Recent advances on bioactive polysaccharides from mulberry

Enzymatic treatment shapes in vitro digestion pattern of phenolic compounds in mulberry juice

The health benefits of mulberry fruit are closely associated with its phenolic compounds. However, the effects of enzymatic treatments on the digestion patterns of these compounds in mulberry juice remain largely unknown. This study investigated the impact of pectinase (PE), pectin lyase (PL), and cellulase (CE) on the release of phenolic compounds in whole mulberry juice. The digestion patterns were further evaluated using an in vitro simulated digestion model. The results revealed that PE significantly increased chlorogenic acid content by 77.8 %, PL enhanced cyanidin-3-O-glucoside by 20.5 %, and CE boosted quercetin by 44.5 %. Following in vitro digestion, the phenolic compound levels decreased differently depending on the treatment, while cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside content increased across all groups. In conclusion, the selected enzymes effectively promoted the release of phenolic compounds in mulberry juice. However, during gastrointestinal digestion, the degradation of phenolic compounds surpassed their enhanced release, with effects varying based on the compound's structure.

Effect of Ganoderma lucidum water extract on flavor volatiles and quality characteristics of set-type yogurt

This study investigated the effects of several concentrations of Ganoderma lucidum water extract (GLWE) (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 %) on set-type yogurt's flavor volatiles as well as the physicochemical, textural, and antioxidant activities of the yogurt during storage. The HS-SPME-GC-MS investigation found that adding GLWE increased the amount of flavor volatiles in yogurt, which improved the quality of flavor volatiles produced by the yogurt. The yogurt's water holding capacity, syneresis, color, and texture all showed optimum values at a 0.5 % GLWE concentration, and its total number of flavor volatiles reached 43. To sum up, the incorporation of GLWE at a 0.5 % concentration promotes the development of superior flavor volatiles in yogurt and enhances its qualitative attributes in contrast to the control group.

A salt/salt aqueous two-phase system based on pH-switchable deep eutectic solvent for the extraction and separation of mulberry polysaccharides

With the aim of expanding the potential application scope of mulberries, eleven pH-switchable deep eutectic solvents were screened for the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of mulberry polysaccharides, and a salt/salt aqueous two-phase system was constructed for the efficient separation of mulberry polysaccharides by regulating the system pH. DES-9 (tetraethylammonium chloride: octanoic acid molar ratio = 1: 2) with a critical response pH value of approximately 6.1 was concluded to be the best extraction solvent for extracting mulberry polysaccharides. A maximum polysaccharide extraction yield of 270.71 mg/g was obtained under the optimal conditions. The maximum polysaccharide extraction efficiency was 78.09 % for the pH-driven tetraethylammonium chloride/K2HPO4 aqueous two-phase system. An acidic β-pyran mulberry polysaccharide with a low-molecular weight of 9.26 kDa and a confirmed monosaccharide composition were obtained. This efficient and environmentally friendly polysaccharide separation method offers a new approach for the efficient extraction and utilization of other plant polysaccharides.

Isolation and purification of carbohydrate components in functional food: a review

Medicinal plants, increasingly utilized in functional foods, possess potent therapeutic properties and health-promoting functions, with carbohydrates playing a crucial role and exhibiting a range of effects, such as antioxidant, antitumor, immune-enhancing, antibacterial, anticoagulant, and hypoglycemic activities. However, comprehensively, accurately, rapidly, and economically assessing the quality of carbohydrate components is challenging due to their diverse and complex nature. Additionally, the purification and identification of carbohydrates also guarantee related efficacy research. This paper offers a thorough review of research progress carried out by both domestic and international scholars in the last decade on extracting, purifying, separating, identifying, and determining the content of carbohydrate components from functional foods, which are mainly composed of medicinal plants, and also explores the potential for achieving comprehensive quantitative analysis and evaluating structure-activity relationships of carbohydrate components. These findings aim to serve as a valuable reference for the future development and application of natural carbohydrate components in functional food and medicine.

