Erica multiflora extract rich in quercetin-3-O-glucoside and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside alleviates high fat and fructose diet-induced fatty liver disease by modulating metabolic and inflammatory pathways in Wistar rats

Anti-Type II Diabetic Effects of Coix Seed Prolamin Hydrolysates: Physiological and Transcriptomic Analyses

Previous studies have demonstrated that enzymatically prepared coix seed prolamin hydrolysates (CHPs) contain several bioactive peptides that efficiently inhibit the activity of target enzymes (α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl kinase-IV) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the anti-T2DM effects and potential mechanisms of CHPs as a whole in vivo have not yet been systematically explored. Therefore, we evaluated the preventive, therapeutic, and modifying effects of CHPs on T2DM by combining physiological and liver transcriptomics with a T2DM mouse model. The results showed that sustained high-fructose intake led to prediabetic symptoms in mice, with abnormal fluctuations in blood glucose and blood lipid levels. Intervention with CPHs effectively prevented weight loss; regulated abnormal changes in blood glucose; improved impaired glucose tolerance; inhibited the abnormal expression of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins; alleviated insulin resistance; and restored pancreatic islet tissue function in mice fed a high-fructose diet. In addition, we found that CHPs also play a palliative role in the loss of liver function and protect various organ tissues (including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and heart), and are effective in preventing damage to the liver and pancreatic islet cells. We also found that the intake of CHPs reversed the abnormally altered hepatic gene profile in model mice and identified 381 differentially expressed genes that could serve as key genes for preventing the development of T2DM, which are highly correlated with multiple glycolipid metabolic pathways. We demonstrated that CHPs play a positive role in the normal functioning of the insulin signalling pathway dominated by the IRS-1/PI3K/AKT (insulin receptor substrates-1/phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B) pathway. In summary, CHPs can be used as effective food-borne glucose-modifying components of healthy foods.

Chemical Constituents, Hypolipidemic, and Hypoglycemic Activities of Edgeworthia gardneri Flowers

The flowers of Edgeworthia gardneri are used as herbal tea and medicine to treat various metabolic diseases including hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. This paper investigate the chemical constituents and biological activities of ethanolic extract and its different fractions from E. gardneri flowers. Firstly, the E. gardneri flowers was extracted by ethanol-aqueous solution to obtain crude extract (CE), which was subsequently fractionated by different polar organic solution to yield precipitated crystal (PC), dichloromethane (DCF), ethyl acetate (EAF), n-butanol (n-BuF), and residue water (RWF) fractions. UHPLC-ESI-HRMS/MS analysis resulted in the identification of 25 compounds, and the main compounds were flavonoids and coumarins. The precipitated crystal fraction showed the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents with 344.4 ± 3.38 mg GAE/g extract and 305.86 ± 0.87 mg RE/g extract. The EAF had the strongest antioxidant capacity and inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase with IC50 values of 126.459 ± 7.82 and 23.16 ± 0.79 µg/mL. Besides, both PC and EAF significantly regulated the glucose and lipid metabolism disorders by increasing glucose consumption and reducing TG levels in HepG2 cells. Molecular docking results suggested that kaempferol-3-O-glucoside and tiliroside had good binding ability with enzymes, indicating that they may be potential α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase inhibitors. Therefore, the E. gardneri flowers could be served as a bioactive agent for the regulation of metabolic disorders.

Antidiabetic Effect of Passiflora ligularis Leaves in High Fat-Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global public health concern, prompting the ongoing search for new treatment options. Medicinal plants have emerged as one such alternative. Our objective was to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of an extract from the leaves of Passiflora ligularis (P. ligularis). For this purpose, T2DM was first induced in mice using a high-fat diet and low doses of streptozotocin. Subsequently, an aqueous extract or an ethanolic extract of P. ligularis leaves was administered for 21 days. The following relevant results were found: fasting blood glucose levels were reduced by up to 41%, and by 29% after an oral glucose overload. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was reduced by 59%. Histopathologically, better preservation of pancreatic tissue was observed. Regarding oxidative stress parameters, there was an increase of up to 48% in superoxide dismutase (SOD), an increase in catalase (CAT) activity by 35% to 80%, and a decrease in lipid peroxidation (MDA) by 35% to 80% in the liver, kidney, or pancreas. Lastly, regarding the lipid profile, triglycerides (TG) were reduced by up to 30%, total cholesterol (TC) by 35%, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) by up to 32%, while treatments increased high-density lipoproteins (HDL) by up to 35%. With all the above, we can conclude that P. ligularis leaves showed antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant effects, making this species promising for the treatment of T2DM.

