Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant, and Potential Anticancer Activity of the Polysaccharides of the Fungus Fomitiporia chilensis

Fomitiporia species have aroused the interest of numerous investigations that reveal their biological activity and medicinal potential. The present investigation shows the antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory activity of acidic polysaccharides obtained from the fungus Fomitiporia chilensis. The acidic polysaccharides were obtained for acidic precipitation with 2% O-N-cetylpyridinium bromide. Chemical analysis was performed using FT-IR and GC-MS methods. The antioxidant capacity of acidic polysaccharides from F. chilensis was evaluated by scavenging free radicals with an ABTS assay. Macrophage proliferation and cytokine production assays were used to determine the immunomodulatory capacity of the polysaccharides. Anti-tumor and cytotoxicity activity was evaluated with an MTT assay in the U-937, HTC-116, and HGF-1 cell lines. The effect of polysaccharides on the cell cycle of the HCT-116 cell line was determined for flow cytometry. Fourier Transform-infrared characterization revealed characteristic absorption peaks for polysaccharides, whereas the GC-MS analysis detected three peaks corresponding to D-galactose, galacturonic acid, and D-glucose. The secreted TNF-α concentration was increased when the cell was treated with 2 mg mL-1 polysaccharides, whereas the IL-6 concentration was increased with all of the evaluated polysaccharide concentrations. A cell cycle analysis of HTC-116 treated with polysaccharides evidenced that the acidic polysaccharides from F. chilensis induce an increase in the G0/G1 cell cycle phase, increasing the apoptotic cell percentage. Results from a proteomic analysis suggest that some of the molecular mechanisms involved in their antioxidant and cellular detoxifying effects and justify their traditional use in heart diseases. Proteomic data are available through ProteomeXchange under identifier PXD048361. The study on acidic polysaccharides from F. chilensis has unveiled their diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory effects. These findings underscore the promising therapeutic applications of acidic polysaccharides from F. chilensis, warranting further pharmaceutical and medicinal research exploration.

Comparative analysis of the nutritional and biological properties between the pileus and stipe of Morchella sextelata

Morchella sextelata is a highly prized edible mushroom and is widely consumed for its distinctive taste and texture. The stipe of M. sextelata is significantly lower in priced compared to the pileus. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of the nutritional and biological properties between the pileus and stipe of M. sextelata. The results revealed that the stipe exhibited comparable levels of various nutrients and bioactive compounds to those found in the pileus. The stipe showed significantly higher levels of crude dietary fiber, various mineral elements, vitamins, amino acids, 5'-nucleotides, fatty acids, and specific sugars. Additionally, it also demonstrated significant abundance in bioactive compounds such as total flavonoids and ergothioneine. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into unlocking further knowledge about M. sextelata's nutritional composition while highlighting its potential health benefits associated with different parts of this highly esteemed edible mushroom.

Potential Beneficial Effects and Pharmacological Properties of Ergosterol, a Common Bioactive Compound in Edible Mushrooms

Ergosterol is an important sterol commonly found in edible mushrooms, and it has important nutritional value and pharmacological activity. Ergosterol is a provitamin. It has been well established that edible mushrooms are an excellent food source of vitamin D2 because ergosterol is a precursor that is converted to vitamin D2 under ultraviolet radiation. The pharmacological effects of ergosterol, which include antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-neurodegenerative, and other activities, have also been reported. This review aims to provide an overview of the available evidence regarding the pharmacological effects of ergosterol and its underlying mechanisms of action. Their potential benefits and applications are also discussed.

Ergosterol fraction from Agaricus bisporus modulates adipogenesis and skeletal glucose uptake in high fat diet induced obese C57BL/6 mice

AIM

The study aimed to optimize a method of extracting ergosterol rich concentrate (ECF) and to evaluate its significant impact on adipogenesis and associated complications in high-fat diet (HFD) induced obese mice.

