Natural Antioxidant Anthocyanins-A Hidden Therapeutic Candidate in Metabolic Disorders with Major Focus in Neurodegeneration

Gelsemium low doses protect against serum deprivation-induced stress on mitochondria in neuronal cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gelsemium dynamized dilutions (GDD) are known as a remedy for a wide range of behavioral and psychological symptoms of depression and anxiety at ultra-low doses, yet the underlying mechanisms of the mode of action of G. sempervirens itself are not well understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was designed to examine the neuroprotective effects of Gelsemium preparations in counteracting stress-related mitochondrial dysfunctions in neuronal cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We started by studying how serum deprivation affects the mitochondrial functions of human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. Next, we looked into the potential of various Gelsemium dilutions to improve cell survival and ATP levels. After identifying the most effective dilutions, 3C and 5C, we tested their ability to protect SH-SY5Y cells from stress-induced mitochondrial deficits. We measured total and mitochondrial superoxide anion radicals using fluorescent dyes dihydroethidium (DHE) and the red mitochondrial superoxide indicator (MitoSOX). Additionally, we assessed total nitric oxide levels with 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2DA), examined the redox state using pRA305 cells stably transfected with a plasmid encoding a redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein, and analyzed mitochondrial network morphology using an automated high-content analysis device, Cytation3. Furthermore, we investigated bioenergetics by measuring ATP production with a bioluminescence assay (ViaLighTM HT) and evaluated mitochondrial respiration (OCR) and glycolysis (ECAR) using the Seahorse Bioscience XF24 Analyzer. Finally, we determined cell survival using an MTT reduction assay.

RESULTS

Our research indicates that Gelsemium dilutions (3C and 5C) exhibited neuroprotective effects by: - Normalizing total and mitochondrial superoxide anion radicals and total nitric oxide levels. - Regulating the mitochondrial redox environment and mitochondrial networks morphology. - Increasing ATP generation as well as OCR and ECAR levels, thereby reducing the viability loss induced by serum withdrawal stress.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight that dynamized Gelsemium preparations may have neuroprotective effects against stress-induced cellular changes in the brain by regulating mitochondrial functions, essential for the survival, plasticity, and function of neurons in depression.

Lactobacillus fermentation accelerated biotransformation of cranberry anthocyanins towards phenol-pyranoanthocyanins and their stability and antioxidant property

Phenol-pyranoanthocyanins, a structurally modified type of anthocyanin, has higher stability than anthocyanins. However, their conversion occurs slowly. Therefore, it is crucial to improve the conversion efficiency and production of pyranoanthocyanins. In this study, cranberry anthocyanin (CRAN) was fermented using two Lactobacillus strains along with caffeic acid to form cranberry-derived pyranoanthocyanins (PY-CRAN). PY-CRAN was characterized and identified. The physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, and tyrosinase inhibitory capacity of PY-CRAN were assessed. The results showed that phenol-pyranoanthocyanins can be rapidly produced through fermentative transformation using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei. Lacticaseibacillus paracasei exhibits a higher propensity for producing phenol-pyranoanthocyanins. PY-CRAN exhibits high stability under light and various pH conditions. Moreover, they possess excellent antioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit tyrosinase. These results suggest that fermentative biotransformation conducted by Lactobacillus is an ideal method for producing cranberry pyranoanthocyanins. The resulting anthocyanins have potential as antioxidant and whitening agents, making them promising bioactive ingredients.

Recent Advances in Nanozyme-Based Sensing Technology for Antioxidant Detection

Antioxidants are substances that have the ability to resist or delay oxidative damage. Antioxidants can be used not only for the diagnosis and prevention of vascular diseases, but also for food preservation and industrial production. However, due to the excessive use of antioxidants, it can cause environmental pollution and endanger human health. It can be seen that the development of antioxidant detection technology is important for environment/health maintenance. It is found that traditional detection methods, including high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, etc., have shortcomings such as cumbersome operation and high cost. In contrast, the nanozyme-based detection method features advantages of low cost, simple operation, and rapidity, which has been widely used in the detection of various substances such as glucose and antioxidants. This article focuses on the latest research progress of nanozymes for antioxidant detection. Nanozymes for antioxidant detection are classified according to enzyme-like types. Different types of nanozyme-based sensing strategies and detection devices are summarized. Based on the summary and analysis, one can find that the development of commercial nanozyme-based devices for the practical detection of antioxidants is still challenging. Some emerging technologies (such as artificial intelligence) should be fully utilized to improve the detection sensitivity and accuracy. This article aims to emphasize the application prospects of nanozymes in antioxidant detection and to provide new ideas and inspiration for the development of detection methods.

The phytochemical composition and unexplored potential of Australian native plants for application in physical activity-related muscle recovery and inflammation: a literature review

Native plants are adaptable in various environmental conditions in part through the production of unique phytochemicals which may have beneficial effects on human health. Native Australian fruits contain higher phytochemical and antioxidant levels than most Western fruits, suggesting potential for greater health benefits arising from their consumption. These beneficial effects, in turn, may be mediated by the inhibition of inflammatory pathways as well as oxidative stress via the regulation of reactive oxygen (ROS) and/or nitrogen (RNS) species levels. Unaccustomed or strenuous exercise causes muscle damage and soreness, that may be driven by increased ROS and inflammation. There is growing interest in the application of polyphenol-rich food supplementation for the alleviation of exercise-induced oxidative stress, for the reduction of exercise-induced inflammation and improvement of muscle recovery. Therefore, the aim of this review was to provide an overview of the phytochemical and bioactive composition of some Australian native plant foods and their potential use for functional food development in the management of muscle recovery and inflammation. Native plant foods and food products could be beneficial for reducing inflammation, though it is important to note that most of the research in this field has been conducted in animal models or in vitro, in addition to there being little data on skeletal muscle inflammation. Further studies, particularly in humans, would be needed to confirm these effects and to determine the appropriate dosages and forms of native foods and food products for consumption to reduce inflammation and enhance muscle recovery.

Proximate Composition, Health Benefits, and Food Applications in Bakery Products of Purple-Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) and Its By-Products: A Comprehensive Review

Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam is a dicotyledonous plant originally from tropical regions, with China and Spain acting as the main producers from outside and within the EU, respectively. The root, including only flesh, is the edible part, and the peel, leaves, stems, or shoots are considered by-products, which are generated due to being discarded in the field and during processing. Therefore, this study aimed to perform a comprehensive review of the nutritional value, phytochemical composition, and health-promoting activities of purple-fleshed sweet potato and its by-products, which lead to its potential applications in bakery products for the development of functional foods. The methodology is applied to the selected topic and is used to conduct the search, review abstracts and full texts, and discuss the results using different general databases. The studies suggested that purple-fleshed sweet potato parts are characterized by a high content of essential minerals and bioactive compounds, including anthocyanins belonging to the cyanidin or the peonidin type. The flesh and leaves are also high in phenolic compounds and carotenoids such as lutein and β-carotene. The high content of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins provides the purple-fleshed sweet potato with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power due to the modulation effect of the transcription factor Nrf2 and NF-kB translocation, which may lead to protection against hepatic and neurological disorders, among others. Furthermore, purple-fleshed sweet potato and its by-products can play a dual role in food applications due to its attractive color and wide range of biological activities which enhance its nutritional profile. As a result, it is essential to harness the potential of the purple-fleshed sweet potato and its by-products that are generated during its processing through an appropriate agro-industrial valorization system.

