Tocopherols and Tocotrienols in Common and Emerging Dietary Sources: Occurrence, Applications, and Health Benefits

Biowaste Valorization: The Wine Industry Case

The wine industry is very important, the European wine production representing over 60% of the global production. According to the European Commission, the total annual wine production (2013-2020) in European countries reached a volume of 165 million hL. Europe is also the most important wine exporter occupying around 70% of the global market. In parallel, the wine industry produces a large quantity of biowaste that, in the context of a sustainable economy, needs to be valorized. In order to protect the environment, the landfilling of such biowaste has to be avoided due to its acidity and the possible generation of hazardous products by decomposition. On the other hand, vinification residues contain valuable compounds like: oils, polyphenols, tocopherols, and organic elements (carbon and nitrogen) making the valorization of these by-products compulsory. Ecological solutions for the valorization of grape seeds, grape skins, stems, as well as wine lees resulting from grape vinification have to be found. Different solutions for the processing of these biowastes to generate added value products are described and the economic aspects underlined.

Exploring the link between fat-soluble vitamins and aging-associated immune system status: a literature review

The importance of vitamin D for a well-functioning immune system is becoming increasingly evident. Nevertheless, the other fat-soluble vitamins A, E and K also seem to play a central role regarding the adequate function of immune cells and to counteract excessive immune reactions and inflammatory processes. However, recognizing hidden hunger, particularly micronutrient deficiencies in vulnerable groups like the elderly, is crucial because older adults often lack sufficient micronutrients for various reasons. This review summarizes the latest findings on the immune modulating functions of fat-soluble vitamins in a physiological and pathophysiological context, provides a graphical comparison of the Recommended Daily Allowances between Deutschland, Austria, Confoederatio Helvetica (D-A-CH; eng. GSA, Germany, Switzerland, Austria), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung (DGE; eng. German Nutrition Society) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) across all age groups and, in particular, addresses the question regarding the benefits of supplementation of the respective micronutrients for the aging population of industrialized nations to strengthen the immune system. The following review highlights the importance of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K which play critical roles in maintaining immune system function and, in some cases, in preventing excessive immune activation. Therefore, a better understanding of the relevance of adequate blood levels and consequently potential supplementation strategies may contribute to the prevention and management of infectious diseases as well as better overall health of the elderly.

Tocochromanols in the Leaves of Plants in the Hypericum and Clusia Genera

Now under Clusiaceae and Hypericaceae, Clusia and Hypericum were previously categorized under one family until they were divided in 2003 by the APG III system. The Clusia genus is characterized by the presence of tocotrienol derivatives with antiangiogenic properties, and only Hypericum perforatum tocochromanol content has been studied in the Hypericum genus. Twelve species were analyzed: H. aegypticum, H. calycinum, H. empetrifolium, H. lancasteri, H. olympicum f. minus 'Sulphureum', H. perforatum, H. xylosteifolium, C. fluminensis, C. minor, C. odorata, C. palmicida, and C. tocuchensis. Plant leaves were analyzed for their tocochromanol (α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocotrienol and tocopherol) contents using a reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescent light detector (RP-HPLC-FLD) method. While α-tocopherol (α-T) was present in the highest proportion, the leaves had significant tocotrienol (T3) contents. Following α-T, δ-T3 was present in most Clusia samples, and γ-T3 in most Hypericum samples, except H. olympicum, in which α-T3 followed. C. minor had the highest α-T (112.72 mg 100 g-1) and total tocochromanol (141.43 mg 100 g-1) content, followed by C. palmicida (65.97 and 82.96 mg 100 g-1, respectively) and H. olympicum (α-T 32.08, α-T3 30.68, and total tocochromanols 89.06 mg 100 g-1). The Hypericum genus is a valuable source of tocotrienols, with potential use after purification.

Tocotrienols in Eleven Species of Hypericum Genus Leaves

Saint John's worts or goatweeds are mostly perennial flowering plants in the Hypericaceae family, formerly under the Clusiaceae family. Teas and macerations of the plants are common in traditional medicines and modern depression and cancer therapies. The most notable bioactive compounds in Hypericum are hyperforin and hypericin. While Hypericum contains a variety of carotenoid and phenolic compounds, which are well documented, there is little available information on tocopherols and almost none on tocotrienols. Considering the frequency of tocotrienol derivatives in Clusiaceae species, this study investigates and reports the presence of tocotrienols in eleven Hypericum species' leaves: H. hircinum, H. hookerianum, H. calycinum, H. xylosteifolium, H. densifolium, H. prolificum, H. kalmianum, H. frondosum, H. olympicum, and two hybrids: H. × moserianum and H × 'Rowallane'. Eight tocopherol and tocotrienol forms (α, β, γ, δ) were detected in the leaves, predominantly containing α-tocopherol. Tocotrienol content was most significant in Myriandra section species and was highest in H. prolificum (22.90 ± 0.63 mg 100 g-1), while the highest tocotrienol proportion was observed in H. × 'Rowallane' (54.12% of total tocochromanols) and H. prolificum (37.27% of total tocochromanols). The results demonstrated significant tocochromanol accumulation in Hypericum leaves.

Gamma-Tocopherol: A Comprehensive Review of Its Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anticancer Properties

Gamma-tocopherol (γ-tocopherol), a major isoform of vitamin E, exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for treating oxidative stress-related diseases. Unlike other tocopherol isoforms, γ-tocopherol effectively neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), providing robust cellular protection against oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation. Its anti-inflammatory effects are mediated through the modulation of pathways involving cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), reducing chronic inflammation and its associated risks. In cancer therapy, γ-tocopherol demonstrates multifaceted activity, including the inhibition of tumor growth, induction of apoptosis, and suppression of angiogenesis, with significant efficacy observed in cancers such as prostate, lung, and colon. Preclinical and clinical studies support its efficacy in mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer progression, with excellent tolerance at physiological levels. However, high doses necessitate careful evaluation to minimize adverse effects. This review consolidates current knowledge on γ-tocopherol's biological activities and clinical implications, underscoring its importance as a natural compound for managing inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer. As a perspective, advancements in nanoformulation technology could enhance γ-tocopherol's bioavailability, stability, and targeted delivery, offering the potential to optimize its therapeutic application in the future.

Nutritional Status of Vitamin E and Its Association with Metabolic Health in Adults

BACKGROUND

Vitamin E is one of the key dietary antioxidants. However, current evidence remains insufficient to establish a definitive relationship between circulating vitamin E levels, body fat content, and their influence on metabolic health. This study aimed to assess and compare the vitamin E nutritional status in adults with normal and excess body fat and its determinants.

METHODS

Concentrations of vitamin E isoforms (α- and γ-tocopherols, α- and γ-tocotrienols) were assessed in 127 individuals. Body fat content and other anthropometric indices, as well as biochemical markers such as lipid profile, plasma fatty acid concentration and C-reactive protein, were identified as markers of metabolic health. Participants were divided into two groups: with normal and excess body fat (defined as more than 30% in women and more than 25% in men).

RESULTS

The determinants of higher α-tocopherol concentrations were lower body fat content and higher levels of circulating lipids as HDL and LDL (R2 = 0.221, p < 0.001 in a model of multivariate linear regression). The level of circulating vitamin E isoforms correlated with the concentration of CRP (r = -0.464 for α-T, r = -0.453 for αT3, r = -0.270 for γ-T, r = -0.355 for γ-T3). Similarly, elevated concentrations of vitamin E isoforms are linked to lower adipose tissue content, which may contribute to lower inflammation and improved metabolic health (r = -0.359 for α-T, r = -0.333 for αT3, r = -0.276 for γ-T3, no significant correlation for γ-T).

