Anthocyanin Metabolites in Human Urine after the Intake of New Functional Beverages

The bioavailability of polyphenols following acute consumption of pigmented barley and wheat

Polyphenols from pigmented cereal grains exert health-promoting effects but data on their bioavailability are limited. This study investigated the acute bioavailability of polyphenols from the consumption of pigmented whole grain cereal porridges, including purple barley (PB), purple wheat (PW), and blue wheat (BW), compared to a non-pigmented regular wheat (RW). A secondary objective was to assess their effects on plasma antioxidant and inflammatory status postprandially. Phenolic characterisation and antioxidant profiling were performed on extracts from the cooked cereals. Three healthy individuals consumed 200 g of a cereal in a 4-way crossover trial with a one-week washout in between meals. Blood samples were collected at fasting baseline, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours and 4 hours postprandially. Urine samples were collected at fasting baseline and the 4-hour time point. Pigmented grains exhibited significantly higher phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (p < 0.001) compared to RW. This suggests that pigmented grains may be a better source of polyphenols and potentially offer greater health benefits. However, polyphenol bioavailability following pigmented grain consumption was reduced (less than 6%), suggesting that a substantial fraction remained unabsorbed. The bioavailable phenolic compounds detected included phenolic acids (protocatechuic and caffeic acid), hippuric acid and other phenolic metabolites. Interpersonal variability and the type of grain consumed had an impact on the absorption and excretion of phenolic acids. Only PW consumption resulted in significant (p < 0.01) increases in plasma antioxidant status but no short-term impact on the inflammatory status. This study provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of polyphenol bioavailability from pigmented cereal consumption and warrants further investigation.

Analysis of Lemon Verbena Polyphenol Metabolome and Its Correlation with Oxidative Stress under Glucotoxic Conditions in Adipocyte

Lemon verbena has been shown to ameliorate obesity-related oxidative stress, but the intracellular final effectors underlying its antioxidant activity are still unknown. The purpose of this study was to correlate the antioxidant capacity of plasma metabolites of lemon verbena (verbascoside, isoverbascoside, hydroxytyrosol, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, homoprotocatechuic acid, and luteolin-7-diglucuronide) with their uptake and intracellular metabolism in hypertrophic adipocytes under glucotoxic conditions. To this end, intracellular ROS levels were measured, and the intracellular metabolites were identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS). The results showed that the plasma metabolites of lemon verbena are absorbed by adipocytes and metabolized through phase II reactions and that the intracellular appearance of these metabolites correlates with the decrease in the level of glucotoxicity-induced oxidative stress. It is postulated that the biotransformation and accumulation of these metabolites in adipocytes contribute to the long-term antioxidant activity of the extract.

Advances in embedding techniques of anthocyanins: Improving stability, bioactivity and bioavailability

The health benefits of anthocyanins have attracted extensive research interest. However, anthocyanins are sensitive to certain environmental and gastrointestinal conditions and have low oral bioavailability. It has been reported that delivery systems made in different ways could improve the stability, bioavailability and bioactivity of anthocyanins. This present review summarizes the factors affecting the stability of anthocyanins and the reasons for poor bioavailability, and various technologies for encapsulation of anthocyanins including microcapsules, nanoemulsions, microemulsions, Pickering emulsions, nanoliposomes, nanoparticles, hydrogels and co-assembly with amphiphilic peptides were discussed. In particular, the effects of these encapsulation technologies on the stability, bioavailability and bioactivities of anthocyanins in vitro and in vivo experiments are reviewed in detail, which provided scientific insights for anthocyanins encapsulation methods. However, the application of anthocyanins in food industry as well as the biological fate and functional pathways in vivo still need to be further explored.

