In vitro studies on anti-inflammatory activities of kiwifruit peel extract in human THP-1 monocytes

Ultrasound-Assisted Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Thinned Young Kiwifruits and Their Beneficial Effects

Fruit thinning is a common practice employed to enhance the quality and yield of kiwifruits during the growing period, and about 30-50% of unripe kiwifruits will be thinned and discarded. In fact, these unripe kiwifruits are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, the applications of thinned young kiwifruits and related bioactive compounds in the food and functional food industry are still limited. Therefore, to promote the potential applications of thinned young kiwifruits as value-added health products, the extraction, characterization, and evaluation of beneficial effects of phenolic compounds from thinned young fruits of red-fleshed Actinidia chinensis cv 'HY' were examined in the present study. A green and efficient ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction (UADE) method for extracting phenolic compounds from thinned young kiwifruits was established. A maximum yield (105.37 ± 1.2 mg GAE/g DW) of total phenolics extracted from thinned young kiwifruits by UADE was obtained, which was significantly higher than those of conventional organic solvent extraction (CSE, about 14.51 ± 0.26 mg GAE/g DW) and ultrasound-assisted ethanol extraction (UAEE, about 43.85 ± 1.17 mg GAE/g DW). In addition, 29 compounds, e.g., gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin B1, procyanidin B2, quercetin-3-rhamnoside, and quercetin-3-O-glucoside, were identified in the kiwifruit extract by UPLC-MS/MS. Furthermore, the contents of major phenolic compounds in different kiwifruit extracts prepared by conventional organic solvent extraction (EE), ultrasound-assisted ethanol extraction (UEE), and ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction (UDE) were compared by HPLC analysis. Results revealed that the content of major phenolics in UDE (about 15.067 mg/g DW) was significantly higher than that in EE (about 2.218 mg/g DW) and UEE (about 6.122 mg/g DW), suggesting that the UADE method was more efficient for extracting polyphenolics from thinned young kiwifruits. In addition, compared with EE and UEE, UDE exhibited much higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase, which were closely associated with its higher content of phenolic compounds. Collectively, the findings suggest that the UADE method can be applied as an efficient technique for the preparation of bioactive polyphenolics from thinned young kiwifruits, and the thinned young fruits of red-fleshed A. chinensis cv 'HY' have good potential to be developed and utilized as functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Grape-Seed-Derived Procyanidin Attenuates Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Impairment by Suppressing MMP-9 Activity and Related Blood–Brain-Barrier Damage

(1) Background: Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI) is often observed in cancer patients and impairs their life quality. Grape-seed-orientated procyanidin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, yet its effects in preventing CICI have not been investigated. (2) Method: Adult male mice received 2.3 mg/kg cisplatin or saline injections for three cycles consisting of five daily injections followed by 5 days of rest. Procyanidin or saline was administered 1 h prior to cisplatin treatment. Cognitive testing, gelatin zymography, and blood–brain-barrier (BBB) penetration tests were performed after treatment cessation. RAW264.7 cells were treated by stimulated supernatant of SHSY5Y cells. In addition, high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) expression and MMP-9 activity were tested. (3) Results: Repeated cisplatin treatment increased BBB penetration, MMP-9 activity, impaired performance in contextual fear conditioning, and novel object recognition tasks. The knockout of MMP-9 rescues cognitive impairment and cisplatin-induced upregulation of HMGB1 in SHSY5Y cells. HMGB1/TLR4/IP3K/AKT signaling contributes to the increased MMP-9 activity in RAW264.7 cells. Procyanidin treatment attenuates MMP-9 activity, BBB damage, and CICI. (4) Conclusions: The results indicated that MMP-9 activation and BBB disruption is involved in CICI. Procyanidin may effectively alleviate the harmful effects of cisplatin.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, Identification, and Quantification of Antioxidants from 'Jinfeng' Kiwifruit

Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) is a nutrient-dense fruit abundant in vitamin C and phenolic compounds, and it exhibits strong antioxidant capacity. However, the antioxidants in 'Jinfeng' kiwifruit have seldom been extracted and analyzed, and the conditions for the extraction of kiwifruit antioxidants by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) have seldom been investigated. In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize UAE conditions to extract antioxidants from 'Jinfeng' kiwifruit. In addition, the antioxidant capacity, contents of total phenolics and total flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and the profiles of antioxidants were also analyzed. The results showed that the optimal UAE conditions included 68% ethanol, liquid/solid ratio at 20 mL/g, extraction time at 30 min, extraction temperature at 42 °C, and ultrasonic power at 420 W. Under these conditions, the ABTS value of kiwifruit was 70.38 ± 1.38 μM TE/g DW, which was 18.5% higher than that of the extract obtained by conventional solvent extraction. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 15.50 ± 0.08 mg GAE/g DW and 5.10 ± 0.09 mg CE/g DW, respectively. Moreover, 20 compounds were tentatively identified by UPLC-MS/MS, and the content of main compounds, such as procyanidin B2, neochlorogenic acid, and epicatechin, were determined by HPLC-DAD. This research revealed the profiles of antioxidant phytochemicals in 'Jinfeng' kiwifruit, which can be a good dietary source of natural antioxidants with potential health functions.

Valorization of kiwi agricultural waste and industry by-products by recovering bioactive compounds and applications as food additives: A circular economy model

Currently, agricultural production generates large amounts of organic waste, both from the maintenance of farms and crops (agricultural wastes) and from the industrialization of the product (food industry waste). In the case of Actinidia cultivation, agricultural waste groups together leaves, flowers, stems and roots while food industry by-products are represented by discarded fruits, skin and seeds. All these matrices are now underexploited and so, they can be revalued as a natural source of ingredients to be applied in food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical industries. Kiwifruit composition (phenolic compounds, volatile compounds, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, etc.) is an outstanding basis, especially for its high content in vitamin C and phenolic compounds. These compounds possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial activities, among other beneficial properties for health, but stand out for their digestive enhancement and prebiotic role. Although the biological properties of kiwi fruit have been analyzed, few studies show the high content of compounds with biological functions present in these by-products. Therefore, agricultural and food industry wastes derived from processing kiwi are regarded as useful matrices for the development of innovative applications in the food (pectins, softeners, milk coagulants, and colorants), cosmetic (ecological pigments) and pharmaceutical industry (fortified, functional, nutraceutical, or prebiotic foods). This strategy will provide economic and environmental benefits, turning this industry into a sustainable and environmentally friendly production system, promoting a circular and sustainable economy.

Minor tropical fruits as a potential source of bioactive and functional foods

Tropical fruits are defined as fruits that are grown in hot and humid regions within the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn, covering most of the tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, Africa, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Oceania. Depending on the cultivation area covered, economic value and popularity these tropical fruits are divided into major and minor tropical fruits. There is an annual increment of 3.8% in terms of commercialization of the tropical fruits. In total 26 minor tropical fruits (Kiwifruit, Lutqua, Carambola, Tree Tomato, Elephant apple, Rambutan, Bay berry, Mangosteen, Bhawa, Loquat, Silver berry, Durian, Persimon, Longan, Passion fruit, Water apple, Pulasan, Indian gooseberry, Guava, Lychee, Annona, Pitaya, Sapodilla, Pepino, Jaboticaba, Jackfruit) have been covered in this work. The nutritional composition, phytochemical composition, health benefits, traditional use of these minor tropical fruits and their role in food fortification have been portrayed.

Fruit Wastes as a Valuable Source of Value-Added Compounds: A Collaborative Perspective

The by-products/wastes from agro-food and in particular the fruit industry represents from one side an issue since they cannot be disposed as such for their impact on the environment but they need to be treated as a waste. However, on the other side, they are a source of bioactive healthy useful compounds which can be recovered and be the starting material for other products in the view of sustainability and a circular economy addressing the global goal of "zero waste" in the environment. An updated view of the state of art of the research on fruit wastes is here given under this perspective. The topic is defined as follows: (i) literature quantitative analysis of fruit waste/by-products, with particular regards to linkage with health; (ii) an updated view of conventional and innovative extraction procedures; (iii) high-value added compounds obtained from fruit waste and associated biological properties; (iv) fruit wastes presence and relevance in updated databases. Nowadays, the investigation of the main components and related bioactivities of fruit wastes is being continuously explored throughout integrated and multidisciplinary approaches towards the exploitation of emerging fields of application which may allow to create economic, environmental, and social value in the design of an eco-friendly approach of the fruit wastes.