Study on network pharmacology of Ginkgo biloba extract against ischaemic stroke mechanism and establishment of UPLC-MS/MS methods for simultaneous determination of 19 main active components

INTRODUCTION

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is an effective substance from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) G. biloba for treating ischaemic stroke (IS). However, its active ingredients and mechanism of action remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to reveal the potential active component group and possible anti-IS mechanism of GBE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The network pharmacology method was used to reveal the possible anti-IS mechanism of these active ingredients in GBE. An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was established for the simultaneous detection of the active ingredients of GBE.

RESULTS

The active components of GBE anti-IS were screened by literature integration. Network pharmacology results showed that the anti-IS effect of GBE is achieved through key active components such as protocatechuic acid, bilobalide, ginkgolide A, and so on. Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that the possible anti-IS mechanism of GBE is regulating the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway and other signal pathways closely related to inflammatory response and apoptosis regulation combined with AKT1, MAPK, TNF, ALB, CASP3, and other protein targets. Nineteen main constituents in seven batches of GBE were successfully analysed using the established UPLC-MS/MS method, and the results showed that the content of protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, ginkgolide A, and so forth was relatively high, which was consistent with network pharmacology results, indicating that these ingredients may be the key active anti-IS ingredients of GBE.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed the key active components and the anti-IS mechanism of GBE. It also provided a simple and sensitive method for the quality control of related preparations.

Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of Erica spiculifolia extracts and fractions

There is little data on the phytochemical/pharmacological properties of Erica spiculifolia Salisb. (syn. Bruckentalia spiculifolia (Salisb.) Rchb.). This study examines the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of different extracts and fractions of E. spiculifolia in vitro on isolated rat peritoneal macrophages, in the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema test, BSA test, and two complementary antioxidant assays. Ethanolic extracts of leaves, flowers, and aboveground parts, and petroleum ether, ether, ethyl acetate, and water fractionations of the ethanol extract of E. spiculifolia applied at doses of 50-200 mg/kg p.o. exhibited dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity comparable with indomethacin. All tested samples, except for the petroleum ether fraction, exerted excellent in vitro antioxidant activity, and all of them exhibited significant and similar inhibition of BSA denaturation comparable with diclofenac. Ethanolic extract of the aboveground parts obtained by percolation, ethyl acetate and water fractions had the highest efficiency, attenuating inflammation by more than 50% in the lowest applied concentration alongside exceptional radical scavenging activity.

Nutraceutical potential, and antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Quararibea funebris flowers

The flowers of Quararibea funebris tree are an important component of tejate, a traditional Mexican beverage. The flowers exhibited a high concentration of total polyphenolic compounds, total carotenoids, and vitamin C. UPLC analysis revealed the presence of salicylic acid, kaemferol-3-O-glucoside, trans-cinnamic acid, rutin, scopoletin, l-phenylalanine, 4-coumaric acid and quercetin-3-glucoside, among others metabolites. The flowers exhibited volatile compounds as isolongifolene, α-cedrene, 2,5,5-trimethyl-2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-1H-2,4a-ethanonaphthalene, while that linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and linolenic acid were the major fatty acids present in the oil extract. Magnesium, potassium, and calcium were the minerals most abundant in the flowers. In addition the methanolic extract of the flowers exhibited antimicrobial properties against the tested pathogenic microbial strains. In conclusion, these results showed that the Q. funebris flowers not only have an aromatic and flavoring power for the Tejate beverage, but also contains compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and nutraceutical potential, which helps to explain its therapeutic uses.

