Asparagus Extract Research Articles

White asparagus stem proteins, from waste to interface stabilizer in food foams

White asparagus stems are a large waste stream that, despite having a high nutritional quality, is currently underutilized. Plant waste stream utilization is often based on extensive processing, which uses copious amounts of resources, and can negatively affect protein functionality. Hence, our study aimed to explore alternative processing routes and characterize the effect of asparagus extract composition on interfacial and foaming properties.Screw pressing followed by mild purification methods was used to obtain and purify protein extracts from white asparagus stems. Mild purification by filtration removed particles and purification by dialysis removed molecular impurities. Removal of particles and molecular impurities led to improved interfacial properties, as shown with drop tensiometry. The particles disturbed interfacial network formation and the presence of small impurities reduced network density and in-plane interactions. Extracts without particles and molecular impurities formed a dense interface with stiff solid-like behavior and strong in-plane interactions, which resulted in superior foam stability. Additionally, foamability was improved after filtration and/or purification, which could be related to the air bubble size and adsorption rate.In this study, we identified critical factors for interface and foam stabilizing properties of asparagus proteins, and we revealed the great potential of mildly processed asparagus stem extracts for application in food foams.

The Effect of Asparagus Extract on Pancreatic Cancer: An Intriguing Surprise.

Pancreatic cancer is the most lethal digestive cancer and the fourth overall cause of cancer death in the US. Asparagus, a widely consumed savory vegetable, is a rich source of antioxidants, saponins, vitamins, and minerals. In recent years, it has been shown that components of asparagus have anticancer effects on endometrial adenocarcinoma, and in prostate, breast, and colon cancer. In pancreatic cancer, it has been shown to have an anticancer effect on the KLM1-R cell line. This study was designed to investigate if asparagus extract (AE) had any effect on the growth of a widely used pancreatic cancer cell line MDAPanc-28 and to elucidate possible molecular mechanisms behind it. Clonogenic survival assay, proliferation, and caspase-3 activity kits were used to evaluate the effects of AE on cell survival, proliferation, and apoptosis pathway of MDAPanc-28 cells. We further investigated the possible molecular mechanisms by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The colony numbers and proliferation of MDAPanc-28 cells were surprisingly increased when treated with AE. The relative caspase-3 activity in cancer cells decreased when they were treated with AE. The pro-proliferative effect of AE on MDAPanc-28 cells correlated with down-regulation of anti-proliferative molecules P21 and P53. The potential anti-apoptotic effect of AE correlated with down-regulation of the pro-apoptotic molecule Fas cell surface death receptor (FAS) and down-regulation of caspase-3 activity. AE exhibits a pro-tumor effect on MDAPanc-28 pancreatic cancer cells by down-regulation of P21, P53, and FAS.

Improved Sleep Quality and Work Performance Among Shift Workers Consuming a "Foods with Function Claims" Containing Asparagus Extract.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether Foods with Function Claims (FFC) containing asparagus extract effectively improved sleep quality and work performance in shift workers. An intervention study with a before-and-after intervention design was conducted on nurses engaged in two-shift work at a hospital, ingesting a FFC containing asparagus extract. The evaluation period lasted at least two weeks, including three nights shifts during the period. Before and after ingestion, Pittsburgh Sleep Questionnaire Index (PSQI), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), Sleep quality (VAS-rated), impaired work functioning, and psychiatric symptoms were evaluated. A diary record, wearing of an activity meter, and a Psychomotor vigilance test were also performed at baseline and after intervention. Data were analyzed by the paired t-test or the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Among 34 participants, 33 completed the study. The results of the primary outcome measures showed significant improvements in PSQI and Sleep Quality in the night of the day after a night shift (PSQI total score: base line 7.41/ post intervention 6.03: P < 0.001; sleep quality: base line 4.48/post intervention 6.00: P < 0.001). The results of the secondary outcome measures showed significant improvements in UWES and feeling of fatigue. There was also trend of improvement in sleep efficiency and the reaction time. There was no significant improvement in impaired work functioning. This study showed that regular consumption of an FFC containing asparagus extract could improve sleep quality, feeling of fatigue, and work engagement among shift workers. Some caution, however, is needed when interpreting the results because of the before-and-after intervention design without a control group.

