Bioactive Food Research Articles

Preparation of in vivo intermediate metabolites of soybean saponins with improved bioactivity by in vitro deacetylation and deglucosylation

Unlike natural soyasaponins and their aglycones formed by enzymatic hydrolysis in the human intestine, in vivo intermediate soyasaponin metabolites are difficult to prepare. Therefore, the pharmacological activities of in vivo intermediate soyasaponins remain uninvestigated. Herein, in vivo intermediate soyasaponins with purities of >90% were prepared by in vitro deacetylation (alkaline treatment) and deglucosylation (β-glucosidase treatment) of natural soyasaponins using preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. These compounds exhibited higher anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities than natural soyasaponins in in vitro bioassays, suggesting that the intermediate soyasaponins can be used as improved bioactive food supplements. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the in vitro preparation and bioassays of in vivo intermediate soyasaponin metabolites formed in the human intestine.

Screening and characterization of lactic acid bacteria with antibacterial effect against heat-resistant spore outgrowth of Bacillus sporothermodurans

This study is the first to screen of lactic acid bacteria strains with antimicrobial effect against spore outgrowth of Bacillus sporothermodurans and characterize their technological properties. Eighty strains were isolated from Tunisia raw milk but only 8 isolates were selected based on their antagonistic activity against germinated spores of B. sporothermodurans and nine pathogenic bacteria. Phenotypic and genotypic characterization allowed us to distinguish three different species, namely Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Levilactobacillus brevis and Lactococcus lactis. The lactic acid strains able to produce protease and lipase enzymes. The important antagonistic activity was observed in presence of L. lactis TLAB6 strain which produced a bacteriocin and lactic acid. The bacteriocin produced by the L. lactis TLAB6 is heat stable and resistant to trypsin. The results suggest that the selected LAB with antibacterial activity against germinated spore and technological properties may be used to preserve the food and formulate of bioactive functional foods.

Has Mutual Recognition in the EU Failed?—A Legal-Empirical Analysis on the Example of Food Supplements Containing Botanicals and Other Bioactive Substances

The European Union lacks comprehensive legislation pertaining to food supplements containing botanical or bioactive substances other than nutrients, resulting in disparate regulatory frameworks among European Member States. Previous studies predominantly focused on the doctrinal analysis of these diverse regulations at both European and national levels, offering limited insights into their practical implementation by governing bodies. This research endeavours to scrutinize administrative practices governing legislation on food supplements featuring botanical or other bioactive constituents, which are subject to varying approaches across Member States. Employing a combination of doctrinal and empirical legal research methodologies, this approach involved a meticulous examination of the regulatory landscape governing food supplements at both EU and Member State levels. Simultaneously, an empirical investigation, conducted through expert interviews, aimed to elucidate whether discrepancies among national legal systems translate into discernible variations in the operational strategies of competent authorities. Additionally, this empirical inquiry shed light on the efficacy of specific EU directives aimed at harmonizing food supplement regulations at the national level. These findings delineate a fragmented regulatory environment for botanical and bioactive food supplements across Member States. Noteworthy disparities were observed not only in national legislative frameworks but also in the enforcement practices of regulatory authorities. Union-level governance efforts in particular by adopting a mutual recognition approach to mitigate fragmentation proved ineffective. Consequently, this research underscores an urgent imperative to expedite the harmonization of regulations governing botanicals and other bioactive substances present in food supplements across the European Union.

Evaluation of functional extrudates enriched with essential oils for enhanced stability

This study evaluates the performance and storage stability of functional extrudates enriched with natural additives, utilizing advanced food engineering and processing techniques. Essential oils from oregano, rosemary, hypericum, and chamomile were incorporated in both free and encapsulated forms using electrohydrodynamic processing, spray drying, and freeze drying, and added to the food matrix through extrusion processing. The encapsulated additives demonstrated superior retention and controlled release of bioactive compounds, with spray-dried agents achieving the highest total phenolic content (1.66 mg GAE/g) post-extrusion. During storage, these extrudates exhibited enhanced stability with low degradation rate constants (1.90×10⁻³ days⁻¹ at aw=0.33, 25°C, over 240 days). The bioactive extrudates maintained remarkable stability in terms of hardness and colour change, with hardness inversely correlated to moisture content. These findings highlight the potential of using encapsulation and extrusion processing to create stable, naturally bioactive food products, reducing dependence on synthetic additives. The research underscores the integration of emerging technologies in food science to enhance the stability and delivery of essential oils, supporting the development of sustainable and health-promoting food systems.