Differences Due to Sex and Sweetener on the Bioavailability of (Poly)phenols in Urine Samples: A Machine Learning Approach

Metabolic diseases have been related to the overdrinking of high-sugar content beverages. As a result, the demand for alternative formulations based on plant-based ingredients with health-promoting properties has increased during the last few years. Nonetheless, the design and production of effective formulations requires understanding the bioavailability of these compounds. For this purpose, a two-month longitudinal trial with 140 volunteers was conducted to measure the beneficial effects of a maqui-citrus beverage, rich in (poly)phenols. From data obtained by quantifying metabolites present in urine samples, biostatistical and machine learning (data imputation, feature selection, and clustering) methods were applied to assess whether a volunteer's sex and the sweetener added to the beverage (sucrose, sucralose, or stevia) affected the bioavailability of (poly)phenol metabolites. Several metabolites have been described as being differentially influenced: 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and naringenin with its derivatives were positively influenced by stevia and men, while eriodictyol sulfate and homoeridictyol glucunoride concentrations were enhanced with stevia and women. By examining groups of volunteers created by clustering analysis, patterns in metabolites' bioavailability distribution as a function of sex and/or sweeteners (or even due to an uncontrolled factor) were also discovered. These results underline the potential of stevia as a (poly)phenol bioavailability enhancer. Furthermore, they also evidence sex affects the bioavailability of (poly)phenols, pointing at a sex-dependent metabolic pathway regulation.

Food Antioxidants and Their Interaction with Human Proteins

Common to all biological systems and living organisms are molecular interactions, which may lead to specific physiological events. Most often, a cascade of events occurs, establishing an equilibrium between possibly competing and/or synergistic processes. Biochemical pathways that sustain life depend on multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to aging and/or diseases. This article deals with food antioxidants and human proteins from the circulation, their interaction, their effect on the structure, properties, and function of antioxidant-bound proteins, and the possible impact of complex formation on antioxidants. An overview of studies examining interactions between individual antioxidant compounds and major blood proteins is presented with findings. Investigating antioxidant/protein interactions at the level of the human organism and determining antioxidant distribution between proteins and involvement in the particular physiological role is a very complex and challenging task. However, by knowing the role of a particular protein in certain pathology or aging, and the effect exerted by a particular antioxidant bound to it, it is possible to recommend specific food intake or resistance to it to improve the condition or slow down the process.

Protein-binding approaches for improving bioaccessibility and bioavailability of anthocyanins

Color is an important characteristic of food. Over the last 15 years, more attention has been paid to natural colorants because of the rising demand for clean-label food products. Anthocyanins, which are a group of phytochemicals responsible for the purple, blue or red hues of many plants, offer a market advantage. In addition, anthocyanin-rich foods are associated with protection against cardiovascular disease, thrombosis, diabetes, cancer, microbial-based disorders, neurological disorders, and vision ailments. However, the real health value of anthocyanins, whether as a natural colorant or a functional ingredient, is dependent on the ultimate bioaccessibility and bioavailability in the human body. Many animal and human clinical studies revealed that, after intake of anthocyanin-rich foods or anthocyanin extracts, only trace amounts (< 1% of ingested content) of anthocyanins or their predicted metabolites were detected in plasma after a standard blood draw, which was indicative of low bioavailability of anthocyanins. Protein binding to anthocyanins is a strategy that has recently been reported to enhance the ultimate bioactivity, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of anthocyanins as compared to anthocyanins delivered without a protein carrier. Therefore, in this review, we address anthocyanin properties in food processing and digestion, anthocyanin-protein complexes used in food matrices, and changes in the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of anthocyanins when bound into anthocyanin-protein complexes in foods. Finally, we summarize the challenges and prospects of this delivery system for anthocyanin pigments.

Employ of Anthocyanins in Nanocarriers for Nano Delivery: In Vitro and In Vivo Experimental Approaches for Chronic Diseases

Anthocyanins are among the best-known phenolic compounds and possess remarkable biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic effects. Despite their therapeutic benefits, they are not widely used as health-promoting agents due to their instability, low absorption, and, thus, low bioavailability and rapid metabolism in the human body. Recent research suggests that the application of nanotechnology could increase their solubility and/or bioavailability, and thus their biological potential. Therefore, in this review, we have provided, for the first time, a comprehensive overview of in vitro and in vivo studies on nanocarriers used as delivery systems of anthocyanins, and their aglycones, i.e., anthocyanidins alone or combined with conventional drugs in the treatment or management of chronic diseases.

