Commercial Dietary Supplements Research Articles

Quantification of phenolic compounds in dietary supplements and antioxidant activities

Dietary supplements (DS) are products that are recommended for the treatment of various health issues, especially during the global pandemic, and the accuracy of the labeling information of these supplements plays a significant role in human health. In this study, a novel high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method was developed and validated to determine the accuracy of the labeling information of commercial dietary supplements containing phenolic compounds (rutin, quercetin, and resveratrol). The mobile phase, flow rate, and column temperature were optimized. Validation studies were carried out to prove the validity of the developed method. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values ​​of rutin, quercetin, and resveratrol were found in the range of 4.83-6.62 ng/mL and 16.09-22.07 ng/mL, respectively. Recoveries% were calculated in the range of 99.52-100.19% and 99.78-100.34% in the intra-day and inter-day analysis, respectively. The IC50 values of the dietary supplement extracts obtained by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method ranged from 0.08 to 0.76 mg/mL. Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) values of DS1, DS2, DS3, DS4, DS5, measured employing the Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC) method, were found to be 0.09, 0.03, 0.10, 0.10 and 0.40 mmol trolox per gram of extract, respectively. KEY WORDS: Dietary supplement, HPLC-DAD, Phenolic compound, Antioxidant activity Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(4), 853-862. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i4.3

Mulberry and Hippophae‐based solid beverage attenuate hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis via adipose tissue–liver axis

AbstractDyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis are the characteristics of the initial stage of nonalcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can be reversed by lifestyle intervention, including dietary supplementation. However, such commercial dietary supplements with solid scientific evidence and in particular clear mechanistic elucidation are scarce. Here, the health benefits of MHP, a commercial mulberry and Hippophae‐based solid beverage, were evaluated in NAFLD rat model and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated. Histopathologic examination of liver and white adipose tissue found that MHP supplementation reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and adipocyte hypertrophy. Serum biochemical results confirmed that MHP effectively ameliorated dyslipidemia and decreased circulation‐free fatty acid level. RNA‐Seq‐based transcriptomic analysis showed that MHP‐regulated genes are involved in the inhibition of lipolysis of adipose tissue and thus may contribute to the reduction of hepatic ectopic lipid deposition. Furthermore, MHP upregulated ACSL1–CPT1a–CPT2 pathway, a canonical pathway that regulated mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism, and promoted liver and adipose tissue fatty acid β‐oxidation. These results suggest that adipose tissue–liver crosstalk may play a key role in maintaining glucose and lipid metabolic hemostasis. In addition, MHP can also ameliorate chronic inflammation through regulating the secretion of adipokines. Our study demonstrates that MHP is able to improve dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis through crosstalk between adipose tissue and liver and also presents transcriptomic evidence to support the underlying mechanisms of action, providing solid evidence for its health claims.

Microscopy, HPTLC, and LC-DAD-Q-ToF validation of nut-based weight-loss dietary supplements, Aleurites moluccanus (candlenut) and Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut)

Aleurites moluccanus (candlenut) and Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut) are marketed as dietary supplements for weight loss. These dietary supplements have been found to sometimes be adulterated with toxic nuts/seeds from Cascabela thevetia, commonly known as yellow oleander or lucky nut. This study emphasizes the key identification parameters to differentiate the genuine and adulterated nuts. Samples were obtained from authenticated sources of the nuts and from commercial sources of dietary supplements. This study examined 38 samples, including voucher and commercial samples. All eight commercial candlenut dietary supplement samples were adulterated. Additionally, two samples sold as Brazil nuts were also found to be adulterated. Other nuts were screened for the presence of Cardiac Glycosides, but none were found to be positive. The presence of yellow oleander was confirmed in all commercial dietary supplement samples marketed as candlenut as well as in commercial samples of Brazil nut. This study provides simple key identification characters using micro-morphology and histochemical localization of cardiac glycosides in the commercial nuts, HPTLC fingerprints, and LC-DAD-Q-ToF analytical parameters to detect and identify adulteration in commercial products.