METHODS

A comparative analysis (soxhlet and ultra sound assisted extraction) was done to obtain the highest yield of ergosterol from Agaricus bisporus. The ECF was evaluated for the biological effect on 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes in-vitro and in male C57BL/6 mice model in-vivo.

KEY FINDINGS

Ultra sound assisted extraction method using the solvent n-hexane resulted in highest ergosterol yield. ECF treatment significantly reduced the differentiation and lipid accumulation in pre-adipocyte cells without any cytotoxicity. In-vivo study illustrated beneficial impact on cholesterol metabolism by down regulating the hepatic gene expression of LXR-α, HMG-CoR and up-regulating LDL-R expression. Significant increase in fecal excretion of cholesterol and bile acids have also been observed among the ECF treated animals compared to high fat diet (HFD) fed mice. ECF had an anti-adipogenic activity in-vivo mainly by inhibiting the activity of PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α and SREBP-1c. The results also depicted the improvement of obesity associated insulin resistance by ECF treatment manly via decrease in plasma resistin and up-regulation in skeletal GLUT4 protein expression.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our study illustrated diverse activity of ECF in the therapeutic management of obesity associated metabolic complications mainly by reducing adipogenesis and improving glucose uptake in skeletal muscle in conjunction with improved cholesterol metabolism.

Effects of fungal based bioactive compounds on human health: Review paper

Since the first years of history, microbial fermentation products such as bread, wine, yogurt and vinegar have always been noteworthy regarding their nutritional and health effects. Similarly, mushrooms have been a valuable food product in point of both nutrition and medicine due to their rich chemical components. Alternatively, filamentous fungi, which can be easier to produce, play an active role in the synthesis of some bioactive compounds, which are also important for health, as well as being rich in protein content. Therefore, this review presents some important bioactive compounds (bioactive peptides, chitin/chitosan, β-glucan, gamma-aminobutyric acid, L-carnitine, ergosterol and fructooligosaccharides) synthesized by fungal strains and their health benefits. In addition, potential probiotic- and prebiotic fungi were researched to determine their effects on gut microbiota. The current uses of fungal based bioactive compounds for cancer treatment were also discussed. The use of fungal strains in the food industry, especially to develop innovative food production, has been seen as promising microorganisms in obtaining healthy and nutritious food.

Extraction and utilization of active substances from edible fungi substrate and residue: A review

The expansion of the edible fungi industry has resulted in the production of large amounts of edible fungus residues, causing great pressure on environmental protection.Therefore, research on edible fungus residue utilization has become a controversial issue. Thus far, numerous efforts have been devoted to separate active substances from edible fungus substrates and residues for high application value utilization. Building upon this, the main methods for extracting active substances from edible mushroom residues are reviewed, and the mechanisms, influencing factors, and trade-offs of the various methods are analysed. Furthermore, the existing and possible directions of utilization of the extracted active substances are reviewed and discussed. Finally, challenges and prospects for the extraction and utilization of different substances in edible fungus residues are proposed. This review provides an effective strategy for protecting the ecological environment and promoting the sustainable development of human society.

Sterols Content of Fruiting Bodies of Medicinal Artist's Bracket Mushroom Ganoderma applanatum (Agaricomycetes) Collected in Armenia

The qualitative analysis of hexane extracts obtained from different trama layers (WT, T1-T4) of dried fruiting bodies of medicinal bracket fungus Ganoderma applanatum collected in the Tavoush region of North-East Armenia was performed by GC-MS analysis. Three sterols [(7.22-ergostadienon, ergosterol and ergosta-14.22-diene-3-ol (3β, 5α, 22E)] have been identified. The results have shown that the content and ratio of sterols differ in analyzed trama samples. The highest amount of sterols was detected in middle parts of T2 and T3 layers, while content of sterols gradually decreased to the upper cortical (T4) and lower hymenial (T1) layers. The chromatographic profiles of identified compounds indicate that different sterols dominated in each layer: 7.22-ergostadienon in T4, ergosterol in T3, T2, and T1. The average weight loss of analyzed trama samples during six days of drying was about 40 wt.% (37.0-43.49 wt.%) of the total weight of basidiome, which decreased up to 5 wt.% in the next two days. The complete extraction of sterols lasted six days. Its further prolongation leads to stationary phase without an increase in the amount of extracted sterols.

