 0.01-71.46 ± 0.03 mgGAE/100g) was observed, while the highest retention of bioactive compounds was exhibited in Mehersagar cultivar's flour. In terms of appearance, fineness, taste, flavor, color, and overall acceptability, the dried banana flour of both the cultivars obtained from freeze-dried scored overall acceptability 8.04 ± 0.02 and 7.92 ± 0.17, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy analysis of the microstructure of flour granules from each sample revealed a diverse morphological configuration in particle size and shape. According to the findings of this study, the freeze-drying technology is superior to others, and the Mehersagar banana cultivar is more satisfactory in terms of quality characteristics. Moreover, the quality parameters of banana flour may facilitate the formulation of different flour-based gluten-free baked products and food supplements.

The Impact of In Vitro Digestion on the Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Activity of Spanish Ciders

Various factors can influence the polyphenol content and the antioxidant capacity of ciders, such as the apple variety, its degree of maturity, apple farming and storage conditions, and the cider-fermentation method, all of which explains why ciders of different origin present different values. In addition, digestive processes could have some effects on the properties of cider. Hence, the objective of this study is to characterize Spanish ciders in terms of their polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity and to ascertain whether those same properties differ in digested ciders. In total, 19 ciders were studied from three different zones within Spain: Asturias (A) (10), the Basque Country (BC) (6), and Castile-and-Leon (CL) (3). A range of assays was used to determine the total polyphenol content and the antioxidant capacity of the ciders. In addition, a digestive process was simulated in vitro, assessing whether the use of amylase might influence the recovery of bioactive compounds after digestion. The Basque Country ciders presented higher total polyphenol contents (830 ± 179 GAE/L) and higher antioxidant capacities (DPPH: 5.4 ± 1.6 mmol TE/L; ABTS: 6.5 ± 2.0 mmol TE/L; FRAP: 6.9 ± 1.6 mmol TE/L) than the other ciders that were studied. The in vitro digestion process, regardless of the use of amylase, implied a loss of phenolic compounds (598 ± 239 mg GAE/L undigested samples; 466 ± 146 mg GAE/L digested without amylase samples; 420 ± 115 mg GAE/L digested with amylase samples), although the variation in antioxidant activity depended on the assay chosen for its determination.

Stability and Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds in Rosehip Extracts during In Vitro Digestion

Rosehips, particularly dog rose fruits (Rosa canina L.), are a great source of antioxidant compounds, mainly phenolics. However, their health benefits directly depend on the bioaccessibility of these compounds affected by gastrointestinal digestion. Thus, the purpose of this research was to study the impact of gastrointestinal and colonic in vitro digestions on the concentration of total and individual bioaccessible phenolic compounds from a hydroalcoholic extract of rosehips (Rosa canina) and also their antioxidant capacity. A total of 34 phenolic compounds were detected in the extracts using UPLC-MS/MS. Ellagic acid, taxifolin, and catechin were the most abundant compounds in the free fraction, while gallic and p-coumaric acids were the main compounds in the bound phenolic fraction. Gastric digestion negatively affected the content of free phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity measured using the DPPH radical method. However, there was an enhancement of antioxidant properties in terms of phenolic content and antioxidant activity (DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl): 18.01 ± 4.22 mmol Trolox Equivalent (TE)/g; FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power): 7.84 ± 1.83 mmol TE/g) after the intestinal stage. The most bioaccessible phenolic compounds were flavonols (73.3%) and flavan-3-ols (71.4%). However, the bioaccessibility of phenolic acids was 3%, probably indicating that most of the phenolic acids were still bound to other components of the extract. Ellagic acid is an exception since it presented a high bioaccessibility (93%) as it was mainly found in the free fraction of the extract. Total phenolic content decreased after in vitro colonic digestion, probably due to chemical transformations of the phenolic compounds by gut microbiota. These results demonstrated that rosehip extracts have a great potential to be used as a functional ingredient.

The effects of mulberry polyphenols on the digestibility and absorption properties of pork myofibrillar protein in vitro

The objective of the present study was to explore the effect of mulberry polyphenols on the digestibility and absorption properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) in vitro. MP was extracted from the Longissimus et thoracis muscle of 18 different pig carcasses and the MP-mulberry polyphenols complex was prepared. The antioxidant activity of digestive juice, degradation of both MP and polyphenols, and the metabolism of MP and the MP-polyphenols complex by intestinal microbial activity during digestion and fermentation in vitro were compared. The results showed that mulberry polyphenols significantly affect the digestibility of MP and the antioxidant activity of digestive juices during digestion (P < 0.05). After the modification of the polyphenols, the hydrolysis of MP increased from 55.4% to 64.0%, and the molecular weight of protein digestion product significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The scavenging rates of 2, 2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl in the final digestive juice were 350.1 μmol Trolox/mg protein and 34.0%, respectively, which were 0.34 and 0.47-fold higher than those of the control (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the release and degradation of phenolic compounds mainly occurred during intestinal digestion, and polyphenols that reached the colon after digestion, through the fermentation of intestinal microorganisms in vitro, enriched Lactobacillus and promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids which has obvious potential to improve intestinal health.