CONCLUSIONS

These results reveal that the vitamin E status of adults with excess body fat may be inadequate and linked to poorer metabolic health. We found that the determinants of lower plasma vitamin E were higher BF and lower TC and its fraction, with the strongest correlations being found for HDL.

Biofilm destruction activity of α-tocopherol against Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Antibiotic resistance and the persistence of sessile cells within biofilms complicate the eradication of biofilm-related infections using conventional antibiotics. This highlights the necessity for alternate therapy methods. The objective of this study was to investigate the biofilm destruction activity of α-tocopherol against Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on polystyrene. α-Tocopherol showed significant biofilm destruction activity on the pre-formed biofilms of S. aureus (45%-46%), Pr. mirabilis (42%-54%), and Ps. aeruginosa (28%). Resazurin assay showed that α-tocopherol disrupted all bacterial biofilms without interfering with their cell viability. Scanning electron microscope images showed lower bacterial cell count and less compacted cell aggregates on polystyrene surfaces after treatment with α-tocopherol. This study demonstrated the biofilm destruction activity of α-tocopherol against S. aureus, Pr. mirabilis, and Ps. aeruginosa. α-Tocopherol could potentially be used to decrease biofilm-associated infections of these bacteria.

Gamma-tocotrienol Inhibits Proliferation and Growth of HSD17B4 Overexpressing HepG2 Liver Cancer Cells

INTRODUCTION

Hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 4 (HSD17B4) is involved in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of gamma-tocotrienol (γ-T3) on the proliferation and growth of HSD17B4-overexpressing HepG2 cells.

METHODS

HepG2 cells were transfected with empty or HSD17B4-overexpressing plasmids, followed by vitamin E (VE) or γ-T3 treatment. MTS assay, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and flow cytometry were employed to assess cell proliferation, protein expression, mRNA levels, and apoptosis. HSD17B4 interaction with γ-T3 was assessed by quantifying γ-T3 in the collected precipitate of HSD17B4 using anti-flag magnetic beads. Tumor xenografts were established in NSG mice, and tumor growth was monitored.

RESULTS

HSD17B4 overexpression significantly promoted HepG2 cell proliferation, which was effectively counteracted by VE or γ-T3 treatment in a dose-dependent manner. VE and γ-T3 did not exert their effects through direct regulation of HSD17B4 expression. Instead, γ-T3 was found to interact with HSD17B4, inhibiting its activity in catalyzing the conversion of estradiol (E2) into estrone. Moreover, γ-T3 treatment led to a reduction in cyclin D1 expression and suppressed key proliferation signaling pathways, such as ERK, MEK, AKT, and STAT3. Additionally, γ-T3 promoted apoptosis in HSD17B4-overexpressing HepG2 cells. In an in vivo model, γ-T3 effectively reduced the growth of HepG2 xenograft tumors.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our study demonstrates that γ-T3 exhibits potent anti-proliferative and anti-tumor effects against HepG2 cells overexpressing HSD17B4. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of γ-T3 in HCC treatment and suggest its role in targeting HSD17B4-associated pathways to inhibit tumor growth and enhance apoptosis.

Improving stabilization of α-tocopherol and α-tocopheryl acetate against oxidation, light and UV radiation by complexation with β-cyclodextrin and starch

Despite the remarkably high antioxidant activity of tocopherols, their applications in the food industry are limited because of their instability under various conditions. Complexes of α-tocopherol (α-TQ) or α-tocopheryl acetate (α-TQA) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) or starch were prepared and characterized by UV-vis, IR and thermal analysis. Oxidative stability of α-TQ and α-TQA against H2O2 was 74.7 and 88.8% respectively (576 h). However, stability increased to 82.9 and 100% for β-CD and 99.2 and 99.4% for starch complexes respectively, which indicates that starch is an excellent stabilizing host in addition to being an economic material. Stability of α-TQ and α-TQA under light conditions was dependent on their physical state; it was 55.3 and 82.9% (oil) but stability was lowered to 19.4 and 76.5% in solution (2.21 mM). In addition, exposure to UV irradiation decreased their stability to 39.2 and 85.0% as oil and 61.2 and 89.1% in solution respectively. However, the stability of all complexes remained > 99.0% under light and UV conditions. Accordingly, α-TQ, the natural and biologically active form, can be used as complex rather than α-TQA often used because of its higher stability. Docking revealed that both forms fit in β-CD with the side chain taking "U" conformation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-024-06011-2.

Shrimp Lipid Bioactives with Anti-Inflammatory, Antithrombotic, and Antioxidant Health-Promoting Properties for Cardio-Protection

Marine animals, especially shrimp species, have gained interest in research, due to the fact that they contain a plethora of biomolecules, specifically lipids, which have been proven to possess many health benefits in various diseases linked to chronic inflammation or other exogenous factors. This review refers to the lipid composition of a large number of shrimp species, as well as the effects that can alternate the lipid content of these crustaceans. Emphasis is given to the potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antithrombotic properties of shrimp bioactives, as well as the effects that these bioactives hold in other diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and more. The various health-promoting effects deriving from the consumption of shrimp lipid bioactives and the usage of products containing shrimp lipid extracts are also addressed in this study, through the exploration of several mechanisms of action and the interference of shrimp lipids in these biochemical pathways. Nevertheless, further research on this cultivatable edible species is needed, due to their existing limitations and future prospects which are discussed in this paper.

Advances in Grape Seed Oil Extraction Techniques and Their Applications in Food Products: A Comprehensive Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Global wine production has grown, resulting in an increase in waste within the industry. This has raised concerns among producers and scientists worldwide, prompting them to seek solutions for its management. The aim is to explore the latest advancements in using grape seed oil as a byproduct and its applications within the food industry. To achieve this, a bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database covering the period from 1990 to 2023. Additionally, a comprehensive literature review was conducted on extraction techniques, compositions, properties, and innovative applications in food. A bibliometric analysis revealed that interest in grape seed oil has grown over the past fifteen years. The majority of research on this grape byproduct is concentrated in Asian countries. Grape seed oil is a rich source of lipophilic compounds, including fatty acids, phytosterols, and vitamin E, which provide antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The literature indicates that only oil obtained through pressing is used in food products, such as meat products, dairy drinks, and chocolates, either directly or in emulsions. These findings suggest that further research and innovation are needed to explore how this waste can be used in new food sources, particularly in countries with high wine production.

Yield, Physicochemical Properties, and Fatty Acid Profile of Vegetable Oil Extracted From Seed Coats of Strychnos pungens Soler. Fruits Collected in Chikomba, Zimbabwe

The study examined Strychnos pungens Soler. (family LOGANIACEAE) fruit as a potential source of vegetable oil. Ripe fruits collected from a forested site in Zimbabwe were processed to determine the partitioning of fresh and dry fruit biomass. The oil was extracted from the seed coat using a hand-operated screw press, and its physiological properties were analyzed. Seeds contributed the most to the fresh weight of the fruit, followed by the shell and pulp. The seed coat was a significant component of the seeds. The seed coat, but not the pulp of the fruit, was found to contain screw press-extractable oil, the yield of which was substantial, amounting to around 39% of the dry weight of the seed coat. The oil was found to have a high free fatty acid content and a moderate iodine value (83 gI2/100 g), indicating a degree of unsaturation. Furthermore, the oil contained carotenoids and tocols, which serve as antioxidants that help to protect the oil from oxidation. The oil had a high content of monounsaturated oleic acid (78.3%), which is known for its stability and health benefits. The low levels of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids make it a high oleic oil. The volatile profile of the oil included compounds with pleasant fruity aromas that enhance its flavour and fragrance. The results highlighted the need for waste management strategies if S. pungens is industrialized as an oil crop. Significant waste, including shells, pulp, cake residue, and seed kernels, would need proper handling and valorisation. In summary, the research showed that S. pungens has the potential to be a valuable source of high-quality vegetable oil with good oxidative stability and health benefits, primarily due to its high content of oleic acid and antioxidant compounds.