Effects of Exogenous Lanthanum Nitrate on the Active Substance Content and Antioxidant Activity of Caterpillar Medicinal Mushroom Cordyceps militaris (Ascomycetes)

Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal and edible mushroom. Researchers often add exogenous substances to the culture medium to increase the active substance content in C. militaris. However, the effect of earth elements on the active substance content in C. militaris and its antioxidant effects have not been reported. In this study, the active substance content in C. militaris treated with lanthanum nitrate was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and ultraviolet spectrophotometry, and the effect on the antioxidant capacity of C. militaris after lanthanum nitrate spraying was further explored. The results showed that, in the experimental concentration range, the two concentrations of 10 mg/L and 50 mg/L had a significant influence on the active substance content of C. militaris. When the concentration of lanthanum nitrate was 10 mg/L, the synthesis of pentostatin and cordycepin was promoted. When the concentration of lanthanum nitrate was 50 mg/L, it significantly promoted the synthesis of cordycepin, and the ferric-reducing power and DPPH· scavenging rate of C. militaris treated at this concentration were significantly higher than those of the control group. However, lanthanum nitrate had no significant effect on ergosterol synthesis (P > 0.05). Finally, considering that the residual amount of lanthanum in C. militaris and the residual amount of lanthanum in 50 mg/L lanthanum nitrate-treated C. militaris is within the allowable daily intake of 4.2 mg for humans, the optimal concentration of lanthanum nitrate-treated C. militaris is 50 mg/L.

Wheat Bread Supplemented with Agaricus bisporus Powder: Effect on Bioactive Substances Content and Technological Quality

Supplementation of food products with mushroom powder increases their health-promoting value, but at the same time affects technological quality, which often play a key role for consumers. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of adding freeze-dried white and brown button mushrooms (2.5% and 5%) to wheat bread on its health-promoting properties such as antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP), total polyphenols and vitamin D₂ content and as well as the technological quality as colour and texture. The breads were supplemented with mushroom lyophilisates, which were exposed to UVB radiation in order to increase their vitamin D₂ content. The content of total polyphenols and antioxidant properties were determined spectrophotometrically, and the content of vitamin D₂ by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole spectrometer (UHPLC/MS/MS analysis). Colour parameters were determined in the CIE-Lab system and texture profile analysis (TPA) and sensory evaluation of the baked products were performed. The addition of dried mushrooms significantly increased the content of bioactive compounds (total polyphenols, vitamin D₂) and the antioxidant properties of bread. A small addition of mushrooms caused a significant change in the basic technological quality of breads (colour parameters, specific volume, hardness, cohesiveness, springiness). At the same time, supplementation with mushroom lyophilisates has a positive effect on most analysed attributes in the nine-point hedonic scale. Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that mushroom lyophilisates can be a valuable raw material for the fortification of bread, which is a good matrix and carrier of substances with documented biological activities.

Valorization of mushroom by-products: a review

With the rapid growth of the global economy and the global population, the production of solid waste has increased remarkably. Mushrooms are gaining popularity among researchers for their ability to turn waste into nutrients. However, a large number of by-products are produced during the industrial processing of mushrooms. Traditional waste management, focusing on the utilization and disposal of mushroom by-products, has attracted the attention of researchers. Meanwhile, the circular economy has become a multidisciplinary research field, and the valorization of mushroom by-products is a very important part of circular economy research. Various mushroom by-products of mushroom are reviewed in this paper. By-products are used in food as raw materials or functional components, in livestock and poultry feed after grinding/fermentation, and as electrochemical materials and papermaking materials. The by-products can also be used to produce ethanol and other biological sources of energy, as absorbing substances in sewage treatment, and as fertilizer in soil amendment. Mushroom processing by-products can be applied in various fields. To improve production efficiency, new extraction technology (including supercritical fluid technology and microwave extraction technology) can be adopted to increase the bioactive substance content in the by-products. Choosing appropriate processing temperature, time, and other processing conditions can also enhance product quality. Finally, more research is needed on the cost-effective utilization of the by-products and the feasibility of industrialization. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Neuroprotective effects of ergosterol against TNF-α-induced HT-22 hippocampal cell injury