Natural Polyphenols as Immunomodulators to Rescue Immune Response Homeostasis: Quercetin as a Research Model against Severe COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by SARS-CoV-2 and is leading to the worst health crisis of this century. It emerged in China during late 2019 and rapidly spread all over the world, producing a broad spectrum of clinical disease severity, ranging from asymptomatic infection to death (4.3 million victims so far). Consequently, the scientific research is devoted to investigating the mechanisms of COVID-19 pathogenesis to both identify specific therapeutic drugs and develop vaccines. Although immunological mechanisms driving COVID-19 pathogenesis are still largely unknown, new understanding has emerged about the innate and adaptive immune responses elicited in SARS-CoV-2 infection, which are mainly focused on the dysregulated inflammatory response in severe COVID-19. Polyphenols are naturally occurring products with immunomodulatory activity, playing a relevant role in reducing inflammation and preventing the onset of serious chronic diseases. Mainly based on data collected before the appearance of SARS-CoV-2, polyphenols have been recently suggested as promising agents to fight COVID-19, and some clinical trials have already been approved with polyphenols to treat COVID-19. The aim of this review is to analyze and discuss the in vitro and in vivo research on the immunomodulatory activity of quercetin as a research model of polyphenols, focusing on research that addresses issues related to the dysregulated immune response in severe COVID-19. From this analysis, it emerges that although encouraging data are present, they are still insufficient to recommend polyphenols as potential immunomodulatory agents against COVID-19.

Granzyme B in Inflammatory Diseases: Apoptosis, Inflammation, Extracellular Matrix Remodeling, Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Fibrosis

Inflammation is strictly interconnected to anti-inflammatory mechanisms to maintain tissue homeostasis. The disruption of immune homeostasis can lead to acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, as cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic diseases and cancer. The knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of these pathological conditions is important to find effective therapies. Granzyme B (GrB) is a serine protease produced by a variety of immune, non-immune and tumor cells. Apoptotic intracellular and multiple extracellular functions of GrB have been recently identified. Its capability of cleaving extracellular matrix (ECM) components, cytokines, cell receptors and clotting proteins, revealed GrB as a potential multifunctional pro-inflammatory molecule with the capability of contributing to the pathogenesis of different inflammatory conditions, including inflammaging, acute and chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. Here we give an overview of recent data concerning GrB activity on multiple targets, potentially allowing this enzyme to regulate a wide range of crucial biological processes that play a role in the development, progression and/or severity of inflammatory diseases. We focus our attention on the promotion by GrB of perforin-dependent and perforin-independent (anoikis) apoptosis, inflammation derived by the activation of some cytokines belonging to the IL-1 cytokine family, ECM remodeling, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis. A greater comprehension of the pathophysiological consequences of GrB-mediated multiple activities may favor the design of new therapies aim to inhibit different inflammatory pathological conditions such as inflammaging and age-related diseases, EMT and organ fibrosis.

Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.): A review of chemical diversity and biological activities

Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) is a commercially important fruit crop. Various species and cultivars, non-fruit plant parts, and agricultural and processing wastes are underutilized. A broad-scoped review of kiwifruit guides further innovative applications. Different kiwifruit varieties and edible and nonedible parts varied in the composition of dietary nutrients including polyphenols, vitamins, dietary fiber, and functional ingredients, such as starch and protease and bioactive phytochemicals. Kiwifruits exhibit antioxidative, antiproliferative, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antihypercholesterolemic, neuroprotective, antiobese properties and promote gut health. Clinically significant effects of kiwifruit on prevention and/or treatment of major chronic diseases are not yet evident. Varieties and plant parts, extraction, analytical and processing methods affect the physicochemical and biological properties of kiwifruit-derived ingredients. Allergens, mycotoxins, pesticides and heavy metals are the chemical hazards of kiwifruits. Future research should be focused on sustainable uses of underutilized resources as functional ingredients, bioactive compound purification, composition-activity relationships, and physiological mechanisms and clinical significance of kiwifruits.

