Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.) Water Extract and Its Bioactive Components Ameliorate Dermal Damage in UVB-Irradiated Skin Models

Nutraceutical Potential of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) Hull: Phytochemicals, Antioxidant Activity, and Liver Protection

Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum), a traditional Taiwanese crop enriched with phenolic compounds and betalain pigments, is associated with various health benefits, including antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. This study analysed the phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity of extracts from both the hull and kernel of Djulis. The hull extract, which contained higher levels of flavonoids and exhibited superior antioxidant activity compared to the kernel extract, was selected for further in vivo studies. These experiments showed that oral administration of the Djulis hull crude extract significantly mitigated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice by increasing the activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reducing plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and enhancing liver levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4). Additionally, the extract demonstrated potential in inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, a critical signalling pathway in inflammation and apoptosis, offering insights into its protective mechanisms. These findings underscore Djulis hull's potential as a functional food ingredient for ALI prevention and propose a valuable application for agricultural by-products.

Immuno-antioxidative reno-modulatory effectiveness of Echinacea purpurea extract against bifenthrin-induced renal poisoning

This study was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chemical detoxifying activities of Echinacea purpurea ethanolic extract (EEE) against bifenthrin-induced renal injury. Adult male albino rats (160-200 g) were divided into four groups (10 rats each) and orally treated for 30 days as follows: (1) normal control; (2) healthy animals were treated with EEE (465 mg/kg/day) dissolved in water; (3) healthy animals were given bifenthrin (7 mg/kg/day) dissolved in olive oil; (4) animals were orally administered with EEE 1-h prior bifenthrin intoxication. The obtained results revealed that administration of the animals with bifenthrin caused significant elevations of serum values of urea, creatinine, ALAT and ASAT, as well as renal inflammatory (IL-1β, TNF-α & IFN-γ), apoptotic (Caspase-3) and oxidative stress (MDA and NO) markers coupled with a marked drop in the values of renal antioxidant markers (GSH, GPx, and SOD) in compare to those of normal control. Administration of EEE prior to bifenthrin resulted in a considerable amelioration of the mentioned deteriorated parameters near to that of control; moreover, the extract markedly improved the histological architecture of the kidney. In conclusion, Echinacea purpurea ethanolic extract has promising ameliorative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, renoprotective, and detoxifying efficiencies against bifenthrin-induced renal injury.

Djulis Hull Enhances the Efficacy of Ferric Citrate Supplementation via Restoring Normal Iron Efflux through the IL-6-Hepcidin-Ferroportin Pathway in High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obese Rats

Obesity-related functional iron disorder remains a major nutritional challenge. We evaluated the effects of djulis hull (DH) on iron metabolism in 50% high-fat-diet-induced obese rats supplemented with ferric citrate (2 g iron/kg diet) for 12 weeks. DH supplementation (5, 10, 15% dry weight/kg diet) significantly increased serum and hepatic iron but decreased appetite hormones, body weight, hepcidin, and liver inflammation (all p < 0.05). The Spearman correlation showed that appetite hormones were negatively associated with iron but positively correlated with liver hepcidin (all p < 0.05). A Western blot analysis showed that DH significantly downregulated hepatic hepcidin through the IL-6-JAK-STAT3 and enhanced ferroportin (Fpn) via the Keap1-Nrf2 and PHD2-HIF-2α. An in vitro study revealed that major bioactive compounds of DH, hexacosanol, and squalene suppressed LPS-induced IL-6 and hepcidin but enhanced Fpn expression in activated THP-1 cells. In conclusion, DH may exert nutraceutical properties for the treatment of functional iron disorder and restoration of iron efflux may have beneficial effects on weight control.

High-protein compound yogurt with quinoa improved clinical features and metabolism of high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice

Gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a crucial role in the occurrence and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which may be influenced by nutritional supplementation. Quinoa, a type of pseudocereal, has gained prominence due to its high nutritional value and diverse applications. This study aimed to determine whether yogurt containing quinoa can ameliorate NAFLD and alleviate metabolic disorders by protecting against the divergence of gut microbiota. Our findings suggested that quinoa yogurt could significantly reduce the body weight gain and fat tissue weight of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed obese mice. In addition, quinoa yogurt significantly reduced liver steatosis and enhanced glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. Additional research indicates that quinoa yogurt can reduce the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., tumor necrosis factor α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and inhibit endotoxemia and systemic inflammation. The characteristics of the gut microbiota were then determined by analyzing 16S rRNA. In addition, we discovered that the gut microbiota was disturbed by HFD consumption. Particularly, intestinal probiotics and beneficial intestinal secretions were increased, leading to the expression of glucagon-like peptide-1 in the colon, contributing to NAFLD. Furthermore, endotoxemia and systemic inflammation in HFD-fed mice were restored to the level of control mice when they were fed yogurt and quinoa. Therefore, yogurt containing quinoa can effectively alleviate NAFLD symptoms and may exert its effects via microbiome-gut-liver axis mechanisms. According to some research, the role of the enteric-liver axis may also influence metabolic disorders to reduce the development of NAFLD.