Anticancer Potential of Flavonoids: Their Role in Cancer Prevention and Health Benefits

The term "flavonoid" encompasses a group of plant compounds, predominantly flavonoids, present in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods. These compounds deliver significant health benefits, including potent antioxidant properties that protect cells from free radicals, thereby mitigating aging and disease. We assessed study quality and bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Inclusion criteria specified that the studies must examine a natural flavonoid from fruits, must involve animal or human trials, must be original studies, and must be English articles on the flavonoid's health and cancer-prevention effects, excluding conference abstracts and single-case studies. We conducted a comprehensive search of major databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar, reviewing six clinical trials with total sample sizes of over 50 to 1500 participants. The results indicate that consuming flavonoid-rich fruits can aid in cancer prevention by targeting angiogenic and cancer-protective pathways. We specifically selected tomatoes, mulberries, Amazon grapes, apples, and citrus fruits due to their well-documented high levels of flavonoids and the robust clinical evidence supporting their physiological effects. In particular, citrus fruits contain additional beneficial phytochemicals that complement the action of flavonoids, enhancing their overall health effects. The anti-cancer mechanisms of flavonoids are not well-defined in the scientific literature, suggesting a gap that this study aims to address. Our study provides novel contributions by demonstrating how flavonoid supplementation induces anti-cancer effects through angiogenesis, anti-inflammatory actions, antioxidant-induced apoptosis, and modulation of pathways like PI3K/Akt and MAPK. These effects were particularly notable in the prevention and progression of breast, colon, liver, and lung cancers, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). By elucidating specific mechanisms and pathways, this study contributes to the understanding of flavonoids' role in cancer prevention and underscores the potential for developing natural anti-cancer therapeutics through the inclusion of flavonoid-rich fruits in the diet. Future research should focus on randomized controlled trials assessing long-term effects of flavonoid supplementation in diverse populations, exploring optimal dosages, and understanding interactions with conventional cancer therapies to provide comprehensive evidence for clinical applications.

Prospects of yam (Dioscorea) polysaccharides: Structural features, bioactivities and applications

Yam (Dioscorea) is a tuber crop cultivated for food security, revenue, and medicinal purposes. It has been used to treat diabetes, asthma, diarrhea, and other diseases. The main active ingredients in yam, polysaccharides, are regarded to be the important reason for its widespread applications. Now, a comprehensive review of research developments of yam polysaccharides (YPs) was presented to explore their prospects. We outlined the structural characteristics, biological activities, structure-activity relationships, and potential applications. Around 13 neutral components and 17 acidic components were separated. They exhibited various bioactivities, including immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, gastrointestinal protective, anti-fatigue, and senile disease treatment activities, as well as prebiotic effect. Structure-activity relationships illustrated that unique structural properties, chemical modifications, and carried biopolymers could influence the bioactivities of YPs. The potential applications in medicine, food, and other fields have also been summarized.

Isolation, structural, biological activity and application of Gleditsia species seeds galactomannans

Gleditsia fruits have been known as a valuable traditional Chinese herb for tens of centuries. Previous studies showed that the galactomannans are considered as one of the major bioactive components in Gleditsia fruits seeds (GSGs). Here, we systematically review the major studies of GSGs in recent years to promote their better understanding. The extraction methods of GSGs mainly include hot water extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasonic extraction, acid extraction, and alkali extraction. The analysis revealed that GGSs exhibited in the form of semi-flexible coils, and its molecular weight ranged from 0.018 × 103 to 2.778 × 103 KDa. GSGs are composed of various monosaccharide constituents such as mannose, galactose, glucose, and arabinose. In terms of pharmacological effects, GSGs exhibit excellent activity in antioxidation, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammation. Moreover, GSGs have excellent bioavailability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, which make them used in food additives, food packaging, pharmaceutical field, industry and agriculture. Of cause, the shortcomings of the current research and the potential development and future research are also highlighted. We believe our work provides comprehensive knowledge and underpinnings for further research and development of GSGs.

Mulberry leaf and its effects against obesity: A systematic review of phytochemistry, molecular mechanisms and applications

BACKGROUND

Obesity and hyperlipidemia can induce a variety of diseases, and have become major health problems worldwide. How to effectively prevent and control obesity has become one of the hot-spots of contemporary research. Mulberry leaf is the dried leaf of Morus alba L., which is approved by the Ministry of Health as a "homology of medicine and food", rich in diverse active constituents and with a variety of health effects including anti-obesity and anti-hyperlipidemia activities.