Metabolism of phenolics in coffee and plant-based foods by canonical pathways: an assessment of the role of fatty acid β-oxidation to generate biologically-active and -inactive intermediates

ω-Phenyl-alkenoic acids are abundant in coffee, fruits, and vegetables. Along with ω-phenyl-alkanoic acids, they are produced from numerous dietary (poly)phenols and aromatic amino acids in vivo. This review addresses how phenyl-ring substitution and flux modulates their gut microbiota and endogenous β-oxidation. 3',5'-Dihydroxy-derivatives (from alkyl-resorcinols, flavanols, proanthocyanidins), and 4'-hydroxy-phenolic acids (from tyrosine, p-coumaric acid, naringenin) are β-oxidation substrates yielding benzoic acids. In contrast, 3',4',5'-tri-substituted-derivatives, 3',4'-dihydroxy-derivatives and 3'-methoxy-4'-hydroxy-derivatives (from coffee, tea, cereals, many fruits and vegetables) are poor β-oxidation substrates with metabolism diverted via gut microbiota dehydroxylation, phenylvalerolactone formation and phase-2 conjugation, possibly a strategy to conserve limited pools of coenzyme A. 4'-Methoxy-derivatives (citrus fruits) or 3',4'-dimethoxy-derivatives (coffee) are susceptible to hepatic "reverse" hydrogenation suggesting incompatibility with enoyl-CoA-hydratase. Gut microbiota-produced 3'-hydroxy-4'-methoxy-derivatives (citrus fruits) and 3'-hydroxy-derivatives (numerous (poly)phenols) are excreted as the phenyl-hydracrylic acid β-oxidation intermediate suggesting incompatibility with hydroxy-acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, albeit with considerable inter-individual variation. Further investigation is required to explain inter-individual variation, factors determining the amino acid to which C6-C3 and C6-C1 metabolites are conjugated, the precise role(s) of l-carnitine, whether glycine might be limiting, and whether phenolic acid-modulation of β-oxidation explains how phenolic acids affect key metabolic conditions, such as fatty liver, carbohydrate metabolism and insulin resistance.

Contribution of the diverse experimental models to unravelling the biological scope of dietary (poly)phenols

The health benefits associated with (poly)phenols need to be supported by robust and insightful information on their biological effects. The use of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models is crucial to demonstrate functionalities in specific targets. In this regard, bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and tissue/organ distribution need to be fully understood and established. In addition, the structure-function relationships, concerning both descriptive and mechanistic information, between specific compounds and therapeutic objectives, need to be supported by results obtained from in vivo studies. Nevertheless, these studies are not always possible or have some limitations, particularly concerning the mechanistic information explaining the health benefits provided that should be covered with complementary experimental models. Based on these premises, this review aims to overview the contribution of the separate experimental approaches to gain insights into the bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and bioactivity of (poly)phenols. To achieve this objective, recent evidence available on the linkage of healthy/functional foods with the incidence of non-communicable pathologies is presented. The different experimental approaches provide complementary information that allows advances to be applied to the knowledge gained on the functional properties and mechanistic facts responsible for the health attributions of polyphenols. © 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 Sweeteners (Sucrose, Sucralose, and Stevia) on Bioactive Compounds in a Model System Study for Citrus–Maqui Beverages

Recently, new formulations of beverages with low sugar and high bioactive compound contents are being demanded because of their association with metabolic health. However, the sweeteners’ influences on the bioactive compounds remain underexplored. In this sense, this work aims to evaluate the interactions between different bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, vitamin C, and sweeteners (sucrose, stevia, and sucralose) in a functional citrus–maqui beverage. For this purpose, the phytochemical behavior was studied, in model system solutions, during one-month storage at 4 °C. The results obtained corroborated previous descriptions of the interactions between these compounds. However, when studying the bioactives in the model solutions, the loss of flavanones in the citrus solution increased up to 29%, while anthocyanin losses decreased to 27%. The vitamin C losses ranged from 100% (beverage) to 46% (ascorbic acid solution). Regardless, an influence of the sweeteners was observed. Sucrose reduced the anthocyanin and flavanone losses in both model solutions and the beverage, while sucralose increased flavanone loss. Finally, all sweeteners increased vitamin C degradation (up to 75%) when compared to the model solution. In conclusion, sweeteners added to beverages should be taken into account, depending on the bioactive compounds that should be preserved during storage.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Activity of Phenolic Compound Family Extracted from Raspberries (Rubus idaeus): A General Review