Protective Effect of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) Extract against UV- and AGEs-Induced Skin Aging via Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Collagen Degradation

Skin aging is a complex process involving photoaging and glycation stress, which share some fundamental pathways and have common mediators. They can cause skin damage and collagen degradation by inducing oxidative stress and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Chenopodium formosanum (CF), also known as Djulis, is a traditional cereal in Taiwan. This study investigated the protection mechanisms of CF extract against ultraviolet (UV) radiation and advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-induced stress. The results indicated that CF extract had strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects. It could reduce UV-induced intracellular ROS generation and initiate the antioxidant defense system by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway in human skin fibroblasts. CF extract modulated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and transformed growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathways to alleviate oxidative stress-induced skin aging. Moreover, the results revealed that CF extract not only promoted collagen synthesis but also improved aging-induced collagen degradation. CF extract attenuated AGEs-induced ROS production and the upregulation of receptor for AGEs (RAGE). The overall results suggest that CF extract provides an effective anti-aging strategy by preventing skin damage from oxidative stress and collagen loss with potent antioxidant, anti-photoaging, and antiglycation activities.

Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) and Its Bioactive Compounds Protect Human Lung Epithelial A549 Cells from Oxidative Injury Induced by Particulate Matter via Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

The protective effects of water extracts of djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) (WECF) and their bioactive compounds on particulate matter (PM)-induced oxidative injury in A549 cells via the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling were investigated. WECF at 50-300 µg/mL protected A549 cells from PM-induced cytotoxicity. The cytoprotection of WECF was associated with decreases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation, and increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) contents. WECF increased Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in A549 cells exposed to PM. SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor) and U0126 (an ERK inhibitor) attenuated the WECF-induced Nrf2 and HO-1 expression. According to the HPLC-MS/MS analysis, rutin (2219.7 µg/g) and quercetin derivatives (2648.2 µg/g) were the most abundant bioactive compounds present in WECF. Rutin and quercetin ameliorated PM-induced oxidative stress in the cells. Collectively, the bioactive compounds present in WECF can protect A549 cells from PM-induced oxidative injury by upregulating Nrf2 and HO-1 via activation of the ERK and JUN signaling pathways.

Djulis Hull Improves Insulin Resistance and Modulates the Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet (HFD)-Induced Hyperglycaemia

In this study, we annotated the major flavonoid glycoside, rutin, of djulis hull crude extract using a Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) library and its MS/MS spectra. To evaluate the protective effect of djulis hull crude extract and rutin on glucose tolerance, we fed mice a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks to induce hyperglycaemia. These results showed that crude extract significantly decreased HFD-induced elevation in the area under the curve (AUC) of weekly random blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), and advanced glycation end product (AGE) levels, and significantly increased pIRS1 and Glut4 protein expression in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) and liver. Furthermore, the HFD-induced reduction in the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) was reversed by crude extract. In addition, ZO-1 and occludin protein expression in the colon was markedly downregulated in HFD-fed mice, resulting in decreased intestinal permeability and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) translocation, but were restored following crude extract. Moreover, the crude extract intervention had a profound effect on the alpha diversity and microbial community in the gut microbiota. Therefore, djulis hull crude extract could improve blood glucose and increase insulin receptor sensitivity in HFD-induced hyperglycaemia, which is likely due to its modulation of the gut microbiota, preservation of the integrity of the intestinal barrier to reduce body inflammation, increased antioxidant activity, and modulation of insulin signalling.

Anti-NAFLD Effect of Djulis Hull and Its Major Compound, Rutin, in Mice with High-Fat Diet (HFD)-Induced Obesity

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the main cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, and the increasing trend of NAFLD has burdened the healthcare system. NAFLD encompasses a wide range of liver pathologies, from simple benign hepatocyte steatosis to more severe inflammatory nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.) is traditionally used as a native cereal and a food supplement that promotes human health through its antioxidant, hepatoprotection, skin protection, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and antitumor effects. Djulis hull, regarded as agricultural waste, is usually removed during food processing and contains high rutin content. The present study evaluated the anti-NAFLD effect of Djulis hull and its major compound, rutin, in mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into one of five diet groups (n = 6 per group) and fed the following for 16 weeks: (1) normal diet group (ND), (2) HFD group (HFD), (3) HFD and oral gavage of low dose (50 mg/kg) of Djulis hull crude extract group (HFD/LCE), (4) HFD and oral gavage of high dose (250 mg/kg) of Djulis hull crude extract group (HFD/HCE), or (5) HFD and oral gavage (50 mg/kg) of rutin (HFD/R) group. We found that Djulis hull crude extract markedly reduced HFD-induced elevation in body weight and fat around the kidney weights, hepatic injury indicators (AST and ALT), and steatosis and hypertrophy. Furthermore, Djulis hull crude extract administration significantly affected DG(20:4/18:1), PA(22:0/17:1), PC(10:0/17:0), and PA(18:4/20:5) in HFD-induced obese mice. In addition, treating HFD-induced obese rats with Djulis hull crude extract significantly increased fatty acid oxidation by increasing the protein expression of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α, and hepatic carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 in the liver. Moreover, the administration of Djulis hull crude extract significantly decreased the inflammatory response (PPARγ, IL-6, and TNF-α) to modulate oxidative damage. Therefore, Djulis hull crude extract attenuated the progression of NAFLD by reducing inflammation mediated by PPARγ and enhancing the expression levels of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation mediated by AMPK signaling.