A high-fat, high-fructose diet induced hepatic steatosis, renal lesions, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia in non-obese rats

Excessive consumption of fat and sugar is associated with various chronic diseases. However, the variation of fat and sugar content in the diet greatly affected the outcome. In this study, a high-fat, high-fructose diet (HFHFD) formula was made with a composition of 31.99% carbohydrate, 40.7% fat, 11.8% protein, and an additional 30% fructose drink to confirm the effects of HFHFD on metabolic health and pathological changes in organs, especially the liver, kidneys, pancreas, muscles, and spleen. A total of 24 male Wistar rats aged 8–12 weeks were divided into four groups: standard chow (SC), HFHFD, SC + carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and HFHFD + CCl4. After eight weeks of dietary intervention, body mass index, obesity index, lipid profiles, liver function tests, fasting blood glucose, serum uric acid and urea levels, and tissue histopathology were examined. HFHFD with the main unsaturated fatty acids of linoleic acid (14.57%) and palmitoleic acid (8.28%), the main saturated fatty acids of stearic acid (13.62%) and myristic acid (10.09%), and a low trans-fatty acids content, did not promote the rats to become obese. However, liver histology examination showed severe hepatic steatosis (78.33%), leading to steatohepatitis accompanied by an increase in serum ALP (p < 0.01), triglyceride (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p < 0.05), and uric acid (p < 0.001) levels. Other histological features showed moderate lesions (45%) of the kidney, slight vacuolization of the pancreas, and a mild increase of inflammatory cells in the spleen and muscle. So, this study found that although HFHFD did not promote obesity within 8 weeks of administration, it induced hepatic and renal lesions, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia as a metabolic consequence of excessive fatty acids and fructose.

Globularia alypum Extracts Attenuate Hyperglycemia and Protect against Various Organ Toxicities in Alloxan-Induced Experimental Diabetic Rats

In this study, we attempted for the first time to determine the phytochemical compositions and biopharmaceutical properties of Globularia alypum methanol extract (GAME) and Globularia alypum water extract (GAWE). High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis was performed to establish the chemical profile of the investigated extracts. Chemical composition analysis was taken in the presence of various bioactive compounds such as quercetin 7-O-glucoside and apigenin 7-O-glucoside in GAME. In GAWE, various abundant compounds were found in the extract such as quercetin 7-O-glucoside, apigenin, quercetin, apigenin 7-O-glucoside, and cinnamic acid. This study showed that the administration of GAWE and GAME to type 1 diabetic rats decreased fasting blood glucose, protected pancreas β-cells from death and injury, increased liver glycogen rate, and ameliorated oral glucose tolerance test. Moreover, GA reduced weight loss, and diabetes decreased basic physical activity. In addition, the administration of GA extracts in diabetic rats protected from diabetes-induced liver, kidney, testes, heart, and bone toxicities. Conclusion. GAWE has possible value for antidiabetic oral medication.

Effects of Resveratrol Against Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats: Role of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a serious health problem associated with an increase in risk factors for hepatic steatosis, which is the most common liver disease today. The goal of this study was to investigate the protective effects of resveratrol against metabolic alterations associated with a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFFD). Thirty-two male rats were randomly divided into four equal groups: control (cont.), metabolic syndrome (MS), resveratrol (Res), and metabolic syndrome treated with resveratrol (MS + Res). Resveratrol was administrated orally at a dose of 30 mg/kg·bw, daily. After 10 weeks, body weight, serum biochemical parameters, hepatic oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, as well as mRNA levels of hepatic genes related to lipid metabolism and insulin signaling were measured. In addition, the liver was examined histopathologically to detect lipid deposition. Increased body weight, hepatic dysfunction, dyslipidemia, hepatic insulin resistance, hepatic oxidative and inflammatory stress conditions, upregulation of mRNA expression level of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1-c (SREBP1-c), and downregulation of mRNA expression levels of peroxisome proliferated activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and insulin receptor substrate-2 (IR-S2) were all observed in the MS rats. Hepatic steatosis was confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin and Oil Red O staining. Administration of resveratrol reduced liver steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory state. Also, it improved lipid profile as well as insulin sensitivity and reverted alterations in hepatic mRNA expression levels of the tested genes. Based on these findings, resveratrol could be proposed as a therapeutic approach for MS prevention.

