Bioactive Food Research Articles

Functional properties and anti‐hyperglycaemia capacity of Satureja essential oil: stabilisation of essential oil in gelatin and physico‐chemical properties characterisation

SummaryThis work presents the impact of Satureja essential oil (SEO) on the mRNA generation of NFR2, NF‐kB, and NOX (NADH oxidase) in the macrophage stimulated with hyperglycaemia. Furthermore, SEO incorporated into gelatin particles and physico‐chemical properties were investigated. The major variation between different constituents of SEO was found in carvacrol (35.9%–87.6%) and γ‐terpinene (0.43%–33.9%). Different SEO with different constituents exhibited comparable antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 0.170–0.215 mg mL−1), anti‐linoleic acid oxidation (IC50 = 0.137–0.195 mg mL−1), anti‐lecithin oxidation (IC50 = 0.126–0.134 mg mL−1), anti‐starch oxidation (IC50 = 0.155–0.199 mg mL−1), anti‐protein oxidation (IC50 = 0.166–0.211 mg mL−1), anti‐amylase capacity (IC50 = 0.202–0.230 mg mL−1), and anti‐lipase capacity (IC50 = 0.24–0.260 mg mL−1). Hyperglycaemia stimulates NOX, NFR2, NF‐kB, and hydrogen peroxide in macrophages. SEO (at 0.03 and 0.06 mg mL−1) decreased NOX and NF‐kB activity and hydrogen peroxide and increased NFR2 in hyperglycaemia‐stimulated macrophages. The physio‐chemical parameters of gelatin dispersion were electrical conductivity (1095 microsiemens cm−1), osmolarity (176 milliosmol kg−1), surface tension (42 mN m−1), zeta potential (−40 mV), particle size (123 nm), particle size distribution (0.18), and viscosity (3.47 mPa.s). The techno‐functional parameters of gelatin particles were water content (10.4%), water solubility (83%), water swelling (138%), hygroscopicity (35%), hydrophobicity (6.8 μg g−1), emulsification activity (62%), emulsification stability (52%), foam activity (49%), foam stability (42%), water‐holding capacity (4.5 g g−1), and oil‐holding capacity (2.4 g g−1). SEO causes minor changes in the techno‐functional and physico‐chemical properties of gelatin. The current investigation introduces gelatin/SEO as a possible functional ingredient for bioactive food products for the treatment of diabetes, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Multidisciplinary approach combining food metabolomics and epidemiology identifies meglutol as an important bioactive metabolite in tempe, an Indonesian fermented food

This study introduces a multidisciplinary approach to investigate bioactive food metabolites often overlooked due to their low concentrations. We integrated an in-house food metabolite library (n = 494), a human metabolite library (n = 891) from epidemiological studies, and metabolite pharmacological databases to screen for food metabolites with potential bioactivity. We identified six potential metabolites, including meglutol (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarate), an understudied low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-lowering compound. We further focused on meglutol as a case study to showcase the range of characterizations achievable with this approach. Green pea tempe was identified to contain the highest meglutol concentration (21.8 ± 4.6 mg/100 g). Furthermore, we identified a significant cross-sectional association between plasma meglutol (per 1-standard deviation) and lower LDL cholesterol in two Hispanic adult cohorts (n = 1,628) (β [standard error]: −5.5 (1.6) mg/dl, P = 0.0005). These findings highlight how multidisciplinary metabolomics can serve as a systematic tool for discovering and enhancing bioactive metabolites in food, such as meglutol, with potential applications in personalized dietary approaches for disease prevention.

Multifunctional alginate films blended with polyphenol-rich extract from unconventional edible sources: Bioactive properties, UV-light protection, and food freshness monitoring

The development of active and smart packaging from non-conventional food sources is an ecological trend to ensure safe food supply in the food chain. The study aimed to develop multifunctional films based on alginate blended with different concentrations of purple onion peel (POPE) and butterfly-pea flower extract (BFE). The addition of the extracts increased the opacity of the films by 80 %, indicating greater UV-light barrier ability. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the films increased by 70 % and 30 %, while water vapor permeability decreased by 15 %. The interaction between the extract and the alginate positively modified the structure of the films, increasing the melting temperature of the films (112–131 °C). Mixing both extracts in the matrix generated materials with antioxidant activity, antimicrobial capabilities, and sensitivity to freshness factors (gases, pH, and temperature) superior to films added with a single extract, suggesting better active and intelligent performances. The films protected the color of food products against the effects of UV-light, being strongly capable of colorimetrically checking the deterioration of protein-rich products. Therefore, alginate films blended with POPE and BFE have a promising potential for developing smart materials, preserving, and monitoring the food quality.

Efficient and fast screening and separation based on computer-aided screening and complex chromatography methods for lipoxygenase inhibitors from Ganoderma lucidum.

Accurate screening and targeted preparative isolation of active substances from natural medicines have long been technical challenges in natural medicine research. This study outlines a new approach for improving the efficiency of natural product preparation, focusing on the rapid and accurate screening of potential active ingredients in Ganoderma lucidum and efficient preparation of lipoxidase inhibitors, with the aim of providing new ideas for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease with G.lucidum. The medicinal plant G.lucidum was selected through ultrafiltration coupled with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (UF-LC-MS) and computer-assisted screening for lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitors. In addition, the inhibitory effect of the active compounds on LOX was studied using enzymatic reaction kinetics, and the underlying mechanism is discussed. Finally, based on the earlier activity screening guidelines, the identified ligands were isolated and purified through complex chromatography (high-speed countercurrent chromatography and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography). Five active ingredients, ganoderic acids A, B, C2, D2, and F, were identified and isolated from G.lucidum. We improved the efficiency and purity of active compound preparation using virtual computer screening and enzyme inhibition assays combined with complex chromatography. The innovative methods of UF-LC-MS, computer-aided screening, and complex chromatography provide powerful tools for screening and separating LOX inhibitors from complex matrices and provide a favourable platform for the large-scale production of bioactive substances and nutrients.

The Potential of Korean Bioactive Substances and Functional Foods for Immune Enhancement.

In this review, we explore the immunomodulatory properties of Korean foods, focusing on ginseng and fermented foods. One notable example is Korean red ginseng, known for its immune system-regulating effects attributed to the active ingredient, ginsenoside. Ginsenoside stimulates immune cells, enhancing immune function and suppressing inflammatory responses. With a long history, Korean red ginseng has demonstrated therapeutic effects against various diseases. Additionally, Korean fermented foods like kimchi, doenjang, chongkukjang, gochujang, vinegar, and jangajji provide diverse nutrients and bioactive substances, contributing to immune system enhancement. Moreover, traditional Korean natural herbs such as Cirsium setidens Nakai, Gomchwi, Beak-Jak-Yak, etc. possess immune-boosting properties and are used in various Korean foods. By incorporating these foods into one's diet, one can strengthen their immune system, positively impacting their overall health and well-being.

Preparation of edible antibacterial films based on corn starch /carbon nanodots for bioactive food packaging

Packaging plays an important role in protecting food from environmental impacts. However, traditional petroleum-based packaging has difficulty in meeting the antimicrobial and antioxidant requirements of prepared foods. This study introduced carbon dots (CDs), prepared by using carrot as a precursor, into corn starch (CS) to construct a bio-friendly composite film with high freshness retention properties. The scavenging of DPPH radicals reached 92.77 % at a CDs concentration of 512 µg/mL, and the antimicrobial activity of CS/5% CDs against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was increased to 99.9 %. Notably, the homogeneous doping of CDs creates a dense surface and high carbon content inside the film, which promotes the elasticity and thermal stability of the composite film. Finally, we encapsulated deep-fried meatballs in CS-CDs films. The results showed that the CS-CDs films effectively protected the quality of deep-fried meatballs, and have excellent potential for application in food preservation.

Phytomineral complexes as elements of functional nutrition to enhance the protective function of the lymphatic system in aging

Background: The problem of aging remains relevant in the modern world, with a notable connection between aging and nutrition. It is important to find a way to slow down aging. Integration lymphology with functional food theory (or phytodietics) is the most promising idea. Detection of lymphotropic properties in bioactive food ingredients will increase the lymphatic system activity in aging. Our task is to improve the protective status of lymph nodes by taking a phytomineral product in aging. Objective: The research purpose is to provide evidence of the use of a plant-mineral complex to activate the lymph system (lymph nodes) in aging. Participants in the experiment are 160 Wistar rats divided into groups of old and young animals. Half of the aging animals took an additional food plant-mineral complex "IQdetoxSORB". The basis of the food complex is physiologically acting substances such as flavonoids, trace elements, food fibers, and others.Methods: Different methods have been applied to study systems forming components of lymph nodes. The system of lymph node compartments was examined by a histological method. The liquid component of the organ is evaluated by a thermogravimetric method. Lymph node trace elements (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se) were determined by X-ray fluorescence analysis using synchrotron radiation (RFA SR). The StatPlus Pro license program and statistical analysis of dynamic series were used to process digital data.Results: We first presented data on the effect of functional nutrition on the lymphatic system and proved the lymphotropic properties of the plant-mineral complex. The bioactive ingredients of the complex (flavonoids, trace elements, food fibers) are useful and influence the lymphatic system, improving health in old age. The increase in lymphatic system activity occurs through the implementation of a lymphosanation mechanism due to the stimulating and protective effects of plant ingredients. Intake of the phytomineral complex accelerates lymph flow, modifies lymph node compartments, and restores trace element balance. The positive effect depends on the formation of an association of bioelements with lymphoid compartments. A plant-based diet corrects and increases the protective status of lymph nodes. The result is a slowdown in age-induced changes in peripheral lymphoid organs. Conclusion: As an element of functional nutrition, the plant-mineral complex contains bioactive ingredients - flavonoids, trace elements, and food fibers. These bioactive substances alter the existing status of the lymphatic system, increasing protective potential. Increased activity of the lymph system (lymph nodes) is an argument for slowing aging and preventing age-associated pathology. The information presented is the basis for recommending plant-mineral complexes for wellness programs of anti-aging.Keywords:lymphatic system; lymph nodes; compartments; trace elements; gerontology, phytotherapy, nutriciology.

Effect of milling and temperature of germination on nutrients, bioactive compounds and pasting properties of FARO 44, FARO 57 and NERICA-8 brown rice cultivars

Germinated brown rice (GBR) was produced from FARO 44, FARO 57 and NERICA-8 cultivars by de-husking the paddies and germinating them at 30°C and 40°C for 24 h. Bioactive compounds, nutritional composition and pasting properties were analysed and compared to that of non-germinated parboiled milled rice (MR) and non-germinated brown rice (BR) from the same cultivars. The results showed that germination improved the bioactive compounds and nutrients. Protein, ash, total dietary fibre, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, vitamins B2 and E, DPPH and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) contents of BR increased significantly (p<0.05) in GBR but decreased significantly in MR. Total carbohydrates and total starch contents of BR decreased significantly in GBR. The increase in protein, total dietary fibre, vitamin E, DPPH and GABA contents of GBR were by 6.28-45.31%, 3.09-15.80%, 113.68-153.85%, 38.00-410.00% and 159.46-288.11%, respectively depending on the cultivar and the germination temperature. Increase in germination temperature from 30°C to 40°C resulted in significant increase in iron, zinc, GABA, total phelolic, total flavonoid contents, and all the pasting viscosities but it decreased the magnesium, protein and amino acid contents significantly. FARO 57 possessed improved bioactive compounds and nutrients than the other rice cultivars.

Intercropping Systems to Modify Bioactive Compounds and Nutrient Profiles in Plants: Do We Have Enough Information to Take This as a Strategy to Improve Food Quality? A Review.

Various environmental, food security and population health problems have been correlated with the use of intensive agriculture production systems around the world. This type of system leads to the loss of biodiversity and natural habitats, high usage rates of agrochemicals and natural resources, and affects soil composition, human health, and nutritional plant quality in rural areas. Agroecological intercropping systems that respect agrobiodiversity, on the other hand, can significantly benefit ecosystems, human health, and food security by modifying the nutritional profile and content of some health-promoting bioactive compounds in the species cultivated in this system. However, research on intercropping strategies focuses more on the benefits they can offer to ecosystems, and less on plant nutrient composition, and the existing information is scattered. The topic merits further study, given the critical impact that it could have on human nutrition. The aim of this review is therefore to collect viable details on the status of research into the profile of nutrients and bioactive compounds in intercropping systems in different regions of the world with unique mixed crops using plant species, along with the criteria for combining them, as well as the nutrients and bioactive compounds analyzed, to exemplify the possible contributions of intercropping systems to food availability and quality.