Neuroinflammation is a brain pathology that involves the expression of high levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). An excessive TNF-α expression could result in neuronal cell death and subsequently lead to neurodegeneration. Auricularia polytricha (AP; an edible mushroom) has been reported as a rich source of ergosterol with several medicinal benefits. The current study reports on the neuroprotective effects of AP extracts and ergosterol against the TNF-α-induced HT-22 hippocampal cell injury. The hexane extract of AP (APH) demonstrated a neuroprotective effect against the TNF-α-induced HT-22 cell toxicity, taking place through the activation of the antioxidant pathway. Ergosterol, a major component of APH, could attenuate the toxicity of TNF-α on HT-22 cells, by increasing the expression of a major antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase-1) and by facilitating the scavenging of reactive oxygen species through antioxidant signaling. Moreover, an antibody array was performed to screen the possible molecular targets of ergosterol in HT-22 cells exposed to TNF-α. Based on the antibody array, the phospho-Akt was activated in the presence of ergosterol, and this finding was also supported by Western blotting analysis. Furthermore, ergosterol inhibited the transcriptional expressions of the glutamate ionotropic receptor N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) type subunit 2B gene (Grin2b) through an early growth response-1 (EGR-1) overexpression in TNF-α-treated HT-22 cells. Our findings suggest that a novel therapeutic effect of AP and ergosterol against neuroinflammation, that it is mediated by an NMDA gene modulation occurring through the overexpression of the EGR-1 transcription factor.

Antioxidant properties of fortified yogurt with medicinal mushrooms from Phellinus species

In light of the powerful therapeutic features of Phellinus species and due to the absence of toxic compounds, our investigations were aimed at screening of the antioxidant profile of fortified yogurts with hot water extracts from Phellinus torulosus and Phellinus igniarius leveled to 10%, 5%, and 1% final fortification concentrations after acknowledging their superior bioactive content and radical scavenging capacities (59.77% and 56.73% of DPPH inhibition, respectively) versus cold water extracts (29.87% and 33.18% inhibition rates). Fortified samples signified dose-dependent increases in their inhibition rates during the storage period, with significant differences between 10% fortifications on the 7 day of storage in favor of the samples fortified with P. torulosus. Explicitly, P. torulosus showed 16% higher DPPH and 62.5% higher LPO neutralizing activity than yogurt enriched with P. igniarius. However, prolonged refrigeration tended to equalize antioxidant profiles in both fortified yogurts. Total titratable acidity and pH levels of the fortified yogurts as most important parameters for consumer acceptance were unaltered during storage. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: It is a common scientific perception that bioactive compounds present in wild medicinal fungi are the main contributors for their in vitro antioxidant efficiency. On account of these attributes, Phellinus species have been exploited in Far East Asia as safe remedies for many disorders thus making them attractive fortifying ingredients; however, according to our knowledge these mushrooms have never been used as natural additives in beverages. Given the current popularity of yogurt consumption as seen from the global market profits, as well as experimental evidences of enhanced potency of extract in comparison with powder due to maximal bioavailability of antioxidants, it is our belief that this study will increase the interest in the manufacture of functional foods with extracts from wild mushrooms.

