Traditional fermented foods with anti-aging effect: A concentric review

Anti-Aging Effect of Traditional Plant-Based Food: An Overview

Aging is a complex process that involves many physiological mechanisms that gradually impair normal cellular and tissue function and make us more susceptible to diseases and death. It is influenced by intrinsic factors like cellular function and extrinsic factors like pollution and UV radiation. Recent scientific studies show that traditional plant-based foods and supplements can help mitigate the effects of aging. Nutraceuticals, which are dietary supplements with medicinal properties, have gained attention for their ability to prevent chronic and age-related diseases. Antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, terpenes, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, minerals, etc. found in plants are key to managing oxidative stress, which is a major cause of aging. Well-known plant-based supplements from Bacopa monnieri, Curcuma longa, Emblica officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Panax ginseng have been found to possess medicinal properties. These supplements have been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce oxidative stress, improve overall health, and potentially extend life and enhance the excellence of life. The obtained benefits from these plant species are due to the presence of their bioactive secondary metabolites, such as bacosides in Bacopa monnieri, curcumin in Curcuma longa, ginsenosides in Panax ginseng, and many more. These compounds not only protect against free radical damage but also modulate key biological pathways of aging. Also, traditional fermented foods (tempeh and kimchi), which are rich in probiotics and bioactive compounds, support gut health, boost immune function, and have anti-aging properties. The molecular mechanisms behind these benefits are the activation of nutrient-sensing pathways like AMPK, SIRT/NAD+, and mTOR, which are important for cellular homeostasis and longevity. This review shows the potential of traditional plant-based foods and dietary supplements for healthy aging, and more studies are needed to prove their efficacy and safety in humans. Incorporating these natural products into our diet may be a practical and effective way to counteract the effects of aging and overall well-being. The foremost goal of this review is to emphasize the importance of supporting the body's antioxidant system by consuming the right balance of natural ingredients in the diet.

Queen Bee Larva, an Edible By-Product of Royal Jelly, Alleviate D-Galactose-Induced Aging in Mouse by Regulating Gut Microbiota Structure and Amino Acid Metabolism

Queen bee larva (QBL), as a by-product of royal jelly, is a kind of protein-rich edible insect. However, the development and utilization of QBL have been very limited for an extended period, resulting in considerable economic waste. Notably, QBL has substantial potential for anti-aging treatments; however, systematic studies have been scarce. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of freeze-dried QBL powder (QBLP) treatment in a D-galactose (D-gal)-induced-aging mouse and to explore the mechanisms. A behavioral test indicated that QBLP-treated mice had improved cognitive function and memory decline caused by aging compared to untreated aged mice. Furthermore, QBLP treatment improved organ index in aged mice and prevented pathological damage to the brain tissue. Concomitantly, treatment of D-gal-induced-aging mice with QBLP significantly reduced the oxidative damage of serum and increased the skin moisture content of aging mice. Finally, integrated analyses of the gut microbiota and the serum metabolome showed that QBLP supplementation altered the composition of the gut microbiota, enriched biochemical pathways associated with amino acid metabolism, and adjusted serum concentrations of beneficial free amino acids. Overall, QBLP can improve symptoms related to D-gal-induced aging in mice by regulating gut microbiota structure and amino acid metabolism.

The Potential of Glucosinolates and Their Hydrolysis Products as Inhibitors of Cytokine Storms

A cytokine storm is an intense inflammatory response characterized by the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines, resulting in tissue damage, and organ dysfunction. Cytokines play a crucial role in various conditions, such as coronavirus disease, in which the immune system becomes overactive and releases excessive levels of cytokines, including interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). This anomalous response often leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and multiple organ injury (MOI). Glucosinolates are plant secondary metabolites predominantly found in Brassica vegetables, but are also present in other species, such as Moringa Adens and Carica papaya L. When catalyzed by the enzyme myrosinase, glucosinolates produce valuable products, including sulforaphane, phenethyl isothiocyanate, 6-(methylsulfinyl) hexyl isothiocyanate, erucin, goitrin, and moringin. These hydrolyzed products regulate proinflammatory cytokine production by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cell (NF-κB) signaling pathway and stimulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. This action can alleviate hyperinflammation in infected cells and modulate cytokine storms. In this review, we aimed to examine the potential role of glucosinolates in modulating cytokine storms and reducing inflammation in various conditions, such as coronavirus disease. Overall, we found that glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products can potentially attenuate cytokine production and the onset of cytokine storms in diseased cells. In summary, glucosinolates could be beneficial in regulating cytokine production and preventing complications related to cytokine storms.

Synergistic anti-aging effect of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide and spermidine: A metabolomics analysis focusing on the regulation of lipid, nucleotide and energy metabolism

The importance of synergy has been underscored in recent medical research for augmenting the efficacy of therapeutic interventions, targeting multiple biological pathways simultaneously. Our prior research elucidated that Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP) has the potential to prolong the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) via regulating gut microbiota. Concurrently, spermidine (Spd), as a mimicking caloric restriction, facilitates autophagy and exerts a pronounced anti-aging effect. To enhance the anti-aging capabilities of DOP, we conducted a comprehensive study examining the combined effects of DOP and Spd in C. elegans, incorporating metabolomics analysis to investigate the underlying mechanisms. A combination of 250 mg/L DOP and 29.0 mg/L Spd yielded the most favorable outcomes in lifespan extension, evidencing a synergistic effect with a combination index (CI) of 0.65. In oxidative and heat stress tolerance assays, the observed CIs were 0.50 and 0.33, respectively. Metabolomic analysis highlighted significant alterations in metabolites related to lipid, nucleotide and energy metabolism, notably regulating glycerol 3-phosphate, linoleoyl glycerol, docosapentaenoic acid and β-nicotinamide mononucleotide, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. The effects of DS on lipid metabolism were further validated using Oil Red O staining and triglyceride level in C. elegans. The results indicated that DS may primarily be via modulating lipid metabolism. To further confirm these findings, a high-fat diet-induced mouse model was employed. Consequently, it can be inferred that the synergistic anti-aging impact of DOP and Spd is likely mediated primarily through alterations in lipid metabolic processes.

