Protective effects of strawberry and mulberry fruit polysaccharides on inflammation and apoptosis in murine primary splenocytes

Functional properties, structural characteristics, and anti-complementary activities of two degraded polysaccharides from strawberry fruits

Two low-molecular-weight polysaccharides (DPSP50 and DPSP70) were obtained using hydrogen peroxide-vitamin C (H2O2-Vc) treatment at 50 °C and 70 °C, respectively. Both DPSP50 and DPSP70 comprised the same six monosaccharides in different ratios, and their molecular weights (Mws) were 640 kDa and 346 kDa, respectively. Functional properties analyses demonstrated that DPSP50 and DPSP70 each had an excellent water holding capacity, oil absorption capacity, and emulsion properties, as well as shear-thinning characteristics and viscoelastic properties. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic assays confirmed the existence of α-, β-pyranose rings and the same six sugar residues in DPSP50 and DPSP70. The results of Congo red test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) demonstrated that DPSP50 and DPSP70 did not contain triple-helix conformations, but were amorphous aggregates with flake-like shape and rough surface. Additionally, both DPSP50 and DPSP70 showed strong anti-complementary activities through the classical pathway and the alternative pathway. The results support the potential utility of these degraded polysaccharides from strawberry fruits in functional foods and medicines.

Immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory impact of Fragaria ananassa methanol extract in a rat model of cadmium chloride-induced pulmonary toxicity

Cadmium is an extremely dangerous heavy metal that can lead to disastrous consequences in all organisms. Several natural remedies reduce the toxicities of experimentally generated metals in animals. Strawberry Fragaria ananassa contains several bioactive compounds that may mitigate heavy-metal toxicity. The study aim was to evaluate the ability of a strawberry fruit methanol extract (SE) to reduce Cd toxicity and to identify and quantify the active constituents of SE. Forty Wistar rats were classified into four groups: the control group- 1 ml saline IP; SE group- 100 mg of SE/kg rats orally; cadmium (Cd) group-2 mg CdCl2/kg body weight/IP daily; and treated group- SE given 1 hour before Cd administration. Administration of Cd induced several histopathological and immunohistochemical alterations in lung sections. Biochemical analysis of lung homogenates and mRNA levels of antioxidants and inflammatory cytokines indicated significant changes to the risk profile. SE administration significantly decreased the oxidative stress, inflammation, tissue damage, the mean area percentage of collagen fibers, and positive immuno-expressions of TNF-α and NF-κB induced by CdCl2. Moreover, the MDA, TNF-α, GM-CSF, and IL-1β levels in Cd-exposed rat lung tissue were significantly lower in the SE-treated group than in the Cd-group. SE significantly augmented lung GSH, SOD, HO-1, GPx-2, and Nrf2 levels in Cd-exposed rats. SE mitigated Cd-caused oxidative stress and lung inflammation. Therefore, regularly consuming a strawberry-rich diet could benefit general health and help prevent and treat diseases.

Assessing the Nutritional-Value-Based Therapeutic Potentials and Non-Destructive Approaches for Mulberry Fruit Assessment: An Overview

Among different fruits, mulberry is the most highlighted natural gift in its superior nutritional and bioactive composition, indispensable for continuing a healthy life. It also acts as a hepatoprotective immunostimulator and improves vision, anti-microbial, anti-cancer agent, anti-stress activity, atherosclerosis, neuroprotective functions, and anti-obesity action. The mulberry fruits also help reduce neurological disorders and mental illness. The main reason for that is the therapeutic potentials present in the nutritional components of the mulberry fruit. The available methods for assessing mulberry fruits are mainly chromatographic based, which are destructive and possess many limitations. However, recently some non-invasive techniques, including chlorophyll fluorescence, image processing, and hyperspectral imaging, were employed to detect various mulberry fruit attributes. The present review attempts to collect and explore available information regarding the nutritional and medicinal importance of mulberry fruit. Besides, non-destructive methods established for the fruit are also elaborated. This work helps encourage many more research works to dug out more hidden information about the essential nutrition of mulberry that can be helpful to resolve many mental-illness-related issues.

