Mulberry Anthocyanin Extracts Inhibit LDL Oxidation and Macrophage-Derived Foam Cell Formation Induced by Oxidative LDL

Prokinetic Activity of Mulberry Fruit, Morus alba L

The fruit of Morus alba L. (MAF) has been consumed as a food worldwide. MAF has also been widely used in traditional medicine for thousands of years in East Asia, and its diverse bioactivities have been reported in numerous publications. However, no prokinetic activity has been reported for MAF or its components. In the present study, therefore, we investigated the effects of MAF on gastrointestinal motor function by measuring the intestinal transit rate (ITR) of Evans blue in mice in vivo. The ITR values accelerated by MAF were significantly higher than those accelerated by cisapride or metoclopramide, suggesting that MAF has potential as a new prokinetic agent to replace cisapride and metoclopramide. We also investigated the effects of MAF on myogenic and neurogenic contractions in human intestinal smooth muscles by measuring spontaneous contractions of smooth muscle strips, smooth muscle contractions induced by neural stimulation, and migrating motor complexes from intestinal segments in the human ileum and sigmoid colon in situ. MAF increased both myogenic and neurogenic contractions to enhance ileal and colonic motility in the human intestine. Taken together, these results indicate that MAF enhanced intestinal motility by increasing both myogenic and neurogenic contractions, thereby accelerating the ITR.

Attenuating lipid metabolism in atherosclerosis: The potential role of Anti-oxidative effects on low-density lipoprotein of herbal medicines

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a multifactorial chronic disease with great harm to the health of human being, which is a basic pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases and ultimately threatens human life. Abnormal blood lipid level is one of the most common diagnostic indicators of AS in clinic, and lipid metabolism disorder is often observed in patients with AS. Cholesterol is an important lipid in the human body, which is of great significance for maintaining normal life activities. Generally, cholesterol is transported to peripheral tissues by low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and then transported to the liver by high-density lipoprotein (HDL) via its cholesterol reverse transport function, and finally discharged. Under oxidative stress condition, LDL is commonly oxidized to the form ox-LDL, which is ingested by macrophages in large quantities and further forms foam cells, disrupting the normal metabolic process of cholesterol. Importantly, the foam cells are involved in forming atherosclerotic plaques, whose rupture may lead to ischemic heart disease or stroke. Furthermore, ox-LDL could also promote the development of AS by damaging vascular endothelium, promoting the migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells, and activating platelets. Therefore, inhibiting LDL oxidation may be an effective way to improve lipid metabolism and prevent AS. In recent years, increasing studies have shown that herbal medicines have great potentiality in inhibiting LDL oxidation and reducing ox-LDL induced foam cell formation. Accordingly, this paper summarized current research on the inhibitory effects of herbal medicines against LDL oxidation and foam cell formation, and made a brief description of the role of cholesterol and LDL in lipid metabolism disorder and AS pathogenesis. Importantly, it is suggested that herbal medicines could inhibit LDL oxidation and regulate cholesterol homeostasis via downregulation of CD36 and SR-A, whereas upregulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1.

The phenolic components extracted from mulberry fruits as bioactive compounds against cancer: A review

In Asia, mulberry has long been used to treat various infectious and internal ailments as a traditional medication. The compounds found in it have the potential to improve human health. Because there is no approved and defined evaluation procedure, it has not been formally or scientifically recognized. As a result of these investigations, a new frontier in traditional Chinese medicine has opened up, with the possibility of modernization, for the interaction between active components of mulberry and their biological activities. These studies have used current biotechnological technologies. For ages, mulberry has been used as an herbal remedy in Asia to cure various diseases and internal disorders. It has a high concentration of bioactive chemicals that benefit human health. The most abundant phenolic components extracted from white mulberry leaves are flavonoids (Kuwanons, Moracinflavans, Moragrols, and Morkotins), phenolic acids, alkaloids, and so forth. Flavonoids, benzofurans, chalcones, and alkaloids have been discovered to have cytotoxic effects on human cancer cell lines. There is growing evidence that mulberry fruits can potentially prevent cancer and other aging-related disorders due to their high concentration of bioactive polyphenolic-rich compounds and macro and micronutrients. Anthocyanins are rapidly absorbed after eating, arriving in the plasmalemma within 15-50 min and entirely removed after 6-8 hr. Due to a lack of an approved and consistent technique for its examination, it has yet to be formally or scientifically recognized. The mulberry plant is commercially grown for silkworm rearing, and less attention is paid to its bioactive molecules, which have a lot of applications in human health. This review paper discusses the phenolic compounds of white mulberry and black mulberry in detail concerning their role in cancer prevention.

