Functional Foods for Health: The Interrelated Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Role of Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs, Spices and Cocoa in Humans

The association between dietary antioxidant quality score and uric acid related mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease

Aim

Antioxidants diet is beneficial for the prognosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the relationship between the Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score (DAQS), a measure of overall quality on antioxidant diet, and hyperuricemia related mortality is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the DAQS and hyperuricemia mortality in CKD patients.

Methods

In this cohort study, data were collected in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2009 to 2018. The DAQS was calculated based on the six dietary antioxidants. Mortality status were determined by NHANES-linked National Death Index public access files through December 31, 2019. Weighted Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate the association between the DAQS and hyperuricemia related mortality.

Results

A total of 3,684 participants were included. During the median follow-up of 63.83 months, 820 deaths were recorded. The results showed that higher dietary antioxidants intake associated with lower hyperuricemia related mortality risk among CKD patients (HR = 1.28, 95%CI: 1.07 to 1.54). In subgroup analyses, the association of antioxidants intake and hyperuricemia related mortality risk remained exist in groups of aged ≥65 years (HR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.01 to 1.52), with hypertension (HR = 1.26, 95%CI: 1.02 to 1.55), with dyslipidemia (HR = 1.30, 95%CI: 1.07 to 1.58), with CVD (HR = 1.31, 95%CI: 1.03 to 1.67), and diabetes (HR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.24 to 2.12).

Conclusion

Higher antioxidants intake associated with lower odds of hyperuricemia related mortality in CKD patients. Future interventional studies are needed to elucidate the beneficial effect of antioxidants diets.

Chemical fingerprinting, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer potential of greenly synthesized silver nanoparticles from pistachio (Pistacia vera) nuts and senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.) leaves

There is a growing interest in standardizing the biocompatible, cost-effective, and eco-friendly manufacturing techniques for metallic nanostructures due to their widespread applications in the industrial and medical sectors. In recent decades, green synthesis has been proven as the most suitable technique for synthesizing metal nanoparticles. The present research study investigates the use of Cassia angustifolia (senna) leaves and Pistacia vera (Pistachio) nuts to prepare crude aqueous extracts, ethanolic extracts, and biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The prepared aqueous extracts were used as reducing, stabilizing, and capping agents for the production of silver nanoparticles. These AgNPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The outcomes validated the formation of stable AgNPs with bioactive functional components. In vitro antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potentials were assessed by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test, MIC test, MBC test, MTT assay, BSA denaturation inhibition assay, and DPPH antioxidant assay, respectively. Results confirmed that the tested plant extract possesses a variety of bioactive compounds with various biological activities and is therapeutically effective. These findings verified that C. angustifolia and P. vera are promising bioresources for the synthesis of therapeutic extracts and nanostructures with commendable therapeutic potency.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Combination of Nobiletin and Docosahexaenoic Acid in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells: A Potential Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Effect

This study aimed to investigate a synergistic anti-inflammatory effect of a citrus flavonoid nobiletin and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), one of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, in combination. Simultaneous treatment with nobiletin and DHA synergistically inhibited nitric oxide production (combination index < 0.9) by mouse macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) without cytotoxicity. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of nobiletin and DHA in combination on proinflammatory cytokine production was not synergistic. Neither nobiletin nor DHA affected the phagocytotic activity of RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with LPS. Immunoblot analysis revealed that the inhibition potency of DHA on the phosphorylation of ERK and p38 and nuclear translocation of NF-κB is markedly enhanced by simultaneously treating with nobiletin, which may lead to the synergistic anti-inflammatory effect. Overall, our findings show the potential of the synergistic anti-inflammatory effect of nobiletin and DHA in combination.

Morzeddhu: A Unique Example of a Traditional and Sustainable Typical Dish from Catanzaro

"Morzeddhu" in the local dialect of Catanzaro ("Morzello" in Italian) is an official typical dish of the capital of the Calabria region. It is a peasant dish, almost unknown at an international level, that labels, in an extraordinary way, the culinary identity of Catanzaro, a city founded around the X century. After America's discovery, its preparation was optimized and definitively fixed. Its recipe is strictly based on a cow's "fifth quarter" combined with spicy and typical Mediterranean vegetables. Remarkably, no pork meat is used, and when all traditional ingredients are included in the complex and quite long preparation of this special dish, it can deserve the title of "Illustrissimo". This review provides a scientific description of Illustrissimo, emphasizing its unique properties and connection to the circular economy, food security, and the Mediterranean diet. We also highlight its unique quality compared to other alternatives through an analysis of their nutritional facts and bioactive compounds. Nutritionally, offal and fifth quarter components are a rich source of high-quality protein, with lower levels of total fat and saturated fatty acids compared to other meat cuts. In essence, this dish offers a great example of a high-quality yet affordable meal, aligning perfectly with a Mediterranean diet.

Postprandial Antioxidative Response to Ingestion of Formulated Date- and Fruit-Based Nutritional Bars by Healthy Individuals

Nutritional bars (NBs) are gaining popularity among healthy and athletic individuals, but postprandial antioxidative response has not been investigated. Therefore, the current study examined the postprandial alterations in total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the plasma of healthy individuals after the ingestion of 140 g (510 Kcal) from formulated date-based bars (DBBs) or fruit-based bars (FBBs). Firstly, the free and bound phenolic contents (PCs) were determined to be 10.15 and 12.98 and 6.19 and 3.57 mg GAE g-1, respectively. FBBs were significantly higher in free PC than DBBs, while DBBs were considerably higher in bound PC than FBBs. Secondly, twenty participants with age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and fat-free mass averages of 21.4 years, 170.0 cm, 66.3 kg, 22.9 kg m2, 14.5, and 29.2 kg, respectively, were subjected to metabolic experiments (ISRCTN19386758). Ingestion of 140 g of FBB or DBB resulted in 288.50 or 302.14 µg TPC mL-1 blood, respectively. Postprandial TPC content increased with time progression and peaked after 120 min. T-AOC contents averaged 22.63 and 23.61 U mL-1 before ingestion of FBBs or DBBs, respectively. The T-AOC content increased significantly 120 and 180 min after ingestion of DBBs, while no significant change was noted after consuming FBBs. A significant decrease in MDA content was observed 180 min after consuming DBBs, while no significant change was noted after consuming FBBs. SOD concentrations ranged from 193.99 to 201.07 U L-1 in FBBs and DBBs, respectively. No considerable response was noted up to 3 h after ingestion of FBBs. On the contrary, a significant response was found 120 min after consuming DBBs. Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated a highly significant positive correlation coefficient (p < 0.01) between T-AOC and either MDA or SOD, as well as between MDA and SOD. The principal component analysis demonstrated a strong and positive relationship between SOD and TPC at 60 and 120 min after DBB ingestion. In conclusion, the relative changes in postprandial responses in T-AOC and MDA did not significantly (p > 0.05) differ between DBBs and FBBs, except for TPC (p = 0.04, paired t-test) and SOD (p = 0.003, paired t-test). Further studies with an extended experimental time are needed to confirm the current findings.