Elevated Metal Levels in U.S. Honeys: Is There a Concern for Human Health?

Honey is a bioactive food used for millennia to improve health and treat diseases. More recently, researchers employ honey as a tool to assess local environmental pollution. Honeybees effectively 'sample' their environment within a ~ 7km radius, actively collecting nectar, pollen, and water to bring to their hive. Foraging honeybees also sample the air as dust particles accumulate on their pubescence, adding to the hive's contaminant load. Many studies from around the world report elevated metal levels in honey, with the most reports from Iran, Italy, and Turkey, but only two reports have measured metal levels in honey from the United States (U.S.). We report levels of 20 metals from 28 honeys collected from 15 U.S. states between 2022-2023. We then focus on four toxic metals recognized as hazards in foodstuffs when the concentrations are above safety recommendations - lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. Two of these metals (lead and mercury) are regulated in honey by the European Union (EU), though the U.S. currently lacks defined regulations for metal levels in honey. We consider the levels of these toxic metals by state, then compare the U.S. mean honey level for these metals against the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI). Our results suggest U.S. honey have levels metal that exceed the PWTI and EU regulations and may be hazardous to human health. Further research is needed to determine if the effects of these toxic metal at measured levels outweigh the health benefits from consumption of honey.

The Effects of Seleno-Methionine in Cadmium-Challenged Human Primary Chondrocytes.

Cadmium (Cd) is a potentially toxic element able to interfere with cellular functions and lead to disease or even death. Cd accumulation has been demonstrated in cartilage, where it can induce damage in joints. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CdCl2 on primary cultures of human chondrocytes and the possible protective effect of seleno-methionine (Se-Met). Human primary articular chondrocytes were cultured and treated as follows: control groups, cells challenged with 7.5 μM and 10 μM CdCl2 alone, and cells pretreated with 10 and 20 μM Se-Met and then challenged with 7.5 μM and 10 μM CdCl2. Twenty-four hours after incubation, cell viability, histological evaluation with hematoxylin-eosin stain, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay were performed. Furthermore, reverse transcription-PCR was carried out to evaluate mRNA levels of BAX, BAK1, CASP-3, and CASP-9. After CdCl2 challenge at both doses, a reduced cell viability and an overexpression of BAX, BAK1, CASP-3, and CASP-9 genes, as well as a high number of TUNEL-positive cells, were demonstrated, all parameters becoming higher as the dose of CdCl2 was increased. The pretreatment with Se-Met lowered the expression of all considered genes, improved cell viability and morphological changes, and reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells. It was concluded that Se-Met plays a protective role against CdCl2-induced structural and functional changes in chondrocytes in vitro, as it improved cell viability and showed a positive role in the context of the apoptotic pathways. It is therefore suggested that a translational, multifaceted approach, with plant-based diets, bioactive functional foods, nutraceuticals, micronutrients, and drugs, is possibly advisable in situations of environmental pollution caused by potentially toxic elements.

Novel nanoemulsion-loaded hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose films as bioactive food packaging materials containing Satureja khuzestanica essential oil

This study was conducted in response to a gap in the production of hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) edible films from Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) and to survey the preservation effect of natural edible films on the vapor phase. For these purpose varying concentrations of SKEO ranging from 1.25 % (EF1) to 7.5 % (EF5) led to producing different edible films for potential food packaging applications and the physicochemical, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties of edible films were evaluated across solid, liquid, and vapor phases. The incorporation of nanoemulsions into the polymer films led to an increase in thickness and opacity, while the addition of SKEO resulted in reduced water solubility without impacting film density. Notably, the antibacterial efficacy of the films was most pronounced against S. aureus, with a zone of inhibition measuring 41 ± 1 mm for EF5 on solid media. Time killing assays further demonstrated that specific formulations (EF3, EF4, and EF5) were capable of eradicating all microorganisms within 60 min. Moreover, SKEO edible films exhibited significant inhibitory effects against E. coli under refrigeration conditions (4 °C). These results highlighted the effect of herbal edible films in enhancing the functionality of bioactive food packaging technologies.

