Characterization of phenolic profiles of Northern European berries by capillary electrophoresis and determination of their antioxidant activity

Interaction between resveratrol and SIRT1: role in neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, pose significant health challenges and economic burdens worldwide. Recent studies have emphasized the potential therapeutic value of activating silent information regulator-1 (SIRT1) in treating these conditions. Resveratrol, a compound known for its ability to potently activate SIRT1, has demonstrated promising neuroprotective effects by targeting the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration. In this review, we delve into the crucial role of resveratrol-mediated SIRT1 upregulation in improving neurodegenerative diseases. The role of the activation of SIRT1 by resveratrol was reviewed. Moreover, network pharmacology was used to elucidate the possible mechanisms of resveratrol in these diseases. Activation of SIRT1 by resveratrol had positive effects on neuronal function and survival and alleviated the hallmark features of these diseases, such as protein aggregation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In terms of network pharmacology, the signaling pathways by which resveratrol protects against different neurodegenerative diseases were slightly different. Although the precise mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol and SIRT1 activation remain under investigation, these findings offer valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Resveratrol as sensitizer in colorectal cancer plasticity

Despite tremendous medical treatment successes, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Chemotherapy as monotherapy can lead to significant side effects and chemoresistance that can be linked to several resistance-activating biological processes, including an increase in inflammation, cellular plasticity, multidrug resistance (MDR), inhibition of the sentinel gene p53, and apoptosis. As a consequence, tumor cells can escape the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents. This underscores the need for cross-target therapeutic approaches that are not only pharmacologically safe but also modulate multiple potent signaling pathways and sensitize cancer cells to overcome resistance to standard drugs. In recent years, scientists have been searching for natural compounds that can be used as chemosensitizers in addition to conventional medications for the synergistic treatment of CRC. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic phytoalexin found in various fruits and vegetables such as peanuts, berries, and red grapes, is one of the most effective natural chemopreventive agents. Abundant in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that resveratrol, in interaction with standard drugs, is an effective chemosensitizer for CRC cells to chemotherapeutic agents and thus prevents drug resistance by modulating multiple pathways, including transcription factors, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-plasticity, proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, cell cycle, and apoptosis. The ability of resveratrol to modify multiple subcellular pathways that may suppress cancer cell plasticity and reversal of chemoresistance are critical parameters for understanding its anti-cancer effects. In this review, we focus on the chemosensitizing properties of resveratrol in CRC and, thus, its potential importance as an additive to ongoing treatments.

The role of Caenorhabditis elegans in the discovery of natural products for healthy aging

Covering: 2012 to 2023The human population is aging. Thus, the greatest risk factor for numerous diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, is increasing worldwide. Age-related diseases do not typically occur in isolation, but as a result of multi-factorial causes, which in turn require holistic approaches to identify and decipher the mode of action of potential remedies. With the advent of C. elegans as the primary model organism for aging, researchers now have a powerful in vivo tool for identifying and studying agents that effect lifespan and health span. Natural products have been focal research subjects in this respect. This review article covers key developments of the last decade (2012-2023) that have led to the discovery of natural products with healthy aging properties in C. elegans. We (i) discuss the state of knowledge on the effects of natural products on worm aging including methods, assays and involved pathways; (ii) analyze the literature on natural compounds in terms of their molecular properties and the translatability of effects on mammals; (iii) examine the literature on multi-component mixtures with special attention to the studied organisms, extraction methods and efforts regarding the characterization of their chemical composition and their bioactive components. (iv) We further propose to combine small in vivo model organisms such as C. elegans and sophisticated analytical approaches ("wormomics") to guide the way to dissect complex natural products with anti-aging properties.

Biological activities, therapeutic potential, and pharmacological aspects of blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum L): A comprehensive review

Blackcurrant possesses various health-endorsing attributes owing to its polyphenol profile. Recent studies have demonstrated its therapeutic potential against various health disorders. Various bioactives present in blackcurrants have different functional and pharmacological aspects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The most dominant and important bioactive include anthocyanins, flavonols, phenolic acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Food formats derived from blackcurrants comprise pomace, juice, powder, and extracts. All these food formats have industrial, prebiotic, and pharmacological benefits. In the current article, the nutritional composition, industrial applications, and therapeutic potential are discussed in the recent literature. Moreover, novel extraction techniques for the extraction of bioactive compounds present in blackcurrants and their safety concerns have been elaborated.

Resveratrol Modulates Chemosensitisation to 5-FU via β1-Integrin/HIF-1α Axis in CRC Tumor Microenvironment

Frequent development of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents such as 5-flourouracil (5-FU) complicates the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). Resveratrol is able to utilize β1-integrin receptors, strongly expressed in CRC cells, to transmit and exert anti-carcinogenic signals, but whether it can also utilize these receptors to overcome 5-FU chemoresistance in CRC cells has not yet been investigated. Effects of β1-integrin knockdown on anti-cancer capabilities of resveratrol and 5-FU were investigated in HCT-116 and 5-FU-resistant HCT-116R CRC tumor microenvironment (TME) with 3D-alginate as well as monolayer cultures. Resveratrol increased CRC cell sensitivity to 5-FU by reducing TME-promoted vitality, proliferation, colony formation, invasion tendency and mesenchymal phenotype including pro-migration pseudopodia. Furthermore, resveratrol impaired CRC cells in favor of more effective utilization of 5-FU by down-regulating TME-induced inflammation (NF-kB), vascularisation (VEGF, HIF-1α) and cancer stem cell production (CD44, CD133, ALDH1), while up-regulating apoptosis (caspase-3) that was previously inhibited by TME. These anti-cancer mechanisms of resveratrol were largely abolished by antisense oligonucleotides against β1-integrin (β1-ASO) in both CRC cell lines, indicating the particular importance of β1-integrin receptors for the 5-FU-chemosensitising effect of resveratrol. Lastly, co-immunoprecipitation tests showed that resveratrol targets and modulates the TME-associated β1-integrin/HIF-1α signaling axis in CRC cells. Our results suggest for the first time the utility of the β1-integrin/HIF-1α signaling axis related to chemosensitization and overcoming chemoresistance to 5-FU in CRC cells by resveratrol, underlining its potential supportive applications in CRC treatment.