Repurposing the natural compounds as potential therapeutic agents for COVID-19 based on the molecular docking study of the main protease and the receptor-binding domain of spike protein

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) enters the cell by interacting with the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor through the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of spike (S) protein. In the cell, the viral 3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease (3CLpro) enzyme is essential for its life cycle and controls coronavirus replication. Therefore, the S-RBD and 3CLpro are hot targets for drug discovery against SARS-CoV-2. This study was to identify repurposing drugs using in silico screening, docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. The study identified bentiamine, folic acid, benfotiamine, and vitamin B12 against the RBD of S protein and bentiamine, folic acid, fursultiamine, and riboflavin to 3CLpro. The strong and stable binding of these safe and cheap vitamins at the important residues (R403, K417, Y449, Y453, N501, and Y505) in the S-protein–ACE2 interface and 3CLpro binding site residues especially active site residues (His 41 and Cys 145), indicating that they could be valuable repurpose drugs for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host and replication.

Phenolic composition and cell-based biological activities of ten coloured potato peels (Solanum tuberosum L.)

The present study provides an in-depth characterisation of the non-anthocyanin and anthocyanin phenolic compounds of potato peels from ten coloured potato varieties. Furthermore, the underexplored bioactive potential (antioxidant, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory capacities) of the studied peels is comprehensively analysed. Among non-anthocyanin phenolics, caffeic and a caffeoylquinic acid were found in the highest concentrations in all samples, which also showed the presence of O-glycosylated flavonol derivatives and polyamine derivatives. Acylated anthocyanins were identified in red and purple varieties, being pelargonidin, peonidin, and malvidin the most prominent aglycones. All samples revealed antioxidant and antitumor activities, and no toxic effect. The extract of the Rosemary variety presented the best antioxidant and antitumor outcomes and was the only sample to reveal anti-inflammatory activity. These results are valuable for the food-industry by adding value to an important bio-residue, particularly concerning its potential as natural ingredients in novel food and pharmaceutical formulations.

Promising Preserving Agents from Sage and Basil: A Case Study with Yogurts

In the present work, sage (Salvia officinalis L.) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) were exploited for their preservative purposes, as viable alternatives to artificial ones. The ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds was pre-optimized using factorial screening analysis, prior to applying response surface methodology (RSM). The obtained extracts were characterized in terms of phenolic compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detector and mass spectrometer HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS and bioactivities, namely the antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential. In addition, the most promising extracts were incorporated into yogurts, that were further screened for nutritional and physico-chemical properties and microbial load, over a shelf life of 14 days. According to the obtained results, the solvent percentage is the most relevant factor for obtaining rosmarinic acid-rich extract, followed by the extraction time and ultrasonic power. For the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, sage showed the best result for both analysis and none of the two plant extracts were hepatotoxic. Finally, both extracts did not show changes in the physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of the yogurts and did not interfere with the growth of lactic acid bacteria, an important microorganism during yogurt fermentation. These results highlight the high potential of sage and basil as natural preservatives.

Bacterial Resistance: Antibiotics of Last Generation used in Clinical Practice and the Arise of Natural Products as New Therapeutic Alternatives

Bacterial resistance to therapeutical drugs has been a serious issue over the last decades. In fact, the quick development of resistance mechanisms by the microorganisms has been fatal for millions of people around the world, turning into a public health issue. The major cause of the resistance mechanisms is the overuse of antimicrobials. European countries try to implement mechanisms to overcome antimicrobial resistance in the community through the rational use of antimicrobials. The scientific community has been exhaustively dedicated to the discovering of new, safer and efficient drugs, being the exploitation of natural resources, mainly plants and fungi, considered as a hot topic in the field of antimicrobial agents. Innumerous reports have already shown the promising capacity of natural products or molecules extracted from these natural resources, to act as bacteriostatic and bactericidal agents. More importantly, these natural agents present significantly lower harmful effects. Bearing that in mind, this review aims at giving a contribution to the knowledge about the synthetic antibiotics of the last generation. Moreover, it is intended to provide information about the last advances regarding the discovery of new antimicrobial agents. Thus, a compilation of the chemical characteristics, efficiency, harmful outcomes and resistance mechanisms developed by the microorganisms can be consulted in the following sections together with a critical discussion, in line with the recent approaches. Furthermore, modern strategies for the prospection of novel anti-infective compounds for tackling resistant bacteria have been considered as also a current synopsis of plants and mushrooms with relevant antimicrobial potentials.

