Bioaccessibility, Intestinal Permeability and Plasma Stability of Isorhamnetin Glycosides from Opuntia ficus-indica (L.)

In Vitro Screening and Lipid-Lowering Effect of Prickly Pear (Opuntia Ficus-Indica L. Mill.) Fruit Extracts in 3T3-L1 Pre-Adipocytes and Mature Adipocytes

Opuntia ficus-indica fruits have been widely used due to their nutritional composition and beneficial effects on health, particularly against chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, among others. In recent years, prickly pear peel and pulp extracts have been characterised, and a high number of bioactive compounds have been identified. This study aimed to analyse the triglyceride-lowering effect of prickly pear peel and pulp extracts obtained from fruits of three varieties (Pelota, Sanguinos, and Colorada) in 3T3-L1 maturing and mature adipocytes. At a concentration of 50 µg/mL, peel extracts from Colorada reduced triglyceride accumulation in pre-adipocytes and mature adipocytes. Additionally, at 25 µg/mL, Pelota peel extract decreased triglyceride content in mature adipocytes. Moreover, maturing pre-adipocytes treated with 50 and 25 µg/mL of Sanguinos pulp extract showed a reduction of triglyceride accumulation. In addition, the lipid-lowering effect of the main individual betalain and phenolic compounds standards were assayed. Piscidic acid and isorhamnetin glycoside (IG2), found in Colorada peel extract, were identified as the bioactive compounds that could contribute more notably to the triglyceride-lowering effect of the extract. Thus, the betalain and phenolic-rich extracts from Opuntia ficus indica fruits may serve as an effective tool in obesity management.

Selected Flavonols in Breast and Gynecological Cancer: A Systematic Review

The consumption of foods that are rich in phenolic compounds has chemopreventive effects on many cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. A wide spectrum of their health-promoting properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, has been demonstrated. This paper analyzes the mechanisms of the anticancer action of selected common flavonols, including kemferol, myricetin, quercetin, fisetin, galangin, isorhamnetin, and morin, in preclinical studies, with particular emphasis on in vitro studies in gynecological cancers and breast cancer. In the future, these compounds may find applications in the prevention and treatment of gynecological cancers and breast cancer, but this requires further, more advanced research.

Structures, Sources, Identification/Quantification Methods, Health Benefits, Bioaccessibility, and Products of Isorhamnetin Glycosides as Phytonutrients

In recent years, people have tended to consume phytonutrients and nutrients in their daily diets. Isorhamnetin glycosides (IGs) are an essential class of flavonoids derived from dietary and medicinal plants such as Opuntia ficus-indica, Hippophae rhamnoides, and Ginkgo biloba. This review summarizes the structures, sources, quantitative and qualitative analysis technologies, health benefits, bioaccessibility, and marketed products of IGs. Routine and innovative assay methods, such as IR, TLC, NMR, UV, MS, HPLC, UPLC, and HSCCC, have been widely used for the characterization and quantification of IGs. All of the therapeutic effects of IGs discovered to date are collected and discussed in this study, with an emphasis on the relevant mechanisms of their health-promoting effects. IGs exhibit diverse biological activities against cancer, diabetes, hepatic diseases, obesity, and thrombosis. They exert therapeutic effects through multiple networks of underlying molecular signaling pathways. Owing to these benefits, IGs could be utilized to make foods and functional foods. IGs exhibit higher bioaccessibility and plasma concentrations and longer average residence time in blood than aglycones. Overall, IGs as phytonutrients are very promising and have excellent application potential.

Prumnopitys Andina Fruit Extract Activates Liver X Receptors after In Vitro Digestion

SCOPE

20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) is the main phytochemical present in the fresh arils of Prumnopitys andina. 20E is reported to have anabolic effects by modulation of gene transcription by interaction with nuclear receptors. Our aim is to evaluate the in vitro bioaccessibility, transepithelial transport of 20E, and the capacity of P. andina fruit extract and 20E to activate selected mammalian nuclear receptors in transiently transfected human cells after simulated gastrointestinal digestion.