Determination of the Phenolic Profile by Liquid Chromatography, Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity and Toxicity of Moroccan Erica multiflora, Erica scoparia, and Calluna vulgaris (Ericaceae)

This study aimed to investigate the phenolic profile and selected biological activities of the leaf and aerial extracts of three Ericaceae species, namely Erica multiflora, Erica scoparia, and Calluna vulgaris, collected from three different places in the north of Morocco. The phenolic composition of all extracts was determined by LC coupled with photodiode array and mass spectrometry detection. Among the investigated extracts, that of E. scoparia aerial parts was the richest one, with a total amount of polyphenols of 9528.93 mg/kg. Up to 59 phenolic compounds were detected: 52 were positively identified and 49 quantified—11 in C. vulgaris, 14 in E. multiflora, and 24 in E. scoparia. In terms of chemical classes, nine were phenolic acids and 43 were flavonoids, and among them, the majority belonged to the class of flavonols. The antioxidant activity of all extracts was investigated by three different in vitro methods, namely DPPH, reducing power, and Fe²⁺ chelating assays; E. scoparia aerial part extract was the most active, with an IC₅₀ of 0.142 ± 0.014 mg/mL (DPPH test) and 1.898 ± 0.056 ASE/mL (reducing power assay). Further, all extracts were non-toxic against Artemia salina, thus indicating their potential safety. The findings attained in this work for such Moroccan Ericaceae species, never investigated so far, bring novelty to the field and show them to be valuable sources of phenolic compounds with interesting primary antioxidant properties.

Abelmoschus esculentus subfractions ameliorate hepatic lipogenesis and lipid uptake via regulating dipeptidyl peptidase-4—With improving insulin resistance

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is recognized as the liver component of metabolic syndrome. The regulation of hepatic lipid should be emphasized to prevent accompanying illness. As AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) regulate lipid metabolism, CD36 and fatty acid synthase (FAS) promote lipid uptake and lipogenesis respectively, while acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) is an indicator of negative feedback. The increase of IRS-1 phosphorylation at the residue ser307 (p-ser307-IRS-1) and decrease of p-ser473-Akt (p-Akt) are viewed as the insulin resistance markers, and our previous reports suggested dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) mediates insulin resistance, the crucial factor of metabolic syndrome. Abelmoschus esculentus (AE) fruit is well-known for its antidiabetic utility. We had isolated several AE subfractions by successive steps, and found that F1 and F2 were especially valid in suppressing DPP-4 signaling. Since little is known if AE works on NAFLD, now we first attempt to investigate whether AE is useful to attenuate hepatic lipogenesis and lipid uptake in liver cells, along with improving the metabolic targets. We demonstrated that AE subfractions attenuated the hepatic lipid accumulation induced by free fatty acids. Treatment of AE alleviated FAS and returned the level of p-ser79-ACC (p-ACC). Although F1 was more effective on AMPK, F2 seemed more stable to attenuate SREBP-1. Moreover, as fatty acids stimulated the expression of CD36, F2 showed a superior effect to down-regulate the lipid uptake. Both AE subfractions reduced the generation of ROS, decreased the level of p-ser307-IRS-1, and restored the expression of p-Akt. Moreover, treatment of DPP-4 inhibitor linagliptin revealed that, AE could prevent the hepatic lipogenesis, oxidative burden, and the related insulin resistance via downregulating DPP-4. In conclusion, the present investigation revealed that AE, especially F2, is potential to be developed as adjuvant to prevent NAFLD.