Investigation of lemon peel extract as a natural additive in polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan blend for advanced bioactive food packaging

Investigation of lemon peel extract as a natural additive in polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan blend for advanced bioactive food packaging

An underutilized bean: hyacinth bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet]: bioactive compounds, functional activity, and future food prospect and applications.

Hyacinth bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet], a plant belonging to the leguminous family and traditionally used for medicinal purposes in China, is a valuable resource with a wide range of health benefits. This review examines the bioactive compounds, health-promoting properties and functional food potential of hyacinth bean, highlighting its role in protecting against metabolic diseases and the underlying molecular mechanisms. According to existing research, hyacinth bean contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds, Consumption of hyacinth beans and hyacinth bean-related processed food products, as well as their use in medicines, is associated with a variety of health benefits that are increasingly favoured by the scientific community. In light of these findings, we posit that hyacinth bean holds great promise for further research and food application. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The role of indigenous and traditional foods in achieving food security in Africa: A bibliometric snapshot and farm-to-fork perspective

Abstract Foods that are produced and processed locally using some forms of traditional knowledge are important for achieving food and nutrition security in Africa. These food crops are generally nutritious, being rich in essential nutrients and bioactive food compounds necessary for health promotion. Additionally, most African indigenous food crops are better adapted to local growing conditions, fulfil economic needs and are highly resistant to abiotic and climate-induced stresses. Hence, the proper utilisation of locally grown and wild foods crops will help contribute to the improvement of food security, nutrition value, health, and income generation in the African continent. In this review, we focus not only on the determinants of food insecurity in Africa but also discuss the scope, nutrition, and health impact of some common locally grown foods in Africa. We also highlight some traditional processing methods for harnessing the value of these foods, as well as farming and economic/agribusiness practices that can be used to promote the cultivation of foods in an African context. In conclusion, we reiterate that the production and processing of sustainable, locally available foods is essential to providing long-term food security for Africa. There is, therefore, the need for empowerment of local farmers and increased investments in research as well as the formulation of national/regional policies that intend to reduce food insecurity with emphasis on indigenous sustainable food systems for improved access to locally available, nutritious, and healthy foods in Africa.

“Reservoir-law” synergistic reinforcement of electrostatic spun polylactic acid composites with cellulose nanocrystals and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin for intelligent bioactive food packaging

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were obtained from the extraction and bleaching of jute cellulose as the enhancer, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) as the carrier, the flavonoids-anthocyanidins and cinnamaldehyde as the bioactive agent, and finally a novel kind of polylactic acid (PLA)-based composite membrane was derived by electrostatic spun method. With the increasing concentration, HP-β-CDs cooperated with CNCs to regulate or control the release rate of bioactive compounds, which had a synergistic effect on the performance of the PLA matrix. The mechanical strength of PLA-3.2 composite with tannic acid (TA) surface cross-linking was 29.6 % higher than neat PLA, and could also continuously protect cells from oxidative stress and free radicals. In addition, excellent cell biocompatibility was found, and attributed to the interaction between bioactive compounds and cell membrane. In addition, we also found two excellent properties from our experimental results: obvious intelligent color reaction and good antibacterial ability. Finally, PLA-3.2 composites could be degraded by soil and are conducive to plant root growth. Hence, this work could solve many of the current problems of biodegradability and functionality of biopolymers for potential applications in areas such as intelligent bioactive food packaging.