OxLDL-Induced Foam Cell Formation Inhibitory Activity of Pepsin Hydrolysate of Ark Shell (Scapharca subcrenata (Lischke, 1869)) in RAW264.7 Macrophages

Inhibitory effect of ark shell (Scapharca subcrenata (Lischke, 1869)) proteolytic hydrolysates (ASHs) on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced macrophage foam cell formation was investigated. Two types of ASHs were prepared by Alcalase® and pepsin, ASAH (ark shell-Alcalase® hydrolysates), and ASPH (ark shell-pepsin hydrolysate). Oil Red O staining results showed that ASPH suppressed foam cell formation and lipid accumulation more than ASAH in oxLDL-induced foam cell formation of RAW264.7 macrophages. ASPH reduced the levels of total cholesterol, cholesterol ester, and free cholesterol in oxLDL-treated RAW264.7 macrophages. It was found that ASPH increased cholesterol efflux and decreased cholesterol influx rate. In this regard, protein expressions of CD36 and scavenger receptor class A1 (SR-A1) for cholesterol influx and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 and G1 (ABCA1 and ABCG1) for cholesterol efflux were investigated. ASPH treatment resulted in an increase of ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression but downregulated CD36 and SR-A1 expression. Furthermore, ASPH suppressed production of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 and -1β, through regulating nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in oxLDL-induced foam cell formation of RAW264.7 macrophages. Taken together, our data indicate that ASPH might be a useful ingredient in functional foods for ameliorating atherosclerosis by preventing foam cell formation.

Impact of mulberry consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the potential effects of mulberry consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors in adults.

METHODS

Relevant articles published up to January 2021 were systematically retrieved from SCOPUS, PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the impact of mulberry consumption on various cardiometabolic risk factors.

RESULTS

The quantitative meta-analysis of 12 eligible RCTs demonstrated a significant reducing effect of mulberry consumption on haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -0. 55, 95% CI: -1.08, -0.02, p = 0.044), serum total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: -13.13 mg/dl, 95% CI: -19.06, -7.20, p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein levels (LDL-C) (WMD: -8.84 mg/dl, 95% CI: -13.26, -4.42, p < 0.001), triglycerides (TG) (WMD: -19.67 mg/dl, 95% CI: -30.13, -9.22, p < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (WMD: -1.60, mg/L, 95% CI: -3.07, -0.12, p = 0.034). Also, >300 mg daily intake of mulberry exhibited a favourable effect on serum high-density lipoprotein levels (HDL-C). However, there were no significant differences between mulberry intervention and control groups for other factors.

CONCLUSION

The current systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that incorporating mulberry into the diet may favourably affect several cardiometabolic risk factors.

Flavonoid subclasses and CHD risk: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

Epidemiological studies have shown that higher intake of flavonoid is inversely associated with CHD risk. However, which flavonoid subclass could reduce CHD risk has remained controversial. The present meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies aimed to quantitatively assess the associations between flavonoid subclasses and CHD risk. A systematic literature search was implemented from PubMed and Web of Science databases up to March 2021, and eligible studies were identified. Multivariate-adjust relative risks (RR) with corresponding 95 % CI were pooled by using a random-effects model. A restricted cubic spline regression model was performed for non-linear dose-response analysis. A total of 19 independent prospective cohort studies with 894 471 participants and 34 707 events were included. The results showed that dietary intakes of anthocyanins (RR = 0·90; 95 % CI: 0·83, 0·98), proanthocyanidins (RR = 0·78; 95 % CI: 0·65, 0·94), flavonols (RR = 0·88; 95 % CI: 0·79, 0·98), flavones (RR = 0·94; 95 % CI: 0·89, 0·99) and isoflavones (RR = 0·90; 95 % CI: 0·83, 0·98) were negatively associated with CHD risk. Dose-response analysis showed that increment of 50 mg/d anthocyanins, 100 mg/d proanthocyanidins, 25 mg/d flavonols, 5 mg/d flavones and 0·5 mg/d isoflavones were associated with 5 % reduction in CHD risk, respectively. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were used to further support these associations. The present results indicate that dietary intakes of fruits and vegetables abundant five flavonoid subclasses, namely anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, flavones and isoflavones, are associated with a lower risk of CHD.

Phytochemicals, Pharmacological Effects and Molecular Mechanisms of Mulberry

There are numerous varieties of mulberry, and each has high medicinal value and is regarded as a promising source of traditional medicines and functional foods. Nevertheless, the nutrients and uses of mulberry differ from species (Morus alba L., Morus nigra L. and Morus rubra L.). Phenolic compounds are prominent among the biologically active ingredients in mulberry, especially flavonoids, anthocyanins and phenolic acids. Epidemiologic studies suggest that mulberry contains a rich, effective chemical composition and a wide range of biological activity, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and so on. However, compared with other berries, there has been a lack of systematic research on mulberry, and this hinders its further expansion as a functional fruit. The main purpose of this review is to provide the latest data regarding the effective chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of mulberry to support its further therapeutic potential and health functions.

Assessing the Nutritional-Value-Based Therapeutic Potentials and Non-Destructive Approaches for Mulberry Fruit Assessment: An Overview

Among different fruits, mulberry is the most highlighted natural gift in its superior nutritional and bioactive composition, indispensable for continuing a healthy life. It also acts as a hepatoprotective immunostimulator and improves vision, anti-microbial, anti-cancer agent, anti-stress activity, atherosclerosis, neuroprotective functions, and anti-obesity action. The mulberry fruits also help reduce neurological disorders and mental illness. The main reason for that is the therapeutic potentials present in the nutritional components of the mulberry fruit. The available methods for assessing mulberry fruits are mainly chromatographic based, which are destructive and possess many limitations. However, recently some non-invasive techniques, including chlorophyll fluorescence, image processing, and hyperspectral imaging, were employed to detect various mulberry fruit attributes. The present review attempts to collect and explore available information regarding the nutritional and medicinal importance of mulberry fruit. Besides, non-destructive methods established for the fruit are also elaborated. This work helps encourage many more research works to dug out more hidden information about the essential nutrition of mulberry that can be helpful to resolve many mental-illness-related issues.

