The hypoglycemic and hypolipemic potentials of Moringa oleifera leaf polysaccharide and polysaccharide-flavonoid complex

Hypolipidemic activity of phytochemical combinations: A mechanistic review of preclinical and clinical studies

Hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by elevated levels of lipids in the blood, poses a significant risk factor for various health disorders, notably cardiovascular diseases. Phytochemical compounds are promising alternatives to the current lipid-lowering drugs, which cause many undesirable effects. Based on in vivo and clinical studies, combining phytochemicals with other phytochemicals, prebiotics, and probiotics and their encapsulation in nanoparticles is more safe and effective for managing hyperlipidemia than monotherapy. To this end, the results obtained and the mechanisms of action of these combinations were examined in detail in this review.

Fermentation of millet bran with Bacillus natto: enhancement of bioactivity levels and the bioactivity of bran extract

BACKGROUND

Millet bran (MB), a byproduct of millet production, is rich in functional components but it is underutilized. In recent years, researchers have shown that fermentation can improve the biological activity of cereals and their byproducts. This study used Bacillus natto to ferment millet bran to improve its added value and broaden the application of MB. The bioactive component content, physicochemical properties, and functional activity of millet bran extract (MBE) from fermented millet bran were determined.

RESULTS

After fermentation, the soluble dietary fiber (SDF) content increased by 92.0%, the β-glucan content by 164.4%, the polypeptide content by 111.4%, the polyphenol content by 32.5%, the flavone content by 16.4%, and the total amino acid content by 95.4%. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the microscopic morphology of MBE changed from complete and dense blocks to loosely porous shapes after fermentation. After fermentation, the solubility, water-holding capacity, and viscosity significantly increased and the particle size decreased. Moreover, the glucose adsorption capacity (2.1 mmol g-1), glucose dialysis retardation index (75.3%), and α-glucosidase inhibitory (71.4%, mixed reversible inhibition) activity of the fermented MBE (FMBE) were greater than those of the unfermented MBE (0.99 mmol g-1, 32.1%, and 35.1%, respectively). The FMBE presented better cholesterol and sodium cholate (SC) adsorption properties and the adsorption was considered inhomogeneous surface adsorption.

CONCLUSION

Fermentation increased the bioactive component content and improved the physicochemical properties of MBE, thereby improving its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. This study not only resolves the problem of millet bran waste but also encourages the development of higher value-added application methods for millet bran. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Identification of an arabinogalactan with special structure from Moringa Oleifera leaf and exploration of its immunomodulatory activity

Arabinogalactan exhibits many biological activities, which is the candidate for functional food ingredients. However, there is limited research on the arabinogalactan from Moringa Oleifera leaf, and its structure needs to be more accurately characterized. This study investigated structural characteristics and immunomodulatory activity of a high-purity polysaccharide from Moringa oleifera leaf (i.e. MOLP-PE) to further explore arabinogalactan from Moringa Oleifera leaf and its potential application area. The results showed that MOLP-PE was a unique type II arabinogalactan: the main chain consisted of → 3, 4)-α-D-Galp-(1→, →3)-β-D-Galp-(1→ and →2, 4)-β-D-Rhap-(1→, with branches at the C-4 position of →3, 4)-α-D-Galp-(1→ and →2, 4)-β-D-Rhap-(1→, consisting of →5)-α-L-Araf-(1→, →3)-α-L-Araf-(1→, →6)-β-D-Galp-(1→ and →4)-β-D-GalpA-(1→. Compared with arabinogalactan from larch, galactan and arabinan, MOLP-PE exhibited stronger ability in stimulating proliferation, phagocytosis and cytokines release of macrophages and bound with Toll-like receptor 4 closer via more binding sites, which might be due to its higher contents of 1,3-linked-Galp and 1,5-linked-Araf. These findings elucidated that MOLP-PE, as type II arabinogalactan with a unique structure, could be exploited as an immunomodulatory food ingredient.

Plant polysaccharides extracted by high pressure: A review on yields, physicochemical, structure properties, and bioactivities

Polysaccharides are biologically essential macromolecules, widely exist in plants, which are used in food, medicine, bioactives' encapsulation, targeted delivery and other fields. Suitable extraction technology can not only improve the yield, but also regulate the physicochemical, improve the functional property, and is the basis for the research and application of polysaccharide. High pressure (HP) extraction (HPE) induces the breakage of raw material cells and tissues through rapid changes in pressure, increases extraction yield, reduces extraction time, and modifies structure of polysaccharides. However, thus far, literature review on the mechanism of extraction, improved yield and modified structure of HPE polysaccharide is lacking. Therefore, the present work reviews the mechanism of HPE polysaccharide, increasing extraction yield, regulating physicochemical and functional properties, modifying structure and improving activity. This review contributes to a full understanding of the HPE or development of polysaccharide production and modification methods and promotes the application of HP technology in polysaccharide production.

