Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) peel increases colonic production of short-chain fatty acids in Wistar rats

Polysaccharides from Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (jackfruit) pulp improves intestinal barrier functions of high fat diet-induced obese rats

Polysaccharides show protective effects on intestinal barrier function due to their effectiveness in mitigating oxidative damage, inflammation and probiotic effects. Little has been known about the effects of polysaccharides from Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. pulp (jackfruit, JFP-Ps) on intestinal barrier function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of JFP-Ps on intestinal barrier function in high fat diet-induced obese rats. H&E staining and biochemical analysis were performed to measure the pathological and inflammatory state of the intestine as well as oxidative damage. Expression of the genes and proteins associated with intestinal health and inflammation were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blots. Results showed that JFP-Ps promoted bowel movements and modified intestinal physiochemical environment by lowering fecal pH and increasing fecal water content. JFP-Ps also alleviated oxidative damage of the colon, relieved intestinal colonic inflammation, and regulated blood glucose transport in the small intestine. In addition, JFP-Ps modified intestinal physiological status through repairing intestinal mucosal damage and increasing the thickness of the mucus layer. Furthermore, JFP-Ps downregulated the inflammatory genes (TNF-α, IL-6) and up-regulated the free fatty acid receptors (GPR41 and GPR43) and tight junction protein (occludin). These results revealed that JFP-Ps showed a protective effect on intestinal function through enhancing the biological, mucosal, immune and mechanical barrier functions of the intestine, and activating SCFAs-GPR41/GPR43 related signaling pathways. JFP-Ps may be used as a promising phytochemical to improve human intestinal health.

Inhibitory Effects against Alpha-Amylase of an Enriched Polyphenol Extract from Pericarp of Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana)

The pericarp of mangosteen, a by-product of the mangosteen, is rich in polyphenols. In this study, an efficient and environmentally friendly method for preparative enrichment of polyphenols from mangosteen pericarp (MPPs) was developed, and the inhibitory effects on starch digestion were also evaluated. It was found that the optimal extract method of MPPs was at a solid to solvent ratio of 1:50 g/mL, pH of 2, and at 80 °C for 2 h. The IC₅₀ of MPPs for α-amylase was 0.28 mg/mL. Based on the fluorescence quenching results, we presumed that MPPs could alter the natural structure of α-amylase, resulting in inhibitory activity on α-amylase. In addition, MPPs significantly reduced the blood glucose peak and AUC of glucose responses in rats after ingestion of the starch solution. Taken together, MPPs may have the potential as a functional supplement for blood glucose control and diabetes prevention.

Effects of Different Treatment Methods of Dried Citrus Peel (Chenpi) on Intestinal Microflora and Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Healthy Mice

Chenpi is a kind of dried citrus peel from Citrus reticulata, and it is often used as traditional Chinese medicine to treat dyspepsia and respiratory tract inflammation. In this study, to determine which way of chenpi treatment plays a better effect on the prevention of obesity in healthy mice, we conducted 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing for intestinal microbiota and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detector (GC/MSD) analysis for short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of female rats fed with either chenpi decoction or chenpi powder-based diet (n = 10 per group) for 3 weeks. Chenpi powder (CP) group significantly reduced abdominal adipose tissues, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and the serum level of total triacylglycerol (TG). At a deeper level, chenpi powder has a better tendency to increase the ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes. It alters the Muribaculaceae and Muribaculum in intestinal microbiota, though it is not significant. The concentrations of acetic acid, valeric acid, and butyric acid increased slightly but not significantly in the CP group. Chenpi decoction just reduced perirenal adipose tissues, but it shows better antioxidant activity. It has little effect on intestinal microbiota. No differences were found for SCFAs in the chenpi decoction (CD) group. The results indicated that chenpi powder has a better effect in preventing obesity in mice. It can provide a basis for the development of functional products related to chenpi powder.

