1
|
Morini G. The taste for health: the role of taste receptors and their ligands in the complex food/health relationship. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1396393. [PMID: 38873558 PMCID: PMC11169839 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1396393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Taste, food, and health are terms that have since always accompanied the act of eating, but the association was simple: taste serves to classify a food as good or bad and therefore influences food choices, which determine the nutritional status and therefore health. The identification of taste receptors, particularly, the G protein-coupled receptors that mediate sweet, umami, and bitter tastes, in the gastrointestinal tract has assigned them much more relevant tasks, from nutrient sensing and hormone release to microbiota composition and immune response and finally to a rationale for the gut-brain axis. Particularly interesting are bitter taste receptors since most of the times they do not mediate macronutrients (energy). The relevant roles of bitter taste receptors in the gut indicate that they could become new drug targets and their ligands new medications or components in nutraceutical formulations. Traditional knowledge from different cultures reported that bitterness intensity was an indicator for distinguishing plants used as food from those used as medicine, and many non-cultivated plants were used to control glucose level and treat diabetes, modulate hunger, and heal gastrointestinal disorders caused by pathogens and parasites. This concept represents a means for the scientific integration of ancient wisdom with advanced medicine, constituting a possible boost for more sustainable food and functional food innovation and design.
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu J, Guo Y, Sun J, Lei Y, Guo M, Wang L. Extraction methods, multiple biological activities, and related mechanisms of Momordica charantia polysaccharide: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130473. [PMID: 38423437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Momordica Charantia Polysaccharide (MCP) is a key bioactive compound derived from bitter melon fruit. This review summarizes the advancements in MCP research, including extraction techniques, biological activities, and mechanisms. MCP can be extracted using various methods, and has demonstrated hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory effects. Research suggests that MCP may regulate metabolic enzymes, oxidative stress reactions, and inflammatory pathways. The review highlights the potential applications of MCP in areas such as anti-diabetes, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory research. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of MCP and optimizing extraction methods. This review provides a foundation for further research and utilization of MCP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinshen Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, 73 Jianshe South Road, Lubei District, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, China; Department of Ophthalmology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 062000, China.
| | - Yuying Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, 73 Jianshe South Road, Lubei District, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, China; Department of Ophthalmology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 062000, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, 73 Jianshe South Road, Lubei District, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, China; Department of Ophthalmology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 062000, China
| | - Yuxin Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, 73 Jianshe South Road, Lubei District, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, China; Department of Ophthalmology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 062000, China
| | - Mingyi Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, 73 Jianshe South Road, Lubei District, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, China; Department of Ophthalmology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 062000, China
| | - Linhong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, 73 Jianshe South Road, Lubei District, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, China; Department of Ophthalmology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 062000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gauttam VK, Munjal K, Chopra H, Ahmad A, Rana MK, Kamal MA. A Mechanistic Review on Therapeutic Potential of Medicinal Plants and their Pharmacologically Active Molecules for Targeting Metabolic Syndrome. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:10-30. [PMID: 38155468 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128274446231220113957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) therapy with phytochemicals is an emerging field of study with therapeutic potential. Obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and abnormal lipid profiles are all components of metabolic syndrome, which is a major public health concern across the world. New research highlights the promise of phytochemicals found in foods, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, as a sustainable and innovative method of treating this illness. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and insulin-sensitizing qualities are just a few of the many positive impacts shown by bioactive substances. Collectively, they alleviate the hallmark symptoms of metabolic syndrome by modulating critical metabolic pathways, boosting insulin sensitivity, decreasing oxidative stress, and calming chronic low-grade inflammation. In addition, phytochemicals provide a multimodal strategy by targeting not only adipose tissue but also the liver, skeletal muscle, and vascular endothelium, all of which have a role in the pathogenesis of MetS. Increasing evidence suggests that these natural chemicals may be useful in controlling metabolic syndrome as a complementary treatment to standard medication or lifestyle changes. This review article emphasizes the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals, illuminating their varied modes of action and their ability to alleviate the interconnected causes of metabolic syndrome. Phytochemical-based interventions show promise as a novel and sustainable approach to combating the rising global burden of metabolic syndrome, with the ultimate goal of bettering public health and quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinod Kumar Gauttam
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Shiva Institute of Pharmacy, Bilaspur, Hmachal Pradesh, India
| | - Kavita Munjal
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Hitesh Chopra
- Department of Biosciences, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Aftab Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahesh Kumar Rana
- Department of Agriculture, M.M. (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India
| | - Mohammad Amjad Kamal
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
- Enzymoics, 7 Peterlee Place, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia
- Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang X, Zhang L, Zhang B, Liu K, Sun J, Li Q, Zhao L. Herbal tea, a novel adjuvant therapy for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus: A review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:982387. [PMID: 36249806 PMCID: PMC9561533 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.982387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic, endocrine disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. Several studies have shown that herbal tea improves glucose metabolism disorders in patients with T2DM. This study summarizes the published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on herbal tea as a adjuvant therapy for treating T2DM and found that herbal teas have potential add-on effects in lowering blood glucose levels. In addition, we discussed the polyphenol contents in common herbal teas and their possible adverse effects. To better guide the application of herbal teas, we further summarized the hypoglycemic mechanisms of common herbal teas, which mainly involve: 1) improving insulin resistance, 2) protecting islet β-cells, 3) anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation, 4) inhibition of glucose absorption, and 5) suppression of gluconeogenesis. In conclusion, herbal tea, as a novel adjuvant therapy for treating T2DM, has the potential for further in-depth research and product development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyuan Zhang