Effect of asparagus extract and green tea extract on viability of probiotic bacteria, antioxidant activity and sensory properties of kefir

Effect of asparagus extract and green tea extract on viability of probiotic bacteria, antioxidant activity and sensory properties of kefir

Inhibitory Effects of Green Asparagus Extract, Especially Phospholipids, on Allergic Responses in Vitro and in Vivo.

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) is one of the widely consumed vegetables. To investigate the mechanism underlying the anti-allergic responses of asparagus, we extracted different fractions from asparagus and measured their inhibitory effects on β-hexosaminidase release in RBL-2H3 cells in vitro and an atopic dermatitis NC/Nga mouse model in vivo. The lipid fractions from asparagus were extracted with 50% ethanol, separated using chloroform by liquid-liquid phase separation, and fractionated by solid-phase extraction. Among them, acetone fraction (rich in glycolipid) and MeOH fraction (rich in phospholipid) markedly inhibited β-hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 cells. In NC/Nga mice treated with picryl chloride, atopic dermatitis was alleviated following exposure to the 50% EtOH extract, acetone fraction, and methanol fraction. The inhibitory effects of asparagus fractions in vivo were supported by the significant decrease in serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. The phospholipid fractions showed significantly better inhibitory effects, and phosphatidic acid from this fraction showed the best inhibitory effect on β-hexosaminidase release. In mice challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), oral administration of asparagus extract and its fractions decreased the OVA-specific IgE level and total IgE, indicating that these effects may be partly mediated through the downregulation of antigen-specific IgE production. Taken together, the present study shows for the first time that asparagus extract and its lipid fractions could potentially mitigate allergic reactions by decreasing degranulation in granulocytes. Our study provides useful information to develop nutraceuticals and functional foods fortified with asparagus.

タクシー運転手の睡眠状態や疲労にアスパラガス抽出物含有 加工食品摂取が及ぼす影響の検討:非盲検・無作為化並行群間比較試験

タクシー運転手の睡眠状態や疲労にアスパラガス抽出物含有 加工食品摂取が及ぼす影響の検討:非盲検・無作為化並行群間比較試験

Effect of ultrasound-assisted cold plasma pretreatment to obtain sea asparagus extract and its application in Italian salami

The effect of the glow discharge cold plasma pretreatment (CPT) was investigated on the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of phenolic compounds from sea asparagus Salicornia neei. The extract was applied in dry fermented sausage (Italian salami). Thermal extraction methods demand a long processing time, are highly energy-consuming and cause irreversible nutrient losses. It was found that CPT (discharge power of 14 W for 5 min) prior to UAE increased the antioxidant activity by 22% and 19% measured by the DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. The S. neei extract showed high antioxidant activity, low antimicrobial activity, and was added to salami formulations with reduced-sodium nitrite content and no addition of sodium erythorbate. Despite a slight color change, lipid oxidation and texture parameters were similar to the control at the end of ripening. Furthermore, higher antioxidant activity was observed in S. neei extract supplemented salami with no impact on its sensory overall acceptability, indicating its potential as a natural alternative to synthetic additives.

New insights into antityrosinase capacity and polyphenols of asparagus during hydrothermal treatments

An understanding of the antityrosinase capacity and polyphenols changes during hydrothermal treatments was crucial for application of asparagus. Therefore, asparagus extract was treated at a range of 80–160 °C for 30–150 min in a high temperature reactor. The results suggested that tyrosinase inhibition rate of untreated asparagus extract was recorded as 3.26% but significantly increased to 51.22% and 50.80% after heating for 90 min at 140 °C (lnR0 of 7.21) and 160 °C (lnR0 of 8.57), respectively. The generation and degradation of polyphenols followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The coumaric acid content was increased from 35.03 μg/mL to 307.66 μg/mL at lnR0 of 8.16. The degradation of rutin in asparagus extract was far less compared to that of coumaric acid. Compounds formed were determined by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS yielding main fragments at m/z 451 and 601. In conclusion, hydrothermal treatment was a feasible method for increasing the antityrosinase capacity of asparagus.

Bacterial diversity in the intestinal mucosa of mice fed with Asparagus extract under high-fat diet condition.

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of Asparagus on bacterial diversity in the intestinal mucosa of mice fed with high-fat diet, thus providing theoretical basis for the development and research of Asparagus products. Twelve healthy male Kunming mice and twelve healthy female Kunming mice were chosen and randomly divided into normal group, model group, Asparagus group, and lipid-lowering decoction group, with six mice in each group. After establishing the models of mice fed with high-fat diet through feeding with high-fat diet, the mice in the Asparagus group were gavaged with Asparagus juice, those in the lipid-lowering decoction group were gavaged with lipid-lowering decoction, and those in the normal group and high-fat diet group were gavaged with the equal amount of distilled water. Intestinal mucosa from the jejunum to ileum were collected, and DNA was extracted from each mice. The characteristics of the intestinal microbial species were analyzed by PacBio Sequel-based 16S rRNA sequencing. Result showed that the total OTU reached 1559 in the normal group, 1750 in the high-fat diet group, 1795 in the lipid-Lowering decoction group, and 1635 in the Asparagus group, which indicated that the Asparagus juice could inhibit the total OUT of intestinal bacteria. The analysis on sample community diversity indicated that the richness, diversity, richness estimation, and diversity in the Asparagus Group, lipid-lowering decoction group, and normal group were lower than those in the high-fat diet group. Bacteriophyta classification analysis indicated that the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria in the Asparagus group was between that in the high-fat diet group and normal group. In conclusion, Asparagus can affect the diversity of bacteria in the intestinal mucosa of mice fed with high-fat diet, and achieve a lipid-lowering effect by regulating the intestinal microecology of mice fed with high-fat diet.

The Impacts of Asparagus Extract Fractions on Growth and Fumonisins Biosynthesis in Fusarium Proliferatum.

Asparagus is a genus consisting of over two hundred species of perennial plants. Fusarium proliferatum is a major asparagus pathogen and it biosynthesizes a variety of mycotoxins, of which fumonisins B are prevalent. Our previous studies on F. proliferatum strains indicated that asparagus extract affects the expression of FUM1 gene, encoding polyketide synthase, a key enzyme of the FUM gene cluster governing the biosynthesis of fumonisins. An asparagus-derived F. proliferatum strain increased fumonisin B1 production after extract fractions’ addition, reaching the maximum 2 or 24 h after treatment. The cultures yielded between 40 and 520 mg of dry weight of mycelia after 14 days of cultivation. The differences in fungal biomass amounts between the whole extract and its fractions may result from synergistic effect of all bioactive compounds present in asparagus extract. Among extract fractions, the methanolic fraction had the highest effect on the dry weight of the mycelium reaching about a 13-fold increase compared to the control. Furthermore, we measured the relative expression of the FUM1 gene. Due to the possible antifungal activity of tested extract fractions, future research will be focused on the identification of the Asparagus officinalis L. compounds responsible for this activity.

Acrolein-induced apoptosis of smooth muscle cells through NEAT1-Bmal1/Clock pathway and a protection from asparagus extract

Apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) accelerates manifestation of plaque vulnerability in atherosclerosis. Long noncoding RNA NEAT1 participates in the proliferation and apoptosis of cells. In addition, circadian clock genes play a significant role in cell apoptosis. However, whether acrolein, an environmental pollutant, affects the apoptosis of VSMCs by regulating NEAT1 and clock genes is still elusive. We established VSMCs as an atherosclerotic cell model in vitro. Acrolein exposure reduced survival rate of VSMCs, and raised apoptosis percentage through upregulating the expression of Bax, Cytochrome c and Cleaved caspase-3 and downregulating Bcl-2. Asparagus extract (AE), as a dietary supplementation, was able to protect VSMCs against acrolein-induced apoptosis. Expression of NEAT1, Bmal1 and Clock was decreased by acrolein, while was ameliorated by AE. Knockdown of NEAT1, Bmal1 or Clock promoted VSMCs apoptosis by regulating Bax, Bcl-2, Cytochrome c and Caspase-3 levels. Correspondingly, overexpression of NEAT1 inhibited the apoptosis. We also observed that silence of NEAT1 repressed the expression of Bmal1/Clock and vice versa. In this study, we demonstrated that VSMCs apoptosis induced by acrolein was associated with downregulation of NEAT1 and Bmal1/Clock. AE alleviated the effects of proapoptotic response and circadian disorders caused by acrolein, which shed a new light on cardiovascular protection.