Non-destructive real-time analysis of plant metabolite accumulation in radish microgreens under different LED light recipes.

The future of human space missions relies on the ability to provide adequate food resources for astronauts and also to reduce stress due to the environment (microgravity and cosmic radiation). In this context, microgreens have been proposed for the astronaut diet because of their fast-growing time and their high levels of bioactive compounds and nutrients (vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, etc.), which are even higher than mature plants, and are usually consumed as ready-to-eat vegetables. Our study aimed to identify the best light recipe for the soilless cultivation of two cultivars of radish microgreens (Raphanus sativus, green daikon, and rioja improved) harvested eight days after sowing that could be used for space farming. The effects on plant metabolism of three different light emitting diodes (LED) light recipes (L1-20% red, 20% green, 60% blue; L2-40% red, 20% green, 40% blue; L3-60% red, 20% green, 20% blue) were tested on radish microgreens hydroponically grown. A fluorimetric-based technique was used for a real-time non-destructive screening to characterize plant methabolism. The adopted sensors allowed us to quantitatively estimate the fluorescence of flavonols, anthocyanins, and chlorophyll via specific indices verified by standardized spectrophotometric methods. To assess plant growth, morphometric parameters (fresh and dry weight, cotyledon area and weight, hypocotyl length) were analyzed. We observed a statistically significant positive effect on biomass accumulation and productivity for both cultivars grown under the same light recipe (40% blue, 20% green, 40% red). We further investigated how the addition of UV and/or far-red LED lights could have a positive effect on plant metabolite accumulation (anthocyanins and flavonols). These results can help design plant-based bioregenerative life-support systems for long-duration human space exploration, by integrating fluorescence-based non-destructive techniques to monitor the accumulation of metabolites with nutraceutical properties in soilless cultivated microgreens.

Preparation and characterization of starch/PBAT film containing hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin/ethyl lauroyl arginate/cinnamon essential oil microcapsules and its application in the preservation of strawberry

Cinnamon essential oil (CEO) was emulsified by hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin/ ethyl lauroyl arginate (HPCD/LAE) complex to make nanoemulsions, which were then incorporated into maltodextrin (MD) to prepare HPCD/LAE/CEO/MD microcapsules by spray drying. The starch/polybutylene adipate terephthalate (starch/PBAT, SP) based extrusion-blowing films containing above microcapsules were developed and used as packaging materials for strawberry preservation. The morphology, encapsulation efficiency, thermal and antibacterial properties of microcapsules with different formulations were investigated. The effects of microcapsules on the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of SP films were evaluated. When the formula was 4 % HPCD/LAE-3% CEO-10% MD (HL-3C-MD), the microcapsule had the smallest particle size (3.3 μm), the highest encapsulation efficiency (84.51 %) of CEO and the best antibacterial effect. The mechanical and antimicrobial properties of the SP film were enhanced while the water vapor transmittance and oxygen permeability decreased with the incorporation of HL-3C-MD microcapsules. The films effectively reduced the weight loss rate (49.03 %), decay rate (40.59 %) and the total number of colonies (2.474 log CFU/g) and molds (2.936 log CFU/g), thus extending the shelf life of strawberries. This study revealed that the developed SP films containing HPCD/LAE/CEO microcapsules had potential applications in degradable bioactive food packaging materials.

Nutritional interventional studies in patients with multiple sclerosis: a scoping review of the current clinical evidence.

A good nutritional status appears to slow down disease progression and ameliorate symptoms' intensity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Up to date, there are several interventional studies, which have explored the potential beneficial effects of specific dietary patterns as well as specific bioactive nutrients against disease progression and symptomatology of MS patients. This is a thorough, scoping review, which aims to critically summarize and scrutinize the currently available clinical evidence of the potential beneficial effects of nutritional interventional studies against MS progression and symptomatology. This review was conducted to systematically map the research done in this area, as well as to identify gaps in knowledge. For this purpose, we thoroughly explored the most accurate scientific web databases, e.g., PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to achieve the most relevant clinical human studies applying effective and characteristic keywords. There are currently several dietary patterns and specific bioactive nutrients that show promising results by slowing down disease progression and by improving MS symptoms. However, there are also certain conflicting results, while most of the existing studies enrolled a small number of MS patients. Nutritional interventions may exert substantial protective effects against MS progression and symptomatology. However, large, long-term, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials with a prospective design are strongly recommended to delineate whether such nutritional intervention may attenuate disease progression, and improve symptomatology in MS patients.

Food nanotechnology: opportunities and challenges.

Food nanotechnology, which applies nanotechnology to food systems ranging from food production to food processing, packaging, and transportation, provides tremendous opportunities for conventional food science and industry innovation and improvement. Although great progress and rapid growth have been achieved in food nanotechnology research owing to the unique food features rendered by nanotechnology, at a fundamental level, food nanotechnology is still in its initial stages and the potential adverse effects of nanomaterials are still a controversial problem that attract public attention. Food-derived nanomaterials, compared to some inorganic nanoparticles and synthetic organic macromolecules, can be digested rapidly and produce similar digestion products to those produced normally, which become the mainstream and trend for food nanotechnology in practical applications, and are expected to be a vital tool for addressing the security problem and easing public concerns. These food-derived materials enable the favourable characteristics of nanostructures to be combined with the safety, biocompatibility, and bioactivity of natural food. Very recently, diverse food-derived nanomaterials have been explored and widely applied in multiple fields. Herein, we thoroughly summarize the fabrication and development of nanomaterials for use in food technology, as well as the recent advances in the improvement of food quality, revolutionizing food supply, and boosting food industries based on foodborne nanomaterials. The current challenges in food nanotechnology are also discussed. We hope this review can provide a detailed reference for experts and food manufacturers and inspire researchers to participate in the development of food nanotechnology for highly efficient food industry growth.

Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction for the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Disease by Bioactive Food Components.

Dysfunctional mitochondria have been linked to the pathogenesis of obesity-associated metabolic diseases. Excessive energy intake impairs mitochondrial biogenesis and function, decreasing adenosine-5'-triphosphate production and negatively impacting metabolically active tissues such as adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and the liver. Compromised mitochondrial function disturbs lipid metabolism and increases reactive oxygen species production in these tissues, contributing to the development of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Recent studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of bioactive food components, such as resveratrol, quercetin, coenzyme Q10, curcumin, and astaxanthin, by enhancing mitochondrial function. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of how these bioactive compounds ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunction to mitigate obesity-associated metabolic diseases.

Bioactive compounds of peanut skin in prevention and adjunctive treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases.

The global prevalence of cancer continues to increase, so does its mortality. Strategies that can prevent/treat this condition are therefore required, especially low-cost and low-toxicity strategies. Bioactive compounds of plant origin have been presented as a good alternative. In this scenario, due to its abundant polyphenolic content (around 60 to 120 times greater than that of the grain), peanut skin by-products stand out as a sustainable source of food bioactives beneficial to human health. Investigated studies highlighted the importance of peanut skin for human health, its phytochemical composition, bioactivity and the potential for prevention and/or adjuvant therapy in cancer, through the advanced search for articles in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), Science direct and the Mourisco platform of the FioCruz Institute, from 2012 to 2022. Using the keywords, "peanut skin" AND "cancer" AND NOT "allergy", the words "peanut testa" and "peanut peel" were included replacing "peanut skin". 18 articles were selected from Plataforma Mourisco, 26 from Science Direct and 26 from VHL. Of these, 7 articles evaluated aspects of cancer prevention and/or treatment. Promising benefits were found in the prevention/treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases in the use of peanut and peanut skin extracts, such as cholesterolemia and glucose control, attenuation of oxidative stress and suppressive action on the proliferation and metabolism of cancer cells.

An Overview of the Phytochemical Composition of Different Organs of Prunus spinosa L., Their Health Benefits and Application in Food Industry

The purpose of this study is to analyze prospective approaches that emphasize the beneficial biofunctional and metabolic effects of different anatomic parts of the Prunus spinosa L. on maintaining human health and improving some pathophysiological processes. Our research is based on recent data from literature on the biology and ecology of P. spinosa L., focusing on its bioactive compounds. Based on such bifunctional parameters, we aim to conceptualize path-breaking approaches that have as a goal the incorporation of P. spinosa L. fruits into certain food products to make use of their potential metabolic benefits in cardiovascular pathologies and other disorders that are prevalent at present and respond to nutritional intake of antioxidants. It is well known that dietary interventions allow the search for mechanisms leading to the development of effective nutritional therapies. This review has mainly focused on the identification of bioactive and functional nutrients of P. spinosa L. that can be incorporated into diverse food formulations. This is because nutrition plays a pivotal role in the development, validation, and recommendation of the nutritional composition of food, with demonstrated impacts on metabolic processes in specific diet-related pathologies.