The In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Selected Australian Seagrasses

Recent studies have shown that seagrasses could possess potential applications in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Five seagrass species (Zostera muelleri, Halodule uninervis, Cymodocea rotundata, Syringodium isoetifolium, and Thalassia hemprichii) from the Great Barrier Reef (QLD, Australia) were thus collected, and their preliminary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. From the acetone extracts of five seagrass species subjected to 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging antioxidant assay, the extract of Z. muelleri had the highest activity (half minimal concentration of inhibition (IC50) = 138 µg/mL), with the aerial parts (IC50 = 119 µg/mL) possessing significantly higher antioxidant activity than the roots (IC50 ≥ 500 µg/mL). A human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) assay with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation and LEGENDplex cytokine analysis showed that the aerial extract of Z. muelleri significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 by 29%, 74%, and 90%, respectively, relative to the LPS treatment group. The aerial extract was thus fractionated with methanol (MeOH) and hexane fraction, and purification of the MeOH fraction by HPLC led to the isolation of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (1), luteolin (2), and apigenin (3) as its major constituents. These compounds have been previously shown to reduce levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and represent some of the major bioactive components of Z. muelleri aerial parts. This investigation represents the first study of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Z. muelleri and the first isolation of small molecules from this species. These results highlight the potential for using seagrasses in treating inflammation and the need for further investigation.

A novel Nutrient Rich Food (NRFa11.3) score uses flavonoids and carotenoids to identify antioxidant-rich spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruit

Introduction

Nutrient profiling (NP) models designed to evaluate the healthfulness of plant-based foods ought to incorporate bioactive phytochemicals. Herbs and spices are one food group of current interest.

Methods

Two new versions of the well-established Nutrient Rich Food (NRF) index were applied to spices, herbs, vegetables, fruit, and other plant-based foods. Analyses used the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) SR-28 nutrient composition database merged with the USDA Expanded Flavonoid database 3.3. The NRF4.3 model was based on protein, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. The NRFa11.3 model was based on micronutrients with reported antioxidant activity (vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, copper, and zinc), carotenoids (alpha and beta carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein/zeaxantin) and flavonoids. Saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium were nutrients to limit. The NRF algorithm was based on sums of percent daily values (%DVs) capped at 100%.

Results

The NRF4.3 model awarded high scores to herbs and spices, cocoa powder, and nuts, but did not discriminate well among vegetables and fruit. The NRFa11.3 model performed better. Green leafy, red orange and cruciferous vegetables had the highest carotenoid content. Highest in flavonoids were cocoa powder, herbs and spices, and berries. Highest combined NRFa11.3 values were observed for herbs and spices, green leafy vegetables, cocoa, nuts, and red-orange and cruciferous vegetables.

Discussion

Fresh and dry herbs and spices, often ignored by NP models, were particularly nutrient-rich and may provide non-negligible amounts of key phytonutrients to the human diet.

Nephro-protective effects of alpha-lipoic acid in type I diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an insulin-dependent autoimmune condition. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are volatile fatty acids with 1-6 carbon atoms that influence glucose storage in the body and can reduce appetite, potentially decreasing T1D risk. Alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA), a type of SCFA, has previously been used to treat diabetic neuropathy and inflammation due to its antioxidant properties. This study aims to assess α-LA's protective effects against T1D and associated kidney damage in rats induced with streptozotocin. Diabetic rats were treated with α-LA orally for 15 days, resulting in improved blood glucose (56% decrease) and kidney function markers like blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and uric acid. α-LA also showed significant antioxidant effects by decreasing LPO as well as improving activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione-S transferase and alleviated kidney damage caused by diabetes. Docking experiments suggest that α-LA may regulate diabetes-related changes at the epigenetic level through interactions with the SIRT1 protein, indicating its potential as a target for future antidiabetic drug development.

Antioxidant Activity and Seasonal Variations in the Composition of Insoluble Fiber from the Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller: Development of New Extraction Procedures to Improve Fiber Yield

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller is a plant belonging to the Cactaceae family adapted to live in environments characterized by long periods of drought and arid or desert climates. This plant is characterized by an aerial part composed of structures transformed by branches, called "cladodes", which are essential to reduce excessive perspiration of water and appear covered with thorns. The composition of the cladodes includes water, polysaccharides, fiber, proteins, vitamins, fatty acids, sterols, polyphenols, and minerals. The main purposes of this scientific work are (a) to compare the insoluble fiber (IF) extracted from the cladodes of O. ficus-indica belonging to the same plant but collected in different seasonal periods (winter and summer) and develop new extraction protocols that are able to improve the yield obtained and (b) evaluate the antioxidant potential of the fiber and study possible variations as a result of the extraction protocol chosen. The first objective was achieved (1) by measuring the amount of IF extracted from cladodes harvested in winter and summer (CW and CS, respectively) and (2) by modifying three variables involved in the fiber extraction protocol. To achieve the second objective, the following experiments were carried out: (1) measurement of the antioxidant potential of IF in CW and CS; (2) measurement of cellular reactive oxygen species; (3) measurement of the activity of some antioxidant enzymes; and (4) comparison of the polyphenol content in CW and CS. In conclusion, the results obtained showed that the IF extraction process can be improved, achieving a uniform yield regardless of seasonality; the antioxidant effect may vary depending on the extraction protocol.

Proteomic and Metabolomic Signatures of Diet Quality in Young Adults

The assessment of "omics" signatures may contribute to personalized medicine and precision nutrition. However, the existing literature is still limited in the homogeneity of participants' characteristics and in limited assessments of integrated omics layers. Our objective was to use post-prandial metabolomics and fasting proteomics to identify biological pathways and functions associated with diet quality in a population of primarily Hispanic young adults. We conducted protein and metabolite-wide association studies and functional pathway analyses to assess the relationships between a priori diet indices, Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI) and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets, and proteins (n = 346) and untargeted metabolites (n = 23,173), using data from the MetaAIR study (n = 154, 61% Hispanic). Analyses were performed for each diet quality index separately, adjusting for demographics and BMI. Five proteins (ACY1, ADH4, AGXT, GSTA1, F7) and six metabolites (undecylenic acid, betaine, hyodeoxycholic acid, stearidonic acid, iprovalicarb, pyracarbolid) were associated with both diets (p < 0.05), though none were significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Overlapping proteins are involved in lipid and amino acid metabolism and in hemostasis, while overlapping metabolites include amino acid derivatives, bile acids, fatty acids, and pesticides. Enriched biological pathways were involved in macronutrient metabolism, immune function, and oxidative stress. These findings in young Hispanic adults contribute to efforts to develop precision nutrition and medicine for diverse populations.

Associations of dietary patterns and perceived stress with memory deficits in patients with heart failure

This study aimed to examine the relationships between dietary patterns and perceived stress with memory deficits in 291 patients with heart failure aged 45-85 years. A total of 142 (48.8%) patients reported memory deficit. Three dietary patterns were identified by K-means clustering: nut-fruit-dairy, meat-processed, and traditional (high intake of cereals) diets. Compared to the traditional diet, the nut-fruit-dairy diet and meat-processed diet were associated with lower levels of deficits in short-term memory, delayed memory, and overall memory. What's more, perceived stress was positively associated with deficits in short-term memory and overall memory, but the association was only found in patients adhering to the traditional diet using stratified analyses. Our findings suggest that adhering to a healthy diet may be conducive to improving deficits in short-term memory, delayed memory, and overall memory, while also buffering the adverse association between perceived stress and deficits in short-term memory and overall memory.