Raspberries (Rubus idaeus) possess a wide phenolic family profile; this serves the role of self-protection for the plant. Interest in these compounds have significantly increased, since they have been classified as nutraceuticals due to the positive health effects provided to consumers. Extensive chemical, in vitro and in vivo studies have been performed to prove and validate these benefits and their possible applications as an aid when treating several chronic degenerative diseases, characterized by oxidative stress and an inflammatory response. While many diseases could be co-adjuvanted by the intake of these phenolic compounds, this review will mainly discuss their effects on cancer. Anthocyanins and ellagitannins are known to provide a major antioxidant capacity in raspberries. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge concerning the phenolic compound family of raspberries, and topics discussed include their characterization, biosynthesis, bioavailability, cytotoxicity, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

The use of alternative sweeteners (sucralose and stevia) in healthy soft-drink beverages, enhances the bioavailability of polyphenols relative to the classical caloric sucrose

The comparison of non-caloric sweeteners (stevia and sucralose) and sucrose, on the plasma concentration and cumulative effects of phenolic compounds, was achieved. A long-term intervention, consisting of the daily intake of 330 mL of healthy citrus-maqui soft drinks, for 60 days, by 138 healthy overweight adults, was followed. A total of 24 bioavailable metabolites derived from caffeic acid, 3,4-di-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, eriodictyol, homoeriodictyol, hippuric acid, naringenin, 2,4,6-tri-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and vanillic acid were detected in peripheral blood plasma. A similar augment of bioactive compounds in plasma concentrations were found for the three beverages, in the range 12.3% (day 0)- 85.3% (day 60), depending on the analyte considered. Due to this, the present study highlights sucralose and stevia as valuable alternatives to sucrose, providing and non-significantly different plasma concentration and cumulative effect in the plasma, thus contributing to prevent a diversity of metabolic disorders and health constraints.

A UHPLC/MS/MS method for the analysis of active and inactive forms of GLP-1 and GIP incretins in human plasma

Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) are incretin hormones that regulate the nutrient-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. Their low plasma concentrations and rapid clearance pose certain methodological challenges for their detection and quantification. The currently available immunomediated techniques to monitor these hormones overestimate, to some extent, their actual concentration. Hence, the present study is aimed at developing a robust and reliable methodology for the identification and quantification of active and inactive forms of the incretins GLP-1 and GIP, in human plasma, by UHPLC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS. A comparative study of different SPE cartridges was carried out, being identified OASIS HLB as the most efficient one, with recoveries up to 80%. The method provides adequate linearity, from 4.88 to 1250 nM, and low intervals of LOD and LOQ for each analyte (ranges from 0.01 to 3.42 nM and from 0.10 to 34.17 nM, respectively). The methodology described was validated upon a clinical trial with overweight subjects (n = 20) (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04016337), showing the capacity of the newly developed methodology to detect the augment of the plasma concentration of both GLP-1_7-36 and GLP-1_9-36 between 30 and 60 min after the consumption of a sucrose sweetened fruit-based beverage, while the plasma concentration of GIP remained in levels lower than the LOQ. The proposed methodology provides further insights into the mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds and food components in the frame of the glycemic control and would contribute to the assessment of the efficacy of antidiabetic drugs.

