Bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity of free phenolic compounds and oligosaccharides from corn ( Zea mays L.) and common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) chips during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and simulated colonic fermentation

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

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

Characterization of the active components and bioaccessibility of phenolics in differently colored foxtail millets

Differently colored foxtail millet (Setaria italica) cultivars were compared regarding their amylose, B-complex vitamin, vitamin E, and phenolic compositions, as well as the bioaccessibility of their phenolics in simulated in vitro digestion. Dark-colored foxtail millets contained more thiamine, pyridoxine, and tocopherols, but less riboflavin, than light-colored ones. Phenolics were more abundant in dark-colored cultivars. Insoluble bound fractions accounted for 75%-83% of the total phenolics, with ferulic acid detected as the most plentiful compound. The major bioaccessible phenolic was free ferulic acid, with 100%-120% bioaccessibility, depending on cultivar, followed by p-coumaric acid and isoferulic acid (50%-80%). These relatively high bioaccessibilities were likely due to the release of soluble conjugated or insoluble bound phenolics during digestion. However, the contents of other free phenolics were largely decreased following in vitro digestion, resulting in low bioaccessibility, which also means that the release from the conjugated and bound fractions was poor.

Impact of Simulated Human Gastrointestinal Digestion on the Functional Properties of Dietary Fibres Obtained from Broccoli Leaves, Grape Stems, Pomegranate and Tomato Peels

This study aimed to analyse the impact of a simulated human digestion process on the composition and functional properties of dietary fibres derived from pomegranate-peel, tomato-peel, broccoli-stem and grape-stem by-products. For this purpose, a computer-controlled simulated digestion system consisting of three bioreactors (simulating the stomach, small intestine and colon) was utilised. Non-extractable phenols associated with dietary fibre and their influence on antioxidant capacity and antiproliferative activity were investigated throughout the simulated digestive phases. Additionally, the modifications in oligosaccharide composition, the microbiological population and short-chain fatty acids produced within the digestion media were examined. The type and composition of each dietary fibre significantly influenced its functional properties and behaviour during intestinal transit. Notably, the dietary fibre from the pomegranate peel retained its high phenol content throughout colon digestion, potentially enhancing intestinal health due to its strong antioxidant activity. Similarly, the dietary fibre from broccoli stems and pomegranate peel demonstrated anti-proliferative effects in both the small and the large intestines, prompting significant modifications in colonic microbiology. Moreover, these fibre types promoted the growth of bifidobacteria over lactic acid bacteria. Thus, these results suggest that the dietary fibre from pomegranate peel seems to be a promising functional food ingredient for improving human health.

Potential for the development of Taraxacum mongolicum aqueous extract as a phytogenic feed additive for poultry

Introduction

Taraxacum mongolicum (TM) is a kind of medicinal and edible homologous plant which is included in the catalogue of feed raw materials in China. It is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides and other active substances, and shows many benefits to livestock, poultry and aquatic products. The study aimed to assess the potential of TM aqueous extract (TMAE) as a substitute for poultry AGPs.

Methods

A total of 240 one-day-old Arbor Acker broilers were randomly assigned to four groups and fed a basal diet (Con) supplemented with 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg TMAE (Low, Medium, and High groups). The growth performance of the broilers was measured on day 21 and day 42. At the end of the trial, the researchers measured slaughter performance and collected serum, liver, spleen, ileum, and intestinal contents to investigate the effects of TMAE on serum biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, immune function, organ coefficient, intestinal morphology, flora composition, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Results

The results showed that broilers treated with TMAE had a significantly higher average daily gain from 22 to 42 days old compared to the Con group. Various doses of TMAE resulted in different levels of improvement in serum chemistry. High doses increased serum alkaline phosphatase and decreased creatinine. TMAE also increased the antioxidant capacity of serum, liver, and ileum in broilers. Additionally, middle and high doses of TMAE enhanced the innate immune function of the liver (IL-10) and ileum (Occludin) in broilers. Compared to the control group, the TMAE treatment group exhibited an increase in the ratio of villi length to villi crypt in the duodenum. TMAE increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Alistipes and Lactobacillus, while reducing the accumulation of harmful bacteria, such as Colidextracter and Sellimonas. The cecum's SCFAs content increased with a medium dose of TMAE. Supplementing broiler diets with TMAE at varying doses enhanced growth performance and overall health. The most significant benefits were observed at a dose of 1000 mg/kg, including improved serum biochemical parameters, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity of the liver and ileum, immune function of the liver and ileum, and increased SCFAs content. Lactobacillus aviarius, norank_f_norank_o__Clostridia_UCG-014, and Flavonifractor are potentially dominant members of the intestinal microflora.