The Amazonian Camu-Camu Fruit Modulates the Development of Drosophila melanogaster and the Neural Function of Adult Flies under Oxidative Stress Conditions

Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) is known for its antioxidant properties, although little is known about its developmental safety effects, particularly on adult neural function under basal redox and oxidative stress conditions. Therefore, this study sought to address this gap by conducting three complementary protocols using Drosophila melanogaster to investigate these effects. The initial assays revealed that second-stage larvae consumed diets supplemented with various concentrations of camu-camu uniformly, establishing a 50% lethal concentration at 4.799 mg/mL. Hence, non-lethal (0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL) and sub-lethal (5 and 10 mg/mL) concentrations were then chosen to evaluate the effects of camu-camu on preimaginal development and adult neural function. Our observations showed that camu-camu impacts the expression of antioxidant enzymes, reactive species, and lipoperoxidation. Notably, sub-lethal concentrations decreased preimaginal viability and locomotor activity, negatively influenced geotaxis and acetylcholinesterase activity, and increased reactive species, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase activity in flies. Additionally, the protective effects of camu-camu against oxidative stress induced by iron (20 mM) were assessed. Flies supplemented with 0.5 mg/mL of camu-camu during the larval period showed improved neural viability and function, and this supplementation was found to protect against oxidative stress. These findings are instrumental in evaluating the safety and efficacy of commercial supplements based on camu-camu, offering significant insights for future research and application.

Polyphenol-enriched extracts of Sarcopoterium spinosum fruits for counteracting lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in an in vitro model of hepatic steatosis

Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach is a Rosaceae shrub employed in the folk medicine in the Eastern Mediterranean basin. The previous few studies have focused on the S. spinosum roots, while the fruits have been poorly investigated. The present study aims to assess the biological properties of S. spinosum fruits collected in Lebanon and subjected to ethanolic, water or boiling water extraction. The extracts were compared for the phenol and flavonoid contents, and for the in vitro radical scavenging ability. The ethanolic extract (SEE) was selected and characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) showing a phenolome rich in tannins (ellagitannins), flavonoids (quercetin derivatives), and triterpenes. The biological activity of SEE was tested on a cellular model of moderate steatosis consisting of lipid-loaded hepatic cells treated with increasing concentrations of SEE (1-25 μg/mL), or with corilagin or quercetin as comparison. In steatotic hepatocytes the SEE was able (i) to ameliorate the hepatosteatosis; (ii) to counteract the excess ROS and lipid peroxidation; (iii) to restore the impaired catalase activity. The results indicate that the ethanolic extract from S. spinosum fruits is endowed with relevant antisteatotic and antioxidant activities and might find application as nutraceutical product.

Plants with potential anti-ulcerogenic activity and possible mechanism of actions based on their phyto-constitutional profile

Gastric ulcer, the most common disorder of the digestive tract is formed due to an imbalance between acid and mucus content of the stomach. However, the currently used western therapeutic regimens have many drawbacks like adverse effects, recurrence of gastric ulcers, are expensive, and also, may have interactions with other drugs. Hence, there is a need for effective alternative therapy. Medicinal herbs have been used since ancient times to treat several diseases and are also evidenced to be effective against gastric ulcers. It is also evident that medicinal herbs have been proved to be equally effective or superior as compared to the existing synthetic medicines. In this review, five herbs have been taken into consideration and assumed to be effective against gastric ulcers. Abrus mollis, Korean Thistle (Cirsium japonicum var. maackii), Astralagus complanatus Bunge, Bauhinia monandra, and Embelia ribes Burm f. are the herbs whose data is been collected and reviewed for their potential gastro-protective action. Although, their side effects and toxicity profile need to be further evaluated. Hence, the purpose of this review is to gather evidence of these five medicinal herbs and their probable mechanism of action against gastric ulcers based on their phyto-constitutional profile.

Association between dietary quality and the prevalence of periodontitis in older Korean adults aged 60 or over

PURPOSE

This study investigated the association between dietary quality and the prevalence of periodontitis in older Korean adults (≥60 years of age) using data from the seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII, 2016-2018).

METHODS

Among the 16,489 KNHANES participants from 2016-2018, those aged ≥60 years were selected as the eligible population. After applying our exclusion criteria, 3,527 participants were included in the final study population. Periodontal status was measured using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). To determine the association between dietary quality and the prevalence of periodontitis, analysis of variance, the chi-square (χ²) test, and logistic regression analysis were performed.

RESULTS

The population was divided into quartile groups and stratified by sex. The percentage of men and women with periodontitis was 54.34% and 42.74%, respectively. The quartile with higher Korean Healthy Eating Index scores had a lower percentage of people with periodontitis in both sexes. For men, only vegetable intake showed a significant difference between sub-groups with or without periodontitis, whereas, for women, the intake of fruits, milk, sweets, carbohydrates, and fats showed significant differences. There was a strong positive association between vegetable intake and periodontitis in men in the 3 models used in this study; model 3 had an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.367 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.091-1.712). In women, a strong positive association with periodontitis was shown for sweets in all 3 models, with an aOR of 1.477 in model 3 (95% CI, 1.125-1.939).

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary quality was inversely associated with the prevalence of periodontitis in Korean adults aged ≥60 years. Further comprehensive studies are needed to help establish nutrition and health policies for older adults in Korea.

The Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Potential of Coccoloba alnifolia Leaf Extracts

Oxidative stress has been associated with different diseases, and different medicinal plants have been used to treat or prevent this condition. The leaf ethanolic extract (EE) and aqueous extract (AE) from Coccoloba alnifolia have previously been characterized to have antioxidant potential in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we worked with EE and AE and two partition phases, AF (ethyl acetate) and BF (butanol), from AE extract. These extracts and partition phases did not display cytotoxicity. The EE and AE reduced NO production and ROS in all three concentrations tested. Furthermore, it was observed that EE and AE at 500 μg/mL concentration were able to reduce phagocytic activity by 30 and 50%, respectively. A scratch assay using a fibroblast cell line (NHI/3T3) showed that extracts and fractions induced cell migration with 60% wound recovery within 24 h, especially for BF. It was also observed that AF and BF had antioxidant potential in all the assays evaluated. In addition, copper chelation was observed. This activity was previously not detected in AE. The HPLC-DAD analysis showed the presence of phenolic compounds such as p-cumaric acid and vitexin for extracts, while the GNPS annotated the presence of isoorientin, vitexin, kanakugiol, and tryptamine in the BF partition phase. The data presented here demonstrated that the EE, AE, AF, and BF of C. alnifolia have potential immunomodulatory effects, antioxidant effects, as well as in vitro wound healing characteristics, which are important for dynamic inflammation process control.

Foraging Wild Edibles: Dietary Diversity in Expanded Food Systems

Human food foraging in community forests offers extensive and expandable sources of food and high-quality nutrition that support chronic disease prevention and management and are underrepresented in US diets. Despite severe gaps in non-commercial "wild food" data, research in Syracuse, NY, identified substantial amounts of five key antioxidant phytochemicals in locally available, forageable foods with the potential to augment local dietary diversity and quality. Findings endorse the need for micro- and macro-nutrient research on an expanded range of forageable foods, community nutrition education on those foods, an expanded study on antioxidant phytochemical function, and the inclusion of forageables in the food system definition.

Apoptosis induction in human hepatoma cell line HepG2 cells by trans- Anethole via activation of mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathways

trans-Anethole a valuable compound derived from star anise widely used by ethnic tribals to manage numerous human diseases. In this study antiproliferative activities of trans-Anethole towards human liver cancer (HepG2), cervical cancer (HeLa) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells were explored. trans-Anethole showed free radical scavenging potential as assessed by DNA nicking assay. trans-Anethole exhibited strong antiproliferative potential towards HepG2 cells compared to other cell lines. trans-Anethole strongly induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells by significantly upregulating the protein expressions of p53, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 were assessed by western blotting analysis which highlighted apoptosis-inducing capacity of trans-Anethole against HepG2 cells. Rt-qPCR analysis revealed that trans- Anethole upregulated p53, caspase - 3 and - 9 in comparison to untreated HepG2 cancer cells. Moreover, trans-Anethole provoked the generation of ROS and disruption of MMP. Our research suggests that trans-Anethole may have a significant anticancer therapeutic potential for treating liver cancer.