Statistical evaluation of DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and Folin-Ciocalteu assays to assess the antioxidant capacity of lignins

This research studies in detail four different assays, namely DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential) and FC (Folin-Ciocalteu), to determine the antioxidant capacity of standard substances as well as 50 organosolv lignins, and two kraft lignins. The coefficient of variation was determined for each method and was lowest for ABTS and highest for DPPH. The best correlation was found for FRAP and FC, which both rely on a single electron transfer mechanism. A good correlation between ABTS, FRAP and FC, respectively, could be observed, even though ABTS relies on a more complex reaction mechanism. The DPPH assay merely correlates with the others, implying that it reflects different antioxidative attributes due to a different reaction mechanism. Lignins obtained from paulownia and silphium have been investigated for the first time regarding their antioxidant capacity. Paulownia lignin is in the same range as beech wood lignin, while silphium lignin resembles wheat straw lignin. Miscanthus lignin is an exception from the grass lignins and possesses a significantly higher antioxidant capacity. All lignins possess a good antioxidant capacity and thus are promising candidates for various applications, e. g. as additives in food packaging or for biomedical purposes.

Changes of Bioactive Components and Antioxidant Capacity of Pear Ferment in Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion In Vitro

Fruit ferment is rich in polyphenols, organic acids, enzymes, and other bioactive components, which contribute to their antioxidant ability. In this study, we investigated the effect of the simulated gastric and intestinal digestion in vitro on the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), phenolic components content, organic acid content, protease activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (DPPH-RSA), hydroxyl (·OH) radical scavenging activity (·OH-RSA), and total reducing capacity in ‘Xuehua’ pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd) ferment. The result showed that the TPC, TFC, protease activity, and phenolic components such as arbutin, protocatechuic acid, malic acid, and acetic acid showed a rising trend during the simulated gastric digestion in ‘Xuehua’ pear ferment, and these components might contribute to the increasing of ·OH-RSA and total reducing capacity. The SOD activity and epicatechin content showed an increasing trend at first and then a decreasing trend, which was likely associated with DPPH-RSA. During in vitro-simulated intestinal digestion, the majority of evaluated items reduced, except for protease activity, quercetin, and tartaric acid. The reason for the decreasing of bio-accessibility resulted from the inhibition of the digestive environment, and the transformation between substances, such as the conversion of hyperoside to quercetin. The correlation analysis indicated that the antioxidant capacity of ‘Xuehua’ pear ferment was mainly affected by its bioactive compounds and enzymes activity as well as the food matrices and digestive environment. The comparison between the digestive group with and without enzymes suggested that the simulated gastrointestinal digestion could boost the release and delay the degradation of phenolic components, flavonoids, and organic acid, protect protease and SOD activity, and stabilize DPPH-RSA, ·OH-RSA, and total reducing capacity in ‘Xuehua’ pear ferment; thus, the ‘Xuehua’ pear ferment could be considered as an easily digestible food.

Influence of acute beetroot juice supplementation on cold-induced vasodilation and fingertip rewarming

PURPOSE

Vasoactive ingredients in beetroot (BR) such as nitrate are known to induce vasodilation in temperate conditions. This study investigated the effect of BR ingestion on cold induced vasodilation (CIVD) and rewarming of finger skin temperature (T_fing) during and after hand immersion in cold water.

METHODS

Twenty healthy males (mean ± SD; age 22.2 ± 0.7 years, height 172.6 ± 6.0 cm, body mass 61.3 ± 11.7 kg) repeated a hand cold water immersion test twice with prior BR or water beverage ingestion (randomised order). They rested for 2 h in thermoneutral conditions (27 °C, 40% relative humidity) after consuming the beverage, then immersed their non-dominant hand in 8 °C water for 30 min. They then rewarmed their hand in the ambient air for 20 min. Skin temperature at seven body sites, T_fing, finger skin blood flow (SkBF_fing), and blood pressure were measured.

RESULTS

During hand immersion parameters of CIVD (T_fing and SkBF_fing) were not different between BR and water conditions although skin temperature gradient from proximal to distal body sites was significantly smaller with BR (P < 0.05). During rewarming, SkBF_fing and cutaneous vascular conductance were significantly higher with BR than with water (P < 0.05). The rewarming speed in T_fing and SkBF_fing was significantly faster with BR at 15- (BR 1.24 ± 0.22 vs water 1.11 ± 0.26 °C/min) and 20-min rewarming (P < 0.05). Additionally, individuals with slower rewarming speed with water demonstrated accelerated rewarming with BR supplementation.