Functionality of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) By-Products and In Vivo Anti-Diabetes Effect in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Simple Summary

According to a report from International Diabetes Federation, in 2020 approximately 463 million adults (20–79 years) were living with diabetes, the principles of medical nutrition therapy are to decrease the risk of diabetes by encouraging healthy food choices and physical activity. Djulis is a unique traditional pseudo-cereal crop native to Taiwan. The hull of djulis, which is usually considered to be agricultural waste, is disposed of in landfills and causes some environmental problems. In recent years, many studies have investigated the functional properties of djulis hull. The focus has been on the byproducts of djulis, a waste utilization approach, to further develop enriched functional foods. Djulis hull contained dietary fibre 75.21 ± 0.17% dry weight, and insoluble dietary fibre (IDF) reached 71.54 ± 0.27% dry weight. The IDF postponed the adsorption of glucose and reduced the activity of α-amylase. We found that it is a good source of valuable ingredients that contain a high amount of dietary fibre. Furthermore, for patients with T2DM, consuming djulis hull 30 and 60 min before a meal significantly reduced blood glucose content as compared with patients at the same postprandial times who did not consume it.

Abstract

Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.) is a species of cereal grain native to Taiwan. It is rich in dietary fibre and antioxidants and therefore reputed to relieve constipation, suppress inflammation, and lower blood glucose. The aim of this study was to investigate the composition and physicochemical properties of dietary fibre from djulis hull. Meanwhile, determination of the in vivo antidiabetic effect on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after consuming the djulis hull powder. Djulis hull contained dietary fibre 75.21 ± 0.17% dry weight, and insoluble dietary fibre (IDF) reached 71.54 ± 0.27% dry weight. The IDF postponed the adsorption of glucose and reduced the activity of α-amylase. Postprandial blood glucose levels in patients with T2DM showed three different tendencies. First, the area under the glucose curve was significantly lower after ingesting 10 or 5 g djulis hull powder, which then postponed the adsorption of glucose, but the area under the glucose curve was similar with the two doses. After consuming 10 g djulis hull before 75 g glucose 30 and 60 min after the meal, patients with T2DM had blood glucose values that were significantly lower at the same postprandial times than those of patients who did not consume djulis hull. In short, patients who consumed djulis hull prior to glucose administration had decreased blood glucose level compared with those who did not. Djulis hull may have benefits for patients with T2DM.

Development and Optimization of Djulis Sourdough Bread Using Taguchi Grey Relational Analysis

Bakery products made from naturally fermented sourdough show a diversified flavor and nutritional profile. Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum), known as red quinoa or Taiwan djulis, originally cultivated by Taiwanese indigenous people in mountain areas in eastern and southern Taiwan, has a high nutritional value and characteristic properties. In the present study, a new bakery product (djulis sourdough bread) was developed and a combination of the Taguchi method coupled with grey theory was utilized to optimize the baking parameters (product formulation). Five main factors, i.e., djulis sourdough (A), hulled djulis (B), oil type (C), a mixture of bread flour (wet gluten content of 29.0%) and a high-gluten flour (wet gluten content of 35.5%) (D), and honey (E), (each at four levels) were chosen for the Taguchi experiment design (L₁₆(4)⁵). Dependent parameters were the data from texture profile analysis (brittleness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness), color analysis (L*, a*, and b*), and sensory evaluation (appearance, aroma, bitterness, sourness, chewiness, and overall acceptance) of the final product. Taguchi grey relational analysis successfully determined the optimal conditions based on combined parameters (5 factors), which highlighted the advantages of this innovative optimization technique. The result shows that the optimal formula for producing a djulis sourdough bread with the best texture, color, and sensory qualities was A3B1C1D2E2, i.e., 20% djulis sourdough, 0% addition of hulled djulis, 8% unsalted butter, 80% wheat flour + 20% high-gluten flour, and 10% honey, respectively. Such a novel application could be a reference for improving the quality of bakery products in the industry. Moreover, it seems that the new bakery product developed in this study has good potential to be commercially produced after further nutritional and economic analysis.