Elemental Analysis of Dietary Supplements by Microwave-Induced Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometry (MIP-OES) With Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE)

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of determining metals (Cr, Mn, Zn, Fe, and Cu) in commercial dietary supplements using microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES) after fast ultrasound-assisted extraction. Various parameters affecting the extraction process, such as the nature and concentration of the extractant solution, sonication time, and sample mass, were evaluated. Under the optimal conditions, it was possible to quantitatively extract metals from the samples by sonicating 1.0 g of the supplement dispersed throughout 25 mL of a 1.0 mol L−1 HNO3 for only 5 min. The developed method was applied to determine the analytes in four dietary supplements available in the Brazilian market. The results obtained with the extraction method were compared with the values obtained when the samples were completely mineralized with concentrated HNO3 in a microwave oven. There were no statistical differences between the developed and reference methods when the paired Student’s t-test was applied with a 95% confidence level. The application of ultrasound-assisted extraction was demonstrated to be advantageous compared to total sample digestion. This approach allowed the use of a higher mass of the sample, thereby enhancing the analytical capability of the method. Furthermore, employing less severe conditions, such as lower energy and a diluted acid solution, simplified and reduced the cost of the procedure compared to mineralization.

In Vitro Assessment of Postbiotic and Probiotic Commercial Dietary Supplements Recommended for Counteracting Intestinal Dysbiosis in Dogs.

Many environmental aspects influence the preservation of a beneficial microbiome in dogs, and gut dysbiosis occurs when imbalances in the intestinal ecosystem cause functional changes in the microbial populations. The authors evaluated the effects of two specific commercial dietary supplements: a combination of a postbiotic and prebiotics (Microbiotal cane®) and a probiotic product (NBF 1®) recommended for counteracting intestinal dysbiosis in dogs, on the gut canine microbiota composition and its metabolic activities (production of short-chain fatty acids). The investigation was performed using an in vitro fermentation system inoculated with dog fecal samples. Microbiotal cane® promoted a more immediate increase in Lactobacillus spp. after the first 6 h of fermentation, whereas NBF 1® promoted the increase at the end of the process only. The two supplements supported an increase in the Bifidobacterium spp. counts only after 24 h. The in vitro abilities of Microbiotal cane® and NBF 1® to increase selectively beneficial bacterial groups producing acetic, propionic, and butyric acids suggest a possible positive effect on the canine gut microbiota, even if further in vivo studies are needed to confirm the beneficial effects on the intestinal health.

Vitamin C bioaccessibility of commercially available dietary supplements: Quantity vs efficiency, does it matter?

Knowing the label claims and bioaccessibility of vitamin C supplements is essential for determining daily vitamin C intake. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the bioaccessibility of vitamin C in commercial dietary supplements by an in vitro digestion model. In our study, 17 products were examined, including 2 capsules, 15 tablets (9 of these 15 tablet were effervescent tablets). In most commercial dietary supplements, the measured amounts of vitamin C were very close to or higher than the declared amounts. The average measured vitamin C amount of the products were between 90.3 % and 107.5 % of the declared amount. The in vitro bioaccessibility of vitamin C in dietary supplements was ranged from 4.0 % to 88.0 %. We observed that the bioaccessibility of vitamin C is higher in mono-supplements compared to multi-supplements. Our results showed that the bioaccessibility of dietary supplements was highly variable. Differences in ingredients of dietary supplements may affect the bioaccessibility of vitamin C. Consequently, the ingredients of the vitamin C supplements and the coating technology used are likely to affect supplementation efficiency.