CONCLUSION

BR accelerated rewarming in T_fing and SkBF_fing after local cold stimulus, whereas, CIVD response during hand cold immersion was not affected by BR ingestion.

Equilibrium isotherms of red beetroots

The equilibrium moisture content of red beetroot has been studied and the corresponding sorption- desorption curves have been obtained at temperature 20°C. The strain measurement method has been used to establish the sorption curves. Analytical dependence describing the sorption and desorption curves have also been derived. Values of equilibrium moisture contents for temperatures higher than 20°C have been obtained by the Pass and Slepchenko’s method. The results are presented in graphical and table form.

Effects of shear emulsifying/ball milling/autoclave modification on structure, physicochemical properties, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of lotus (Nelumbo) leaves dietary fiber

Lotus (Nelumbo) leaves are rich in polyphenols and dietary fiber, which have the potential as a high-quality fiber material in functional food. However, lotus leaves exhibit dense structure and poor taste, it is vital to develop appropriate modification methods to improve the properties of lotus leaves dietary fiber. In this study, the effects of three modification methods with shear emulsifying (SE), ball milling (BM), and autoclave treatment (AT) on structure, physicochemical properties, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of lotus leave dietary fiber (LDF) were evaluated. SEM indicated that there were significant differences in the microstructure of modified LDFs. FT-IR spectra and X-ray diffraction pattern of modified LDFs revealed similar shapes, while the peak intensity and crystalline region changed by modification. SE showed the greatest effect on crystallization index. SE-LDF had the highest water holding capacity, water swelling capacity, and bound phenolic content in LDFs, which increased by 15.69, 12.02, and 31.81%, respectively, compared with the unmodified LDF. BM exhibited the most dramatic effect on particle size. BM-LDF had the highest free phenolic and total phenolic contents in LDFs, which increased by 32.20 and 29.05% respectively, compared with the unmodified LDF. Phenolic compounds in LDFs were mainly free phenolic, and modifications altered the concents of flavonoids. The BM-LDF and SE-LDF exhibited higher antioxidant capacity than that of AT-LDF. Overall, SE-LDF showed better physical properties, and BM-LDF showed better bioactive components. SE and BM were considered to be appropriate modification methods to enhance the properties of LDF with their own advantages.

The phenolics, antioxidant activity and in vitro digestion of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peels: an investigation of steam explosion pre-treatment

Pomegranate peels, the main byproduct of pomegranate production, are rich in phenolic compounds that are known for their effective antioxidant properties and have vast application prospects. In this study, steam explosion, an environmentally friendly technique, was applied to pretreat pomegranate peels for phenol extraction. We investigated the effects of explosion pressure, duration, and particle size on the content of total and individual phenolics, and antioxidant activity of pomegranate peels before and after in vitro digestion. The optimal conditions for a steam explosion for pomegranate peels in terms of total phenol content were a pressure of 1.5 MPa, a maintenance time of 90 s, and a particle size of 40 mesh. Under these conditions, pomegranate peel extract presented a higher yield of total phenols, gallic acid, and ellagic acid. However, it also had a lower content of punicalin and punicalagin, compared to the unexploded peels. There was no improvement in the antioxidant activity of pomegranate peels after the steam explosion. Moreover, the content of total phenol, gallic acid, ellagic acid, punicalin, and punicalagin, as well as the antioxidant activity of pomegranate peels, all increased after gastric digestion. Nevertheless, there was a large variation in the pomegranate peel processed by different pressure, duration, and sieve fractions. Overall, this study demonstrated that steam explosion pre-treatment could be an efficient method for improving the release of phenolics, especially gallic acid, and ellagic acid, from pomegranate peels.

Evaluation of the Potential Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Black Rice in the Framework of Celiac Disease

Inflammation and oxidative stress are two mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of celiac disease (CD). Since the direct effect of gliadin on the intestinal epithelia is less studied, the aims of this study were the development of a specific cellular model based on the use of gliadin as a pro-inflammatory stimulus and the evaluation of the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of extracts from different black rice in the framework of CD. The rice extracts were in vitro digested, characterized in terms of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity, and tested on Caco-2 cells to investigate their inhibitory effect on Reactive Oxygen Species, the NF-κB transcription and the CXC chemokines (sICAM-1, IL-8, and CXCL-10). In addition, the role of the extracts in modulating the activation of epithelial cells in CD was confirmed by applying the K562(S) agglutination test. The black rice extracts showed inhibitory effects on the production of the oxidative and the inflammatory mediators considered, with particular reference to lymphocyte-attracting CXCL-10 both before and after digestion. The presence of anthocyanins and their digestion metabolites may account for the observed anti-inflammatory activity after in vitro digestion. This work provided preliminary data supporting the use of black rice as a healthy food or ingredient of food supplements for celiacs.

