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Mahmoud AA, Zayed Mohamed M, Hassen EZ. Protective effects of Urtica dioica on the cerebral cortex damage induced by Potassium bromate in adult male albino rats. Ultrastruct Pathol 2024; 48:81-93. [PMID: 38017656 DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2023.2287664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Potassium bromate is used in cheese production, beer making and is also used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic. It is a proven carcinogen as it is a strong oxidizing agent that generates free radicals during xenobiotic metabolism. Urtica dioica (Ud) (from the plants' family of Urticaceae) is a plant that has long been used as a medicinal plant in many parts of the world. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunosuppressive properties. So, this study aimed to clarify the effect of Potassium bromate on the histological structure of cerebral cortex of adult male albino rats, evaluate the possible protective role of Urtica dioica. Thirty adult healthy male albino rats were divided into three groups; group I (Control group), group II (KBrO3 treated group). Group III (KBrO3 and Urtica dioica treated group).At the end of the experiment, rats in all groups were anesthetized and specimens were processed for light and electron microscope. Morphometric and statistical analyses were also performed. Nerve cells of the treated group showed irregular contours, dark nuclei, irregular nuclear envelopes, dilated RER cisternae, and mitochondria with ruptured cristae. Vacuolated neuropil was also observed. Immunohistochemically, stained sections for GFAP showed strong positive reaction in the processes of astrocytes. Recovery group showed revealed nearly the same as the histological picture as the control group. In conclusion, potassium bromate induces degenerative effects on neurons of cerebral cortex and urtica dioica provide an important neuroprotective effects against these damaging impacts through their antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer A Mahmoud
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Maha Zayed Mohamed
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ebtehal Z Hassen
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Akkoyun HT, Uyar A, Bayramoglu Akkoyun M, Bengü AŞ, Melek Ş, Karagözoğlu F, Aydın S, Ekin S, Erdem SA. The protective effect of arbutin against potassium bromate-induced oxidative damage in the rat brain. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23248. [PMID: 36284482 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of arbutin (ARB) against brain injury induced in rats with potassium bromate (KBrO3 ). The rats were divided into four groups as Group 1: Control (0.9% NaCl ml/kg/day p.), Group 2: KBrO3 (100 mg/kg (gavage), Group 3: ARB (50 mg/kg/day p.), and Group 4: KBrO3 + ARB (100 mg/kg (gavage) + 50 mg/kg/day p.). At the end of the fifth day of the study, the rats in all groups were killed, and their brain tissues were collected. In the collected brain tissues, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels were measured, and routine histopathological examinations were made. The MDA levels in the group that was exposed to KBrO3 were significantly higher than those in the control group (p ˂ 0.001). In comparison to the KBrO3 group, the MDA levels in the KBrO3 + ARB group were significantly lower (p ˂ 0.001). It was observed that SOD and CAT enzyme activity levels were significantly lower in the KBrO3 group compared to the control group (p ˂ 0.001), while these levels were significantly higher in the KBrO3 + ARB group than in the KBrO3 group (p ˂ 0.001). Additionally, the group that was subjected to KBrO3 toxicity, as well as ARB administration, had much lower levels of histopathologic signs than the group that was subjected to KBrO3 toxicity only. Consequently, it was found that KBrO3 exposure led to injury in the brain tissues of the rats, and using ARB was effective in preventing this injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Turan Akkoyun
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Siirt University, Siirt, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Uyar
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey
| | | | - Aydın Şükrü Bengü
- Department of Medical Services and Technics, Vocational School of Health, Bingöl University, Bingöl, Turkey
| | - Şule Melek
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bingöl University, Bingöl, Turkey
| | - Fatma Karagözoğlu
- Department of Zootechnique and Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bingöl University, Bingöl, Turkey
| | - Sevinç Aydın
- Çemişgezek Vocational School, Munzur University, Tunceli, Turkey
| | - Suat Ekin
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Turkey
| | - Sinem Aslan Erdem
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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Toxicity assessment of potassium bromate and the remedial role of grape seed extract. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20529. [PMID: 36443372 PMCID: PMC9705420 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25084-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the multiple toxic effects of potassium bromate were investigated in Allium cepa L., an indicator test material. In addition, the toxicity-reducing effects of grape seed extract (GSE) were tested. The toxicity was investigated by some physiological (germination percentage, root length, weight gain, relative injury rate), cytogenetic [mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN), and chromosomal abnormalities (CAs)], biochemical [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) levels] and anatomical parameters. A. cepa bulbs were divided into 6 groups as control and five treatment groups (Group II: 465 mg/L GSE, Group III: 930 mg/L GSE, Group IV: 100 mg/L potassium bromate, Group V: 100 mg/L potassium bromate + 465 mg/L GSE, Group VI: 100 mg /L potassium bromate + 930 mg/L GSE). The bulbs were germinated for 72 h and at the end of the period the bulbs were subjected to routine preparations and made ready for analysis and measurements. As a result, potassium bromate exposure caused statistically significant (p < 0.05) decreases in all physiological parameter values. Potassium bromate application decreased MI by 41.6%, and increased the MN and CAs frequencies. CAs such as fragment, sticky chromosome, and vagrant chromosome, unequal distribution of chromatin, reverse polarization, nuclear bud and disordered mitosis were induced in root meristem cells. The mechanism of potassium bromate genotoxicity has been associated with DNA-potassium bromate interaction supported by spectral shift. Potassium bromate caused a decrease in GSH levels and an increase in MDA, SOD and CAT levels, thereby disrupting the antioxidant/oxidant balance in root tip cells. GSE administration in two different doses together with potassium bromate reduced the toxic effects and caused improvements in all parameters examined. The most significant reduction in toxicity was in group VI, which received 930 mg/L GSE, and there was an improvement about 18% in MI levels and an improvement about 44% in GSH levels in this group. While GSE application increased physiological parameters and GSH levels, it decreased MDA, SOD, CAT levels, MN and CAs frequencies. As a result, it has been determined that potassium bromate causes multi-directional toxicity at high doses and A. cepa is a very reliable indicator in determining this toxicity. In addition, GSE extract has been found to have a strong role in reducing the toxicity induced by potassium bromate.
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Elegbeleye JA, Krishnamoorthy S, Bamidele OP, Adeyanju AA, Adebowale OJ, Agbemavor WSK. Health-promoting foods and food crops of West-Africa origin: The bioactive compounds and immunomodulating potential. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14331. [PMID: 36448596 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The rural communities of the sub-Sahara regions in Africa are rich in diverse indigenous culinary knowledge and foods, food crops, and condiments such as roots/tubers, cereal, legumes/pulses, locust beans, and green leafy vegetables. These food crops are rich in micronutrients and phytochemicals, which have the potentials to address hidden hunger as well as promote health when consumed. Some examples of these are fermented foods such as ogi and plants such as Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), Zingiber officinales (garlic), Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle), and condiments. Food crops from West Africa contain numerous bioactive substances such as saponins, alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, and monoterpenoid chemicals among others. These bioresources have proven biological and pharmacological activities due to diverse mechanisms of action such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antioxidant activities which made them suitable as candidates for nutraceuticals and pharma foods. This review seeks to explore the different processes such as fermentation applied during food preparation and food crops of West-African origin with health-promoting benefits. The different bioactive compounds present in such food or food crops are discussed extensively as well as the diverse application, especially regarding respiratory diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The plants and herbs summarized here are more easily accessible and affordable by therapists and others having a passion for promising medicinal properties of African-origin plants.The mechanisms and unique metabolic potentials of African food crops discussed in this article will promote their applicability as a template molecule for novel drug discoveries in treatment strategies for emerging diseases. This compilation of antiviral plants will help clinicians and researchers bring new preventive strategies in combating COVID-19 like viral diseases, ultimately saving millions of affected people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Srinivasan Krishnamoorthy
- Department of Technology Dissemination, National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management, Thanjavur (NIFTEM-T), Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Adeyemi A Adeyanju
- Department of Food Science and Microbiology, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria
| | | | - Wisdom Selorm Kofi Agbemavor
- Radiation Technology Centre, Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Legon Accra, Ghana
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Zingiber officinale and Vernonia amygdalina Infusions Improve Redox Status in Rat Brain. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:9470178. [PMID: 36199544 PMCID: PMC9529415 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9470178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The study investigated the effects of Zingiber officinale root and Vernonia amygdalina leaf on the brain redox status of Wistar rats. Twenty-four (24) rats weighing 160 ± 20 g were randomly assigned into four (4) groups, each with six (6) rats. Animals in Group 1 (control) were orally administered distilled water (1 mL), while the test groups were orally administered 5 mg/mL of either Z. officinale, V. amygdalina infusion, or a combination of both, respectively, for 7 days. The rats were sacrificed at the end of treatments and blood and tissue were harvested and prepared for biochemical assays. Results showed that administration of V. amygdalina and Z. officinale, as well as their coadministration, reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in rat brain tissue compared with the control group. Conversely, coadministration of V. amygdalina and Z. officinale increased the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) in rat brain tissue compared with the control group. However, the administration of the infusions singly, as well as the combination of both infusions, did not have any effect on the rat brain levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) antioxidant enzymes compared to the control. Taken together, the findings indicate that the V. amygdalina and Z. officinale tea infusions have favorable antioxidant properties in the rat brain. The findings are confirmatory and contribute to deepening our understanding of the health-promoting effects of V. amygdalina and Z. officinale tea infusions.