Recent Advances in the Inhibition of Membrane Lipid Peroxidation by Food-Borne Plant Polyphenols via the Nrf2/GPx4 Pathway

Lipid peroxidation (LP) leads to changes in the fluidity and permeability of cell membranes, affecting normal cellular function and potentially triggering apoptosis or necrosis. This process is closely correlated with the onset of many diseases. Evidence suggests that the phenolic hydroxyl groups in food-borne plant polyphenols (FPPs) make them effective antioxidants capable of preventing diseases triggered by cell membrane LP. Proper dietary intake of FPPs can attenuate cellular oxidative stress, especially damage to cell membrane phospholipids, by activating the Nrf2/GPx4 pathway. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an oxidative stress antagonist. The signaling pathway regulated by Nrf2 is a defense transduction pathway of the organism against external stimuli such as reactive oxygen species and exogenous chemicals. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4), under the regulation of Nrf2, is the only enzyme that reduces cell membrane lipid peroxides with specificity, thus playing a pivotal role in regulating cellular ferroptosis and counteracting oxidative stress. This study explored the Nrf2/GPx4 pathway mechanism, antioxidant activity of FPPs, and mechanism of LP. It also highlighted the bioprotective properties of FPPs against LP and its associated mechanisms, including (i) activation of the Nrf2/GPx4 pathway, with GPx4 potentially serving as a central target protein, (ii) regulation of antioxidant enzyme activities, leading to a reduction in the production of ROS and other peroxides, and (iii) antioxidant effects on LP and downstream phospholipid structure. In conclusion, FPPs play a crucial role as natural antioxidants in preventing LP. However, further in-depth analysis of FPPs coregulation of multiple signaling pathways is required, and the combined effects of these mechanisms need further evaluation in experimental models. Human trials could provide valuable insights into new directions for research and application.

Αnti-prion effects of anthocyanins

Prion diseases, also known as Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs), are protein-based neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) affecting humans and animals. They are characterized by the conformational conversion of the normal cellular prion protein, PrPC, into the pathogenic isoform, PrPSc. Prion diseases are invariably fatal and despite ongoing research, no effective prophylactic or therapeutic avenues are currently available. Anthocyanins (ACNs) are unique flavonoid compounds and interest in their use as potential neuroprotective and/or therapeutic agents against NDs, has increased significantly in recent years. Therefore, we investigated the potential anti-oxidant and anti-prion effects of Oenin and Myrtillin, two of the most common anthocyanins, using the most accepted in the field overexpressing PrPScin vitro model and a cell free protein aggregation model. Our results, indicate both anthocyanins as strong anti-oxidant compounds, upregulating the expression of genes involved in the anti-oxidant response, and reducing the levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), produced due to pathogenic prion infection, through the activation of the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway. Importantly, they showcased remarkable anti-prion potential, as they not only caused the clearance of pathogenic PrPSc aggregates, but also completely inhibited the formation of PrPSc fibrils in the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) of patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Therefore, Oenin and Myrtillin possess pleiotropic effects, suggesting their potential use as promising preventive and/or therapeutic agents in prion diseases and possibly in the spectrum of neurodegenerative proteinopathies.

Reactive oxygen species-scavenging nanomaterials for the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases

With increasing proportion of the elderly in the population, age-related diseases (ARD) lead to a considerable healthcare burden to society. Prevention and treatment of ARD can decrease the negative impact of aging and the burden of disease. The aging rate is closely associated with the production of high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS-mediated oxidative stress in aging triggers aging-related changes through lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and DNA oxidation. Antioxidants can control autoxidation by scavenging free radicals or inhibiting their formation, thereby reducing oxidative stress. Benefiting from significant advances in nanotechnology, a large number of nanomaterials with ROS-scavenging capabilities have been developed. ROS-scavenging nanomaterials can be divided into two categories: nanomaterials as carriers for delivering ROS-scavenging drugs, and nanomaterials themselves with ROS-scavenging activity. This study summarizes the current advances in ROS-scavenging nanomaterials for prevention and treatment of ARD, highlights the potential mechanisms of the nanomaterials used and discusses the challenges and prospects for their applications.

Mitofilin in cardiovascular diseases: Insights into the pathogenesis and potential pharmacological interventions

The impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease is increasing. However, the precise underlying mechanism remains unclear. Mitochondria produce cellular energy through oxidative phosphorylation while regulating calcium homeostasis, cellular respiration, and the production of biosynthetic chemicals. Nevertheless, problems related to cardiac energy metabolism, defective mitochondrial proteins, mitophagy, and structural changes in mitochondrial membranes can cause cardiovascular diseases via mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitofilin is a critical inner mitochondrial membrane protein that maintains cristae structure and facilitates protein transport while linking the inner mitochondrial membrane, outer mitochondrial membrane, and mitochondrial DNA transcription. Researchers believe that mitofilin may be a therapeutic target for treating cardiovascular diseases, particularly cardiac mitochondrial dysfunctions. In this review, we highlight current findings regarding the role of mitofilin in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and potential therapeutic compounds targeting mitofilin.

Dietary Sources, Stabilization, Health Benefits, and Industrial Application of Anthocyanins-A Review

Natural phytochemicals are well known to protect against numerous metabolic disorders. Anthocyanins are vacuolar pigments belonging to the parent class of flavonoids. They are well known for their potent antioxidant and gut microbiome-modulating properties, primarily responsible for minimizing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and several other diseases associated with metabolic syndromes. Berries are the primary source of anthocyanin in the diet. The color and stability of anthocyanins are substantially influenced by external environmental conditions, constraining their applications in foods. Furthermore, the significantly low bioavailability of anthocyanins greatly diminishes the extent of the actual health benefits linked to these bioactive compounds. Multiple strategies have been successfully developed and utilized to enhance the stability and bioavailability of anthocyanins. This review provides a comprehensive view of the recent advancements in chemistry, biosynthesis, dietary sources, stabilization, bioavailability, industrial applications, and health benefits of anthocyanins. Finally, we summarize the prospects and challenges of applications of anthocyanin in foods.

Material Breakthroughs in Smart Food Monitoring: Intelligent Packaging and On-Site Testing Technologies for Spoilage and Contamination Detection

Despite extensive commercial and regulatory interventions, food spoilage and contamination continue to impose massive ramifications on human health and the global economy. Recognizing that such issues will be significantly eliminated by the accurate and timely monitoring of food quality markers, smart food sensors have garnered significant interest as platforms for both real-time, in-package food monitoring and on-site commercial testing. In both cases, the sensitivity, stability, and efficiency of the developed sensors are largely informed by underlying material design, driving focus toward the creation of advanced materials optimized for such applications. Herein, a comprehensive review of emerging intelligent materials and sensors developed in this space is provided, through the lens of three key food quality markers - biogenic amines, pH, and pathogenic microbes. Each sensing platform is presented with targeted consideration toward the contributions of the underlying metallic or polymeric substrate to the sensing mechanism and detection performance. Further, the real-world applicability of presented works is considered with respect to their capabilities, regulatory adherence, and commercial potential. Finally, a situational assessment of the current state of intelligent food monitoring technologies is provided, discussing material-centric strategies to address their existing limitations, regulatory concerns, and commercial considerations.

