Nutraceutical Components Research Articles

Opportunities of spontaneous edible plants collected in southern Italy (Campania Region) as functional food

In most countries the historical-cultural heritage also refers to the foods traditionally consumed. Southern Italy maintains a strong tradition of dishes based on wild plants, considered an important dietary foundation. Despite this, the nutritional properties and nutraceutical value of some of these plants are little known and, therefore, need to be investigated. Sixteen spontaneous species, traditionally used as food plants, were collected from their natural habitat in four different areas of Campania Region, and their phenolic content and nutritional value were determined according to European model of food labelling. The species analysed resulted quite homogeneous regarding the nutritional value, as demonstrated by cluster analyses. Energy values were always low. Minerals content (especially calcium and potassium) and phenols differed among the species, the sodium-potassium ratio was almost always <0.49, and phenolic content was very high for Rubus ulmifolius. Many of the wild edible plants under study may be considered a good source to dietary intakes of minerals. The species examined showed contents of nutrition values and total phenols useful for preparing mixed soups or salads in order to gain a balanced nourishment. The wild species under study can become a source of new quality horticultural products due to their nutritional and nutraceutical components.

Identification and characterization of alcohol-soluble components from wheat germ-apple fermented by Lactobacillus sp. capable of preventing ulcerative colitis of dextran sodium sulfate-induced mice

Abstract Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease for which there is currently no efficient therapeutic drug. Therefore, the development of approaches for the prevention of UC is urgently needed. C57BL/6 mice were pre-fed with the alcohol-soluble components of fresh wheat germ-apple fermentation (AC-WGAF) by mixed culture of four types of Lactobacillus sp. for one week prior to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induction. A significant blunting of weight loss and the main symptoms was observed in AC-WGAF pre-feed DSS-induced mice compared to vehicle-treated mice, with a remarkable amelioration of the disruption of the colonic barrier and a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, colonic myeloperoxidase activity, and inflammatory mediators, but a significant increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines. AC-WGAF inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) phosphorylation, thereby inhibiting tight junction protein loss, demonstrating the potential use of AC-WGAF as a nutraceutical food component for the prevention of UC disease.

The Assay of Quercetin Solid Dispersion as a Potential Nephronprotector in Acute Renal Failure Induced Mice

Quercetin has been used with other nutraceutical components to improve renal function. Its potential to be developed as an active pharmaceutical ingredient, however, is limited by poor aqueous solubility and low rate of dissolution leading to low bioavailability in rats (< 17%) and in human (1%). Solid dispersion of quercetin with PVP K30 has increased its solubility 13.24 times and the amount dissolved (95.12 ± 1.83%) in comparison to pure quercetin. This study aimed to determine the nephron-protection effect of the solid dispersion on Acute Renal Failure (ARF) mice. The animals were divided into 6 groups, normal mice as a negative control group (G1), ARF induced mice as a positive control group (G2), ARF induced mice given pure quercetin 50 mg/kg BW (G3), ARF induced mice given solid dispersion containing 10 mg/ kg BW (G4), 5 mg/kg BW (G5) and 2.5 mg/kg BW (G6) quercetin respectively. The ARF was induced by injection of gentamycin sulphate 100 mg/kg BW for 7 days consecutively. Renal function was monitored by measuring the serum creatinine at day 8th. The protection effect was also observed from the histopathology score of the nephrons. Results showed that ARF induction increased serum creatinine above normal. Solid dispersion doses variations significantly influence the serum creatinine (p < 0.05). The stage of renal impairment based on histopathology score was significantly influenced by the doses of quercetin in solid dispersion (p < 0.05). It was concluded that solid dispersion containing quercetin at doses 2.5 and 5.0 mg/ kg BW respectively did not effective as a nephron-protector. The solid dispersion containing quercetin 10.0 mg/kg BW was effective to reduce the serum creatinine and showed a nephronprotection effect on the ARF induced mice.

Nutritional profile and nutraceutical components of olive (Olea europaea L.) seeds.