Effects of Electrical Conductivity and Pruning on Secondary Metabolite Contents in Fruits of Jaltomata procumbens (Cav.) J. L. Gentry

Jaltomata procumbens is a semidomesticated plant species used as food, and the presence of several types of secondary metabolites are detected in one of its forms. Growth conditions, the electrical conductivity (EC) of the nutrient solution, and the pruning management may influence the secondary metabolite content. The objective was to evaluate the effects of EC and pruning on the metabolite content of 2 J. procumbens forms, in greenhouse and hydroponics. Treatments included 2 forms (erect and decumbent), 3 EC levels (1, 2, and 3 dS m−1), and 2 pruning levels (with and without pruning). The contents of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids were evaluated. EC and pruning management differentially influenced the contents of each group of metabolites in both forms in a combined and individual manner, with EC exerting a stronger effect than pruning. A total of 7 phenolic acids, 4 flavonoids, and 5 terpenoids were detected: the erect form contained significant amounts of syringic acid, rutin, and carnosol at 33.44, 36.43, and 0.26 mg 100 g−1 of dry weight, respectively, whereas the decumbent form had high contents of gallic and rosmarinic acids and morin at 59.03, 28.31, and 61.54 mg 100 g−1 of dry weight, respectively. Considering the variability observed depending on the metabolite group of interest, the specific management of EC and pruning is required for each form.

Phenolic Compounds Known to Be Present in Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) Enhance Macrophage Polarization towards the Anti-Inflammatory M2 Phenotype

Macrophages are pleiotropic immune cells whose phenotype can polarize towards the pro-inflammatory M1 or anti-inflammatory M2 direction as a response to environmental changes. In obesity, the number of macrophages in adipose tissue is enhanced, and they shift towards the M1 phenotype. Activated M1 macrophages secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines and adipokines involved in the development of systemic low-grade inflammation, complicating obesity. Polyphenols are widely found in the vegetable kingdom and have anti-inflammatory properties. We and others have recently found that lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) supplementation is able to prevent the development of low-grade inflammation and its metabolic consequences in experimentally induced obesity. In the present study, we investigated the effects of twelve phenolic compounds known to be present in lingonberry (resveratrol, piceid, quercetin, kaempferol, proanthocyanidins, delphinidin, cyanidin, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid) on macrophage polarization, which is a meaningful mechanism determining the low-grade inflammation in obesity. Mouse J774 and human U937 macrophages and commercially available phenolic compounds were used in the studies. Three of the twelve compounds investigated showed an effect on macrophage polarization. Resveratrol, kaempferol, and proanthocyanidins enhanced anti-inflammatory M2-type activation, evidenced as increased expression of Arg-1 and MRC-1 in murine macrophages and CCL-17 and MRC-1 in human macrophages. Resveratrol and kaempferol also inhibited pro-inflammatory M1-type activation, shown as decreased expression of IL-6, NO, and MCP-1 in murine macrophages and TNF-α and IL-6 in human macrophages. In the further mechanistic studies, the effects of the three active compounds were investigated on two transcription factors important in M2 activation, namely on PPARγ and STAT6. Resveratrol and kaempferol were found to enhance PPARγ expression, while proanthocyanidins increased the phosphorylation of STAT6. The results suggest proanthocyanidins, resveratrol, and kaempferol as active constituents that may be responsible for the positive anti-inflammatory effects of lingonberry supplementation in obesity models. These data also extend the previous knowledge on the anti-inflammatory effects of lingonberry and encourage further studies to support the use of lingonberry and lingonberry-based products as a part of a healthy diet.

Determination of Phenolic Compounds by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry

A CZE-MS method was developed for the determination of several phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids). Since the analysis of these components necessitates the application of basic conditions for CZE separation and negative ionization mode for MS detection, the simplest choice was to use 0.5 M NH₄OH and IPA:water (1:1 v/v%) as the background electrolyte and sheath liquid, respectively. The LOD values ranged between 0.004-1.9 mg/L showing that there are relatively large differences in the ionization (and chemical) features of these compounds. The precision data were better than 0.75 RSD% for migration times and were between 5-8 RSD% for peak areas. In order to test the applicability of the developed method, a honey sample was analyzed.

Caloric restriction-mimetics for the reduction of heart failure risk in aging heart: with consideration of gender-related differences

The literature is full of claims regarding the consumption of polyphenol or polyamine-rich foods that offer some protection from developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). This is achieved by preventing cardiac hypertrophy and protecting blood vessels through improving the function of endothelium. However, do these interventions work in the aged human hearts? Cardiac aging is accompanied by an increase in left ventricular hypertrophy, along with diastolic and systolic dysfunction. It also confers significant cardiovascular risks for both sexes. The incidence and prevalence of CVD increase sharply at an earlier age in men than women. Furthermore, the patterns of heart failure differ between sexes, as do the lifetime risk factors. Do caloric restriction (CR)-mimetics, rich in polyphenol or polyamine, delay or reverse cardiac aging equally in both men and women? This review will discuss three areas: (1) mechanisms underlying age-related cardiac remodeling; (2) gender-related differences and potential mechanisms underlying diminished cardiac response in older men and women; (3) we select a few polyphenol or polyamine rich compounds as the CR-mimetics, such as resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate and spermidine, due to their capability to extend health-span and induce autophagy. We outline their abilities and issues on retarding aging in animal hearts and preventing CVD in humans. We discuss the confounding factors that should be considered for developing therapeutic strategies against cardiac aging in humans.