PURPOSE

The review attempts to summarize and provide the molecular basis, mechanism, safety and products for further exploration and application of mulberry leaf on the treatment on the control of weight gain and obesity.

METHODS

This review is conducted by using ScienceDirect, PubMed, CNKI and Web of Science databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).

RESULTS

Based on the research progress of domestic and foreign scholars, the effective phytochemicals, molecular mechanisms and product applications of mulberry leaf in the prevention and treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases were summarized.

CONCLUSION

Mulberry leaf has excellent medicinal and health care value in obesity treatment. However, its pharmacodynamic substance basis and molecular mechanisms need to be further studied.

Potential Role and Mechanism of Mulberry Extract in Immune Modulation: Focus on Chemical Compositions, Mechanistic Insights, and Extraction Techniques

Mulberry is a rapidly growing plant that thrives in diverse climatic, topographical, and soil types, spanning temperature and temperate countries. Mulberry plants are valued as functional foods for their abundant chemical composition, serving as a significant reservoir of bioactive compounds like proteins, polysaccharides, phenolics, and flavonoids. Moreover, these compounds displayed potent antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals, inhibiting reactive oxygen species generation, and restoring elevated nitric oxide production induced by LPS stimulation through the downregulation of inducible NO synthase expression. Active components like oxyresveratrol found in Morus demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting leukocyte migration through the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Gallic and chlorogenic acids in mulberry leaves (ML) powder-modulated TNF, IL-6, and IRS1 proteins, improving various inflammatory conditions by immune system modulation. As we delve deeper into understanding its anti-inflammatory potential and how it works therapeutically, it is crucial to refine the extraction process to enhance the effectiveness of its bioactive elements. Recent advancements in extraction techniques, such as solid-liquid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, superficial fluid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction, are being explored. Among the extraction methods tested, including Soxhlet extraction, maceration, and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), UAE demonstrated superior efficiency in extracting bioactive compounds from mulberry leaves. Overall, this comprehensive review sheds light on the potential of mulberry as a natural immunomodulatory agent and provides insights into its mechanisms of action for future research and therapeutic applications.

Comprehensive overview of different medicinal parts from Morus alba L.: chemical compositions and pharmacological activities

Morus alba L., a common traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with a centuries-old medicinal history, owned various medicinal parts like Mori folium, Mori ramulus, Mori cortex and Mori fructus. Different medical parts exhibit distinct modern pharmacological effects. Mori folium exhibited analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic action and lipid-regulation effects. Mori ramulus owned anti-bacterial, anti-asthmatic and diuretic activities. Mori cortex showed counteraction action of pain, inflammatory, bacterial, and platelet aggregation. Mori fructus could decompose fat, lower blood lipids and prevent vascular sclerosis. The main chemical components in Morus alba L. covered flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and amino acids. This article comprehensively analyzed the recent literature related to chemical components and pharmacological actions of M. alba L., summarizing 198 of ingredients and described the modern activities of different extracts and the bioactive constituents in the four parts from M. alba L. These results fully demonstrated the medicinal value of M. alba L., provided valuable references for further comprehensive development, and layed the foundation for the utilization of M. alba L.

Structural analysis of polysaccharide from Inonotus obliquus and investigate combined impact on the sex hormones, intestinal microbiota and metabolism in SPF male mice

The dysregulation of sex hormone levels is associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity. Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide (IOP) exhibits a promising therapeutic effect on conditions like obesity and diabetes, potentially linked to its influence on intestinal microbiota and metabolism. The exact cause and mechanisms that link sex hormones, gut microbiota and metabolism are still unknown. In this research, we examined the molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and glycosidic bond type of IOP. We found that IOP mostly consists of alpha-structured 6‑carbon glucopyranose, with a predominant (1 → 4) linkage to monosaccharides and a uniform distribution. Following this, we administered two different concentrations of IOP to mice through gavage. The results of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) demonstrated a significant increase in testosterone (T) levels in the IOP group as compared to the control group. Additionally, the results of tissue immunofluorescence indicated that increased IOP led to a decrease in adiponectin content and an increase in SET protein expression. The study also revealed changes in the intestinal microbiota and metabolic changes in mice through 16S rRNA data and non-targeted LC-MS data, respectively. The study also found that IOP mainly affects pathways linked to glycerophospholipid metabolism. In addition, it has been observed that there is an increase in the number of beneficial bacteria, such as the Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group and g.Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, while the levels of metabolites that are linked to obesity or diabetes, such as 1,5-anhydrosorbitol, are reduced. Furthermore, biomarker screening has revealed that the main microorganism responsible for the differences between the three groups is g.Erysipelatoclostridiaceae. In summary, these findings suggest that IOP exerts its therapeutic effects through a synergistic interplay between sex hormones, gut microbiome composition, and metabolic processes.