Olive seeds, a potential food by-product from both table olive and olive oil industries, were examined for their overall proximate composition, oil, protein, mineral and phenolic components. Proximate analysis indicates that olive seeds are an unusually rich source of total dietary fibre (≅ 47% dry weight basis, DWB), as well as lipids (≅ 30%) and proteins (≅ 17%). Oil composition shows high levels of oleic (≅ 62% of total fatty acids) and linoleic (≅ 24%) acids, moderate concentrations of tocopherols (≅ 460mg/kg) and squalene (≅ 194mg/kg), and relatively high amounts of several sterols and non-steroidal triterpenoids. Olive seed proteins are a rich source of essential amino acids (about 46% of the total AA content). Olive seeds also contain significant amounts of some essential macro-elements (K, Ca, Mg, Na, P) and micro-elements (Zn, Mn, Cu). Phenolic compounds are present at relatively high quantities (≅ 2.8mg/g seed, DWB); the most abundant belong to the group of secoiridoid compounds (elenolic acid derivatives) including oleuropein and structurally related substances (demethyloleuropein and ligstroside), and nüzhenide derivatives. Based on the general nutritional profile and nutraceutical components, olive seeds have value-added potential as a source of edible oil, proteins or meal serving as feed supplements.

Effects of long-term soaking on nutraceutical and taste characteristic components in Thai soybeans

Changes in nutraceutical and palatable components of Thai soybean (Chiang-Mai 60, CM60) and black soybean (Sukhothai 3, SK3) were investigated during long-term soaking at 35 °C for 48 h. Isoflavone, saponin, free sugar, free amino acid including γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and folate, and also antioxidant capacity (H-ORAC) were evaluated. Isoflavone composition in CM60, malonylglycoside and glucoside were degraded to their aglycone forms while components in SK3 did not change greatly during long-term soaking. Total amount of soybean saponins including DDMP-saponins and group B saponins (group B) did not change significantly but the ratio of DDMP-saponins and group B changed; DDMP-saponins decreased while group B increased with soaking longer than 24 h. The soaking process decreased the contents of free sugars; sucrose, stachyose, and raffinose. Total amount of free amino acids in CM60 showed a decreasing tendency especially for amino acid groups showing undesirable bitter taste characteristics after 48 h soaking. GABA increased after 12 h soaking in both samples. Folate content increased up to 12 h soaking but then reduced to the original amount or lower with long-term soaking. Antioxidative activities of SK3 decreased after 24 h soaking. Results showed that long-term soaking affected the amounts of isoflavones, group B saponins, GABA, stachyose, raffinose and folate.

Spanish olive leaf extract‐loaded nanostructured lipid carriers: Production and physicochemical characterization by Zetasizer, FT‐IR, DTA/TGA, FE‐SEM and XRD

In this research, using ethanol/methanol/acetone-water solvents and semipreparative high-performance liquid chromatography, the phenolic compounds of the pure olive leaf were extracted. Then, the compounds were encapsulated using a proper lipid mixture and surfactant. For production of nanocarriers, a hot high-shear homogenization method accompanied with ultrasonication techniques was applied. Next, the optimum nanocarrier was investigated in terms of zeta potential, morphology, thermal behavior, chemical interactions, and crystallinity structure. Results of dynamic light scattering showed that the optimum carrier had lower values of particle size and polydispersity index than the other carriers. Structural and thermal analyses exhibited that the crystalline state of the prepared oleuropein-loaded nanocarrier was not highly ordered compared with the oleuropein-free nanocarrier. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that oleuropein was successfully accommodated inside wall materials. The sensory analysis of mayonnaise sauce samples represented no significant difference between the mayonnaise sauce containing optimum nanocarriers and the control. Practical applications One of the aims of the application of nanocarriers in the food industry is to improve bioavailability, cover the undesirable odor, flavor, color, and improve solubility of some materials. Results of this work depicted that adding nanocarriers containing olive leaf extract powder as the source rich of oleuropein to the food, such as sauce, could improve the undesirable appearance, color, odor, and flavor of the extract powder (polyphenols such as oleuropein) and also enjoy high durability of antioxidant properties of the polyphenols existing in the nanocarrier. A practical opinion/idea is that encapsulation of olive leaf extract powder as nutraceutical component can be applied to nutritive and pharmaceutical industries as well as production of high-quality products with whiteness, uniformity/homogeneity, appropriate flowability, and flavor properties. In other words, the results of the present study can be used to formulate appropriate NLC to deliver oleuropein and other nutraceuticals into foods and pharmaceutical products.