Conclusion

In conclusion, TMAE is a promising poultry feed additive and 1000 mg/kg is an effective reference dose.

Unrevealing the in vitro impacts of Cereus jacamaru DC. cladodes flour on potentially probiotic strains, selected bacterial populations, and metabolic activity of human intestinal microbiota

This study investigated the potential impacts of the flour from Cereus jamacaru cactus cladodes (CJF), a cactus native to the Brazilian Caatinga biome, on the growth and metabolism of different potentially probiotic strains, as well as on the abundance of selected intestinal bacterial populations and microbial metabolic activity during in vitro colonic fermentation with a pooled human fecal inoculum. Cultivation of the probiotics in a medium with C. jamacaru cladodes flour (20 g/L) resulted in viable cell counts of up to 9.8 log CFU/mL, positive prebiotic activity scores (0.73-0.91), decreased pH and sugar contents, and increased lactic, acetic, and propionic acid production over time, indicating enhanced probiotic growth and metabolic activity. CJF overall increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp./Enterococcus spp. (2.12-3.29%) and Bifidobacterium spp. (4.08-4.32%) and decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroides spp./Prevotella spp. (8.35-6.81%), Clostridium histolyticum (6.91-3.59%), and Eubacterium rectale/Clostridium coccoides (7.70-3.95%) during 48 h of an in vitro colonic fermentation using a pooled human fecal inoculum. CJF stimulated the microbial metabolic activity, with decreased pH, sugar consumption, lactic and short-chain fatty acid production, alterations in overall metabolic profiling and phenolic compound contents, and maintenance of high antioxidant capacity during colonic fermentation. These results show that CJF stimulated the growth and metabolic activity of distinct potential probiotics, increased the relative abundance of beneficial intestinal bacterial groups, and stimulated microbial metabolism during in vitro colonic fermentation. Further studies using advanced molecular technologies and in vivo experimental models could forward the investigation of the potential prebiotic properties of CJF.

Cooking, Digestion, and In Vitro Colonic Fermentation of Nigerian Wholegrains Affect Phenolic Acid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota Composition

Wholegrains contain both fibre and phenolic acids (PAs), and their gastrointestinal modifications are critical for their bioavailability and bioactivity. We evaluated the modifications on the PA profile and gut microbiota composition of selected Nigerian wholegrains, following cooking and gastrointestinal digestion. Red fonio, red millet, red sorghum, and white corn were cooked, digested, and fermented using an in vitro colonic model. A total of 26 PA derivatives were quantified in soluble and bound fractions using Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis. DNA samples were analysed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to profile the microbiota composition. The results show that cooking and digestion significantly affected the levels of PAs in all grains (p ≤ 0.05) compared to raw grains. Colonic fermentation resulted in a peak of total soluble PAs at 4-6 h for red sorghum and white corn and at 24 h for red millet and red fonio. Enterobacteriaceae genera were the most abundant at 24 h in all grains studied. 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde correlated positively with the relative abundance of Dorea and the mucus-degrader bacteria Akkermansia (p ≤ 0.05), whereas hydroferulic acid and isoferulic acid levels correlated negatively with Oscillospira and Ruminococcus (p ≤ 0.05), respectively. Our data indicate that cooking, digestion, and colonic fermentation affect the release of bound PAs from wholegrains and, consequently, their metabolic conversion. Furthermore, PA fermentation in the gut is associated with potentially relevant changes in the microbiota. This in vitro study provides the basis for the design of an in vivo human intervention study that can confirm the trends herein observed but also assess the impact on health outcomes.

