Self-nano-emulsifying formulation of Sonchus oleraceus Linn for improved stability: Implications for phenolics degradation under in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion

Surface Modification of Okara Cellulose Crystals with Phenolic Acids to Prepare Multifunction Emulsifier with Antioxidant Capacity and Lipolysis Retardation Effect

Emulsion-based foods are widely consumed, and their characteristics involving colloidal and oxidative stabilities should be considered. The fabrication of the interfaces by selecting the emulsifier may improve stability and trigger lipolysis, thereby reducing energy uptake from the emulsified food. The present work aimed to develop Okara cellulose crystals (OCs) as a multifunction emulsifier to preserve the physical and chemical stability of a Pickering emulsion via surface modification with phenolic acids. The modification of OC was performed by grafting with the selected phenolics to produce OC-gallic acid (OC-G) and OC-tannic acid (OC-T) complexes. There was a higher phenolic loading efficiency when the OC reacted with gallic acid (ca. 70%) than with tannic acid (ca. 50%). This trend was concomitant with better antioxidant activity of the OC-G than OC-T. Surface modification based on grafting with phenolic acids improved capability of the OC to enhance both the colloidal and oxidative stability of the emulsion. In addition, the cellulosic materials had a retardation effect on the in vitro lipolysis compared to a protein-stabilized emulsion. Surface modification by grafting with phenolic acids successfully provided OC as an innovative emulsifier to promote physico-chemical stability and lower lipolysis of the emulsion.

Incorporation of Cordia glabrata (Mart.) A.DC. extract in microemulsions and their potential antioxidant, photoprotective and virucidal activities

Abstract Extracts of species from the Cordia genus have been reported with potential biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiparasitic. The aim of this study was to develop microemulsions containing ethanolic extracts of C. glabrata leaves and to evaluate their stability and biological activities. The five developed microemulsions presented physicochemical stability and presented Newtonian behavior when submitted to rheological analysis. The diameter values of the globules ranged between 225.74 and 273.33 nm and the zeta potential of the formulations remained between -22.40 and -25.08. All phenolic acids of the extract, quantified by HPLC, showed consistency after being microemulsified. The EC50 values for the antioxidant activity by the DPPH scavenging method ranged between 38.13 and 45.54 µgmL-1, and between 34.46 and 39.60 mM for the ABTS+ scavenging method. The virucidal activity presented a CV50 <0.195 µgmL-1 and a selectivity index greater than 20. The photoprotection results ranged between 2.14 to 2.84. The study revealed stable microemulsions and potentiation of the antioxidant effect in the microemulsified extracts.

Antioxidant Activity, Formulation, Optimization and Characterization of an Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsion Loaded with Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) Leaves Polyphenol Extract

The active ingredients in lingonberry leaves and their beneficial properties to the human body have been well confirmed. In order to improve the stability and antioxidant activity of the active ingredients in lingonberry leaves, the response surface optimization method was used to prepare an oil-in-water nanoemulsion of polyphenol extract from lingonberry leaves. The active components in the extract were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-MS), and bioactive compounds such as apigenin, sorbitol, and hesperidin were mainly found. Nanoemulsion droplets of 120 nm in diameter were prepared using ultrasonic emulsification. The optimal nanoemulsion formulation was determined through rigorous testing, and it was determined to be 10% (w/w) lingonberry extract and 20% (w/w) medium chain triglyceride (MCT). Additionally, a surfactant mixture was used, which combined soy protein isolate (SPI) and whey protein isolate (WPI) at 4% (w/w). The preparation method utilized ultrasonic emulsification, applying an ultrasonic power of 360 W for a duration of 300 s. The antioxidant activity (DPPH inhibition rate, ABTS inhibition rate and total reducing power) of the lingonberry nanoemulsion was significantly higher than that of the lingonberry polyphenol (LBP) extract. The nanoemulsion prepared using the optimal formulation had an entrapping efficiency of 73.25% ± 0.73% and a diameter of 114.52 ± 0.015 nm, with a satisfactory particle size of nanoscale and a PDI of 0.119 ± 0.065, demonstrating good stability of the emulsion.

Employ of Anthocyanins in Nanocarriers for Nano Delivery: In Vitro and In Vivo Experimental Approaches for Chronic Diseases

Anthocyanins are among the best-known phenolic compounds and possess remarkable biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic effects. Despite their therapeutic benefits, they are not widely used as health-promoting agents due to their instability, low absorption, and, thus, low bioavailability and rapid metabolism in the human body. Recent research suggests that the application of nanotechnology could increase their solubility and/or bioavailability, and thus their biological potential. Therefore, in this review, we have provided, for the first time, a comprehensive overview of in vitro and in vivo studies on nanocarriers used as delivery systems of anthocyanins, and their aglycones, i.e., anthocyanidins alone or combined with conventional drugs in the treatment or management of chronic diseases.