Anticancer Potential of Tocopherols-Containing Plants and Semi-Synthetic Tocopherols

Tocopherols, potent bioactive compounds with anticancer properties, remain understudied in herbal medicinal plants, presenting a significant knowledge gap in the field of natural anticancer agents. This review evaluates tocopherol-containing plants for their anticancer potential, analyzing Scopus publications from 2016 to 2024. Fifteen herbal medicinal plants were identified as promising candidates, including Bulbine anguistifolia Poelln, Punica granatum L., Moringa oleifera, Kigelia pinnata, and Typhonium flagelliforme Lodd. The review explores tocopherols' anticancer mechanisms, including apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest. Factors influencing tocopherols' anticancer effects are examined, such as their forms (α, β, γ, δ), concentrations, plant parts utilized, and their stability in various plants. Additionally, emerging research on semi-synthetic tocopherol derivatives is analyzed, highlighting their potential as adjuvants in chemotherapy and their role in enhancing drug delivery and reducing side effects. This comprehensive analysis aims to advance the development of plant-based anticancer pharmaceuticals and improve cancer treatment strategies. By elucidating the mechanisms and potential of tocopherol-containing plants, this review provides a foundation for future research in plant-based anticancer therapies. It emphasizes the need for further investigation into these plants' anticancer properties, potentially leading to novel, more effective, and less toxic cancer therapies. The findings presented here contribute to a nuanced understanding of how tocopherol-containing plants can be leveraged in the development of future anticancer drugs.

Effects of Dietary Net Energy Concentration on Reproductive Performance, Immune Function, Milk Composition, and Gut Microbiota in Primiparous Lactating Sows

This study aimed to determine the optimal dietary net energy concentration for the reproductive performance, immune function, milk composition, and gut microbiota of primiparous sows during lactation. Forty primiparous lactating sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) with similar body backfat thicknesses were randomly allocated into five treatment groups and fed diets with different dietary net energy concentrations of 10.05 MJ/kg, 10.47 MJ/kg, 10.89 MJ/kg, 11.30 MJ/kg, and 11.72 MJ/kg. The results showed that there were no differences in the performance of piglets, while there was a decrease in the daily feed intake of sows (p = 0.079, linear) as dietary net energy concentration increased. With the increasing dietary net energy concentration, the plasma insulin levels of sows increased (p < 0.01, linear), the plasma glucose levels tended to increase (p = 0.074, linear), and the blood urea nitrogen levels tended to decrease (p = 0.063, linear). Moreover, the plasma total superoxide dismutase activity of sows increased (p < 0.05, quadratic) and the plasma malondialdehyde content of sows decreased (p < 0.05, quadratic) by increasing the dietary net energy concentration. Interestingly, with the increase in dietary net energy concentration, the plasma immunoglobulin M content of sows increased, the milk immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A and the percentage of milk fat increased (p < 0.05, linear), and the milk secretory immunoglobulin A content also increased (p < 0.05, linear and quadratic). The milk immunoglobulins and milk fat content of sows fed with net energy concentration of 11.72 MJ/kg were highest. Moreover, there were significant differences in the α-diversity, β-diversity, and relative abundance of gut microbiota in sows fed with different dietary net energy concentrations. At the phylum level, Spirochaetota and Bacteroidota in the gut microbiota of sows were mainly affected by increasing the dietary net energy concentration. Furthermore, the correlation analysis showed that milk immunoglobulin content had a significant negative correlation with the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, and plasma malondialdehyde content also had a significant negative correlation with the relative abundance of Spirochaetota. In summary, these results suggest that increasing the dietary net energy concentration to 11.72 MJ/kg can increase immunological substances in milk, improve milk quality, and alter the composition of gut microbiota in primiparous lactating sows.

Structure-Function Relationships and Health-Promoting Properties of the Main Nutraceuticals of the Cactus Pear (Opuntia spp.) Cladodes: A Review

Over the past decade, several studies have established a direct link between functional foods, nutraceuticals, and a reduced risk of oxidative-stress-related diseases. Nutraceuticals, which encompass a variety of bioactive molecules, exhibit both nutritional and therapeutic properties. The cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) is a plant genus with many species recognized as functional foods, largely attributed to their high content of nutraceuticals, including polyphenols, fatty acids, vitamins, amino acids, pigments, and phytosterols. These compounds of different structures and functions possess different biological activities, contributing to the health-promoting properties of cactus pear. This makes cactus pears a valuable plant for the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. While extensive research has focused on the nutritional profile of cactus pear fruits, the cladodes have received comparatively limited attention. Notably, the nutritional composition of cladodes can exhibit considerable variability, influenced by species and growing conditions. Furthermore, although various bioactive compounds have been identified in cladodes, studies elucidating their mechanisms of action, health benefits, and potential therapeutic applications remain insufficient. Addressing these gaps is crucial for enhancing the understanding and utilization of cactus pear cladodes. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the structure-function relationships of the main nutraceuticals found in cactus pear cladodes. It synthesizes data from recent and relevant literature to elucidate the content of these compounds in relation to species and geographical origin, while also detailing the main biological activities and health-promoting benefits associated with cactus pear cladodes.

Palm Oil (Elaeis guineensis): A Journey through Sustainability, Processing, and Utilization

Palm oil, derived from Elaeis guineensis, is a critical component of the global edible oil and industrial fat market. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the sustainability of the palm oil chain, focusing on industrial applications, environmental implications, and economic sustainability. The processing of palm oil, from fruit pulp to refined oil, is detailed, highlighting the importance of refining in maintaining quality and extending application ranges. While palm oil offers health benefits because of its rich fatty acid composition and antioxidant properties, its production poses significant environmental challenges. This review underscores ongoing efforts to balance technological and culinary demands with environmental stewardship and sustainable economic growth. Emerging trends, including interspecific hybrids such as E. guineensis and E. oleifera, are discussed for their potential to increase sustainability and productivity.

Fig seed oil improves intestinal damage caused by 5-FU-induced mucositis in rats

Intestinal mucositis poses a significant concern associated with cancer therapy. This study aims to investigate the protective and/or healing effect of fig seed oil (FSO) on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced intestinal mucositis by targeting inflammatory markers and histologic changes in rats. Albino Wistar adult rats were randomly divided into four groups, including three male and three female animals. All the animals in the four groups had a normal standard diet and water throughout the experimental period, which lasted up to 11 days. Rats were administered FSO 0.6 mL (mucositis FSO group) and FSO 0.2 mL (mucositis FSO-R group) daily throughout the experiment. These two groups and one additional group (mucositis group) were given an intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU (300 mg/kg) on Day 5 of the experiment. In contrast, the fourth group (Control group) was given an intraperitoneal saline injection on Day 5 of the experiment. FSO treatment ameliorated 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis. On immunohistologic examination, FSO suppressed significantly the activation of NF-κB and expression of IL-β and TNF-α of the harvested intestinal tissue. The reduced dose FSO (mucositis FSO-R) was as effective as the full dose (mucositis FSO) in suppressing IL-β and TNF-α production, but was not as effective as the full dose in suppressing NF-κB. On light microscopy, FSO attenuated significantly 5-FU-induced anomalies, such as the reduction of intestinal villus length and Goblet cell count. The reduced dose FSO (mucositis FSO-R) was as effective as the full dose (mucositis FSO) in restoring villus length, but was not as effective as the full dose in restoring Goblet cell count. The findings of the study suggest that FSO inhibits 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis via modulation of mucosal inflammation.