Electrochemical Determination of Flavonoid Fisetin in Commercial Dietary Supplements Using a Boron‐Doped Diamond Electrode

AbstractFor the first time, a boron‐doped diamond electrode was utilized to quantitatively determine flavonoid fisetin (FST). Cyclic voltammetric studies have shown that the electrochemical oxidation of FST is irreversible and well‐separated two peaks (PA1 and PA2) in 0.1 M HNO3 solution. The effects of electrode pretreatment, solution pH, nature of the supporting electrolyte, and instrumental variables on the peak current and potentials of the FST were investigated by square‐wave voltammetry (SWV) and then optimum ones were determined. It was observed that the cathodically pre‐treated BDD (CPT‐BDD) electrode‘s performance was better than the other pre‐treatment procedures for increasing the FST oxidation signal. Under optimized conditions and using the SWV technique, the response of the first anodic peak (PA1) of the FST was proportional in a concentration range of 0.5–20.0 μg mL−1 (1.7×10−6–6.9×10−5 mol L−1) with a detection limit of 0.08 μg mL−1 (2.8×10−7 mol L−1). Also, it was successfully demonstrated that the proposed method is applicable in commercial nutritional supplement formulations.

Dietary Supplementation with Boswellia serrata, Verbascum thapsus, and Curcuma longa in Show Jumping Horses: Effects on Serum Proteome, Antioxidant Status, and Anti-Inflammatory Gene Expression.

Intense exercise can cause inflammation and oxidative stress due to the production of reactive oxygen species. These pathophysiological processes are interdependent, and each one can induce the other, creating a vicious circle. A placebo-controlled blind study was carried out in show jumping horses (n. 16) to evaluate the effects of a commercial dietary supplement (Dolhorse® N.B.F. Lanes srl, Milan, Italy) containing Verbascum thapsus leaf powder (1.42%), Curcuma longa (14.280 mg/kg), and Boswellia serrata (Roxb ex Colebr) (14.280 mg/kg) extracts. Before and after 10 days of dietary supplementation, blood samples were collected to evaluate the protein levels, antioxidants, and inflammatory responses by proteomic analysis or real-time Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (real-time RT-PCR). A total of 36 protein spots, connected to 29 proteins, were modulated by dietary supplementation, whereas real-time RT-PCR revealed a significant downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1α (p < 0.05) and interleukin-6 (0.005), toll-like receptor 4 (p < 0.05), and IKBKB (p < 0.05) in supplemented sport horses. Immunoglobulin chains, gelsolin, plasminogen, vitamin D binding protein, apolipoprotein AIV, and filamin B were overexpressed, whereas haptoglobin, α-2-HS-glycoprotein, α2-macroglobulin, afamin, amine oxidase, 60S acidic ribosomal protein, and complement fragments 3, 4, and 7 were reduced. No effect was observed on the antioxidant defense systems. The present results suggest this phytotherapy may reinforce the innate immune responses, thus representing a valid adjuvant to alleviate inflammation, which is a pathophysiological process in sport horses.

Pharmaceutical Ingredients Detected in Dietary Supplements Purchased by Chiba Prefecture (Fiscal Years 2014-2021)

In the pharmaceutical ingredients contamination testing of 702 commercial dietary supplement products, during fiscal years 2014-2021, 14 pharmaceutical ingredients, barrenwort, leaf axils of senna, and small leaf of senna were detected in 28 products. Screening and confirmation of the pharmaceutical ingredients in the products were performed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-kingdon trap mass spectrometry, respectively. In particular, leaf axils and small leaf of senna were identified by stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, we found several pharmaceutical ingredients that exceeded the daily medicated dosage; therefore, it is important to prevent the distribution of such products to prevent the occurrence of health hazard. For that reason, it is necessary to continue the sample purchasing and testing systems to monitor the distribution of products containing pharmaceutical ingredients.