Some Common Medicinal Plants with Antidiabetic Activity, Known and Available in Europe (A Mini-Review)

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that affected 9.3% of adults worldwide in 2019. Its co-occurrence is suspected to increase mortality from COVID-19. The treatment of diabetes is mainly based on the long-term use of pharmacological agents, often expensive and causing unpleasant side effects. There is an alarming increase in the number of pharmaceuticals taken in Europe. The aim of this paper is to concisely collect information concerning the few antidiabetic or hypoglycaemic raw plant materials that are present in the consciousness of Europeans and relatively easily accessible to them on the market and sometimes even grown on European plantations. The following raw materials are discussed in this mini-review: Morus alba L., Cinnamomum zeylanicum J.Presl, Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Phaseolus vulgaris L., Zingiber officinale Rosc., and Panax ginseng C.A.Meyer in terms of scientifically tested antidiabetic activity and the presence of characteristic biologically active compounds and their specific properties, including antioxidant properties. The characteristics of these raw materials are based on in vitro as well as in vivo studies: on animals and in clinical studies. In addition, for each plant, the possibility to use certain morphological elements in the light of EFSA legislation is given.

Antioxidant properties of anthocyanins and their mechanism of action in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis develops due to lipid accumulation in the arterial wall and sclerosis as result of increased hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, lipid oxidation, and protein oxidation. However, improving antioxidant status through diet may prevent the progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. It is believed that polyphenol-rich plants contribute to the inverse relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and chronic disease. Anthocyanins are flavonoid polyphenols with antioxidant properties that have been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The consumption of anthocyanins increases total antioxidant capacity, antioxidant defense enzymes, and HDL antioxidant properties by several measures in preclinical and clinical populations. Anthocyanins appear to impart antioxidant actions via direct antioxidant properties, as well as indirectly via inducing intracellular Nrf2 activation and antioxidant gene expression. These actions counter oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling in cells present in atherosclerotic plaques, including macrophages and endothelial cells. Overall, anthocyanins may protect against atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease through their effects on cellular antioxidant status, oxidative stress, and inflammation; however, their underlying mechanisms of action appear to be complex and require further elucidation.

Dried mulberry fruit ameliorates cardiovascular and liver histopathological changes in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Metabolic disease encompasses most contemporary non-communicable diseases, especially cardiovascular and fatty liver disease. Mulberry fruits of Morus alba L. are a favoured food and a traditional medicine. While they are anti-atherosclerotic and reduce hyperlipidemic risk factors, studies need wider scope that include ameliorating cardiovascular and liver pathologies if they are to become clinically effective treatments. Therefore, the present study sought to show that freshly dried mulberry fruits (dMF) might counteract the metabolic/cardiovascular pathologies in mice made hyperlipidemic by high-fat diet (HF).

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

C57BL/6J mice were fed for 3 months with either: i) control diet, ii) HF, iii) HF+100 mg/kg dMF, or iv) HF+300 mg/kg dMF. Body weight gain, food intake, visceral fat accumulation, fasting blood glucose, plasma lipids, and aortic, heart, and liver histopathologies were evaluated. Adipocyte lipid accumulation, autophagy, and bile acid binding were also investigated.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

HF increased food intake, body weight, visceral fat, plasma total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), TC/HDL ratio, blood glucose, aortic collagen, arterial and cardiac wall thickness, and liver lipid. Both dMF doses prevented hyperphagia, body weight gain, and visceral fat accumulation, lowered blood glucose, plasma TG and unfavourable TC/HDL and elevated plasma HDL beyond baseline. Arterial and cardiac wall hypertrophy, aortic collagen fibre accumulation and liver lipid deposition ameliorated in dMF-fed mice. Clinical trials on dMF are worthwhile but outcomes should be holistic commensurate with the constellation of disease risks. Here, dMF should supplement the switch to nutrient-rich from current energy-dense diets that are progressively crippling national health systems.

The miR-378c-Samd1 circuit promotes phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells and foam cells formation in atherosclerosis lesions

MicroRNAs have emerged as key regulators in vascular diseases and are involved in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. However, the atherosclerotic-specific MicroRNAs and their functional roles in atherosclerosis are unclear. Here, we report that miR-378c protects against atherosclerosis by directly targeting Sterile Alpha Motif Domain Containing 1 (Samd1), a predicted transcriptional repressor. miR-378c was strikingly reduced in atherosclerotic plaques and blood of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients relative to healthy controls. Suppression of miR-378c promoted vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) phenotypic transition during atherosclerosis. We also reported for the first time that Samd1 prolonged immobilization of LDL on the VSMCs, thus facilitated LDL oxidation and subsequently foam cell formation. Further, we found that Samd1 contains predicted DNA binding domain and directly binds to DNA regions as a transcriptional repressor. Together, we uncovered a novel mechanism whereby miR-378c-Samd1 circuit participates in two key elements of atherosclerosis, VSMCs phenotypic transition and LDL oxidation. Our results provided a better understanding of atherosclerosis pathophysiology and potential therapeutic management by targeting miR-378c-Samd1 circuit.