The quality characteristics and microbial communities of three components in traditional split-fermented red sour soup

Red sour soup is a Guizhou specialty condiment made by the natural fermentation of tomatoes and chili. In this study, three components (tomato acid, chili acid, and tomato and chili mixed acid) of split-fermented red sour soup were explored to compare the quality characteristics and microbial communities in the middle and late fermentation stages. The titratable acidity of mixed acids was lower than that of tomato acid and chili acid in the middle stage, but it was significantly increased in the late stage. The cell viability of lactic acid bacteria was mostly higher than that of yeasts during the whole fermentation. Also significantly increased in the late stage of fermentation were sensory scores and the signal intensity of sour substances. However, the signal intensity of both bitter and salty substances decreased, and the total amount of free amino acids was reduced. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of the samples and the dominant microorganisms were different between the two fermentation stages, Lactobacillus and Kazachstania were the key common genus of the different components of split-fermented red sour soup. It is anticipated that this study would provide us an insight into the quality characteristics and microbial communities of split-fermented red sour soup.

Exploring the Geroprotective Potential of Nutraceuticals

Aging is the result of the accumulation of a wide variety of molecular and cellular damages over time, meaning that "the more damage we accumulate, the higher the possibility to develop age-related diseases". Therefore, to reduce the incidence of such diseases and improve human health, it becomes important to find ways to combat such damage. In this sense, geroprotectors have been suggested as molecules that could slow down or prevent age-related diseases. On the other hand, nutraceuticals are another set of compounds that align with the need to prevent diseases and promote health since they are biologically active molecules (occurring naturally in food) that, apart from having a nutritional role, have preventive properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumoral, just to mention a few. Therefore, in the present review using the specialized databases Scopus and PubMed we collected information from articles published from 2010 to 2023 in order to describe the role of nutraceuticals during the aging process and, given their role in targeting the hallmarks of aging, we suggest that they are potential geroprotectors that could be consumed as part of our regular diet or administered additionally as nutritional supplements.

Microbial dysbiosis and the aging process: a review on the potential age-deceleration role of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum

Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been a serious risk factor for several gastric and systemic diseases. Recently, gut microbiota's role in aging was discussed. Available preclinical evidence suggests that the probiotic bacteria Lactiplantibacillus plantarums (LP) may influence the aging process via modulation of the gut microbiota. The present review summarized compelling evidence of LP's potential effect on aging hallmarks such as oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA methylation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. LP gavage modulates gut microbiota and improves overall endurance in aging animal models. LP cell constituents exert considerable antioxidant potential which may reduce ROS levels directly. In addition, restored gut microbiota facilitate a healthy intestinal milieu and accelerate multi-channel communication via signaling factors such as SCFA and GABA. Signaling factors further activate specific transcription factor Nrf2 in order to reduce oxidative damage. Nrf2 regulates cellular defense systems involving anti-inflammatory cytokines, MMPs, and protective enzymes against MAPKs. We concluded that LP supplementation may be an effective approach to managing aging and associated health risks.

Anti-inflammatory effects of a naturally lacto-fermented cucumber product on RAW 264.7 macrophages in association with increased functional ingredients

A naturally lacto-fermented cucumber product was developed for use as anti-inflammatory functional foods. To explore the anti-inflammatory characteristics, water (CWE) and ethanol extracts (CEE) from this product were selected to assess their anti-inflammatory potential on RAW 264.7 macrophages in the absence or presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), using four different inflammatory models. Changes in pro- (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine secretions by treated macrophages were measured using ELISA. The results showed that both CWE and CEE had strong potential to inhibit LPS-stimulated inflammation in macrophages in a repair manner. CWE had a better effect than CEE. The total phenolic, flavonoid and saponin contents in CEE were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with IL-10 (r = 0.384, P = 0.036*) and TNF-α (r = 0.371, P = 0.043*) levels, but slightly correlated with TNF-α/IL-10 secretion ratios (r = -0.184, P = 0.359) by treated RAW 264.7 cells, respectively.

Exploring Microbial Contributions to Nutraceutical Production: From Natural to Designed Foods

For ages, societies throughout the world have used fermentation as a traditional method for food processing and preservation, helping to create a wide range of staple foods and delicacies. Due to its possible health advantages, mostly attributable to the inclusion of bioactive substances known as nutraceuticals, fermented foods have attracted a lot of interest recently. This in-depth analysis examines the wide range of nutraceuticals present in fermented foods, as well as how they are made, what health benefits they may have, and how they may be used in the nutraceutical and functional food businesses. By stressing how important fermented foods are as a source of beneficial bioactive components that support human health and well-being. Numerous bioactive substances found in fermented foods have been the subject of recent scientific studies. These molecules may find use in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors. Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Lactobacillus johnsonii are just a few examples of the probiotic bacteria that live in fermented foods and formulas. This review elucidates the importance of microorganisms sourced from fermented foods as potent agents for diverse nutraceuticals and their potential role in preventing various diseases whilst serving as functional food supplements.