Phenolic Compounds in Calafate Berries Encapsulated by Spray Drying: Neuroprotection Potential into the Ingredient

Calafate is a berry rich in anthocyanins that presents higher content of polyphenols than other fruits. Its compounds have been described previously, however, the potential thereof in preventing and treating degenerative disorders has not yet been studied. Due to its astringency, the consumption of this berry in its natural state is limited. To profit from the aforementioned properties and reduce palatability issues, calafate berry extracts were microencapsulated by spray drying, a rapid, cost-effective and scalable process, and were then compared with freeze drying as a control. The stability of its contents and its in-vitro potential, with respect to AChE activity and neuroprotection, were measured from the obtained microcapsules, resulting from temperature treatments and different encapsulant contents. The results indicated that the spray-dried powders were stable, despite high temperatures, and their encapsulation exhibited nearly 50% efficiency. The highest quantity of polyphenols and 3-O-glycosylated anthocyanins was obtained from encapsulation with 20% maltodextrin, at 120 °C. Temperature did not affect the microcapsules’ biological action, as demonstrated by their antioxidant activities. The prevention of Aβ peptide cytotoxicity in PC12 cells (20%) revealed that encapsulated calafate can confer neuroprotection. We conclude that spray-drying is an appropriate technique for scaling-up and producing new value-added calafate formulations with anti-neurodegenerative effects and vivid colors.

Polyphenols as Antitumor Agents Targeting Key Players in Cancer-Driving Signaling Pathways

Polyphenols constitute an important group of natural products that are traditionally associated with a wide range of bioactivities. These are usually found in low concentrations in natural products and are now available in nutraceuticals or dietary supplements. A group of polyphenols that include apigenin, quercetin, curcumin, resveratrol, EGCG, and kaempferol have been shown to regulate signaling pathways that are central for cancer development, progression, and metastasis. Here, we describe novel mechanistic insights on the effect of this group of polyphenols on key elements of the signaling pathways impacting cancer. We describe the protein modifications induced by these polyphenols and their effect on the central elements of several signaling pathways including PI3K, Akt, mTOR, RAS, and MAPK and particularly those affecting the tumor suppressor p53 protein. Modifications of p53 induced by these polyphenols regulate p53 gene expression and protein levels and posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination that influence stability, subcellular location, activation of new transcriptional targets, and the role of p53 in response to DNA damage, apoptosis control, cell- cycle regulation, senescence, and cell fate. Thus, deep understanding of the effects that polyphenols have on these key players in cancer-driving signaling pathways will certainly lead to better designed targeted therapies, with less toxicity for cancer treatment. The scope of this review centers on the regulation of key elements of cancer signaling pathways by the most studied polyphenols and highlights the importance of a profound understanding of these regulations in order to improve cancer treatment and control with natural products.

Biological effects of stevia, sucralose and sucrose in citrus-maqui juices on overweight subjects

BACKGROUND

In the last few years there has been emerging interest in substituting added sugars from juices with other sweeteners to make them healthier. But their long-term effects have been poorly evaluated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the addition of stevia, sucralose and sucrose (control) to maqui-citrus beverages on antioxidant and inflammatory status.

METHODS

a 3-arm parallel, randomized and triple blind clinical trial was performed in overweight subjects (n = 138), who consumed the test beverage (330 mL day-1) for 60 days. The following markers were determined: antioxidant status (ORAC, homocysteine, and oxidized LDL), safety parameters (ALP, AST, ALT, and total bilirubin), lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides) and inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10).

RESULTS

The homocysteine levels significantly increased after consumption of sucralose (27%, p = 0.001) and sucrose (40%, p = 0.006). A significant increase in the IL-10 concentration after consumption of the stevia sweetened beverage, and in ORAC values (21%) in subjects with lower basal antioxidant status were observed. The HDL and total cholesterol levels significantly increased after consumption of sucralose (p = 0.039) and sucrose (p = 0.001), respectively. No changes in triglycerides, LDL or oxidized LDL were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxidative stress and an inflammatory response were observed after consumption of these sweetened beverages, with the exception of stevia, which produced an anti-inflammatory response. The possible antioxidative effects of this polyphenol-rich beverage may only benefit those individuals with poorer antioxidant status. Many randomized controlled trials at normal levels of consumption using commonly consumed sweeteners are necessary to clarify their roles in health.