The Role of Nutraceutical Containing Polyphenols in Diabetes Prevention

Research in pharmacological therapy has led to the availability of many antidiabetic agents. New recommendations for precision medicine and particularly precision nutrition may greatly contribute to the control and especially to the prevention of diabetes. This scenario greatly encourages the search for novel non-pharmaceutical molecules. In line with this, the daily and long-term consumption of diets rich in phenolic compounds, together with a healthy lifestyle, may have a protective role against the development of type 2 diabetes. In the framework of the described studies, there is clear evidence that the bio accessibility, bioavailability, and the gut microbiota are indeed affected by: the way phenolic compounds are consumed (acutely or chronically; as pure compounds, extracts, or in-side a whole meal) and the amount and the type of phenolic compounds (ex-tractable or non-extractable/macromolecular antioxidants, including non-bioavailable polyphenols and plant matrix complexed structures). In this review, we report possible effects of important, commonly consumed, phenolic-based nutraceuticals in pre-clinical and clinical diabetes studies. We highlight their mechanisms of action and their potential effects in health promotion. Translation of this nutraceutical-based approach still requires more and larger clinical trials for better elucidation of the mechanism of action toward clinical applications.

Effects of Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) Supplementation on Hepatic Gene Expression in High-Fat Diet Fed Mice

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is growing worldwide in association with Western-style diet and increasing obesity. Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) is rich in polyphenols and has been shown to attenuate adverse metabolic changes in obese liver. This paper investigated the effects of lingonberry supplementation on hepatic gene expression in high-fat diet induced obesity in a mouse model. C57BL/6N male mice were fed for six weeks with either a high-fat (HF) or low-fat (LF) diet (46% and 10% energy from fat, respectively) or HF diet supplemented with air-dried lingonberry powder (HF + LGB). HF diet induced a major phenotypic change in the liver, predominantly affecting genes involved in inflammation and in glucose and lipid metabolism. Lingonberry supplementation prevented the effect of HF diet on an array of genes (in total on 263 genes) associated particularly with lipid or glucose metabolic process (such as Mogat1, Plin4, Igfbp2), inflammatory/immune response or cell migration (such as Lcn2, Saa1, Saa2, Cxcl14, Gcp1, S100a10) and cell cycle regulation (such as Cdkn1a, Tubb2a, Tubb6). The present results suggest that lingonberry supplementation prevents HF diet-induced adverse changes in the liver that are known to predispose the development of NAFLD and its comorbidities. The findings encourage carrying out human intervention trials to confirm the results, with the aim of recommending the use of lingonberries as a part of healthy diet against obesity and its hepatic and metabolic comorbidities.

Caloric Restriction Mimetics in Nutrition and Clinical Trials

The human diet and dietary patterns are closely linked to the health status. High-calorie Western-style diets have increasingly come under scrutiny as their caloric load and composition contribute to the development of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders. On the other hand, calorie-reduced and health-promoting diets have shown promising results in maintaining health and reducing disease burden throughout aging. More recently, pharmacological Caloric Restriction Mimetics (CRMs) have gained interest of the public and scientific community as promising candidates that mimic some of the myriad of effects induced by caloric restriction. Importantly, many of the CRM candidates activate autophagy, prolong life- and healthspan in model organisms and ameliorate diverse disease symptoms without the need to cut calories. Among others, glycolytic inhibitors (e.g., D-allulose, D-glucosamine), hydroxycitric acid, NAD+ precursors, polyamines (e.g., spermidine), polyphenols (e.g., resveratrol, dimethoxychalcones, curcumin, EGCG, quercetin) and salicylic acid qualify as CRM candidates, which are naturally available via foods and beverages. However, it is yet unclear how these bioactive substances contribute to the benefits of healthy diets. In this review, we thus discuss dietary sources, availability and intake levels of dietary CRMs. Finally, since translational research on CRMs has entered the clinical stage, we provide a summary of their effects in clinical trials.

A new HPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of 36 polyphenols in blueberry, strawberry and their commercial products and determination of antioxidant activity

Berry fruits consumption has increased in recent years because they are rich sources of polyphenols with reported health benefits. The aim of the present work was to develop a new comprehensive and fast HPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of 36 phenolic compounds (7 anthocyanins, 9 flavonols, 4 flavan-3-ols, 2 dihydrochalcones, 2 flavanones and 12 phenolic acids) present in blueberry, strawberry, and their fruit jam. Blueberry fruits showed higher contents of anthocyanins, flavonols and phenolic acids, while strawberry fruits exhibited higher contents of flavan-3-ols, dihydrochalcones and flavanones. Anthocyanins were the main phenolic constituents in both berries. Furthermore, the higher total phenolic content in the blueberry fruit and jam justified their greater antioxidant capacity measured by DPPH free radical assay, compared to strawberry. In conclusion, this new HPLC-MS/MS method is useful and reliable for quality control and authentication analyses of blueberry and strawberry fruits and their commercial food products, such as jams.