RESULTS

20E shows good stability, solubility, and micellization after in vitro digestion. 20E is taken up by Caco-2 cells, but poorly transported through the epithelial cell membrane, possibly due to P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux. In transiently transfected HepG2 cells, the fruit extract significantly induces the signal intensity for the liver X receptor (LXR)-α and -β by 1.6 and 1.4-fold, respectively. In contrast, the treatment with 20E, irrespective of its concentration, did not change the activity of both LXR receptors. No effects are observed for the pregnane X receptor or the constitutive androstane receptor.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show that components of the digested P. andina extract other than 20E are responsible for the effects on LXR-α and -β. Our findings open new perspectives on the potential role of P. andina fruits in cholesterol metabolism and inflammatory diseases.

Adding value to strawberry agro-industrial by-products through ultraviolet A-induced biofortification of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds

Background

The revalorization of agro-industrial by-products by applying ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation to biofortify with phenolic compounds has been studied in recent times, showing improvements in the individual and total phenolic content and their bioactivity. Therefore, the main aim of this work was to optimize the biofortification process of phenolic compounds by UVA radiation to strawberry agro-industrial by-products (RF). Moreover, the effect of UVA radiation on the potential biological activity of the phenolics accumulated in RF due to the treatment was also determined.

Methods

The assays followed a factorial design with three variables at three levels: UVA dose (LOW, MEDIUM, and HIGH), storage temperature (5, 10, and 15°C), and storage time (0, 24, 48, and 72 h). At each experimental condition, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymatic activities, total phenolic compound content (TPC), phenolics profile (TPC_HPLC), and agrimoniin content (AGN) were evaluated; and the optimal UVA dose, storage time, and temperature were determined. In vitro bioaccessibility of the accumulated phenolic compound was studied on RF tissue treated with UVA at optimal process conditions. The digested extracts were tested for antiproliferative activity in colorectal cancer cells, cellular antioxidant capacity, and anti-inflammatory activity.

Results

The results showed that applying UVA-HIGH (86.4 KJ/m²) treatment and storing the tissue for 46 h at 15°C increased PAL activity (260%), phenolic content (240%), and AGN (300%). The biofortification process improves the bioaccessibility of the main phenolic compound of RF by 9.8 to 25%. The digested optimum extract showed an IC50 for HT29 and Caco-2 cells of 2.73 and 5.43 μg/mL, respectively, and presented 60% cellular antioxidant capacity and 30% inhibition of NOX production.

Conclusion

The RF treated with UVA is an excellent source of phenolic compounds; specifically, ellagitannins and the UVA radiation proved to be efficient in biofortify RF, significantly improving the phenolic compounds content and their bioactive properties with adequate bioaccessibility, adding value to the strawberry agro-industrial by-products.

Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Properties of Goat-Milk Powder Fortified with Grape-Pomace-Seed Extract after In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion

This study deals with the evaluation of the bioaccessibility and antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds from heat-treated skim goat-milk powder fortified with grape-pomace-seed extract, after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD MS/MS) analysis confirmed the abundant presence of phenolic acids and flavan-3-ols in the grape-pomace-seed extract (SE) and heat-treated skim goat-milk/seed-extract powder (TME). After in vitro digestion of TME powder and recovery of total quantified phenolics, flavan-3-ols and phenolic acids were 18.11%, 24.54%, and 1.17%, respectively. Low recovery of grape-pomace-seed phenolics indicated strong milk protein-phenolic interactions. Electrophoretic analysis of a soluble fraction of digested heat-treated skim goat milk (TM) and TME samples showed the absence of bands originating from milk proteins, indicating their hydrolysis during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The digested TME sample had better antioxidant properties in comparison to the digested TM sample (except for the ferrous ion-chelating capacity, FCC), due to the presence of bioaccessible phenolics. Taking into account the contribution of the digestive cocktail, digested TME sample had lower values of total phenolic content (TPC), in vitro phosphomolybdenum reducing capacity (TAC) and ferric reducing power (FRP), compared to the undigested TME sample. These results could be attributed to low recovery of phenolic compounds. TME powder could be a good carrier of phenolics to the colon; thus, TME powder could be a promising ingredient in the formulation of functional food.