Effect of Gastrointestinal Digestion on the Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Fermented Aloe vera Juices

Plant-based beverages are enriched by the fermentation process. However, their biocompounds are transformed during gastrointestinal digestion, improving their bioaccessibility, which is of primary importance when considering the associated health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on phenolic compound bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity of novel Aloe vera juices fermented by probiotic Enterococcus faecium and Lactococcus lactis. Aloe vera juices were digested using the standardized static INFOGEST protocol. During digestion, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) were accessed. The digestion process was seen to significantly increase the total phenolic content of the fermented Aloe vera juices. The fermentation of Aloe vera increased the bioaccessibility of juice biocompounds, particularly for kaempferol, ellagic acid, resveratrol, hesperidin, ferulic acid, and aloin. The phenolics released during digestion were able to reduce the oxidative radicals assessed by ABTS and FRAP tests, increasing the antioxidant action in the intestine, where they are absorbed. The fermentation of Aloe vera by probiotics is an excellent process to increase the bioavailability of beverages, resulting in natural added-value functional products.

Anti-Aging, Anti-Acne, and Cytotoxic Activities of Houttuynia cordata Extracts and Phytochemicals Analysis by LC-MS/MS

Although many biological properties of Houttuynia cordata have been found, its anti-aging and anti-acne effects have not yet been investigated. This study was aimed to evaluate the in vitro anti-aging and anti-acne activities of H. cordata extracts and their cytotoxic activities and phytochemicals analyzed with liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Dried aerial parts of H. cordata were given different extractions. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts obtained were named HCA and HCE, respectively, and used to screen total phenolic and flavonoid contents. In vitro anti-aging, skin-related antimicrobial, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in vitro cytotoxic, and LC-MS/MS analyses were performed. The total phenolic contents of the HCA and HCE were 5.11 ± 0.25 and 27.02 ± 1.07 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry extract while their total flavonoid contents were 104.94 ± 5.16 and 571.86 ± 2.86 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g dry extract, respectively. The HCA and HCE inhibited the activities of collagenase (28.33–46.00%), elastase (30.00–34.33%), and hyaluronidase (93.87–98.72%). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the HCA against Cutibacterium acnes DMST14916 were 5.77 and 5.77 mg/mL while those of the HCE were 2.47 and 2.47 mg/mL, respectively. Cell collapses of C. acnes after treatment with the extracts were observed with SEM. The HCE was not toxic to macrophages, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts up to 400 mg/mL. The HCA showed toxicity against macrophages at 62.5 mg/mL and both skin cells at 250 mg/mL. The main phytochemicals in the extracts were identified with LC-MS/MS. Phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and flavonoid derivatives in H. cordata extracts could be major phytochemicals to possess a broad spectrum of biological activities including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-aging activities. The findings from this study showed that the HCE has potential anti-aging and anti-acne properties while having non-cytotoxic activities on the immune and skin cells. These results indicate that the extract is probably advantageous in the development of skincare cosmeceutics and beauty treatments.

Simulated In Vitro Digestive Characteristics of Raw Yam Tubers in Japanese Diet: Changes in Protein Profile, Starch Digestibility, Antioxidant Capacity and Microstructure

The consumption of raw yam tuber through grated yam "tororo" is a major and popular diet in Japan. However, few studies have been undertaken to evaluate the digestive characteristics of raw yam tubers. This study aimed to fill this gap by investigating the changes in the protein profile, protein and starch digestibility, antioxidant capacity and microstructure of two typical yam tubers (Nagaimo N-10 and Nebaristar) in the Japanese diet, applying a simulated in vitro digestion method. Results showed that both samples contained a considerable protein content of about 11% (dry basis) and a protein digestibility of 43-49%. The electrophoretic patterns confirmed that dioscorin was the main protein of the yam tuber, and it could be digested into peptides and free amino acids with low molecular weight during in vitro digestion. The starch hydrolysis results suggested that eating raw yam tuber cannot induce a fast glycemic increase for consumers due to a low starch digestibility of 4.4-6.1%. In addition, Nebaristar showed a higher bioaccessibility in some key amino acids and total phenolic content than the Nagaimo N-10. This study provides some essential nutritional information and simulated digestion behaviours of the raw yam tubers, which could be useful for consumers and industries when buying and processing yam tubers from the perspective of changes in the nutritional profile during digestion.