Anthocyanin-rich extracts from purple and red potatoes as natural colourants: Bioactive properties, application in a soft drink formulation and sensory analysis

Aqueous extracts from seven coloured potato varieties (three red-fleshed, three-purple fleshed, and one marble-fleshed) were studied for their anthocyanin content, in vitro biological activities, colouring properties and their potential application in the food industry. Acylated glycosides or pelargonidin and petunidin aglycones were identified as the main anthocyanin forms in the red and purple varieties, respectively. The total anthocyanin content among varieties ranged from 478.3 to 886.2 mg/100 g extract. All the extracts presented in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activities, whereas no toxic effects were detected. Finally, two selected extracts were tested as colourants in a soft drink formulation and presented suitable sensory profiles as well as high colour stability during a 30-day shelf-life when compared with the commercial colourant E163. Therefore, the tested extracts could be used as natural food colourants and considered for substituting the existing synthetic colouring agents.

M. B. Morais A, Freitas AC, C. F. R. Ferreira I, Pintado M. Valorization of Mushroom By-Products as a Source of Value-Added Compounds and Potential Applications

Nowadays, the food sector is highly concerned with environmental issues and foreseen to develop strategies to reduce waste and losses resulting from activities developed in the food system. An approach is to increment added value to the agro-industrial wastes, which might provide economic growth and environmental protection, contributing to a circular economy. Mushroom by-products represent a disposal problem, but they are also promising sources of important compounds, which may be used due to their functional and nutritional properties. Research has been developed in different fields to obtain value added solutions for the by-products generated during mushroom production and processing. Bioactive compounds have been obtained and applied in the development of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical formulations. Additionally, other applications have been explored and include animal feed, fertilizer, bioremediation, energy production, bio-based materials, cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. The main purpose of this review is to highlight the relevant composition of mushroom by-products and discuss their potential as a source of functional compounds and other applications. Future research needs to explore pilot and industrial scale extraction methods to understand the technological feasibility and the economic sustainability of the bioactive compounds extraction and valorization towards different applications.

Nutritional value, physicochemical characterization and bioactive properties of the Brazilian quinoa BRS Piabiru

Quinoa is a very interesting food due to its nutritional and chemical composition, as well as its bioactive properties, such as antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.

Optimization of ergosterol extraction from Pleurotus mushrooms using response surface methodology

In this study, heat-assisted extraction (HAE) was used to optimise the extraction of ergosterol from Pleurotus ostreatus (PO) and Pleurotus eryngii (PE) using response surface methodology (RSM).

By-Products of Camu-Camu [Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh] as Promising Sources of Bioactive High Added-Value Food Ingredients: Functionalization of Yogurts

Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh) is a fruit economically relevant to the Amazon region, mostly consumed in the form of processed pulp. Our aim was to perform an unprecedented comparative study on the chemical composition and bioactivities of the camu-camu pulp and industrial bio-residues (peel and seed), and then the most promising fruit part was further explored as a functionalized ingredient in yogurt. A total of twenty-three phenolic compounds were identified, with myricetin-O-pentoside and cyanindin-3-O-glucoside being the main compounds in peels, followed by p-coumaroyl hexoside in the pulp, and ellagic acid in the seeds. The peel displayed the richest phenolic profile among samples, as well as the most significant antibacterial (MICs = 0.625–10 mg/mL) and anti-proliferative (GI₅₀ = 180 µg/mL against HeLa cells) activities. For this reason, it was selected to be introduced in a food system (yogurt). Taken together, our results suggest the possibility of using the camu-camu peel as a source of food additives.