An Industrial and Sustainable Platform for the Production of Bioactive Micronized Powders and Extracts Enriched in Polyphenols From Olea europaea L. and Vitis vinifera L. Wastes

In the last few years, literature data have reported that health status is related to the consumption of foods rich in polyphenols, bioactive compounds found in the plant world, in particular in vegetables and fruit. These pieces of scientific evidence have led to an increase in the demand for functional foods and drinks enriched in polyphenols, so that plant materials are more and more requested. The availability of food and agricultural wastes has adverse effects on the economy, environment, and human health. On the other hand, these materials are a precious source of bioactive compounds as polyphenols. Their recovery and reuse from wastes are according to the circular economy strategy, which has introduced the “zero waste concept.” However, the process is convenient from an economic and environmental point of view only if the final products are standardized and obtained using sustainable and industrial technologies. In this panorama, this paper describes an industrial and sustainable platform for the production of micronized powders and extracts enriched in polyphenols from Olea europaea L. and Vitis vinifera L. wastes that are useful for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals sectors. The platform is based on drying plant materials, extraction of polyphenols through membrane technologies with water, and, when necessary, the concentration of the final fractions under vacuum evaporation. All powders and extracts were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector–mass spectrometry analysis to define the qualitative and quantitative content of bioactive compounds and insure their standardization and reproducibility. The chromatographic profiles evidenced the presence of secoiridoids, flavones, flavonols, anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, catechins, and condensed tannins. An overview of the biological activities of the main polyphenols present in Olea europaea L. and Vitis vinifera L. powders and extracts is reported because of biomedical applications.

Influence of Herbal Medicines on HMGB1 Release, SARS-CoV-2 Viral Attachment, Acute Respiratory Failure, and Sepsis. A Literature Review

By attaching to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein on lung and intestinal cells, Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) can cause respiratory and homeostatic difficulties leading to sepsis. The progression from acute respiratory failure to sepsis has been correlated with the release of high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1). Lack of effective conventional treatment of this septic state has spiked an interest in alternative medicine. This review of herbal extracts has identified multiple candidates which can target the release of HMGB1 and potentially reduce mortality by preventing progression from respiratory distress to sepsis. Some of the identified mixtures have also been shown to interfere with viral attachment. Due to the wide variability in chemical superstructure of the components of assorted herbal extracts, common motifs have been identified. Looking at the most active compounds in each extract it becomes evident that as a group, phenolic compounds have a broad enzyme inhibiting function. They have been shown to act against the priming of SARS-CoV-2 attachment proteins by host and viral enzymes, and the release of HMGB1 by host immune cells. An argument for the value in a nonspecific inhibitory action has been drawn. Hopefully these findings can drive future drug development and clinical procedures.

Gallic Acid and Quercetin as Intelligent and Active Ingredients in Poly(vinyl alcohol) Films for Food Packaging

Gallic acid (GA) and quercetin (QC) were used as active ingredients in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) film formulations obtained by solvent casting process. The effect of two different percentages (5 and 10 % wt.) on morphological behavior, thermal stability, optical, mechanical, and release properties of PVA were investigated, while migration with food stimulants and antioxidant properties were tested taking into account the final application as food packaging systems. The results showed how different dispersability in PVA water solutions gave different results in term of deformability (mean value of ε PVA/5GA = 280% and ε PVA/5QC = 255%, with 190% for neat PVA), comparable values for antioxidant activity at the high contents (Radical Scavenging Activity, RSA(%) PVA/10GA = 95 and RSA(%) PVA/10QC = 91) and different coloring attitude of the polymeric films. It was proved that GA, even if it represents the best antioxidant ingredient to be used with PVA and can be easily dispersed in water, it gives more rigid films in comparison to QC, that indeed was more efficient in tuning the deformability of the PVA films, due the presence of sole hydroxyl groups carrying agent. The deviation of the film coloring towards greenish tones for GA films and redness for QC films after 7 and within 21 days in the simulated conditions confirmed the possibility of using easy processable PVA films as active and intelligent films in food packaging.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Cherry Extract Loaded in Polymeric Nanoparticles: Relevance of Particle Internalization in Endothelial Cells