Nano-liposomal encapsulation of Artemisia aucheri phenolics as a potential phytobiotic against Campylobacter jejuni infection in mice

Background

Artemisia aucheri contains antibacterial phenolic compounds. The current work was implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of a nanoliposome-encapsulated phenolic-rich fraction (PRF-NLs), as a dietary phytobiotic derived from Artemisia aucheri's areal parts, on the inhibition of enteropathogenic Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) infection in mice.

Methods

The phenolic-rich fraction was loaded into the nanoliposome structure to obtain a nanometer-scale size liposome with homogenous dispersion. Next, 40 white male balb/c mice were assigned to 4 treatment groups. The PRF-NLs antibacterial potential was evaluated by evaluating the blood parameters, liver lipid peroxidation, and gene expression profiling in the mice challenged by C. jejuni infection.

Results

Mice infected by C. jejuni showed impairment in food intake, weight gain, liver function, ileum morphometric features, and ileum tissue inflammation. The diet of fortified food with the nonencapsulated and nanoliposome-encapsulated phenolic compounds was found to improve these parameters at 10 mg TPC/kg BW/day concentration. Our data indicated that the nanoliposome-encapsulated PRF was more effective in promoting the health parameters in mice as compared to nonencapsulated PRF.

Conclusion

It could be concluded that the liposomal encapsulation can promote the solubility, availability, and effectiveness of Artemisia aucheri phenolic compounds playing a key role as phytobiotic in mice intervened by enteropathogenic C. jejuni.

Self-Emulsifying Systems for Delivery of Bioactive Compounds from Natural Origin

Nature has been used as therapeutic resources in the treatment of diseases for many years. However, some natural compounds have poor water solubility. Therefore, physicochemical strategies and technologies are necessary for development of systems for carrying these substances. The self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) have been used as carriers of hydrophobic compounds in order to increase the solubility and absorption, improving their bioavailability. SEDDS are constituted with a mixture of oils and surfactants which, when come into contact with an aqueous medium under mild agitation, can form emulsions. In the last years, a wide variety of self-emulsifying formulations containing bioactive compounds from natural origin has been developed. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the main excipients and natural bioactive compounds composing SEDDS. In addition, applications, new technologies and innovation are reviewed as well. Examples of self-emulsifying formulations administered in different sites are also considered for a better understanding of the use of this strategy to modify the delivery of compounds from natural origin.

The use of alternative food sources to improve health and guarantee access and food intake

To feed and provide Food Security to all people in the world is a big challenge to be achieved with the 2030 Agenda. Undernutrition and obesity are to the opposite of a healthy nutritional status. Both conditions are associated with unbalanced nutrition, absence of food or excess of non-nutritive foods intake. These two nutritional conditions associated with food production are closely related to some goals highlighted by the United Nations in the 2030 Agenda to achieve sustainable world development. In this context, the search for alternative foods whose sustainable production and high nutritional quality guarantee regular access to food for the population must be encouraged. Alternative foods can contribute to Food Security in many ways as they contribute to the local economy and income generation. Popularizing and demystifying the uses of unconventional food plants, ancestral grains, flowers, meliponiculture products, and edible insects as sources of nutrients and non-nutrients is another challenge. Herein, we present an overview of alternative foods - some of them cultivated mostly in Brazil - that can be explored as sources of nutrients to fight hunger and malnutrition, improve food production and the economic growth of nations.

Colloidal and vesicular delivery system for herbal bioactive constituents

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the present review is to explore and examine the effectiveness of currently developed novel techniques to resolve the issues which are associated with the herbal constituents/extract.

METHODS

A systematic thorough search and collection of reviewed information from Science direct, PubMed and Google Scholar databases based on various sets of key phrases have been performed. All the findings from these data have been studied and briefed based on their relevant and irrelevant information.