Oregano as a potential source of antidiabetic agents

Oregano is the name given to a great variety of herbs belonging mainly to the Lamiaceae and Verbenaceae botanical families. Oregano species are rich sources of phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds like rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid, and luteolin, among others. A few articles have previously accessed some potential pharmacological bioactivities of oregano plants; however, none has focused on the antidiabetic studies. This review aims to summarize recent studies about the potential effect of phenolic compounds from oregano plant species. The reports were retrieved from electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), and Scopus. In addition, articles related to the mentioned topics and published between 2004-2022 were selected. The results from this study show that the antidiabetic pharmacological reports of oregano phenolic compounds are mainly in vitro reports. Therefore, the diversity of oregano species yields a broad variety of phenolic constituents, where preclinical and clinical studies are strongly recommended.

Impact of the Anodic and Cathodic Electro-Activation Treatment on the Physico-Chemical and Antioxidant Capacity of Red Beetroot Juice

The aim of the present work was to study the feasibility of using electro-activation as a nonthermal treatment to produce stable beetroot juice. Specifically, red beetroot juice was electro-activated under two different reactor configurations by using three electric current intensities (100, 200, and 300 mA) during 120 min. Different parameters of the juice were measured such as the pH, redox potential, juice titratable acidity, Brix degree and total dry matter, color, betalain and polyphenolic contents, and antioxidant capacity of the electro-activated juice. By using the reactor Configuration A in which the targeted juice was electro-activated in the anodic compartment of the used reactor, acidic juice with pH 4 and 5 as well as a redox potential close to +300 mV was obtained. The Brix degree, color, dry matter, and phenolic content were not significantly influenced by this electro-activation. However, the treatment permitted increasing the antioxidant capacity of the juice as measured by the DPPH and ABTS assays. By using the reactor Configuration B in which the targeted beet juice was electro-activated in the cathodic compartment of the used compartment, a juice with an alkaline pH of approximately pH 9 and a reducing redox potential of -697 mV was obtained. With this reactor configuration, the Brix degree and total dry matter were not affected, but the color and total polyphenolic content changed. The betalains and polyphenolic compounds were degraded under the alkaline conditions of this electro-activation treatment, which had a negative consequence on the juice quality by decreasing its antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that anodic electro-activation of a beet juice can be technologically feasible since this treatment permitted producing stable juice as well as maintaining the main physico-chemical properties of the juice, enhancing its antioxidant capacity, and keeping the juice color at high level.

Alginate Particles for Encapsulation of Phenolic Extract from Spirulina sp. LEB-18: Physicochemical Characterization and Assessment of In Vitro Gastrointestinal Behavior

Encapsulation can be used as a strategy to protect and control the release of bioactive extracts. In this work, an extract from Spirulina sp. LEB-18, rich in phenolic compounds, was encapsulated in biopolymeric particles (i.e., composed of alginate) and characterized concerning their thermal behavior using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), size, morphology, swelling index (S), and encapsulation efficiency (EE%); the release profile of the phenolic compounds at different pHs and the particle behavior under in vitro gastrointestinal digestion were also evaluated. It was shown that it is possible to encapsulate the phenolic extract from Spirulina sp. LEB-18 in alginate particles with high encapsulation efficiency (88.97%). It was also observed that the particles are amorphous and that the encapsulated phenolic compounds were released at a pH 7.2 but not at pH 1.5, which means that the alginate particles are able to protect the phenolic compounds from the harsh stomach conditions but lose their integrity under intestinal pH conditions. Regarding bioaccessibility, it was observed that the encapsulated phenolic compounds showed higher bioaccessibility compared to phenolic compounds in free form. This work increases the knowledge about the behavior of alginate particles encapsulating phenolic compounds during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. It also provides essential information for designing biopolymeric particle formulations encapsulating phenolic compounds for application in pharmaceutical and food products.

Predictive Glycaemic Response of Pasta Enriched with Juice, Puree, and Pomace from Red Cabbage and Spinach

This study reports the digestibility and nutritional quality of pasta made from durum wheat semolina which was partially substituted by puree, juice or pomace from spinach and red cabbage. The results show that 10% substitution of semolina with red cabbage pomace and spinach pomace, 1% substitution of spinach juice, and 2% substitution of spinach puree significantly reduced the area under the curve of the in vitro starch digestion. This reduction was due to a combined effect of decreased starch content, increased dietary fibre content and inhibition of α-amylase caused by vegetable material addition. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity increased significantly on raw, cooked and digested samples of vegetable fortified pasta compared to control. The β-carotene content of spinach pasta (raw, cooked, and digested) was also higher than that of control. At the 1% substitution level, the juice was more efficient in improving the antioxidant capacity of resultant pasta compared to puree or pomace.

Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds from Mistletoe Infusions and Effect of In Vitro Digestion on Its Antioxidant and Pancreatic Lipase Inhibitory Activity

Phoradendron brachystachyum is an American mistletoe distributed in México and used ethnobotanically in infusions to treat hypertriglyceridemia and lower cholesterol levels. This study aimed to evaluate the bioaccessibility of the phenolic acids from mistletoe infusions and the effect of simulated digestion on its antioxidant and lipase inhibitory properties. The in vitro digestion process decreased the antioxidant capacity activity by the TEAC and ORAC assays in infusions from leaves, stems, and whole plant samples. Moreover, the individual phenolic content of mistletoe infusions was also affected by the in vitro digestion process; the most abundant individual phenolic constituents at the end of the digestion process were ferulic and quinic acids. These compounds showed low bioaccessibility values ranging from 7.48% to 22.60%. In addition, the in vitro digestion diminished the pancreatic lipase inhibition percentage of leaves and whole plant infusions but increased it in the stem samples. This research showed that given the phenolic content and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity of mistletoe infusions, it could be used as a potential source for the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals; nonetheless, its phenolic content is affected by gastrointestinal digestion; thus, encapsulation strategies are encouraged to protect these metabolites from the gastrointestinal environment while preserving their antioxidant and hypolipidemic potentials.

The Bioaccessibility and Antioxidant Activities of Fermented Mango Cultivar Juices after Simulated In Vitro Digestion

The purpose of this study was to investigate the bioaccessibilities of total phenolic compounds, carotenoid profile, antioxidant activity, and Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) survival in fermented mango juice (MJs) obtained from three mango cultivars after exposure to an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model. The MJs from three cultivars ('Sabre', 'Peach', and 'Tommy Atkins') were fermented using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 75 (L75), Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides 56 (L56), and their combination (L56 + 75). Fermented MJs were digested and fractions: gastric (GF), intestinal (IF), and dialysis (DF) were analyzed for total polyphenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (FRAP), 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2.2-azinobis-3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS). In addition, the carotenoid content and the LAB population were determined from the GF and IF. After digestion, TPC decreased while fermentation improved its bioaccessibility. L75-fermented 'Sabre' MJs had the highest bioaccessible TPC in the GF (75.65%), IF (50.10%), and DF (32.52%) while L56 'Peach' MJs increased the β-carotene bioaccessibility by 1.32-fold at GF and IF (1.21-fold). When compared to the other two juices, 'Sabre' and 'Peach' MJs fermented with L75 showed the highest IC₅₀ values for DPPH and ABTS. Generally, L75-fermented 'Sabre' MJs had the highest LAB survival at both GF (7.57 Log CFU/mL) and IF (7.45 Log CFU/mL) and hold potential as probiotic juices. L56-fermented 'Sabre' MJs would ensure the delivery of four times the carotenoid recommended dietary allowance (RDA) to a target site in the body while L75-fermented 'Peach' MJs could be used to effectively counteract oxidants in the body system.

Loading and Release of Phenolic Compounds Present in Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens) in Different Chitosan Bio-Polymeric Cationic Matrixes

Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) polyphenols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, but low bioaccessibility. Therefore, in the present work the micro/nano-encapsulation of these compounds in two different matrixes of chitosan (CS) and chitosan-b-poly(PEGMA2000) (CS-b-PPEGMA) is described and assessed. The particle sizes of matrixes of CS (~955 nm) and CS-b-PPEGMA (~190 nm) increased by 10% and 50%, respectively, when the phenolic compounds were encapsulated, yielding loading efficiencies (LE) between 90–99% and 50–60%, correspondingly. The release profiles in simulated fluids revealed a better control of host–guest interactions by using the CS-b-PPEGMA matrix, reaching phenolic compounds release of 80% after 24 h, while single CS retained the guest compounds. The total reducing capacity (TRC) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of the phenolic compounds (PPHs) are protected and increased (more than five times) when they are encapsulated. Thus, this investigation provides a standard encapsulation strategy and relevant results regarding nutraceuticals stabilization and their improved bioaccessibility.