Thirty-Two Weeks of Oral Supplementation with LinPro™ Increases Hoof Growth in Healthy Mares

LinPro™ (LP) is a commercial dietary supplement marketed to increase hoof growth and quality. Ten mature (5-15 years) non-pregnant Quarter Horse mares without existing hoof quality issues were used to test the hypothesis that 32 weeks of daily supplementation with 113 g of LP would increase hoof growth rates as compared to non-supplemented controls. Hooves were trimmed at the start of the study and every 8 weeks thereafter. A mark was applied on the hoof wall surface at 2.5 cm below the junction of the hoof wall and coronary band. At each trimming, the distance between the mark and coronary band was measured and a new mark placed. For front hooves, horses assigned to LP had greater total hoof growth over 32 weeks (2.65 ± 0.15 vs. 2.18 ± 0.12 cm; P=.048) and tended to have greater hoof growth per 8 weeks trimming cycle (0.64 ± 0.03 vs. 0.55 ± 0.03 cm; P=.085) than horses assigned to non-supplemented controls (CON). Horses assigned to LP had greater plasma biotin concentrations (2158 ± 69 vs. 636 ± 62 ng/L; P < .001) and proportions of erucic acid in hoof tissue (1.03 ± 0.08 vs. 0.76 ± 0.07 %; P=.049) as compared to CON. Further, the most abundant fatty acids in hoof tissue were stearic, palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids. LinPro may provide an effective treatment to improve hoof growth rates in horses with otherwise healthy hooves.

A HPLC-ESI-Q-ToF-MS Method for the Analysis of Monomer Constituents in PHGG, Gum Arabic And Psyllium Husk Prebiotic Dietary Fibre Supplements

ABSTRACT “Soluble” type dietary fibre contains polysaccharides with monomer constituents that play a major role in lowering the glycemic index of food (“low-GI”) and improving colonic health through gut microbiome fermentation. Soluble fibres such as partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG), gum Arabic and psyllium husk are of particular interest in gastrointestinal research, exploring their effects in motility disorders such as gastroparesis, constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is important. The primary aim of this research was to develop a rapid pre-column derivatized HPLC-ESI-Q-ToF-MS method for the identification and quantification of monomer sugar constituents in commercial dietary fibre supplements of PHGG, gum Arabic and psyllium husk. Polysaccharides in the samples were hydrolysed and derivatized using 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP). A rapid 21 min HPLC-ESI-Q-ToF-MS method separated nine different PMP-labelled monomer sugars. Five different sugars (i.e., Galactose, Arabinose, Rhamnose, Mannose and Xylose) were identified and quantified. Standard curve linearity was excellent (R2 > 0.999), with good intra-laboratory precision (< ±5% SD for concentrations, ≤ ±0.02 min peak shifting for retention times). The average three-level (50%, 75% and 100%) spiking recoveries for the analytes was acceptable (96.22–109.49%). Positive scanning mode ESI-MS/MS was used to generate [M + H]+ precursor ions and three (m/z) product ion fragments to provide identity confirmation. The concentrations of monomer sugars in gum Arabic and psyllium husk dietary fibres were consistent with literature reports. In PHGG, the concentration of galactose was unexpectedly higher than mannose, indicating that the commercial hydrolysis process of guar gum during PHGG manufacturing affected monomer composition. The method presented here provides the basis for the standardisation and labelling of commercial PHGG, gum Arabic and psyllium husk supplements. Future research will need to explore the monomer variability in other prebiotic soluble fibres and their efficacy in the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the colonic environment.

A feasible and efficient voltammetric sensor based on electropolymerized L-arginine for the detection of L-tryptophan in dietary supplements