Review of Functional and Pharmacological Activities of Berries

Functional plant-based foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and berries) can improve health, have a preventive effect, and diminish the risk of different chronic diseases during in vivo and in vitro studies. Berries contain many phytochemicals, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. The primary phytochemicals in berry fruits are phenolic compounds including flavonoids (anthocyanins, flavonols, flavones, flavanols, flavanones, and isoflavonoids), tannins, and phenolic acids. Since berries have a high concentration of polyphenols, it is possible to use them for treating various diseases pharmacologically by acting on oxidative stress and inflammation, which are often the leading causes of diabetes, neurological, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This review examines commonly consumed berries: blackberries, blackcurrants, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, black raspberries, and strawberries and their polyphenols as potential medicinal foods (due to the presence of pharmacologically active compounds) in the treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and other diseases. Moreover, much attention is paid to the bioavailability of active berry components. Hence, this comprehensive review shows that berries and their bioactive compounds possess medicinal properties and have therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, future clinical trials are required to study and improve the bioavailability of berries' phenolic compounds and extend the evidence that the active compounds of berries can be used as medicinal foods against various diseases.

Juice of Citrullus lanatus var. citroides (wild watermelon) inhibits the entry and propagation of influenza viruses in vitro and in vivo

Vaccines and various anti-influenza drugs are clinically used to prevent and treat influenza infections. However, with the antigenic mismatch of vaccines and the emergence of drug-resistant viral strains, new approaches for treating influenza are warranted. This study focused on natural foods as potential candidates for the development of new treatment options for influenza infections. The screening of plants from the Cucurbitaceae family revealed that the juice of Citrullus lanatus var. citroides (wild watermelon) had the strongest ability to inhibit the replication of influenza virus in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. The results of a time-of-addition assay indicated that wild watermelon juice (WWMJ) inhibits the adsorption and late stages of viral replication, suggesting that WWMJ contains multiple constituents with effective anti-influenza activity. A viral adsorption analysis showed that WWMJ reduces the amount of viral RNA in the cells at 37°C but not at 4°C, confirming that WWMJ inhibits viral entry into the host cells at 37°C. These results suggest that a mechanism other than the inhibition of viral attachment is involved in the anti-influenza action of WWMJ, which is perhaps responsible for a reduction in internalization of the virus. Administration of WWMJ into the nasal mucosa of BALB/c mice infected with the A/PR/8/34 mouse-adapted influenza virus was seen to significantly improve the survival rate. The findings of this study, therefore, demonstrate the anti-influenza potential of WWMJ in vitro and in vivo, thereby suggesting the candidature of WWMJ as a functional food product that can be used to develop anti-influenza agents and drugs.

Spectrophotometric determination of morin in strawberries and their antioxidant activity

Morin is one of the flavonoids with intensive antioxidant activity. With the aim to use its benefits on human health, there is an increasing trend to pay attention to its content in food or supplements. The simplicity and low cost of spectrophotometric determination based on the formation of a morin complex with Zn 2+ ion (stoichiometric ratio 1 : 1), at pH 7.98 and 392 nm, give it an advantage over other methods that can be used for morin quantification. The concentration range over which the response was linear was 0.151-4.533 mg L-1. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.030 mg L-1 and 0.091 mg L-1 , respectively. The developed method was successfully applied for the determination of the morin content in strawberries. Additionally, the antioxidative abilities of strawberry extracts and morin, determined by DPPH and FRAP tests, were compared and discussed.

Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.: Chemical Contents, Pharmacological Activities

One of the most known species of the genus Vaccinium (Ericaceae) is Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. or lingonberry. Leaves are included in the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation (XIV-th edition) and the State Pharmacopoeia of the Republic of Belarus (II-nd edition). The aim of this review is an analysis of data about a chemical content and types of pharmacological activities of Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. to discuss the tendency of future investigations on this plant. The main parts of works describe researches of chemical contents of fruits as medicinal and edible plant material. The majority of researches describe results of in vitro experiments. A significant interest is the study of the neuroprotective activity of the Vaccinium vitis-idaea extracts as well as their anti-cytokine and antiapoptotic properties and metabolic effects. The main biologically active compounds are phenologlycosides, tannins, proanthocyanes, saponins etc. These results will be of great significance for the development of new drugs from this plant and use along with the fruits of other parts of the plant.

Phenolic Fractions from Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. and Their Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities Assessment

Lingonberry leaves and fruits are associated with a range of potential bioactivities related to their phenolic content and composition, but the identification of major biological activity markers remains limited. The present study aimed at the isolation of lingonberry phenolic fractions and biological activity evaluation of them. Crude dry extracts of lingonberry leaves and fruits were fractionated by chromatography using Sephadex LH-20 and analyzed by validated HPLC-PDA method. For each fraction, the anticancer activity against human clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CaKi-1), human colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29), and human malignant melanoma (IGR39) cell lines was determined using MTT assay, and the radical scavenging, reducing, and chelating activities were investigated using ABTS, FRAP, and FIC assays, respectively. Further, 28 phenolics were identified and quantified in the crude extract of lingonberry leaves and 37 in the extract of fruits. These compounds, during fractionation steps, were selectively eluted into active fractions, enriched with different groups of phenolics—monophenols, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, catechins, flavonols, or proanthocyanidins. Fractions of lingonberry leaves and fruits, obtained by the last fractionation step, proved to be the most active against tested cancer cell lines and possessed the greatest antioxidant activity. In this perspective, the predominant compounds of these fractions—polymeric and mainly A-type dimeric proanthocyanidins—also quercetin can be considered to be anticancer and antioxidant activity markers of lingonberries.