Metabolomic insights into phenolics-rich chestnut shells extract as a nutraceutical ingredient - A comprehensive evaluation of its impacts on oxidative stress biomarkers by an in-vivo study

The present study attempted for the first time to explore the effects of the daily oral intake of a phenolics-rich extract from chestnut shells (CS) on the metabolomic profiling of rat tissues by liquid chromatography coupled to Orbitrap-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) targeted to polyphenolics and their metabolites and screen potential oxidative stress biomarkers, validating its use as a promising nutraceutical ingredient with outstanding antioxidant properties for the prevention and co-therapy of lifestyle-related diseases triggered by oxidative stress. The results demonstrated new insights into the metabolomic fingerprinting of polyphenols from CS, confirming their absorption and biotransformation by phase I (hydrogenation) and II (glucuronidation, methylation, and sulfation) enzymes. Phenolic acids were the main polyphenolic class, followed by hydrolyzable tannins, flavanols, and lignans. In contrast to the liver, sulfated conjugates were the principal metabolites reaching the kidneys. The multivariate data analysis predicted an exceptional contribution of polyphenols and their microbial and phase II metabolites to the in-vivo antioxidant response of the CS extract in rats, recommending its use as an appealing source of anti-aging molecules for nutraceuticals. This is the first study that explored the relation between metabolomic profiling of rat tissues and in-vivo antioxidant effects after oral treatment with a phenolics-rich CS extract.

Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion of Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) Shell Extract Prepared by Subcritical Water Extraction: Bioaccessibility, Bioactivity, and Intestinal Permeability by In Vitro Assays

Chestnut shells (CSs) are an appealing source of bioactive molecules, and constitute a popular research topic. This study explores the effects of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and intestinal permeability on the bioaccessibility and bioactivity of polyphenols from CS extract prepared by subcritical water extraction (SWE). The results unveiled higher phenolic concentrations retained after gastric and intestinal digestion. The bioaccessibility and antioxidant/antiradical properties were enhanced in the following order: oral < gastric ≤ intestinal digests, attaining 40% of the maximum bioaccessibility. Ellagic acid was the main polyphenol in the digested and undigested extract, while pyrogallol-protocatechuic acid derivative was only quantified in the digests. The CS extract revealed potential mild hypoglycemic (<25%) and neuroprotective (<75%) properties before and after in vitro digestion, along with upmodulating the antioxidant enzymes' activities and downregulating the lipid peroxidation. The intestinal permeation of ellagic acid achieved 22.89% after 240 min. This study highlighted the efficacy of the CS extract on the delivery of polyphenols, sustaining its promising use as nutraceutical ingredient.

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

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

The synergistic ramification of insoluble dietary fiber and associated non-extractable polyphenols on gut microbial population escorting alleviation of lifestyle diseases

Most of the pertinent research which aims at exploring the therapeutic effects of polyphenols usually misapprehends a large fraction of non-extractable polyphenols due to their poor aqueous-organic solvent extractability. These polymeric polyphenols (i.e., proanthocyanins, hydrolysable tannins and phenolic acids) possess a unique property to adhere to the food matrix polysaccharides and protein sowing to their structural complexity with high glycosylation, degree of polymerization, and plenty of hydroxyl groups. Surprisingly resistance to intestinal absorption does not hinder its bioactivity but accelerates its functionality manifolds due to the colonic microbial catabolism in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby protecting the body from local and systemic inflammatory diseases. This review highlights not only the chemistry, digestion, colonic metabolism of non-extractable polyphenols (NEPP) but also summarises the synergistic effect of matrix-bound NEPP exerting local as well as systemic health benefits.

Garambullo (Myrtillocactus geometrizans): effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity of phytochemicals

Garambullo (Myrtillocactus geometrizans), endemic fruit from Mexico, contains several bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, betalains, antioxidant fiber), highlighting it as a good functional food. In this research, the impact of the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on phytochemical bioaccessibility from garambullo and its antioxidant capacity are studied. The fruit contained previously unidentified phytochemicals in the polar and non-polar extracts (acetone and hexane). The bioaccessibility decreased in the mouth and stomach for flavanones (up to 11.9 and 8.9%, respectively), isoflavones (up to 20.0 and 9.2%, respectively), flavonols (up to 15.2 and 15.7%, respectively), hydroxycinnamic acids (up to 21.7 and 13.1%, respectively), and betalains (up to 10.5 and 4.2%, respectively); hydroxybenzoic acids were increased (up to 752.8 and 552.6%, respectively), while tocopherols increased in the mouth (127.7%) and decreased in the stomach (up to 90.3%). In the intestinal phase, the digestible fraction showed low phytochemicals bioaccessibility, and some compounds were recovered in the non-digestible fraction. The antioxidant capacity decreased in different compartments of the gastrointestinal tract, being higher in the mouth (872.9, 883.6, 385.2, and 631.2 μmol TE per g dw by ABTS, DPPH, ORAC, and FRAP, respectively) and stomach (836.2, 942.1, 289.0, and 494.9 μmol TE per g dw ABTS, DPPH, ORAC, and FRAP, respectively). The results indicate that digestion positively or negatively affects compounds' bioaccessibility depending on their structural family, and the antioxidant capacity decreases but remains higher than other functional foods.