Nordic diet and its benefits in neurological function: a systematic review of observational and intervention studies

Introduction

Neurological disorders have been considered the major contributors to global long-term disability and lower quality of life. Lifestyle factors, such as dietary patterns, are increasingly recognized as important determinants of neurological function. Some dietary behaviors, such as Nordic diet (ND) were likely to have protective effects on brain function. However, an understanding of the effectiveness of the ND pattern to improve neurological function and brain health is not fully understood. We review the current evidence that supports the ND pattern in various aspects of neurological function and addresses both proven and less established mechanisms of action based on its food ingredients and biochemical compounds.

Methods

In this systematic review, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched from inception to February 2023. Observational and intervention studies were included.

Results

Of the 627 screened studies, 5 observational studies (including three cohorts and two cross-sectional studies) and 3 intervention studies investigating the association between ND and neurological function. Observational studies investigated the association of ND with the following neurological functions: cognition, stroke, and neuropsychological function. Intervention studies investigated the effects of ND on cognition and depression.

Discussion

Despite the limited literature on ND and its association with neurological function, several aspects of ND may lead to some health benefits suggesting neuroprotective effects. The current state of knowledge attributes the possible effects of characteristic components of the ND to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, gut-brain-axis modulating, and ligand activities in cell signaling pathways. Based on existing evidence, the ND may be considered a recommended dietary approach for the improvement of neurological function and brain health.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD2023451117].

The association between adherence to diet quality index and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese women: a cross-sectional study

Background

Obesity and overweight status increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Diet quality can also predict the risk of cardiovascular diseases in obese and overweight patients. Therefore, in this study, we sought to examine the relationship between diet quality index (DQI) and cardiometabolic risk factors in obese and overweight women.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 197 Iranian women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) > 25, 18-48 years, and recruited from 20 Tehran Health Centers. Nutrition intake and DQI were assessed using a 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Additionally, anthropometric measurements, body composition, biochemical evaluations, and cardiometabolic risk factors were evaluated.

Results

There was an association between DQI and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and CHOLINDEX in obese women, after adjusting for potential confounders. Whereas, there were no significant associations of the tertiles of DQI compared with the first tertile in other cardiometabolic risk factors, before and after adjustment.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that dietary intake and DQI are associated with cardiometabolic risk factors and that dietary modification may be a predictor for reducing WHR, AIP, and CHOLINDEX. However, more research is needed to develop a DQI that reflects changes in cardiometabolic risk factors by considering women's eating habits and patterns.

Development of Phytochemical Delivery Systems by Nano-Suspension and Nano-Emulsion Techniques

The awareness of the existence of plant bioactive compounds, namely, phytochemicals (PHYs), with health properties is progressively expanding. Therefore, their massive introduction in the normal diet and in food supplements and their use as natural therapeutics to treat several diseases are increasingly emphasized by several sectors. In particular, most PHYs possessing antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiulcer, anti-cholesterol, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties have been isolated from plants. Additionally, their secondary modification with new functionalities to further improve their intrinsic beneficial effects has been extensively investigated. Unfortunately, although the idea of exploiting PHYs as therapeutics is amazing, its realization is far from simple, and the possibility of employing them as efficient clinically administrable drugs is almost utopic. Most PHYs are insoluble in water, and, especially when introduced orally, they hardly manage to pass through physiological barriers and scarcely reach the site of action in therapeutic concentrations. Their degradation by enzymatic and microbial digestion, as well as their rapid metabolism and excretion, strongly limits their in vivo activity. To overcome these drawbacks, several nanotechnological approaches have been used, and many nanosized PHY-loaded delivery systems have been developed. This paper, by reporting various case studies, reviews the foremost nanosuspension- and nanoemulsion-based techniques developed for formulating the most relevant PHYs into more bioavailable nanoparticles (NPs) that are suitable or promising for clinical application, mainly by oral administration. In addition, the acute and chronic toxic effects due to exposure to NPs reported so far, the possible nanotoxicity that could result from their massive employment, and ongoing actions to improve knowledge in this field are discussed. The state of the art concerning the actual clinical application of both PHYs and the nanotechnologically engineered PHYs is also reviewed.

The Importance of Thioredoxin-1 in Health and Disease

Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) is a multifunctional protein ubiquitously found in the human body. Trx-1 plays an important role in various cellular functions such as maintenance of redox homeostasis, proliferation, and DNA synthesis, but also modulation of transcription factors and control of cell death. Thus, Trx-1 is one of the most important proteins for proper cell and organ function. Therefore, modulation of Trx gene expression or modulation of Trx activity by various mechanisms, including post-translational modifications or protein-protein interactions, could cause a transition from the physiological state of cells and organs to various pathologies such as cancer, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we not only discuss the current knowledge of Trx in health and disease, but also highlight its potential function as a biomarker.

Kombucha Beverages Produced from Fruits, Vegetables, and Plants: A Review on Their Pharmacological Activities and Health Benefits

Kombucha is a traditional health beverage produced by fermenting sweetened tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts. Consumption of kombucha beverages has been growing and there is kombucha commercially available worldwide as one of the most famous low-alcohol beverages. Kombucha beverages have been claimed to have beneficial effects on human health because they contain a variety of bioactive compounds that possess various functional properties. At present, several kinds of raw material (e.g., milk, fruit, vegetables, and herbs) have been fermented with kombucha consortium and consumed as kombucha beverages. Although several studies have been written regarding the biological activities of kombucha and raw materials, there is however little information available on the characterization of their components as well as the biological activities of fermented kombucha from many raw material mixtures. Several pharmacological activities were reviewed in the scientific literature, describing their potential implications for human health. In addition, the adverse effects and toxicity of kombucha consumption were also reviewed. In this study, we focused on the main and latest studies of the pharmacological effects of kombucha beverages produced from various kinds of raw materials, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antihyperlipidemic effects in in vitro and in vivo studies.

The Biochemistry and Effectiveness of Antioxidants in Food, Fruits, and Marine Algae

It is more effective to maintain good health than to regain it after losing it. This work focuses on the biochemical defense mechanisms against free radicals and their role in building and maintaining antioxidant shields, aiming to show how to balance, as much as possible, the situations in which we are exposed to free radicals. To achieve this aim, foods, fruits, and marine algae with a high antioxidant content should constitute the basis of nutritional elements, since natural products are known to have significantly greater assimilation efficiency. This review also gives the perspective in which the use of antioxidants can extend the life of food products, by protecting them from damage caused by oxidation as well as their use as food additives.

A review of citrus plants as functional foods and dietary supplements for human health, with an emphasis on meta-analyses, clinical trials, and their chemical composition

Fruits, flowers, leaves, essential oils, hydrosols, and juices of citrus spp. Are utilized to prepare various forms of food products. Along with their nutritional values, in the health industry, different parts of the plants of the citrus genus have been used as supplements or remedies to prevent or control diseases. This review focused on reported meta-analyses and clinical trials on the health benefits of citrus plants as functional foods. Also, chemical compounds of various citrus species were reviewed. The following information sources were used for data collection: Google Scholar, the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Various keywords, including "citrus AND chemical compounds," "citrus AND phytochemicals," "citrus species," "citrus AND meta-analysis," "nutritional and therapeutical values of citrus spp.," "clinical trials AND citrus," "clinical trials AND Rutaceae," "health benefits of citrus spp.," "citrus edible or non-edible applications," and scientific names of the citrus plants were utilized to collect data for the review. The scientific name and common name of all twenty-eight citrus species, along with any of the above keywords, were also searched in the mentioned databases. Scientific papers and data sources were sought to review and discuss the citrus plant's nutritional and therapeutic importance. Several meta-analyses and clinical trials have reported beneficial effects of citrus spices on a variety of cancer risks, cardiovascular risk factors, neurologic disorders, urinary tract conditions, and gastrointestinal tract conditions. They have shown anxiolytic, antimicrobial, and pain-alleviating effects. Some of them can be helpful in managing obesity and cardiovascular risk factors.