Anthocyanins: Molecular Aspects on Their Neuroprotective Activity

Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoids that give plants and fruits their vibrant colors. They are known for their potent antioxidant properties and have been linked to various health benefits. Upon consumption, anthocyanins are quickly absorbed and can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Research based on population studies suggests that including anthocyanin-rich sources in the diet lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Anthocyanins exhibit neuroprotective effects that could potentially alleviate symptoms associated with such diseases. In this review, we compiled and discussed a large body of evidence supporting the neuroprotective role of anthocyanins. Our examination encompasses human studies, animal models, and cell cultures. We delve into the connection between anthocyanin bioactivities and the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. Our findings highlight how anthocyanins' antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties contribute to their neuroprotective effects. These effects are particularly relevant to key signaling pathways implicated in the development of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In conclusion, the outcome of this review suggests that integrating anthocyanin-rich foods into human diets could potentially serve as a therapeutic approach for neurological conditions, and we identify promising avenues for further exploration in this area.

Ranuncoside's attenuation of scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice via Nrf2 and NF-ĸB signaling

Scopolamine is a well-known pharmacological agent responsible for causing memory impairment in animals, as well as oxidative stress and neuroinflammation inducer which lead to the development of Alzheimer disease. Although a cure for Alzheimer's disease is unavailable. Ranuncoside, a metabolite obtained from a medicinal plant has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro, making it a promising treatment with potential anti-Alzheimer disease properties. However, as ranuncoside has not been evaluated for its antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory properties in any in vivo model, our study aimed to evaluate its neurotherapeutic efficacy against scopolamine-induced memory impairment in adult male albino mice. Mice were randomly divided into four experimental groups. Mice of group I was injected with saline, group II was injected with scopolamine (1 mg/kg/day) for 3 weeks. After receiving a daily injection of scopolamine for 1 week, the mice of group III were injected with ranuncoside (10 mg/kg) every other day for 2 weeks along with scopolamine daily and group IV were injected with ranuncoside on 5th alternate days. Behavioral tests (i.e., Morris water maze and Y-maze) were performed to determine the memory-enhancing effect of ranuncoside against scopolamine's memory deleterious effect. Western blot analysis was also performed to further elucidate the anti-neuroinflammatory and antioxidant effects of ranuncoside against scopolamine-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Our results showed memory-enhancing, anti-neuroinflammatory effect, and antioxidant effects of ranuncoside against scopolamine by increasing the expression of the endogenous antioxidant system (i.e., Nrf2 and HO-1), followed by blocking neuroinflammatory markers such as NF-κB, COX-2, and TNF-α. The results also revealed that ranuncoside possesses hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects against scopolamine-induced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in mice as well as scopolamine's hyperglycemic effect. In conclusion, our findings suggest that ranuncoside could be a potential agent for the management of Alzheimer's disease, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia.

Bioactive Compounds from Artichoke and Application Potential

Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus, known as the artichoke, originated in the Mediterranean region and is now cultivated in several countries. The artichoke has leaves, a stem, and a head, also called a floral capitulum, covered with green and pointed bracts. It is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, inulin, coumarins, terpenes, dietary fibre, enzymes, polysaccharides, minerals and vitamins, and therefore has a wide range of uses, including in the food industry, medicine and biofuels. Several studies have shown that artichokes have properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, hypocholesterolaemic, anti-HIV, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering effects. The aim of this study is to provide a literature review on the phytochemical composition, bioactivity and applications, focusing on the methods of extraction, purification and concentration of enzymes present in artichoke.

Neuroprotective effect of Eugenia uniflora against intranasal MPTP-induced memory impairments in rats: The involvement of pro-BDNF/p75NTR pathway

Parkinson's disease is a multisystemic neurodegenerative disorder that includes motor and non-motor symptoms, and common symptoms include memory loss and learning difficulties. Thus, we investigated the neuroprotective potential of a hydroalcoholic extract of Brazilian purple cherry (Eugenia uniflora) (HAE-BC) on memory impairments induced by intranasal 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) administration in rats and the involvement of hippocampal BDNF/TrkB/p75^NTR pathway in its effects. Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to MPTP (1 mg/nostril) or vehicle. Twenty-four hours later, the HAE-BC treatments began at doses of 300 or 2000 mg/kg/day or vehicle for 14 days. From 7 days after the MPTP induction, the animals were subjected to behavioral tests to evaluate several cognitive paradigms. HAE-BC treatments, at both doses, blocked the MPTP-caused disruption in the social recognition memory, short- and long-term object recognition memories, and working memory. Furthermore, MPTP-induced motor deficit linked to striatal tyrosine hydroxylase levels decreased, which was blocked by HAE-BC. Our findings demonstrated that HAE-BC blocked the MPTP-induced increase in the hippocampal pro-BDNF, TrkB.t1, and p75^NTR levels. The pro-BDNF/p75^NTR interaction negatively regulates synaptic transmission and plasticity, and the neuroprotective effect of HAE-BC was related, at least partly, to the modulation of this hippocampal signaling pathway. Thus, our study reports the first evidence of the potential therapeutic of E. uniflora in a Parkinson's disease model in rodents.

Connecting Dots between Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Depression

Mitochondria are the prime source of cellular energy, and are also responsible for important processes such as oxidative stress, apoptosis and Ca2+ homeostasis. Depression is a psychiatric disease characterized by alteration in the metabolism, neurotransmission and neuroplasticity. In this manuscript, we summarize the recent evidence linking mitochondrial dysfunction to the pathophysiology of depression. Impaired expression of mitochondria-related genes, damage to mitochondrial membrane proteins and lipids, disruption of the electron transport chain, higher oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and apoptosis are all observed in preclinical models of depression and most of these parameters can be altered in the brain of patients with depression. A deeper knowledge of the depression pathophysiology and the identification of phenotypes and biomarkers with respect to mitochondrial dysfunction are needed to help early diagnosis and the development of new treatment strategies for this devastating disorder.

"I Always Buy the Purple Ones … If I See Them": Socioecological Factors Influencing Anthocyanin-Rich Food Consumption for Cognitive Health in Older Adults

Despite the positive relationship between anthocyanin-rich foods and cognitive health, a dietary deficit exists in older adults. Effective interventions require an understanding of people's dietary behaviors situated in social and cultural contexts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore older adults' perceptions about increasing their consumption of anthocyanin-rich foods for cognitive health. Following an educational session and the provision of a recipe and information book, an online survey and focus groups with Australian adults aged 65 years or older (n = 20) explored the barriers and enablers towards eating more anthocyanin-rich foods and potential strategies to achieve dietary change. An iterative, qualitative analysis identified the themes and classified the barriers, enablers and strategies onto the Social-Ecological model levels of influence (individual, interpersonal, community, society). Enabling factors included a desire to eat healthily, taste preference and familiarity of anthocyanin-rich foods (individual), social support (community), and the availability of some anthocyanin-rich foods (society). The barriers included budget, dietary preferences and motivation (individual), household influences (interpersonal), limited availability and access to some anthocyanin-rich foods (community) and the cost and the seasonal variability (society). The strategies included increasing individual-level knowledge, skills, and confidence in utilizing anthocyanin-rich foods, educational initiatives about the potential cognitive benefits, and advocating to increase access to anthocyanin-rich foods in the food supply. This study provides for the first time, insight into the various levels of influence impacting older adults' ability to consume an anthocyanin-rich diet for cognitive health. Future interventions should be tailored to reflect the barriers and enablers and to provide targeted education about anthocyanin-rich foods.