Metabolism of Phenolics of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Roots under In Vitro Digestion and Colonic Fermentation as Well as Their In Vivo Antioxidant Activity in Rats

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg is a herbaceous perennial species distributed mainly in southern China. The Tetrastigma hemsleyanum root (THR) has been prevalently consumed as a functional tea or dietary supplement. In vitro digestion models, including colonic fermentation, were built to evaluate the release and stability of THR phenolics with the method of HPLC-QqQ-MS/MS and UPLC-Qtof-MS/MS. From the oral cavity, the contents of total phenolic and flavonoid began to degrade. Quercetin-3-rutinoside, quercetin-3-glucoside, kaempferol-3-rutinoside, and kaempferol-3-glucoside were metabolized as major components and they were absorbed in the form of glycosides for hepatic metabolism. On the other hand, the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, and glutathione (GSH) content were significantly increased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) content was decreased in plasma and tissues of rats treated with THR extract in the oxidative stress model. These results indicated that the THR extract is a good antioxidant substance and has good bioavailability, which can effectively prevent some chronic diseases caused by oxidative stress. It also provides a basis for the effectiveness of THR as a traditional functional food.

What are the digestion and absorption models used to reproduce gastrointestinal protein processes?: A protocol for systematic review

BACKGROUND

Animal, cell, and in vitro studies have been applied to simulate the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and evaluate the behavior of biomolecules. Understanding the peptides and/or proteins stability when exposed to these physiological conditions of the GIT can assist in the application of these molecules in the treatment of diseases such as obesity. This study describes a protocol of systematic reviews to analyze the methodologies that mimic the digestive and absorptive processes of peptides and/or proteins.

METHODS

The protocol follows the guidelines described by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes Protocols (PRISMA-P). The search strategies will be applied in the electronic databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Evidence portal, Virtual Health Library, and EMBASE. The intervention group will be formed by in vivo, in cells, and in vitro (gastrointestinal simulating fluids) studies of digestion and absorption of peptides and/or proteins presenting a schedule, duration, frequency, dosages administered, concentration, and temperature, and the control group consisting in studies without peptides and/or proteins. The selection of studies, data extraction, and assessment of the risk of bias will be carried out independently by 2 reviewers. For animal studies, the risk of bias will be assessed by the instrument of the Systematic Review Center for Experimentation with Laboratory Animals (SYRCLE) and the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool will be used to assess the risk of bias in cell studies.

RESULTS

This protocol contemplates the development of 2 systematic reviews and will assist the scientific community in identifying methods related to the digestive and absorptive processes of peptides and/or proteins.

CONCLUSION

Both systematic reviews resulting from this protocol will provide subsidies for the construction of research related to the clinical application of bioactive peptides and/or proteins. In this context, they will make it possible to understand the gastrointestinal processes during administering these molecules, as the gastrointestinal environment can affect its functionality. Therefore, validating the effectiveness of these protocols is important, as it mimics in vitro biological conditions, reducing the use of animals, being consistent with the reduction, refine and replace program.

In vitro protein digestibility and biochemical characteristics of soaked, boiled and fermented soybeans

Protein digestibility of soybean obtained from the main manufacturing steps for natto, such as soaking (soaked soybeans 'S'), boiling (boiled soybeans 'B'), and fermentation (fermented soybeans 'F'), was examined in this study. Biochemical indices for the processed soybeans from each manufacturing step and those digested fractions by simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion were also evaluated. The result showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the protein digestibility of B (48.71 ± 0.04%) and F (50.21 ± 0.45%) compared to that of S (20.58 ± 0.25%), accompanying the accumulation of small protein sub-fractions and essential amino acids. Besides, antioxidant activity indices of all digested fractions increased around two to fourfold at the end of the simulated digestion. F showed a consistently increasing trend when the digestion stage progressed and maximum values overall at the final digestion stage.  Soybeans from fermentation step showed higher protein digestibility and indispensable amino acids as well as potential bioactivities than those from boiling and soaking step. The results demonstrated that manufacturing steps improved nutritional values of soybean protein, such as bioavailability of amino acids and certain bioactivities.

