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Picerno P, Crascì L, Iannece P, Esposito T, Franceschelli S, Pecoraro M, Giannone V, Panico AM, Aquino RP, Lauro MR. A Green Bioactive By-Product Almond Skin Functional Extract for Developing Nutraceutical Formulations with Potential Antimetabolic Activity. Molecules 2023; 28:7913. [PMID: 38067642 PMCID: PMC10708410 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: almond peels are rich in polyphenols such as catechin and epicatechin, which are important anti-free-radical agents, anti-inflammatory compounds, and capable of breaking down cholesterol plaques. This work aims to evaluate the biological and technological activity of a "green" dry aqueous extract from Sicilian almond peels, a waste product of the food industry, and to develop healthy nutraceuticals with natural ingredients. Eudraguard® Natural is a natural coating polymer chosen to develop atomized formulations that improve the technological properties of the extract. (2) Methods: the antioxidant and free radical scavenger activity of the extract was rated using different methods (DPPH assay, ABTS, ORAC, NO). The metalloproteinases of the extracts (MMP-2 and MMP-9), the enhanced inhibition of the final glycation products, and the effects of the compounds on cell viability were also tested. All pure materials and formulations were characterized using UV, HPLC, FTIR, DSC, and SEM methods. (3) Results: almond peel extract showed appreciable antioxidant and free radical activity with a stronger NO inhibition effect, strong activity on MMP-2, and good antiglycative effects. In light of this, a food supplement with added health value was formulated. Eudraguard® Natural acted as a swelling substrate by improving extract solubility and dissolution/release (4) Conclusions: almond peel extract has significant antioxidant activity and MMP/AGE inhibition effects, resulting in an optimal candidate to formulate safe microsystems with potential antimetabolic activity. Eudraguard® Natural is capable of obtaining spray-dried microsystems with an improvement in the extract's biological and technological characteristics. It also protects the dry extract from degradation and oxidation, prolonging the shelf life of the final product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Picerno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (P.P.); (T.E.); (S.F.); (M.P.); (R.P.A.)
| | - Lucia Crascì
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria, 95100 Catania, Italy; (L.C.); (A.M.P.)
| | - Patrizia Iannece
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84100 Fisciano, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Esposito
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (P.P.); (T.E.); (S.F.); (M.P.); (R.P.A.)
- Unesco Chair Salerno, Plantae Medicinales Mediterraneae, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Silvia Franceschelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (P.P.); (T.E.); (S.F.); (M.P.); (R.P.A.)
| | - Michela Pecoraro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (P.P.); (T.E.); (S.F.); (M.P.); (R.P.A.)
| | - Virgilio Giannone
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed.4, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Anna Maria Panico
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria, 95100 Catania, Italy; (L.C.); (A.M.P.)
| | - Rita Patrizia Aquino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (P.P.); (T.E.); (S.F.); (M.P.); (R.P.A.)
- Unesco Chair Salerno, Plantae Medicinales Mediterraneae, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Lauro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (P.P.); (T.E.); (S.F.); (M.P.); (R.P.A.)
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