Protective effects of non-extractable phenolics from strawberry against inflammation and colon cancer in vitro

Strawberry is a rich source of phenolics. However, most studies focused on extractable phenolics (EP) while neglecting non-extractable phenolics (NEP). The aim of this study was to characterize EP and NEP from strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) and determine their anti-inflammatory and anti-colon cancer potentials in cell culture models. NEP contained flavonols, flavanols and phenolic acids that were released through alkaline hydrolysis. NEP dose-dependently inhibited lipopolysaccharides -induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophage. Western blotting showed that NEP reduced the expression levels of pro-inflammatory proteins such as iNOS and c-FOS, but increased the expression level of antioxidative protein, such as HO-1. Moreover, NEP markedly suppressed proliferation of human colon cancer HCT116 cells via inducing G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Collectively, these findings illustrated preventive effects of strawberry NEP against inflammation and colon cancer, shedding light on potential contribution of NEP from strawberry as a health-promoting agent.

Recent advances on bioactive polysaccharides from mulberry

Mulberry (Moraceae family), commonly considered as a folk remedy, has a long history of usage in many regions of the world. Polysaccharides regarded as one of the major components in mulberry plants, and they possess antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, prebiotic, immunomodulatory and antitumor properties, among others. In recent decades, mulberry polysaccharides have been widely studied for their multiple health benefits and potential economic value. However, there are few reviews providing updated information on polysaccharides from mulberry. In this review, recent advances in the study of isolation, purification, structural characterization, biological activity and the structure-activity relationship of mulberry polysaccharides are summarized and discussed. Furthermore, a thorough analysis of the current trends and perspectives on mulberry polysaccharides is also proposed. Hopefully, these findings can provide a useful reference value for the development and application of natural polysaccharides in the field of functional food and medicine in the future.

Protective effect of Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in chickens

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the protective effects of polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide (PP), an important component of rhizome polygonatum, on cyclophosphamide (CY) induced immunosuppressed chickens. Four hundred and eighty one-day-old Erlang mountainous chickens were randomly allocated into four treatments. The main factors consisted of dietary supplement (PP at 0 or 800 mg/kg of diet) and immunosuppressive challenge (birds challenged with CY or treated with sterile saline). The results showed that PP enhanced chickens' growth performance via elevating daily weight gain (DWG), serum protein production, and decreasing feed conversion ratio (FCR). Moreover, physical measurements revealed that PP accelerated recovery of relative weights of immune organs and maintained their structure and function. Biochemical analysis indicated that PP significantly stimulated immunoglobulin and antioxidant indexes in serum, and improved the proliferation of peripheral blood T lymphocytes. In addition, PP promoted immune organs cells to enter into S and G₂/M phases as well as inhibited the apoptosis in the spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius. PP up regulated the expression of IL-2, IL-6 and IFN-γ genes. Therefore, PP performs a profile in antagonizing Cy-induced immunosuppression in chickens, and it seems that PP can be used as a potential immunostimulant agent.

M1 Polarization but Anti-LPS-Induced Inflammation and Anti-MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Growth Effects of Five Selected Polysaccharides