Extraction, structural characterization and biological activities of polysaccharides from mulberry leaves: A review

In recent years, plant polysaccharides have garnered attention for their impressive biological activity. Mulberry leaves have a long history of medicinal and edible use in China, polysaccharide is one of the main active components of mulberry leaves, mainly consist of xylose, arabinose, fructose, galactose, glucose and mannose, etc. The extraction methods of mulberry leaves polysaccharides (MLPs) mainly include hot water extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasonic extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, and co-extraction. The separation and purification of MLPs involve core steps such as decolorization, protein removal, and chromatographic separation. In terms of pharmacological effects, MLPs exhibit excellent activity in reducing blood glucose, anti-oxidation, immune regulation, anti-tumor, antibacterial, anti-coagulation, and regulation of gut microbiota. Currently, there is a considerable amount of research on MLPs, however, there is a lack of systematic summarization. This review summarizes the research progress on the extraction, structural characterization, and pharmacological activities of MLPs, and points out existing shortcomings and suggests reference solutions, aiming to provide a basis for further research and development of MLPs.

A Polysaccharide from Ficus carica L. Exerts Immunomodulatory Activity in Both In Vitro and In Vivo Experimental Models

Polysaccharides from Ficus carica L. (FCP) exert multiple biological activities. As a biological macromolecule, the available knowledge about the specific structures and mechanisms of the biological activity of purified 'Brunswick' fig polysaccharides is currently limited. In the present study, chemical purification and characteristics were identified via chemical and instrumental analysis, and then the impact of FCP on immunomodulation activity in vitro and in vivo was examined. Structural characteristics showed that the molecular weight of the FCP sample was determined to be 127.5 kDa; the primary monosaccharides present in the FCP sample were galacturonic acid (GalA), arabinose (Ara), galactose (Gal), rhamnose (Rha), glucose (Glc), and xylose (Xyl) at a ratio of 0.321:0.287:0.269:0.091:0.013:0.011. Based on the investigation of in vitro immunomodulatory activity, FCP was found to stimulate the production of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6, and increased the pinocytic activity of macrophages. Further analysis revealed that FCP activated macrophages by interacting with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Moreover, the in vivo test results indicate that FCP showed a significant increase in serum pro-inflammatory factors in immunosuppressed mice. Overall, this study suggests that FCP has the potential to be utilized as a novel immunomodulator in the pharmaceutical and functional food industries.

Identification of Gonatophragmium mori Causing Mulberry Zonate Leaf Spot Disease and Characterization of Their Biological Enemies in Guangxi, China

Mulberry zonate leaf spot disease (MZLSD) is an important fungal disease of mulberry trees, which seriously affects the productivity and quality of mulberry leaves. MZLSD has been widely reported in sericultural production areas in Guangxi, China, in recent years. In this study, the causal agent of MZLSD was isolated from symptomatic samples and identified as Gonatophragmium mori (Acrospermaceae) based on morphological characterization and molecular analyses using nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA). Pathogenicity tests confirmed that G. mori is the pathogen responsible for MZLSD. Furthermore, we isolated antagonistic endophytic bacteria (AEB) from healthy mulberry leaves. Plate confrontation experiments showed that the lipopeptide crude extracts (LPCE) of three endophytic bacteria can inhibit the growth of G. mori, and the diameter of the antibacterial circle reaches more than 60 mm when their concentration of LPCE is 200 mg/ml. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed that LPCE caused drastic changes in mycelial morphology. Fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that the LPCE-induced apoptosis-like cell death in G. mori hyphae. Finally, based on morphological and molecular features, we identified the three isolates as Bacillus subtilis DS07, B. subtilis DS32, and B. velezensis Q6, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first time to identify G. mori by combining characterization and molecular analyses, and we provide timely information about the use of biocontrol agents for suppression of G. mori.