Application of natural and modified additives in yogurt formulation: types, production, and rheological and nutraceutical benefits

Yogurt, a popular fermented dairy product, is of different types and known for its nutritional and nutraceutical benefits. However, incorporating additives into yogurt has been adopted to improve its functionality and nutraceutical properties. Additives incorporated in yogurt may be natural or modified. The incorporation of diverse natural additives in yogurt formulation, such as moringa, date palm, grape seeds and argel leaf extracts, cornelian cherry paste, mulberry fruit and leaf powder, lentil flour, different types of fibers, lemongrass and spearmint essential oils, and honey, has been reported. Similarly, modified additives, such as β-glucan, pectin, inulin, sodium alginate, and gelatin, are also added to enhance the physicochemical, textural, sensory, and rheological properties of yogurt. Although additives are traditionally added for their technological impact on the yogurt, studies have shown that they influence the nutritional and nutraceutical properties of yogurt, when added. Hence, yogurts enriched with functional additives, especially natural additives, have been reported to possess an improved nutritional quality and impart several health benefits to consumers. These benefits include reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, oxidative stress, and hyperglycemia. This current review highlights the common types of yogurt, the production process, and the rheological and nutraceutical benefits of incorporating natural and modified additives into yogurt.

Bacteriocin-Producing Enterococcus faecium OV3-6 as a Bio-Preservative Agent to Produce Fermented Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Beverages: A Preliminary Study

Microbial contamination affects the quality of the fermented Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (H. cordata) beverage (FHB). The present study aimed to assess the bio-preservative property of Enterococcus faecium OV3-6 (E. faecium OV3-6) during the production of FHB. The antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus and the survival of E. faecium OV3-6 were studied. Then, FHB fermentation was performed with different preservatives (non-preservative, E. faecium OV3-6, cell-free supernatant of E. faecium OV3-6, and nisin) with and without representative pathogens. The maximum antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and B. cereus was observed after 18 h of cultivation in an MRS medium. E. faecium OV3-6 was used as a starter to produce the FHB, and the strain survived up to 48 h in the fermented beverage. E. faecium OV3-6 and its cell-free supernatant inhibited the growth of E. coli, Salmonella, B. cereus, and S. aureus in the stimulated FHB. The non-preservatives and nisin-containing FHB showed inhibition against Gram-positive pathogens. The FHB treated with E. faecium OV3-6 was rich in lactic acid bacteria, and the product was at an acceptable level of pH (less than 4.3). Certain limitations were identified in the study, such as lack of nutritional, metabolomics analysis, and safety and consumer acceptability of FHB. The results suggested that E. faecium OV3-6 could be used as a bio-preservative to produce fermented plant beverages (FPBs).

The inhibitory effects of plant additives on biogenic amine formation in fermented foods - a review

Fermented food has unique properties and high nutritional value, and thus, should constitute a basic element of a balanced and health-promoting diet. However, it can accumulate considerable amount of biogenic amines (BAs), which ingested in excess can lead to adverse health effects. The application of plant-derived additives represents a promising strategy to ensure safety or enhance the functional and organoleptic properties of fermented food. This review summarizes currently available data on the application of plant-origin additives with the aim to reduce BA content in fermented products. The importance of ensuring fermented food safety has been highlighted considering the growing evidence of beneficial effects resulting from the consumption of this type of food, as well as the increasing number of individuals sensitive to BAs. The examined plant-origin additives reduced the BA concentration to varying degrees, and their efficacy depended on the type of additive, matrix, autochthonous, and inoculated microorganisms, as well as the manufacturing conditions. The main mechanisms of action include antimicrobial effects and the inhibition of microbial decarboxylases. Further research on the optimization of bioactive substances extraction, standardization of their chemical composition, and development of detailed procedures for its use in fermented products manufacturing are needed.

Hawaijar - An ethnic vegan fermented soybean food of Manipur, India: A comprehensive review

Hawaijar, ethnic vegan fermented soybean food of Manipur, India is culturally and gastronomically important indigenously produced food. It is alkaline, sticky, mucilaginous and slightly pungent and bears similar properties with many fermented soybean foods of Southeast Asia like natto of Japan, douchi of China, thua nao of Thailand, choongkook jang of Korea. The functional microorganism is Bacillus and has numerous health benefits like fibrinolytic enzyme, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and ACE inhibitory activities. It is also very rich in nutrients but unscrupulous production method and sale lead to food safety issues. Huge potential pathogen population upto the level of 10^7-10 cfu/g Bacillus cereus and Proteus mirabilis were detected. Recent studies revealed presence of enterotoxic and urease gene in microorganisms originated from hawaijar. Improved and regulated food chain will result in hygienic and safe hawaijar. It has scope for functional food and nutraceutical global market and hold potential to provide employment to enhance the overall socioeconomic status of the region. Scientific production of fermented soybean over the traditional methods is summarized in this paper along with food safety and health benefits. Microbiological aspects on fermented soybean along with nutritive values are critically explained inside the paper.

Modulatory Effect of Fermented Black Soybean and Adlay on Gut Microbiota Contributes to Healthy Aging

SCOPE

Aging is a natural process characterized by a multifactorial, physical decline, and functional disability. Nevertheless, healthy aging can be achieved by following a multidirectional strategy. The current study aims to investigate the anti-aging potential of fermented black soybean and adlay (FBA).