Effects of anthocyanin-rich supplementation on cognition of the cognitively healthy middle-aged and older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

CONTEXT

The prevalence of age-related cognitive decline has been on the rise as the global population age, putting the independence and quality of life of elderly at risk. Anthocyanin, as a subclass of dietary flavonoids, may have a beneficial impact on cognitive outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effects of dietary anthocyanin supplementation on cognition of the cognitively healthy middle-aged and older adults.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, EMBASE, ProQuest and Cochrane databases were searched.

DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS

Thirteen studies were included in this meta-analysis. Anthocyanin-rich supplementation was found to significantly improve the processing speed of the older adults (95%CI 0.08, 0.44; P = 0.004). No significant differences were observed between intervention and control groups on memory, attention, executive function and psychomotor performance. Current neuroimaging studies have found promising effects of anthocyanin supplementation on brain activation and cerebral perfusion.

CONCLUSION

Anthocyanin-rich supplementation may preserve cognitive processing speed and neuro-activities in older adults, which improves their daily functioning and quality of life. This review provides useful insights to guide direction and methodological designs for future studies to explore the underlying mechanisms of anthocyanins.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration No. CRD42021228007.

Comparative analysis of bioactive-phytochemical characteristics, antioxidants activities, and anti-inflammatory properties of selected black rice germ and bran (Oryza sativa L.) varieties

Black rice has numerous health benefits and one of the well-known functional foods throughout the world. To encourage the increasing trend of the consumer interest in health-promoting functional foods, special varieties of rice have been developed offering greater nutrient values and exhibiting biological activities that are beneficial to the consumer. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the associations of the phytochemical contents, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties among eight selected black rice germ and bran extracts (BR extracts) from 4 non-glutinous and 4 glutinous rice varieties. Accordingly, glutinous BR extracts possessed higher degree of Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), Peonidin-3-O-glucoside (P3G) contents, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties than the non-glutinous BR extracts. Pearson's correlation indicated that the amount of C3G in the BR extracts had a strong positive association with the antioxidant properties (DPPH; r = 0.846, ABTS; r = 0.923, and FRAP; r = 0.958, p < 0.01). While P3G exhibited a strong positive association with the anti-inflammatory properties (r value = 0.717 and 0.797 for IL-6 and TNF-α inhibition, respectively, p < 0.05). Lastly, the principal component analysis (PCA) categorized the black rice varieties into three groups: Group A with high C3G content and superior antioxidant properties, Groups B with a high amount of P3G and potent anti-inflammatory properties, and Group C with a lower amount of phytochemical contents and less potent bioactivities. Overall, the outcomes of this study could provide vital information to food industries in selecting the variety of black rice for the functional food based on the anthocyanin contents that could benefit to consumers for new normal healthy lifestyle.

Molecular Mechanism of Cyanidin-3-O-Glucoside Disassembling Aβ Fibril In Silico

The deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain leads to neurotoxic effects and subsequent Alzheimer's disease (AD). While AD is becoming more and more prevalent in modern society, therapeutic efforts targeting Aβ could be a promising solution. Currently, two natural products are reported to disintegrate preformed Aβ fibril in vitro. Meanwhile, the chemical driving force behind this phenomenon remains unknown. Taking cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (Cy-3G) as an example, here we studied its interaction with different Aβ polymorphs in silico. Negative charges on different Aβ polymorphs draw the interaction with the flavylium cation on Cy-3G. Our results show that Aβ in a single peptide form in solution exposed more hydrophobic solvent accessible surface area than its fibril structure (per protomer), and Cy-3G interacts more intensively with the single peptide form than fibril as indicated by more hydrogen bonding formed and more amino acid residues involved in their hydrophobic interactions. Thus, the single Aβ peptide aggregation into fibril and fibril dissociation into single peptide equilibrium could be disturbed by the preferential binding of Cy-3G to the monomeric Aβ peptide, which leads to the disassembly of the pathogenic Aβ fibril. This study offers a novel perspective of Cy-3G alleviated AD syndrome beyond its dogmatic antioxidant activity.

Anthocyanins: Metabolic Digestion, Bioavailability, Therapeutic Effects, Current Pharmaceutical/Industrial Use, and Innovation Potential

In this work, various concepts and features of anthocyanins have been comprehensively reviewed, taking the benefits of the scientific publications released mainly within the last five years. Within the paper, common topics such as anthocyanin chemistry and occurrence, including the biosynthesis of anthocyanins emphasizing the anthocyanin formation pathway, anthocyanin chemistry, and factors influencing the anthocyanins' stability, are covered in detail. By evaluating the recent in vitro and human experimental studies on the absorption and bioavailability of anthocyanins present in typical food and beverages, this review elucidates the significant variations in biokinetic parameters based on the model, anthocyanin source, and dose, allowing us to make basic assumptions about their bioavailability. Additionally, special attention is paid to other topics, such as the therapeutic effects of anthocyanins. Reviewing the recent in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological studies on the therapeutic potential of anthocyanins against various diseases permits a demonstration of the promising efficacy of different anthocyanin sources at various levels, including the neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, antiobesity, and anticancer effects. Additionally, the studies on using plant-based anthocyanins as coloring food mediums are extensively investigated in this paper, revealing the successful use of anthocyanins in coloring various products, such as dietary and bakery products, mixes, juices, candies, beverages, ice cream, and jams. Lastly, the successful application of anthocyanins as prebiotic ingredients, the innovation potential of anthocyanins in industry, and sustainable sources of anthocyanins, including a quantitative research literature and database analysis, is performed.

Biomedical Applications of Biosynthesized Gold Nanoparticles from Cyanobacteria: an Overview

Recently there had been a great interest in biologically synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) as potential therapeutic agents. The shortcomings of conventional non-biological synthesis methods such as generation of toxic byproducts, energy consumptions, and involved cost have shifted the attention towards green syntheses of NPs. Among noble metal NPs, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are the most extensively used ones, owing to the unique physicochemical properties. AuNPs have potential therapeutic applications, as those are synthesized with biomolecules as reducing and stabilizing agent(s). The green method of AuNP synthesis is simple, eco-friendly, non-toxic, and cost-effective with the use of renewable energy sources. Among all taxa, cyanobacteria have attracted considerable attention as nano-biofactories, due to cellular uptake of heavy metals from the environment. The cellular bioactive pigments, enzymes, and polysaccharides acted as reducing and coating agents during the process of biosynthesis. However, cyanobacteria-mediated AuNPs have potential biomedical applications, namely, targeted drug delivery, cancer treatment, gene therapy, antimicrobial agent, biosensors, and imaging.

