Bioactive Ingredients Research Articles

Preparation, characterization and microencapsulation of walnut (Juglans regia L.) peptides-zinc chelate.

In this research, a novel kind of walnut (Juglans regia L.) peptides-zinc (Zn-WPs) chelate was obtained using the mass ratio of the walnut peptides (WPs) to ZnSO4.7H2O of 3.5:1 at pH 8.5 and 50°C for 84min, with the chelation rate of 84.5%. In comparison to walnut peptides (WPs), the contents of aspartic acid and glutamic acid in Zn-WPs chelate are approximately 27%, indicating that hydrophilic amino acids predominantly bind with walnut peptides. Following chelation with zinc ions, the ultraviolet-visible (UV) characteristic absorption peak shifted from 213nm to 210nm, while the average particle size of the chelate increased to 8.0±0.14µm, presenting a loose spherical structure under scanning electron microscopy. These findings suggest the formation of new substances. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed carboxyl, amino, and peptide bonds as the chelation sites of WPs and zinc. The IC50 of walnut peptides-zinc (Zn-WPs) chelate is 2.91mg/mL, indicative of a favorable DPPH radical scavenging rate. Furthermore, Zn-WPs chelate microcapsules were produced via the spray drying method, achieving an encapsulation rate of 75.67±0.83% under optimal conditions. These microcapsules demonstrate robust stability across diverse environmental conditions. This study underscores the potential of Zn-WPs and its chelate microcapsules to enhance stability and bioactivity under varying circumstances. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In this study, a new walnut peptide-zinc (Zn-WPs) chelate was prepared. The presence of zinc ions changes the structure and properties of walnut peptides and improves its stability. The production of Zn-WPs chelate microcapsules enables Zn-WPs to have strong in vitro stability under different pH and simulated gastrointestinal digestion conditions. These results provide novel insights for developing the walnut peptides as bioactive ingredients in functional foods.

Improved Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Bacterial Capacities of Skim Milk Fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum.

Milk, on account of its abundant protein content, is recognized as a vital source of bioactive substances. In this study, the bioactive ingredients in milk were obtained by a combination of protease hydrolysis and fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum. The compositions of protease hydrolysate (PM) and fermentation supernatant (FM) were determined, and their anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial activities were evaluated. Using LC-MS/MS, the molecular weights and sequences of the peptides were characterized, among which a total of 25 bioactive peptides were identified. The DPPH radical scavenging results demonstrated that FM exhibited an enhanced anti-oxidant capacity compared to PM. The bacterial survival rate results revealed that FM had a remarkable anti-bacterial ability compared to PM. Additionally, the anti-bacterial component and potential anti-bacterial mechanisms were determined. The results of cytoplasmic membrane depolarization, cell membrane permeability, and morphological observation indicated that FM could interact with bacterial membranes to achieve its anti-bacterial effect. These findings suggested that FM, as a bioactive substance of natural origin, holds potential applications in the functional food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Comparative study of polyphenol extraction using physical techniques and water as a solvent: a sustainable approach for the valorization of apple pomace.

Apples are among the most commonly cultivated fruits globally. Approximately 65% of annual apple production is transformed into apple juice concentrate generating a large amount of waste material named apple pomace, which includes seeds, skin, and other components. Disposing of apple by-products directly into the environment constitutes a source of environmental pollution due to its high-water content and easily fermentable nature. Apple pomace is rich in polyphenols that can be utilized as active components in cosmetic, nutraceutical, or pharmaceutical products. The present study aims to describe and compare different physical methods for the extraction of polyphenols from apple pomace. Water was used as the extraction solvent in thermal-stirred extraction (TSE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The best extraction conditions were identified in terms of solid to solvent ratio, temperature, power, and time through a kinetic study. The best extraction parameters were compared environmentally on a pilot scale through a life cycle assessment (LCA). All the results demonstrated the MAE is the best technique to extract polyphenol from apple pomace in terms yield and environmental impact proving that it is possible to transform waste into a sustainable source of bioactive ingredients.