Egg white hydrolysate modulates the renin-angiotensin system in mesenteric perivascular adipose tissue in doca-salt hypertensive rats and restores its anticontractile ability

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) regulates vascular tonus with an anticontractile effect, which may be dysfunctional in hypertension. An Egg White Hydrolysate (EWH), a bioactive food, restores endothelium dysfunction and reduces blood pressure levels in malignant hypertension. We aimed to evaluate whether dietary supplementation with EWH interferes with the PVAT function in the mesenteric resistance arteries (MRA) of DOCA-salt hypertensive animals and the mechanisms involved. Male rats were divided into 4 groups and treated for 8 weeks. For 4 weeks, DOCA-salt or vehicle-treated rats (SHAM) were induced, and after that, some rats were co-treated with DOCA-salt or vehicle plus EWH (1 g/kg/day) for 4 weeks more. MRA and/or their PVAT (mPVAT) were used for functional, molecular, and biochemical analysis. The anticontractile effect of mPVAT in response to norepinephrine (NE) was observed only in MRA rings with PVAT of the SHAM group, while this effect was abolished in DOCA-salt rings. The EWH treatment did not change the anticontractile effect of mPVAT in SHAM but partially restored it in DOCA-salt rats. Acute aliskiren incubation reduced NE-induced contraction only in MRA with PVAT of DOCA-salt rats. EWH prevented the overactivation of the renin levels and ACE activity in mPVAT of DOCA-salt rats; while did not change AT1R expression, but increased AT2R expression. In mPVAT, EWH blocked the increase of MDA, ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines observed in DOCA-salt rats. EWH improved PVAT dysfunction in MRA of severe hypertension. This beneficial effect could be mediated by an ameliorated redox balance, inflammatory state, and RAS axis.

Alkaline subcritical water extraction of bioactive compounds and antioxidants from beach-cast brown algae (Ascophyllum Nodosum)

Beach-cast brown algae Ascophyllum nodosum (rockweed) is a seasonal phenomenon where rockweed accumulates on beaches, resulting in environmental impacts. However, rockweed is a valuable source of bioactive compounds and nutrients for use in biomaterials, food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. This study explores the utilization of alkaline subcritical water extraction in an accelerated solvent extractor (ASE) for extracting valuable compounds from beach-cast rockweed. The bioactive compounds and nutrients (alginate, fucoidan, phenolics, minerals, and vitamins) were first characterized. The yields of major components (alginate, fucoidan, and phenolics) and antioxidant properties of crude extract were further optimized in the ASE system as a function of extraction conditions (temperature, extraction time, and solid mass). The maximum yields of crude extract (86.52 dry wt%), alginate (38.25 dry wt%), and fucoidan (39.38 dry wt%) were achieved at 160 °C, 18 min, and 0.1 g mass loading. A higher temperature of 200 °C increased phenolic yield and antioxidant activities (ABTS and FRAP assays) but led to alginate/fucoidan degradation. The extraction rates for extract, alginate, and fucoidan were modeled using Fick’s and Peleg’s models. Both models fit the experimental data well, but Fick’s model showed a better overall fit. The effective diffusion coefficients for the extract (7.82 × 10−12 m2/s), fucoidan (7.56 × 10−12 m2/s), and alginate (8.55 × 10−12 m2/s) were determined. Thus, the ASE using alkaline subcritical water can effectively be used to identify and quantify key value-added compounds by modifying process conditions while minimizing extraction time (maximizing rate) from beach-cast rockweed.

Comparative bioactivity assessment of bixin pigment and associated phytochemicals extracted from annatto seeds using conventional and green solvents.

Nutraceuticals, that include food ingredients and bioactives from natural products, confer physiological health benefits and protection against chronic diseases. Annatto is a tropical shrub grown in Central and South America and parts of India. Its seeds are rich in the edible carotenoid-derived apocarotenoid pigment, bixin, which is used as a natural colorant in food, textiles, and cosmetics, and is now gaining attention for its potential health-promoting attributes. Here, we compared a green solvent (ethyl lactate) based extraction of bixin and associated metabolites in annatto seeds (crushed and seed coat) with two other conventional solvents (acetone and acid-base). Bixin was characterized in the extracts using UV-visible- and FTIR-spectroscopy and thin-layer chromatography. The bixin-containing solvent extracts were then profiled for other co-existing metabolites using GC-MS analysis, which were found to be sesquiterpenes, terpenes, terpenoids, phytosterols, and tocotrienols. Their bioactivity was evaluated based on antioxidant and wound-healing efficacies and compared with pure bixin, using NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells in-vitro. Pure bixin, as well as the annatto solvent extracts, showed strong antioxidant and wound healing properties, wherein pure bixin and green solvent extract (ethyl lactate coat) exhibited higher levels of antioxidant activity, achieving 46.00% and 44.60% reduction in MDA levels, respectively, as well as enhanced wound-healing activity, with 54.09% and 53.60% wound closure within 24 h. The green solvent extracts of annatto seeds revealed: (a) differential bioactive profiles in annatto seeds (crushed and seed coat) in comparison with other solvents, and (b) strong antioxidant and wound healing properties. Thus, ethyl lactate extraction shows strong potential for sustainable environmental friendly production of functional foods/nutraceuticals from annatto seeds.