Research progress in extraction, purification, structure of fruit and vegetable polysaccharides and their interaction with anthocyanins/starch

Fruits and vegetables contain polysaccharides, polyphenols, antioxidant enzymes, and various vitamins, etc. Fruits and vegetables polysaccharides (FVPs), as an important functional factor in health food, have various biological activities such as lowering blood sugar, blood lipids, blood pressure, inhibiting tumors, and delaying aging, etc. In addition, FVPs exhibit good physicochemical properties including low toxicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility. Increasing research has confirmed that FVPs could enhance the stability and biological activities of anthocyanins, affecting their bioavailability to improve food quality. Simultaneously, the addition of FVPs in natural starch suspension could improve the physicochemical properties of natural starch such as viscosity, gelling property, water binding capacity, and lotion stability. Hence, FVPs are widely used in the modification of natural anthocyanins/starch. A systematic review of the latest research progress and future development prospects of FVPs is very necessary to better understand them. This paper systematically reviews the latest progress in the extraction, purification, structure, and analysis techniques of FVPs. Moreover, the review also introduces the potential mechanisms, evaluation methods, and applications of the interaction between polysaccharides and anthocyanins/starch. The findings can provide important references for the further in-depth development and utilization of FVPs.

Effect of Galactooligosaccharide on PPARs/PI3K/Akt Pathway and Gut Microbiota in High-Fat and High-Sugar Diet Combined with STZ-Induced GDM Rat Model

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disorder, characterized by underlying glucose intolerance, diabetes onset or first diagnosis during pregnancy. Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) is essential for consumer protection as food supplementation. However, there is limited understanding of the effects of GOS on GDM. We successfully established a GDM rat model to explore GOS whether participated in PPARs/PI3K/Akt pathway and gut microbiota metabolites to treat for GDM. In this study, compared with the GDM group, GOS administration lowered the levels of TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C in rat serum, as well as improved the pathological changes pancreatic, liver, and kidney tissues. Compared with the GDM group, the protein expressions of PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARβ/δ markedly enhanced in GOS-treated groups (P < 0.01). Moreover, GOS administration upregulated the protein expressions of PPARα, PPARβ, PPARγ, PI3K, Akt, GLUT4, Bax, and Bcl2. GOS administration altered gut microbiota metabolites, including both SCFAs and BAs. Correlation analysis revealed close relationships between gut microbiota and experimental indicators. This study indicated that GOS effectively improved GDM in rats through the modulation of PPARs/PI3K/Akt pathway and gut microbiota. Thus, the GOS could be recommended as a candidate for novel therapy of GDM.

Fructus mori polysaccharide alleviates diabetic symptoms by regulating intestinal microbiota and intestinal barrier against TLR4/NF-κB pathway

Fructus mori polysaccharide (FMP) has a variety of biological activities. In this study, the results showed that FMP alleviated hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, endotoxemia, and high metabolic inflammation levels in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) mice. Next, it was found that the above beneficial effects of FMP on diabetic mice were significantly attenuated after antibiotics eliminated intestinal microbiota (IM) of mice. In addition, FMP suppressed intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress levels by inhibiting the activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, and indirectly upregulated the expression of the tight junction proteins Claudin-1, Occludin, and Zonula occlusionn-1 (ZO-1) to repair the intestinal barrier. Interestingly, the protective effect of FMP on the intestinal barrier was also attributed to its regulation of IM. The 16S rRNA and Spearman correlation analysis showed that FMP could repair the intestinal barrier to improve T2DM by remodeling specific IM, especially by significantly inhibiting 93.66 % of endotoxin-producing Shigella and promoting the proliferation of probiotic Allobaculum and Bifidobacterium by 16.31 % and 19.07 %, respectively. This study provided a theoretical support for the application of FMP as a novel probiotic in functional foods for diabetes.