Polyphenols from food by-products: An alternative or complementary therapy to IBD conventional treatments

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are illnesses characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation and microbial dysbiosis that have emerged as a public health challenge worldwide. It comprises two main conditions: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Currently, conventional therapy to treat IBD are not free from side effects, such as liver and kidney toxicity, drug resistance, and allergic reactions. In view of this, there is growing research for alternative and complementary therapies that, in addition to acting in the prevention or the control of the disease, do not compromise the quality of life and health of individuals. In this sense, a growing body of evidence has confirmed the benefits of natural phenolic compounds in intestinal health. Phenolic compounds or polyphenols are molecules widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom (flowers, vegetables, leaves, and fruits), including plant materials remaining of the handling and food industrial processing, referred to in the scientific literature as by-products, food waste, or bagasse. Since by-products are low-cost, abundant, easily accessible, safe, and rich in bioactive compounds, it becomes an exciting option to extract, concentrate or isolate phenolic compounds to be posteriorly applied in the therapeutic approach of IBD. In this article, we have reviewed the main phenolic compounds present in various plants and by-products that have shown beneficial and/or promising effects in experimental pre-clinical, clinical, and in vitro research with IBD. In addition, we have mentioned and suggested several plants and by-products originated and produced in Latin America that could be part of future research as good sources of specific phenolic compounds to be applied in the prevention and development of alternative treatments for IBD. This review may offer a valuable reference for studies related to IBD administering phenolic compounds from natural, cheap, and easily accessible raw and undervalued materials.

Enhancement of Versatile Extracellular Cellulolytic and Hemicellulolytic Enzyme Productions by Lactobacillus plantarum RI 11 Isolated from Malaysian Food Using Renewable Natural Polymers

Lactobacillus plantarum RI 11 was reported recently to be a potential lignocellulosic biomass degrader since it has the capability of producing versatile extracellular cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate further the effects of various renewable natural polymers on the growth and production of extracellular cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes by this novel isolate. Basal medium supplemented with molasses and yeast extract produced the highest cell biomass (log 10.51 CFU/mL) and extracellular endoglucanase (11.70 µg/min/mg), exoglucanase (9.99 µg/min/mg), β-glucosidase (10.43 nmol/min/mg), and mannanase (8.03 µg/min/mg), respectively. Subsequently, a statistical optimization approach was employed for the enhancement of cell biomass, and cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzyme productions. Basal medium that supplemented with glucose, molasses and soybean pulp (F5 medium) or with rice straw, yeast extract and soybean pulp (F6 medium) produced the highest cell population of log 11.76 CFU/mL, respectively. However, formulated F12 medium supplemented with glucose, molasses and palm kernel cake enhanced extracellular endoglucanase (4 folds), exoglucanase (2.6 folds) and mannanase (2.6 folds) specific activities significantly, indicating that the F12 medium could induce the highest production of extracellular cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes concomitantly. In conclusion, L. plantarum RI 11 is a promising and versatile bio-transformation agent for lignocellulolytic biomass.

Evaluation of fruta-do-lobo (Solanum lycocarpum St. Hill) starch on the growth of probiotic strains

Fruta-do-lobo (Solanum lycocarpum St. Hill) is a native fruit commonly used in Brazilian folk medicine as a hypoglycemic agent. These properties are attributed to their starch, mainly its resistant fraction. Resistant starch has shown to increases the growth of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the gut, even though not being selective for these strains. In this scenario, this study aimed to investigate the potential prebiotic activity of fruta-do-lobo starch (FLS). FLS showed around 30% of resistant starch and their prebiotic potential was evaluated with five probiotic strains L. acidophilus (LA3 and LA5), L. casei (LC01) and B. animalis (BB12) and B. lactis (BLC1) in a concentration range of 1.0-2.0% of starch. In a preliminary screening, we evaluated, during 48 h, the viability of the starch with promoting growth agent. An increase in the growth of the probiotic strains tested was observed. We also evaluated the microorganism's metabolic activity by assessing the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, using the best starch growth promotion conditions (2% of FLS and strains BLC1, LA5, and LC01). As expected, MRS and lactose were preferentially metabolized by BLC1, with the highest growth rates: 0.231 and 0.224 h^-1, respectively. However, for this strain, the FLS growth rate (0.222 h^-1) was 65% higher than FOS (0.144 h^-1). Also, for LA5 FLS promoted higher growth (0.150 h^-1) than FOS (0.135 h^-1). Additionally, FLS promoted acetate production. These data are promising and indicate that FLS may have prebiotic potential and more studies need to be done with pathogenic microorganisms.