Black mulberry ethanol extract attenuates atherosclerosis-related inflammatory factors and downregulates PPARγ and CD36 genes in experimental atherosclerotic rats

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the pathological basis of various vascular diseases and currently is seriously affecting human health. Numerous studies have paid more attention to natural medicines with anti-AS properties. As a traditional Uygur folk medicine, black mulberry fruits are conventionally used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in southern Xinjiang of China, and their underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Our previous study revealed that the ethanol extract of black mulberry (EEBM) inhibited AS development by improving lipid metabolism abnormalities, enhancing anti-oxidative activities, and reducing atherosclerotic lesions of atherosclerotic rats. Based on this, our objective was to further investigate the effects of EEBM on the expression of AS-related inflammatory factors and the key genes PPARγ and CD36 of the ox-LDL-PPARγ-CD36 feed-forward cycle in experimental atherosclerotic rats. Black mulberry fruits were extracted with acid ethanol and chromatographed on an AB-8 macroporous resin to obtain EEBM. All experimental rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal, model, model plus simvastatin (5 mg/kg d·body weight), and model plus low-dose and high-dose EEBM groups (105 and 210 mg/kg d·body weight, respectively). Serum levels of the inflammatory factors were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein expression of PPARγ and CD36 in atherosclerotic rats' liver tissue and thoracic aorta were determined by Q-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. EEBM at high dose effectively attenuated the abnormally expressed AS-related inflammatory factors of TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-9, and CRP in atherosclerotic rats by 41.5%, 66.1%, 77.5%, and 79.5%, respectively. After treatment with high dose EEBM, the elevated-expressions of PPARγ and CD36 at the mRNA and protein levels in atherosclerotic rats were found to be obviously downregulated at both levels. These results demonstrate that EEBM might lessen the AS-related inflammatory reaction, and then inhibit the formation of ox-LDL, consequently downregulating the expression of PPARγ and CD36 at the mRNA and protein levels, thus reducing macrophage-foam-cell formation and prohibiting the development of atherosclerotic plaque through the ox-LDL-PPARγ-CD36 feed-forward cycle, which can effectively prevent the occurrence and development of AS in atherosclerotic rats.

Protective Effects of Medicinal Plant Decoctions on Macrophages in the Context of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a hallmark of most cardiovascular diseases. The implication of macrophages in this pathology is widely documented, notably for their contribution to lipid accumulation within the arterial wall, associated with oxidative stress and inflammation processes. In order to prevent or limit the atherosclerosis damage, nutritional approaches and medicinal plant-based therapies need to be considered. In Reunion Island, medicinal plant-based beverages are traditionally used for their antioxidant, lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of our study was to assess the protective effects of eight medicinal plant decoctions in an in vitro model of RAW 264.7 murine macrophages exposed to pro-atherogenic conditions (oxidized low-density lipoproteins—ox-LDL—E. coli Lipopolysaccharides—LPS). The impact of polyphenol-rich medicinal plant decoctions on cell viability was evaluated by Neutral Red assay. Fluorescent ox-LDL uptake was assessed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Activation of NF-κB was evaluated by quantification of secreted alkaline phosphatase in RAW-Blue™ macrophages. Our results show that medicinal plant decoctions limited the cytotoxicity induced by ox-LDL on macrophages. Flow cytometry analysis in macrophages demonstrated that medicinal plant decoctions from S. cumini and P. mauritianum decreased ox-LDL uptake and accumulation by more than 70%. In addition, medicinal plant decoctions also inhibited NF-κB pathway activation in the presence of pro-inflammatory concentrations of E. coli LPS. Our data suggest that medicinal plant decoctions exert protective effects on ox-LDL-induced cytotoxicity and limited macrophage lipid uptake. Moreover, herbal preparations displayed anti-inflammatory properties on macrophages that can be of interest for limiting the atherosclerotic process.

State of the Art of Anthocyanins: Antioxidant Activity, Sources, Bioavailability, and Therapeutic Effect in Human Health

The antioxidant activity of anthocyanins in food is well known. Numerous antioxidant assays have been proposed to measure the capacity of anthocyanins to prevent the oxidation process that naturally occurs. Different solvents, temperatures, and pH levels are applied in each assay, and these factors should be taken into account in order to obtain useful and reproducible results. The concentration and the structure of these compounds are directly related to their antioxidant capacity and their environment. However, the effectiveness of the anthocyanin ingestion against diseases is also influenced by its bioavailability. Novel methodologies that simulate the digestion process have been developed in order to facilitate the current knowledge of anthocyanins bioavailability. Studies highlight the potential synergy effect between parent compounds and their derivatives (metabolites, conjugated products, and microbe-generated metabolites). The aim of this review is to provide an overview of advantages and disadvantages of the most common methods to determine the antioxidant activity of anthocyanins, chemical structure, and concentration of these compounds in different edible fruits, vegetables, and plants; their bioavailability after intake; as well as the main therapeutic effect described in the scientific literature.

Fruits

Fruits come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and flavors. This chapter will cover selected fruits that are known to be healthy and highly nutritious. These fruits were chosen due to their common usage and availability. Since it is not possible to cover all health benefits or essential nutrients and important phytochemicals of the fruit composition, this chapter will focus on the key valuable constituents and their potential health effects.