Synergistic Interaction in the Analgesic-Like Effects of Maqui Berry and Citrus Is Antagonized by Sweeteners

Although physiologically pain has a protective function, in many diseases, it is one of the most prominent symptoms. Today, new trends are focused on finding more natural alternatives to conventional treatments to alleviate it. Thereby, the purpose of this investigation was to obtain preclinical data of the antinociceptive properties of a lyophilized obtained from a newly designed maqui-citrus beverage alone and added with different sweeteners. To achieve this objective, maqui berry and citrus pharmacological activity were studied separately, as well as the interaction of both ingredients. In addition, due to the controversy generated regarding the intake of sugars, related to different metabolic diseases, the influence of different sweeteners (stevia, sucralose, or sucrose) was studied to determine their possible influence on the bioactive compounds of this product. For the attainment of our goals, a pharmacological evaluation, using the 1% formalin test, a nociceptive pain model in mice, was performed by using a sub-efficacious dosage of Maqui (25 mg/kg, i.p.) alone and combined with citrus, and then compared with the effects obtained in the presence of the different sweeteners. As a result, the antinociceptive response of the maqui was synergized in the presence of citrus in the neurogenic and inflammatory phases of the formalin test. However, this response was partially or totally reduced in the presence of the sweeteners. Our study gives preclinical evidence that a combination of maqui and citrus might exert beneficial actions to relieve pain, whereas the presence of sweeteners could reduce or avoid it.

Sweetener influences plasma concentration of flavonoids in humans after an acute intake of a new (poly)phenol-rich beverage

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The overconsumption of sucrose is closely related to sugar-sweetened beverages and one of the main factors associated with the increase of metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and insulin resistance. So, the addition of alternative sweeteners to new fruit-based drinks could contribute to minimizing the incidence or severity of these pathologies. Nevertheless, current knowledge on the influence of these additives on the bioactive compounds present in these beverages is still scarce.new-onset hypertension, but few data were published in Asian. We aimed to investigate the association of lipid profiles with new-onset hypertension in a Chinese community-based non-hypertensive cohort without lipid-lowering treatment (n = 1802).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Hence, to contribute to the understanding of this issue, the plasma concentration of phenolic compounds (anthocyanins and flavanones), after the ingestion of a new maqui-citrus-based beverage, supplemented with sucrose (natural high caloric), stevia (natural non-caloric), or sucralose (artificial non-caloric), was evaluated as evidence of their intestinal absorption and metabolism previous to renal excretion. The beverages were ingested by volunteers (n = 20) and the resulting phenolic metabolites in plasma were analyzed by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS. A total of 13 metabolites were detected: caffeic acid sulfate, caffeic acid glucuronide, 3,4-dihydroxyfenylacetic, 3,4-dihydroxyfenylacetic sulfate. 3,4-dihydroxyfenylacetic acid di-sulfate, 3,4-dihydroxyfenylacetic di-glucuronide, 3,4-dihydroxyfenylacetic glucuronide-sulfate, trans-ferulic acid glucuronide, naringenin glucuronide, vanillic acid, vanillic acid sulfate, vanillic acid glucuronide-sulfate, and vanillic acid di-glucuronide, being recorded their maximum concentration after 30-60 min.

CONCLUSION

In general, sucralose provided the greatest absorption value for most of these metabolites, followed by stevia. Due to this, the present study proposes sucralose and stevia (non-caloric sweeteners) as valuable alternatives to sucrose (high caloric sweetener), to avoid the augmented risk of several metabolic disorders.

Antinociceptive effects of maqui-berry (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz)

Maqui-berry is characterised by presenting a high concentration of (poly)phenols, accounting anthocyanins (cyanidin and delphinidin) for over 85% of the total. These coloured flavonoids have demonstrated potential neurological activity, but the evidence of their antinociceptive properties is scarce. In order to cover this gap, different doses (suitable for human administration) of a maqui-berry powder (1.6% anthocyanin), using enteral and parenteral routes of administration, were compared at central and peripheral levels using a nociceptive pain model (formalin test) in mice. Gastric damage analysis as possible adverse effects of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs was also explored. Dose-antinociceptive response was confirmed using both routes of administration and in both neurogenic and inflammatory phases of the formalin test, without gastric damage. In conclusion, these preliminary data provide evidence of pharmacological properties of maqui-berry to alleviate nociceptive pain.