Aqueous Extract of Brazilian Berry (Myrciaria jaboticaba) Peel Improves Inflammatory Parameters and Modulates Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in Rats with Induced-Colitis

Natural compounds could be a complementary alternative to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management. This study determined the effects of an aqueous extract of Myrciaria jaboticaba peel (EJP) (50 g L^-1) on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitis. Wistar rats were randomized into five groups: HC-healthy control, CC-colitis control, DC-drug control, SJ-short-term treatment with EJP, and LJ-long-term treatment with EJP. The EJP treatments reduced body weight loss, stool consistency score, and spleen enlargement. Gut microbiota was modulated through increased Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts after EJP treatment. Short-chain fatty acids were also higher in the EJP treatment groups. The antioxidant enzyme activities were greater than CC or DC controls. Myeloperoxidase activity (LJ), inducible nitric oxide synthase (LJ/SJ), and intercellular adhesion molecule (SJ) levels were lower than in the CC group. EJP decreased histological scoring, mucosal thickness, and preserved the crypts and histological structure. Therefore, EJP showed beneficial effects and could be potentially used as an adjuvant in IBD treatment.

Passion fruit peel intake decreases inflammatory response and reverts lipid peroxidation and adiposity in diet-induced obese rats

This study investigated Passiflora edulis peel flour (PEPF) intake and its effect against high-fat diet-induced obesity. PEPF is a source of fiber and phenolic compounds, which can decrease oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines, both linked to chronic inflammatory response and fat deposition in obesity. Therefore, we hypothesized that PEPF intake could decrease inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress observed in obesity, leading to decrease of fatness and chronic inflammatory response. The aims of the study were to evaluate the lipid peroxidation, the expression of antioxidants enzymes, and inflammatory parameters in obese rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 8 per group) according to the diets: control (based on AIN-93G), high-fat (HF, 35% fat w/w), and HF with PEPF (HFPF), and the experiment lasted for 10 weeks. PEPF showed high dietary fiber content and bioactive compounds, such as ferulic acid, and β-carotene. PEPF intake was effective in reducing body weight gain (13.31%) and total body fat (22.58%). The lipid peroxidation in the liver and adipose tissue decreased in the HFPF group compared to HF-fed animals, whereas hepatic glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activity and their expressions in the liver were higher in HFPF than HF. In addition, the PEPF intake decreased inflammatory cytokines in serum. These results suggest that PEPF intake decreases oxidative stress, possibly by the increase of antioxidant enzymes expression. Furthermore, PEPF decreases inflammatory response and protects from adiposity. Then, PEPF could act as an adjuvant to control of early parameters in obesity dysfunction.

Aqueous extract of berry (Plinia jaboticaba) byproduct modulates gut microbiota and maintains the balance on antioxidant defense system in rats

Previous studies have assessed the properties of aqueous extracts, using byproducts such as jaboticaba peel. We have assessed potential antioxidant effects of jaboticaba extract (Plinia jaboticaba) (JAE = 50 g/L) in vitro and in vivo. Healthy Wistar rats received ad libitum JAE for either 15 or 49 days in vivo. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, gallic acid, rutin, myricetin, and quercetin were identified as the main polyphenols in JAE. Lipid peroxidation values in the serum and colon were similar throughout the groups. In addition, JAE did not disturb the antioxidant systems. JAE also altered gut microbiota, increasing since Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Enterobacteriaceae counts. Bacterial metabolites were higher in the colon content of rats fed with JAE than in the control group. Given these results, under healthy conditions, JAE dietary supplementation could perform in vivo modulation of gut microbiota, without disturbing the antioxidant system. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Jaboticaba (Plinia jaboticaba) peel is a rich and often-wasted source of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols. Previous studies have shown that physiological benefits of this berry. The jaboticaba peel could contribute to antioxidant defense systems; it may also have an effect over gut microbiota related to polyphenols contents. Aqueous extraction may be a practical way of employing the bioactive compounds of jaboticaba peel; these compounds can be consumed daily and safely, and thus have attracted particular attention. This work showed positive impacts of jaboticaba peel treatments on microbiota and antioxidant defense systems, and could guide future clinical studies.