An Evaluation of Sex-Specific Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability of Kokusaginine: An In Vitro and In Vivo Investigation.

Kokusaginine is a bioactive ingredient extracted from Ruta graveolens L., which has a range of biological activities. Its pharmacokinetic (PK) properties are particularly important for clinical applications; however, they have not been fully elucidated. In addition, the effect of sex differences on drug metabolism is increasingly being recognized, but most studies have ignored this important factor. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by taking an in-depth look at the PK properties of kokusaginine and how gender affects its metabolism and distribution in the body. It also lays the foundation for clinical drug development. In this study, a sensitive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method was developed and validated for quantifying kokusaginine in Sprague Dawley (SD) rat plasma and tissue homogenates. Metabolic stability was evaluated in vitro using gender-specific liver microsomes. Innovatively, we incorporated sex as a variable into both in vitro and in vivo PK studies in SD rats, analyzing key parameters with Phoenix 8.3.5 software. The developed UPLC method demonstrated high sensitivity and precision, essential for PK analysis. Notably, in vitro studies revealed a pronounced sex-dependent metabolic variability (p < 0.05). In vivo, gender significantly affected the Area Under the Moment Curve (AUMC)(0-∞) of the plasma PK parameter (p < 0.05) and the AUMC(0-t) of brain tissue (p < 0.0001), underscoring the necessity of sex-specific PK assessments. The calculated absolute bioavailability of 71.13 ± 12.75% confirmed the favorable oral absorption of kokusaginine. Additionally, our innovative tissue-plasma partition coefficient (Kp) analysis highlighted a rapid and uniform tissue distribution pattern. This study presents a sex-inclusive PK evaluation of kokusaginine, offering novel insights into its metabolic profile and distribution. These findings are instrumental for informing clinical medication practices, dosage optimization, and a nuanced understanding of drug efficacy and safety in a sex-specific context.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate protects bovine ruminal epithelial cells against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory damage by activating autophagy

BackgroundSubacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) causes an increase in endotoxin, which can induce immune and inflammatory responses in the ruminal epithelium of dairy cows. In non-ruminants, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major bioactive ingredient of green tea, is well-known to alleviate inflammation. Whether EGCG confers protection against SARA-induced inflammation and the underlying mechanisms are unknown.ResultsIn vivo, eight ruminally cannulated Holstein cows in mid-lactation were randomly assigned to either a low-concentrate (40%) diet (CON) or a high-concentrate (60%) diet (HC) for 3 weeks to induce SARA (n = 4). Cows with SARA had greater serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin-6, and epithelium had histological signs of damage. In vitro, immortalized bovine ruminal epithelial cells (BREC) were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to imitate the inflammatory damage caused by SARA. Our data revealed that BREC treated with 10 µg/mL LPS for 6 h successfully induce a robust inflammatory response as indicated by increased phosphorylation of IκBα and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65. Pre-treatment of BREC with 50 µmol/L EGCG for 6 h before LPS challenge promoted the degradation of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome through activation of autophagy, which further repressed activation of NF-κB pathway targeting Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Analyses also revealed that the ECGG upregulated tight junction (TJ) protein expression upon incubation with LPS.ConclusionsSubacute ruminal acidosis causes ruminal epithelium injury and systemic inflammation in dairy cows. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of EGCG help preserve the integrity of the epithelial barrier through activating autophagy when BREC are exposed to LPS. Thus, EGCG could potentially serve as an effective therapeutic agent for SARA-associated inflammation.Graphical

Polysaccharides from Seedless Chestnut Rose (Rosa sterilis) Fruits: Insights into Innovative Drying Technologies and Their Structural Characteristics, Antioxidant, Antiglycation, and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities.