Isolation of strawberry anthocyanin-rich fractions and their mechanisms of action against murine breast cancer cell lines

The aim of this study was the evaluation of the effects of strawberry anthocyanin extract treatment on two in vitro models of murine breast cancer cell lines, in an attempt to detect a specific pathway (AMP-activated protein kinase or AMPK) through which strawberries exert their anticancer activity. The anticancer activity of purified anthocyanin extracts from an Alba cultivar on two murine cancer cell lines, N202/1A (with high levels of the HER2/neu oncogene) and N202/1E (with low levels of the HER2/neu oncogene), was evaluated after 48 and 72 h of treatment. The cell viability and apoptosis, intracellular ROS rates, and cell oxidative damage were assessed. Western blot assays were performed to analyze the expression of several proteins related to apoptosis, autophagy, metastasis, the oxidative status, mitochondrial functionality, and the AMPK pathway. This study demonstrated that the anthocyanin extract of Alba strawberry shows an antiproliferative effect on cancer cells, through the induction of apoptosis and oxidative stress, by stimulating different molecular pathways. This study is one of the first studies that have tried to deepen the understanding of a candidate pathway for the explanation of the effects of strawberry on cancer cells. A relationship between the AMPK pathway and the anticancer effects of strawberries was demonstrated.

Morus alba (mulberry), a natural potent compound in management of obesity

Obesity is defined as body mass index, higher than 30 kg/m², which are associated with diverse diseases including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary diseases, certain cancers, osteoarthritis and dyslipidemia. The subject of this review article was to evaluate the potency of Morus alba or "mulberry" as natural potent anti-obesity agent in management of obesity. For writing this manuscript, we searched in all accessible international databases, electronic resources (PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, Wiley and Google), unpublished data (R&D reports, thesis and dissertation). The inhibitory effects of mulberry on digestive enzymes and adipocyte differentiation, and its stimulatory effects on energy expenditures, and lipid metabolism are responsible mechanisms for management of obesity in obese patients. Furthermore, the results of these preclinical studies and its related mechanisms should be evaluated in large clinical trials.

Dietary Anthocyanins and Stroke: A Review of Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Studies

Cerebrovascular accidents are currently the second major cause of death and the third leading cause of disability in the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), which has provided protocols for stroke prevention. Although there is a multitude of studies on the health benefits associated with anthocyanin (ACN) consumption, there is no a rigorous systematization of the data linking dietary ACN with stroke prevention. This review is intended to present data from epidemiological, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies dealing with the stroke related to ACN-rich diets or ACN supplements, along with possible mechanisms of action revealed by pharmacokinetic studies, including ACN passage through the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Absorption of Anthocyanin Rutinosides after Consumption of a Blackcurrant ( Ribes nigrum L.) Extract

The dominant anthocyanins in blackcurrant are delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside. Data on their absorption and distribution in the human body are limited. Therefore, we performed a human pilot study on five healthy male volunteers consuming a blackcurrant ( Ribes nigrum L.) extract. The rutinosides and their degradation products gallic acid and protocatechuic acid were determined in plasma and urine. The rutinosides' concentrations peaked in both plasma and urine samples within 2 h of extract ingestion. The recoveries of delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside from urine samples were 0.040 ± 0.011% and 0.048 ± 0.016%, respectively, over a 48 h period. Protocatechuic acid concentration increased significantly after ingestion of the blackcurrant extract. Our results show that after ingestion of a blackcurrant extract containing delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, significant quantities of biologically active compounds circulated in the plasma and were excreted via urine. Furthermore, these results contribute to the understanding of anthocyanin metabolism in humans.

Natamycin treatment reduces the quality changes of postharvest mulberry fruit during storage

This study investigated the effect of natamycin (NA) treatment on the quality of mulberry fruit throughout the storage at 8°C and 90% relative humidity. The results of this study showed that NA treatment reduced the decay rate of mulberry fruit, inhibited respiration, decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content, decreased phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity, and maintained sucrose levels, total soluble solids (TSS), and total acids (TA) contents in the fruits throughout storage. NA treatment maintained the surface color and firmness of fruits throughout storage and suppressed the production of fructose, glucose, total phenolics, and the contents of anthocyanin. NA treatment maintained the quality of mulberry fruit throughout storage by enhancing the enzymatic activity of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) and inhibiting the production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ). Treatment of mulberries with increasing concentrations of NA could significantly inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens in mulberry fruits and improve their quality. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The results from our previous study showed that NA was a safe preservative which could effectively inhibit the growth of molds and yeasts in mulberry fruits and improve their quality throughout the postharvest storage. Compared with other treatments for mulberry fruit, NA treatment has the advantages of low cost, simple operation, good application, and extension. The results in this study further prove that application of NA treatment has potential in the food industry to maintain the postharvest quality and extend the shelf life of mulberry fruits throughout storage.

Mulberry Extract Attenuates Endothelial Dysfunction through the Regulation of Uncoupling Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in High Fat Diet Rats

Dyslipidemia is associated with endothelial dysfunction, which is linked to nitric oxide (NO) biology. The coupling of endothelial NO synthase with cofactors is a major step for NO release. This study is aimed to investigate the vascular pharmacology effects of mulberry in rat thoracic aorta and human vascular endothelial cells. In vitro, we investigated the protective effects of the mulberry extract and its main component cyanidin-3-rutinoside (C-3-R), against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling. Whereas ox-LDL significantly decreased NO levels in endothelial cells, mulberry extract, and C-3-R significantly recovered NO levels and phospho-eNOS Thr495 and Ser1177 expression. In vivo, mulberry was administered to 60% of high-fat diet (w/w)-fed Sprague Dawley (SD) rats for six weeks, in which endothelium-dependent relaxations were significantly improved in organ bath studies and isometric tension recordings. Consistently, aortic expressions of phospho-eNOS and nitrotyrosine were increased. Mulberry also raised serum NO levels, increased phosphorylation of eNOS, and reduced nitrotyrosine and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aortas, showing that mulberry preserves endothelium-dependent relaxation in aortas from high-fat diet rats. We suggest that this effect is mediated through enhanced NO bioavailability, in which the regulation of ROS and its reduced eNOS uncoupling are involved.

The Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Fruit-A Review of Characteristic Components and Health Benefits

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit has a high yield in one fruiting season in many countries, especially in Asia, and a long history of use as an edible fruit and traditional medicine. A great diversity of nutritive compounds such as fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, including anthocyanins, rutin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and polysaccharides have been found in mulberry fruit depending on the cultivars and maturity stages. Furthermore, the extracts and active components of mulberry fruit have demonstrated numerous biological activities, including antioxidant, neuroprotective, antiatherosclerosis, immunomodulative, antitumor, antihyperglycemic, and hypolipidemic activities in in vitro and in vivo studies, and they have received increasing interest from researchers and pharmaceutical companies. Although some mechanistic studies further substantiate these potential health benefits of mulberry fruit, a need exists to make a better understanding of the roles of these compounds in traditional medicine and the diet. This review provides recent findings regarding the chemical constituents and biological activities of mulberry fruit, which may be useful for stimulating deep research of mulberry fruit and for predicting their uses as important and safe contributors to benefit human health.

Anthocyanin-rich plum juice reduces ambulatory blood pressure but not acute cognitive function in younger and older adults: a pilot crossover dose-timing study

Consumption of anthocyanins from fruit sources may exert protection against hypertension and improve cognition. However, the effect of dose timing in studies is rarely considered. We hypothesized that timed-dose consumption of juice from an anthocyanin-rich Japanese plum variety (Queen Garnet plum, QGP) will have acute and dose-timing effects on cardiovascular responses, cognition, and urinary anthocyanin excretion profiles. Our study objective was to investigate the impact of plum juice on these health parameters. Twelve older (65+ years) and 12 younger (18-45 years) adults participated in an acute crossover study. Participants received, randomly, either 1 × 300 mL or 3 × 100 mL plum juice over 3 hours on 2 different occasions with a 2-week washout period. A battery of cognitive tasks was administered at 0 and 6 hours on each study day. Blood pressure (BP) and urinary anthocyanin/metabolite excretion profiles were measured over 24 hours. Area under the curve for BP was calculated (0-6 hours). A significant reduction in BP and cardiovascular responses was observed in both age groups which was more obvious in the older age group on the single dose for systolic BP, diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate (P values = .035, .028, .017, and .006, respectively). No significant difference was observed between dose-timing regimens for either age group. There was no observed effect on cognition. Native QGP anthocyanins, as well as methylated/glucuronidated metabolites, were detected in urine with no significant differences between age groups or dose timing. High-anthocyanin plum juice significantly reduced BP, but dose timing did not appear to be a significant factor in the potential acute BP-lowering effect of QGP juice.

Health benefits of anthocyanins and molecular mechanisms: Update from recent decade

Anthocyanins are one of the most widespread families of natural pigments in the plant kingdom. Their health beneficial effects have been documented in many in vivo and in vitro studies. This review summarizes the most recent literature regarding the health benefits of anthocyanins and their molecular mechanisms. It appears that several signaling pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor κB, AMP-activated protein kinase, and Wnt/β-catenin, as well as some crucial cellular processes, such as cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, and biochemical metabolism, are involved in these beneficial effects and may provide potential therapeutic targets and strategies for the improvement of a wide range of diseases in future. In addition, specific anthocyanin metabolites contributing to the observed in vivo biological activities, structure-activity relationships as well as additive and synergistic efficacy of anthocyanins are also discussed.

Morus alba extract modulates blood pressure homeostasis through eNOS signaling

SCOPE

Morus alba is a promising phytomedicine cultivated in oriental countries that is extensively used to prevent and treat various cardiovascular problems. To date, despite its beneficial effects, the molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. Thus, we investigate the vascular and haemodynamic effects of Morus alba extract in an experimental model focusing our attention on the molecular mechanisms involved.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Through vascular reactivity studies, we demonstrate that Morus alba extract evokes endothelial vasorelaxation through a nitric oxide-dependent pathway. Our molecular analysis highlights an increase in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation. In vivo administration of Morus alba extract reduces blood pressure levels exclusively in wild-type mice, whereas it fails to evoke any haemodynamic effects in eNOS-deficient mice. Molecular analyses revealed that its beneficial action on vasculature is mediated by the activation of two important proteins that act as stress sensors and chaperones: PERK and heat shock protein 90. Finally, Morus alba extract exerts antihypertensive action in an experimental model of arterial hypertension.

CONCLUSION

Through its action on eNOS signaling, Morus alba extract could act as a food supplement for the regulation of cardiovascular system, mainly in clinical conditions characterized by eNOS dysfunction, such as arterial hypertension.