METHODS AND RESULTS

FBA supplements are incorporated into a natural aging mouse model that is designed to evaluate anti-aging effects. Results show that FBA supplementation prevents muscle loss and visceral adipose tissue accumulation. FBA can also reduce aging biomarkers (including the expression of hepatic p16^INK4A and galactosidase beta-1 (GLB1). Hepatic 8-hydoxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and pro-inflammatory cytokines have been significantly reduced. Lastly, FBA supplementation improves aging-related gut microbial dysbiosis by reshaping gut microbial composition and promoting the growth of beneficial microbes such as Alistipes, Anaeroplasma, Coriobacteriaceae UCG002, and Parvibacter members in both genders of aged mice. In the functional prediction of gut microbiota, correlations to metabolic, neurodegenerative, infectious, and immune system diseases have been reduced in supplemented mice compared to aged mice. Moreover, FBA supplementation can reverse the reduced ability of microbiota in aged mice for lipid metabolism and xenobiotics biodegradation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that FBA exhibits noteworthy anti-aging effects and that it can potentially be developed into a functional food for healthy aging.

The Rendering of Traditional Fermented Foods in Human Diet: Distribution of Health Benefits and Nutritional Benefits

Most fermented foods are based on the cultural preferences of different geographical areas and the heterogeneity of traditions from where they are produced. For instance, many consumers in Asian countries prefer fermented seafood, while consumers in Europe prefer fermented cereal and dairy food products. Even though the food industry has developed various novel techniques in order to produce novel foods (genetic modification, nanotechnology and other processing techniques), traditional foods still represent a significant proportion of the food industry, which has recently appeared to develop further. In addition, the progress in various developed analytical techniques has revealed new knowledge that documents and corroborates certain benefits of traditional foods, mostly regarding their nutritional and health benefits. In this context, the main target of this Special Issue is to deliver new data on how traditional foods exhibit their health-promoting properties and ameliorate the nutritional value of fermented food systems. In addition, the involvement of wild starter culture in the production of traditional foods is a subject area that must be highlighted.

Probiotic fermentation of polyphenols: potential sources of novel functional foods

Fermented functional food products are among the major segments of food processing industry. Fermentation imparts several characteristic effects on foods including the enhancement of organoleptic characteristics, increased shelf-life, and production of novel health beneficial compounds. However, in addition to macronutrients present in the food, secondary metabolites such as polyphenols are also emerging as suitable fermentable substrates. Despite the traditional antimicrobial view of polyphenols, accumulating research shows that polyphenols exert differential effects on bacterial communities by suppressing the growth of pathogenic microbes while concomitantly promoting the proliferation and survival of probiotic bacteria. Conversely, probiotic bacteria not only survive among polyphenols but also induce their fermentation which often leads to improved bioavailability of polyphenols, production of novel metabolic intermediates, increased polyphenolic content, and thus enhanced functional capacity of the fermented food. In addition, selective fermentation of combinations of polyphenol-rich foods or fortification with polyphenols can result in novel functional foods. The present narrative review specifically explores the potential of polyphenols as fermentable substrates in functional foods. We discuss the emerging bidirectional relationship between polyphenols and probiotic bacteria with an aim at promoting the development of novel functional foods based on the amalgamation of probiotic bacteria and polyphenols.

Graphical abstract

Fermented Soy Products and Their Potential Health Benefits: A Review

In the growing search for therapeutic strategies, there is an interest in foods containing natural antioxidants and other bioactive compounds capable of preventing or reversing pathogenic processes associated with metabolic disease. Fermentation has been used as a potent way of improving the properties of soybean and their components. Microbial metabolism is responsible for producing the β-glucosidase enzyme that converts glycosidic isoflavones into aglycones with higher biological activity in fermented soy products, in addition to several end-metabolites associated with human health development, including peptides, phenolic acids, fatty acids, vitamins, flavonoids, minerals, and organic acids. Thus, several products have emerged from soybean fermentation by fungi, bacteria, or a combination of both. This review covers the key biological characteristics of soy and fermented soy products, including natto, miso, tofu, douchi, sufu, cheonggukjang, doenjang, kanjang, meju, tempeh, thua-nao, kinema, hawaijar, and tungrymbai. The inclusion of these foods in the diet has been associated with the reduction of chronic diseases, with potential anticancer, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, anticholesterol, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. These biological activities and the recently studied potential of fermented soybean molecules against SARS-CoV-2 are discussed. Finally, a patent landscape is presented to provide the state-of-the-art of the transfer of knowledge from the scientific sphere to the industrial application.

Red yeast rice dietary intervention reduces oxidative stress-related inflammation and improves intestinal microbiota

Inflammation and oxidative stress play key roles in the aging process, while red yeast rice (RYR), a traditional Chinese fermented food, has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. To understand the anti-aging function of RYR in vivo, this study established a D-galactose-induced aging mouse model to verify the positive effects of RYR dietary intervention on aging and explore the related underlying mechanism. Eight weeks of RYR dietary intervention was shown to have a significant inhibitory effect on cognitive decline and hippocampal damage. The molecular mechanistic studies showed that the anti-aging effects of RYR were achieved by (i) improving the oxidative stress-related damage (increasing SOD, CAT, and GSH, and reducing MDA), (ii) regulating the NF-κB inflammation pathway induced by oxidative stress (decreasing the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, iNOs, and IL-1β, increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and decreasing the expression of the NF-κB protein), (iii) slowing down apoptosis caused by oxidative stress (reducing the expression of P21 and P53), (iv) restoring the abundance of Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae and Rikenellaceae downregulated by D-galactose, and (v) reducing the abundance of Akkermansia and Helicobacter enriched by D-galactose. Mass spectrometry revealed orange pigments (rubropunctatin and monascorubrin) as the main antioxidant components in RYR, which might play key roles in aging inhibition. This study provides theoretical support for the wide application of orange pigments as an antioxidant dietary supplement.