The Potential of Resveratrol to Act as a Caloric Restriction Mimetic Appears to Be Limited: Insights from Studies in Mice

Caloric restriction (CR) has been shown repeatedly to prolong the lifespan in laboratory animals, with its benefits dependent on molecular targets forming part of the nutrient signaling network, including the NAD-dependent deacetylase silent mating type information regulation 2 homologue 1 (SIRT1). It has been hypothesized that the stilbene resveratrol (RSV) may counteract age- and obesity-related diseases similarly to CR. In yeast and worms, RSV-promoted longevity also depended on SIRT1. While it remains unclear whether RSV can prolong lifespans in mammals, some studies in rodents supplemented with RSV have reported lowered body weight (BW) and fat mass, improved insulin sensitivity, lowered cholesterol levels, increased fitness, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Molecular mechanisms possibly leading to such changes include altered gene transcription and activation of SIRT1, AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PPARGC1A). However, some mouse models did not benefit from RSV treatment to the same extent as others. We conducted a literature search on PubMed (15 April, 2020) for trials directly comparing RSV application to CR feeding in mice. In most studies retrieved by this systematic PubMed search, mice supplemented with RSV did not show significant reductions of BW, glucose, or insulin. Moreover, in some of these studies, RSV and CR treatments affected molecular targets differently and/or findings on RSV and CR impacts varied between trials. We discuss those RSV-induced changes in gene transcription hypothesized to partly counteract age-related alterations. Although there may be a moderate effect of RSV supplementation on parameters such as insulin sensitivity toward a more CR-like profile in mice, data are inconsistent. Likewise, RSV supplementation trials in humans report controversial findings. While we consider that RSV may, under certain circumstances, moderately mimic some aspects of CR, current evidence does not fully support its use to prevent or treat age- or obesity-related diseases.

Blackcurrant extract does not affect the speed-duration relationship during high-intensity running

Anthocyanin-rich blackcurrant extract (BC) has been shown to ergogenically aid high-intensity exercise. Capacity for such exercise is evaluated by the hyperbolic speed-tolerable duration (S-D_tol) relationship. Therefore, in double-blinded and cross-over randomised controlled trials, 15 males underwent treadmill running incremental exercise testing and were assessed for S-D_tol, quantified by critical speed (CS) and D' (distance), and assessments of time to exhaustion performance to empirically test the limits of the S-D_tol relationship, after daily supplementation of 300 mg/d BC (105 mg/d anthocyanin) or placebo. Supplementation with BC did not change CS (placebo 12.1 ± 1.0 km/h vs BC 11.9 ± 1.0 km/h, p > .05) or D' (placebo 918.6 ± 223.2 m vs BC 965.2 ± 231.2 m, p > .05), although further analysis indicated D' increased in 60% of subject (p = .08), indicating a trend toward cohorts potentially benefiting from BC supplementation. BC supplementation did not change time to exhaustion at or above CS, maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max), lactate threshold (LT), submaximal running economy (C_R), or substrate utilisation during exercise (all p > .05). In conclusion, we could not detect any beneficial effect of BC supplementation during high-intensity running exercise, including the determining factors S-D_tol relationship, VO_2max, LT or C_R. Hence, no ergogenic effect was observed.

Beneficial effects of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) supplementation on metabolic and inflammatory adverse effects induced by high-fat diet in a mouse model of obesity

Obesity is a constantly increasing health problem worldwide. It is associated with a systemic low-grade inflammation, which contributes to the development of metabolic disorders and comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes. Diet has an important role in the prevention of obesity and its adverse health effects; as a part of healthy diet, polyphenol-rich berries, such as lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) have been proposed to have health-promoting effects. In the present study, we investigated the effects of lingonberry supplementation on high-fat diet induced metabolic and inflammatory changes in a mouse model of obesity. Thirty male C57BL/6N mice were divided into three groups (n = 10/group) to receive low-fat (LF), high-fat (HF) and lingonberry-supplemented high-fat (HF+LGB) diet for six weeks. Low-fat and high-fat diet contained 10% and 46% of energy from fat, respectively. Lingonberry supplementation prevented the high-fat diet induced adverse changes in blood cholesterol and glucose levels and had a moderate effect on the weight and visceral fat gain, which were 26% and 25% lower, respectively, in the lingonberry group than in the high-fat diet control group. Interestingly, lingonberry supplementation also restrained the high-fat diet induced increases in the circulating levels of the proinflammatory adipocytokine leptin (by 36%) and the inflammatory acute phase reactant serum amyloid A (SAA; by 85%). Similar beneficial effects were discovered in the hepatic expression of the inflammatory factors CXCL-14, S100A10 and SAA by lingonberry supplementation. In conclusion, the present results indicate that lingonberry supplementation significantly prevents high-fat diet induced metabolic and inflammatory changes in a murine model of obesity. The results encourage evaluation of lingonberries as a part of healthy diet against obesity and its comorbidities.

Vaccinium myrtillus L. Fruits as a Novel Source of Phenolic Compounds with Health Benefits and Industrial Applications - A Review

Consumers' demand for healthier foods with functional properties has had a clear influence on the food industry and in this sense, they have been attaching natural sources of bioactive ingredients into food products. Vaccinium myrtillus L. (bilberry) is known to be a functional food, presenting its fruits in the form of a small dark blueberry. This coloration is due to its high content in anthocyanin, being also associated with bilberries' beneficial health effects. In the bilberry industry, there is a very high annual loss of this fruit due to the less aesthetic shape or appearance, in which they cannot be considered suitable for sale and are therefore disposed of as biological waste. Therefore, it is of great importance to valorize this fruit and this review aimed to completely characterize the fruits of V. myrtillus in order to comprehend the relationship between their consumption and the beneficial effects regarding consumer's health. Thus, this review provides a description of the nutritional and bioactive compounds present in bilberry fruits, followed by their beneficial health effects. An overview of the natural pigments present in these fruits was also explored, focusing particularly in the anthocyanins composition, which represents the most widely studied class of bioactive compounds of V. myrtillus fruits. Finally, industrial applications of these fruits and by-products, as an efficient approach to the production of value-added products with economical and environmental impact, were also discussed. In general, V. myrtillus is a rich source of micronutrients and phytochemical compounds, such as organic acids, sugars, vitamins, fibers and phenolic compounds (anthocyanin and non-anthocyanin compounds), with nutritional and functional properties, that justify the growing interest in these berries, not only for food applications, but also in the pharmaceutical industry.