Research progress in the preparation, structural characterization, and biological activities of polysaccharides from traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicines are tremendous sources of polysaccharides, which are of great interest in the human welfare system as natural medicines, food, and cosmetics. This review aims to highlight the recent trends in extraction (conventional and non-conventional), purification and analytic techniques of traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides (TCMPs), and the chemical structure, biological activities (anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, intestinal flora regulation, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, and other activities), and the underlying mechanisms of polysaccharides extracted from 76 diverse traditional Chinese medicines were compared and discussed. With this wide coverage, a total of 164 scientific articles were searched from the database including Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and China Knowledge Network. This comprehensive survey from previous reports indicates that TCMPs are non-toxic, highly biocompatible, and good biodegradability. Besides, this review highlights that TCMPs may be excellent functional factors and effective therapeutic drugs. Finally, the current problems and future research advances of TCMPs are also introduced. New valuable insights for the future researches regarding TCMPs are also proposed in the fields of therapeutic agents and functional foods.

Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Foeniculum vulgare extract regulate retrieval of sensory and motor functions in mice

In this study, chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) encapsulating Foeniculum vulgare (FV) seed extract (SE) were prepared for the controlled delivery of bioactive phytoconstituents. The prepared CSNPs encapsulating FVSE as sustain-releasing nanoconjugate (CSNPs-FVSE) was used as a potent source of functional metabolites including kaempferol and quercetin for accelerated reclamation of sensory and motor functions following peripheral nerve injury (PNI). The nanoconjugate exhibited in vitro a biphasic diffusion-controlled sustained release of quercetin and kaempferol ensuring prolonged therapeutic effects. The CSNPs-FVSE was administered through gavaging to albino mice daily at a dose rate of 25 mg/kg body weight from the day of induced PNI till the end of the experiment. The conjugate-treatment induced a significant acceleration in the regain of motor functioning, evaluated from the sciatic function index (SFI) and muscle grip strength studies. Further, the hotplate test confirmed a significantly faster recuperation of sensory functions in conjugate-treated group compared to control. An array of underlying biochemical pathways regulates the regeneration under well-optimized glucose and oxidant levels. Therefore, oxidant status (TOS), blood glycemic level and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated in the conjugate-treated group and compared with the controls. The treated subjects exhibited controlled oxidative stress and regulated blood sugars compared to the non-treated control. Thus, the nanoconjugate enriched with polyphenolics significantly accelerated the regeneration and recovery of functions after nerve lesions. The biocompatible nanocarriers encapsulating the nontoxic natural bioactive constitutents have great medicinal and economic value.

Interaction mechanism between luteoloside and corn silk glycans and the synergistic role in hypoglycemic activity

As the two most principal active substances in the corn silk, polysaccharides and flavonoids, the mechanism of interaction between them has been a topic of intense research. This study provides an in-depth investigation of the interaction mechanism between corn silk glycans and luteoloside (LUT) and the synergistic role that result from this interaction. The interaction mechanism was evaluated by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and circular dichroism (CD), and the synergistic role was evaluated by the expression of glucose transporters (GLUT-1), insulin secretion and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). CD and ITC results indicated that the interaction between CSGs and LUT mainly driven by the Cotton effects, enthalpy and entropy-driven. This interaction precipitated the formation of complexes (CSGs/LUT complexes) between corn silk glycans (CSGs) with four different molecular weights and luteoloside (LUT). Furthermore, the CSGs and LUT play a synergistic role in glucose regulation through GLUT-1 expression and insulin secretion experiments, compared to single luteoloside group.

Innovative Materials with Possible Applications in the Wound Dressings Field: Alginate-Based Films with Moringa oleifera Extract

For a long time, biopolymers have proven their effectiveness in the development of materials with various applications, lately those intended for the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, due to their high biocompatibility and non-toxic, non-allergenic, and non-immunogenic nature. The ability to incorporate various active substances in this matrix has yielded materials with characteristics that are far superior to those of classic, conventional ones. The beneficial effects of consuming Moringa oleifera have promoted the use of this plant, from Ayurvedic to classical medicine. The addition of such compounds in the materials intended for the treatment of surface wounds may represent the future of the development of innovative dressings. This study followed the development of materials based on sodium alginate and moringa powder or essential oil for use as dressings, pads, or sheets. Thus, three materials with the addition of 10-30% moringa powder and three materials with the addition of 10-30% essential oil were obtained. The data were compared with those of the control sample, with sodium alginate and plasticizer. The microtopography indicated that the materials have a homogeneous matrix that allows them to incorporate and maintain natural compounds with prolonged release. For example, the sample with 30% moringa essential oil kept its initial shape and did not disintegrate, although the swelling ratio value reached 4800% after 20 min. After testing the mechanical properties, the same sample had the best tensile strength (TS = 0.248 MPa) and elongation (31.41%), which is important for the flexibility of the dressing. The same sample exhibited a very high antioxidant capacity (60.78% inhibition). The materials obtained with moringa powder added presented good values of physical and mechanical properties, which supports their use as wound dressings for short-term application and the release of embedded compounds. According to the obtained results, all the biopolymeric materials with moringa added can be used as dressings for different wound types.