Five potential polysaccharides from guava seed (GSPS), common buckwheat (CBPS), bitter buckwheat (BBPS), red Formosa lambsquarters (RFLPS), and yellow Formosa lambsquarters (YFLPS) were selected to measure their effects on mouse peritoneal macrophages in the absence or presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Macrophage-conditioned media (MCM) in the absence or presence of 5 selected polysaccharides were prepared to treat MCF-7 cells. The cell viability was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-diphenyl)-2,5-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Proinflammatory (also known as M1 type) (interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α) and anti-inflammatory (also known as M2 type) (IL-10) cytokines secreted by macrophages were determined using ELISA. The relationship between MCF-7 cell growth and M1/M2 cytokine secretion profiles in the corresponding MCM were delineated. The results showed that 5 selected polysaccharides, except BBPS, significantly (P < 0.05) and dose-dependently increased M1 (IL-1β + IL-6 + TNF-α)/M2 (IL-10) cytokine secretion ratios by macrophages in the absence of LPS, suggesting that four selected polysaccharides have M1 polarization property. However, all of 5 selected polysaccharides significantly (P < 0.05) decreased proinflammatory (IL-1β + IL-6 + TNF-α)/anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine secretion ratios by LPS-stimulated macrophages, exhibiting that all of the 5 selected polysaccharides, particularly GSPS, have anti-inflammatory potential. All MCM prepared with these selected polysaccharides (except YFLPS) significantly enhanced their inhibitory effects on MCF-7 cell growth. A negative correlation was noted between MCF-7 cell viabilities and M1/M2 cytokine secretion ratios ((IL-6 + TNF-α)/IL-10) in the corresponding MCM, suggesting that increases in M1 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment might inhibit MCF-7 cell growth. Particular polysaccharides including RFLPS, GSPS, YFLPS, and CBPS may increase the percentage of M1 macrophages in the tumor environment and further inhibit MCF-7 cell growth via immunotherapy.

Trends in the extraction, purification, characterisation and biological activities of polysaccharides from tropical and sub-tropical fruits - A comprehensive review

Tropical and sub-tropical fruits are tremendous sources of polysaccharides (PSs), which are of great interest in the human welfare system as natural medicines, food and cosmetics. This review paper aims to highlight the recent trends in extraction (conventional and non-conventional), purification and analytic techniques of fruit polysaccharides (FPSs). The chemical structure and biological activities, such as immunomodulatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-coagulant and anti-diabetic effects, of PSs extracted from 53 various fruits were compared and discussed. With this wide coverage, a total of 172 scientific articles were reviewed and discussed. This comprehensive survey from previous studies suggests that the FPSs are non-toxic and highly biocompatible. In addition, this review highlights that FPSs might be excellent functional foods as well as effective therapeutic drugs. Finally, the future research advances of FPSs are also described. The content of this review will promote human wellness-based food product development in the future.

Dietary Flavonoids Luteolin and Quercetin Inhibit Migration and Invasion of Squamous Carcinoma through Reduction of Src/Stat3/S100A7 Signaling

Flavonoids are well-known antioxidants and have shown the ability to prevent tumor formation and recurrence. Especially in dietary flavonoids, they have provided convenience and consistence of intake for long-term prevention of tumor formation. Previous reports suggested that S100 calcium-binding protein A7 (S100A7) might activate epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling and promote the metastasis of tumor cells; however, the regulatory signaling was unclear. In this study, we found that S100A7 was highly expressed in cancer cells and could be reduced by luteolin (Lu) and quercetin (Qu) through Src/Stat3 signaling. We found that the protein levels of S100A7, phosphorylated Src (p-Src), and p-Stat3 were increased in A431-III cells. Flavonoids Lu and Qu reduce protein levels of p-Src, p-Stat3 and S100A7 in A431-III cells. Treatment of A431-III cells with Src inhibitor SU6656 and Stat3 inhibitor S3I-201 also reduced the protein levels of S100A7. Transactivation activity of 5′-upstream regions of S100A7 was activated by Stat3 but was reduced by treatment with Lu, Qu, SU6656 and S3I-201. The treatment also reduced the migratory and invasive abilities of A431-III cells. In a further analysis of EMT markers, the protein level of E-cad increased and that of Twist decreased after treatment with the inhibitors and flavonoids. Overexpression of S100A7 decreased the protein level of E-cad and increased the Twist level, whereas knockdown of S100A7 had the opposite effects. Treatment with S3I-201, Lu and Qu, compared to the control, were found to decrease metastasis of tumor cells in zebrafish larvae. These results suggest that Lu and Qu may inhibit Src/Stat3/S100A7 signaling to reduce tumorigenesis of cancer cells.