Quantitative CE analysis of punicalagin in Combretum aculeatum extracts traditionally used in Senegal for the treatment of tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent of tuberculosis, an infectious bacterial disease, which most commonly affects the lungs. In the search for novel active compounds or medicines against tuberculosis, an ethnopharmacological survey combined with a host-pathogen assay has recently highlighted the potency of an aqueous extract of Combretum aculeatum. C. aculeatum is used in traditional medicine and has demonstrated a significant in vitro antimycobacterial activity. Punicalagin, an ellagitannin, was isolated and found to be related to the biological activity of the extract. An analytical method for the evaluation of punicalagin in C. aculeatum was developed by capillary electrophoresis. After method optimization, the quantification of punicalagin was achieved for the evaluation of various plant extracts to determine the content of punicalagin related to the extraction modes and conditions, origin of the plant material, and harvesting period. The developed method demonstrated that the leaves presented the highest punicalagin content compared to the seeds and stems. A decoction of 30 min in boiling water was found to be the best extraction mode of C. aculeatum.

Review of the health effects of berries and their phytochemicals on the digestive and immune systems

Berries are generally considered beneficial to health. This health-promoting potential has mainly been ascribed to berries' phytochemical and vitamin content, and little attention has been paid to the potential benefits of berries for the digestive tract, despite this being the first point of contact. In vivo studies that described the health effects of berries on individual parts of the digestive tract (ie, the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, microbiome, and immune system) were reviewed. Immune effects were included because a large part of the immune system is located in the intestine. Beneficial health effects were mainly observed for whole berry extracts, not individual berry components. These effects ranged from support of the immune system and beneficial microbiota to reduction in the number and size of premalignant and malignant lesions. These results demonstrate the potency of berries and suggest berries can serve as a strong adjuvant to established treatments or therapies for a variety of gastrointestinal and immune-related illnesses.

Infrared-assisted extraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography to determine angoroside C, cinnamic acid, and harpagoside content in Scrophularia ningpoensis

Background

Angoroside C, cinnamic acid, and harpagoside are bioactive constituents in Scrophularia ningpoensis. Currently, an infrared-assisted extraction (IRAE) method coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) for the analysis of bioactive constituents in this plant is lacking.

Methods

A method based on HPLC following IRAE has been developed for quantifying angoroside C, cinnamic acid, and harpagoside in Scrophularia ningpoensis. Four main factors, namely, extraction solvent, solid/liquid ratio, illumination time, and distance between the infrared lamp and the round-bottom flask, were optimized for extraction. Furthermore, conventional ultrasonic extraction (USE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were also investigated to validate the developed method.

Results

The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: ethanol concentration, 37.5%; solid/liquid ratio, 1:25; illumination time, 10 min; and distance between infrared lamp and round-bottom flask, 3 cm. The results of method validation demonstrated that the developed method meets the requirement of analysis.

Conclusion

The results show that the IRAE-HPLC is a simple, accurate, and green analytical preparatory method for the potential extraction and quantification of angoroside C, cinnamic acid, and harpagoside in Scrophularia ningpoensis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-019-2552-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Morin-dependent inhibition of low molecular weight protein tyrosine phosphatase (LMW-PTP) restores sensitivity to apoptosis during colon carcinogenesis: Studies in vitro and in vivo, in an Apc-driven model of colon cancer

LMW-PTP has been associated with the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and with the resistance to chemotherapy in cancer cells. To clarify its role in vivo, we studied LMW-PTP expression in Pirc rats (F344/NTac-Apc ^am1137 ), genetically prone to CRC and resistant to apoptosis. In the morphologically normal mucosa (NM) of Pirc rats, a dramatic over-expression of LMW-PTP was found compared to wt rats (about 60 times higher). Moreover, LMW-PTP levels further increase in spontaneously developed Pirc colon tumors. To understand if and how LMW-PTP affects resistance to apoptosis, we studied CRC cell lines, sensitive (HT29 and HCT-116), or resistant (HT29R, HCT116R) to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU): resistant cells over-express LMW-PTP. When resistant cells were challenged with morin, a polyphenol inhibiting LMW-PTP, a fast and dose-related down-regulation of LMW-PTP was observed. 5-FU and morin co-treatment dramatically decreased cell viability, increased apoptosis, and significantly impaired self-renewal ability of all the cancer cell lines we have studied. Similarly, we observed that, in Pirc rats, one-week morin administration (50 mg/kg) down-regulated LMW-PTP and restored the apoptotic response to 5-FU in the NM. Finally, administration of morin for a longer period led to a significant reduction in colon precancerous lesions, together with a down-regulation of LMW-PTP. Taken together, these results document the involvement of LMW-PTP in the process of CRC in vitro and in vivo. Morin treatment may be envisaged as a system to increase the sensitivity to chemotherapy and to prevent carcinogenesis.

Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, and Biological Effects of European Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos)

Lesser known fruits or underutilized fruit species are recently of great research interest due to the presence of phytochemicals that manifest many biological effects. European cranberry, Vaccinium oxycoccos fruit, as an important representative of this group, is a valuable source of antioxidants and other biologically active substances, similar to American cranberry (V. macrocarpon) which is well known and studied. European cranberry fruit is rich especially in polyphenolic compounds anthocyanins (12.4⁻207.3 mg/100 g fw), proanthocyanins (1.5⁻5.3 mg/100 g fw), and flavonols, especially quercetin (0.52⁻15.4 mg/100 g fw), which mostly contribute to the antioxidant activity of the fruit. Small cranberry is also important due to its various biological effects such as urinary tract protection (proanthocyanidins), antibacterial and antifungal properties (quercetin, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins), cardioprotective (proanthocyanidins) and anticancer activities (proanthocyanidins), and utilization in food (juice drinks, jams, jellies, sauces, additive to meat products) and pharmacological industries, and in folk medicine.

Capillary electrophoresis, high-performance liquid chromatography, and thin-layer chromatography analyses of phenolic compounds from rapeseed plants and evaluation of their antioxidant activity

Rapeseed plants, known for oil production, are also known to contain phenolic compounds such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, with potential antioxidant and anticancer activities. The separation and identification of 11 phenolic acids in rapeseed extracts (including leaves, flowers, Chinese seeds, Belgian seeds, and cake) by capillary electrophoresis were investigated. The results were compared with those obtained with high-performance liquid chromatography and thin-layer chromatography and showed that the capillary electrophoresis technique offers several advantages for the identification of phenolic compounds in various rapeseed extracts. The antioxidant activity of rapeseed extracts and reference compounds was evaluated using four different approaches, namely, 2,2'-azinobis- (3-ethylbenzohiazoline-6-sulfonic acid assay, free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and the measurement of the total polyphenol content. The contents of total polyphenols in the tested extracts were ranging between 5.4 and 21.1% m/m and ranked as follows: Chinese seeds ˃ Belgian seeds ˃ Flowers ˃ Cake ˃ Leaves.

Comprehensive Characterization of Extractable and Nonextractable Phenolic Compounds by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight of a Grape/Pomegranate Pomace Dietary Supplement

Grape and pomegranate are rich sources of phenolic compounds, and their derived products could be used as ingredients for the development of functional foods and dietary supplements. However, the profile of nonextractable or macromolecular phenolic compounds in these samples has not been evaluated. Here, we show a comprehensive characterization of extractable and nonextractable phenolic compounds of a grape/pomegranate pomace dietary supplement using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight (HPLC-ESI-QTOF) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-TOF techniques. The main extractable phenolic compounds were several anthocyanins (principally malvidin 3-O-glucoside) as well as gallotannins and gallagyl derivatives; some phenolic compounds were reported in grape or pomegranate for the first time. Additionally, there was a high proportion of nonextractable phenolic compounds, including vanillic acid, and dihydroxybenzoic acid. Unidentified polymeric structures were detected by MALDI-TOF MS analysis. This study shows that mixed grape and pomegranate pomaces are a source of different classes of phenolic compounds including a high proportion of nonextractable phenolic compounds.

Statistical optimization of an RP-HPLC method for the determination of selected flavonoids in berry juices and evaluation of their antioxidant activities

An isocratic RP-HPLC method for the separation and identification of selected flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, kaempferol and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside) in commercial berry juices (blackcurrant, blueberry, red raspberry and cherry) was developed with the aid of central composite design and response surface methodology. The optimal separation conditions were a mobile phase of 85:15 (% v/v) water-acetonitrile, pH 2.8 (adjusted with formic acid), flow rate 0.5 mL min^-1 and column temperature 35°C. The obtained levels of bioflavonoids (mg per 100 mL of juice) were as follows: for quercetin, ca. 0.21-5.12; for kaempferol, ca. 0.05-1.2; for rutin, ca. 0.4-6.5; for luteolin-7-O-glucoside, ca. 5.6-10.2; and for kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, ca. 0.02-0.12. These are considerably lower than the values in fresh fruits. Total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents were determined spectrophotometrically. Total flavonoid content varied as follows: blackcurrant > blueberry > red raspberry > cherry. The antioxidant activity of juice extracts (DPPH and ABTS methods) expressed as IC₅₀ values varied from 8.56 to 14.05 mg L^-1 . These values are ~2.5-3 times lower than quercetin, ascorbic acid and Trolox®, but compared with rutin and butylhydroxytoluene, berries show similar or better antioxidant activity by both the DPPH and ABTS methods.

Effect of resveratrol on cognitive and memory performance and mood: A meta-analysis of 225 patients

Resveratrol is a natural dietary phenolic compound which is extensively present in many edible fruits, including grape, berries, pomegranates, and peanuts. Reseveratrol has a broad spectrum of biological activities including anti-aging, chemopreventive, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and thus it is effective in related diseases. Particularly, the positive effects of resveratrol in neuropsychological diseases have been proven in in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Some clinical trials have reported that resveratrol possesses preventive and therapeutic effects in cognitive disorders. Therefore, the current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of resveratrol on cognition and memory performance as well as mood state. Electronic databases including Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane library were searched with the keywords "Memory", "Cognitive", "Cognition" or "Mood" with "Resveratrol" until June 2017. Only clinical studies were included in this review. We have provided the most reliable evidence to date counting results obtained from 226 individuals from four randomized clinical trials evaluating the mentioned specific effects of resveratrol. The results of this meta-analysis showed that resveratrol has no significant effect on memory and cognitive performance assessed by auditory verbal learning tests. Two parameters of Profile of Mood States (POMS) including vigor and fatigue, decreased significantly by resveratrol. However, decrease in other parameters of POMS including tense/anxiety, depression, anger, and confusion by resveratrol was not significant. The key findings from this meta-analysis are that resveratrol has no significant impact on factors related to memory and cognitive performance, including learning ability, delayed recall, retention, and recognition with all effect sizes non-significant and effectively at zero. However, it has the potential to enhance mood. Further randomized, controlled trials are needed to achieve more conclusive results.