Industrial Production of Bioactive Nutrient-Enhanced Extra Virgin Olive Oil under Continuous-Flow Ultrasound and Pulsed Electric Field Treatment

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet. Many studies have highlighted its crucial preventive role against cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic syndrome and cancer, with these effects being due to the synergistic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of minor components, such as polyphenols and tocols. The aim of the present study is to implement new technologies for olive oil mills and develop an efficient large-sized industrial process for the continuous extraction of healthier EVOOs that are enriched with these bioactive compounds. Non-thermal technologies, namely ultrasound (US) and pulsed electric field (PEF), have been tested, separately and in combination, to eliminate the need for traditional malaxation. There is extensive literature to support the efficacy of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and PEF treatments in EVOO production. A newly designed US device and a PEF industrial chamber have been combined into a single, integrated continuous-flow setup, the performance of which in the extraction of EVOO from green Coratina olives has been evaluated herein. Extraction yields, physico-chemical and organoleptic characteristics, and polyphenol and tocol contents were monitored throughout the trials, and the last three were measured at accelerated aging times (AAT) of 15 and 30 days. The US and combined US-PEF processes not only increased daily oil production (ton/day, by nearly 45%), but also eliminated the need for kneading during malaxation, resulting in significant energy savings (approximately 35%). In addition, these innovations enriched the resulting EVOO with nutritionally relevant minor components (8-12% polyphenols, 3-5% tocols), thereby elevating its quality and market value, as well as overall stability. The introduction of continuous-flow US and PEF technologies is a remarkable innovation for the EVOO industry, as they offer benefits to both producers and consumers. The EVOO resulting from non-thermal continuous-flow production meets the growing demand for healthier, nutrient-enriched products.

Plant-Derived Terpenoids: A Plethora of Bioactive Compounds with Several Health Functions and Industrial Applications-A Comprehensive Overview

Terpenoids are a large class of natural secondary plant metabolites which are highly diverse in structure, formed from isoprene units (C-5), associated with a wide range of biological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, anticancer, antimetastatic, antiangiogenesis, and apoptosis induction, and are considered for potential application in the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and medical industries. In plants, terpenoids exert a variety of basic functions in growth and development. This review gives an overview, highlighting the current knowledge of terpenoids and recent advances in our understanding of the organization, regulation, and diversification of core and specialized terpenoid metabolic pathways and addressing the most important functions of volatile and non-volatile specialized terpenoid metabolites in plants. A comprehensive description of different aspects of plant-derived terpenoids as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds, their biosynthetic pathway, the several biological properties attributed to these secondary metabolites associated with health-promoting effects, and their potential industrial applications in several fields will be provided, and emerging and green extraction methods will also be discussed. In addition, future research perspectives within this framework will be highlighted. Literature selection was carried out using the National Library of Medicine, PubMed, and international reference data for the period from 2010 to 2024 using the keyword "terpenoids". A total of 177,633 published papers were found, of which 196 original and review papers were included in this review according to the criteria of their scientific reliability, their completeness, and their relevance to the theme considered.

RNA-binding protein GIGYF2 orchestrates hepatic insulin resistance through STAU1/PTEN-mediated disruption of the PI3K/AKT signaling cascade

BACKGROUND

Obesity is well-established as a significant contributor to the development of insulin resistance (IR) and diabetes, partially due to elevated plasma saturated free fatty acids like palmitic acid (PA). Grb10-interacting GYF Protein 2 (GIGYF2), an RNA-binding protein, is widely expressed in various tissues including the liver, and has been implicated in diabetes-induced cognitive impairment. Whereas, its role in obesity-related IR remains uninvestigated.

METHODS

In this study, we employed palmitic acid (PA) exposure to establish an in vitro IR model in the human liver cancer cell line HepG2 with high-dose chronic PA treatment. The cells were stained with fluorescent dye 2-NBDG to evaluate cell glucose uptake. The mRNA expression levels of genes were determined by real-time qRT-PCR (RT-qPCR). Western blotting was employed to examine the protein expression levels. The RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) was used to investigate the binding between protein and mRNA. Lentivirus-mediated gene knockdown and overexpression were employed for gene manipulation. In mice, an IR model induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) was established to validate the role and action mechanisms of GIGYF2 in the modulation of HFD-induced IR in vivo.

RESULTS

In hepatocytes, high levels of PA exposure strongly trigger the occurrence of hepatic IR evidenced by reduced glucose uptake and elevated extracellular glucose content, which is remarkably accompanied by up-regulation of GIGYF2. Silencing GIGYF2 ameliorated PA-induced IR and enhanced glucose uptake. Conversely, GIGYF2 overexpression promoted IR, PTEN upregulation, and AKT inactivation. Additionally, PA-induced hepatic IR caused a notable increase in STAU1, which was prevented by depleting GIGYF2. Notably, silencing STAU1 prevented GIGYF2-induced PTEN upregulation, PI3K/AKT pathway inactivation, and IR. STAU1 was found to stabilize PTEN mRNA by binding to its 3'UTR. In liver cells, tocopherol treatment inhibits GIGYF2 expression and mitigates PA-induced IR. In the in vivo mice model, GIGYF2 knockdown and tocopherol administration alleviate high-fat diet (HFD)-induced glucose intolerance and IR, along with the suppression of STAU1/PTEN and restoration of PI3K/AKT signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study discloses that GIGYF2 mediates obesity-related IR by disrupting the PI3K/AKT signaling axis through the up-regulation of STAU1/PTEN. Targeting GIGYF2 may offer a potential strategy for treating obesity-related metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes.

Comparison evaluation pretreatments on the quality characteristics, oxidative stability, and volatile flavor of walnut oil

In this study, we applied various thermal pretreatment methods (e.g., hot-air, microwave, and stir-frying) to process walnut kernels, and conducted comparative analysis of the physicochemical properties, nutritional components, in vitro antioxidant activity, and flavor substances of the extracted walnut oil (WO). The results indicated that, thermal pretreatment significantly increased the extraction of total trace nutrients (e.g., total phenols, tocopherols, and phytosterols) in WO. The WO produced using microwave had 2316.71 mg/kg of total trace nutrients, closely followed by the stir-frying method, which yielded an 11.22% increase compared to the untreated method. The WO obtained by the microwave method had a higher Oxidative inductance period (4.05 h) and oil yield (2.48%). After analyzing the flavor in WO, we found that aldehydes accounted for 28.77% of the 73 of volatile compounds and 58.12% of the total flavor compound content in microwave-pretreated WO, these percentages were higher than those recorded by using other methods. Based on the comprehensive score obtained by the PCA, microwave-pretreatment might be a promising strategy to improve the quality of WO based on aromatic characteristics.

Metabolic, toxicological, chemical, and commercial perspectives on esterification of dietary polyphenols: a review

Molecular modifications have been practiced for more than a century and nowadays they are widely applied in food, pharmaceutical, or other industries to manipulate the physicochemical, bioactivity, metabolic/catabolic, and pharmacokinetic properties. Among various structural modifications, the esterification/O-acylation has been well-established in altering lipophilicity and bioactivity of parent bioactive compounds, especially natural polyphenolics, while maintaining their high biocompatibility. Meanwhile, various classic chemical and enzymatic protocols and other recently emerged cell factory technology are being employed as viable esterification strategies. In this contribution, the main motivations of phenolic esterification, including the tendency to replace synthetic alkyl phenolics with safer alternatives in the food industry to improve the bioavailability of phenolics as dietary supplements/pharmaceuticals, are discussed. In addition, the toxicity, metabolism, and commercial application of synthetic and natural phenolics are briefly introduced. Under these contexts, the mechanisms and reaction features of several most prevalent chemical and enzymatic esterification pathways are demonstrated. In addition, insights into the studies of esterification modification of natural phenolic compounds and specific pros/cons of various reaction systems with regard to their practical application are provided.