Potential nutritional healthy-aging strategy: enhanced protein metabolism by balancing branched-chain amino acids in a finishing pig model

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have key physiological roles in the regulation of protein synthesis, metabolism, food intake and aging. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of balanced BCAAs on healthy aging by increasing skeletal muscle mass and muscle fiber composition in a finishing pig model. A balanced BCAA ratio (Leu : Ile : Val = 2 : 2 : 1) significantly activated the mTOR pathway and upregulated the expression of amino acid transporters, such as ASCT2, SNAT2, LAT1, PAT1, and SLC38A9, simultaneously modulating mitochondrial function and muscle fiber composition, thereby inhibiting inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, regulating amino acid metabolism, and ultimately increasing skeletal muscle mass. Overall, our results suggest that a BCAA ratio around 2 : 2 : 1 may be a promising candidate for healthy aging in humans and animals.

Fermented food: Should patients with cardiometabolic diseases go back to an early neolithic diet?

Fermentation has been used since the Early Neolithic period to preserve foods. It has inherent organoleptic and nutritive properties that bestow health benefits, including reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, supporting the growth of salutogenic microbiota, enhancing intestinal mucosal protection and promoting beneficial immunometabolic health effects. The fermentation of food with specific microbiota increases the production salutogenic bioactive compounds that can activate Nrf2 mediated cytoprotective responses and mitigate the effects of the 'diseasome of aging' and its associated inflammageing, which presents as a prominent feature of obesity, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease. This review discusses the importance of fermented food in improving health span, with special reference to cardiometabolic diseases.

Clinical and Preclinical Studies of Fermented Foods and Their Effects on Alzheimer’s Disease

The focus on managing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is shifting towards prevention through lifestyle modification instead of treatments since the currently available treatment options are only capable of providing symptomatic relief marginally and result in various side effects. Numerous studies have reported that the intake of fermented foods resulted in the successful management of AD. Food fermentation is a biochemical process where the microorganisms metabolize the constituents of raw food materials, giving vastly different organoleptic properties and additional nutritional value, and improved biosafety effects in the final products. The consumption of fermented foods is associated with a wide array of nutraceutical benefits, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-apoptotic, anti-cancer, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, immunomodulatory, and hypocholesterolemic properties. Due to their promising health benefits, fermented food products have a great prospect for commercialization in the food industry. This paper reviews the memory and cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective potential of fermented food products on AD, the recently commercialized fermented food products in the health and food industries, and their limitations. The literature reviewed here demonstrates a growing demand for fermented food products as alternative therapeutic options for the prevention and management of AD.

A Review on Factors Influencing the Fermentation Process of Teff (Eragrostis teff) and Other Cereal-Based Ethiopian Injera

Fermented foods and beverages are the product of the enzymaticcally transformed food components which are acived by different microorganisms. Fermented foods have grown in popularity in recent years because of their alleged health benefits. Biogenic amines, bioactive peptides, antinutrient reduction, and polyphenol conversion to physiologically active chemicals are all possible health benefits of fermentation process products. In Ethiopian-fermented foods, which are mostly processed using spontaneous fermentation process. Injera is one of the fermented food products consumed in all corners of the country which sourdough fermentation could be achieved using different LAB and yeast strains. Moreover, the kind and concentration of the substrate and the type of microbial flora, as well as temperature, air supply, and pH, all influence the fermentation process of injera. This review article gives an overview of factors influencing the fermentation process of teff ('Eragrostis tef.') and other cereal-based Ethiopian injera.

Mechanism of Longevity Extension of Caenorhabditis elegans Induced by Schizophyllum commune Fermented Supernatant With Added Radix Puerariae

Schizophyllum commune (S. commune) fermented supernatant with added Radix Puerariae (SC-RP) showed significant antioxidant activity in our previous work. However, the possible lifespan and healthspan extending the capacity of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and the underlying mechanism were not illuminated. In this study, the effect of SC-RP on extending the lifespan and improving stress resistance of C. elegans were examined. Additionally, the underlying lifespan extending molecular mechanisms of SC-RP were explored. Treated with SC-RP at 10 μg/mL, the lifespan of C. elegans increased by 24.89% (P < 0.01). Also, SC-RP prolonged the healthspan of the nematode, including reducing lipofuscin levels, improving mobility and enhancing resistance to oxidative stress and heat shock. Moreover, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were increased for SC-RP treated C. elegans. Meantime the intracellular levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were attenuated. Express levels of eight genes including daf-2, daf-16, sod-3, skn-1, gst-4, clk-1, age-1 and mev-1 were analyzed by RT-PCR method for possible C. elegan anti-aging mechanisms of SC-RP. Expression levels of key genes daf-2, gst-4 and sod-3 were up-regulated, while that of daf-16, skn-1, and clk-1 were down-regulated. The results suggest that SC-RP could extend the lifespan and healthspan of C. elegans significantly, and the IIS pathway, SKN-1/Nrf2 pathway and mitochondrial metabolism pathway were primarily considered associated. Thus, SC-RP is a potential component to improve aging and aging-related symptoms as new functional materials.

Fate of Bioactive Compounds during Lactic Acid Fermentation of Fruits and Vegetables

Consumption of lactic acid fermented fruits and vegetables has been correlated with a series of health benefits. Some of them have been attributed to the probiotic potential of lactic acid microbiota, while others to its metabolic potential and the production of bioactive compounds. The factors that affect the latter have been in the epicenter of intensive research over the last decade. The production of bioactive peptides, vitamins (especially of the B-complex), gamma-aminobutyric acid, as well as phenolic and organosulfur compounds during lactic acid fermentation of fruits and vegetables has attracted specific attention. On the other hand, the production of biogenic amines has also been intensively studied due to the adverse health effects caused by their consumption. The data that are currently available indicate that the production of these compounds is a strain-dependent characteristic that may also be affected by the raw materials used as well as the fermentation conditions. The aim of the present review paper is to collect all data referring to the production of the aforementioned compounds and to present and discuss them in a concise and comprehensive way.