Mechanistic Insights into the Neuroprotective Potential of Sacred Ficus Trees

Ficus religiosa (Bo tree or sacred fig) and Ficus benghalensis (Indian banyan) are of immense spiritual and therapeutic importance. Various parts of these trees have been investigated for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective, dermoprotective, and nephroprotective properties. Previous reviews of Ficus mostly discussed traditional usages, photochemistry, and pharmacological activities, though comprehensive reviews of the neuroprotective potential of these Ficus species extracts and/or their important phytocompounds are lacking. The interesting phytocompounds from these trees include many bengalenosides, carotenoids, flavonoids (leucopelargonidin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, leucopelargonidin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, lupeol, cetyl behenate, and α-amyrin acetate), flavonols (kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin), leucocyanidin, phytosterols (bergapten, bergaptol, lanosterol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol), terpenes (α-thujene, α-pinene, β-pinene, α-terpinene, limonene, β-ocimene, β-bourbonene, β-caryophyllene, α-trans-bergamotene, α-copaene, aromadendrene, α-humulene, alloaromadendrene, germacrene, γ-cadinene, and δ-cadinene), and diverse polyphenols (tannin, wax, saponin, leucoanthocyanin), contributing significantly to their pharmacological effects, ranging from antimicrobial action to neuroprotection. This review presents extensive mechanistic insights into the neuroprotective potential, especially important phytochemicals from F. religiosa and F. benghalensis. Owing to the complex pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), the currently existing drugs merely alleviate the symptoms. Hence, bioactive compounds with potent neuroprotective effects through a multitarget approach would be of great interest in developing pharmacophores for the treatment of NDDs.

Health Effects of Peptides Extracted from Deer Antler

Deer antler is widely used as a nutraceutical in Asian countries. In the past decades, deer antler peptides (DAPs) have received considerable attention because of their various biological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bone damage, anti-neurological disease, anti-tumor and immunomodulatory properties. This review describes the production methods of DAPs and the recent progress of research on DAPs, focusing on the physiological functions and their regulatory mechanisms.

Lippia grata essential oil complexed with β-cyclodextrin ameliorates biochemical and behavioral deficits in an animal model of progressive parkinsonism

Parkinson's disease (PD) is identified by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the Substantia Nigra pars compacta (SNpc), and is correlated to aggregates of proteins such as α-synuclein, Lewy's bodies. Although the PD etiology remains poorly understood, evidence suggests a main role of oxidative stress on this process. Lippia grata Schauer, known as "alecrim-do-mato", "alecrim-de-vaqueiro", "alecrim-da-chapada", is a native bush from tropical areas mainly distributed throughout the Central and South America. This plant species is commonly used in traditional medicine for relief of pain and inflammation conditions, and that has proven antioxidant effects. We evaluated the effects of essential oil of the L. grata after its complexed with β-cyclodextrin (LIP) on PD animal model induced by reserpine (RES). Behavioral assessments were performed across the treatment. Upon completion the treatment, the animals were euthanized, afterwards their brains were isolated and processed for immunohistochemical and oxidative stress analysis. The LIP treatment delayed the onset of the behavior of catalepsy, decreased the number of oral movements and prevented the memory impairment on the novel object recognition task. In addition, the treatment with LIP protected against dopaminergic depletion in the SNpc and dorsal striatum (STRd), and decreased the α-syn immunoreactivity in the SNpc and hippocampus (HIP). Moreover, there was reduction of the oxidative stability index. These findings demonstrated that the LIP treatment has neuroprotective effect in a progressive parkinsonism model, suggesting that LIP could be an important source for novel treatment approaches in PD.

Flavonoids bridging the gut and the brain: intestinal metabolic fate, and direct or indirect effects of natural supporters against neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration

In recent years, experimental evidence suggested a possible role of the gut microbiota in the onset and development of several neurodegenerative disorders, such as AD and PD, MS and pain. Flavonoids, including anthocyanins, EGCG, the flavonol quercetin, and isoflavones, are plant polyphenolic secondary metabolites that have shown therapeutic potential for the treatment of various pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases. This is due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, despite their low bioavailability which often limits their use in clinical practice. In more recent years it has been demonstrated that flavonoids are metabolized by specific bacterial strains in the gut to produce their active metabolites. On the other way round, both naturally-occurring flavonoids and their metabolites promote or limit the proliferation of specific bacterial strains, thus profoundly affecting the composition of the gut microbiota which in turn modifies its ability to further metabolize flavonoids. Thus, understanding the best way of acting on this virtuous circle is of utmost importance to develop innovative approaches to many brain disorders. In this review, we summarize some of the most recent advances in preclinical and clinical research on the neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects of flavonoids on AD, PD, MS and pain, with a specific focus on their mechanisms of action including possible interactions with the gut microbiota, to emphasize the potential exploitation of dietary flavonoids as adjuvants in the treatment of these pathological conditions.

Polyphenols in Metabolic Diseases

Polyphenols (PPs) are a large group of phytochemicals containing phenolic rings with two or more hydroxyl groups. They possess powerful antioxidant properties, multiple therapeutic effects, and possible health benefits in vivo and in vitro, as well as reported clinical studies. Considering their free-radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties, these substances can be used to treat different kinds of conditions associated with metabolic disorders. Many symptoms of metabolic syndrome (MtS), including obesity, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, elevated blood sugar, accelerating aging, liver intoxication, hypertension, as well as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, are substantially relieved by dietary PPs. The present study explores the bioprotective properties and associated underlying mechanisms of PPs. A detailed understanding of these natural compounds will open up new opportunities for producing unique natural PP-rich dietary and medicinal plans, ultimately affirming their health benefits.

Pharmacological activities and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis for the identification of bioactive compounds from Justicia adhatoda L

The current study aimed to assess the pharmacological potential of Justicia adhatoda by evaluating the presence of biologically active compounds using the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry approach and to undertake biological activities for the effectiveness of the present compounds using standard tests. A total of 21 compounds were identified in the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction in which 14 of the identified compounds are recognized for their pharmacological potential in the literature. In total, four fractions (ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-hexane, and aqueous) were evaluated for pharmacological activities. In carrageenan-induced inflammation, the chloroform fraction exhibited high anti-inflammatory activity (46.51%). Similarly, the analgesic potential of ethyl acetate fraction was the most effective (300 mg/kg) in the acetic acid-induced test. Similarly, in the formalin test, ethyl acetate fraction exhibited maximum inhibition in both early (74.35%) and late phases (88.38). Maximum inhibition of pyrexia (77.98%) was recorded for the ethyl acetate fraction (300 mg/kg). In DPPH assay, the ethyl acetate fraction revealed the highest scavenging potential among other fractions (50 μg/ml resulted in 50.40% and 100 μg/ml resulted in 66.74% scavenging).