Electrochemical Characterization Using Biosensors with the Coagulant Moringa oleifera Seed Lectin (cMoL)

Triturated Moringa oleifera seeds have components that adsorb recalcitrant indigo carmine dye. Coagulating proteins known as lectins (carbohydrate-binding proteins) have already been purified from the powder of these seeds, in milligram amounts. The coagulant lectin from M. oleifera seeds (cMoL) was characterized by potentiometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using MOFs, or metal-organic frameworks, of [Cu₃(BTC)₂(H₂O)₃]_n to immobilize cMoL and construct biosensors. The potentiometric biosensor revealed an increase in the electrochemical potential resulting from the Pt/MOF/cMoL interaction with different concentrations of galactose in the electrolytic medium. The developed aluminum batteries constructed with recycled cans degraded an indigo carmine dye solution; the oxide reduction reactions of the batteries generated Al(OH)₃, promoting dye electrocoagulation. Biosensors were used to investigate cMoL interactions with a specific galactose concentration and monitored residual dye. SEM revealed the components of the electrode assembly steps. Cyclic voltammetry showed differentiated redox peaks related to dye residue quantification by cMoL. Electrochemical systems were used to evaluate cMoL interactions with galactose ligands and efficiently degraded dye. Biosensors could be used for lectin characterization and monitoring dye residues in environmental effluents of the textile industry.

Nanosuspension of Foeniculum Vulgare Promotes Accelerated Sensory and Motor Function Recovery after Sciatic Nerve Injury

The seed extract of Foeniculum vulgare (FV) was used for the preparation of a nanosuspension (NS) with an enhanced bioavailability of phytoconstituents. Subsequently, it was employed as a potent source of polyphenols, such as quercetin and kaempferol, to accelerate the regeneration and recovery of motor and sensory function in injured nerves. The NS was administered through daily gauging as NS1 (0.5 mg/mL) and NS2 (15 mg/mL), at a dose rate of 2 g/kg body weight until the end of the study. The NS-mediated retrieval of motor functions was studied by evaluating muscle grip strength and the sciatic functional index. The recovery of sensory functions was assessed by the hotplate test. Several well-integrated biochemical pathways mediate the recovery of function and the regeneration of nerves under controlled blood glucose and oxidative stress. Consequently, the NS-treated groups were screened for blood glucose, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS) compared to the control. The NS administration showed a significant potential to enhance the recuperation of motor and sensory functions. Moreover, the oxidative stress was kept under check as a result of NS treatments to facilitate neuronal generation. Thus, the nanoformulation of FV with polyphenolic contents accelerated the reclamation of motor and sensory function after nerve lesion.

Metabolites of Moringa oleifera Activate Physio-Biochemical Pathways for an Accelerated Functional Recovery after Sciatic Nerve Crush Injury in Mice

In this study, the functional metabolites of Moringa oleifera (MO) were screened to evaluate their possible role in accelerated functional retrieval after peripheral nerve injury (PNI). MO leaves were used for extract preparation using solvents of different polarities. Each dry extract was uniformly mixed in rodents' chow and supplemented daily at a dose rate of 2 g/kg body weight from the day of nerve crush until the completion of the trial. The sciatic functional index (SFI) and muscle grip strength were performed to assess the recovery of motor functions, whereas the hotplate test was performed to measure the regain of sensory functions. An optimal level of oxidative stress and a controlled glycemic level mediates a number of physio-biochemical pathways for the smooth progression of the regeneration process. Therefore, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glycemic levels were analyzed in metabolite-enriched extract-treated groups compared to the control. The supplementation of polar extracts demonstrated a significantly high potential to induce the retrieval of sensory and motor functions. Further, they were highly effective in controlling oxidative stress, facilitating accelerated nerve generation. This study has highlighted MO as a sustainable source of nutritive metabolites and a valuable target for drug development.

Dietary fibers with low hydration properties exacerbate diarrhea and impair intestinal health and nutrient digestibility in weaned piglets

Background

This study aimed to investigate the hydration properties of different-source fibrous materials by comparing their water-binding capacity (WBC), water swelling capacity (WSC), viscosity, and in vivo effects of selected samples on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, diarrhea, and intestinal health in weaned piglets.