RESULT

Herbal drugs are gaining more popularity in the modern world due to their applications in curing various ailments with minimum toxic effects, side effect or adverse effect. However, various challenges exist with herbal extracts/plant actives such as poor solubility (water/lipid), poor permeation, lack of targeting specificity, instability in highly acidic pH, and liver metabolism, etc. Nowadays with the expansion in the technology, novel drug delivery system provides avenues and newer opportunity towards the delivery of herbal drugs with improved physical chemical properties, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic. Developing nano-strategies like Polymeric nanoparticles, Liposomes, Niosomes, Microspheres, Phytosomes, Nanoemulsion and Self Nano Emulsifying Drug Delivery System, etc. imparts benefits for delivery of phyto formulation and herbal bioactives. Nano formulation of phytoconstituents/ herbal extract could lead to enhancement of aqueous solubility, dissolution, bioavailability, stability, reduce toxicity, permeation, sustained delivery, protection from enzymatic degradation, etc. CONCLUSION: Based on the above findings, the conclusion can be drawn that the nano sized novel drug delivery systems of herbal and herbal bioactives have a potential future for upgrading the pharmacological action and defeating or overcoming the issues related with these constituents. The aims of the present review was to summarize and critically analyze the recent development of nano sized strategies for promising phytochemicals delivery systems along with their therapeutic applications supported by experimental evidence and discussing the opportunities for further aspects.

Systematic Review of Phenolic Compounds in Apple Fruits: Compositions, Distribution, Absorption, Metabolism, and Processing Stability

As the most widely consumed fruit in the world, apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) fruits provide a high level of phenolics and have many beneficial effects on human health. The composition and content of phenolic compounds in natural apples differs according to the tissue types and cultivar varieties. The bioavailability of apple-derived phenolics, depending on the absorption and metabolism of phenolics during digestion, is the key determinant of their positive biological effects. Meanwhile, various processing technologies affect the composition and content of phenolic compounds in apple products, further affecting the bioavailability of apple phenolics. This review summarizes current understanding on the compositions, distribution, absorption, and metabolism of phenolic compounds in apple and their stability when subjected to common technologies during processing. We intend to provide an updated overview on apple phenolics and also suggest some perspectives for future research of apple phenolics.

Optimized preparation of eugenol microcapsules and its effect on hepatic steatosis in HepG2 cells

This study was aimed at evaluating the potential of peach gum (PG) and gelatin in the microencapsulation of eugenol and the intervention of eugenol microcapsules on hepatic steatosis in vitro. Response surface method (RSM) was used to optimize the encapsulation conditions of eugenol microcapsules. The microcapsules were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and release behavior in vitro was determined. The effect of eugenol microcapsules on free fatty acids (FFA) treated hepatocellular cells (HepG₂) cells was evaluated by oil red O staining and intracellular total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) determination. The results showed that the optimal encapsulation conditions were as follows: the PG-gelatin ratio was 1.6:1.4, the core-wall ratio was 1.6:1.4, the pH was 4 and the emulsification speed was 9000 r/min. The optimized microcapsules were smooth spherical with a size of about 3.09 ± 0.58 μm and the encapsulation was confirmed by FT-IR. In vitro release behavior showed that eugenol microcapsules could be released stably in a neutral environment for 72 h. Oil red O staining showed that 50 and 100 μM eugenol microcapsules could significantly inhibit the lipid accumulation and reduce the TC and TG in steatotic HepG₂ cells induced by FFA. Therefore, PG and gelatin can be used as excellent carriers for the microencapsulation of volatile compounds in the field of biomedical industry, and eugenol microcapsules is a promising preparation for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Biocompatible Nutmeg Oil-Loaded Nanoemulsion as Phyto-Repellent

Plant essential oils are widely used in perfumes and insect repellent products. However, due to the high volatility of the constituents in essential oils, their efficacy as a repellent product is less effective than that of synthetic compounds. Using a nanoemulsion as a carrier is one way to overcome this disadvantage of essential oils. Nutmeg oil-loaded nanoemulsion (NT) was prepared using a high speed homogenizer and sonicator with varying amounts of surfactant, glycerol, and distilled water. Using a phase diagram, different formulations were tested for their droplet size and insect repellent activity. The nanoemulsion containing 6.25% surfactant and 91.25% glycerol (NT 6) had the highest percentage of protection (87.81%) in terms of repellent activity among the formulations tested for the 8 h duration of the experiment. The droplet size of NT 6 was 217.4 nm, and its polydispersity index (PDI) was 0.248. The zeta potential value was -44.2 mV, and the viscosity was 2.49 Pa.s at pH 5.6. The in vitro release profile was 71.5%. When the cytotoxicity of NT 6 at 400 μg/mL was tested using the MTS assay, cell viability was 97.38%. Physical appearance and stability of the nanoemulsion improved with the addition of glycerol as a co-solvent. In summary, a nutmeg oil-loaded nanoemulsion was successfully formulated and its controlled release of the essential oil showed mosquito repellent activity, thus eliminating the disadvantages of essential oils.

A self-emulsifying formulation of Sonchus oleraceus Linn for an improved anti-diabetic effect in vivo

The aim of the present study was to develop a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) containing the extract of S oleraceus Linn (SOL) with improved intestinal stability in order to increase oral bio-potency.