Oral Microbiota, Its Equilibrium and Implications in the Pathophysiology of Human Diseases: A Systematic Review

Imbalances of the oral microbiota and dysbiosis have traditionally been linked to the occurrence of teeth and oral diseases. However, recent findings indicate that this microbiota exerts relevant influence in systemic health. Dysbiosis of the oral microbiota is implicated in the apparition and progression of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and other major human diseases. In fact, the oral microbiota are the second most diverse and largely populated microbiota of the human body and its relationships with systemic health, although widely explored, they still lack of proper integration. The purpose of this systematic review is thus to widely examine the implications of oral microbiota in oral, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases to offer integrative and up-to-date interpretations. To achieve that aim, we identified a total of 121 studies curated in PUBMED from the time interval January 2003–April 2022, which after careful screening resulted in 79 studies included. The reviewed scientific literature provides plausible vias of implication of dysbiotic oral microbiota in systemic human diseases, and encourages further research to continue elucidating the highly relevant and still poorly understood implications of this niche microbiota in systemic health. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42022299692. This systematic review follows relevant PRISMA guidelines.

Bioavailability of Hesperidin and Its Aglycone Hesperetin—Compounds Found in Citrus Fruits as a Parameter Conditioning the Pro-Health Potential (Neuroprotective and Antidiabetic Activity)—Mini-Review

Hesperidin and hesperetin are polyphenols that can be found predominantly in citrus fruits. They possess a variety of pharmacological properties such as neuroprotective and antidiabetic activity. However, the bioavailability of these compounds is limited due to low solubility and restricts their use as pro-healthy agents. This paper described the limitations resulting from the low bioavailability of the presented compounds and gathered the methods aiming at its improvement. Moreover, this work reviewed studies providing pieces of evidence for neuroprotective and antidiabetic properties of hesperidin and hesperetin as well as providing a detailed look into the significance of reported modes of action in chronic diseases. On account of a well-documented pro-healthy activity, it is important to look for ways to overcome the problem of poor bioavailability.

Flavonoids from Selaginella doederleinii Hieron and Their Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities

Selaginella doederleinii Hieron. (S. doederleinii) is a traditional herb that is widely used in China to treat several ailments, but mainly cancer. Studies have been carried out to determine the phytochemicals ascribed to its pharmacological activity. However, both phytochemical and pharmacological profiles have not been fully explored as few compounds have been reported. This study evaluated the flavonoid content of the ethanol extract and its four fractions (petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol) together with their antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP assays). Further, the antiproliferative activity was evaluated. Two new secondary metabolites (1 and 3) were isolated from S. doederleinii, which comprised of an apigenin skeleton with a phenyl attached at C-8 of ring A and an acetyl group. Additionally, other known metabolites 2 and 4–16 were isolated, whereby compounds 2, 4, 5, 8, 12, 15, and 16 were reported for the first time in this species. These compounds were evaluated for their antioxidative potentials by both DPPH and FRAP assays, and for their antiproliferative activities by the MTT assay on three human cancer cell lines: colon cancer (HT-29), cervical cancer (HeLa), and lung cancer (A549). Compound 7 exhibited the best activity on the three cancer cell lines (HT-29, HeLa, A549) by inhibiting the rate of growth of the cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC₅₀ values of 27.97, 35.47, and 20.71 µM, respectively. The structure–activity relationship of the pure compounds was highlighted in this study. Hence, the study enriched both the phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of S. doederleinii.

Cyanidin-3-Ο-glucoside supplementation in cryopreservation medium improves human sperm quality

Currently, the cryopreservation of human spermatozoa must overcome the adverse effects of excessive oxidation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation of cryopreservation medium with cyanidin-3-Ο-glucoside (C3G) on sperm quality. Semen samples were obtained from men with normozoospermia according to WHO criteria (n = 39). The sperm parameter values were compared after cryopreservation in medium supplemented with and without C3G.Compared with the control group (without additive), low doses (50 μM and 100 μM) of C3G improved sperm viability and motility and decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) of spermatozoa, while high doses (200 μM) of C3G did not obviously enhance sperm quality. The amount of DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and high DNA stainability (HDS) after freezing were higher in the control group than in the C3G supplementation groups. Low-concentration C3G supplementation (50 μM) was negatively correlated with sperm ROS levels (r = -0.2, p = 0.03). Collectively, our findings suggest that C3G could be an efficient semen cryoprotectant that ameliorates oxidative stress in human sperm during cryopreservation.

An Upgraded, Highly Saturated Linkage Map of Japanese Plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.), and Identification of a New Major Locus Controlling the Flavan-3-ol Composition in Fruits

Japanese plum fruits are rich in phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins and flavan-3-ols, whose contents vary significantly among cultivars. Catechin (C) and epicatechin (EC) are flavan-3-ol monomers described in the fruits of this species and are associated with bitterness, astringency, antioxidant capacity, and susceptibility to enzymatic mesocarp browning. In this study, we aimed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with the content of flavan-3-ol in Japanese plum fruits. We evaluated the content of C and EC in the mesocarp and exocarp of samples from 79 and 64 seedlings of an F1 progeny (<'98-99' × 'Angeleno'>) in the first and second seasons, respectively. We also constructed improved versions of linkage maps from '98-99' and 'Angeleno,' presently called single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) after mapping the already available GBS reads to Prunus salicina Lindl. cv. 'Sanyueli' v2.0 reference genome. These data allowed for describing a cluster of QTLs in the cultivar, 'Angeleno,' associated with the flavan-3-ol composition of mesocarp and exocarp, which explain up to 100% of the C/EC ratio. Additionally, we developed a C/EC metabolic marker, which was mapped between the markers with the highest log of odds (LOD) scores detected by the QTL analysis. The C/EC locus was located in the LG1, at an interval spanning 0.70 cM at 108.30-108.90 cM. Our results suggest the presence of a novel major gene controlling the preferential synthesis of C or EC in the Japanese plum fruits. This study is a significant advance in understanding the regulation of synthesizing compounds associated with fruit quality, postharvest, and human health promotion.

Agrimoniin sensitizes pancreatic cancer to apoptosis through ROS-mediated energy metabolism dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer is a fatal tumor, which is one of the most common malignant tumors at present. Patients with pancreatic cancer also respond poorly to chemotherapy or radiation therapy and may be accompanied by serious adverse reactions. Therefore, to find an effective way to inhibit the initiation and progression of pancreatic cancer is important to improve the survival and development of patients. Agrimoniin, a polyphenol compounds isolated from Agrimonia pilosa ledeb, has antiviral, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities in vivo and in vitro. However, its molecular mechanism in pancreatic cancer remains to be determined.

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the effect of agrimoniin in pancreatic cancer and its underlying mechanism in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

The proliferation was detected by colony formation, cell proliferation and toxicity, and real-time cell analysis techniques. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and Western blot. Flow cytometry was used to measure the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis. The level of intracellular ROS or mitochondrial membrane potential was measured with a DCFH-DA or JC-1 probe. Cell metabolism assays were analyzed and evaluated by using Agilent Seahorse Bioscience XF96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer. The target proteins were analyzed by Western blot. Subcutaneous cancer models in nude mice were established to evaluate the anticancer effects in vivo.