In this study, we present an effective voltammetric sensor as a cost-effective and feasible tool to detect tryptophan (TRYP) – an essential amino acid that plays several key roles in different physiological processes – in commercial dietary supplements. The sensor consisted of a glassy carbon electrode modified with poly(L-arginine) (GCE/p-ARG), which was electrochemically synthesized from L-arginine monomers by using cyclic voltammetry. The presence of p-ARG contributed to significantly decrease the charge transfer resistance and favor the occurrence of electron transfer processes at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Such improved electrochemical properties were able to improve the electrode’s sensitivity toward TRYP, whose detection was greatly enhanced as a consequence of multiple intermolecular interactions established between the amino acid and p-ARG moieties. By using chemometrics, we thoroughly evaluated the influence of each variable involved in the electropolymerization process – monomer concentration, number of voltammetric scans and scan rate – on the sensitivity of the modified electrodes toward TRYP. Under optimized conditions, TRYP was detected in the range from 1.0 to 7.0 μmol L-1 by using square wave voltammetry (SWV). Limits of detection and quantification were found to be equal to 0.30 and 0.91 μmol L-1, respectively, which enabled the effective application of the proposed sensor to detect TRYP in commercial dietary supplements with good precision and accuracy. This study consistently shows that the GCE/p-ARG is a promising candidate to provide inexpensive, fast, and reliable determinations of TRYP in commercial products.

Electrochemical paper-based analytical devices containing magnetite nanoparticles for the determination of vitamins B2 and B6

Disposable electrochemical paper-based analytical devices were developed from a conductive ink using graphite powder, automotive varnish and magnetite nanoparticles. The addition of magnetite nanoparticles in the conductive ink improved the sensitivity of the analytical devices. The devices were applied in the quantification of vitamins B2 (VB2) and B6 (VB6) in commercial dietary supplements. The characterization of the analytical devices was carried out by microscopy and electrochemical techniques. Square wave voltammetry (SWV) was used to study the electrochemical behavior of the vitamins and the experimental parameters were optimized (pH, supporting electrolyte and SWV parameters). The calibration plot for VB2 (−484 mV vs. graphite) was obtained in Britton-Robinson buffer (pH 2.0) in the range of 2.0 to 20.0 μmol L−1 with a detection limit of 0.25 µmol L−1. Similarly, for the VB6 (+675 mV vs. graphite), the calibration plot was obtained in McIlvaine buffer (pH 4.0) in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 mmol L−1 with a detection limit of 29.5 µmol L−1. The analytical devices were employed to determine VB2 and VB6 levels in B-complex supplements (capsules and sublingual liquid) and the results were compared with those provided by fluorescence spectrometry. The statistical analysis showed no considerable difference in terms of the precision and accuracy of the data obtained by both methods.

The occurrence of fungi on the commercial dietary supplements based on the milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) available on Polish market

Summary Introduction: Milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) is an important medicinal plant, its achenes contain a silymarin, which has a regenerating and stabilizing effect on liver cells. The milk thistle based dietary supplements are among the best-selling plant pharmaceuticals in the US and the UE. Objective: The goal of the experiment was to determine which – if any – fungi contaminated either the whole or ground milk thistle achenes, available on the Polish market. Methods: The mycological analyses were performed on 200 achenes, using deep-freeze blotter method. Ground material was assessed using agar test method. For each sample, 10 Petri dishes were used. The material was applied in five places per one Petri dish, with a micro scoop laboratory spatula. Then, Petri dishes with achenes and ground material were incubated at 20°C under alternating cycles of 12 h NUV light and 12 h darkness. The identification of fungi was performed using stereo microscope and compound microscope, if necessary. Results: The milk thistle achenes were infested with following fungi: Alternaria alternata, Alternaria sp., Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus spp., Bipolaris sp., Cladosporium spp., Epicoccum nigrum, Fusarium spp., Melanospora simplex, Mucor spp., Penicillium spp., Phoma sp., Rhizopus stolonifer, Sarocladium strictum, Stemphylium botryosum, Trichothecium roseum, Ulocladium consortiale and Verticillium sp. Among them A. alternata predominated. Whereas, milled milk thistle achenes were occupied by Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Aspergillus spp., Fusarium sp., Mortierella spp., Mucor spp., Penicillium spp. and R. stolonifer. Conclusion: Considering the significant fungal contamination of milk thistle achenes-based dietary supplements, it seems reasonable to introduce a system of achene control due to possible microbiological contamination.