Functional fermented meat products with probiotics-A review

Fermentation has been an important strategy in the preservation of foods. The use of starter cultures with probiotic activity has gained the attention of researchers to produce functional fermented meat products. This review aims to overview the main strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats of fermented meat products with probiotics. Fermented meat products can be considered as a relevant matrix for the delivery of probiotics with potential health benefits. Moreover, fermented meat products produced by traditional methods are sources of probiotics that can be explored in the production of functional meat products. However, some barriers are limit the progression with these products: the complex selection process to obtain new and tailored probiotic strains, the current perception of healthiness associated with meat and meat products, and the limited application of probiotic to fermented sausages. Promising opportunities to improve the value of functional fermented meat products have been developed by exploring new meat products as functional fermented foods, improving the protection of probiotics with microencapsulation and improving the quality of meat product (reducing nitrate and nitrate salts, adding dietary fibre, and exploring the inherent antioxidant and cardioprotective activity of meat products). Attention to potential threats is also indicated such as the unclear future changes in meat and meat products consumption due to changes in consumer preferences and the presence of competitors (dairy, fruit and vegetable-based products, for instance) in more advanced stages of development and commercialization. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: This review provides an overview of the Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats related to the development of functional fermented meat products with probiotics. Internal and external factors that explain the current scenario and strategies to advance the production are highlighted.

Polyphenols as anticancer agents: Toxicological concern to healthy cells

Polyphenols are a group of diverse chemical compounds present in a wide range of plants. Various biological properties such as antiallergic, antiviral, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, antiinflammatory, antithrombotic, vasodilatory, and hepatoprotective effect of different polyphenols have been reported in the scientific literature. The major classes of polyphenols are flavonoids, stilbenoids, lignans, and polyphenolic acids. Flavonoids are a large class of food constituents comprising flavones, isoflavanones, flavanones, flavonols, catechins, and anthocyanins sub-classes. Even with seemingly broad biological activities, their use is minimal clinically. Among the other concurrent problems such as limited bioavailability, rapid metabolism, untargeted delivery, the toxicity associated with these polyphenols has been a topic of concern lately. These polyphenols have been reported to result in different forms of toxicity that include organ toxicity, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, cytotoxicity, etc. In the present article, we have tried to unravel the toxicological aspect of these polyphenols to healthy cells. Further high-quality studies are needed to establish the clinical efficacy and toxicology concern leading to further exploration of these polyphenols.

Regulatory effect of volatile compounds in fermented alcoholic beverages on gut microbiota and serum metabolism in a mouse model

Ethanol (EtOH) is the main risk factor for alcoholic liver disease. However, fermented alcoholic beverages contain not only ethanol but also various volatile compounds. Currently, the effects of volatile compounds in ethanol-containing fermented beverages on gut microbiota and host metabolism are largely unclear. To fill this gap, we constructed an 8-week mice model using three types of Baijiu (a traditional fermented alcoholic beverage), sterile water and ethanol as controls. Results revealed that three types of Baijiu contain various volatiles, mainly belonging to esters, alcohols, and acids. All of Baijiu caused the lower levels of liver injury in mice than EtOH (at the same EtOH concentration) by phenotypic, biochemical and pathological analysis. We observed that Baijiu volatiles affect the gut microbiota structure and serum metabolomic patterns of mice. Compared with EtOH, Baijiu feeding profoundly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus (the highest relative abundance in the Baijiu-fed group was 11.16 ± 1.52%, and in the EtOH-fed group it was 1.80 ± 0.66%). Esters, acids and phenols in volatiles showed strong positive correlations (P < 0.01, R > 0.6) with Lactobacillus. Moreover, Baijiu feeding significantly (P < 0.05) enriched serum metabolites related to bioenergy (i.e., D-glucose, the highest fold change was 1.16) and anti-inflammatory activity (i.e., arachidonic acid, the highest fold change was 1.43) as compared to EtOH. Finally, the microbial and metabolic function analysis showed that volatiles will enhance the citrate cycle and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid pathways. Overall, these data demonstrated the potential of volatile compounds for attenuating the progress of alcoholic liver disease by regulating the gut microbiota and host metabolism.

Genistein alleviates chronic vascular inflammatory response via the miR‑21/NF‑κB p65 axis in lipopolysaccharide‑treated mice

Chronic vascular inflammatory response is an important pathological basis of cardiovascular disease. Genistein (GEN), a natural compound, exhibits anti‑inflammatory effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of GEN on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑induced chronic vascular inflammatory response in mice and explore the underlying anti‑inflammatory mechanisms. C57BL/6 mice were fed with a high‑fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of LPS to induce chronic vascular inflammation. The expression levels of TNF‑α, IL‑6 and microRNA (miR)‑21 in the vasculature were detected via reverse transcription‑quantitative (RT‑q)PCR. The protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and NF‑κB p65 were detected via western blotting. NF‑κB p65 was also analyzed via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence (IF). In addition, after transfection with miR‑21 mimic or inhibitor for 24 h, vascular endothelial cells (VECs) were treated with GEN and LPS. RT‑qPCR and western blot analyses were performed to detect the expression of TNF‑α, IL‑6, miR‑21 and iNOS, and the protein levels of iNOS and NF‑κB p65, respectively. IF was used to measure NF‑κB p65 nuclear translocation. The results revealed that GEN significantly decreased the expression of inflammation‑associated vascular factors in LPS‑treated C57BL/6 mice, including TNF‑α, IL‑6, iNOS, NF‑κB p65 and miR‑21. Furthermore, miR‑21 antagomir enhanced the anti‑inflammatory effects of GEN. In LPS‑induced VECs, miR‑21 mimic increased inflammation‑associated factor expression and attenuated the anti‑inflammatory effects of GEN, whereas miR‑21 inhibitor induced opposing effects. Therefore, the results of the present study suggested that GEN inhibited chronic vascular inflammatory response in mice, which may be associated with the inhibition of VEC inflammatory injury via the miR‑21/NF‑κB p65 pathway.