Methods

A total of 13 commercially available fibrous materials were first compared in chemical composition and in vitro hydration property. Subsequently, 40 weaned piglets were randomized to five experimental dietary groups (8 piglets per group): control diet (a basal diet without dietary fiber, CON), basal diet supplemented with 5% microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), 5% wheat bran (WB), 5% Moringaoleifera leaf powder (MOLP), or 5% sugar beet pulp (SBP), followed by analyzing their growth performance and diarrhea rate in a 28-d experiment. After the feeding experiment, anaesthetized piglets were killed, and their intestinal and colon content or plasma samples were analyzed in nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, intestinal barrier, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and bacterial population.

Results

In vitro studies showed low hydration properties for WB and MCC, while medium hydration properties for MOLP and SBP. In vivo studies indicated that compared with medium hydration property groups, low hydration property groups showed (1) exacerbated diarrhea, impaired intestinal health, and reduced apparent fecal digestibility of dry matter, gross energy, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber; (2) decreased SCFAs concentration and relative levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, but increased levels of Escherichia coli and Brachyspira hyodysenteriae in colon contents. Additionally, SBP showed optimal performance in reducing diarrhea and increasing SCFAs production. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation of fiber hydration properties with in vitro SCFAs production, and diarrhea index and nutrient digestibility were negatively and positively correlated with SCFAs levels in the colon contents of weaned piglets, respectively.

Conclusions

Different-source dietary fibers varied in their hydration properties and impacts on diarrhea, microbial composition and SCFAs production in weaned piglets. WB and MCC could exacerbate diarrhea and impair nutrient digestibility, probably because their low hydration properties were detrimental to gut microbial homeostasis and fermentation. Our findings provide new ideas for rational use of fiber resources in weaned piglets.

Effects of different cooking methods on volatile flavor compounds, nutritional constituents, and antioxidant activities of Clitocybe squamulosa

To explore a scientific and reasonable cooking method for Clitocybe squamulosa, four cooking methods (boiling, steaming, microwaving, and frying) were applied to C. squamulosa, and the effects of different cooking methods on volatile flavor compounds, nutritional constituents, and antioxidant activities in C. squamulosa were systematically investigated. The results showed that 54, 53, 61, 63, and 49 volatile flavor compounds were detected in raw, boiled, steamed, microwaved, and fried samples, respectively. Large differences in volatile flavor compounds between the four cooking and raw samples were determined by using relative odor activity values (ROAV) and principal component analysis (PCA). In addition, steaming and microwaving could protect the nutrients of C. squamulosa, reduce losses during the cooking process and improve the color of cooked products compared to boiling and frying cooking methods. Meanwhile, cooking treatment exerted different effects on the antioxidant activity of C. squamulosa, and the antioxidant activity of C. squamulosa was the highest after microwave cooking treatment. This research can provide a theoretical basis for the cooking, processing and utilization of C. squamulosa and other wild edible fungi.

Ultrasonic-Cellulase Synergistic Extraction of Crude Polysaccharides from Moringa oleifera Leaves and Alleviation of Insulin Resistance in HepG2 Cells

Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) are a new food resource, rich in functional factors. MOL polysaccharides are important active macromolecules within MOL. However, there are problems, such as low extraction rates and lack of evidence for functional activity. Therefore, in this experiment, single-factor experiments were carried out using MOL powder as the raw material, and the Plackett-Burman test was used to screen the significantly influential test factors. The extraction process of MOL polysaccharide was optimized by response surface methodology. The insulin resistance alleviating activity of MOLP polysaccharides was initially explored. The results showed that the extraction of Moringa oleifera leaves crude polysaccharides (MOLP) by ultrasonic assisted cellulase enzymatic digestion was (17.03 ± 1.03)%, and the obtained MOLP was a crude polysaccharide with an average molecular weight (Mw) of 279.48 kDa, consisting of fucose, rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, xylose, mannose, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid. MOLP had an IC50 value of 8.02 mg/mL for α-glucosidase and scavenging activity against free radicals such as ABTS, DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide anion with an IC50 value of 0.21 mg/mL 0.31 mg/mL 0.97 mg/mL 0.49 mg/mL. At the same time, MOLP significantly enhanced the glucose consumption, glycogen synthesis, CAT, SOD, GSH-Px activity, and reduced the MDA and ROS content in high glucose-induced insulin-resistant HepG2 (IR-HepG2) cells. This experiment improved the extraction rate of MOLP and demonstrated that MOLP has antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, which can alleviate the insulin resistance of high glucose-induced HepG2 cells. It provides partial data support for the possible hypoglycemic effect of MOLP by alleviating oxidative stress, and also provides new ideas for the in-depth study of basic research and industrial application of MOLP.