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Wang J, Liu X, Hang S, Cao C, He Y, Sun X, Zheng R, Yuan J. Onion Vinegar Quality Evaluation and its Alleviate Oxidative Stress Mechanism in Caenorhabditis elegans Via SKN-1. PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 77:206-211. [PMID: 35441311 PMCID: PMC9192463 DOI: 10.1007/s11130-022-00959-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Recently, there has been renewed interest in biorefining of agricultural onion into functional products. In this study, onion vinegar (OV) are prepared by a two-stage semi-continuous fermentation method, and its content of total flavonoids (3.01 mg/mL) and polyphenols (976.76 μg/mL) is superior to other commercial vinegars. OV possesses a high radical scavenging activity and enhances the antioxidant enzyme activities in vivo, alleviating intracellular oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans. Treated by OV, the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH·), diammonium 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzo thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS+·) and 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5- tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-Oxide (PTIO·) free radicals clearance rates are 88.76, 98.76 and 90.54%, respectively in vitro. Whereas the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities in C. elegans reach 271.57, 129.26, and 314.68%, respectively. Using RNAi and RT-PCR, it has been further confirmed that OV modulates transcription factor SKN-1, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) homologous, in C. elegans, enhancing the resistance of C. elegans against sodium arsenite stress. Lifespan analysis reveals that 1 mL OV extends the maximum lifespan of the nematode to 26 days. Evidence is presented which shows that OV increases the lifespan of C. elegans by activating the SKN-1 signaling pathway. Overall, the OV is a well functional condiment, enhancing the value-added of onion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Wang
- Xingzhi College, Zhejiang Normal University, Lanxi, 321100, China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Jinhua Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinhua, 321027, China
| | - Shuqin Hang
- Key Laboratory of Wildlife Biotechnology and Conservation and Utilization of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Chunxin Cao
- Jinhua Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinhua, 321027, China
| | - Yucheng He
- Xingzhi College, Zhejiang Normal University, Lanxi, 321100, China
| | - Xiaoming Sun
- Xingzhi College, Zhejiang Normal University, Lanxi, 321100, China
| | - Rongquan Zheng
- Xingzhi College, Zhejiang Normal University, Lanxi, 321100, China
- Key Laboratory of Wildlife Biotechnology and Conservation and Utilization of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Jianfeng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Wildlife Biotechnology and Conservation and Utilization of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China.
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Yan JK, Zhu J, Liu Y, Chen X, Wang W, Zhang H, Li L. Recent advances in research on Allium plants: functional ingredients, physiological activities, and applications in agricultural and food sciences. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:8107-8135. [PMID: 35343832 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2056132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fruits and vegetables (FVs) have long been a major source of nutrients and dietary phytochemicals with outstanding physiological properties that are essential for protecting humans from chronic diseases. Moreover, the growing demand of consumers for nutritious and healthy foods is greatly promoting the increased intake of FVs. Allium (Alliaceae) is a perennial bulb plant genus of the Liliaceae family. They are customarily utilized as vegetable, medicinal, and ornamental plants and have an important role in agriculture, aquaculture, and the pharmaceutical industry. Allium plants produce abundant secondary metabolites, such as organosulfur compounds, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, alkaloids, and polysaccharides. Accordingly, Allium plants possess a variety of nutritional, biological, and health-promoting properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, immunoregulatory, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. This review aims to highlight the advances in the research on the bioactive components, physiological activities and clinical trials, toxicological assessment for safety, and applications of different Allium plants. It also aims to cover the direction of future research on the Allium genus. This review is expected to provide theoretical reference for the comprehensive development and utilization of Allium plants in the fields of functional foods, medicine, and cosmetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Kun Yan
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Food Development and Nutrition Regulation of China National Light Industry, School of Chemical Engineering and Energy Technology, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Food Development and Nutrition Regulation of China National Light Industry, School of Chemical Engineering and Energy Technology, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, China
| | - Yujia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Food Development and Nutrition Regulation of China National Light Industry, School of Chemical Engineering and Energy Technology, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Food Development and Nutrition Regulation of China National Light Industry, School of Chemical Engineering and Energy Technology, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, China
| | - Wenhan Wang
- Institute of Edible Fungi, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Engineering Research Center of Edible Fungi, Key Laboratory of Edible Fungi Resources and Utilization (South), Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, China
| | - Henan Zhang
- Institute of Edible Fungi, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Engineering Research Center of Edible Fungi, Key Laboratory of Edible Fungi Resources and Utilization (South), Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Li