Heart failure symptom burden, dietary intake, and inflammation: An integrative review of the literature

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by high symptom burden including, but not limited to fatigue, dyspnea, and edema. Up to 21.5% of HF patients experience significant depressive symptoms, much higher than 7.1% in adults without HF. Diet, metabolites, and other inflammatory mechanisms have gained notable attention in recent studies for contributions to symptoms in HF. Symptoms for black adults (B/As) with HF are often influenced by lifestyle factors, which may influence their higher mortality rates; few studies address these factors. Distinguishing the links between key elements with diet, inflammation, and symptoms may bring clarity for new dietary strategies in HF clinical care. The purpose of this integrative review is to examine the existing literature regarding relationships among physiologic pathways in HF along with physical and emotional symptoms in the context of inflammation, dietary intake, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a biomarker of inflammation, and trimethylamine-N-Oxide (TMAO). Based on available evidence, inflammation may be a key link between physical symptoms, diet, depression, TMAO, and TNF-α in persons with HF and warrants further examination to clarify pathological links to solidify evidence for better guidance with dietary modifications. The literature reviewed in this study demonstrates that more work is needed to examine dietary planning, social support, and differences between men and women in the B/A community. Results of this literature review call attention to the essential, personalized care needs related to symptom monitoring and dietary planning which is expected to decrease symptom burden in the HF population.

Effect of date seed (Phoenix dactylifera) supplementation as functional food on cardiometabolic risk factors, metabolic endotoxaemia and mental health in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a blinded randomised controlled trial protocol

INTRODUCTION

Recently, the improvement of chronic hyperglycaemia-related damage of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through functional food consumption has attracted the attention of many clinicians. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of date seed powder (DSP) as a functional food (prebiotic) on the cardiometabolic risk factors, oxidative stress, anti-/inflammatory biomarkers, metabolic endotoxaemia (gut microbiota), adipokines, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis biomarkers, immune system, anthropometric indices and mental health in patients with T2DM.

METHODS

This study protocol will be conducted as randomised, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial with the inclusion of 48 patients with T2DM. The participants will be randomly assigned into two equal groups of intervention (n=24) and placebo (n=24) and receive 5 g/day of DSP or placebo for 8 weeks, respectively. At baseline and post-intervention, fasting blood samples will be collected to assess the serum levels of lipid profile, glycaemic indices, antioxidant and oxidative stress, anti-/inflammatory biomarkers, lipopolysaccharide, 8-hydroxy-guanine, adipokines, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis biomarkers, immune system and mental health. Data will be analysed using the SPSS software (V.16.0). To compare the quantitative variables, paired and unpaired Student's t-tests and covariance analyses will be used.

DISCUSSION

In this study, the potential effects of DSP on patients with T2DM will be evaluated for the first time. It is hoped that the results would increase the body of scientific knowledge about DSP supplementation on the cardiometabolic risk factors, oxidative stress, anti-/inflammatory biomarkers, metabolic endotoxaemia, adipokines, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis biomarkers, immune system, anthropometric indices and mental health in patients with T2DM.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Committee of the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (code: IR.TBZMED.REC.1400.752).

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir/IRCT20150205020965N10).

The Role of Diet as a Modulator of the Inflammatory Process in the Neurological Diseases

Neurological diseases are recognized as major causes of disability and mortality worldwide. Due to the dynamic progress of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Schizophrenia, Depression, and Multiple Sclerosis (MD), scientists are mobilized to look for new and more effective methods of interventions. A growing body of evidence suggests that inflammatory processes and an imbalance in the composition and function of the gut microbiome, which play a critical role in the pathogenesis of various neurological diseases and dietary interventions, such as the Mediterranean diet the DASH diet, or the ketogenic diet can have beneficial effects on their course. The aim of this review was to take a closer look at the role of diet and its ingredients in modulating inflammation associated with the development and/or progression of central nervous system diseases. Presented data shows that consuming a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, spices, and legumes that are sources of anti-inflammatory elements such as omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, vitamins, essential minerals, and probiotics while avoiding foods that promote inflammation, create a positive brain environment and is associated with a reduced risk of neurological diseases. Personalized nutritional interventions may constitute a non-invasive and effective strategy in combating neurological disorders.

Exploring the Protective Effect of Food Drugs against Viral Diseases: Interaction of Functional Food Ingredients and SARS-CoV-2, Influenza Virus, and HSV

A complex network of processes inside the human immune system provides resistance against a wide range of pathologies. These defenses form an innate and adaptive immunity, in which certain immune components work together to counteract infections. In addition to inherited variables, the susceptibility to diseases may be influenced by factors such as lifestyle choices and aging, as well as environmental determinants. It has been shown that certain dietary chemical components regulate signal transduction and cell morphologies which, in turn, have consequences on pathophysiology. The consumption of some functional foods may increase immune cell activity, defending us against a number of diseases, including those caused by viruses. Here, we investigate a range of functional foods, often marketed as immune system boosters, in an attempt to find indications of their potential protective role against diseases caused by viruses, such as the influenza viruses (A and B), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in some cases mediated by gut microbiota. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms that govern the protective effects of some functional foods and their molecular constituents. The main message of this review is that discovering foods that are able to strengthen the immune system can be a winning weapon against viral diseases. In addition, understanding how the dietary components function can aid in the development of novel strategies for maintaining human bodily health and keeping our immune systems strong.

Biosensors Based on Phenol Oxidases (Laccase, Tyrosinase, and Their Mixture) for Estimating the Total Phenolic Index in Food-Related Samples

Plant phenolic compounds demonstrate bioactive properties in vitro and/or in vivo, which creates demand for their precise determination in life sciences and industry. Measuring the concentration of individual phenolic compounds is a complex task, since approximately 9000 plant phenolic substances have been identified so far. The determination of the total phenolic content (TPC) is less laborious and is used for the qualimetric evaluation of complex multicomponent samples in routine analyses. Biosensors based on phenol oxidases (POs) have been proposed as alternative analytical devices for detecting phenolic compounds; however, their effectiveness in the analysis of food and vegetal matrices has not been addressed in detail. This review describes catalytic properties of laccase and tyrosinase and reports on the enzymatic and bienzymatic sensors based on laccase and tyrosinase for estimating the total phenolic index (TPI) in food-related samples (FRSs). The review presents the classification of biosensors, POs immobilization, the functions of nanomaterials, the biosensing catalytic cycle, interference, validation, and some other aspects related to TPI assessment. Nanomaterials are involved in the processes of immobilization, electron transfer, signal formation, and amplification, and they improve the performance of PO-based biosensors. Possible strategies for reducing interference in PO-based biosensors are discussed, namely the removal of ascorbic acid and the use of highly purified enzymes.