Changes in bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of plant-based foods by gastrointestinal digestion: a review

Phenolic compounds, omnipresent in plants, are a crucial part of the human diet and are of considerable interest due to their antioxidant properties and other potential beneficial health effects, for instance, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. The consumption of a variety of plant-based foods containing various phenolic compounds has increased due to published scientific verification of several health benefits. The release of phenolic compounds and change in their bioactivities examined through in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion could provide information on the biological potency of bioactive components, which will allow us to elucidate their metabolic pathways and bioactivities at target sites. This review reports on the recent research results focused on changes during the gastro and/or intestinal phase. The effect of digestive enzymes and digestive pH conditions during simulated digestion accounted for the variations in bioaccessibility and bioavailability of phenolic antioxidants as well as the corresponding antioxidant activities were also summarized and presented in the review.

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

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

A dynamic and integrated in vitro/ex vivo gastrointestinal model for the evaluation of the probability and severity of infection in humans by Salmonella spp. vehiculated in different matrices

The lack of proper gastrointestinal models assessing the inter-strain virulence variability of foodborne pathogens and the effect of the vehicle (food matrix) affects the risk estimation. This research aimed to propose a dynamic and integrated in vitro/ex vivo gastrointestinal model to evaluate the probability and severity of infection of foodborne pathogens at different matrices. An everted gut sac was used to determine the adhesion and invasion of Salmonella enterica and tissue damage. S. Typhimurium ATCC 14028 was used as a representative bacterium, and two matrices (water and cheese) were used as vehicles. No differences (p > 0.05) in the probability of infection (P_inf) were found for intra-experimental repeatability. However, the P_inf of cheese-vehiculated S. Typhimurium was different compared to water- vehiculated S. Typhimurium, 7.2-fold higher. The histological analysis revealed Salmonella-induced tissue damage, compared with the control (p < 0.05). In silico proposed interactions between two major Salmonella outer membrane proteins (OmpA and Rck) and digested peptides from cheese casein showed high binding affinity and stability, suggesting a potential protective function from the food matrix. The results showed that the everted gut sac model is suitable to evaluate the inter-strain virulence variability, considering both physiological conditions and the effect of the food matrix.

Gallic and butyric acids modulated NLRP3 inflammasome markers in a co-culture model of intestinal inflammation

Bioactive compounds from food products made from natural ingredients such as corn and common bean could target the NLRP3 inflammasome, protein scaffolds with a key role in the moderation of intestinal inflammation. This research aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect from the fermented non-digestible fraction of baked corn and common bean snack (FNDF), and its main components, on the modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome markers in vitro. For this, a THP-1 macrophage/differentiated Caco-2 cell co-culture was used as a model of intestinal inflammation. A disease control (DC) (LPS/human IFN-γ, 10 ng/mL) was compared with FNDF (40-300 μg/mL) and its pure components: gallic (38.85 μM) and butyric acids (6 μM), verbascose (0.06 μM), their mixture, and an anti-inflammatory control (tofacitinib, 5 μM). Compared to DC, FNDF (40 μg/mL) reduced the 48 h-basolateral nitrites (40-60%), IL-1β/IL-18, and TNF-α production. Additionally, it decreased the total reactive oxygen species (36.3%) and nitric oxide synthase (6.9%) activities, increasing superoxide dismutase (228.2%) activity. Compared to NLRP3 positive control, FNDF components decreased NLRP3 markers (caspase-1 activity, IL-1β, and apoptosis). These results highlight NLRP3-anti-inflammatory effects from FNDF components. This is the first report of the NLRP3 inflammasome modulation by digested food matrix components, using a co-culture approach.

Nutritional and Bioactive Components of Carioca Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Tempeh and Yellow Soybean (Glycine max L.) Tempeh

Background:

Tempeh, a product of Indonesian origin based on fermented soybeans, is present in naturalistic diets and has been gaining popularity in other cultures and diets due to the convenience for food preparation and use, aside from the nutritional and functional quality.

Methods:

In this work, tempehs were produced from common bean, carioca grain type (CBT) aged and peeled, and in combination with yellow soybean (CBST: 50:50). Products were characterized based on nutritional quality (proximate composition, fiber, mineral, vitamin B12, energetic value), physical-chemical properties (pH, acidity, moisture, water activity), functional characteristics (antioxidant capacity), sensorial aspects (texture and color) and antinutrient content. Data from beanbased tempehs and the commercially purchased traditional soybean tempeh (ST) were statistically evaluated and the means compared by Tukey test.