Regulation of circadian rhythms by NEAT1 mediated TMAO-induced endothelial proliferation: A protective role of asparagus extract

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) promotes atherosclerosis in association with the functions of endothelial cells. Clock and Bmal1, as two main components of molecular circadian clock, play important regulatory roles during progression of atherogenesis. However, whether Clock and Bmal1 are involved in the regulation of endothelial proliferation disturbed by TMAO are unclear. We observed that cell proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was inhibited after exposed to TMAO for 24 h. Besides, TMAO caused increased expression of lncRNA-NEAT1, Clock and Bmal1, and inhibited MAPK pathways. While MAPK pathways were blocked, the expression of Clock and Bmal1 was elevated. NEAT1 showed a circadian rhythmic expression in HUVECs, and its overexpression reduced cell proliferation. Knockdown or overexpression of NEAT1 might decrease or increase the expression of Clock and Bmal1 respectively, while raised or suppressed the expression of MAPK pathways correspondingly. Asparagus extract (AE) was found to improve the TMAO-reduced HUVECs proliferation. Moreover, it ameliorated the disorders of NEAT1, Clock, Bmal1, and MAPK signaling pathways induced by TMAO. Therefore, our findings indicated that NEAT1 regulating Clock-Bmal1 via MAPK pathways was involved in TMAO-repressed HUVECs proliferation, and AE improved endothelial proliferation by TMAO, proposing a novel mechanism for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Composition of polyphenols of asparagus spears (Asparagus officinalis) and their antioxidant potential

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of cultivar and spear color on the composition of polyphenols in asparagus spears (Asparagus officinalis). The five genotypes (Schwetzinger Meisterschuss, Huchel’s Alpha, Gijnlim, Grolim and Eposs) and three growing conditions of asparagus spears (Asparagus officinalis) were investigated. The polyphenols were determined by applying the HPLC-DAD system. The obtained results were subjected to the principal component analysis. Among the analyzed asparagus samples cv. Grolim contained the highest amounts of phenolic acids and flavonols. The varied quantitative and qualitative composition of polyphenolics resulted most probably from changes occurring during vegetation, such as a lack of access to light in the case of white asparagus and limited access to light in purple asparagus. The scavenging activity on DPPH radicals by asparagus extract is dependent on the variety and color and was the greatest for green asparagus samples. Similar green extracts scavenged ABTS radicals to the highest degree. Results of this study suggested that asparagus may constitute a good source of natural antioxidants to be used in our diet as well as by industries for functional food formulations.

Enzyme-Treated Asparagus Extract (ETAS) Facilitates the Turnover of UV-B-Irradiated Keratinocytes.

Enzyme-treated asparagus extract (ETAS) is prepared from the lower, residual parts of asparagus, and some functionalities, such as anti-oxidative and neuroprotective activities, have been suggested. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of ETAS on photoaging in the epidermal layer of the skin using cultured keratinocytes. Normal human epidermal keratinocytes were irradiated or left unirradiated with UV-B (10 mJ/cm2) and incubated with ETAS (0.5 or 2 mg/mL) or vehicle. After 3 or 13 h, molecular examinations were performed, and after 24 or 48 h, cell viabilities were determined by a CCK-8 assay. ETAS addition may induce keratinocyte migration and proliferation as well as apoptosis under molecular examination. These results suggest that ETAS might accelerate turnover of keratinocytes.

Enzyme-treated Asparagus Extract Down-regulates Heat Shock Protein 27 of Pancreatic Cancer Cells.

From the standpoint of cancer therapy, it is valuable to enhance the anticancer effects of chemotherapy. Our previous reports revealed that up-regulation of heat-shock protein 27 (HSP27) has been linked to gemcitabine resistance of pancreatic cancer cells. Enzyme-treated asparagus extract (ETAS) is an extract that is produced from asparagus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ETAS on the expression of HSP27 and other HSPs in the gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cell line KLM1-R. KLM1-R cells were treated with ETAS, and expression levels of HSPs, including HSP27, were investigated by western blotting. ETAS down-regulated HSP27 and pHSP27 (serine 78) in KLM1-R cells, but, HSP70 and GRP78 levels were not altered. This study suggests the potential therapeutic benefit of ETAS in enhancing anticancer effects by its combination with gemcitabine for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Dietary supplement containing asparagus extract for improvement of sleep in healthy adults

Dietary supplement containing asparagus extract for improvement of sleep in healthy adults

Enzyme-treated Asparagus Extract (ETAS) Enhances Memory in Normal Rats and Induces Neurite-outgrowth in PC12 Cells

Enzyme-treated asparagus extract (ETAS) contains various phytochemicals. It has been reported that ETAS protected early cognitive impairment of SAMP8 mice and Aβ-induced reduction of PC12 cell viability. In addition, ETAS had several functions on healthy people. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of ETAS on normal memory function of rats and neurite-outgrowth of PC12 cells. ETAS significantly accelerated learning acquisition in in vivo and neurite-outgrowth in in vitro study. In conclusion, ETAS affected on memory function in early stage in normal rats. The basis of this effect may induce neurite-outgrowth in neurons.

Enzyme-Treated Asparagus Extract Prevents Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Responses by Suppressing p65 Nuclear Translocation in Skin L929 Fibroblasts

We recently reported that enzyme-treated asparagus extract (ETAS) attenuates hydrogen peroxide (H(2)0(2))-stimulated matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in skin fibroblast L929 cells. To further elucidate the anti-aging effects of ETAS on skin, we examined whether ETAS has preventive effects on H202-induced pro-inflammatory responses of skin fibroblasts. H(2)0(2) induced Ser536 phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65, and increased the mRNA levels .of interleukin-12α (IL-12α)-and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in L929 cells. Pretreatment of the cells with JSH-23, an inhibitor of NF-κB nuclear translocation, abolished the H(2)(0(2)-induced expression of IL-12α and iNOS, indicating that the increased transcription is regulated by p65. The H(2)0(2)-stimulated nuclear accumulation of p65 and-induction of IL12a and iNOS mRNA were significantly attenuated after pretreatment with ETAS for 3 h, and these responses were completely abolished when the duration was extended to 24 h. However, ETAS did not affect the H(2)0(2)-stimulated degradation of IκBα and phosphorylation of p65. On the other hand, ETAS treatment for 24 h resulted in decreased protein levels of importin-α. These results suggest that ETAS prevents pro-inflammatory responses by suppressing the p65 nuclear translocation in skin fibroblasts induced by H202.

SUN-LB271: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial Regarding the Safety and Efficacy of Enzyme-Treated Asparagus Extract Intake in Healthy Human Subjects

SUN-LB271: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial Regarding the Safety and Efficacy of Enzyme-Treated Asparagus Extract Intake in Healthy Human Subjects

Evaluating the effect of aqueous extract of the roots of native edible asparagus in Iran (&lt;i&gt;Asparagus officinalis&lt;/i&gt; L) on the concentration of liver factors in male rats treated with cadmium chloride

Introduction : Cadmium is of the environmental pollutants and is considered as a part of the list of 126 top elements of environmental pollutants which has a long half-life in the body and is estimated at about 10 to 30 years. The use of herbal medicines because of having many antioxidants and lack of side effects is increasing in the today world to be a good alternative for chemical drugs. So the objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of the root of native edible asparagus in Iran ( Asparagus officinalis L.) on the concentration of liver enzymes in male rats exposed to cadmium chloride. Method : 72 male rats were accidentally divided into the control, sham and test groups (100 mg/kg asparagus extract, 200 mg/kg asparagus extract, 400 mg/kg asparagus extract, 5 mg/kg cadmium chloride, cadmium chloride and 100 mg/kg asparagus extract, cadmium chloride and 200 mg/kg asparagus extract, cadmium chloride and 400 mg/kg asparagus extract). All injections were performed by gavage for 28 consecutive days. One-Way ANOVA and Duncan at the significance level of 5% were used for statistical analysis. Results : Cadmium chloride increased the averages of serum ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin significantly and decreased the averages of serum albumin and total protein significantly. Two doses of 200 and 400 of asparagus extract reduced the averages of serum ALT, AST and ALP significantly compared to the group which received cadmium chloride and each three doses of asparagus extract could reduce bilirubin concentration significantly compared to the group which received cadmium chloride. Two doses of 200 and 400 asparagus extract increased the averages of serum albumin and total protein significantly compared to the receivers of cadmium chloride. 400 mg/kg asparagus extract had the greatest effect on improving and adjusting the studied liver parameters. Conclusion : The extract of asparagus root has probably improved the destructive effects of cadmium chloride due to abundant antioxidant property. Of course, 400 mg dose has had the most effect in this study. keywords : Cadmium chloride; roots of native edible.