A Review of African Medicinal Plants and Functional Foods for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease-related Phenotypes, Treatment of HSV-1 Infection and/or Improvement of Gut Microbiota

Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder is the most common form of dementia globally. Several studies have suggested alteration in the gut microbiota and HSV-1 infection as contributing factors to the development of the disease. As at now, there are no AD attenuating agents and AD pharmacotherapy is focused on managing symptoms while plants used in ethnomedicine remain potential sources of drugs for the treatment of the condition. Here, we reviewed published databases for African ethnomedicinal plants and functional foods of African origin that are used in the management of AD-related phenotypes, treatment of herpes simplex virus −1 (HSV-1) and/or improvement of gut microbiota. A total of 101 unique plant species and 24 different types of traditionally prepared African functional foodstuff were identified. Of the 101 identified plant species, 50 species serve as functional foodstuffs. Twenty-three (23) of the ethnomedicinal plant families were successfully identified for the treatment and management of AD-related phenotypes and age-related dementia. Eighteen (18) African plant species from 15 families were also identified as potent remedies for HSV-1; while many African wild fruits (3 species), roots and tubers (7 species), leafy vegetables (14 species), and seaweeds (26 species) were functional foods for modifying AD-related phenotypes. It was concluded that African medicinal plants are potential sources of both AD attenuating agents and phytocompounds that may be used against HSV-1 infection and alteration of gut microbiota. Additionally, a number of African functional foods are important sources of prebiotics and probiotics.

O-Glycoside quercetin derivatives: Biological activities, mechanisms of action, and structure-activity relationship for drug design, a review

Quercetin as a valuable natural flavonoid has shown extensive biological activities, including anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiinflammatory, anti-Alzheimer, antifungal, antiviral, antithalassemia, iron chelation, antiobesity, antidiabetic, antihypertension, and antiphospholipase A2 (PLA2) activities, by the modulation of various targets and signaling pathways that have attracted much attention. However, the low solubility and poor bioavailability of quercetin have limited its applications; therefore, the researchers have tried to design and synthesize many new derivatives of quercetin through different strategies to modify quercetin restrictions and improve its biological activities. This review categorized the O-glycoside derivatives of Quercetin into two main classes, 3-O-glycoside and other O-glycoside derivatives. Also, it studied biological activities, structure-activity relationship (SAR), and the action mechanism of O-glycoside quercetin derivatives. Overall, we summarized past and present research for discovering new potent lead compounds.

Functional genomics and metabolomics advance the ethnobotany of the Samoan traditional medicine "matalafi"

The leaf homogenate of Psychotria insularum is widely used in Samoan traditional medicine to treat inflammation associated with fever, body aches, swellings, wounds, elephantiasis, incontinence, skin infections, vomiting, respiratory infections, and abdominal distress. However, the bioactive components and underlying mechanisms of action are unknown. We used chemical genomic analyses in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) to identify and characterize an iron homeostasis mechanism of action in the traditional medicine as an unfractionated entity to emulate its traditional use. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the homogenate identified two flavonol glycosides, rutin and nicotiflorin, each binding iron in an ion-dependent molecular networking metabolomics analysis. Translating results to mammalian immune cells and traditional application, the iron chelator activity of the P. insularum homogenate or rutin decreased proinflammatory and enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokine responses in immune cells. Together, the synergistic power of combining traditional knowledge with chemical genomics, metabolomics, and bioassay-guided fractionation provided molecular insight into a relatively understudied Samoan traditional medicine and developed methodology to advance ethnobotany.

Phytotherapy as Multi-Hit Therapy to Confront the Multiple Pathophysiology in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review of Experimental Interventions