Alleviative effects of natural plant polysaccharides against DSS-induced ulcerative colitis via inhibiting inflammation and modulating gut microbiota

Ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment usually involves either drug therapy or surgery. Natural food polysaccharides have showed great potential for preventing UC. In this study, the therapeutic effects of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja polysaccharide (CP) and Chinese yam polysaccharide (CYP) on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mice UC model and their underlying mechanisms were explored. The results suggested that CP and CYP could improve colitis symptoms in DSS-induced mice, enhance the production of IL-10, inhibit cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and reduce MPO activity. Furthermore, they maintained the integrity of intestine by improving the expression of mucin MUC-2, ZO-1 and occludin, which in turn reduced the contents of lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and endotoxin (ET) in serum and oxidative stress in liver. Finally, they modulated the composition and metabolism of gut microbiota. Notably, Alistipes and Bacteroides were the specific genera in CP and CYP groups, respectively. These findings indicated that polysaccharides might alleviate the development of colitis and inform other relevant studies.

Positive effects of Mulberry leaf extract on egg quality, lipid metabolism, serum biochemistry, and antioxidant indices of laying hens

Plant extracts are becoming a hot topic of research by animal husbandry practitioners following the implementation of a global policy to restrict antibiotic use in animal production. Mulberry leaf extract has received considerable attention as a new plant extract. Mulberry leaf polysaccharides and flavonoids are its main constituents, and these substances possess immunoregulatory, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and anticoagulant properties. It is however less common to use them in poultry production. Therefore, we investigated the effects of adding MLE to the diet of laying hens on egg quality, lipid metabolism, serum biochemistry, and antioxidant indices in this study. A total of 288 Lohmann Silber layers, aged 38 weeks, were randomly assigned to four groups (six replicates of 12 hens each). Hens were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control diet), 0.4, 0.8, or 1.2% MLE for 56 d. Results showed that the addition of 0.4–1.2% MLE to the diet improved aspartate transaminase (AST) activity in the serum of laying hens, reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) content in the serum, and significantly decreased yolk triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) contents (P < 0.05). No adverse effects were observed on production performance (P > 0.10). MLE (0.4 and 1.2%) significantly reduced the TG and TC levels in the liver (P < 0.05). MLE (0.8 and 1.2%) significantly increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in the serum, decreased alanine transaminase (ALT) activity, TG and TC content in the serum, and improved egg yolk color (P < 0.05). MLE (1.2%) significantly increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the serum and enhanced eggshell strength (P < 0.05). The liver-related lipid metabolism gene assay revealed that the relative mRNA expression of PPARα and SIRT1 in the liver was significantly upregulated and that of FASN and PPARγ was significantly decreased after the addition of MLE. In contrast, the relative mRNA expression of SREBP-1c in the liver dramatically decreased after the addition of 0.8 and 1.2% MLE (P < 0.05). The addition of MLE to the diet improved egg quality and the economic value of hens by increasing antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism. The most appropriate amount of MLE to be added to the diet of laying hens was 0.8%. Our study provides a theoretical reference for the application of MLE in egg production and to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the livestock and poultry industry under the background of antibiotic prohibition.

Structural Elucidation, Modification, and Structure-Activity Relationship of Polysaccharides in Chinese Herbs: A Review

Chinese herbal polysaccharides (CHPs) are natural polymers composed of monosaccharides, which are widely found in Chinese herbs and work as one of the important active ingredients. Its biological activity is attributed to its complex chemical structure with diverse spatial conformations. However, the structural elucidation is the foundation but a bottleneck problem because the majority of CHPs are heteropolysaccharides with more complex structures. Similarly, the studies on the relationship between structure and function of CHPs are even more scarce. Therefore, this review summarizes the structure-activity relationship of CHPs. Meanwhile, we reviewed the structural elucidation strategies and some new progress especially in the advanced structural analysis methods. The characteristics and applicable scopes of various methods are compared to provide reference for selecting the most efficient method and developing new hyphenated techniques. Additionally, the principle structural modification methods of CHPs and their effects on activity are summarized. The shortcomings, potential breakthroughs, and developing directions of the study of CHPs are discussed. We hope to provide a reference for further research and promote the application of CHPs.