Development and validation of a HILIC-HPLC-ELSD method for simultaneous determination of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate in dietary supplements

The objective of the present study is to develop and validate a simple, selective and accurate hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography - a high performance liquid chromatography incorporating an evaporative light scattering detector (HILIC-HPLC-ELSD) method for simultaneously determining glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate in dietary supplements. The chromatographic separation was carried out on a ZIC-HILIC column (150 mm x 4.6 mm x 5µm) in isocratic system mode with a mobile phase of acetonitrile, 30 mM ammonium formate and water (77:20:3, v/v/v) at pH 4.5, a column temperature of 35°C, a flow rate of 1 mL.min-1, and an injection volume of 5 µL. An evaporative light scattering (ELS) detector was used. Effective separation was achieved by means of analyte resolution of more than 1.5 with an analysis run time of approximately 20 minutes. The linearity of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate ranged from 0.4 to 2.5 mg.mL-1. The limits of the detection and quantification of glucosamine hydrochloride were 20 and 80 mg.mL-1 respectively, while for chondroitin sulfate they were 80 and 400 mg.mL-1. All validation parameters satisfied the acceptance criteria in accordance with International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines. The method was successfully applied to the assay of commercial dietary supplement samples.

Simultaneous determination of phytoestrogens in dietary supplements by high-performance liquid chromatography

The bio-active phytoestrogen compounds (puerarin, daidzin, glycitin, genistin, miroestrol, daidzein, glycitein, genistein) in dietary supplements were extracted by ultrasonic method with methanol solvent in 40oC. The analysis procedure was carried out on HPLC Alliance e2695 (Waters) system, with RP-C18 Reliant (25 mm &amp;times; 4.6 mm; 5&amp;micro;m) column, at 30oC. Phytoestrogens were separated by using gradient elution with a mobile phase consisting 0.1% (v/v) phosphoric aqueous solution and methanol in 45 minutes. The method was validated by determining its specificity, linear range, limit of detection, limit of quantification, repeatability and accuracy. This method was applied succesfully to determine content of Phytoestrogens in commercial dietary supplement products.

Analytical strategies to determine the labelling accuracy and economically-motivated adulteration of “natural” dietary supplements in the marketplace: Turmeric case study

Turmeric has faced authenticity issues as instances of economic-adulterations to reduce the cost. We used carbon-14 and HPLC analyses as complementary methods to verify “all-natural” label claims of commercial dietary supplements containing turmeric ingredients. A high percentage of curcumin-to-curcuminoids value was used as an indicator to imply the presence of synthetic curcumin. However, using the HPLC method alone did not provide direct evidence of curcuminoids’ natural origin, whereas using only the carbon-14 method cannot test for potency label claims and determine which constituent(s) contain 14C radiocarbon. By analyzing results from both methods, a significant correlation between the percentage of curcumin-to-curcuminoids and % biobased carbon (Pearson’s r = −0.875, p < 0.001) indicated that synthetic curcumin was greatly attributed to determined synthetic ingredients. Only four out of the 14 samples analyzed supported authentic label claims. This orthogonal testing strategy showed its potential for the quality control of turmeric products.

Synephrine and caffeine combination promotes cytotoxicity, DNA damage and transcriptional modulation of apoptosis-related genes in human HepG2 cells