Results:

Although CBT was found nutritionally inferior to ST, its contribution on protein intake was noteworthy and, unlike ST, it presented high fiber content and low caloric value. P, K, Mg, Cu and Mo levels meet daily requirements for adults. CBT showed higher antioxidant capacity by DPPH method and was significantly more soft and elastic and less sticky and gummy when compared to ST, and L, a* and b* CBT color parameters were more pronounced than ST.

Conclusion:

It can thus be concluded that tempeh based on carioca common beans can be an interesting alternative for stored grains, with good sensorial and functional properties and making an important nutritional contribution to the diet.

Mexican Traditional Plant-Foods: Polyphenols Bioavailability, Gut Microbiota Metabolism and Impact Human Health

Functional foods have been used worldwide since ancient times, particularly, the prehispanic civilizations used several plants as medicinal foods. Nowadays, many Mexicans populations preserve their traditions and dietary patterns based on corn, beans, besides other endemic vegetables, mainly diverse varieties of chili, tomatoes and other plant-foods. It is well known that each species has a special complex mixture of bioactive compounds (BC) in which each component contributes to its overall bioactivity. These BC are plant metabolites that benefit human health by means of anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory, and antioxidant effects. However, it becomes bioactive at human body when these BC must undergo diverse intestinal transformations, due to the action of digestive enzymes, but also by the action of microbiota metabolism. Thus, the intestinal microbiota is the key factor in the mediation of the physiological functions of dietary polyphenols. In fact, limited information is available, especially on dietary phytochemicals and metabolism in commonly available Mexican plant-foods. In this review, the bioaccesibility and bioavailability major BC from traditional Mexican plant-foods products and its potential health benefits will be discussed. Besides, we compile the scientific reports and the evidence of the impact of some Mexican plant-foods on the gut microbiota dynamic composition, specific microbial metabolites and its possible contributions to human health.

First-Pass Metabolism of Polyphenols from Selected Berries: A High-Throughput Bioanalytical Approach

Small berries are rich in polyphenols whose first-pass metabolism may alter their ultimate physiological effects. The antioxidant capacity and polyphenol profile of three freeze-dried berries (blackberry, raspberry, Red Globe grape) were measured and their apparent permeability (Papp) and first-pass biotransformation were tracked with an ex vivo bioanalytical system [everted gut sac (rat) + three detection methods: spectrophotometry, HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV)]. Total polyphenol (ratio 0.07-0.14-1.0) and molecular diversity (anthocyanins>flavan-3-ols), antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP), anodic current maxima and Papp (efflux> uptake) were in the following order: blackberry > raspberry > Red Globe grape. Epicatechin, pelargonidin & cyanin (all), callistephin (raspberry/blackberry), catechin (grape), cyanidin glycosides (blackberry) and their derived metabolites [quinic acid, epicatechin, cyanidin/malvidin glucosides, and chlorogenic/caffeic acids] were fruit-specific and concentration-dependent. Time-trend DPV kinetic data revealed concurrent epithelial permeability & biotransformation processes. Regular permeability and high-biotransformation of berry polyphenols suggest fruit-specific health effects apparently at the intestinal level.

Consumption of a baked corn and bean snack reduced chronic colitis inflammation in CD-1 mice via downregulation of IL-1 receptor, TLR, and TNF-α associated pathways