Development of new efficient method for isolation of phenolics from sea algae prior to their rapid resolution liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric determination

The extraction of phenolic compounds from 4 different sea algae samples, three brown algae (Cystoseira abies-marina, C. abies-marina grinded under cryogenic conditions with liquid nitrogen, Undaria pinnatifida and Sargassum muticum) and one red algae (Chondrus crispus) via solid phase extraction using micro-elution solid-phase extraction (μ-SPE) plate method was studied. Prior to μ-SPE, 50mg of algae with 80% methanol mixture was extracted in hyphenated series by various extraction techniques, such as pressurized liquid extraction and Ika Ultra-Turrax® Tube Drive, in combination with ultrasound assisted extraction. The μ-SPE plate technique reduced the time of sample pre-treatment thanks to higher sensitivity and pre-concentration effect. Selected groups of benzoic acid derivatives (p-hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, gallic, vanillic, and syringic acids), hydroxybenzaldehydes (4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde), and cinnamic acid derivatives (p-coumaric, caffeic, ferulic, sinapic, and chlorogenic acids) were determined using rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry detection with negative ion electrospray ionization (RRLC-ESI-MS) using multiple reactions monitoring. LOQs of measured samples varied in the range 0.23-1.68ng/mL and LODs in the range 0.07-0.52ng/mL. The applied method allowed a simultaneous determination of phenolics (i.e. free, esters soluble in methanol, glycosides, and esters insoluble in methanol) in less than 5min (including alkaline or acidic hydrolysis of raw extracts) from sea algae extracts.

Red Fruits: Extraction of Antioxidants, Phenolic Content, and Radical Scavenging Determination: A Review

Red fruits, as rich antioxidant foods, have gained over recent years capital importance for consumers and manufacturers. The industrial extraction of the phenolic molecules from this source has been taking place with the conventional solvent extraction method. New non-conventional extraction methods have been devised as environmentally friendly alternatives to the former method, such as ultrasound, microwave, and pressure assisted extractions. The aim of this review is to compile the results of recent studies using different extraction methodologies, identify the red fruits with higher antioxidant activity, and give a global overview of the research trends regarding this topic. As the amount of data available is overwhelming, only results referring to berries are included, leaving aside other plant parts such as roots, stems, or even buds and flowers. Several researchers have drawn attention to the efficacy of non-conventional extraction methods, accomplishing similar or even better results using these new techniques. Some pilot-scale trials have been performed, corroborating the applicability of green alternative methods to the industrial scale. Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) and bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) emerge as the berries with the highest antioxidant content and capacity. However, several new up and coming berries are gaining attention due to global availability and elevated anthocyanin content.

Potential immunomodulatory effects of non-dialyzable materials of cranberry extract in poultry production

Studies on effects of cranberry products in animals, especially in chickens, are very scarce or even lacking. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effect of high molecular weight non-dialyzable materials (NDMs) of cranberry extract. The in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were investigated. The ability of NDMs (0, 1, 2, or 4 mg/mL) to enhance phagocytic activities was also evaluated using chicken heterophils (CHEs) against Staphylococcus aureus Furthermore, a broiler model was used to determine the effect of NDMs on the humoral immune response. Seven-d-old chicks were vaccinated with the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) vaccine S-706, and treated orally with 0, 2, 4, or 8 mg/mL/bird NDMs for five consecutive days. Serum immunoglobulin level (Ig), and antibody concentration against IBDV, infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and avian reovirus (ARV) were measured weekly by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). NDMs showed >five-fold higher antioxidant activity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity = 222.7 mg trolox/g) than the commercial raw cranberry juice from which it derived (oxygen radical absorbance capacity = 39.6 mg trolox/g). Likewise, NDMs demonstrated anti-inflammatory activities comparable to Naproxen but better than those of Ibuprofen. The susceptibility of S. aureus to phagocytosis by CHEs increased significantly (P < 0.05) at 4 mg/mL NDMs in the medium. While no intracellular bacteria were counted in CHEs after phagocytosis in the presence of 2 and 4 mg/mL NDMs, 1 mg/mL NDMs demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) intracellular killing activity in CHEs against S. aureus compared to the untreated CHEs. Results from the in vivo studies indicated that birds receiving 2 and 4 mg/mL/bird NDMs had a higher serum IgM level (P < 0.05), and their antibody titers against IBDV tended to increase with NDMs administration (P = 0.06) on d 35. These results suggest that NDMs enhances bacterial susceptibility to immuno-defense mechanisms, and may be useful as immunomodulators against infections.

Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Chromatography of Lipids in Bilberry

A supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) method has been developed for the extraction of lipids in bilberry. Experimental design was used to optimize pressure, temperature and extraction time using CO₂ as solvent. Best SFE condition for total lipids was 450 bar, 60 °C and 45 min. The SFE method was compared to conventional Bligh & Dyer (B&D) extraction. The amount of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) was found to be 4.84 ± 0.06 mg and 4.564 ± 0.003 mg per g of the freeze-dried bilberry sample for the developed SFE and B&D methods, respectively, while the amount of total lipids was found to be 54.40 ± 6.06 mg and 65.70 ± 0.67 mg per g of sample for SFE and B&D, respectively. This discrepancy between FAME and total lipids could be explained by the presence of wax esters, sterol esters, carotenoids and phospholipids, as determined by supercritical fluid chromatography.