This study aimed at evaluating the anti-inflammatory effect of natural cherry extract (CE), either free or encapsulated in nanoparticles (NPs) based on chitosan derivatives (Ch-der) or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). CE from Prunus avium L. was characterized for total polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins content. CE and CE-loaded NP cytotoxicity and protective effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stressed HUVEC were tested by water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1) assay. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and PGE2) released by HUVEC were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All NP types were internalized into HUVEC after 2 h incubation and promoted the anti-inflammatory effect of free CE at the concentration of 2 µg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mL. CE-loaded Ch-der NPs showed the highest in vitro uptake and anti-inflammatory activity, blunting the secretion of IL-6, TNF-α, and PGE2 cytokines. Moreover, all NPs reduced the production of nitric oxide and NLRP3 inflammasome, and had a stronger anti-inflammatory effect than the major corticosteroid dexamethasone. In particular, the results demonstrate that natural CE protects endothelial cells from inflammatory stress when encapsulated in NPs based on quaternary ammonium chitosan. The CE beneficial effects were directly related with in vitro internalization of CE-loaded NPs.

Anti-proliferative effect of pomegranate peel extracts on bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)

Pomegranate peel extracts prepared in our laboratories from a waste of juice fruit processing were tested on bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells to evaluate the effects on viability, oxidative stress and proliferation. The (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay pointed out that the extracts were not cytotoxic at the tested concentrations (0.1, 1.0, and 10 µg/mL). A moderate protective effect against Reactive Oxygen Species production induced by hydrogen peroxide or lipopolysaccharide and a significant anti-proliferative activity against proliferation induced by concanavalin A were observed on cell lines treated with the extracts at 10 μg/mL. Based on these results, pomegranate peel extracts seem promising as feed supplement for dairy cattle, in particular around calving, when the animals are subjected to an increase of the metabolic activity, responsible for oxidative stress and diseases. However, in vivo studies are needed to investigate the stability of the extracts across the bovine gastrointestinal tract barrier.

Vitis vinifera L. Leaf Extract Inhibits In Vitro Mediators of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Involved in Inflammatory-Based Skin Diseases

Psoriasis is a chronic cutaneous condition characterized by the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress. The reduction of these factors is currently the most effective strategy to inhibit the symptoms of pathology. Antioxidants from natural sources are increasingly used to improve skin conditions. Dried red leaves from grapevine (Vitis vinifera L., cv Teinturiers) showed anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activities, but their possible effects on keratinocytes have not been previously investigated. In this study we tested the ability of a water extract from grapevine leaves (VVWE) to inhibit inflammatory conditions in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), challenged with proinflammatory (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) or prooxidant (ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) or H₂O₂) mediators. VVWE inhibited interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion induced by proinflammatory stimuli, acting on the IL-8 promoter activity, but the effect was lower when prooxidant mediators were used. The effect was partly explained by the reduction of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-driven transcription and nuclear translocation. Furthermore, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion, a regulator of angiogenesis, was inhibited by VVWE, but not matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a protease involved in matrix remodeling. VVWE, assayed on Franz diffusion cell system, showed a marked reduction of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)-identified compounds. Pure molecules individually failed to reduce TNF-α-induced IL-8 release, suggesting synergistic effects or the presence of other bioactive compounds still unknown.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Pomegranate Peel Extracts on In Vitro Human Intestinal Caco-2 Cells and Ex Vivo Porcine Colonic Tissue Explants

The aim of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory potential of pomegranate peel extracts (PPE) prepared from waste material of pomegranate juice production both in vitro on Caco-2 cells and ex vivo using porcine colonic tissue explants. Caco-2 cells were stimulated in vitro by TNF and colonic tissue explants were stimulated ex vivo with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Both tissues were co-treated with PPE at 0, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10 and 25 μg/mL. The secretion of CXCL8 in the supernatant of both experiments was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the relative expression of inflammatory cytokines were evaluated in the colonic tissue by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR). The 2.5 to 25 μg/mL of PPE suppressed CXCL8 (p < 0.001) in the Caco-2 cells, whereas CXCL8 production was suppressed by only 5 and 25 μg/mL (p < 0.01) of PPE in the colonic explants. The 5 μg/mL of PPE also suppressed the expression of IL1A (p < 0.05), IL6 (p < 0.01) and CXCL8 (p < 0.05) in LPS challenged colonic tissues compared to controls. In conclusion, the 5 μg/mL of PPE consistently elicits strong anti-inflammatory activity. These results support the potential of bioactive compounds from the waste peel of pomegranate in terms of their anti-inflammatory activity in cells and tissues of the gastrointestinal tract.