Impact of Thermal Processing on the Selected Biological Activities of Ginger Rhizome-A Review

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is a spice, medicinal and cosmetic plant that has been known for centuries. It can be used in dried, fresh, marinated or candied form, and is also an essential ingredient in well-known curry blends. Ginger rhizomes are often freeze-dried as the first step in the preparation of the raw material. Many studies have proved that the composition and biological activity of ginger changes due to thermal processing. Therefore, the aim of the review was to summarize the scientific results on the impact of traditional and unconventional methods of the heat treatment of ginger rhizomes and their influence on the antioxidant and other selected biological activities of the plant. The review of the available scientific data is inconclusive, and it is hard to state unequivocally whether the thermal treatment of the raw material increases or decreases biological activity. Based on the presented literature review, it can be concluded that traditional cooking and microwave processing in general decrease the antioxidant activity of the ginger rhizome, whereas frying, autoclaving, blanching or traditional drying in the sun mostly lead to a significant increase in ginger activity. Interesting data were presented in the works describing the freeze-drying process during which the antioxidant potential of ginger increased.

Potential role of dietary nitrate in relation to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health, cognition, cognitive decline and dementia: a review

There is currently no effective treatment for dementia, of which Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form. It is, therefore, imperative to focus on evidence-based preventive strategies to combat this extremely debilitating chronic disease. Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signalling molecule in the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and central nervous systems. Vegetables rich in nitrate, such as spinach and beetroot, are an important source of NO, with beneficial effects on validated markers of cardiovascular health and an association with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Given the link between cardiovascular disease risk factors and dementia, together with the important role of NO in vascular health and cognition, it is important to determine whether dietary nitrate could also improve cognitive function, markers of brain health, and lower risk of dementia. This review presents an overview of NO's role in the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and central nervous systems; an overview of the available evidence that nitrate, through effects on NO, improves cardiovascular health; and evaluates the current evidence regarding dietary nitrate's potential role in cerebrovascular health, cognitive function, and brain health assessed via biomarkers.

Relationship between Dietary Inflammatory Index and Postpartum Depression in Exclusively Breastfeeding Women

(1) Background: Research has shown that chronic inflammation can increase the risk of depression. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) is a novel measure of dietary inflammation, which has been used to investigate the relationship between diet and mental disorders in adults. However, little research has been conducted to establish an association between dietary inflammation (as measured by DII) and postpartum depression (PPD) in exclusively breastfeeding women. (2) Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 293 women who were exclusively breastfeeding for 6 months or less were enrolled. The DII scores were evaluated using semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ), and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to measure depression levels of breastfeeding mothers during the six months following delivery. The participants were classified by tertiles, and the possibility of DII being associated with PPD was assessed by binary regression analysis. (3) Results: The average DII score was 2.32 ± 1.08, which ranged from -1.66 to 4.19. The rate of depression was 60.1%. Adjusted for potential risk factors such as age, educational level, occupational level, number of babies, number of caregivers, social support level, and sleep quality, the results showed that the lowest DII score was associated with a lower risk of PPD than the highest score (OR tertile Q₁ vs. 3 = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.93, p = 0.030). (4) Conclusions: In exclusive breastfeeding women, the inflammatory potential of dietary intake seems to be related to depression. Interventions to improve diet quality might consider including a dietary component that aims to lower chronic systemic inflammation to prevent PPD. However, the relationship between DII and PPD among Chinese women remains to be demonstrated in a larger population.

Inhibitory effect of Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens Kunth) extracts on digestive enzymes in vitro, and beneficial impact on carbohydrates and lipids absorption in vivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Although Mexican oregano inhibits digestive enzymes in vitro its effect on the absorption of carbohydrates and lipids in vivo has not been addressed.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Assess the effect of Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens Kunth) on carbohydrates and lipids absorption in vivo. The antioxidant activity also was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Enzymatic inhibitory action of lipase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase was evaluated in vitro. Oral lipid (OLTT) and starch tolerance tests (OSTT) were conducted with L. graveolens acetone (O-A) and ethanol (O-E) extracts (at 102 mg/kg body weight equivalent to a 1 g human doses) in male Wistar rats. The antioxidant activity was evaluated through inhibition of lipid peroxidation and scavenging radical.

RESULTS

Both extracts exhibited higher inhibitory median concentration (IC₅₀) of lipase activity (1.9 μg/μL for O-E and 1.8 μg/μL for O-A) than the positive control (Orlistat) (0.07 μg/μL). The IC₅₀ of α-amylase was higher (41.8 μg/μL for O-E and 25.2 μg/μL for O-A) than the Acarbose (2.5 μg/μL); while α-glucosidase results showed not statistically differences between groups (∼1.7 μg/μL). The OLTT results showed that both extracts significantly reduced serum triglycerides (∼147 mg/dL for O-E and ∼155 mg/dL for O-A) as compared with negative control group (only lipid load). In the OSTT, glucose levels showed a significant decrease (∼31 mg/dL for O-E and ∼17 mg/dL for O-A) than the negative control group (only starch load). About in vitro antioxidant evaluation, not statistically differences between extracts and positive control (Trolox) were observed for scavenged free radicals (∼2.0 μg/μL); whereas O-A inhibited lipid peroxidation similar to the Trolox (∼0.8 μg/μL IC₅₀). The main chemical composition of both extracts was coumaric acid, luteolin, rutinoside, naringenin, and carvacrol.

CONCLUSIONS

Both extracts reduce lipid absorption; whereas O-E decreases carbohydrate absorption in vivo. Both extracts inhibit lipid peroxidation and scavenging free radicals in vitro.

Fibre Intake in Chronic Kidney Disease: What Fibre Should We Recommend?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global health problem that challenges all patients' healthcare needs. Fibre consumption benefits kidney patients by acting preventively on associated risk factors, improving intestinal microbiota composition or reducing metabolic acidosis and inflammation. In this review, we focus on increasing fibre consumption and the quality of fibre to recommend, in addition to increasing the consumption of foods that naturally have it in their design, that can resort to fortified foods or fibre supplements. The Western nutritional practice, which is low in fibre and rich in animal proteins, saturated fats, sodium, and sugar, increases the risk of mortality in these patients. On the contrary, patterns with higher consumption of fibre and vegetable proteins, such as the Mediterranean, vegetarian, or Plant dominant low protein diet (PLADO), seem to have a preventive effect on the associated risk factors and influence CKD progression. Until now, the use of fibre supplements has not achieved an evident impact on clinical results. Fibre-rich foods contain other nutrients that reduce cardiovascular risk. Promoting diets richer in vegetables and guaranteeing adequate energy and protein intake is a challenge for the multidisciplinary teams involved in the standard of care for CKD.

Postprandial changes of oxidative stress biomarkers in healthy individuals

Food consumption induces oxidative stress in humans, but the changes in oxidative stress levels after a regular meal are still unclear. We conducted an experimental study on 20 healthy volunteers (10 males, 10 females), who matched in age (±2 years). They were given a regular diet (total energy of 704 kcal, which contains 75 g of carbohydrates, 35 g of protein, and 29 g of lipids) at 11:30 a.m. after a fast of over 12 h. We collected 6-repeated measures of venous blood samples at 2-h intervals via heparin anticoagulant tubes immediately after the meal (indicated as “0” h) and up to 10 h post-consumption. Biomarkers included plasma fluorescent products, plasma malondialdehyde, plasma total antioxidant capacity, and plasma superoxide dismutase. FlOPs were measured at three excitation/emission wavelengths (FlOP_320, FlOP_360, and FlOP_400). The average age and BMI for the twenty participants were 22.70 ± 1.98 years and 20.67 ± 2.34 kg/m², respectively. Within 10 h after the meal, the overall trend of FlOPs were generally similar. There was no evidence of dose response for any of the three FlOPs (all P > 0.05). However, levels of MDA decreased with the time of fasting (P_linear and P_quadratic < 0.05), with the biggest decrease occurring between 0 and 2 h post-meal. The overall trend of T-AOC and SOD levels also decreased with fasting time (P_linear and P_quadratic < 0.05), though an increase was observed between 0 and 2 h following consumption. Levels of MDA, T-AOC, and SOD but not FlOPs, decreased with fasting time.