Bioactive Compounds, Health Benefits and Food Applications of Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) and Artichoke By-Products: A Review

Cynara scolymus L. is an herbaceous plant originally from the western Mediterranean area, with Italy, Spain and France the main being producers. Both the edible flowering head and the by-products generated during processing (outer bracts, leaves and stem) are characterized by a high content of essential vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds. In particular, the leaves represent a great source of phenolic acids derived from caffeoylquinic acid or flavonoids such as luteonin and apigenin, while the head and stem contain a high content of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, especially inulin and pectins. Its high content of bioactive compounds provides artichoke a high antioxidant power due to the modulation effect of the transcription factor Nrf2, which may lead to protection against cardiovascular, hepatic and neurological disorders. The potential use of artichoke as a functional ingredient in the food industry may be promising in terms of improving the nutritional value of products, as well as preventing oxidation and extending the shelf-life of processed foods due to its antimicrobial activity. This review aims to provide an overview of the nutritional qualities of Cynara scolymus L. and its by-products, focusing on the possible health effects and potential applications in food products as a higher-value-added alternative ingredient.

Hyaluronic acid-poly(glyceryl)10-stearate nanoemulsion for co-delivery of fish oil and resveratrol: Enhancing bioaccessibility and antioxidant potency

Hyaluronic acid (HA), an endogenous polysaccharide comprising alternating D-glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine units, is renowned for its high hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. These attributes have rendered HA invaluable across medical and drug delivery fields. HA can be altered through physical, chemical, or enzymatic methods to improve the properties of the modified substances. In this work, we synthesized a derivative via the esterification of HA with poly(glyceryl)10-stearate (PG10-C18), designated as HA-PG10-C18. This novel derivative was employed to fabricate a nano co-delivery system (HA-PG10-C18@Res-NE) for fish oil and resveratrol (Res), aiming to enhance their stability and bioaccessibility. An exhaustive investigation of HA-PG10-C18@Res-NE revealed that the HA-modified system displayed superior physicochemical stability, notably in withstanding oxidation and neutralizing free radicals. Moreover, in vitro simulated digestion underscored the system's enhanced bioaccessibility of Res and more efficient release of free fatty acids. These outcomes underscore the strategic advantage of HA in modifying PG10-C18 for nanoemulsion formulation. Consequently, HA-PG10-C18 stands as a promising emulsifier for encapsulating lipophilic bioactives in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals.

A Metabolomic Approach to Investigate the Effect of Phytonutrients on Proteostasis and Metabolic Pathways in Drosophila melanogaster

AbstractThe use of Drosophila melanogaster as a biological platform to study the effect of diet and food bioactives on the metabolome remains a highly unexplored subject. Aiming to establish alternative solutions for the investigation of nutritional interventions with bioactive natural products by employing LC-MS-based metabolomics approaches, we assessed the effect of a phytonutrient-rich extract from the endemic Mediterranean plant Cichorium spinosum (stamnagkàthi) on a Drosophila population. The extractʼs modulating effect on the proteostasis network and metabolism of young D. melanogaster flies was evaluated. Furthermore, an untargeted metabolomics approach, employing a C18 UPLC-ESI-Orbitrap-HRMS/MS platform, permitted the detection of several biomarkers in the metabolic profile of Drosophila’s tissues; while targeted amino acid quantification in Drosophila tissue was simultaneously performed by employing aTRAQ labeling and an ion-pairing UPLC-ESI-SWATH-HRMS/MS platform. The detected metabolites belong to different chemical classes, and statistical analysis with chemometrics tools was utilized to reveal patterns and trends, as well as to uncover potential class-distinguishing features and possible biomarkers. Our findings suggest that Drosophila can serve as a valuable in vivo model for investigating the role of bioactive phytoconstituents, like those found in C. spinosum’s decoction, on diverse metabolic processes. Additionally, the fruit fly represents a highly effective platform to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying sex differences in diverse aspects of nutrition and physiology in higher metazoans.