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), or metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is a metabolic condition distinguished by fat deposition in the hepatocytes. It has a prevalence of about 25% worldwide and is associated with other conditions such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, etc. Background and Objectives: There is currently no approved drug therapy for NAFLD. Current measures in the management of NAFLD include lifestyle modification such as an increase in physical activity or weight loss. Development of NAFLD involves a number of parallel hits: including genetic predisposition, insulin resistance, disordered lipid metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, etc. Herbal therapy may have a role to play in the treatment of NAFLD, due to their numerous bioactive constituents and the multiple pharmacological actions they exhibit. Therefore, this systematic review aims to investigate the potential multi-targeting effects of plant-derived extracts in experimental models of NAFLD. Materials and Methods: We performed a systematic search on databases and web search engines from the earliest available date to 30 April 2021, using relevant keywords. The study included articles published in English, assessing the effects of plant-derived extracts, fractions, or polyherbal mixtures in the treatment of NAFLD in animal models. These include their effects on at least disordered lipid metabolism, insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and histologically confirmed steatosis with one or more of the following: oxidative stress, inflammation, hepatocyte injury, obesity, fibrosis, and cardiometabolic risks factors. Results: Nine articles fulfilled our inclusion criteria and the results demonstrated the ability of phytomedicines to simultaneously exert therapeutic actions on multiple targets related to NAFLD. Conclusions: These findings suggest that herbal extracts have the potential for effective treatment or management of NAFLD.

The effect of lipid metabolism regulator anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and C57BL/6 mice via activating AMPK signaling and gut microbiota

This study investigated lipid metabolism regulation by anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa (AAM) in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and high fat diet (HFD) mice. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/ion mobility quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis identified the constituents of AAM, which decreased lipid content and inflammation in 3T3-L1 cells without cytotoxicity. Meanwhile, taking normal diet and orlistat mice as references, AAM supplementation improved blood lipid levels and adipocyte degeneration, promoted beneficial gut microbial growth, and maintained lipid metabolism in HFD mice. Furthermore, AAM activated the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, accompanied by the regulation of adipogenic transcription factors and their target genes in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our data demonstrated that AAM exhibits anti-adipogenic activities that were partially mediated by the AMPK pathway and gut microbiota regulation. This study provides new insight into the regulation of lipid metabolism by AAM and suggests that AAM has potential therapeutic effects on hyperlipidemia.

Aqueous Extract of Pepino Leaves Ameliorates Palmitic Acid-Induced Hepatocellular Lipotoxicity via Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis

Saturated fatty acid is one of the important nutrients, but contributes to lipotoxicity in the liver, causing hepatic steatosis. Aqueous pepino leaf extract (AEPL) in the previous study revealed alleviated liver lipid accumulation in metabolic syndrome mice. The study aimed to investigate the mechanism of AEPL on saturated long-chain fatty acid-induced lipotoxicity in HepG2 cells. Moreover, the phytochemical composition of AEPL was identified in the present study. HepG2 cells treated with palmitic acid (PA) were used for exploring the effect of AEPL on lipid accumulation, apoptosis, ER stress, and antioxidant response. The chemical composition of AEPL was analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. AEPL treatment reduced PA-induced ROS production and lipid accumulation. Further molecular results revealed that AEPL restored cytochrome c in mitochondria and decreased caspase 3 activity to cease apoptosis. In addition, AEPL in PA-stressed HepG2 cells significantly reduced the ER stress and suppressed SREBP-1 activation for decreasing lipogenesis. For defending PA-induced oxidative stress, AEPL promoted Nrf2 expression and its target genes, SOD1 and GPX3, expressions. The present study suggested that AEPL protected from PA-induced lipotoxicity through reducing ER stress, increasing antioxidant ability, and inhibiting apoptosis. The efficacy of AEPL on lipotoxicity was probably concerned with kaempferol and isorhamnetin derived compounds.

Design and optimization of quercetin-based functional foods

Quercetin is a flavonoid present in a wide variety of plant resources. Over the years, extensive efforts have been devoted to examining the potential biological effects of quercetin and to manipulating the chemical and physical properties of the flavonoid. However, limited studies have reviewed the opportunities and challenges of using quercetin in the development of functional foods. To address this necessity, in this review; we foremost present an overview of the chemical properties and stability of quercetin in food products followed by a detailed discussion of various strategies that enhance its oral bioavailability. We further highlight the areas to be practically considered during development of quercetin-based functional foods. By revisiting the current status of applied research on quercetin, it is anticipated that useful insights enabling research on quercetin can be potentially translated into practical applications in food product development.