RESULTS

Agrimoniin inhibited cell growth and promoted cell apoptosis by regulating cell metabolism in pancreatic cancer cells. Agrimoniin increased the ROS level in pancreatic cancer cells by suppressing Nrf2-dependent ROS scavenging system and disrupting normal mitochondrial membrane potential. We also found that agrimoniin significantly disrupted mitochondrial function and reduced the protein expression of mTOR/HIF-1α pathway and subsequently decreased oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate. Eventually, agrimoniin affected intracellular energy metabolism and induced apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reveal the novel function of agrimoniin in promoting apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells through mediating energy metabolism dysfunction. Altogether, the potential new targets and their synergies discovered in this research are of great significance for cancer treatment and drug development.

Phytochemical and pharmacological anti-diabetic properties of bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), recommendations for future studies

Nowadays, extensive attention has focused on dietary constituents that may be valuable for treating, eating, and preventing diabetes. Numerous studies have shown that anthocyanin's are one of the most important nutritional factors associated with diabetes. Anthocyanin's are the leading group of water-soluble pigments in the plant kingdom, and they are generally available in some human diet in fruits, vegetables, cereals, beans. Amongst, bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), is one of the essential sources for dietary anthocyanin consumption containing vast amounts of anthocyanin's, making them the main plant in the treatment and prevention of diabetes. Although the bilberries have other valuable properties such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant, the main focus of the present study is to present the effects of bilberries (V. myrtillus) on the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

Tannat Grape Skin: A Feasible Ingredient for the Formulation of Snacks with Potential for Reducing the Risk of Diabetes

In the present work the feasibility of Tannat grape skin (TGS) as a functional ingredient in the formulation of two snacks (yogurt and biscuits) was studied. The research provided novel information on the effects of the food matrix and digestion process, under simulated human oral gastrointestinal conditions, in the bioaccessibility of TGS bioactive compounds composing of the snacks with health promoting properties (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic). TGS polyphenolic profile was analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) finding mainly flavonoids, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins, which may exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and carbohydrase inhibition capacities. TGS digest showed antioxidant and antidiabetic potential compared to the undigested sample (p < 0.05). Yogurt and biscuits with TGS were developed with the nutrition claims “no-added sugars” and “source of fiber” and were digested in vitro to evaluate the bioaccessibility of compounds with health promoting properties after food processing and digestion. After in vitro simulation of digestion, bioactive properties were enhanced for control and TGS snacks which may be attributed to the formation/release of compounds with health-promoting properties. Biscuits showed significant increase in ABTS antioxidant capacity and yogurt showed increased α-glucosidase inhibition capacity by the addition of TGS (p < 0.05). Polyphenols from TGS and bioactive peptides from snacks which may be released during digestion might be responsible for the observed bioactivities. Consumer’s acceptance of TGS yogurt and biscuits showed scores of 6.3 and 5.1 (scale 1−9), respectively, showing TGS yogurt had higher overall acceptance. Sensory profile assessed by check-all-that-apply + just-about-right (CATA+JAR) showed most of the attributes were evaluated as “just about right”, supporting good food quality. The developed yogurt presented adequate shelf-life parameters for 28 days. TGS yogurt with higher acceptability showed reduced ROS formation (p < 0.05) induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (1 mM) in CCD-18Co colon cells and RAW264.7 macrophages when pre-treated with concentrations 500−1000 and 100−500 µg/mL of the digests, respectively. Moreover, TGS yogurt digest pre-treatment reduced nitric oxide (NO) production (p < 0.05) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages, showing anti-inflammatory potential. Bioactive peptides generated during lactic fermentation and digestion process may be contributors to intracellular effects. In conclusion, yogurt and biscuits with Tannat grape skin addition were obtained with nutrition claims “no-added sugars” and “source of fiber” with the potential to modulate key biochemical events associated with diabetes pathogenesis.

Comparative Study of the Characterisation and Extraction Techniques of Polyphenolic Compounds from Acacia seyal gum

Abstract

Acacia seyal gum is an abundant source of natural polyphenolic compounds (NPPCs) and antioxidant activity with numerous benefits and is often used in cancer treatment. The type of extraction technique can significantly impact the yield and isolation of NPPCs from Acacia seyal gum (ASG). The traditional use of maceration extraction reportedly yields fewer NPPCs.

Objectives

This study investigates five extraction techniques for NPPCs and ASG antioxidant activity, namely: homogenisation, shaking, ultrasonication, magnetic stirring, and maceration.

Materials and Methods

The evaluation of the antioxidant activity (AoA) of the extracted NPPCs from ASG used five assays, namely: Total Flavonoids Content (TFC), Folin-Ciocalteu index (FCI), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC).

Results

To minimise the dataset dimensionality requires Principal Component Analysis. The ultrasonic and maceration techniques were the best techniques to extract NPPCs and examine the AoA of ASG, with a high correlation between the NPPCs and AoA. However, the maceration process was slow (12 h) compared to ultrasonication (1 h). Slow extraction can result in a decline of the NPPCs due to polyphenol oxidase-enzyme and impact productivity.

Conclusions

These findings provide an essential guide for the choice of extraction techniques for the effective extraction of NPPCs from ASG and other plant materials.

Dietary Antioxidant Anthocyanins Mitigate Type II Diabetes through Improving the Disorder of Glycometabolism and Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance (IR) is one of the pathological reasons for type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, it is important to prevent the body from developing T2DM by improving IR and maintaining glucose homeostasis. Anthocyanins (ACNs) are water-soluble pigments and are widely distributed in natural products. This article summarizes research on the bioavailability and metabolism of ACNs. Moreover, we further elaborate on how ACNs reduce IR and hyperglycemia during the development of T2DM based on studies over the past 20 years. Many studies have demonstrated that ACNs are small molecules that target the pancreatic, liver, muscle, and adipose tissues, preventing IR and hyperglycemia. However, the molecular mechanisms are still unclear. Therefore, we envision whether the molecular mechanism of reducing T2DM by ACNs could be more deeply investigated.

Research Progress of the Role of Anthocyanins on Bone Regeneration

Bone regeneration in osteoporosis and fragility fractures which are highly associated with age remains a great challenge in the orthopedic field, even though the bone is subjected to a continuous process of remodeling which persists throughout lifelong. Regulation of osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation is recognized as effective therapeutic targets to accelerate bone regeneration in osteopenic conditions. Anthocyanins (ACNs), a class of naturally occurring compounds obtained from colored plants, have received increasing attention recently because of their well-documented biological effects, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis in chronic diseases, like osteoporosis. Here, we summarized the detailed research progress on ACNs on bone regeneration and their molecular mechanisms on promoting osteoblast differentiation as well as inhibiting osteoclast formation and differentiation to explore their promising therapeutic application in repressing bone loss and helping fragility fracture healing. Better understanding the role and mechanisms of ACNs on bone regeneration is helpful for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis and also for the exploration of new bone regenerative medicine.