The selection of an optimal drying method is essential for extending the shelf life and enhancing the quality of Rosa sterilis fruits. This study investigated the effects of both innovative (microwave vacuum drying and infrared drying) and traditional (freeze-drying and hot air drying) techniques on the structural characteristics and bioactivities of polysaccharides from R. sterilis fruits (RSPs). Four different RSPs were obtained from fruits dried using these methods. Results demonstrated that the structural characteristics and bioactivities of RSPs varied significantly with the drying method. Notable differences were observed in extraction yield, total sugar, uronic acid content, monosaccharide molar ratios, molecular weight distribution, particle size, thermal stability, and microstructures of RSPs. Despite these variations, the types of constituent monosaccharides and major glycosidic linkages remained consistent across all methods. Notably, RSPs obtained via microwave vacuum drying (RSPs-MVD) showed a higher uronic acid content and lower molecular weight, and exhibited stronger in vitro antioxidant, α-glucosidase inhibitory, and antiglycation activities. These findings suggest that microwave vacuum drying is an effective pre-drying technique for extracting RSPs, making them suitable as bioactive ingredients in functional foods and pharmaceuticals for managing diabetes mellitus and its complications.

Identification of Amino Acids and Polyphenolic Metabolites in Human Plasma by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, after the Chronic Intake of a Functional Meal in an Elderly Population.

Novel foods especially formulated and targeted for the elderly population should provide sufficient nutrients and bioactive ingredients to counteract the natural age-related deterioration of various organs and tissues. Dietary protein and phenolic compounds achieve this goal; however, older adults have alterations in their gastrointestinal system that may impact their bioavailability and few studies have been aimed at this population. Since phenolic compounds are the subject of multiple biotransformations by host and microbiome enzymes during the digestion process, identification of their bioavailable forms in human plasma or tissues represents a considerable analytical challenge. In this study, UHPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS-MS, chemometrics, and multivariate statistical methods were used to identify the amino acids and phenolic compounds that were increased in the plasma of elderly adults after a 30-day intervention in which they had consumed an especially formulated muffin and beverage containing Brosimum alicastrum Sw. seed flour. A large interindividual variation was observed regarding the amino acids and phenolic metabolites identified in the plasma samples, before and after the intervention. Three phenolic metabolites were significantly increased in the population after the intervention: protocatechuic acid, 5-(methoxy-4'-hydroxyphenyl) valerolactone, and phloretic acid. These metabolites, as well as others that were not significantly increased (although they did increase in several individuals), are probably the product of the microbiota metabolism of the major phenolic compounds present in the B. alicastrum Sw. seed flour and other food ingredients. A significant decrease in 4-ethyl-phenol, a biomarker of stress, was observed in the samples. Results showed that the incorporation of foods rich in phenolic compounds into the regular diet of older adults contributes to the increase in bioactive compounds in plasma, that could substantially benefit their mental, cardiovascular, and digestive health.

Antimicrobial activity of curcuma longa and mimosa pudica: a comprehensive review

The active ingredient in turmeric, Curcuma longa, and the traditional medicinal plant, Mimosa pudica, have both been the subject of intensive research due to their wide range of therapeutic applications. The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing qualities of Mimosa pudica have long been employed, whereas curcumin is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer benefits. The pharmacological advantages of these two naturally occurring substances are summarized in this article, which also discusses their possible synergistic effects, modes of action, and therapeutic uses. Our goal in examining the complimentary qualities of Mimosa pudica and curcumin is to present a through analysis that bolsters their application in integrative medicine and offers ideas for further research. Curcumin is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Its therapeutic success is related to its capacity to affect numerous cellular pathways, such as inhibiting NF-KB and activating AREs. These pathways play a vital role in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which contribute to chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration. Curcumin's antibacterial characteristics make it a promising medicinal agent with broad-spectrum applications. Mimosa pudica, often known as the "sensitive plant" for its quick responsiveness to physical stimuli, has a long history in traditional medicine, especially in Ayurvedic and folk treatments. It is used for wound healing,anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-ulcer properties. The pharmacological actions of Mimosa pudica are primarily due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids,flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids.These compounds collectively contribute to the plant's ability to modulate immune responses, promote tissue regeneration, and inhibit microbial growth.Curcumin and Mimosa pudica have complimentary mechanisms that can lead to synergistic effects. Curcumin modulates intracellular signaling pathways and transcription factors, while Mimosa pudica's bioactive ingredients also interact with extracellular targets and microbial cell walls, indicating a multimodal approach to illness management.

Exploring the aroma profile and biomedical applications of Scutellaria nuristanica Rech. F.: A new insight as a natural remedy

BackgroundThe Scutellaria genus has promising therapeutic capabilities as an aromatherapy. Based on that and local practices of S. nuristanica Rech. F. The essential oil was studied for the first time for its diverse biomedical applications. PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate and validate their therapeutic capabilities by screening the essential oil ingredients and examining their antimicrobial, antioxidant, carbonic anhydrase, and antidiabetic using further In silico assessment and In vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic capabilities to devise novel sources as natural remedies alternative to the synthetic drugs. MethodsEssential oil was obtained through hydrodistillation, and the constituents were profiled using GC–MS. The antimicrobial assessment was conducted using an agar well diffusion assay. Free radical scavenging capabilities were determined by employing DPPH and ABTS assay. The carbonic anhydrase-II was examined using colorimetric assay, while the antidiabetic significance was performed using α-Glucosidase assay. The anti-inflammatory significance was examined through carrageenan-induced paw edema, and the analgesic features of the essential oil were determined using an acetic acid-induced writhing assay. ResultsFifty constituents were detected in S. nuristanica essential oil (SNEO), contributing 95.93 % of the total EO, with the predominant constituents being 24-norursa-3,12-diene (10.12 %), 3-oxomanoyl oxide (9.94 %), methyl 7-abieten-18-oate (8.85 %). SNEO presented significance resistance against the Gram-positive bacterial strains (GPBSs), Bacillus atrophaeus and Bacillus subtilis, as compared to the Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae, Gram-negative bacterial strains (GNBSs) as well as two fungal strains Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus niger associated with their respective standards. Considerable free radical scavenging capacity was observed in DPPH compared to the ABTS assay when correlated with ascorbic acid. In addition, when equated with their standards, SNEO offered considerable in vitro carbonic anhydrase II and antidiabetic capabilities. Additionally, the antidiabetic behavior of the 9 dominant compounds of SNEO was tested via In silico techniques, such as molecular docking, which assisted in the assessment of the significance of binding contacts of protein with each chemical compound and pharmacokinetic evaluations to examine the drug-like characteristics. Molecular dynamic simulations at 100 ns and binding free energy evaluations such as PBSA and GBSA models explain the molecular mechanics and stability of molecular complexes. It was also observed that SNEO depicted substantial anti-inflammatory and analgesic capabilities. ConclusionHence, it was concluded that the SNEO comprises bioactive ingredients with biomedical significance, such as anti-microbial, antioxidant, CA-II, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic agents. The computational validation also depicted that SNEO could be a potent source for the discovery of anti-diabetic drugs.

Gastrodin Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice through Strengthening Intestinal Barrier and Modulating Gut Microbiota.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are commonly associated with dysfunctional intestinal barriers and disturbed gut microbiota. Gastrodin, a major bioactive ingredient of Gastrodia elata Blume, has been shown to exhibit anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation properties and could mitigate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but its role in modulating IBD remains elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of gastrodin on DSS-induced colitis in mice and explore its potential mechanisms. Gastrodin supplementation alleviated clinical symptoms such as weight loss, a shortened colon, and a high disease activity index. Meanwhile, gastrodin strengthened the intestinal barrier by increasing the 0expression of tight junction proteins and mucin. Furthermore, Gastrodin significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in mice by downregulating the NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Gut microbiota analysis showed that gastrodin improved the DSS-disrupted microbiota of mice. These findings demonstrate that gastrodin could attenuate DSS-induced colitis by enhancing the intestinal barrier and modulating the gut microbiota, providing support for the development of a gastrodin-based strategy to prevent or combat IBD.

Advancing Cordyceps militaris Industry: Gene Manipulation and Sustainable Biotechnological Strategies.

Cordyceps militaris is considered to be of great medicinal potential due to its remarkable pharmacological effects, safety, and edible characteristics. With the completion of the genome sequence and the advancement of efficient gene-editing technologies, coupled with the identification of gene functions in Cordyceps militaris, this fungus is poised to emerge as an outstanding strain for medicinal engineering applications. This review focuses on the development and application of genomic editing techniques, including Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT), PEG-mediated protoplast transformation (PMT), and CRISPR/Cas9. Through the application of these techniques, researchers can engineer the biosynthetic pathways of valuable secondary metabolites to boost yields; such metabolites include cordycepin, polysaccharides, and ergothioneine. Furthermore, by identifying and modifying genes that influence the growth, disease resistance, and tolerance to environmental stress in Cordyceps militaris, it is possible to stimulate growth, enhance desirable traits, and increase resilience to unfavorable conditions. Finally, the green sustainable industrial development of C. militaris using agricultural waste to produce high-value-added products and the future research directions of C. militaris were discussed. This review will provide future directions for the large-scale production of bioactive ingredients, molecular breeding, and sustainable development of C. militaris.

A Review of Whey Protein-Based Bioactive Delivery Systems: Design, Fabrication, and Application.

The efficacy of many edible bioactive agents is limited by their low water dispersibility and chemical instability in foods, as well as by their poor bioaccessibility, low absorption, and metabolism within the human gastrointestinal tract. Whey proteins are amphiphilic molecules that can be used to construct a variety of edible carrier systems that can improve the performance of bioactive ingredients. These carrier systems are being used by the food and biomedical industries to encapsulate, protect, and deliver a variety of bioactive agents. In this article, we begin by providing an overview of the molecular and functional characteristics of whey proteins, and then discuss their interactions with various kinds of bioactive agents. The ability of whey proteins to be used as building blocks to assemble different kinds of carrier systems is then discussed, including nanoparticles, hydrogels, oleogels, bigels, nanofibers, nanotubes, and nanoemulsions. Moreover, applications of these carrier systems are highlighted. Different kinds of whey protein-based carriers can be used to encapsulate, protect, and deliver bioactive agents. Each kind of carrier has its own characteristics, which make them suitable for different application needs in foods and other products. Previous studies suggest that whey protein-based carriers are particularly suitable for protecting chemically labile bioactive agents and for prolonging their release profiles. In the future, it is likely that the applications of whey protein-based carriers in the food and pharmaceutical fields will expand.

Mechanism of YJKL Decoction in Treating of PCOS Infertility by Integrative Approach of Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification.

Currently, there is still no clear treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). YJKL has better therapeutic effects and lower toxic side effects for PCOS type infertility. This study aims to clarify the potential mechanism of YJKL Decoction in the treatment of PCOS based on network pharmacology and experiments verification. Network pharmacology and experimental validation approach were used to investigate the bioactive ingredients, critical targets and potential mechanisms of YJKL Decoction against PCOS. Firstly, we use network pharmacology methods to collect core targets, and then validate their effects on diseases through experiments. Five core targets were screened, Threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), Cellular tumor antigen p53 (TP53), Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), Albumin (ALB) and Vascular endothelial growthfactor A (VEGFA). KEGG analysis showed that YJKL treatment for PCOS mainly include AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, TNF signaling pathway and HIF-1 signaling pathway. The molecular docking results showed that compounds have higher affinity with targets. Finally, experimental results had shown that YJKL Decoction had an better therapeutic effects in the treatment of PCOS. Based on a systematic network pharmacology approach and experimental verification, our results comprehensively illustrated the active ingredients, potential targets, and molecular mechanism of YJKL for application to PCOS and helps to illustrate mechanism of action on a comprehensive level.

Nutritional profile, bioactive properties and potential health benefits of buckwheat: A review

AbstractThe present review focuses on the physico‐chemical properties of buckwheat (BW) and shows that its incorporation makes food more nutritious. The bioactive substances included in BW, including vitamins, proteins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, dietary fibre, and fagopyrins are effective in treating chronic illnesses. It is also a rich source of protein of excellent quality as it contains balanced amino acids. Various bioactive compounds like phenolics, flavonoids including orientin, quercetin, rutin, vitexin, isovitexin and isoorientin, tannins and steroids help in providing therapeutic benefits. It has a number of beneficial impacts on health, including anti‐inflammatory, anti‐hemorrhagic, cardiovascular, antioxidant, and blood vessel protective properties. The food sector has experienced an increased interest in producing items based on BW, which boasts advantageous flavor profiles and technical attributes while offering health benefits and accommodating those with gluten sensitivity. BW is a beneficial ingredient for bread, rice, soup, cakes, noodles, cookies, and gluten‐free beer due to its functional properties. This review also emphasizes on the BW as a functional food in numerous industries including agriculture, food, pharmaceutical and as animal fodder. It provides researchers knowledge that could be useful for developing future plans, such as selecting BW as promising bioactive ingredients for functional foods.

Implications of Ultrasonication-assisted Extraction with Response Surface Methodology on Phytochemical Compositions and Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharide Extract from Phellinus rimosus (Berk.) Pilát Cultivated Mycelia in Northeastern Thailand

Background: Polysaccharides from the medicinal mushroom Phellinus rimosus (Berk.) Pilát (PR) are the major functional bioactive ingredients. However, there has been a marked natural decrease in the number of PR fruit bodies, leading to their increased cost. Moreover, the natural growth and development of mature PR fruit bodies takes several decades. Objective: The objective of this study was to produce a polysaccharide extract from cultured PR mycelia (PEPRM) by using ultrasonic-assisted extraction with response surface methodology (RSM), and determine its physicochemical composition and antioxidant potential. Methods: Polysaccharide and monosaccharide composition analyses were carried out by Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Total contents of polysaccharides, beta-glucans, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids were investigated utilizing the phenol-sulfuric acid method, enzymatic-based commercial test kit, Folin-Ciocalteu method, and aluminium chloride colorimetric method, respectively. Antioxidant activity was determined by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and 2,2- azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazol-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation decolorization assay. Results: Optimal conditions for the production of PEPRM included a ratio of 51.29 mL water to 1 g PR mycelia and an extraction time of 46.23 minutes, resulting in a total polysaccharide content of 577.5 mg/g of PEPRM. FT-IR spectra of PEPRM showed two broad bands at 3272.08 cm-1 and 2924.8 cm-1 in the carbohydrate region and the peaks at 1078.44, 1019.05, and 853.0 cm-1 indicated the presence of the pyranose ring skeleton, glycosidic linkage, and glucans. PEPRM had molar ratios of glucose: mannose: rhamnose: fucose, i.e., 21.86: 1.00: 2.08: 3.40, respectively. PEPRM had total contents of beta-glucans, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids as percentages of dry weight, i.e., 21.22, 2.51, and 5.71, respectively. PEPRM showed better inhibitory activity against ABTS radicals than DPPH radicals. result: Optimal conditions for the production of PEPRM were a ratio of 51.29 ml water to 1 g PR mycelia and extraction time of 46.23 min, yielding a total polysaccharide content of 577.5 mg/g of PEPRM. FT-IR spectra of PEPRM showed two broad bands at 3272.08 cm-1 and 2924.8 cm-1 in the carbohydrate region and the peaks at 1078.44, 1019.05, and 853.0 cm-1 indicated the presence of the pyranose ring skeleton, glycosidic linkage, and glucans. PEPRM had molar ratios of glucose: mannose: rhamnose: fucose, i.e., 21.86: 1.00: 2.08: 3.40, respectively. PEPRM had total contents of beta-glucan, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids as percentages of dry weight, i.e., 21.22, 2.51, and 5.71, respectively. PEPRM showed better inhibitory activity against ABTS radicals than DPPH radicals. Conclusion: This is the first finding to reveal that ultrasonic-assisted extraction with RSM was an environmentally friendly alternative to produce antioxidant polysaccharides from cultured PR mycelia. conclusion: This is the first finding to reveal that ultrasonic-assisted extraction with RSM was an environmentally friendly alternative to produce antioxidant polysaccharides from cultured PR mycelia.

Targeting and degradation of OTUB1 by Erianin for antimetastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BackgroundMetastasis is a major contributor to mortality in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC); effective treatment is currently lacking. Erianin, a bioactive ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine, Dendrobium chrysotoxum, has anti-tumor activity against multiple human tumors. However, the effect and associated underlying mechanism of Erianin on ESCC antimetastasis remain unclear. PurposeTo investigate the anti-metastatic properties of Erianin in ESCC both in vitro and in vivo and associated molecular mechanisms. MethodsWound healing assay, Transwell assay, CCK-8 assay, immunohistochemistry, and lung metastasis mouse model were carried out to examine ESCC cell migration and viability in vitro and in vivo. Drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS), cellular thermal migration assay (CETSA), molecular docking, and Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay were used to confirm Erianin binding to ovarian tumor ubiquitin aldehyde-binding protein 1 (OTUB1) protein. Protein stability assay, cell transfection, and western blotting were used to confirm Erianin-mediated degradation of OTUB1 and Snail via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to assess OTUB1expression in ESCC tissues. ResultsErianin suppressed the migration/invasion of ESCC cells without modulating cell viability in vitro and in vivo, bound to OTUB1 through DARTS, CETSA, and molecular docking, and SPR assay, and enhanced OTUB1 degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Moreover, Erianin inhibited the ESCC epithelial–mesenchymal transition by enhancing the ubiquitination and degradation of Snail via targeting OTUB1. ConclusionErianin inhibited ESCC metastasis through ubiquitination and degradation of Snail via targeting OTUB1. Our findings suggest Erianin as a novel OTUB1 inhibitor for preventing ESCC metastasis.

Preparation and characterization of agarose-sodium alginate hydrogel beads for the co-encapsulation of lycopene and resveratrol nanoemulsion

In the study, lycopene and resveratrol nanoemulsion hydrogel beads were prepared by using agarose‑sodium alginate as a carrier and the semi-interpenetrating polymer network technique, characteristics and morphologies were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, rheological measurement. The synergistic antioxidant effect of lycopene and resveratrol was confirmed, the best synergistic antioxidant performance is achieved when the ratio of 1:1. To increase the solubility and improve the stability, the lycopene was prepared as solid dispersion added to the nanoemulsion. The encapsulation rate of lycopene and resveratrol reached 93.60 ± 2.94 % and 89.30 ± 1.75 %, respectively, and the cumulative release showed that the addition of agarose slowed down the release rate of the compound, which improves the applicability of lycopene and resveratrol and development of carriers for the delivery of different bioactive ingredients.

Effect of storage on physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds and sensory attributes of drinks powder enriched with pumpkin (cucurbita moschata L.)

Pumpkin is an imperious vegetable and a large part of the pumpkin flesh goes unused resulting from pumpkin processing, so it needs to be processed properly to be used. The current study's goal was to prepare a drink powder enriched with pumpkin report the impact of storage on bioactive compounds and physicochemical characteristics of drink powder, and also evaluate the sensory properties of beverages prepared from drink powder. The powders were formulated and evaluated based on their physical properties, proximal compositions, minerals, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant ability as measured by DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid). Drink powder was made with a mixture of ingredients that were substituted with pumpkin pulp and seed powder in the proportions of 50:50 (S1), 20:30 (S2), 30:20 (S3), and 40:10 (S4). A sensory evaluation was carried out to select the most accepted combination. The most accepted product was subjected to nutritional analysis and storage studies, which were taken as criteria for good quality. Sample S3 had the highest protein, fat, fiber, and ash content while sample S1 had the highest carbohydrate content. It was also observed that enrichment with pumpkin powder enhanced the Mg, P, and Fe content of the drink powder. However, sample S1 had the highest DPPH radical scavenging ability, total phenolic content, and FRAP ability. During storage, a significant increase in moisture content, total sugar, and reducing sugar while a significant decrease in protein, fat, ash, fiber, and titratable acidity was observed. In addition, carotenoids, vitamin C, and antioxidant properties showed significant decreases during long-term storage at ambient temperature. Furthermore, sensory analysis was performed on pumpkin powder beverages, and based on results the color and texture of the drinks were not affected as the pumpkin powder content was increased. The drinks with 20 % pumpkin pulp and 30 % seed powder (S2) obtained the highest score for texture, taste, and overall acceptability assessed. However, the S1 and S3 are the best instances due to their better nutritional content. Hence, the drink powder that utilizes pumpkin may be an efficient means to preserve pumpkin and conserve its bioactive ingredients. In conclusion, pumpkin powder can be successfully incorporated into powdered drinks or other traditional products and also it is recognized as an excellent food source to meet daily nutritional needs.

Anti-dyslipidemic effects of Pueraria lobata root and Glycine max (L.) Merrill extracts fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in ovariectomized mice.

Pueraria lobata root and Glycine max (L.) Merrill are rich in phytoestrogens. However, these bioactive ingredients have limited bioavailability due to their high molecular weight. In this study, we extracted two natural products and fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum before mixing the fermented extracts (FPE-FGE). To understand whether FPE-FGE could alleviate menopause with dyslipidemia, we examined their effects on ovariectomy (OVX)-induced dyslipidemia in mice. Oral administration of the FPE-FGE (1:9, 3:7, and 9:1) did not affect safety-related biomarkers, such as uterus index (%), vagina index (%), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine. Furthermore, FPE-FGE (1:9, 3:7, and 9:1) increased the levels of 17β-estradiol (E2) and expression of uterus estrogen receptor β (ERβ); there was little effect on the expression of uterus estrogen receptor α (ERα), and reduced the levels of gonadotropins, such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). However, only the FPE-FGE (3:7) reduced the levels of blood lipids, including total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C). Accordingly, FPE-FGE (3:7) upregulated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nitric oxide (NO), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and protein kinase G (PKG). In conclusion, FPE-FGE (3:7) attenuated themenopausal dyslipidemia by upregulating eNOS-NO-cGMP signaling pathway.

Flaxseed: A Rich Source of Bioactive Compounds with Potential Health Benefits

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a nutritional powerhouse rich in alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid), lignans (especially secoisolariciresinol diglucoside), and dietary fiber. These bioactive components possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-modulating properties, suggesting potential health benefits for humans and animals. This review explores the effects of flaxseed consumption or its isolated bioactive ingredients on various health conditions. We delve into existing research on the potential impact of flaxseed on cardiovascular health, cancer, gut health, brain function, and hormonal balance in menopausal women. The review highlights the unique composition of flaxseed, including its high content of alpha-linolenic acid (over 70% of total oil), protein (20–30%), and dietary fibre (28%). Flaxseed also has the highest lignan concentration among plant sources. This distinct chemical profile positions flaxseed as a promising candidate for exploring its preventive and functional properties. The review emphasises the well-established safety of flaxseed under proper storage and processing conditions.