Cactaceae plants as sources of active bioavailable phytochemicals

Arid-land plants from the Cactaceae family are endemic to the Americas and cultivated worldwide. Cactaceous plants and their fruits contain phenolic compounds, betalains, vitamins, carotenoids, minerals, and soluble fiber. Edible cactaceous matrices can be considered functional foods since their consumption may confer health benefits. These plants could be a source of novel bioactive compounds relevant to the area of phytomedicine. However, consumption of high concentrations of active molecules is not necessarily correlated to beneficial physiological effects because phytochemicals must be released from the food matrices under physiological conditions, resist digestion-associated chemical transformations, and remain in their active state in systemic circulation until the target tissues are reached. Notably, although digestion may either increase or decrease the bioactive phytochemicals' activity and stability, non-absorbed compounds may also be relevant for human health. Additionally, food matrices' type and composition and their technological processing operations may influence the compounds' release, stability, and accessibility. Thus, this review provides insights on the feasibility of using Cactaceae plants as sources of functional compounds. It is focused on compounds' bioactivity, bioaccessibility, and overall bioavailability after their metabolic transformation. Also, it addresses the influence of food processing on bioactive compounds. Many Cactaceae species are unexplored, and our understanding of how they confer health benefits is limited. To better understand the physiological relevance, nutraceutical potential, and therapeutic feasibility of cactaceous bioactive phytochemicals, future research should focus on the metabolic stability and safety of these compounds, as well as their assimilation mechanisms (absorption, distribution, and metabolic fate).

Protection Against Drug-Induced Liver Injuries Through Nutraceuticals via Amelioration of Nrf-2 Signaling

Hepatotoxicity caused by the overdose of various medications is a leading cause of drug-induced liver injury. Overdose of drugs causes hepatocellular necrosis. Nutraceuticals are reported to prevent drug-induced liver failure. The present article aims to review the protection provided by various medicinal plants against hepatotoxic drugs. Ayurveda is considered a conventional restorative arrangement in India. It is consistently used for ages and is still used today to cure drug-induced hepatotoxicity by focusing on antioxidant stress response pathways such as the nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf-2) antioxidant response element signaling pathway. Nrf-2 is a key transcription factor that entangles Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1, a protein found in the cell cytoplasm. Some antioxidant enzymes, such as gamma glycine cysteine ligase (γ-GCL) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), are expressed in Nrf-2 targeted genes. Their expression, in turn, decreases the stimulation of hepatic macrophages and induces the messenger RNA (mRNA) articulation of proinflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor α. This review will cover various medicinal plants from a mechanistic view and how they stimulate and interact with Nrf-2, the master regulator of the antioxidant response to counterbalance oxidative stress. Interestingly, therapeutic plants have become popular in the medical sector due to safer yet effective supplementation for the prevention and treatment of new human diseases. The contemporary study is expected to collect information on a variety of therapeutic traditional herbs that have been studied in the context of drug-induced liver toxicity, as nutraceuticals are the most effective treatments for oxidative stress-induced hepatotoxicity. They are less genotoxic, have a lower cost, and are readily available. Together, nutraceuticals exert protective effects against drug-induced hepatotoxicity through the inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Its mechanism(s) are considered to be associated with the γ-GCL/HO-1 and Nrf-2 signaling pathways. KEY TEACHING POINTSThe liver is the most significant vital organ that carries out metabolic activities of the body such as the synthesis of glycogen, the formation of triglycerides and cholesterol, as well as the formation of bile.Acute liver failure is caused by the consumption of certain drugs; drug-induced liver injury is the major condition.The chemopreventive activity of nutraceuticals may be related to oxidative stress reduction and attenuation of biosynthetic processes involved in hepatic injury via amelioration of the nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf-2) signaling pathway.Nrf-2 is a key transcription factor that is found in the cell cytoplasm resulting in the expression of various genes such as gamma glycine cysteine ligase and heme oxygenase-1.Nutraceutical-rich phytochemicals possess high antioxidant activity, which helps in the prevention of hepatic injury.

Engineering and Evaluation of Forcespun Gelatin Nanofibers as an Isorhamnetin Glycosides Delivery System

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill (OFI) is considered a natural source of bioactive phytochemicals, mainly isorhamnetin glycosides (IRGs). These compounds have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, among others. The development of a suitable delivery system for these compounds is needed to improve their chemical and biological stability. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of fabrication and characterization of IRG-loaded gelatin (GL) forcespun fibers and crosslinking with glutaraldehyde (GTA). Two different percentages (25% and 30% w/v) of GL were evaluated with 12% (w/v) OFI flour to obtain nanofibers GL/OFI1 and GL/OFI2, respectively. The morphology and physicochemical properties of the fibers were investigated. The results indicated that the diameters of the fibers were on the nanoscale. The amount of IRGs was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The IRGs release and the cytocompatibility of the nanofibers were also evaluated. GL concentration significantly affected the IRG release. Among both nanofibers, the GL/OFI2 nanofiber achieved a cumulative IRGs release of 63% after 72 h. Both fibers were shown to be biocompatible with human skin/fibroblast cells. Specifically, GL/OFI1 nanofibers exhibited favorable features for their application as an extract-coupled release system. The IRGs-embedded GL nanofiber mats may become a good alternative for the delivery of phytochemicals for the health sector and biomedical applications.

Garambullo (Myrtillocactus geometrizans): effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity of phytochemicals

Garambullo (Myrtillocactus geometrizans), endemic fruit from Mexico, contains several bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, betalains, antioxidant fiber), highlighting it as a good functional food. In this research, the impact of the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on phytochemical bioaccessibility from garambullo and its antioxidant capacity are studied. The fruit contained previously unidentified phytochemicals in the polar and non-polar extracts (acetone and hexane). The bioaccessibility decreased in the mouth and stomach for flavanones (up to 11.9 and 8.9%, respectively), isoflavones (up to 20.0 and 9.2%, respectively), flavonols (up to 15.2 and 15.7%, respectively), hydroxycinnamic acids (up to 21.7 and 13.1%, respectively), and betalains (up to 10.5 and 4.2%, respectively); hydroxybenzoic acids were increased (up to 752.8 and 552.6%, respectively), while tocopherols increased in the mouth (127.7%) and decreased in the stomach (up to 90.3%). In the intestinal phase, the digestible fraction showed low phytochemicals bioaccessibility, and some compounds were recovered in the non-digestible fraction. The antioxidant capacity decreased in different compartments of the gastrointestinal tract, being higher in the mouth (872.9, 883.6, 385.2, and 631.2 μmol TE per g dw by ABTS, DPPH, ORAC, and FRAP, respectively) and stomach (836.2, 942.1, 289.0, and 494.9 μmol TE per g dw ABTS, DPPH, ORAC, and FRAP, respectively). The results indicate that digestion positively or negatively affects compounds' bioaccessibility depending on their structural family, and the antioxidant capacity decreases but remains higher than other functional foods.

Molecular Insights on the Therapeutic Effect of Selected Flavonoids on Diabetic Neuropathy

One of the common clinical complications of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy affecting the nervous system. Painful diabetic neuropathy is widespread and highly prevalent. At least 50% of diabetes patients develop diabetic neuropathy eventually. The four main types of diabetic neuropathy are peripheral neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, proximal neuropathy (diabetic polyradiculopathy), and mononeuropathy (Focal neuropathy). Glucose control remains the common therapy for diabetic neuropathy due to limited knowledge on early biomarkers that are expressed during nerve damage, thereby limiting the cure through pharmacotherapy. Glucose control dramatically reduces the onset of neuropathy in type 1 diabetes but proves less effective in type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the focus is on various herbal remedies for prevention and treatment. There is numerous research on the use of anticonvulsants and antidepressants for the management of pain in diabetic neuropathy. Extensive research is being done on natural products including the isolation of pure compounds like flavonoids from plants and their effect on diabetic neuropathy. This review focuses on the use of an important of flavonoids such as flavanols (e.g., quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin), flavanones (e.g., hesperidin, naringenin and c,lass eriodictyol), and flavones (e.g., apigenin, luteolin, tangeretin, chrysin, and diosmin) for the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy. The mechanisms of action of flavonoids against diabetic neuropathy by their antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-glycation properties, etc. are also covered in this review article.

Treatment with Argovit® Silver Nanoparticles Induces Differentiated Postharvest Biosynthesis of Compounds with Pharmaceutical Interest in Carrot (Daucus carota L.)

The global market for plant-derived bioactive compounds is growing significantly. The use of plant secondary metabolites has been reported to be used for the prevention of chronic diseases. Silver nanoparticles were used to analyze the content of enhancement phenolic compounds in carrots. Carrot samples were immersed in different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, or 40 mg/L) of each of five types of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for 3 min. Spectrophotometric methods measured the total phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity. The individual phenolic compounds were quantified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and identified by –mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The five types of AgNPs could significantly increase the antioxidant capacity of carrots’ tissue in a dose-dependent manner. An amount of 20 mg/L of type 2 and 5 silver nanoparticle formulations increased the antioxidant capacity 3.3-fold and 4.1-fold, respectively. The phenolic compounds that significantly increased their content after the AgNP treatment were chlorogenic acid, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, and 5′-caffeoylquinic acid. The increment of each compound depended on the dose and the type of the used AgNPs. The exogenous application of Argovit^® AgNPs works like controlled abiotic stress and produces high-value secondary bioactive compounds in carrot.

Ultrasound-Assisted "Green" Extraction (UAE) of Antioxidant Compounds (Betalains and Phenolics) from Opuntia stricta var. Dilenii's Fruits: Optimization and Biological Activities

Opuntia stricta var. Dillenii’s prickly pears are an underutilized fruit with a high content of betalains and phenolic compounds that could bring potential health benefits for humans. The aim of this study is the optimization of the “green” extraction of betalains and phenolic compounds from Opuntia stricta var. Dillenii’s whole fruits by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), using a response surface methodology (RSM) by a central composite design (CCD) in order to obtain extracts rich in betalains and phenolic compounds with proven biological activities. For UAE optimization, the extraction temperature (20–50 °C), the amplitude (20–50%) and the ethanol volume in extraction solvent (15–80%, v/v) were selected as independent variables. All combinations were conducted at 2, 5, 10, 20 and 30 min to determinate the time effect. The betalain and phenolic compound content in Opuntia stricta var. Dillenii’s whole fruits and UAE extracts were identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS and HPLC-DAD-MS/QTOF and the antioxidant (ORAC method) and the anti-inflammatory (hyaluronidase inhibition method) in vitro biological activities also were determined. The most efficient extraction time was 5 min and the best UAE parameter combination was 50% amplitude, 15% ethanol in solvent (ethanol/water, 15/85, v/v) and 20 °C temperature, obtaining 10.06 ± 0.10 mg of total major betalains/g dry weight, 2.32 ± 0.08 mg of piscidic acid/g dry weight and 0.38 ± 0.00 mg of total major flavonoids/g dry weight. All applied UAE combinations significantly improved the in vitro bioactive activities (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory) of the Opuntia stricta var. Dillenii’s extracts compared to the bioactivities of the extracts obtained by standard homogenization processes.

Bioaccessibility of Antioxidants in Prickly Pear Fruits Treated with High Hydrostatic Pressure: An Application for Healthier Foods

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) is a commercial processing technology which can enhance the health potential of foods by improving the bioaccessibility of their bioactive compounds. Our aim was to study the bioaccessibility and digestive stability of phenolic compounds and betalains in prickly pear fruits (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill. var. Pelota and Sanguinos) treated with HHP (100, 350, and 600 MPa; come-up time and 5 min). The effects of HHP on pulps (edible fraction) and peels (sources of potential healthy ingredients) were assessed. In pulps, betanin bioaccessibility increased (+47% to +64%) when treated at 350 MPa/5 min. In HHP-treated pulps, increases in the bioaccessibility of piscidic acid (+67% to +176%) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid glycoside (+126% to 136%) were also observed. Isorhamnetin glycosides in peels treated at 600 MPa/CUT had higher bioaccessibility (+17% to +126%) than their controls. The effects of HHP on the bioaccessibility of health-promoting compounds are not exclusively governed by extractability increases of antioxidants in the food matrix (direct effects). In this work we found evidence that indirect effects (effects on the food matrix) could also play a role in the increased bioaccessibility of antioxidants in fruits treated with HHP.

Characterization, Stability, and Bioaccessibility of Betalain and Phenolic Compounds from Opuntia stricta var. Dillenii Fruits and Products of Their Industrialization

The aim of the present study was the full characterization, quantification, and determination of the digestive stability and bioaccessibility of individual betalain and phenolic compounds of Opuntia stricta, var. Dillenii fresh fruits (peel, pulp, and whole fruit) and of the products of the industrialization to obtain jam (raw pressed juice (product used for jam formulation), by-product (bagasse), and frozen whole fruit (starting material for jam production)). Opuntia stricta var. Dillenii fruits and products profile showed 60 betalain and phenolic compounds that were identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS and HPLC-DAD-MS/QTOF, being 25 phenolic acids (including isomers and derivatives), 12 flavonoids (including glycosides), 3 ellagic acids (including glycosides and derivative), and 20 betanins (including degradation compounds). In vitro gastrointestinal digestion was performed by INFOGEST^® protocol. Fruit pulp showed the greater content of total betalains (444.77 mg/100 g f.w.), and jam only showed very low amounts of two betanin degradation compounds, Cyclo-dopa-5-O-β-glucoside (and its isomer) (0.63 mg/100 f.w.), and two Phyllocactin derivatives (1.04 mg/100 g f.w.). Meanwhile, fruit peel was the richer tissue in total phenolic acids (273.42 mg/100 g f.w.), mainly in piscidic acid content and total flavonoids (7.39 mg/100 g f.w.), isorhamnetin glucoxyl-rhamnosyl-pentoside (IG2) being the most abundant of these compounds. The stability of betalains and phenolic compounds during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion is reported in the present study. In Opuntia stricta var. Dillenii pulp (the edible fraction of the fresh fruit), the betanin bioaccessibility was only 22.9%, and the flavonoid bioaccessibility ranged from 53.7% to 30.6%, depending on the compound. In non-edible samples, such as peel sample (PE), the betanin bioaccessibility was 42.5% and the greater bioaccessibility in flavonoids was observed for quercetin glycoside (QG1) 53.7%, the fruit peel being the most interesting material to obtain antioxidant extracts, attending to its composition on antioxidant compounds and their bioaccessibilities.

In vitro gastrointestinal stability, bioaccessibility and potential biological activities of betalains and phenolic compounds in cactus berry fruits (Myrtillocactus geometrizans)

Cactus berry (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) is a scarcely studied Mexican wild fruit. These fruits could contribute to reduce the risk of degenerative chronic diseases due to their bioactive profile. The aim of this work was to study the betalains and phenolic profile in cactus berry, their in vitro biological activities and gastrointestinal digestive stability and bioaccessibility. 43 metabolites were identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF (8 betaxanthins, 8 betacyanins, 13 flavonoids, 6 phenolic acids). Phyllocactin and Isorhamnetin rhamnosyl-rutinoside (IG2) were the most abundant metabolites (5876 and 396 µg/g dw) which were also bioaccessible (16 and 21%, respectively). Pulps showed higher (p ≤ 0.05) antioxidant activity by the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (27 mM Trolox equivalents). The anti-hyperglycemic activity was highest (p ≤ 0.05) in peel and pulp tissues (85% α-glucosidase and 8% α-amylase inhibition). An 83% inhibition of hyaluronidase showed high anti-inflammatory activity. Cactus berry fruit should be considered a promising fruit candidate for a sustainable healthy diet.

Systemic pharmacology understanding of the key mechanism of Sedum sarmentosum Bunge in treating hepatitis

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge is a Traditional Chinese Medicine that is widely used in treating hepatitis, whereas the detailed mechanisms have not been fully interpreted. A systemic pharmacology method including absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination screening, drug targeting, interaction network plotting, and enrichment analysis was applied for exploring the underlying mechanisms of Sedum sarmentosum Bunge in the treatment of hepatitis. A total of 47 ingredients were identified in Sedum sarmentosum Bunge, and 5 active ingredients (DFV, isorhamnetin, beta-sitosterol, luteolin and quercetin) were screened out with the criteria of oral bioavailability (OB) ≥ 30% and drug-likeness (DL) ≥ 0.18. Those 5 ingredients interacted with 170 targets, 163 of which were hepatitis-related. By compound-target-disease network plotting, protein-protein interaction network plotting and enrichment analysis, the pathways that the 5 ingredients engaged in during hepatitis development and progression were investigated, such as threonine-protein kinase signaling. The integrated systemic pharmacology analysis facilitates the in-depth understanding of Sedum sarmentosum Bunge in the hepatitis treatment, which also paves the way for further knowledge of the molecular mechanism of Sedum sarmentosum Bunge in treating hepatitis.

Digestive Stability and Bioaccessibility of Antioxidants in Prickly Pear Fruits from the Canary Islands: Healthy Foods and Ingredients

Although prickly pear fruits have become an important part of the Canary diet, their native varieties are yet to be characterized in terms of betalains and phenolic compounds. To exert potential health benefits, these antioxidants must be released from the food matrix and be stable in the gastrointestinal tract. Our aim was to characterize the betalain and phenolic profile of four prickly pear varieties from the Canary Islands (Spain) and determine their digestive stability and bioaccessibility via in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Digestive studies were performed considering the (i) importance of the edible fraction (pulps) and (ii) potential of fruit peels as by-products to obtain healthy ingredients. Betalains and phenolic profiles were analyzed by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS and HPLC-DAD-MS/QTOF. Pulps in Colorada and Fresa varieties presented high indicaxanthin and betanin content, respectively. Despite low pH in the gastric phase, betalains were stable to reach the intestinal phase, although indicaxanthin presented a higher bioaccessibility. Blanco Buenavista peels contained a distinct flavonoid profile including a new isorhamnetin-hexosyl-rhamnoside. Phenolic compounds were abundant and highly bioaccessible in fruit peels. These findings suggest that prickly pear pulps are rich in bioaccessible betalains; and that their peels could be proposed as potential by-products to obtain sustainable healthy ingredients.

Isorhamnetin glycoside isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) MilI induces apoptosis in human colon cancer cells through mitochondrial damage

This work aimed to evaluate the mechanisms involved in the apoptosis induction of isorhamnetin-3-O-glucosyl-pentoside (IGP) in metastatic human colon cancer cells (HT-29). To achieve this, we assessed phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, cell membrane disruption, chromatin condensation, cell cycle alterations, mitochondrial damage, ROS production, and caspase-dependence on cell death. Our results showed that IGP induced cell death on HT-29 cells through PS exposure (48%) and membrane permeabilization (30%) as well as nuclear condensation (54%) compared with control cells. Moreover, IGP treatment induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase. Bax/Bcl-2 ratio increased and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (63%) was observed in IGP-treated cells. Finally, as apoptosis is a caspase-dependent cell death mechanism, we used a pancaspase-inhibitor (Q-VD-OPh) to demonstrate that the cell death induced by IGP was caspase-dependent. Overall these results indicated that IGP induced apoptosis through caspase-dependent mitochondrial damage in HT-29 colon cancer cells.

Study on bioaccessibility of betacyanins from red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus)

Betacyanins are bioactive dietary phytochemicals which can be found in red dragon fruit (RDF). Therefore, the bioaccessibility of betacyanins that present in fermented red dragon fruit drink (RDFD) and pressed red dragon fruit juice (RDFJ) was accessed in simulated gastric and intestinal digestion. Results disclosed that betacyanins from RDFD and RDFJ suffered minor loss (< 25%) at gastric-like environment but greater loss was observed during the intestinal phase digestion. After subjected to intestinal digestion, RDFD retained 46.42% of betanin while RDFJ retained 43.76%, with betanin concentration of 17.12 mM and 12.37 mM, respectively. Findings also revealed that RDFD exhibited higher antioxidant capacity compared to RDFJ after subjected to intestinal digestion, with values of 0.88 mM Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and 0.85 mM TEAC, respectively. The data suggests that betacyanins that present in RDF are bioaccessible while fermentation able to enhance the bioavailability with more betacyanins retained after intestinal digestion.