Spices Volatilomic Fingerprinting—A Comprehensive Approach to Explore Its Authentication and Bioactive Properties

Volatile organic metabolites (VOMs) present in different spices can provide distinct analytical biosignatures related to organoleptic properties and health benefits. This study aimed to establish the volatilomic fingerprint of six of the most consumed spices all over the world (saffron (Crocus sativus L.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), black pepper, (Piper nigrum L.), sweet paprika (Capsicum annuum L.), and curry (a mix of different herbs and spices)). Based on headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, this is a powerful strategy to explore and establish the spice’s volatile pattern and unravel the potential health benefits related to the most important VOMs identified in each spice. This comprehensive knowledge will help in the definition of their authenticity, while simultaneously protecting against potential frauds and adulterations. A total of 162 VOMs were identified. Semi-quantitative assessments revealed that terpenoids and sesquiterpenoids amounted to the major volatile class in the investigated spices, except for cinnamon, where carbonyl compounds are the major group. Most of the studied spices comprised key characteristics of aroma and health bioactive compounds, e.g., dihydrojuneol in saffron, cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon, cuminaldehyde in cumin and curry, and caryophyllene in black pepper. The principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) successfully discriminated the investigated spices, being α-cubebene, 3-methyl butanal, β-patchoulene and β-selinene, the most important VOMs (highest VIP’s) that contributed to its discrimination. Moreover, some VOMs have a high influence on the spice’s bioactive potential, helping to prevent certain diseases including cancer, inflammatory-related diseases, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Effects of Methods and Durations of Extraction on Total Flavonoid and Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Activity of Java Cardamom (Amomum compactum Soland Ex Maton) Fruit

Free radicals contribute to the pathophysiology of degenerative diseases which increase mortality globally, including mortality in Indonesia. Amomum compactum Soland. Ex Maton fruit from the Zingiberaceae family, also known as Java cardamom, contains secondary metabolites that have high antioxidant activities. The antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Java cardamom fruit correlates with its flavonoid and phenolic compound contents, which can be affected by different methods and durations of extraction. This study aimed to measure and compare the effects of extraction methods and durations on total flavonoid and phenolic contents (TFCs and TPCs) and subsequent antioxidant activities by the 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS), and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays. Methanol extracts of Java cardamom were produced by continuous shaking (CSE), microwave-assisted (MAE), or ultrasonic-assisted extractions (UAE) for three different durations. CSE for 360 min resulted in the highest TFCs (3.202 mg Quercetin Equivalent/g dry weight), while the highest TPCs (1.263 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent/g dry weight) were obtained by MAE for 3 min. Out of the investigated methods, MAE for 3 min resulted in the highest antioxidant activity results for the extracts. We conclude that the polyphenolic antioxidant yield of Java cardamom depends on two parameters: the method and the duration of extraction.

Bioinformatics-Guided Identification of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium as a Functional Food Ingredient with Anti-Inflammatory Potential

Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP) is one of the most commonly used food supplements and folk medicines worldwide, and possesses cardiovascular, digestive, and respiratory protective effects partially through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. The unique aromatic flavor and mild side effects make CRP a promising candidate for the development of anti-inflammatory functional food. However, recent studies show that the crude alcoholic extract and some isolated compounds of CRP show compromised anti-inflammatory activity, which became the main factor hindering its further development. To identify the bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory potential, and improve the anti-inflammatory effects of the extract, a bioinformatics-guided extraction protocol was employed in this study. The potential bioactive candidates were identified by combing network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, principal components analysis, k-means clustering, and in vitro testing of reference compounds. Our results demonstrated that 66 compounds in CRP could be grouped into four clusters according to their docking score profile against 24 receptors, while the cluster containing flavonoids and phenols might possess a more promising anti-inflammatory function. In addition, in vitro anti-inflammatory tests of the seven reference compounds demonstrated that hesperitin, naringenin, and gardenin B, which were grouped into a cluster containing flavonoids and phenols, significantly decreased LPS-induced NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 production of macrophages. While the compounds outside of that cluster, such as neohesperidin, naringin, hesperidin, and sinensetin showed little effect on alleviating LPS-induced NO and proinflammatory cytokine production. Based on the chemical properties of selected compounds, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) was selected as the solvent for extraction, because of its promising solubility of flavonoids and phenols. Furthermore, the ethanol alcoholic extract was used as a reference. The chemical profiling of EtOAc and crude alcoholic extract by HPLC/MS/MS also demonstrated the decreased abundance of flavonoid glycosides in EtOAc extract but increased abundance of phenols, phenolic acid, and aglycones. In accordance with the prediction, the EtOAc extract of CRP, but not the crude alcoholic extract, significantly decreased the NO, IL-6, and TNF-α production. Taken together, the results suggested selective extraction of phenols and flavonoids rich extract was able to increase the anti-inflammatory potential of CRP partially because of the synergistic effects between flavonoids, phenols, and enriched polymethoxyflavones. Our study might pave the road for the development of ethyl acetate extract of CRP as a novel functional food with anti-inflammatory function.

Rhus coriaria L. (Sumac), a Versatile and Resourceful Food Spice with Cornucopia of Polyphenols

In recent years, utilization of Rhus coriaria L. (sumac) is upgrading not only in their culinary use and human nutrition, but also in the pharmaceutical industry, food industry and veterinary practices. This is driven by accumulating evidence that support the ethnobotanical use of this plant; in particular, advanced knowledge of the content of nutritional, medicinal and techno-functional bioactive ingredients. Herein, we discuss polyphenolic compounds as the main bioactive ingredients in Rhus coriaria L., which contribute mainly to the significance and utility of this spice. Most of the antioxidant potential and therapeutic roles of sumac are increasingly attributed to its constituent tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Hydroxyphenyl pyranoanthocyanins and other anthocynins are responsible for the highly desired red pigments accounting for the strong pigmentation capacity and colorant ability of sumac. Certain polyphenols and the essential oil components are responsible for the peculiar flavor and antimicrobial activity of sumac. Tannin-rich sumac extracts and isolates are known to enhance the food quality and the oxidative stability of animal products such as meat and milk. In conclusion, polyphenol-rich sumac extracts and its bioactive ingredients could be exploited towards developing novel food products which do not only address the current consumers' interests regarding organoleptic and nutritional value of food, but also meet the growing need for 'clean label' as well as value addition with respect to antioxidant capacity, disease prevention, and health promotion in humans.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection of weaned pigs: Intestinal challenges and nutritional intervention to enhance disease resistance

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection induced post-weaning diarrhea is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in newly weaned pigs and one of the significant drivers for antimicrobial use in swine production. ETEC attachment to the small intestine initiates ETEC colonization and infection. The secretion of enterotoxins further disrupts intestinal barrier function and induces intestinal inflammation in weaned pigs. ETEC infection can also aggravate the intestinal microbiota dysbiosis due to weaning stress and increase the susceptibility of weaned pigs to other enteric infectious diseases, which may result in diarrhea or sudden death. Therefore, the amount of antimicrobial drugs for medical treatment purposes in major food-producing animal species is still significant. The alternative practices that may help reduce the reliance on such antimicrobial drugs and address animal health requirements are needed. Nutritional intervention in order to enhance intestinal health and the overall performance of weaned pigs is one of the most powerful practices in the antibiotic-free production system. This review summarizes the utilization of several categories of feed additives or supplements, such as direct-fed microbials, prebiotics, phytochemicals, lysozyme, and micro minerals in newly weaned pigs. The current understanding of these candidates on intestinal health and disease resistance of pigs under ETEC infection are particularly discussed, which may inspire more research on the development of alternative practices to support food-producing animals.