Bioactive compounds of peanut skin in prevention and adjunctive treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases

The global prevalence of cancer continues to increase, so does its mortality. Strategies that can prevent/treat this condition are therefore required, especially low-cost and low-toxicity strategies. Bioactive compounds of plant origin have been presented as a good alternative. In this scenario, due to its abundant polyphenolic content (around 60 to 120 times greater than that of the grain), peanut skin by-products stand out as a sustainable source of food bioactives beneficial to human health. Investigated studies highlighted the importance of peanut skin for human health, its phytochemical composition, bioactivity and the potential for prevention and/or adjuvant therapy in cancer, through the advanced search for articles in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), Science direct and the Mourisco platform of the FioCruz Institute, from 2012 to 2022. Using the keywords, "peanut skin" AND "cancer" AND NOT "allergy", the words "peanut testa" and "peanut peel" were included replacing "peanut skin". 18 articles were selected from Plataforma Mourisco, 26 from Science Direct and 26 from VHL. Of these, 7 articles evaluated aspects of cancer prevention and/or treatment. Promising benefits were found in the prevention/treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases in the use of peanut and peanut skin extracts, such as cholesterolemia and glucose control, attenuation of oxidative stress and suppressive action on the proliferation and metabolism of cancer cells.

Investigation of Health Effects of Major Phenolic Compounds in Foods: Extraction Processes, Analytical Approaches and Applications

The escalating costs of healthcare services and a growing awareness of personal health responsibilities have led individuals to explore natural methods alongside conventional medicines for health improvement and disease prevention. The aging global population is experiencing increased health needs, notably related to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Lifestyle-related diseases, poor dietary habits, and sedentary lifestyles underscore the importance of foods containing nutrients that can aid in preventing and managing these diseases. Phenolic compounds, a fundamental group of phytochemicals, are prominent in the chemical diversity of the natural world and are abundant in functional foods. Widely distributed in various plant parts, these compounds exhibit important functional and sensory properties, including color, taste, and aroma. Their diverse functionalities, particularly antioxidant activity, play a crucial role in mitigating cellular oxidative stress, potentially reducing damage associated with serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disea23ses, and cancer. Phenolic compounds exist in different forms, some combined with glycosides, impacting their biological effects and absorption. Approximately 8000 polyphenols isolated from plants offer significant potential for natural medicines and nutritional supplements. Therefore, their extraction process and selective and sensitive food determination are very important. This review focuses on the extraction processes, analytical methods, and health effects of major phenolic compounds in foods. The examination encompasses a comprehensive analysis of analytical approaches and their applications in elucidating the presence and impact of these compounds on human health.

Effects of adding green tea extract on the oxidative stability and shelf life of sunflower oil during storage

This study aimed to compare different concentrations effect of green tea extract (GTE) (200, 400, and 800 ppm) with TBHQ (75 ppm) in extend the shelf-life of sunflower oil (SO) and to evaluate the protective effect of GTE on the oxidation of refined SO. The sample's peroxide value (PV), acidity value (AV), anisidine value (pAV), Totox value (TV), oxidative stability, and total phenol content (TPC) were analyzed at specific intervals during 12-month at 25 °C and 60-day at 60 °C. The optimum kinetic model corresponding to the first order for PV, TV, and pAV was obtained at 25, 35, and 45 °C. SO containing GTE (800 ppm) had a similar performance to TBHQ at 25 °C and 60 °C and possessed a longer shelf life than samples treated with TBHQ. Due to synthetic antioxidant's health risk and toxicity, GTE can be a good substitute for TBHQ in the edible oil industry.

Evaluation of the Content of Minerals, B-Group Vitamins, Tocols, and Carotenoids in Raw and In-House Cooked Wild Edible Plants

Notwithstanding the increased interest in wild edible plants, little is known on how some domestic thermal processes can affect their content. The aim of this study was to investigate the amounts of minerals, B1 and B2 vitamins, tocols, and carotenoids in raw, boiled, and steamed wild edible plants, namely, Sonchus asper (L.) Hill s.l., Sonchus oleraceus L., Cichorium intybus L., and Beta vulgaris L. var cicla. All vegetables were confirmed as high sources of lutein (from 6 to 9 mg/100 g) and β-carotene (from 2 to 5 mg/100 g). Quite high amounts of violaxanthin and neoxanthin were found. Alfa-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol were the main tocols, with same contents in raw and processed vegetables (about 2.5 mg/100 g). The most abundant macro element and trace element were, respectively, potassium and iron. B1 and B2 vitamins were found in low amounts in almost all plants, with the exception of thiamine in Beta vulgaris (about 1.6 mg/100 g). Boiling led to a significant loss of minerals (up to 60%) and B-group vitamins (up to 100%), while, among carotenoids, it only affected violaxanthin levels (up to 90%). Steamed vegetables showed only a slight reduction, about 20%, in β-carotene and lutein, with a marked decrease in violaxanthin and neoxanthin. One hundred grams of all fresh and cooked plants can be claimed as a source of vitamin A and E.

Evaluation of plasma vitamin E and development of proteinuria in hypertensive patients

Background

The prospective relationship between plasma vitamin E levels and proteinuria remains uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the association between baseline plasma vitamin E levels and the development of proteinuria and examine any possible effect modifiers in patients with hypertension.

Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of the renal sub-study of the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT). In total, 780 participants with vitamin E measurements and without proteinuria at baseline were included in the current study. The study outcome was the development of proteinuria, defined as a urine dipstick reading of a trace or ≥ 1+ at the exit visit.

Results

During a median follow-up duration of 4.4 years, the development of proteinuria occurred in 93 (11.9%) participants. Overall, there was an inverse relationship between plasma vitamin E and the development of proteinuria (per standard deviation [SD] increment; odds ratio [OR]: 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55-0.96). Consistently, when plasma vitamin E was assessed as quartiles, lower risk of proteinuria development was found in participants in quartiles 2-4 (≥ 7.3 μg/mL; OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34-0.96) compared to those in quartile 1. None of the variables, including sex, age, and body mass index, significantly modified the association between vitamin E and proteinuria development.

Conclusion

There was a significant inverse association between plasma vitamin E levels and the development of proteinuria in patients with hypertension. The results were consistent among participants with different baseline characteristics.

Plant-derived natural medicines for the management of osteoporosis: A comprehensive review of clinical trials

Background

Osteoporosis is a chronic and systemic skeletal disease that is defined by low bone mineral density (BMD) along with an increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. This study aimed to overview clinical evidence on the use of herbal medicine for management of osteoporosis.

Methods

Electronic databases including Pubmed, Medline, Cochrane library, and Scopus were searched until November 2022 for any clinical studies on the efficacy and/or safety of plant-derived medicines in the management of osteoporosis.

Results

The search yielded 57 results: 19 on single herbs, 16 on multi-component herbal preparations, and 22 on plant-derived secondary metabolites. Risk of fracture, bone alkaline phosphatase, BMD, and specific bone biomarkers are investigated outcomes in these studies. Medicinal plants including Acanthopanax senticosus, Actaea racemosa, Allium cepa, Asparagus racemosus, Camellia sinensis, Cissus quadrangularis, Cornus mas, Nigella sativa, Olea europaea, Opuntia ficus-indica, Pinus pinaster, Trifolium pretense and phytochemicals including isoflavones, ginsenoside, Epimedium prenyl flavonoids, tocotrienols are among plant-derived medicines clinically investigated on osteoporosis. It seems that multi-component herbal preparations were more effective than single-component ones; because of the synergistic effects of their constituents. The investigated herbal medicines demonstrated their promising results in osteoporosis via targeting different pathways in bone metabolism, including balancing osteoblasts and osteoclasts, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and estrogen-like functions.