Anti-aging Activity, In Silico Modeling and Molecular Docking from Sonneratia Caseolaris

BACKGROUND: Anti-aging agents contribute to the prevention and control of skin photoaging. Antioxidant containing cosmetic has anti-aging therapy that can inhibit free radical formation. Sonneratia caseolaris leaf extract has robust antioxidant activity. AIM: This study aimed to determine the anti-aging activity in-silico and in-vitro. METHODS: In vitro antioxidant potential was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-Azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) cation (ABTS+) radical scavenging and FRAP. Investigation of in-silico docking activity was done for ROS (3ZBF), collagenase (966C), hyaluronidase (1FCV) receptors. Metabolomics analysis were conducted through HR-LCMS on the extract Sonneratia caseolaris. To explore the use value of antiaging, we analyzed the molecular docking of metabolites profiling Sonneratia caseolaris. RESULTS: The result of metabolite profiling on the HR-LCMS from Sonneratia caseolaris extract are Luteolin, Betaine, and Choline. Molecular docking involves the exploration of protein or nucleotide, 3D structural modeling, and binding energy calculation. DPPH method showed IC50 28.214±0.809 ppm. The ABTS method showed IC50 1.528±0.042 ppm and FRAP is 345,125±4,196 mM/g sample. The compound luteolin had the Lowest binding energy scores with most of the target proteins: ROS (-8,3), collagenase (-11), and hyaluronidase (-6,8), according to molecular docking results. CONCLUSION: It concluded that the study indicates extract Sonneratia caseolaris has the potential to be developed as a new drug for antiaging.

Phytochemical Profile and Herbicidal (Phytotoxic), Antioxidants Potential of Essential Oils from Calycolpus goetheanus (Myrtaceae) Specimens, and in Silico Study

The essential oil (EO) of Calycolpus goetheanus (Myrtaceae) specimens (A, B, and C) were obtained through hydrodistillation. The analysis of the chemical composition of the EOs was by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry CG-MS, and gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector CG-FID. The phytotoxic activity of those EOs was evaluated against two weed species from common pasture areas in the Amazon region: Mimosa pudica L. and Senna obtusifolia (L.) The antioxidant capacity of the EOs was determined by (DPPH•) and (ABTS•+). Using molecular docking, we evaluated the interaction mode of the major EO compounds with the molecular binding protein 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD). The EO of specimen A was characterized by β-eudesmol (22.83%), (E)-caryophyllene (14.61%), and γ-eudesmol (13.87%), while compounds 1,8-cineole (8.64%), (E)-caryophyllene (5.86%), δ-cadinene (5.78%), and palustrol (4.97%) characterize the chemical profile of specimen B’s EOs, and specimen C had α-cadinol (9.03%), δ-cadinene (8.01%), and (E)-caryophyllene (6.74%) as the majority. The phytotoxic potential of the EOs was observed in the receptor species M. pudica with percentages of inhibition of 30%, and 33.33% for specimens B and C, respectively. The EOs’ antioxidant in DPPH• was 0.79 ± 0.08 and 0.83 ± 0.02 mM for specimens A and B, respectively. In the TEAC, was 0.07 ± 0.02 mM for specimen A and 0.12 ± 0.06 mM for specimen B. In the results of the in silico study, we observed that the van der Waals and hydrophobic interactions of the alkyl and pi-alkyl types were the main interactions responsible for the formation of the receptor–ligand complex.

Effects of 6-Hydroxykaempferol: A Potential Natural Product for Amelioration of Tendon Impairment

Tendon impairment is a common injury associated with impairment of range of motion and pain. Currently, evidence has confirmed that natural herbs contribute to orthopedics and have shown excellent results in the clinical management of tendon impairment. Shujin Huoxue tablet (SHT) and its complex prescriptions are regularly used in tendon rupture therapy with positive results. This study aimed to discover the potential molecules that promote tendon healing. The Chinese traditional medicine system pharmacological database analysis platform (TCMSP) is the primary resource. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database and Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine database were used as secondary databases. The GeneCards database was used to search for reported tendinopathy-related genes by keywords. Functions of the targeted genes were analyzed using Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Protein–protein interaction information was extracted from the STRING database. Docking study, MTT assay, quantitative real-time PCR, and migration assays were performed to obtain a better understanding of the herbs according to cell function to test the basic pharmacological action in vitro. A total of 104 disease nodes, 496 target gene nodes, 35 ingredient nodes, and one drug node were extracted. According to the TCMSP database, 6-hydroxykaempferol, which reportedly promotes the proliferation of microvascular endothelial cells, is a molecule found in SHT. We found that it promoted the proliferation and migration of tendon fibroblasts and elevated tendon repair-related gene expression. Purified 6-hydroxykaempferol promoted the proliferation and migration of tendon fibroblasts and increased their mRNA expression in tendon proliferation.

Bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity of phenolic compounds during shelf life of a new functional vegetable mix

Fresh-cut vegetables are minimally processed healthy products that have gained the preference of consumers in accordance to the current lifestyle. Fresh-cut industry is continuously evolving and pursuing new varieties of raw material to develop innovative vegetable products, which fulfil consumer expectations. The current study evaluated the phenolic compounds in an innovative vegetable mix (red cabbage, rocket, parsley and beet greens) as well as their antioxidant capacity and bioaccessibility during their shelf life under refrigerated storage. The initial total phenolic compound and flavonoids content in the salad mixture were 163.3 ± 5.77 mg GAE/100 g FW and 280.96 ± 25.14 mg QE/100 g FW, respectively. The initial antioxidant capacity in the salad mixture was 85.4 ± 7.9 mg TE/100 g FW for DPPH and 318.1 ± 26.5 mg TE/100 g FW for ABTS assays. After digestion, total phenolic compound and TEAC capacity at initial times showed percentage of recovery values close to the chemical extraction and suffered a decrease towards day 10 of storage. Flavonoids and DPPH capacity showed recovery percentages less than 50%, at all storage times. Regarding sensory quality, the shelf-life of the salad mixture was limited by the presence of unacceptable off-odors at day 7 but since at microbiological evaluation, the shelf-life of the product is no longer than 5 days.

The Protein-Rich Powdered Beverages Stabilized with Flax Seeds Gum—Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Properties of the Potentially Bioaccessible Fraction

The functional beverages market is one of the fastest-growing sectors of functional food production. An innovative recipe for powdered fruit and vegetable drinks fortified with lentil proteins (AGF) and stabilized with flax seed gums (FSG) was developed. The study focused on the analysis of potentially bioaccessible fractions from the produced beverages in terms of their antioxidant, antiproliferative activities and physicochemical properties. The contents of bioactive components were tailored by the incorporation of lyophilized fruits and vegetables, the FSG and the AGF. Digestion in vitro effectively released phenolics from all matrices. The highest contents of potentially bioavailable polyphenols were recorded for the AGF based beverages enriched with 5% of FSG and green-leafy vegetables (58 mg/100 mL) and those with lyophilized fruit (54 mg/100 mL). The reducing power of the beverages was mainly affected by the presence of the AGF, while the FSG and lyophilized fruit improved the chelating power. The digests applied in the concentrations mimicking physiological concentrations showed antiproliferative properties against gastric and colon adenocarcinoma—they seemed to be tailored by bioactive peptides and phenolics, respectively. The addition of the FSG improved the stability of the beverages increasing the time required for a reduction of 20% of the initial optical density by 16- and 28-times in the beverages without additives or enriched with vegetables. Both, the AGF and FSG stabilize the beverages after rehydration and are sources of bioaccessible antioxidant and anticancer components, which create their functionality.

Bioactive ingredients of huitlacoche (Ustilago maydis), a potential food raw material

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The extraction method affected the recovery of phenolic compounds.

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Digestible carbohydrates were the main component in proximate analysis.

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The polarity of the solvent used favoured the recovery of bioactive compounds.

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Digestion conditions exerted a significant effect on phenolics release.

Huitlacoche (Ustilago maydis) is a staple food traditionally consumed in Mexico. On one hand, it is considered a pathogen and a devastating disease for maize (Zea mays), and, conversely, some reports highlight it as a culinary delight and a food alternative for its nutritional and functional characteristics. The present work aimed to compare two different methods: maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), in order to achieve the highest amount of total phenolic compounds (TPC), followed by the antioxidant capacity (AC) measurement, as well as the effect of the in vitro digestion. UAE produced the highest TPC content (13.44 mg GAE/mg ds) for a 1:5 huitlacoche:solvent ratio using ethanol at 75%. The maximum values for AC were 22.5 mg TE/mL (for DPPH assay) and 45.26 mg TE/mL (for ABTS assay). The in vitro digestion showed that AC is maintained and increased through the digestion process. Thus, huitlacoche can be revalorised as a potential food raw material for human nutrition and health.

A promising blueberry from Colombia: antioxidant activity, nutritional and phytochemical composition of Cavendishia nitida (Kunth) A.C.Sm

Many Neotropical representatives of Ericaceae have fruits with antioxidant activity and high nutritional value. However, in Colombia, these fruits are little consumed and are considered underutilized. One such example is the berries of Cavendishia nitida (Kunth) A.C.Sm. In this study, the nutritional value, the total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents, and antioxidant activity of C. nitida fruit were performed. From the leaves, an ethanolic extract was made, which was then fractioned to measure its antioxidant activity and analyze its chemical composition. The results indicate that the fruit of C. nitida can be classified as potentially edible, due to its minerals and vitamins contents. Five anthocyanins were detected in the berries; while in the leaves extract six terpenes and one flavonol were identified. The ethyl acetate fraction of the leaves extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity with the DPPH^• and ABTS^•+ radicals tested. We also found a strong correlation between the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and the values of percentage of inhibition of DPPH^• and ABTS^•+ in all the samples tested. The results of this study suggest that the berries of C. nitida are promising as edible fruits, and beneficial for human and animal health. However, even though the communities of the region use this berry as food, the toxicity of fruits must be evaluated to confirm that their consumption is safe for humans.