Betalains: colours for human health

In the last years, the use of natural phytochemical compounds as protective agents in the prevention and treatment of obesity and the related-metabolic syndrome has gained much attention worldwide. Different studies have shown health benefits for many vegetables such Opuntia ficus-indica and Beta vulgaris and their pigments collectively referred as betalains. Betalains exert antioxidative, anti-inflammation, lipid lowering, antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects. This review summarizes findings in the literature and highlights the therapeutic potential of betalains and their natural source as valid alternative for supplementation in obesity-related disorders treatment. Further research is needed to establish the mechanisms through which these natural pigments exert their beneficial effects and to translate the promising findings from animal models to humans.

p-Coumaric acid attenuates high-fat diet-induced oxidative stress and nephropathy in diabetic rats

The prevalence of persistent hyperglycaemia during diabetes, impair antioxidant defence system and generate reactive oxygen species, which majorly contribute to its progression and associated complications. Phytochemicals were suggested to scavenge-free radicals and exert antioxidant effects required to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the occurrence of diabetes-associated complications. We hypothesise that a phenolic phytochemical p-coumaric can reduce diabetes-induced oxidative stress and improve diabetes-associated nephropathy in rats. The aim of this study is to analyse the protective effects of p-coumaric acid against diabetes-induced oxidative stress and nephropathy in high-fat diet-induced diabetic rats. The oral feeding of p-coumaric acid (20 mg/kg for 12 weeks) was found to significantly decrease the elevated levels of blood glucose in high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetic rats. p-Coumaric acid treatment also decreases the kidney weight whilst increasing the total body weight of diabetic rats. Furthermore whilst evaluation of the different renal functioning tests, p-coumaric acid significantly improves histopathological changes and the levels of urea, creatinine and uric acid in serum of diabetic rats, which was otherwise elevated under diabetic conditions. Our results also highlight that p-coumaric acid is an efficient compound with antioxidant properties and improves the diabetes-induced change in lipid peroxidation and activities of antioxidant enzymes: catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase. p-Coumaric acid thus possesses the potential to prevent diabetic nephropathy by reducing oxidative stress and can thus serve as a potential drug target for pharmaceutical companies.

Chokeberry (A. melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott)—A Natural Product for Metabolic Disorders?

Abnormal metabolism of substances in the body can result in metabolic disorders which include obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or cancer. Foods rich in antioxidants can help to prevent and treat various types of disorders. Chokeberry fruits are rich in polyphenols, especially cyanidins, and therefore, can show a beneficial health effect. The aim of this study was to summarize and systematize reports about the effects of chokeberry on various metabolic parameters. Studies from 2000 to 2021, published in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, were reviewed. The review of studies shows that chokeberry may have a positive effect in dyslipidemia and hypertension and may increase the body’s antioxidant defense mechanisms. The anti-inflammatory effect, in turn, may translate into a reduction in the risk of metabolic disorders over a longer period of use. Changes in glucose levels were reported by studies in which the intervention lasted more than 10 weeks in patients with carbohydrate metabolism disorders. The effects of protecting the liver, inhibiting platelet aggregation, lowering uric acid levels, and having a protective effect on the kidneys require additional confirmation in human clinical trials. Consumption of chokeberry fruit did not impact on anthropometric measurements; however, it seems that chokeberry fruit can be recommended in many metabolic disorders due to the richness of bioactive ingredients.

The novel anti-neuroinflammatory functional food CCL01, a mixture of Cuscuta seed extracts and Lactobacillus paracasei NK112

Neuroinflammation, which occurs due to microglia, is related to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, the development of functional foods that down-regulate over-activated microglial cells to prevent the progression of neurodegenerative disorders has been proposed, since over-activated microglia induce a chronic source of neurotoxic factors and reduce neuronal survival. Thus, the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of a functional food mixture (CCL01) including Cuscuta seeds and Lactobacillus paracasei NK112 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced experimental models were investigated. In LPS-induced in vitro models, the expression levels of inflammatory mediators (e.g., inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, nitric oxide, and prostaglandin E2) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6) were decreased upon CCL01 treatment. CCL01 showed an anti-neuroinflammatory effect in LPS-induced microglial cells via the inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway and the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway. In the LPS-treated in vivo mouse models, the increased expression of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1), which indicates microglial activity, was markedly decreased upon treatment with CCL01 (50 and 200 mg kg^-1) in the hippocampus and cortex areas of the mouse brains in comparison with the LPS-injected group. In addition, the groups to which CCL01 was administered had significantly decreased plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in the LPS-injected mouse models. Our data suggest that CCL01 may be a potential anti-neuroinflammatory agent that can prevent microglia overactivation, and it could be useful for developing functional foods.

Personalized Nutrition in the Management of Female Infertility: New Insights on Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation

Increasing evidence on the significance of nutrition in reproduction is emerging from both animal and human studies, suggesting a mutual association between nutrition and female fertility. Different “fertile” dietary patterns have been studied; however, in humans, conflicting results or weak correlations are often reported, probably because of the individual variations in genome, proteome, metabolome, and microbiome and the extent of exposure to different environmental conditions. In this scenario, “precision nutrition”, namely personalized dietary patterns based on deep phenotyping and on metabolomics, microbiome, and nutrigenetics of each case, might be more efficient for infertile patients than applying a generic nutritional approach. In this review, we report on new insights into the nutritional management of infertile patients, discussing the main nutrigenetic, nutrigenomic, and microbiomic aspects that should be investigated to achieve effective personalized nutritional interventions. Specifically, we will focus on the management of low-grade chronic inflammation, which is associated with several infertility-related diseases.

Taify Pomegranate Juice (TPJ) Abrogates Acrylamide-Induced Oxidative Stress Through the Regulation of Antioxidant Activity, Inflammation, and Apoptosis-Associated Genes

Acrylamide (ACR) has various effects on biological systems, including oxidative stress and its associated metabolic disorders. Previous research reports that plants growing at high altitude have a different profile of antioxidants. In the current report, the Taify pomegranate juice (TPJ) of the Taify pomegranate growing at the Taif region (high altitude), Saudi Arabia, was investigated for its protective activity from ACR-induced oxidative stress. Rats were treated with ACR, TPJ, or TPJ+ACR, and various assays, including blood chemistry, liver function biomarkers, gene expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress regulatory genes, inflammation biomarkers, and apoptosis, were estimated using biochemical, real-time PCR, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analysis. TPJ showed a protective function of ACR-induced alteration of AST, ALT, GGT, urea, total proteins, albumin, MDA, and NO. It also increased the level of the endogenous antioxidative enzymes, including SOD, catalase, and GSH. It showed anti-inflammatory activity by reduction the TNF-α, IL-6 secretion and the enhancing of IL-10 levels. At the gene expression level, TPJ upregulated the expression of endogenous antioxidant genes (SOD and catalase) and of antioxidant-regulating genes Nrf2 and HO-1; downregulated the expression of inflammatory genes TGF-β1, COX2, and the apoptotic gene caspase-3; and upregulated the expression of antiapoptotic gene Bcl2. At the histological level, TPJ showed a protective effect from the ACR-induced hepatic histological damage. Results of this study conclude that TPJ has a protective effect from ACR-induced oxidative stress and its associated metabolic alterations through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.