Collagen formula with Djulis for improvement of skin hydration, brightness, texture, crow's feet, and collagen content: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of Djulis for skin care is currently based on cellular or animal models, and the clinical aspect is not in place.

AIM

This clinical study is to investigate the synergistic effect of fish collagen and Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.) for improvement of skin parameters. We used the combination of hydrolyzed collagen and Djulis to develop a new functional formula for skin improvement.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Fifty volunteers were randomly allocated (in a 1:1 ratio) to the placebo or collagen drink group. Volunteers were required to consume a 50 mL of a collagen drink or placebo drink daily for 8 weeks. For measurements, the indexes of skin conditions were measured at the baseline and 4 and 8 weeks.

RESULTS

The improvements of skin hydration, brightness, crow's feet, texture, wrinkles, pores, spots, and collagen content after 8 weeks in collagen group were 17.8%, 5.4%, 14.9%, 9.9%, 29.3%, 10.4%, 9.9%, and 22.3%, respectively. Noticeably, over 68% of subjects got improved for their skin parameters after 8-week intake of collagen drink. The improvement levels indicated competitive skin improvement effects in comparison with previous studies.

CONCLUSION

This clinical study demonstrates the synergistic effect of fish collagen and Djulis (the main components) for the substantial improvements in hydration, brightness, crow's feet, texture, wrinkles, pores, surface spots, and collagen content in skin. The collagen drink comprehensively improved skin parameters for most subjects after 4-week intake and manifested competitive efficiency in comparison with other similar studies. We convince that the collagen drink may delay skin aging process and improve skin aging parameters.

Synbiotic Combination of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) and Lactobacillus acidophilus Inhibits Colon Carcinogenesis in Rats

Djulis is a functional grain containing prebiotic dietary fiber, which has an anti-cancer potential. This study examined the preventive effect of djulis alone or in combination with Lactobacillus acidophilus on colon carcinogenesis induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Rats were divided into five groups and fed B (AIN-93G, blank), C (AIN-93G, control), D (10% djulis), DLA (10% djulis plus 5 × 10⁶ cfu L. acidophilus/g), and DHA (10% djulis plus 5 × 10⁷ cfu L. acidophilus/g) diets, respectively. All rats except for those in group B received three doses of DMH (40 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection and 3% DSS in drinking water. After 10 weeks of feeding, the colon was analyzed for precancerous lesions and biomarkers. DMH and DSS treatment induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF), especially in the distal colon. D, DLA, and DHA significantly reduced the numbers of total ACF, sialomucin-producing ACF (SIM-ACF), and mucin-depleted foci (MDF) in the distal colon compared to C. Additionally, DLA and DHA further downregulated the expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and regulated apoptosis-related proteins. These results suggest that synbiotic combination of djulis and L. acidophilus shows the best inhibitory effect on colon carcinogenesis via regulation of proliferative, inflammatory, and apoptotic pathways.

Red Quinoa Bran Extracts Protects against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury and Fibrosis in Mice via Activation of Antioxidative Enzyme Systems and Blocking TGF-β1 Pathway

The late stages of liver fibrosis are considered to be irreversible. Red quinoa (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz), a traditional food for Taiwanese aborigines, was gradually developed as a novel supplemental food due to high dietary fibre and polyphenolic compounds. Its bran was usually regarded as the agricultural waste, but it contained a high concentration of rutin known as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. This study is to explore the effect of red quinoa bran extracts on the prevention of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected CCl₄ to induce liver fibrosis and treated with red quinoa whole seed powder, bran ethanol extracts, bran water extracts, and rutin. In the results, red quinoa powder provided more protection than rutin against CCl₄-induced oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory factor expression and fibrosis development. However, the bran ethanol extract with high rutin content provided the most liver protection and anti-fibrosis effect via blocking the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)/interleukin 6 (IL-6) pathway and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) pathway.

The Inhibitory Effects of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) and Its Bioactive Compounds on Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

The aim of this study was to provide new insights into the role of the ethanolic extracts of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum, EECF) and its bioactive compounds in preventing adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The results demonstrated EECF significantly inhibited oil red O-stained material (OROSM), triglyceride levels and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The expression of the critical molecules involved in lipid synthesis such as PPARγ, C/EBPα and SREBP-1c was attenuated in EECF-treated cells. According to HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS/MS analysis, rutin, kaempferol, betanin and another nine compounds were present in EECF. The suppression of lipid accumulation by rutin, kaempferol and betanin occurred by decreasing the gene expression of PPARγ, C/EBPα and SREBP-1c. Taken together, these findings suggest the presence of bioactive compounds in EECF may partly account for the anti-adipogenesis of EECF and EECF is therefore a potentially lipid lowering functional food.