Effect of MIND diet on cognitive function in elderly: a narrative review with emphasis on bioactive food ingredients.

As the world becomes a super-aged society, cognitive decline is public health problems that are increasing rapidly. A healthy diet has great potential for maintaining cognitive health. A diet that could delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases has been developed: the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, a hybrid form of the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. In this review, the effects of the MIND diet on improving cognitive function, including memory, are summarized. In most studies, the higher the adherence to the MIND diet, the higher the cognitive function evaluation score, and the lower the incidence of dementia. This is because of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the major nutritional components of the MIND diet: folate, carotenoids, polyphenols, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Adherence to the MIND diet, containing various bioactive food ingredients, is related to cognitive improvement in the elderly population.

The role of natural bioactive compounds and functional foods for fighting coronavirus infections in humans with special focus on covid-19: A systematic review

Coronaviruses are a group of enveloped viruses with the RNA genome. Several strains infectious to humans have been identified in this group. Some of the coronaviruses, like SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, are highly pathogenic and have caused fatal pneumonia

Ultrasound-assisted alkaline hydrolysis of fish(Cyprinus carpio L.) scale gelatin: A possible curcumin delivery system with increased water solubility and sustained release

This study investigated the effect of ultrasound-assisted alkaline treatment on the structural characteristics and curcumin loading efficiency in fish scale gelatin (FSG). The results showed that FSG treated with a combination of ultrasound and alkaline hydrolysis outperformed non-treated FSG, as well as alkaline- or ultrasound-treated FSG in augmenting curcumin loading efficiency (from 3.02 to 18.36 μg/mL). In contrast to FSG exposed to single treatments (alkaline or ultrasound), the FSG subjected to combined treatment exhibited a notably higher ratio of hydrophobic amino acids (47.51 ± 2.27%) and protein elution amount (180.87 μg/mL). Meanwhile, single and combined treatments significantly modified the molecular conformation as well as the microstructure of FSG, transforming the α-helical conformation to the β-sheet structure and presenting an ordered structure with increased voids. The curcumin-loaded FSG subjected to ultrasound-assisted alkaline treatment revealed a sustained release profile under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The elucidated outcomes underscore the significant potential of FSG subjected to ultrasound-assisted alkaline treatment as a promising avenue for facilitating the controlled delivery of bioactive hydrophobic nutrients.

6-Pentyl-α-Pyrone from Trichoderma gamsii Exert Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Mouse Macrophages.

Filamentous fungi produce several beneficial secondary metabolites, including bioactive compounds, food additives, and biofuels. Trichoderma, which is a teleomorphic Hypocrea that falls under the taxonomic groups Ascomycota and Dikarya, is an extensively studied fungal genus. In an ongoing study that seeks to discover bioactive natural products, we investigated potential bioactive metabolites from the methanolic extract of cultured Trichoderma gamsii. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), one major compound was isolated and structurally identified as 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6PP) based on nuclear magnetic resonance data and LC-MS analysis. To determine its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, as well as the underlying mechanisms, we treated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Raw264.7 mouse macrophages with 6PP. We found that 6PP suppresses LPS-induced increase in the levels of nitric oxide, a mediator of oxidative stress and inflammation, and restores LPS-mediated depletion of total glutathione by stabilizing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), an antioxidative factor, and elevating heme oxygenase-1 levels. Furthermore, 6PP inhibited LPS-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines, which are, at least in part, regulated by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). 6PP suppressed proinflammatory responses by inhibiting the nuclear localization of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), as well as by dephosphorylating the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). These results indicate that 6PP can protect macrophages against oxidative stress and LPS-induced excessive inflammatory responses by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway while inhibiting the proinflammatory, NF-κB, and MAPK pathways.