Beverages Based on Second Quality Citrus Fruits and Maqui Berry, a Source of Bioactive (Poly)phenols: Sorting Out Urine Metabolites upon a Longitudinal Study

The intake of sugar-sweetened beverages has been associated with an augmented prevalence of metabolic diseases, namely, obesity, type II diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. On the other hand, nowadays, it is broadly accepted that foods and beverages rich in (poly)phenols could contribute to reducing the incidence of these pathologies. In this sense, the objective of the work was to revalue second quality citrus fruits for the development of new beverages, rich in anthocyanins and flavanones (maqui berry and second qualities citrus-based), and evaluate the influence of alternative sweeteners (sucralose, sucrose, or stevia), regarding the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of these bioactive compounds in the frame of a chronic (longitudinal) intervention. To fulfill this objective, a longitudinal study of the urinary excretion of anthocyanins and flavanones, after 2-months of ingestion of the developed maqui-citrus beverage, by 138 volunteers (n = 46 per beverage) and the analysis of the resulting phenolic metabolites by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS) was carried out. As major results, the bioavailable metabolites of caffeic acid (CA), catechol (CAT), 3,4-di-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (DHPAA), eriodictyol (E), homoeriodictyol (HE), hippuric acid (HA), naringenin (N), trans-ferulic acid (TFA), 2,4,6-tri-hydroxybenzaldehyde (THBA), trans-isoferulic acid (TIFA), and vanillic acid (VA) were detected. Accordingly, significantly different bioavailability was dependent on the sweetener used, allowing proposing stevia and, to a lower extent, sucralose, as valuable alternatives to sucrose.

Native Species Facing Climate Changes: Response of Calafate Berries to Low Temperature and UV Radiation

Calafate (Berberis microphylla G. Forst) is a wild bush plant widely distributed in the south of Argentina and Chile. Their blue colored fruits present particular flavor and health benefits attributed to high polyphenol contents biosynthesized by the plant under stress. Studies about correlation of abiotic conditions with anthocyanin profiles and physicochemical features of calafate beneath wild origin environment are not described yet. Hence, this research aimed to evaluate the physicochemical changes, antioxidant activity and anthocyanin content of calafate fruit in relationship to UV solar radiation (W.m⁻²) and air temperature (°C) environment condition during three consecutive years (2017, 2018, 2019). Variations in fruit anthocyanins were determined by comparison between high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD-ESI)/MSn and CIEL*a*b* colors parameters. Correlations were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA). Radiation was negatively correlated with fruit size and weight. Physicochemical aspects such as pH, soluble solids, color, total anthocyanins, flavanols and other phenolic compounds were positively correlated with temperature changes. The quantities of monomeric anthocyanins were dependent on both low temperature and global radiation (reaching 20.01 mg g⁻¹ FW in calafate fruit). These results constitute a valuable resource to understand the structural and physiological plasticity of calafate in facing climate changes for future domestication research as well as for agri-food industrial application.

Challenges Associated With the Design and Deployment of Food Intake Urine Biomarker Technology for Assessment of Habitual Diet in Free-Living Individuals and Populations-A Perspective