Structural Characterization and In Vitro Fermentation Characteristics of Enzymatically Extracted Black Mulberry Polysaccharides

In this study, we systematically investigated the structural characterization and in vitro fermentation patterns of crude black mulberry fruit polysaccharides (BMPs), either extracted by water (BMP) or by enzymatic treatment. Different enzymatic treatments were pectinase-extracted (PE)-BMP, pectin lyase-extracted (PL)-BMP, cellulase-extracted (CE)-BMP, and compound enzymes-extracted (M)-BMP (pectinase:pectin lyase:cellulase = 1:1:1). Our results show that enzymatic treatment improved the polysaccharide yield and led to a different chemical composition and structure for the polysaccharides. Change dynamics during the in vitro fermentation indicated that BMPs could indeed be degraded and consumed by human fecal microbiota and that different BMPs showed different degrees of fermentability. In addition, BMPs stimulated the growth of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, inhibited the growth of Fusobacteria and Proteobacteria (except for CE-BMP), and induced the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Furthermore, we found that BMP and PL-BMP exhibited better fermentability and prebiotic potential than the other polysaccharides.

Isolation, Structural Properties, and Bioactivities of Polysaccharides from Mushrooms Termitomyces: A Review

Termitomyces are well-known wild edible and medicinal basidiomycete mushrooms. The frequent consumption of Termitomyces stimulated studies on their health-promoting properties. Numerous health benefits of Termitomyces are associated with the main categories of components in Termitomyces, polysaccharides. Although the homopolysaccharides β-glucans are believed to be the major bioactive polysaccharides of Termitomyces, other heteropolysaccharides also possess biological activities. In this review, the extraction methods, chemical structures, and biological activities of polysaccharides from Termitomyces were thoroughly reviewed. The polysaccharides from different species of Termitomyces differ in molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and linkages of constituent sugars. The health-promoting effects, including antioxidation, ulcer-healing and analgesic properties, immunomodulation, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects, and antidiabetic properties of Termitomyces polysaccharides were summarized and discussed. Further studies were needed for a better understanding of the relationship between the fine chemical structure and health-promoting properties. This review provides a theoretical overview for future studies and utilization of Termitomyces polysaccharides.

Hepatoprotective effect of different mulberry leaf extracts against acute liver injury in rats by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammatory response

This study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of various mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf extracts (MLEs), including mulberry ethanol extract (MEE), aqueous extract (MAE) and combination extract (MCE) against D-galactosamine (D-GalN)...

Mulberry Leaf Polyphenol Extract and Rutin Induces Autophagy Regulated by p53 in Human Hepatoma HepG2 Cells

The edible leaves of the mulberry (Morus alba L.) plant are used worldwide. They contain abundant polyphenolic compounds with strong anticancer properties. We previously revealed that apoptosis was mediated in p53-negative Hep3B cells, and mulberry leaf polyphenol extract (MLPE) induced autophagy in p53-transfected Hep3B cells. However, how this autophagy is induced by p53 in human hepatoma HepG2 (p53 wild type) cells remains unclear. In the current study, MLPE induced autophagy, as demonstrated by enhanced acidic vesicular organelle staining, by upregulating beclin-1, increasing LC3-II conversion, and phosphorylating AMPK. In HepG2 cells, these processes were associated with p53. Western blot also revealed phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), p-AKT, and fatty acid synthase (FASN) suppression in MLPE-treated cells. Moreover, treatment with the p53 inhibitor pifithrin-α (PFT-α) inhibited autophagy and increased apoptotic response in MLPE-treated HepG2 cells. PFT-α treatment also reversed MLPE-induced PI3K, p-AKT, and FASN suppression. Thus, co-treatment with MLPE and PFT-α significantly increased caspase-3, caspase-8, and cytochrome c release, indicating that p53 deficiency caused the apoptosis. In addition, rutin, a bioactive polyphenol in MLPE, may affect autophagy in HepG2 cells. This study demonstrates that MLPE is a potential anticancer agent targeting autophagy and apoptosis in cells with p53 status. Moreover, this work provides insight into the mechanism of p53 action in MLPE-induced cytotoxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma.