Biological effects of bergamot and its potential therapeutic use as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer agent

Pharmacology, medical uses, and clinical translational challenges of Saikosaponin A: A review

Saikosaponin A (SSA), the primary active monomer derived from the Radix bupleuri, demonstrates a diverse array of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, analgesic, anti-fibrotic, antidepressant, and immune-modulating properties. Despite its potential therapeutic impact on various human diseases, comprehensive studies exploring SSA's efficacy in these contexts remain limited. This review synthesizes the current research landscape regarding SSA's therapeutic applications across different diseases, highlighting critical insights to overcome existing limitations and clinical challenges. The findings underscore the importance of further investigations into SSA's mechanisms of action, facilitating the development of targeted therapeutic strategies and their translation into clinical practice.

Continuous step-wise temperature extraction improves the flavanol content of tea beverages

BACKGROUND

Tea is the second most consumed beverage worldwide and its health benefits have been extensively studied because of its rich flavanol content. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a novel continuous step-wise temperature extraction process in maximising antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and flavanol concentration of different tea beverages.

RESULTS

Continuous step-wise temperature extraction produced the highest absolute antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content and concentration of major tea flavanols in Yuhua tea compared to the other tea types at all extraction points. Despite having the lowest baseline concentration of tea flavanols, Lapsang Souchong tea showed the greatest increase in catechin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate levels with the continuous step-down temperature process, by over 500% and 300%, respectively. In addition, Moonlight White tea showed the greatest percentage change in total antioxidant capacity and phenolic content at the end of the process compared to the baseline. Furthermore, the continuous step-wise temperature extraction showed a moderate increase in caffeine concentration in all the tea samples.

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed a beneficial impact of continuous step-wise temperature extraction on the antioxidant capacity, phenolic content and flavanol profile in different types of tea, which may be valuable in the production of added-value tea beverages. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), a (Poly)Phenol-Rich Source for Improving Osteosarcopenic Obesity: A Systematic Review

This systematic review investigates the potential of bergamot, a polyphenol-rich citrus fruit, in improving osteosarcopenic obesity, a condition characterized by the simultaneous presence of osteoporosis, obesity, and sarcopenia. Bergamot extracts have been suggested to possess several pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which could be useful in the management of age-related diseases and neuromuscular health. The review highlights the promising effects of bergamot extracts on skeletal muscle mass and function, particularly in the context of obesity, metabolic syndrome, osteosarcopenic obesity, and osteoporosis. Furthermore, some studies have shown that bergamot extracts can improve the metabolic balance, endothelial function, and maximal oxygen uptake in athletes, highlighting their potential benefits for skeletal muscle health. Taken together, these results suggest that bergamot extracts, especially those rich in polyphenols, may be a valuable adjunct in the management of osteosarcopenic obesity and other associated clinical conditions involving pro-inflammatory effects on organs and tissues.

Diagnostic indicators and lifestyle interventions of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease

MAFLD has become a major global health problem and is the leading cause of liver disease worldwide. The disease progresses from a simple fatty liver to gradual fibrosis, which progresses to cirrhosis and even hepatocellular liver cancer. However, the methods currently used for diagnosis are invasive and do not facilitate clinical assessment of the condition. As a result, research on markers for the diagnosis of MAFLD is increasing. In addition, there are no clinical medications for the treatment of MAFLD, and lifestyle interventions remain effective in the prevention and treatment of MAFLD. In this review, we attempt to make a summary of the emerging diagnostic indicators and effective lifestyle interventions for MAFLD and to provide new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of MAFLD.

Characterization of bergamot essential oil: chemical, microbiological and colloidal aspects

Citrus bergamia is a citric species known as bergamot. The species is widely used due to its derivatives, such as juices, extracts, and essential oil. Specifically, the bergamot essential oil (BEO) is of great interest, with a chemical composition rich in terpenes and esters. Considering its chemical composition, bioactivity, and great economic potential, the characterization of BEO should be studied. However, this essential oil is almost unexplored in terms of a characterization associated with colloids. Chemical characterization was carried out by gas-chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer and by gas-chromatography coupled to a flame ionization detector. Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was carried out to confirm the bioactivity of this important essential oil. Dynamic light scattering analysis was performed to create a pattern of droplet size distribution of BEO. Major compounds of BEO were linalyl acetate, limonene, and linalool. The BEO was active against E. coli and presented a MIC value of 2.000 µg/mL, while values of MIC and MBC higher than 2.000 µg/mL were observed for S. aureus. The dynamic light scattering analysis revealed a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 65.7 ± 2.2 nm. After a 1:10 dilution it was observed reduction of mean diameter and enhancement of the percentagem of low size droplets, resepctively 44.1 ± 1.2 nm and 14.5 ± 0.5 nm (28.8 ± 1.2%). Higher droplets and reduced polydispersity index were observed after 1:100 dilution. In the present study, the chemical characterization was in accordance with the species, as the characteristic chemical markers of the species were found. Moreover, it has presented antibacterial activity as expected for the BEO. The analysis of the colloid showed a pattern of droplet size distribution following the Ostwald ripening mechanism after dilution.