Conclusion

It seems that plant-derived medicines have beneficial effects on bone and may manage osteoporosis by affecting different targets and pathways involved in osteoporosis; However, Future studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of these preparations.

Potential roles of cereal bioactive compounds in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes: A review of the current knowledge

Diabetes is one of the most common non-communicable diseases in both developed and underdeveloped countries with a 9.3% prevalence. Unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles are among the most common reasons for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Diet plays a crucial role in both the etiology and treatment of T2DM. There are several recommendations regarding the carbohydrate intake of patients with T2DM. One of them is about reducing the total carbohydrate intake and/or changing the type of carbohydrate to reduce the glycaemic index. Cereals are good sources of carbohydrates in the diet with a significant amount of soluble and non-soluble fiber content. Apart from fiber, it has been shown that the bioactive compounds present in cereals such as proteins, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and tocols have beneficial impacts in the prevention and treatment of T2DM. Moreover, cereal by-products especially the by-products of milling processes, which are bran and germ, have been reported to have anti-diabetic activities mainly because of their fiber and polyphenols content. Considering the potential functions of cereals in patients with T2DM, this review focuses on the roles of cereal bioactive compounds in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Evaluation of Vitamin E Isoforms in Placental Tissue and Their Relationship with Maternal Dietary Intake and Plasma Concentrations in Mother-Infant Dyads

α-tocopherol is a vitamin E isoform with potent antioxidant activity, while the γ-tocopherol isoform of vitamin E exerts more pro-inflammatory effects. In maternal-fetal environments, increased plasma α-tocopherol concentrations are associated with positive birth outcomes, while higher γ-tocopherol concentrations are linked with negative pregnancy outcomes. However, little is known about tocopherol concentrations in placental tissue and their role in modulating placental oxidative stress, a process that is implicated in many complications of pregnancy. The objectives of this research are to evaluate the concentrations of α- and γ-tocopherol in placental tissue and assess relationships with maternal and umbilical cord plasma concentrations. A total of 82 mother-infant dyads were enrolled at the time of delivery, and maternal and umbilical cord blood samples and placenta samples were collected. α- and γ-tocopherol concentrations in these samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). γ-tocopherol concentrations demonstrated significant, positive correlations among all sample types (p-values < 0.001). Placental tissue had a significantly lower ratio of α:γ-tocopherol concentrations when compared to maternal plasma and umbilical cord plasma (2.9 vs. 9.9 vs. 13.2, respectively; p < 0.001). Additional research should explore possible mechanisms for tocopherol storage and transfer in placental tissue and assess relationships between placental tocopherol concentrations and measures of maternal-fetal oxidative stress and clinical outcomes of pregnancy.

Dietary Vitamin E Isoforms Intake: Development of a New Tool to Assess Tocopherols and Tocotrienols Intake in Adults

Due to the documented health benefits of tocopherols and tocotrienols as bioactive compounds, it seems important to assess their intake. The aim of this study was to develop a new tool and its application for assessment of tocopherol and tocotrienol intake in adults. Dietary data were collected by semiquantitative FFQ (VitE-FFQ) and by a 1-day dietary record in a group of 447 subjects. The database of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) was used to calculate the individual isoforms of vitamin E and develop the tool-VIT_E.CAL. The assessment of measuring agreement between the two methods was conducted by analysis of the correlations and Bland-Altman plots. The average α-tocopherol intake was 11.3 mg/day for the data obtained using the FFQ method and 12.8 mg/day for the results obtained using the 1-day dietary record. Depending on the adopted recommendation, only 40-57% of the subjects had adequate vitamin E intake. The intake of α-tocopherol did not exceed the UL value in any of the respondents. The dominant forms of vitamin E in the diet of the studied group were α- and γ- forms (55% and 38% of the total sum) among tocopherols and β- and γ- forms (49% and 24% of the total sum) among tocotrienols. VIT_E.CAL allows us to calculate not only the total amount of vitamin E but also its eight isoforms. It can be a useful tool to assess individual and group intake of various forms of vitamin E in the diet. The use of VIT_E.CAL enables the proper assessment of vitamin E (as α-tocopherol and not α-tocopherol equivalent) in the diet of Poles, and most likely also in the European diet. The obtained results indicate the need to take into account the content of individual forms of vitamin E in food/diet, which will allow for a reliable assessment of its consumption. It also seems necessary to standardize the nomenclature regarding the name of vitamin E and its use for correct nutritional assessment.

Salicylic Acid and α-Tocopherol Ameliorate Salinity Impact on Wheat

Background: Soil salinity negatively impacts agricultural productivity. Consequently, strategies should be developed to inculcate a salinity tolerance in crops for sustainable food production. Growth regulators play a vital role in regulating salinity stress tolerance. Methods: Thus, we examined the effect of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) and alpha-tocopherol (TP) (100 mg/L) on the morphophysio-biochemical responses of two wheat cultivars (Pirsabak-15 and Shankar) to salinity stress (0 and 40 mM). Results: Both Pirsabak-15 and Shankar cultivars were negatively affected by salinity stress. For instance, salinity reduced growth attributes (i.e., leaf fresh and dry weight, leaf moisture content, leaf area ratio, shoot and root dry weight, shoot and root length, as well as root-shoot ratio), pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll a, and carotenoids) but increased hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), malondialdehyde (MDA), and endogenous TP in both cultivars. Among the antioxidant enzymes, salinity enhanced the activity of peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in Pirsabak-15; glutathione reductase (GR) and PPO in Shankar, while ascorbate peroxidase (APOX) was present in both cultivars. SA and TP could improve the salinity tolerance by improving growth and photosynthetic pigments and reducing MDA and H₂O₂. In general, the exogenous application did not have a positive effect on antioxidant enzymes; however, it increased PPO in Pirsabak-15 and SOD in the Shankar cultivar. Conclusions: Consequently, we suggest that SA and TP could have enhanced the salinity tolerance of our selected wheat cultivars by modulating their physiological mechanisms in a manner that resulted in improved growth. Future molecular studies can contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms by which SA and TP regulate the selected wheat cultivars underlying salinity tolerance mechanisms.

Amaranth and quinoa as potential nutraceuticals: A review of anti-nutritional factors, health benefits and their applications in food, medicinal and cosmetic sectors

Amaranth and quinoa are small-seeded grains with high nutritional and phytochemical profiles that promote numerous health benefits and offer protection against various chronic ailments including hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders. They are classified as pseudocereals and possess significant nutritional benefits due to their abundance of proteins, lipids, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Moreover, they exhibit an exceptional balance of essential amino acids. Despite having several health benefits, these grains have lost their popularity due to their coarse nature and are neglected in developed countries. Research and development activities are growing to explore these underutilized crops, characterizing and valorizing them for food applications. In this context, this review highlights the latest advancements in use of amaranth and quinoa as nutraceutical and functional foods, covering their bioactive substances, anti-nutritional factors, processing techniques, health benefits, and applications. This information will be valuable for planning novel research for efficient use of these neglected grains.

Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa) Beverage Processed by High-Pressure Homogenization: Changes in Main Components and Antioxidant Capacity during Cold Storage

High-pressure homogenization (HPH) is an emerging technology for obtaining physical and microbial stability of plant-based milks, but there is little information on the effects of this technology on the phytochemical components of the processed plant food beverage and during its cold storage. The effect of three selected HPH treatments (180 MPa/25 °C, 150 MPa/55 °C, and 50 MPa/75 °C) and pasteurization (PAS) (63 °C, 20 min) on minor lipid constituents, total proteins, phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and essential minerals of Brazil nut beverage (BNB) were studied. Additionally, the study of the possible changes in these constituents was carried out during cold storage at 5 °C for 21 days. The fatty acid profile (dominated by oleic acid and linoleic acid), free fatty acid content, protein, and essential minerals (notable source of Se and Cu) of the processed BNB remained almost stable to treatments (HPH and PAS). Specifically, reductions in squalene (22.7 to 26.4%) and γ-γ-tocopherol (28.4 to 36%) were observed in beverages processed via both non-thermal HPH and thermal PAS, but β-sitosterol remained unchanged. Total phenolics were reduced (24 to 30%) after both treatments, a factor that influenced the observed antioxidant capacity. The studied individual phenolics in BNB were gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, catechin gallate, and ellagic acid, being the most abundant compounds. During cold storage (5 °C) up to 21 days, changes in the content of phytochemicals, minerals, and total proteins were not noticeable for any treated beverages, and no lipolysis processes were promoted. Therefore, after the application of HPH processing, Brazil nut beverage (BNB) maintained almost unaltered levels of bioactive compounds, essential minerals, total protein, and oxidative stability, remarkable characteristics for its potential development as a functional food.

Ameliorative Effect of Palm Oil in Aluminum Lactate Induced Biochemical and Histological Implications in Rat Brain

α-Tocotrienol is one of the major constituents of palm oil. It is a well-known antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering neuroprotectant. To prevent the initiation of Alzheimer's like symptoms, much attention has been shifted to the major role played by antioxidants. Previous epidemiological reports correlate the increasing incidence of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD), to the aluminum (Al) content in drinking water. Al, being a ubiquitous element, has a long history of being particularly reactive towards multiple aspects of neurobiology. So, the current study examines the effect of Al-induced behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological changes in rat brain; and the ameliorative effect of palm oil in reducing the resulting neurotoxicity. The experimental design consisted of 4 groups: control group which received rodent chow diet and water ad libitum; Al group received aluminum lactate (50 mg/kg bw); Al + palm oil group was administered with Al (50 mg/kg bw) and palm oil (60 mg/kg bw); and palm oil group received palm oil (60 mg/kg bw). Al was given by oral gavage once daily for 6 weeks and palm oil was administered intraperitoneally. After 6 weeks of supplementation, Al + palm oil group showed significantly lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content, but higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), GST, and GPx activity as compared to Al group. Al group has significantly higher level of MDA content, but lower SOD, CAT, GST, and GPx activity as compared to control group. In conclusion, this study suggested that palm oil was effective in preventing the Al-induced brain damage in rats.

Effect of Heating Temperature of High-Quality Arbequina, Picual, Manzanilla and Cornicabra Olive Oils on Changes in Nutritional Indices of Lipid, Tocopherol Content and Triacylglycerol Polymerization Process

The aim of the study was to determine the stability and heat resistance of extra premium olive oil. The study material consisted of six extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) obtained from Spain. Four samples were single-strain olive oils: Arbequina, Picual, Manzanilla, and Cornicabra. Two samples were a coupage of Arbequina and Picual varieties: Armonia (70% Arbequina and 30% Picual) and Sensation (70% Picual and 30% Arbequina). Olive oil samples were heated at 170 °C and 200 °C in a pan (thin layer model). In all samples, changes in indexes of lipid nutritional quality (PUFA/SFA, index of atherogenicity, index of thrombogenicity, and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio), changes in tocopherol, total polar compounds content, and triacylglycerol polymers were determined. Heating olive oil in a thin layer led to its degradation and depended on the temperature and the type of olive oil. Increasing the temperature from 170 to 200 °C resulted in significantly higher degradation of olive oil. At 200 °C, deterioration of lipid nutritional indices, total tocopherol degradation, and formation of triacylglycerol polymers were observed. A twofold increase in the polar fraction was also observed compared to samples heated at 170 °C. The most stable olive oils were Cornicabra and Picual.

The difference in the cellular uptake of tocopherol and tocotrienol is influenced by their affinities to albumin

Vitamin E is classified into tocopherol (Toc) and tocotrienol (T3) based on its side chains. T3 generally has higher cellular uptake than Toc, though the responsible mechanism remains unclear. To elucidate this mechanism, we hypothesized and investigated whether serum albumin is a factor that induces such a difference in the cellular uptake of Toc and T3. Adding bovine serum albumin (BSA) to serum-depleted media increased the cellular uptake of T3 and decreased that of Toc, with varying degrees among α-, β-, γ-, and δ-analogs. Such enhanced uptake of α-T3 was not observed when cells were incubated under low temperature (the uptake of α-Toc was also reduced), suggesting that Toc and T3 bind to albumin to form a complex that results in differential cellular uptake of vitamin E. Fluorescence quenching study confirmed that vitamin E certainly bound to BSA, and that T3 showed a higher affinity than Toc. Molecular docking further indicated that the differential binding energy of Toc or T3 to BSA is due to the Van der Waals interactions via their side chain. Overall, these results suggested that the affinity of Toc and T3 to albumin differs due to their side chains, causing the difference in their albumin-mediated cellular uptake. Our results give a better mechanistic insight into the physiological action of vitamin E.

Antioxidant properties of lipid concomitants in edible oils: A review

Edible oils are indispensable for human life, providing energy and necessary fatty acids. Nevertheless, they are vulnerable to oxidation via a number of different mechanisms. Essential nutrients deteriorate as well as toxic substances are produced when edible oils are oxidized; thus, they should be retarded wherever possible. Lipid concomitants have a strong antioxidant capacity and are a large class of biologically active chemical substances in edible oils. They have shown remarkable antioxidant properties and were documented to improve the quality of edible oils in varied ways. An overview of the antioxidant properties of the polar, non-polar, and amphiphilic lipid concomitants present in edible oils is provided in this review. Interactions among various lipid concomitants and the probable mechanisms are also elucidated. This review may provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for food industry practitioners and researchers to understand the underlying cause of variations in the quality of edible oils.

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.

Effect of Different Time/Temperature Binomials on the Chemical Features, Antioxidant Activity, and Natural Microbial Load of Olive Pomace Paste

Olive pomace is a by-product from olive oil production that can be further processed to obtain olive pomace paste. In this work, the influence of different time/temperature binomials (65 °C/30 min; 77 °C/1 min; 88 °C/15 s; and 120 °C/20 min) on the nutritional quality, chemical composition, and efficiency on control/elimination of natural microbial load of olive pomace paste was ascertained. The treatments significantly impacted the contents of ash, fat, vitamin E, phenolics (including hydroxytyrosol), flavonoids, and antioxidant activity, but not the fatty acids profile. The binomial 88 °C/15 s showed the greatest potential since it better preserved the phytochemical and antioxidant properties as well as the protein and fiber contents. This binomial is also faster and easy to be implemented at an industrial level, allowing the obtention of a safe functional ingredient to satisfy consumers' demands for novel sustainable products, simultaneously, responding to food safety and food security concerns.