The abusive consumption of thermogenic supplements occurs worldwide and deserves special attention due to their use to stimulate weight loss and prevent obesity. Thermogenic formulations usually contain Synephrine (SN) and Caffeine (CAF), stimulating compounds extracted from natural sources, but no genetic toxicology studies have predicted this hazardous combination potential. This study examined the toxicogenomic responses induced by SN and CAF, either alone or in combination, in the human hepatic cell line HepG2 in vitro. SN (0.03–30 μM) and CAF (0.6–600 μM) alone did neither decrease cell viability nor induce DNA damage, as assessed using the MTT and comet assays, respectively. SN (3 μM) and CAF (30–600 μM) were combined at concentrations similar to those found in commercial dietary supplements. SN/CAF at 3:90 and 3:600 μM ratios significantly decreased cell viability and increased DNA damage levels in HepG2 cells. CAF (600 μM) and the SN/CAF association at 3:60, 3:90, and 3:600 μM ratios promoted cell death by apoptosis, as demonstrated by flow cytometry. Similar results were observed in gene expression (RT-qPCR): SN/CAF up-regulated the expression of apoptosis- (BCL-2 and CASP9) and DNA repair-related (XPC) genes. SN/CAF at 3:90 μM also downregulated the expression of cell cycle control (CDKN1A) genes. In conclusion, the SN/CAF combination reduces cell viability by inducing apoptosis, damages DNA, and modulates the transcriptional expression of apoptosis-, cell cycle-, and DNA repair-related genes in human hepatic (HepG2) cells in vitro. These effects can be worrisome to consumers of thermogenic supplements.

Potential Health Benefits Associated with Lunasin Concentration in Dietary Supplements and Lunasin-Enriched Soy Extract.

Lunasin has demonstrated antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive properties. The objectives were to evaluate the concentration of lunasin in different lunasin-based commercial dietary supplements, to produce a lunasin-enriched soy extract (LESE) using a two-step pilot-plant-based ultrafiltration process, and to evaluate their biological potential in vitro. LESE was produced using 30 and 1 kDa membranes in a custom-made ultrafiltration skid. Lunasin was quantified in eight products and LESE. Lunasin concentrations of the lunasin-based products ranged from 9.2 ± 0.6 to 25.7 ± 1.1 mg lunasin/g protein. The LESE extract contained 58.2 mg lunasin/g protein, up to 6.3-fold higher lunasin enrichment than lunasin-based dietary supplements. Antioxidant capacity ranged from 121.5 mmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/g in Now® Kids to 354.4 mmol TE/g in LESE. Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibition ranged from 5.3% on Soy Sentials® to 38.3% on synthetic lunasin. ORAC and lunasin concentrations were positively correlated, and HAT and lunasin concentrations were negatively correlated (p < 0.05). Melanoma B16-F10 and A375 cells treated with lunasin showed dose-dependent inhibitory potential (IC50 equivalent to 330 and 370 μM lunasin, respectively). Lunasin showed protein kinase B expression (57 ± 14%) compared to the control (100%) in B16-F10. Lunasin concentration found in commercial products and lunasin-enriched soy extract could exert benefits to consumers.

Antiangiogenic and Antioxidant In Vitro Properties of Hydroethanolic Extract from açaí (Euterpe oleracea) Dietary Powder Supplement.

The Euterpe oleracea fruit (açaí) is a promising source of polyphenols with health-promoting properties. To our knowledge, few studies have focused on the influence of açaí phytochemicals on angiogenesis, with a significant impact on cancer. This study aimed at investigating the phytochemical profile of a purple açaí hydroethanolic extract (AHE) obtained from a commercial dietary powder supplement by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and evaluate its in vitro effects on distinct angiogenic steps during vessel growth and on oxidative markers in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). The phenolic profile of AHE revealed the presence of significant levels of anthocyanins, mainly cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, and other flavonoids with promising health effects. The in vitro studies demonstrated that AHE exerts antiangiogenic activity with no cytotoxic effect. The AHE was able to decrease HMEC-1 migration and invasion potential, as well as to inhibit the formation of capillary-like structures. Additionally, AHE increased antioxidant defenses by upregulating superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymatic activities, accompanied by a reduction in the production of reactive oxygen species. These data bring new insights into the potential application of angiogenic inhibitors present in AHE on the development of novel therapeutic approaches for angiogenesis-dependent diseases.