Improvement of diet at the population level is a cornerstone of national and international strategies for reducing chronic disease burden. A critical challenge in generating robust data on habitual dietary intake is accurate exposure assessment. Self-reporting instruments (e.g., food frequency questionnaires, dietary recall) are subject to reporting bias and serving size perceptions, while weighed dietary assessments are unfeasible in large-scale studies. However, secondary metabolites derived from individual foods/food groups and present in urine provide an opportunity to develop potential biomarkers of food intake (BFIs). Habitual dietary intake assessment in population surveys using biomarkers presents several challenges, including the need to develop affordable biofluid collection methods, acceptable to participants that allow collection of informative samples. Monitoring diet comprehensively using biomarkers requires analytical methods to quantify the structurally diverse mixture of target biomarkers, at a range of concentrations within urine. The present article provides a perspective on the challenges associated with the development of urine biomarker technology for monitoring diet exposure in free-living individuals with a view to its future deployment in "real world" situations. An observational study (n = 95), as part of a national survey on eating habits, provided an opportunity to explore biomarker measurement in a free-living population. In a second food intervention study (n = 15), individuals consumed a wide range of foods as a series of menus designed specifically to achieve exposure reflecting a diversity of foods commonly consumed in the UK, emulating normal eating patterns. First Morning Void urines were shown to be suitable samples for biomarker measurement. Triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, coupled with liquid chromatography, was used to assess simultaneously the behavior of a panel of 54 potential BFIs. This panel of chemically diverse biomarkers, reporting intake of a wide range of commonly-consumed foods, can be extended successfully as new biomarker leads are discovered. Towards validation, we demonstrate excellent discrimination of eating patterns and quantitative relationships between biomarker concentrations in urine and the intake of several foods. In conclusion, we believe that the integration of information from BFI technology and dietary self-reporting tools will expedite research on the complex interactions between dietary choices and health.

Workshop report: Toward the development of a human whole stool reference material for metabolomic and metagenomic gut microbiome measurements

INTRODUCTION

To date, there has been little effort to develop standards for metabolome-based gut microbiome measurements despite the significant efforts toward standard development for DNA-based microbiome measurements.

OBJECTIVES

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), The BioCollective (TBC), and the North America Branch of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI North America) are collaborating to extend NIST's efforts to develop a Human Whole Stool Reference Material for the purpose of method harmonization and eventual quality control.

METHODS

The reference material will be rationally designed for adequate quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) for underlying measurements in the study of the impact of diet and nutrition on functional aspects of the host gut microbiome and relationships of those functions to health. To identify which metabolites deserve priority in their value assignment, NIST, TBC, and ILSI North America jointly conducted a workshop on September 12, 2019 at the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The objective of the workshop was to identify metabolites for which evidence indicates relevance to health and disease and to decide on the appropriate course of action to develop a fit-for-purpose reference material.

RESULTS

This document represents the consensus opinions of workshop participants and co-authors of this manuscript, and provides additional supporting information. In addition to developing general criteria for metabolite selection and a preliminary list of proposed metabolites, this paper describes some of the strengths and limitations of this initiative given the current state of microbiome research.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the rapidly evolving nature of gut microbiome science and the current state of knowledge, an RM (as opposed to a CRM) measured for multiple metabolites is appropriate at this stage. As the science evolves, the RM can evolve to match the needs of the research community. Ultimately, the stool RM may exist in sequential versions. Beneficial to this evolution will be a clear line of communication between NIST and the stakeholder community to ensure alignment with current scientific understanding and community needs.

Stevia vs. Sucrose: Influence on the Phytochemical Content of a Citrus-Maqui Beverage-A Shelf Life Study

The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has been related with the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other pathophysiological situations, such as obesity or diabetes mellitus. Given the increasing awareness on this fact, food industries are developing new products to reduce the amount of added sugar in development of food products development. Accordingly, in the present work, new functional beverages, constituting a dietary source of bioactive phenolics and supplemented with stevia or sucrose, were designed in order to study the influence of the sweetener during processing and shelf-life. This study is of critical for the informed selection of the sweetener based on its effect on the final phytochemical profile of beverages, especially taking into consideration that there are no previous studies on Stevia rebaudiana. Physicochemical features and phytochemical composition, as well as stability of the different beverages concerning these parameters, were evaluated for 90 days during storage under different conditions (refrigeration (4 °C) and room temperature (25 °C) under light or darkness conditions). Physicochemical parameters (pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, and color) did not display statistically significant differences between beverages. Storage temperature was the greatest determinant affecting the stability of all the analyzed bioactive compounds (vitamin C, anthocyanins, and flavanones). The main difference between sweeteners was observed in flavanones, which exhibited a higher loss during storage under day light conditions when stevia was added instead of sucrose. In addition, the juices’ colors were rather stable, keeping a reddish coloration and natural appearance throughout the shelf life. Hence, stevia could be considered as an alternative sweetener by the beverage industry.