Purification, Characterization, Prebiotic Preparations and Antioxidant Activity of Oligosaccharides from Mulberries

A water-soluble oligosaccharide termed EMOS-1a was prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis of polysaccharides purified from mulberries by column chromatography. The chemical structure of the purified fraction was investigated by ultraviolet spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which indicated that galactose was the main constituent of EMOS-1a. Chemical analyses showed that the uronic acid and sulfate content of EMOS-1a were 5.6% and 8.35%, respectively, while gel permeation chromatography showed that EMOS-1a had an average molecular weight of 987 Da. The antioxidant activities of EMOS-1a were next investigated, and EMOS-1a exhibited concentration-dependent 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power. The level of proliferation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus reached 1420 ± 16% when 4% (w/v) EMOS-1a was added, where the number of colonies in MRS (de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe) medium with no added oligosaccharide was defined as 100% proliferation. These results indicate that the oligosaccharide EMOS-1a could be used as a natural antioxidant in prebiotic preparations.

Immunomodulatory activities of proteins from Astragalus membranaceus waste

BACKGROUND

Astragalus membranaceus is a traditional Chinese medicine that has a long history of medical applications. It is of interest to investigate the functional components of A. membranaceus waste with regard to its development and utilization and increasing resource utilization.

RESULTS

The protein AMWP was isolated from the A. membranaceus waste. This protein was further purified by DEAE-cellulose-52 chromatography and Sephadex G-200 size-exclusion chromatography to obtain three fractions, named AMWPDG2, AMWPDG4 and AMWPDG6. Then, their immunomodulatory activities were evaluated by using cell model experiments. The results indicated that the protein fractions could significantly increase the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes, peritoneal macrophages and bone-marrow-derived cells (BMDCs). AMWPDG2 showed the highest immunocompetence. AMWPDG2, AMWPDG4 and AMWPDG6 not only significantly improved the phagocytosis and immunomodulatory factors (interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide) secretion of peritoneal macrophages, but also promoted the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-12 p40, IL-1β, IL-1α) and chemokines (CXCL1, CCL3) in BMDCs.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results indicated that three protein fractions from the A. membranaceus waste might be a potential natural immunomodulator. Moreover, it also provided the theoretical basis for further researching the mechanism of AMWPDG2, AMWPDG4 and AMWPDG6 on improving the immune response. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Two macamide extracts relieve physical fatigue by attenuating muscle damage in mice

BACKGROUND

Macamides, the main active components contained in maca, have attracted increasing attention due to their various bioactivities. In this study, crude macamide extract (CME) and purified macamide extract (PME) were prepared by enzyme-assisted extraction and macroporous resin separation, and the anti-fatigue effects of CME and PME were evaluated in a forced swimming model.

RESULTS

The composition analysis results revealed that both CME and PME mainly contain eight kinds of macamide. Based on the results of a weight-loaded forced swimming test, compared with a control group, CME and and PME groups could prolong exhaustive swimming time, increase levels of liver glycogen (LG) and muscle glycogen (MG), accelerate fatty acid oxidation in serum to provide energy, eliminate the accumulation of blood lactic acid (BLA) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and decrease the serum biomarkers for muscle damage, such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK). Histological analysis also indicated that CME and PME attenuated damage to skeletal muscle and the myocardium in mice during exercise.

CONCLUSION

Two macamide extracts have a beneficial effect on relieving physical fatigue by attenuating the damage of skeletal muscle and myocardium during exercise, and a better effect was observed in the PME group. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Phenolic compounds participating in mulberry juice sediment formation during storage

The stability of clarified juice is of great importance in the beverage industry and to consumers. Phenolic compounds are considered to be one of the main factors responsible for sediment formation. The aim of this study is to investigate the changes in the phenolic content in clarified mulberry juice during storage. Hence, separation, identification, quantification, and analysis of the changes in the contents of phenolic compounds, both free and bound forms, in the supernatant and sediments of mulberry juice, were carried out using high performance liquid chromatographic system, equipped with a photo-diode array detector (HPLC-PDA) and HPLC coupled with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometric (HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) techniques. There was an increase in the amount of sediment formed over the period of study. Total phenolic content of supernatant, as well as free phenolic content in the extracts of the precipitate decreased, whereas the bound phenolic content in the sediment increased. Quantitative estimation of individual phenolic compounds indicated high degradation of free anthocyanins in the supernatant and sediment from 938.60 to 2.30 mg/L and 235.60 to 1.74 mg/g, respectively. A decrease in flavonoids in the supernatant was also observed, whereas the contents of bound forms of gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, and rutin in the sediment increased. Anthocyanins were the most abundant form of phenolics in the sediment, and accounted for 67.2% of total phenolics after 8 weeks of storage. These results revealed that phenolic compounds, particularly anthocyanins, were involved in the formation of sediments in mulberry juice during storage.

The Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Fruit-A Review of Characteristic Components and Health Benefits

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit has a high yield in one fruiting season in many countries, especially in Asia, and a long history of use as an edible fruit and traditional medicine. A great diversity of nutritive compounds such as fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, including anthocyanins, rutin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and polysaccharides have been found in mulberry fruit depending on the cultivars and maturity stages. Furthermore, the extracts and active components of mulberry fruit have demonstrated numerous biological activities, including antioxidant, neuroprotective, antiatherosclerosis, immunomodulative, antitumor, antihyperglycemic, and hypolipidemic activities in in vitro and in vivo studies, and they have received increasing interest from researchers and pharmaceutical companies. Although some mechanistic studies further substantiate these potential health benefits of mulberry fruit, a need exists to make a better understanding of the roles of these compounds in traditional medicine and the diet. This review provides recent findings regarding the chemical constituents and biological activities of mulberry fruit, which may be useful for stimulating deep research of mulberry fruit and for predicting their uses as important and safe contributors to benefit human health.

Lactobacillus pentosus GMNL-77 inhibits skin lesions in imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mice

Psoriasis, which is regarded as a T-cell-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disease, is characterized by hyperproliferation and poor differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes. In this study, we aimed to determine the in vivo effect of a potentially probiotic strain, Lactobacillus pentosus GMNL-77, in imiquimod-induced epidermal hyperplasia and psoriasis-like skin inflammation in BALB/c mice. Oral administration of L. pentosus GMNL-77 significantly decreased erythematous scaling lesions. Real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that treatment with L. pentosus GMNL-77 significantly decreased the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and the IL-23/IL-17A axis-associated cytokines (IL-23, IL-17A/F, and IL-22) in the skin of imiquimod-treated mice. In addition, we found that L. pentosus GMNL-77 decreased the spleen weights of the imiquimod-treated group and reduced the numbers of IL-17- and IL-22-producing CD4⁺ T cells in the spleen. In conclusion, the present study provides insight into the potential use of L. pentosus GMNL-77 in the future treatment of psoriasis.

Immune Cell-Conditioned Media Suppress Prostate Cancer PC-3 Cell Growth Correlating With Decreased Proinflammatory/Anti-inflammatory Cytokine Ratios in the Media Using 5 Selected Crude Polysaccharides

Five different crude polysaccharides from guava seed (GSPS), bitter buckwheat (BBPS), common buckwheat (CBPS), red Formosa lambsquarters (RFLPS), and yellow Formosa lambsquarters (YFLPS) were isolated to treat human prostate cancer PC-3 cells via direct action or tumor immunotherapy. The splenocyte- and macrophage-conditioned media (SCM and MCM) were prepared using individual selected polysaccharides, and then SCM or MCM was further collected to treat PC-3 cells. The relationship between PC-3 cell growth and Th1/Th2 cytokines in SCM as well as proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion profiles in MCM were delineated. The results showed that all 5 selected polysaccharides did not significantly inhibit PC-3 cell growth via direct action. However, SCM or MCM cultured in the absence or presence of 5 selected polysaccharides significantly (P < .05) inhibited PC-3 cell growth. MCM cultured with 5 polysaccharides dose dependently enhanced their inhibitory effects on the viabilities of PC-3 cells than those cultured without polysaccharides. There was a significant (P < .05) negative correlation between PC-3 cell viabilities and (interleukin [IL]-6 + tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α)/IL-10 level ratios in the corresponding MCM, implying that macrophages suppress PC-3 cell growth through decreasing secretion ratios of proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines in a tumor microenvironment.