Trends of polyphenolics and anthocyanins accumulation along ripening stages of wild edible fruits of Indian Himalayan region

Wild fruits are important food resources that provide health promoting nutraceutical components, which vary with ripening stages. In present study, five wild edible fruits of Indian Himalayan Region i.e., Myrica esculenta, Berberis asiatica, Rubus ellipticus, Pyracantha crenulata and Morus alba were examined for their nutraceutical potential at different ripening stages. The results of present study showed that polyphenolic concentration decreased whereas anthocyanin level increased with fruit ripening, however few species and compounds showed different trends. Among the tested fruit species, unripe fruits of B. asiatica followed by M. esculenta were found to be the best for harvesting polyphenolics (especially catechin), while ripen fruits of M. esculenta followed by B. asiatica were found the best for anthocyanin (cyanin and delphinidin) extraction. The results from this study can be effectively used by the harvesters, consumers, traders and food and nutraceutical industries to harness maximum nutraceutical potential depending on the preferred compounds and ripening stages of these species.

Characterization in vitro potency of biological active fractions of seeds, skins and flesh from selected Vitis vinifera L. cultivars and interspecific hybrids

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze phenolic compounds and in vitro biological activity of seeds, skins and flesh of V. vinifera cultivars and interspecific hybrids grown in Poland. Their phenolic profile was analyzed using LC-PDA-MS-QTOF and UPLC-PDA-FL and 48 compounds were identified, including nine phenolic acids, one stilbene, 12 anthocyanins, 10 flavonols and 16 flavan-3-ols. Seeds and red skins showed the highest antioxidant activity as measured with ABTS, FRAP and ORAC assays and on-line profiling by HPLC-PDA coupled with post-column derivatization with ABTS. Regarding anticholinergic activity, seeds and skins demonstrated higher AChE than BuChE activity, contrary to the flesh, where the ratio was reversed. In all seeds and most skins and flesh samples, inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase was higher than that against α-amylase. In conclusion, the investigated grape elements may be attractive components of functional foods and nutraceuticals, and seeds – being by-products of the wine industry – can be utilized.

Optimization of soya lecithin and Tween 80 based novel vitamin D nanoemulsions prepared by ultrasonication using response surface methodology

Vitamin D nanoemulsions were fabricated using ultrasonic homogenization approach. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the preparation conditions for mixed surfactants (Soya lecithin and Tween 80; 2:3) based nanoemulsions. The effects of homogenization time (3.5–6.5 min), surfactant to oil ratio (0.43–0.78) and disperse phase volume (7–9%) on response variables were studied. Response Surface Methodology analysis results depicted that the polynomial model (second-order) can be used to predict response values. The coefficients of determinations were more than 0.90 for each response. The optimum emulsifying conditions for vitamin D nanoemulsions were 4.35 min homogenization time, 0.62 surfactant to oil ratio (S/O) and 7% disperse phase volume (DPV). Whereas, the experimental values for droplet size, droplet growth ratio (DGR) and vitamin D retention were 112.36 ± 3.6 nm, 0.141 ± 0.07 and 76.65 ± 1.7% respectively. This research will be useful for the food and pharmaceutical industry to develop soya lecithin and Tween 80 based vitamin D delivery system for food additives and nutraceutical components.

Influence of unit operations on immunoglobulins and thermal stability of colostrum fractions

Colostrum-based ingredients are gaining significance in the global nutraceutical market as dietary supplements, but compositional variation, bioactive heat sensitivity and lack of appropriate preservation technologies hamper commercial colostrum processing. The effect of commonly employed unit operations on the physicochemical and nutraceutical components of skim colostrum was determined, and effects of membrane processing on its thermal gelation temperature, key to further liquid processing, were monitored. Homogenisation and high-shear mixing did not alter immunoglobulin content. However, commercial thermal pasteurisation (72 °C, 15 s) and batch pasteurisation (63 °C, 30 min) led to 56.4% and 24.6% denaturation of IgG, respectively. Microfiltration eliminated microbial load of diluted skim colostrum to render it practically sterile, while ultrafiltration concentrated the proteins of colostrum fractions. Concentration of protein, particularly immunoglobulins, resulted in lowering of thermal gelation temperature. Skim colostrum and colostrum whey can, therefore, be preserved by employing microfiltration and concentrated with simultaneous purification by ultrafiltration.