Novel strategy of cartilage repairing via application of P. atlantica with stem cells and collagen

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory joint condition, still lacking effective treatments. Some factors consider as the main causes of OA, including biochemical, mechanical, and genetic factors. The growth of studies confirmed that modern medicine in combination with folk medicine regarding the arrival of reliable, efficient, and safe therapeutic products against OA. In the present study, the effects of various single and combinatorial treatments of knee articular cartilage, including stem cells, collagen, and P. atlantica hydroalcoholic leaves extract were investigated in a rat-induced OA model. On week 12 after OA confirmation, histopathology and radiography assessments were evaluated and the serum and synovial fluid levels of TAC, TNF-α, PEG2, MPO, MMP3, MMP13, and MDA were also measured. Combination therapy of OA-induced rats with hydroalcoholic extract of P. atlantic leaves, stem cells, and collagen considerably increased the efficacy of treatment as evidenced by increasing the TAC and lowering TNF-α, MPO, MMP3, and MMP13 compared to control group and even groups received single therapy. This is in agreement with a high amount of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities of the hydroalcoholic extract of P. atlantic leaves. It is concluded that multifunctional agents targeting the pathophysiology of OA has exhibited significant therapeutic effects against OA.

Anthocyanins: From Mechanisms of Regulation in Plants to Health Benefits in Foods

Anthocyanins represent the major red, purple, and blue pigments in many flowers, fruits, vegetables, and cereals. They are also recognized as important health-promoting components in the human diet with protective effects against many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and cancer. Anthocyanin biosynthesis has been studied extensively, and both biosynthetic and key regulatory genes have been isolated in many plant species. Here, we will provide an overview of recent progress in understanding the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in plants, focusing on the transcription factors controlling activation or repression of anthocyanin accumulation in cereals and fruits of different plant species, with special emphasis on the differences in molecular mechanisms between monocot and dicot plants. Recently, new insight into the transcriptional regulation of the anthocyanin biosynthesis, including positive and negative feedback control as well as epigenetic and post-translational regulation of MYB-bHLH-WD40 complexes, has been gained. We will consider how knowledge of regulatory mechanisms has helped to produce anthocyanin-enriched foods through conventional breeding and metabolic engineering. Additionally, we will briefly discuss the biological activities of anthocyanins as components of the human diet and recent findings demonstrating the important health benefits of anthocyanin-rich foods against chronic diseases.

Biomarkers of geroprotection and cardiovascular health: An overview of omics studies and established clinical biomarkers in the context of diet

The slowdown, inhibition, or reversal of age-related decline (as a composite of disease, dysfunction, and, ultimately, death) by diet or natural compounds can be defined as dietary geroprotection. While there is no single reliable biomarker to judge the effects of dietary geroprotection, biomarker signatures based on omics (epigenetics, gene expression, microbiome composition) are promising candidates. Recently, omic biomarkers started to supplement established clinical ones such as lipid profiles and inflammatory cytokines. In this review, we focus on human data. We first summarize the current take on genetic biomarkers based on epidemiological studies. However, most of the remaining biomarkers that we describe, whether omics-based or clinical, are related to intervention studies. Then, because of their promising potential in the context of dietary geroprotection, we focus on the effects of berry-based interventions, which up to now have been mostly described employing clinical markers. We provide an aggregation and tabulation of all the recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses that we could find related to this topic. Finally, we present evidence for the importance of the "nutribiography," that is, the influence that an individual's history of diet and natural compound consumption can have on the effects of dietary geroprotection.

Chronic Stress and Oxidative Stress as Common Factors of the Pathogenesis of Depression and Alzheimer's Disease: The Role of Antioxidants in Prevention and Treatment

There is a growing body of scientific research showing the link between depression and dementia in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The chronic stress contributes to the formation of oxidative stress in the parts of the brain involved in the development of depression and AD. The scientific literature reports the significant role of antioxidants, which are highly effective in treating these diseases. In this review, we have summarized the relationship between chronic stress, oxidative stress, and the changes in the brain they cause occurring in the brain. Among all the compounds showing antioxidant properties, the most promising results in AD treatment were observed for Vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), melatonin, polyphenols, curcumin, and selenium. In case of depression treatment, the greatest potential was observed in curcumin, zinc, selenium, vitamin E, and saffron.

Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products in Treating Neurodegenerative Disorders and Their Future Prospects and Challenges

Natural products derived from plants, as well as their bioactive compounds, have been extensively studied in recent years for their therapeutic potential in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Alzheimer's (AD), Huntington's (HD), and Parkinson's (PD) disease. These diseases are characterized by progressive dysfunction and loss of neuronal structure and function. There has been little progress in designing efficient treatments, despite impressive breakthroughs in our understanding of NDs. In the prevention and therapy of NDs, the use of natural products may provide great potential opportunities; however, many clinical issues have emerged regarding their use, primarily based on the lack of scientific support or proof of their effectiveness and patient safety. Since neurodegeneration is associated with a myriad of pathological processes, targeting multi-mechanisms of action and neuroprotection approaches that include preventing cell death and restoring the function of damaged neurons should be employed. In the treatment of NDs, including AD and PD, natural products have emerged as potential neuroprotective agents. This current review will highlight the therapeutic potential of numerous natural products and their bioactive compounds thatexert neuroprotective effects on the pathologies of NDs.

Nanoencapsulation in low-molecular-weight chitosan improves in vivo antioxidant potential of black carrot anthocyanin

BACKGROUND

Anthocyanins are flavonoids that are potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and anti-carcinogenic nutraceutical ingredients. However, low chemical stability and low bioavailability limit the use of anthocyanins in food. Nanoencapsulation using biopolymers is a recent successful strategy for stabilization of anthocyanins. This study reports the development, characterization, and antioxidant activity of black carrot anthocyanin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (ACNPs).

RESULTS

The ionic gelation technique yielded the ACNPs. The mean hydrodynamic diameter d and polydispersity index PDI of chitosan nanoparticles and ACNPs were found to be d = 455 nm and PDI = 0.542 respectively for chitosan nanoparticles and d = 274 nm and PDI = 0.376 respectively for ACNPs. The size distribution was bimodal. The surface topography revealed that the ACNPs are spherical and display a coacervate structure. Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed physicochemical interactions of anthocyanins with chitosan. The loading process could achieve an encapsulation efficiency of 70%. The flow behavior index η of encapsulated ACNPs samples revealed Newtonian and shear thickening characteristics. There was a marginal reduction in the in vitro antioxidant potential of anthocyanins after nanoencapsulation, as evidenced from 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. Interestingly, the in vivo antioxidant potential of anthocyanins improved following nanoencapsulation, as observed in the serum antioxidant assays.

CONCLUSION

The optimized nanoencapsulation process resulted in spherical nanoparticles with appreciable encapsulation efficiency. The nanoencapsulation process improved the in vivo antioxidant activity of anthocyanins, indicating enhanced stability and bioavailability. The promising antioxidant activity of the ACNPs suggests a potential for utilization as a nutraceutical supplement. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Polyphenols as adjunctive treatments in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders: Efficacy, mechanisms of action, and factors influencing inter-individual response

The pathophysiology of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders is complex and multifactorial. Polyphenols possess a range of potentially beneficial mechanisms of action that relate to the implicated pathways in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of this review is to highlight the emerging clinical trial and preclinical efficacy data regarding the role of polyphenols in mental and brain health, elucidate novel mechanisms of action including the gut microbiome and gene expression, and discuss the factors that may be responsible for the mixed clinical results; namely, the role of interindividual differences in treatment response and the potentially pro-oxidant effects of some polyphenols. Further clarification as part of larger, well conducted randomized controlled trials that incorporate precision medicine methods are required to inform clinical efficacy and optimal dosing regimens.