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Food Development and Nutrition Regulation of China National Light Industry, School of Chemical Engineering and Energy Technology, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, China
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Kanu C S, Aloke C, Elom I N, Eleazu O C. Effects of co-treatment of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice with aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves and primaquine on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, hematological, and antioxidant parameters. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2022; 13:100656. [PMID: 36399959 PMCID: PMC9673106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2022.100656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been observed that most malaria patients especially G6PD-deficient patients usually experience oxidative stress and severe anemia when treated with primaquine. This calls for the need to search for a treatment option that will ameliorate these side effects. OBJECTIVE The effect of co-treatment of malaria with aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves (AEOGL) and primaquine on G6PD activity, antioxidant indices and hematological parameters in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty mice divided into six groups of five mice each were recruited for this study. Whilst Group 1 (G1) served as the negative control (group not infected with plasmodium parasite), Groups 2 to 6 (G2-G6) were inoculated intraperitoneally with 0.2 ml of 1 × 105/ml Plasmodium berghei (NK 65 strain) infected erythrocytes. G2 (parasite control) received no treatment. Groups 3,4,5 and 6 were administered 0.25 mg/kg bw of primaquine only; 100 mg/kg b. w of AEOGL +0.25 mg/kg bw of primaquine; 200 mg/kg b. w of AEOGL +0.25 mg/kg bw of primaquine; 200 mg/kg b. w of AEOGL respectively, for 14 days. RESULTS Treatment with only primaquine gave the highest mean malaria parasite clearance (82.10 ± 0.45 percent), followed by 100 mg/kg b. w of AEOGL + Primaquine (75.59 ± 0.47 percent), 200 mg/kg b. w of AEOGL + Primaquine (67.35 ± 0.67 percent), and AEOGL alone (55 ± 0.56 percent). In comparison with the untreated malaria groups, co-treatment with AEOGL + Primaquine produced a significant (p < 0.05) increase in G6PD activity, serum ascorbate, reduced glutathione, catalase activity, and a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in malondialdehyde level in a dose-dependent pattern and also a significant (p < 0.05) rise in packed cell volume, haemoglobin, and red blood cell count, unlike treatment with only primaquine which resulted in a non-significant (P > 0.05) difference in these parameters. CONCLUSION Co-treatment of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice with AEOGL and primaquine improved the G6PD activity, hematological parameters and antioxidant status relative to treatment with only primaquine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shedrach Kanu C
- Department of Biochemistry, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria,Corresponding author.
| | - Chinyere Aloke
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria,Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa
| | - Nwabueze Elom I
- Department of Chemistry, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Chinedum Eleazu O
- Department of Biochemistry, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
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Zhao XX, Lin FJ, Li H, Li HB, Wu DT, Geng F, Ma W, Wang Y, Miao BH, Gan RY. Recent Advances in Bioactive Compounds, Health Functions, and Safety Concerns of Onion ( Allium cepa L.). Front Nutr 2021; 8:669805. [PMID: 34368207 PMCID: PMC8339303 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.669805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a common vegetable, widely consumed all over the world. Onion contains diverse phytochemicals, including organosulfur compounds, phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, and saponins. The phenolic and sulfur-containing compounds, including onionin A, cysteine sulfoxides, quercetin, and quercetin glucosides, are the major bioactive constituents of onion. Accumulated studies have revealed that onion and its bioactive compounds possess various health functions, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anticancer, cardiovascular protective, neuroprotective, hepatorenal protective, respiratory protective, digestive system protective, reproductive protective, and immunomodulatory properties. Herein, the main bioactive compounds in onion are summarized, followed by intensively discussing its major health functions as well as relevant molecular mechanisms. Moreover, the potential safety concerns about onion contamination and the ways to mitigate these issues are also discussed. We hope that this paper can attract broader attention to onion and its bioactive compounds, which are promising ingredients in the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals for preventing and managing certain chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Xin Zhao
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, China
- Chengdu National Agricultural Science and Technology Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang-Jun Lin
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Hang Li
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Hua-Bin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition, and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ding-Tao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Sichuan Engineering and Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Geng
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Sichuan Engineering and Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, China
- Chengdu National Agricultural Science and Technology Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, China
- Chengdu National Agricultural Science and Technology Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Bao-He Miao
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, China
- Chengdu National Agricultural Science and Technology Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Ren-You Gan
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, China
- Chengdu National Agricultural Science and Technology Center, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Sichuan Engineering and Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
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