Beneficial effects of consumption of acerola, cashew or guava processing by-products on intestinal health and lipid metabolism in dyslipidaemic female Wistar rats

This study assessed the effects of diet supplementation with industrial processing by-products of acerola (Malpighia emarginataD.C.), cashew (Anacardium occidentaleL.) and guava (Psidium guajavaL.) fruit on the intestinal health and lipid metabolism of female Wistar rats with diet-induced dyslipidaemia. Female rats were randomly divided into five groups: healthy control, dyslipidaemic control and dyslipidaemic experimental receiving acerola, cashew or guava processing by-products. Fruit processing by-products were administered (400 mg/kg body weight) via orogastric administration for 28 consecutive days. Acerola, cashew and guava by-products caused body weight reduction (3·42, 3·08 and 5·20 %, respectively) in dyslipidaemic female rats. Dyslipidaemic female rats receiving fruit by-products, especially from acerola, presented decreased faecal pH, visceral fat, liver fat and serum lipid levels, as well as increased faecal moisture, faecal fat excretion, faecalBifidobacteriumspp. andLactobacillusspp. counts and amounts of organic acids in faeces. Administration of the tested fruit processing by-products protected colon and liver from tissue damage (e.g. destruction of liver and colon cells and increased fat deposition in hepatocytes) induced by dyslipidaemic diet. Dietary fibres and phenolic compounds in tested fruit by-products may be associated with these positive effects. The industrial fruit processing by-products studied, mainly from acerola, exert functional properties that could enable their use to protect the harmful effects on intestinal health and lipid metabolism caused by dyslipidaemic diet.

The impact of fruit and soybean by-products and amaranth on the growth of probiotic and starter microorganisms

The ability of different fruit by-products, okara, and amaranth flour, to support the growth of probiotic and non-probiotic strains was evaluated. The tests were conducted with three commercial starter cultures (Streptococcus thermophilus), ten probiotic strains (seven Lactobacillus spp. and three Bifidobacterium spp. strains), and two harmful bacteria representative of the intestinal microbiota (Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens). In vitro fermentability assays were performed using a modified MRS broth supplemented with different fruits (acerola, orange, passion fruit, and mango), and soy (okara) by-products or amaranth flour. Orange and passion-fruit by-products were the substrates that most promoted the growth of bacterial populations, including pathogenic strains. On the other hand, the acerola by-product was the substrate that showed the highest selectivity for beneficial bacteria, since the E. coli and Cl. perfringens populations were lower in the presence of this fruit by-product. Although the passion fruit by-product, okara, and amaranth stimulated the probiotic strains, the growth of the pathogenic strains studied was higher compared to other substrates. Different growth profiles were verified for each substrate when the different strains were compared. Although pure culture models do not reflect bacterial interaction in the host, this study reinforces the fact that the ability to metabolize different substrates is strain-dependent, and acerola, mango, and orange by-products are the substrates with the greatest potential to be used as prebiotic ingredients.

Current trends of tropical fruit waste utilization

Recent rapid growth of the world's population has increased food demands. This phenomenon poses a great challenge for food manufacturers in maximizing the existing food or plant resources. Nowadays, the recovery of health benefit bioactive compounds from fruit wastes is a research trend not only to help minimize the waste burden, but also to meet the intensive demand from the public for phenolic compounds which are believed to have protective effects against chronic diseases. This review is focused on polyphenolic compounds recovery from tropical fruit wastes and its current trend of utilization. The tropical fruit wastes include in discussion are durian (Durio zibethinus), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.), rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), mango (Mangifera indica L.), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), papaya (Carica papaya), passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp), and pineapple (Ananas comosus). Highlights of bioactive compounds in different parts of a tropical fruit are targeted primarily for food industries as pragmatic references to create novel innovative health enhancement food products. This information is intended to inspire further research ideas in areas that are still under-explored and for food processing manufacturers who would like to minimize wastes as the norm of present day industry (design) objective.