Promotion of mitotic catastrophe via activation of PTEN by paclitaxel with supplement of mulberry water extract in bladder cancer cells

Paclitaxel is a mitotic inhibitor used in cancer chemotherapy. Mulberry fruit is rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids and exhibits chemopreventive activities. In this study, mulberry water extract (MWE) was used as a supplement to synergize with the effects of paclitaxel in the treatment of the TSGH 8301 human bladder cancer cell line. Treatment with paclitaxel combined with MWE (paclitaxel/MWE) enhanced the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel and induced severe G2/M arrest, mitotic catastrophe and subsequent apoptosis, as shown by MTT assay, HE staining and flow cytometry analyses. Differences in the expression and activation of Aurora A and Plk1between cells treated with paclitaxel/MWE and paclitaxel alone suggested that the combined treatment caused a defect in the early steps of cytokinesis. Paclitaxel/MWE decreased EEA1immunofluorescence staining and increased the expression of PTEN, indicating that the regimen inhibited the formation of the recycling endosome, which is required for cytokinesis. Paclitaxel/MWE also retarded tumor growth in a TSGH 8301 xenograft model via activation of PTEN and Caspase 3. These data demonstrated a synergistic effect on the anticancer efficacy of paclitaxel through MWE supplementation by promoting mitotic catastrophe through the activation of PTEN, providing a novel and effective therapeutic option for bladder cancer treatment strategies.

Mulberry water extract regulates the osteoblast/osteoclast balance in an ovariectomic rat model

Mulberry has favorable antioxidant ability.

Mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.) ameliorate obesity-induced hepatic lipogenesis, fibrosis, and oxidative stress in high-fat diet-fed mice

Obesity is associated with chronic diseases such as fatty liver, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and severe metabolic syndrome. Obesity causes metabolic impairment including excessive lipid accumulation and fibrosis in the hepatic tissue as well as the increase in oxidative stress. In order to investigate the effect of mulberry leaf (Morus alba L.) extract (MLE) on obesity-induced oxidative stress, lipogenesis, and fibrosis in liver, MLE has been gavaged for 12 weeks in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. MLE treatment significantly ameliorated LXRα-mediated lipogenesis and hepatic fibrosis markers such as α-smooth muscle actin, while MLE up-regulated lipolysis-associated markers such as lipoprotein lipase in the HFD-fed mice. Moreover, MLE normalized the activities of antioxidant enzymes including heme oxygenase-1 and glutathione peroxidase in accordance with protein levels of 4-hydroxynonenal in the HFD-fed mice. MLE has beneficial effects on obesity-related fatty liver disease by regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism, fibrosis, and antioxidant defense system. MLE supplementation might be a potential therapeutic approach for obesity-related disease including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Effect of fruits and vegetables on metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Evidence regarding the effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on metabolic syndrome remains inconclusive. Using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane, we searched for relevant studies published before 10 December 2013. Of the 383 articles identified, eight randomized controlled trials with 396 participants (205 in intervention groups and 191 in control groups) were included in the final analyses. Fruit and vegetable intake was associated with a reduction in diastolic blood pressure (standardized mean difference: -0.29; 95% confidence interval: -0.57 to -0.02; p = 0.04); however, such intake did not affect waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in metabolic syndrome patients. In a subgroup analysis, there were no statistically significant differences found according to the intervention period and provision type. Our results suggest an inverse association between fruit and vegetable consumption and diastolic blood pressure in metabolic syndrome patients.

Effects of supplementation with acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) berry-based juice blend on the blood antioxidant defence capacity and lipid profile in junior hurdlers. A pilot study

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine whether regular consumption of an acai berry-based juice blend would affect sprint performance and improve blood antioxidant status and lipid profile in junior athletes. Seven junior hurdlers (17.5±1.2 years) taking part in a pre-season conditioning camp were supplemented once a day, for six weeks, with 100 ml of the juice blend. At the start and the end of the camp the athletes performed a 300-m sprint running test on an outdoor track. Blood samples were taken before and immediately after the test and after 1 h of recovery. Blood antioxidant status was evaluated based on activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px], glutathione reductase [GR]), concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione [GSH], uric acid), total plasma polyphenols, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and activities of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as muscle damage markers. In order to evaluate potential health benefits of the acai berry, the post-treatment changes in lipid profile parameters (triglycerides, cholesterol and its fractions) were analysed. Six weeks’ consumption of acai berry-based juice blend had no effect on sprint performance, but it led to a marked increase in the total antioxidant capacity of plasma, attenuation of the exercise-induced muscle damage, and a substantial improvement of serum lipid profile. These findings strongly support the view of the health benefits of supplementation with the acai berry-based juice blend, mainly attributed to its high total polyphenol content and the related high in vivo antioxidant and hypocholesterolaemic activities of this supplement.

Effects of lactic acid bacteria on low-density lipoprotein susceptibility to oxidation and aortic fatty lesion formation in hyperlipidemic hamsters

We investigated the effects of Streptococcus thermophilus YIT 2001, a strain of lactic acid bacteria, on the susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to oxidation and the formation of aortic fatty lesions in hyperlipidemic hamsters. S. thermophilus YIT 2001 had the highest in vitro antioxidative activity against LDL oxidation among the 79 strains of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria tested, which was about twice that of S. thermophilus YIT 2084. The lag time of LDL oxidation in the YIT 2001 feeding group was significantly longer than in controls, but was unchanged in the YIT 2084 group. After the feeding of YIT 2001, lag times were prolonged and areas of aortic fatty lesions were dose-dependently attenuated, although there were no effects on plasma lipid levels. These results suggest that YIT 2001 has the potential to prevent the formation of aortic fatty lesions by inhibiting LDL oxidation.