Unraveling the Peculiar Features of Mitochondrial Metabolism and Dynamics in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in Western countries. Mitochondria, the "powerhouse" of cells, undergo distinctive metabolic and structural dynamics in different types of cancer. PCa cells experience peculiar metabolic changes during their progression from normal epithelial cells to early-stage and, progressively, to late-stage cancer cells. Specifically, healthy cells display a truncated tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and inefficient oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) due to the high accumulation of zinc that impairs the activity of m-aconitase, the enzyme of the TCA cycle responsible for the oxidation of citrate. During the early phase of cancer development, intracellular zinc levels decrease leading to the reactivation of m-aconitase, TCA cycle and OXPHOS. PCa cells change their metabolic features again when progressing to the late stage of cancer. In particular, the Warburg effect was consistently shown to be the main metabolic feature of late-stage PCa cells. However, accumulating evidence sustains that both the TCA cycle and the OXPHOS pathway are still present and active in these cells. The androgen receptor axis as well as mutations in mitochondrial genes involved in metabolic rewiring were shown to play a key role in PCa cell metabolic reprogramming. Mitochondrial structural dynamics, such as biogenesis, fusion/fission and mitophagy, were also observed in PCa cells. In this review, we focus on the mitochondrial metabolic and structural dynamics occurring in PCa during tumor development and progression; their role as effective molecular targets for novel therapeutic strategies in PCa patients is also discussed.

Raman Spectroscopy and Imaging Studies of Human Digestive Tract Cells and Tissues-Impact of Vitamin C and E Supplementation

Cancers of digestive tract such as colorectal cancer (CRC) and gastric cancer (GC) are the most commonly detected types of cancer worldwide and their origin can be associated with oxidative stress conditions. Commonly known and followed antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, are widely considered as potential anti-cancer agents. Raman spectra have great potential in the biochemical characterization of matter based on the fact that each molecule has its own unique vibrational properties. Raman spectroscopy allows to precisely characterize components (proteins, lipids, nucleic acids). The paper presents the application of the Raman spectroscopy technique for the analysis of tissue samples and cells of the human colon and stomach. The main goal of this study is to show the differences between healthy and cancerous tissues from the human digestive tract and human normal and cancer colon and gastric cell lines. The paper presents the spectroscopic characterization of normal colon cells, CCD-18 Co, in physiological and oxidative conditions and effect of oxidative injury of normal colon cells upon supplementation with vitamin C at various concentrations based on Raman spectra. The obtained results were related to the Raman spectra recorded for human colon cancer cells-CaCo-2. In addition, the effect of the antioxidant in the form of vitamin E on gastric cancer cells, HTB-135, is presented and compared with normal gastric cells-CRL-7869. All measured gastric samples were biochemically and structurally characterized by means of Raman spectroscopy and imaging. Statistically assisted analysis has shown that normal, ROS injured and cancerous human gastrointestinal cells can be distinguished based on their unique vibrational properties. ANOVA tests, PCA (Principal Component Analysis) and PLSDA (Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis) have confirmed the main role of nucleic acids, proteins and lipids in differentiation of human colon and stomach normal and cancer tissues and cells. The conducted research based on Raman spectra proved that antioxidants in the form of vitamin C and E exhibit anti-cancer properties. In consequence, conducted studies proved that label-free Raman spectroscopy may play an important role in clinical diagnostic differentiation of human normal and cancerous gastrointestinal tissues and may be a source of intraoperative information supporting histopathological analysis.

Extraction, Isolation of Bioactive Compounds and Therapeutic Potential of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is a herbaceous annual plant of the Cruciferous family, the Cabbage genus. This oilseed crop is widely used in many areas of industry and agriculture. High-quality oil obtained from rapeseed can be found in many industrial food products. To date, extracts with a high content of biologically active substances are obtained from rapeseed using modern extraction methods. Brassica napus L. seeds contain polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, phytosterols, flavonoids, vitamins, glucosinolates and microelements. The data in this review show that rapeseed biocompounds have therapeutic effects in the treatment of various types of diseases. Some studies indicate that rapeseed can be used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, hypoglycemic and anticancer agent. In the pharmaceutical industry, using rapeseed as an active ingredient may help to develop new forms drugs with wide range of therapeutic effects. This review focuses on aspects of the extraction of biocompounds from rapeseed and the study of its pharmacological properties.

Towards an alcohol-free process for the production of palm phytonutrients via enzymatic hydrolysis of crude palm oil using liquid lipases

BACKGROUND

Crude palm oil (CPO) is rich with phytonutrients such as carotenoids and tocols which possesses many health benefits. The aim of this research was to develop a methanol-free process to produce palm phytonutrients via enzymatic hydrolysis. In this work, triacylglycerol was hydrolyzed into free fatty acids (FFAs) using three different types of liquid lipases derived from Aspergillus oryzae (ET 2.0), Aspergillus niger (Habio) and Candida antartica (CALB).

RESULTS

ET 2.0 was found to be the best enzyme for hydrolysis. Under the optimum condition, the FFA content achievable was 790 g kg-1 after 24 h of reaction with 1:1 water-to-oil mass ratio at 50 °C and stirring speed of 9 × g. Furthermore, with the addition of 2 g kg-1 ascorbic acid, it was found that 98% of carotenoids and 96% of tocols could be retained after hydrolysis.

CONCLUSION

This work shows that enzymatic hydrolysis, which is inherently safer, cleaner and sustainable is feasible to replace the conventional methanolysis for the production of palm phytonutrients. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of Drought Stress on Physiological Responses and Bioactive Compounds in Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.): Opportunity for a Sustainable Agriculture

Food production from agriculture depends on irrigation, mainly in poor rainfall zones, such as the Mediterranean region. Chicory is an important food crop component of the Mediterranean diet. Considering the increasing incidence of drought due to climate change, this study was carried out in order to investigate the effect of moderate drought stress on photosynthesis, leaf gaseous exchange, growth, and tocol and carotenoid composition of chicory under field conditions. Chicory was subjected to rainfed condition stress in a randomized block design. At 50 days of treatment, drought stress caused about 48% reduction in dry matter, 30% in leaf relative water content, and about 25% in photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance, whereas mesophyll conductance was not affected. A strong relationship between photosynthetic rates and stomatal conductance was observed. In the rainfed chicory, at the end of treatment, an increase (about 20%) in carotenoid and tocopherol content was found, thus, giving further insight into the positive effect of moderate drought stress on these compounds. This finding suggests that under proper rainfed conditions, it is possible to increase and save the quality of dry chicory, although yield loss occurs.

Variations in Antioxidant Capacity, Oxidative Stability, and Physicochemical Quality Parameters of Walnut (Juglans regia) Oil with Roasting and Accelerated Storage Conditions

Walnut oil, like all vegetable oils, is chemically unstable because of the sensitivity of its unsaturated fatty acids to the oxidation phenomenon. This phenomenon is based on a succession of chemical reactions, under the influence of temperature or storage conditions, that always lead to a considerable change in the quality of the oil by promoting the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids through the degradation of their C-C double bonds, leading to the formation of secondary oxidation products that reduce the nutritional values of the oil. This research examines the oxidative stability of roasted and unroasted cold-pressed walnut oils under accelerated storage conditions. The oxidative stability of both oils was evaluated using physicochemical parameters: chemical composition (fatty acids, phytosterols, and tocopherols), pigment content (chlorophyll and carotenoids), specific extinction coefficients (K₂₃₂ and K₂₇₀), and quality indicators (acid and peroxide value) as well as the evaluation of radical scavenging activity by the DPPH method. The changes in these parameters were evaluated within 60 days at 60 ± 2 °C. The results showed that the levels of total phytosterols, the parameters of the acid and peroxide value, K₂₃₂ and K₂₇₀, increased slightly for both oils as well as the total tocopherol content and the antioxidant activity affected by the roasting process. In contrast, the fatty acid profiles did not change considerably during the 60 days of our study. After two months of oil treatment at 60 °C, the studied oils still showed an excellent physicochemical profile, which allows us to conclude that these oils are stable and can withstand such conditions. This may be due to the considerable content of tocopherols (vitamin E), which acts as an antioxidant.