- Department of Institute of Metabolic Diseases, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Graduate College, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- Department of Institute of Metabolic Diseases, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Boxun Zhang
- Department of Institute of Metabolic Diseases, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Institute of Metabolic Diseases, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Sun
- Graduate College, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - Qingwei Li
- Department of Institute of Metabolic Diseases, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qingwei Li, ; Linhua Zhao,
| | - Linhua Zhao
- Department of Institute of Metabolic Diseases, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qingwei Li, ; Linhua Zhao,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ravichandiran K, Parani M. Transcriptome analysis of five different tissues of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) fruit identifies full-length genes involved in seed oil biosynthesis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15374. [PMID: 36100691 PMCID: PMC9470707 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19686-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe bitter gourd seed oil, rich in conjugated fatty acids, has therapeutic value to treat cancer, obesity, and aging. It also has an industrial application as a drying agent. Despite its significance, genomics studies are limited, and the genes for seed oil biosynthesis are not fully understood. In this study, we assembled the fruit transcriptome of bitter gourd using 254.5 million reads (Phred score > 30) from the green rind, white rind, pulp, immature seeds, and mature seeds. It consisted of 125,566 transcripts with N50 value 2,751 bp, mean length 960 bp, and 84% completeness. Transcript assembly was validated by RT-PCR and qRT-PCR analysis of a few selected transcripts. The transcripts were annotated against the NCBI non-redundant database using the BLASTX tool (E-value < 1E−05). In gene ontology terms, 99,443, 86,681, and 82,954 transcripts were classified under biological process, molecular function, and cellular component. From the fruit transcriptome, we identified 26, 3, and 10 full-length genes coding for all the enzymes required for synthesizing fatty acids, conjugated fatty acids, and triacylglycerol. The transcriptome, transcripts with tissue-specific expression patterns, and the full-length identified from this study will serve as an important genomics resource for this important medicinal plant.
Collapse
|
6
|
Chung WY, Jadhav S, Hsu PK, Kuan CM. Evaluation of acute and sub-chronic toxicity of bitter melon seed extract in Wistar rats. Toxicol Rep 2022; 9:1024-1034. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
|
7
|
Chou MC, Lee YJ, Wang YT, Cheng SY, Cheng HL. Cytotoxic and Anti-Inflammatory Triterpenoids in the Vines and Leaves of Momordica charantia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031071. [PMID: 35163001 PMCID: PMC8834831 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The vines and leaves of Momordica charantia L. are used as herbal medicines to treat inflammation-related disorders. However, their safety profile remains uncharacterized, and the constituents in their extracts that exert anti-inflammatory and adverse effects remain unclear. This study isolated the characteristic cucurbitane-type triterpenoid species in the vines and leaves of M. charantia L. and analyzed their cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory effects, and underlying mechanisms. Four structurally related triterpenoids—momordicines I, II, IV, and (23E) 3β,7β,25-trihydroxycucurbita-5,23-dien-19-al (TCD)—were isolated from the triterpenoid-rich fractions of extracts from the vines and leaves of M. charantia. Momordicine I was cytotoxic on normal cells, momordicine II exerted milder cytotoxicity, and momordicine IV and TCD had no obvious adverse effects on cell growth. TCD had anti-inflammatory activity both in vivo and in vitro. In lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, TCD inhibited the inhibitor kappa B kinase/nuclear factor-κB pathway and enhanced the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase-1, and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 and p38. Thus, the vines and leaves of M. charantia should be used with caution. An extraction protocol that can enrich TCD but remove momordicine I would likely enhance the safety of the extract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Chia Chou
- Graduate Institute of Bioresources, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Neipu, Pingtung County 912301, Taiwan;
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Pingtung Branch, Neipu, Pingtung County 912012, Taiwan
- Department of Recreation and Sports Management, Tajen University, Yanpu, Pingtung County 907101, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung 82144, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Jia Lee
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Neipu, Pingtung County 912301, Taiwan;
| | - Yao-Ting Wang
- Department of Life Sciences, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung 811726, Taiwan;
| | - Shi-Yie Cheng
- Department of Life Sciences, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung 811726, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (S.-Y.C.); (H.-L.C.); Tel.: +886-7-5916693 (S.-Y.C.); +886-8-7703202 (ext. 5186) (H.-L.C.)
| | - Hsueh-Ling Cheng
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Neipu, Pingtung County 912301, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (S.-Y.C.); (H.-L.C.); Tel.: +886-7-5916693 (S.-Y.C.); +886-8-7703202 (ext. 5186) (H.-L.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Choudhary U, Sabikhi L, Kapila S. Double emulsion-based mayonnaise encapsulated with bitter gourd extract exhibits improvement in vivo anti-diabetic action in STZ induced rats. 3 Biotech 2021; 11:363. [PMID: 34290946 PMCID: PMC8260699 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-021-02910-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bitter gourd contains charantin (steroidal saponins), insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids, which contribute to its hypoglycemic ability. The study aims to evaluate effects of anti-diabetic potential of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) encapsulated double emulsion-based functional mayonnaise on the normal and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes in albino male Wister rats. The rats were allocated into seven groups: a control group fed with synthetic diet (NC), two non-diabetic groups (NCM and NFM) and four diabetic-induced groups (DC, DCM, DFM, and DCMB) for 8 weeks and then analyzed for the various biochemical parameters. The results of this study revealed significant (p < 0.05) anti-diabetic potential in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male albino Wistar rats with decrease in blood glucose and HbA1c, increase in body weight, hemoglobin, and plasma insulin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Urmila Choudhary
- Dairy Technology Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001 India
| | - Latha Sabikhi
- Dairy Technology Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001 India
| | - Suman Kapila
- Animal Biochemistry Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001 India
| |
Collapse
|