In vitro digestion of meat- and cereal-based food matrix enriched with grape extracts: How are polyphenol composition, bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity affected?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of enriching a complex food matrix (FM) with grape extracts on polyphenol content, composition, bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity during digestion. The grape extracts and FM were separately tested under the same conditions as controls. The FM by itself contains a significant amount of phenolic acids and flavonols, influencing the final recovery of polyphenols from grape extracts. The FM significantly increased the total recovery of polyphenols after digestion of grape seed extracts compared to those digested without the FM; however, a low recovery of proantocyanidins and total flavonoids was observed. Digestive fluids and FM compounds significantly increased the total polyphenol content of grape digests and significantly contributed to their ABTS⁺ scavenging activity and ferrous-ion-chelating capacity. The present study suggested that enrichment of meat- and cereal-based products with grape polyphenol extracts could be a good strategy to formulate a healthier diet.

Cellular antioxidant activity and in vitro inhibition of α-glucosidase, α-amylase and pancreatic lipase of oregano polyphenols under simulated gastrointestinal digestion

Different oregano species have been traditionally used as infusions in folk medicine. Oregano medicinal properties, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, have been partially attributed to its polyphenolic content. However, information regarding bioaccessibility of oregano polyphenols is limited. Cell-based antioxidant activity, and in vitro hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic properties of polyphenolic extracts from three species of oregano species, namely, Hedeoma patens (HP), Lippia graveolens (LG) and Lippia palmeri (LP), subjected to simulated gastrointestinal digestion were evaluated. LC-TOF-MS analysis of HP, LG and LP allowed the identification of 9 flavonoids and 6 hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives with nutraceutical significance. Oregano polyphenolic extracts and digests from HP, LG, and LP exhibited cellular antioxidant capacity, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. Altogether, our results suggest that HP, LG and LP polyphenols exhibit potential for use as hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant agents.

Digestibility of (Poly)phenols and Antioxidant Activity in Raw and Cooked Cactus Cladodes ( Opuntia ficus-indica)

This study aims to investigate whether heat treatment applied to cactus cladodes influences the bioaccessibility of their (poly)phenolic compounds after simulated gastric and intestinal digestion. A total of 45 (poly)phenols were identified and quantified in raw and cooked cactus cladodes by ultra high performance liquid chromatography photodiode array detector high resolution mass spectrometry. Both flavonoids (60-68% total), mainly isorhamnetin derivatives, and phenolic acids (32-40%) with eucomic acids as the predominant ones significantly ( p < 0.05) increased with microwaving and griddling processes. After in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, 55-64% of the total (poly)phenols of cooked cactus cladodes remained bioaccessible versus 44% in raw samples. Furthermore, digestive conditions and enzymes degraded or retained more flavonoids (37-63% bioaccessibility) than phenolic acids (56-87% bioaccessibility). Microwaved cactus cladodes contributed the highest amount of (poy)phenols (143.54 mg/g dm) after gastrointestinal process, followed by griddled samples (133.98 mg/g dm), showing the highest antioxidant capacity. Additionally, gastrointestinal digestion induced isomerizations among the three stereoisomeric forms of piscidic and eucomic acids.

Intestinal Permeability and Cellular Antioxidant Activity of Phenolic Compounds from Mango (Mangifera indica cv. Ataulfo) Peels

Mango (Mangifera indica cv. Ataulfo) peel contains bound phenolics that may be released by alkaline or acid hydrolysis and may be converted into less complex molecules. Free phenolics from mango cv. Ataulfo peel were obtained using a methanolic extraction, and their cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) and permeability were compared to those obtained for bound phenolics released by alkaline or acid hydrolysis. Gallic acid was found as a simple phenolic acid after alkaline hydrolysis along with mangiferin isomers and quercetin as aglycone and glycosides. Only gallic acid, ethyl gallate, mangiferin, and quercetin were identified in the acid fraction. The acid and alkaline fractions showed the highest CAA (60.5% and 51.5%) when tested at 125 µg/mL. The value of the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) across the Caco-2/HT-29 monolayer of gallic acid from the alkaline fraction was higher (2.61 × 10⁻⁶ cm/s) than in the other fractions and similar to that obtained when tested pure (2.48 × 10⁻⁶ cm/s). In conclusion, mango peels contain bound phenolic compounds that, after their release, have permeability similar to pure compounds and exert an important CAA. This finding can be applied in the development of nutraceuticals using this important by-product from the mango processing industry.