Cyanidin-3-glucoside isolated from mulberry fruit protects pancreatic β-cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis

The extract obtained from berries contains high amounts of anthocyanins, and this extract is used as a phytotherapeutic agent for different types of diseases. In this study, we examined the cytoprotective effects of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) isolated from mulberry fruit against pancreatic β-cell apoptosis caused by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress. The MIN6 pancreatic β-cells were used to investigate the cytoprotective effects of C3G on the oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of cells. Cell viability was examined by MTT assay and lipid peroxidation was assayed by thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reaction. Immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry and western blot analysis were also used to determine apoptosis and the expression of proteins associated with apoptosis. Our results revealed that H2O2 increased the rate of apoptosis by stimulating various pro-apoptotic processes, such as the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activation. However, C3G reduced the H2O2-induced cell death in the MIN6N pancreatic β-cells. In addition, we confirmed that H2O2 activated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK. C3G inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK and p38 without inducing the phosphorylation of JNK. Furthermore, C3G regulated the intrinsic apoptotic pathway-associated proteins, such as proteins belonging to the Bcl-2 family, cytochrome c and caspase-3. Taken together, our results suggest that C3G isolated from mulberry fruit has potential for use as a phytotherapeutic agent for the prevention of diabetes by preventing oxidative stress-induced β-cell apoptosis.

A Phytochemical-rich Multivitamin-multimineral Supplement Is Bioavailable and Reduces Serum Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein, Myeloperoxidase, and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 in a Four-week Pilot trial of Healthy Individuals

BACKGROUND

A multivitamin-multimineral supplement combined with a diverse blend of bioactive phytochemicals may provide additional antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory property for overall health. This convenient feature may be useful for individuals who want to increase their intake of phytochemicals.

METHODS

We conducted a pilot study in 15 healthy individuals (8 women and 7 men, mean age 41.7±14.9 years, mean body mass index 28.0±5.6) to investigate the effects of this novel formulation on biomarkers associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. After a 2-week diet that limited intake of fruits and vegetables to 2 servings/day, participants continued with the same restricted diet but began consuming 2 tablets of the study product for the subsequent 4 weeks. Fasting blood samples collected at Week 2 and Week 6 were analyzed and compared using paired t-tests for levels of carotenoids, folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine, oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (oxLDL), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), F2-isoprostane, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and myeloperoxidase. Noninvasive peripheral arterial tonometry (EndoPAT) was also measured.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks of supplementation, plasma levels of carotenoids, folate, and vitamin B12, but not homocysteine, were significantly increased (P<.05). Serum levels of oxLDL, PAI-1 and myeloperoxidase were significantly reduced (P<.05), but F2-isoprostane, hs-CRP, and EndoPAT measures were unchanged compared with baseline. The study product was well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

This nutritional supplement is bioavailable as indicated by the significant increase in plasma carotenoids, vitamin B12, and folate levels and may provide health benefits by significantly reducing serum levels of oxLDL, myeloperoxidase, and PAI-1 in healthy individuals.

Inhibitory effects of mulberry fruit extract in combination with naringinase on the allergic response in IgE-activated RBL-2H3 cells

In this study, we investigated the anti-allergic action of mulberry fruit extract (MFE) or MFE in combination with naringinase (MFEN) in IgE-activated RBL-2H3 cells, and investigated the mechanisms responsible for the anti-allergic effects of MFEN. β-hexosaminidase release assay was used to measure the amount of β-hexosaminidase released from the cells, and ELISA was used to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). We found that MFE significantly reduced the release of β-hexosaminidase (IC(50), 10.59 mg/ml) and TNF-α (IC(50), 4.87 mg/ml). Moreover, MFEN enhanced the inhibitory effects on the release of β-hexosaminidase (IC(50), 123.10 µg/ml) and TNF-α (IC(50), 65.01 µg/ml). Furthermore, MFEN had no cytotoxicity at the concentration range used to exert the anti-allergic effects. In addition, we evaluated the effects of MFEN on the formation of pro-inflammatory lipid mediators, such as prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)), leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) and leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) using enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits. MFEN markedly reduced the formation of PGD(2) (IC(50), 6.47 µg/ml) and LTC(4) (IC(50), 0.31 µg/ml), but not LTB(4) (IC(50), 25.75 µg/ml). In mechanistic analyses, we measured the phosphorylation of Syk, Lyn and Fyn by immunoblot analysis. MFEN significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of Syk, but not that of Lyn or Fyn. MFEN also suppressed the phosphorylation of phospholipase C (PLC)γ1/2, protein kinase C (PKC)δ, linker for activation of T cells (LAT), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2, JNK, GRB2-associated binding protein 2 (Gab2), phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, cytosolic phospholipase A2 and 5-lipoxygenase, as well as the expression of cyclooxygenase-2. In conclusion, these results suggest that MFEN exerts potent inhibitory effects on allergic response through the suppression of the activation of the FcεRI signaling cascade. Our data demonstrating the anti-allergic effects of MFEN may provide further insight into the therapeutic application of MFEN or its use as a functional food.