Jares E, Jarvis D, Jassem E, Jenko K, Jiméneracruz Uscanga RD, Johnston SL, Joos G, Jošt M, Julge K, Jung K, Just J, Jutel M, Kaidashev I, Kalayci O, Kalyoncu F, Kapsali J, Kardas P, Karjalainen J, Kasala CA, Katotomichelakis M, Kavaliukaite L, Kazi BS, Keil T, Keith P, Khaitov M, Khaltaev N, Kim Y, Kirenga B, Kleine‐Tebbe J, Klimek L, Koffi N’Goran B, Kompoti E, Kopač P, Koppelman G, KorenJeverica A, Koskinen S, Košnik M, Kostov KV, Kowalski ML, Kralimarkova T, Kramer Vrščaj K, Kraxner H, Kreft S, Kritikos V, Kudlay D, Kuitunen M, Kull I, Kuna P, Kupczyk M, Kvedariene V, Kyriakakou M, Lalek N, Landi M, Lane S, Larenas‐Linnemann D, Lau S, Laune D, Lavrut J, Le L, Lenzenhuber M, Lessa M, Levin M, Li J, Lieberman P, Liotta G, Lipworth B, Liu X, Lobo R, Lodrup Carlsen KC, Lombardi C, Louis R, Loukidis S, Lourenço O, Luna Pech JA, Madjar B, Maggi E, Magnan A, Mahboub B, Mair A, Mais Y, Maitland van der Zee A, Makela M, Makris M, Malling H, Mandajieva M, Manning P, Manousakis M, Maragoudakis P, Marseglia G, Marshall G, Reza Masjedi M, Máspero JF, Matta Campos JJ, Maurer M, Mavale‐Manuel S, Meço C, Melén E, Melioli G, Melo‐Gomes E, Meltzer EO, Menditto E, Menzies‐Gow A, Merk H, Michel J, Micheli Y, Miculinic N, Midão L, Mihaltan F, Mikos N, Milanese M, Milenkovic B, Mitsias D, Moalla B, Moda G, Mogica Martínez MD, Mohammad Y, Moin M, Molimard M, Momas I, Mommers M, Monaco A, Montefort S, Mora D, Morais‐Almeida M, Mösges R, Mostafa B, Mullol J, Münter L, Muraro A, Murray R, Musarra A, Mustakov T, Naclerio R, Nadeau KC, Nadif R, Nakonechna A, Namazova‐Baranova L, Navarro‐Locsin G, Neffen H, Nekam K, Neou A, Nettis E, Neuberger D, Nicod L, Nicola S, Niederberger‐Leppin V, Niedoszytko M, Nieto A, Novellino E, Nunes E, Nyembue D, O’Hehir R, Odjakova C, Ohta K, Okamoto Y, Okubo K, Oliver B, Onorato GL, Pia Orru M, Ouédraogo S, Ouoba K, Paggiaro PL, Pagkalos A, Pajno G, Pala G, Palaniappan S, Pali‐Schöll I, Palkonen S, Palmer S, Panaitescu Bunu C, Panzner P, Papadopoulos NG, Papanikolaou V, Papi A, Paralchev B, Paraskevopoulos G, Park H, Passalacqua G, Patella V, Pavord I, Pawankar R, Pedersen S, Peleve S, Pellegino S, Pereira A, Pérez T, Perna A, Peroni D, Pfaar O, Pham‐Thi N, Pigearias B, Pin I, Piskou K, Pitsios C, Plavec D, Poethig D, Pohl W, Poplas Susic A, Popov TA, Portejoie F, Potter P, Poulsen L, Prados‐Torres A, Prarros F, Price D, Prokopakis E, Puggioni F, Puig‐Domenech E, Puy R, Rabe K, Raciborski F, Ramos J, Recto MT, Reda SM, Regateiro FS, Reider N, Reitsma S, Repka‐Ramirez S, Ridolo E, Rimmer J, Rivero Yeverino D, Angelo Rizzo J, Robalo‐Cordeiro C, Roberts G, Roche N, Rodríguez González M, Rodríguez Zagal E, Rolla G, Rolland C, Roller‐Wirnsberger R, Roman Rodriguez M, Romano A, Romantowski J, Rombaux P, Romualdez J, Rosado‐Pinto J, Rosario N, Rosenwasser L, Rossi O, Rottem M, Rouadi P, Rovina N, Rozman Sinur I, Ruiz M, Ruiz Segura LT, Ryan D, Sagara H, Sakai D, Sakurai D, Saleh W, Salimaki J, Samitas K, Samolinski B, Sánchez Coronel MG, Sanchez‐Borges M, Sanchez‐Lopez J, Sarafoleanu C, Sarquis Serpa F, Sastre‐Dominguez J, Savi E, Sawaf B, Scadding GK, Scheire S, Schmid‐Grendelmeier P, Schuhl JF, Schunemann H, Schvalbová M, Schwarze J, Scichilone N, Senna G, Sepúlveda C, Serrano E, Shields M, Shishkov V, Siafakas N, Simeonov A, FER Simons E, Carlos Sisul J, Sitkauskiene B, Skrindo I, SokličKošak T, Solé D, Sooronbaev T, Soto‐Martinez M, Soto‐Quiros M, Sousa Pinto B, Sova M, Soyka M, Specjalski K, Spranger O, Stamataki S, Stefanaki L, Stellato C, Stelmach R, Strandberg T, Stute P, Subramaniam A, Suppli Ulrik C, Sutherland M, Sylvestre S, Syrigou A, Taborda Barata L, Takovska N, Tan R, Tan F, Tan V, Ping Tang I, Taniguchi M, Tannert L, Tantilipikorn P, Tattersall J, Tesi F, Thijs C, Thomas M, To T, Todo‐Bom A, Togias A, Tomazic P, Tomic‐Spiric V, Toppila‐Salmi S, Toskala E, Triggiani M, Triller N, Triller K, Tsiligianni I, Uberti M, Ulmeanu R, Urbancic J, Urrutia Pereira M, Vachova M, Valdés F, Valenta R, Valentin Rostan M, Valero A, Valiulis A, Vallianatou M, Valovirta E, Van Eerd M, Van Ganse E, Hage M, Vandenplas O, Vasankari T, Vassileva D, Velasco Munoz C, Ventura MT, Vera‐Munoz C, Vicheva D, Vichyanond P, Vidgren P, Viegi G, Vogelmeier C, Von Hertzen L, Vontetsianos T, Vourdas D, Tran Thien Quan V, Wagenmann M, Walker S, Wallace D, Wang DY, Waserman S, Wickman M, Williams S, Williams D, Wilson N, Wong G, Woo K, Wright J, Wroczynski P, Xepapadaki P, Yakovliev P, Yamaguchi M, Yan K, Yeow Yap Y, Yawn B, Yiallouros P, Yorgancioglu A, Yoshihara S, Young I, Yusuf OB, Zaidi A, Zaitoun F, Zar H, Zedda M, Zernotti ME, Zhang L, Zhong N, Zidarn M, Zubrinich C. Cabbage and fermented vegetables: From death rate heterogeneity in countries to candidates for mitigation strategies of severe COVID-19

Large differences in COVID‐19 death rates exist between countries and between regions of the same country. Some very low death rate countries such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, or the Balkans have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods. Although biases exist when examining ecological studies, fermented vegetables or cabbage have been associated with low death rates in European countries. SARS‐CoV‐2 binds to its receptor, the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As a result of SARS‐CoV‐2 binding, ACE2 downregulation enhances the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT₁R) axis associated with oxidative stress. This leads to insulin resistance as well as lung and endothelial damage, two severe outcomes of COVID‐19. The nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) is the most potent antioxidant in humans and can block in particular the AT₁R axis. Cabbage contains precursors of sulforaphane, the most active natural activator of Nrf2. Fermented vegetables contain many lactobacilli, which are also potent Nrf2 activators. Three examples are: kimchi in Korea, westernized foods, and the slum paradox. It is proposed that fermented cabbage is a proof‐of‐concept of dietary manipulations that may enhance Nrf2‐associated antioxidant effects, helpful in mitigating COVID‐19 severity.

Model Reference Adaptive Control for Milk Fermentation in Batch Bioreactors

This paper presents the advanced control theory’s original utilisation to realise a system that controls the fermentation process in batch bioreactors. Proper fermentation control is essential for quality fermentation products and the economical operation of bioreactors. Batch bioreactors are very popular due to their simple construction. However, this simplicity presents limitations in implementing control systems that would ensure a controlled fermentation process. Batch bioreactors do not allow the inflow/outflow of substances during operation. Therefore, we have developed a control system based on a stirrer drive instead of material flow. The newly developed control system ensures tracking of the fermentation product time course to the reference trajectory by changing the stirrer’s speed. Firstly, the paper presents the derivation of the enhanced mathematical model suitable for developing a control system. A linearisation and eigenvalue analysis of this model were made. Due to the time-consuming determination of the fermentation model and the variation of the controlled plant during operation, the use of adaptive control is advantageous. Secondly, a comparison of different adaptive approaches was made. The model reference adaptive control was selected on this basis. The control theory is presented, and the control realisation described. Experimental results obtained with the laboratory batch bioreactor confirm the advantages of the proposed adaptive approach compared to the conventional PI-control.

Comparative Genomic and Functional Evaluations of Bacillus subtilis Newly Isolated from Korean Traditional Fermented Foods

Many fermented foods are known to have beneficial effects on human and animal health, offering anti-aging and immunomodulatory benefits to host. Microorganisms contained in the fermented foods are known to provide metabolic products possibly improving host health. However, despite of a number of studies on the functional effects of the fermented foods, isolation and identification of the effective bacterial strains in the products are still in progress. The objective of this study was to isolate candidate functional strains in various Korean traditional fermented foods, including ganjang, gochujang, doenjang, and jeotgal, and evaluate their beneficial effects on the host, using Caenorhabditis elegans as a surrogate animal model. Among the 30 strains isolated, five Bacillus spp. were selected that increased the expression level of pmk-1, an innate immune gene of C. elegans. These strains extended the nematode lifespan and showed intestinal adhesion to the host. Based on the bioinformatic analyses of whole genome sequences and pangenomes, the five strains of Bacillus subtilis were genetically different from the strains found in East Asian countries and previously reported strains isolated from Korean fermented foods. Our findings suggest that the newly isolated B. subtilis strains can be a good candidate for probiotic with further in-depth investigation on health benefits and safety.