Nutritional, chemical and bioactive profiles of different parts of a Portuguese common fig (Ficus carica L.) variety

This study aims to give an unprecedented contribution on the chemical composition and bioactivities of the most produced and appreciated Portuguese fig variety ("Pingo de Mel") with the view of expanding the knowledge on its potentialities. An advanced characterization of its peel and pulp parts was carried out. Four free sugars (glucose, fructose, trehalose and sucrose), 5 organic acids (oxalic, quinic, malic, citric, and succinic acids), tocopherols in all their 4 forms, besides 23 fatty acids were detected in the samples. Fifteen different phenolic components were found in the peel hydroethanolic extract; whereas 12 were detected in the pulp hydroethanolic extract. Quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin) was the major constituent of the peel, accounting for 33.8% of its phenolic content, followed by 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid and vanillic acid malonyl di-deoxyhexoside. Caffeic acid derivatives, such as caffeic acid hexosides, were the major components of pulp, followed by vanillic acid derivatives and O-caffeoylquinic acid. Both extracts displayed promising antioxidant capacities in all methods used, namely the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging, the reducing power, the inhibition of β-carotene bleaching assays, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay and the oxidative haemolysis inhibition assay; however, the peel presented significantly lower IC₅₀ values than pulp. The extracts showed practically identical antibacterial capacities, being effective against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MICs = 2.5 mg/mL), besides methicillin-resistant S. aureus, Escherichia coli and Morganella morganii (MICs = 5 mg/mL). The obtained results evidence that the fig peel is superior to the corresponding pulp as it relates to nutritional and phenolic profiles as well as bioactivities, endorsing the urgency in valorising and exploiting this usually discarded industrial by-product.

Agaricus blazei Murrill from Brazil: an ingredient for nutraceutical and cosmeceutical applications

Operations for sorting mushrooms at the industrial level usually generate large amounts of bio-residues not conforming to strict morphological criteria for commercial purposes, even though their biological content is not compromised. In this context, the present work aimed at evaluating the potential for reutilizing industrially discarded Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM). Thus, the content of essential nutrients and the chemical composition were determined, and MTT and LDH assays were used to evaluate the viability and cell death of Caco-2 and HT29 cell lines of an ethanolic extract prepared from ABM (preliminary safety tests for nutraceutical applications). The extract was incorporated into a semi-solid base cosmetic cream and cell viability effects of the extract, and of the final cream formulation, on a keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) were studied (preliminary safety tests for cosmeceutical applications). Essential nutrients, such as proteins and carbohydrates, and a low fat content were determined for ABM. Twenty-two fatty acids were detected, with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (∼53%) being the most abundant fraction. The cell viabilities of Caco-2 and HT29 cells were maintained up to 100 μg mL-1. After incorporation into the base cream, a formulation with a pale yellow colour and favourable pH was obtained. The cell viability of HaCaT cells in the presence of the extract and the final cream formulation was maintained in a concentration dependent manner, which indicates the safety of this extract for cosmeceutical applications. The results suggest that ABM residues can be used as an inexpensive and sustainable source of nutraceutical and cosmeceutical ingredients.

Effects of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation on a rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L) extract rich in rosmarinic acid

The potential phytochemical losses occurring throughout the sequential steps of in-vitro gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation of a rosemary aqueous extract were investigated. Crude (CE), digested (DE) and fermented (FE) extracts were characterized in terms of their phenolic profile and biological activities. Rosmarinic acid was the phytochemical that underwent the most significate transformation during digestion and fermentation, which amounted to 60% compared to the 26% degradation of the total phenolics. Overall, the simulated digestion step decreased the antioxidant activity estimated by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, ORAC and TBARS assays. Both CE and DE did not present antiproliferative potential, however, FE exhibited a pronounced cytotoxic activity (GI50 = 116 µg/mL) against HeLa cells. CE and DE showed to be moderate inhibitors of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), S. aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, whilst the FE acted as a moderate inhibitor of MRSA and MSSA.