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a condition that has been rising in the number of cases around the world. Food products made from natural ingredients such as corn and common bean might serve as alternatives for the treatment of UC. This study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of the consumption of a baked corn and bean snack (CBS) in an in vivo model of UC using 2% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) as inductor of colitis. CD-1 mice (45, n = 9/group) were randomly separated into 5 groups, treated for 6-weeks as follows: G1 (basal diet, BD), G2 (2% DSS), G3 (20 g CBS/body weight BW/day + BD), G4 (40 g CBS/BW/day + BD) and G5 (60 g CBS/BW/day + BD). BW, Disease Activity Index (DAI), and feces were collected throughout the treatment. After euthanasia, organs (spleen, liver, and colon) were excised and weighed. Feces were analyzed for β-glucuronidase (β-GLUC) activity and gas-chromatography. The colons were analyzed for histopathology, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and gene analysis. At the end of treatments, among the DSS-induced groups, G3 exhibited the lowest BW losses (11.5%), MPO activity (10.4%) and β-GLUC (8.6%). G4 presented the lowest DAI (0.88), relative spleen weight, and histological inflammation score (p < 0.05). Compared to G2, CBS consumption significantly (p < 0.05) reduced serum TNF-α, IL-10, and MCP-1 levels. The fecal metabolome analysis ranked 9-decenoic acid, decane, and butyric acid as the main contributors of pathways associated with the β-oxidation of fatty acids. G4 showed the highest fecal/cecal contents of short-chain fatty acids among all the DSS-induced groups. For the gene expression, G4 was clustered with G1, showing a differential inhibition of the pro-inflammatory genes Il1r1, Il1a, Tlr4, Tlr2, and Tnfrsf1b. In conclusion, CBS consumption decreased the inflammatory state and reduced the expression of the IL-1 receptor, TLR, and TNF-α-associated pathways in DSS-induced UC in CD-1 mice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mechanisms associated to apoptosis of cancer cells by phenolic extracts from two canned common beans varieties (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Two varieties of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), Bayo Victoria and Negro 8025, were evaluated to determine the effect on cellular viability and mechanisms involved in apoptosis pathways, using a cellular model with HT-29 cells. Aqueous methanolic (50:50) extracts from cooked beans were analyzed for phenolic composition, identifying greater diversity of phenolic compounds in Bayo Victoria extracts. However, Negro 8025 showed greater phenolic content and cytotoxicity effects at lower media inhibitory concentrations, and greater effectiveness to activate apoptotic pathways. Proteins related to the arrest of cell cycle were modulated by both bean cultivars. Qualitative analysis by HPLC-PAD and HPLC-MS systems of phenolic compounds in common bean extracts showed mainly hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols, and monomeric flavan-3-ols. Bioactive phenolics such as catechin, kaempferol, and ferulic acid were found in both cultivars as well anticancer phytochemicals such as quercetin, protocatechuic acid, myricetin, naringenin and their derivatives, and procyanidins. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Polyphenols in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars processed by canning display chemoprotective potential as they activate mechanisms involved in apoptosis pathways. Phenolics in common beans modulate 28 proteins related to apoptotic processes. Therefore, a diet including canned beans (particularly darker varieties) might represent health benefits and cancer-preventive effects.

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

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

Fermented non-digestible fraction from combined nixtamalized corn (Zea mays L.)/cooked common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) chips modulate anti-inflammatory markers on RAW 264.7 macrophages

Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are low-level inflammation processes affected by several factors including diet. It has been reported that mixed whole grain and legume consumption, e.g. corn and common bean, might be a beneficial combination due to its content of bioactive compounds. A considerable amount would be retained in the non-digestible fraction (NDF), reaching the colon, where microbiota produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and phenolic compounds (PC) with known anti-inflammatory effect. The aim of this study was to estimate the anti-inflammatory potential of fermented-NDF of corn-bean chips (FNDFC) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. After 24 h, FNDFC produced SCFAs (0.156-0.222 mmol/l), inhibited nitric oxide production > 80% and H₂O₂ > 30%, up-regulated anti-inflammatory cytokines (I-TAC, TIMP-1) > 2-fold, and produced angiostatic and protective factors against vascular/tissue damage, and amelioration of tumor necrosis factor signalling and inflammatory bowel disease. These results confirm the anti-inflammatory potential derived from healthy corn-bean chips.

Polyphenol-Rich Dry Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and Their Health Benefits

Polyphenols are plant metabolites with potent anti-oxidant properties, which help to reduce the effects of oxidative stress-induced dreaded diseases. The evidence demonstrated that dietary polyphenols are of emerging increasing scientific interest due to their role in the prevention of degenerative diseases in humans. Possible health beneficial effects of polyphenols are based on the human consumption and their bioavailability. Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are a greater source of polyphenolic compounds with numerous health promoting properties. Polyphenol-rich dry common beans have potential effects on human health, and possess anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties. Based on the studies, the current comprehensive review aims to provide up-to-date information on the nutritional compositions and health-promoting effect of polyphenol-rich common beans, which help to explore their therapeutic values for future clinical studies. Investigation of common beans and their impacts on human health were obtained from various library databases and electronic searches (Science Direct PubMed, and Google Scholar).