The potential of Sonneratia caseolaris mangrove leaves extract as a bioactive food ingredient using various water extract

Background Sonneratia caseolaris, known as the red pidada, has been widely utilized by the Indonesian. S. caseolaris leaves contain various active compounds, contributing to their popularity in the treatment of various diseases. Mangrove leaves are also known to exhibit very high antioxidant activity. This study aims to assess the antioxidant activity of S . caseolaris leaves extracted using different solvents. The resulting extract was evaluated for antioxidant activity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH) techniques. Methods Analysis of total flavonoids, total phenols, identification of active compounds with Liquid Chromatography High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS), and bioinformatics were also carried out to obtain temporary conclusions about the antioxidant activity of S. caseolaris leaf extract. Results The results indicated that S. caseolaris leaves extracted with methanol and distilled water exhibited the highest antioxidant activity compared to other extracts. The analysis of total flavonoids and total phenols yielded results consistent with the antioxidant activity tests. LC-HRMS results identified three compounds in all S. caseolaris leaf extracts with antioxidant activity, namely Tempo, Choline, and Betaine. Tempo demonstrated a higher antioxidant activity than Choline and Betaine, as indicated by the binding affinity values in the bioinformatics analysis. Conclusions It is evident that S. caseolaris leaf extract has the potential to serve as an effective an antioxidant agent. Further research is needed to elucidate confirm the potential compounds in Sonneratia caseolaris leaves water extract interact with the target protein Keap1. S. caseolaris, in order to utilize them as active components in food and enhance antioxidant consumption among consumers.

Integration of Horse Manure Vermicompost Doses and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi to Improve Fruit Quality, and Soil Fertility in Tomato Field Facing Drought Stress.

Climate change poses major challenges for agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions, with drought conditions severely affecting water-intensive crops such as tomatoes. This study evaluates the efficacy of organic amendments, derived from horse manure, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on enhancing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit quality and soil health under semi-arid field conditions. The experimental design included two irrigation regimes (well-watered and drought stress) and two levels of vermicompost application (C1 5 t ha-1 and C2 10 t ha-1), applied individually or in combination with AMF. The results indicate that drought stress reduced tomato fruit growth and yield, while osmoprotectant accumulation, antioxidant enzyme activity, and bioactive compound levels increased, and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of tomato fruit also increased. Notably, the biostimulants application, especially (C1+AMF), counteracted the adverse effects of drought, compared to the control, by significantly enhancing fruit yields (60%), as well as increasing ascorbic acid levels (59%) and free amino acids content (90%). These treatments also improved the activity of bioactive compounds and nutrient uptake in the fruit. Furthermore, biostimulant application positively affected the physicochemical properties of soil. The results obtained confirm that the application of biostimulants can be suitable for improving crop sustainability and adaptability under conditions of water stress in semi-arid field regions.

Microbial aromatic amino acid metabolism is modifiable in fermented food matrices to promote bioactivity

Ingestion of fermented foods impacts human immune function, yet the bioactive food components underlying these effects are not understood. Here, we interrogated whether fermented food bioactivity relates to microbial metabolites derived from aromatic amino acids, termed aryl-lactates. Using targeted metabolomics, we established the presence of aryl-lactates in commercially available fermented foods. After pinpointing fermented food-associated lactic acid bacteria that produce high levels of aryl-lactates, we identified fermentation conditions to increase aryl-lactate production in food matrices up to 5 × 103 fold vs. standard fermentation conditions. Using ex vivo reporter assays, we found that food matrix conditions optimized for aryl-lactate production exhibited enhanced agonist activity for the human aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as compared to standard fermentation conditions and commercial products. Reduced microbial-induced AhR activity has emerged as a hallmark of many chronic inflammatory diseases, thus we envision strategies to enhance AhR bioactivity of fermented foods to be leveraged to improve human health.