Characterization of nutraceutical components in tomato pulp, skin and locular gel

Nutraceutical properties of tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L.) were investigated, focusing on selected secondary metabolites: glycoalkaloids and polyphenols (hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids). Three tomato varieties were studied: Red Round-Smooth, Cherry, and Camone (as whole fruits), and subsequently, portions of Camone fruits (skin, pulp and locular gel) were characterized. Particular attention was devoted to the locular gel portion, a by-product material from the tomato processing industry. Quantification of α-tomatine and dehydrotomatine was carried out by reverse phase liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI-MS/MS). The contents of α-tomatine and dehydrotomatine in the Camone locular gel were 38.73 ± 3.32 and 4.90 ± 0.01 mg/kg dw, respectively, resulting about ten times higher than in the skin; just traces were revealed in the pulp. Samples were also assayed for antioxidant activity (TEAC, Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity) via ABTS and DPPH radical quenching, and selected targeted polyphenols were also quantified via HPLC–ESI-MS/MS. Chlorogenic and caffeic acids were the main hydroxycinnamic acids in all the varieties, while rutin was the most abundant flavonoid.

Photo and thermal stress of linseed oil and stabilization strategies.

The thermal and light stability of linseed oil has been studied by monitoring the concentrations of fatty acids and lignans, as main nutraceutical components. Linseed oil was subjected to stressing light and temperature conditions, in accordance with the ICH international rules, and monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy and HPLC-DAD. The change of UV spectra along the photodegradation tests, setting the irradiation power at 350W/m2, confirmed a significant overall sensitivity of linseed oil to light. At the same time, the HPLC determination of the major fatty acids showed a marked variation in their concentration up to a residual concentration of 62.3 and 67.2% for α-linolenic and linoleic acid, respectively, after 18h. In contrast, thermal tests at 60°C showed some stability, with a concentration of residual fatty acids in the range 82-95% after 48h. The examined lignans showed significant stability when exposed to both light and heat. Several photoprotection approaches have been also studied to increase the photostability of linseed oil. A significant increase in the stability of fatty acids has been observed using amber glass containers or ascorbic acid or by combining the two protection factors.

Different age-independent effects of nutraceutical combinations on endothelium-mediated coronary flow reserve

BackgroundSome components of Nutraceuticals (NUT) such as red yeast rice and Morus alba have demonstrated positive effects on the endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Our aim was to compare the effects of two different NUT combinations on cold pressure test (CPT) derived coronary flow reserve (CFR) assessed by transthoracic echo-Doppler.ResultsIn a randomized, single-blind study, 28 consecutive patients with a variety of cardiovascular risk factors received NUT A (LopiGLIK®: berberine, red yeast rice powder, and leaf extract of Morus alba) or B (Armolipid Plus®: policosanol, red yeast rice, berberine, astaxantine, folic acidandcoenzyme Q10). An echo-Doppler exam with evaluation of CFR was performed at baseline, 2 h (acute test) and 30 days after daily NUT assumption. Blood sampling for metabolic profile and platelet aggregometry was performed at baseline and after 30 days of daily NUT assumption. CFR was not significantly modified at the acute test. After 30 days, CFR improved with NUT A (p < 0.0001), because of the increase of hyperemic flow velocity (p = 0.007), but not with NUT B. CFR was comparable between the two groups at baseline but became significantly higher after 30 days in NUT A (p < 0.02), with a higher CFR percent variation versus baseline (p = 0.008). Total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were reduced with both NUT A (p < 0.001 and p < 0.002, respectively) and B (both p < 0.02), whereas platelet aggregation did not significantly change. In the pooled group of patients, after adjusting for age and percent changes of systolic blood pressure, heart rate, LDL-cholesterol and glycemia, NUT A – but not NUT B - was independently associated with CFR changes (β = 0.599, p = 0.003).ConclusionsLopiGLIK® improved endothelial-derived CFR, independently of the beneficial effects exerted on the lipid profile. These findings can have clinical reflections on the prevention of age-related inflammatory diseases including coronary artery disease.Trial registration(NUTRENDO)″(ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02969070).

Effect of concentration and temperature on the formation of wheat hydrogel and xerogel pattern

The colloidal nature of wheat flour could be utilized in engineering the physical structure of food systems. Gelatinization behavior of starch in wheat flour was studied to develop a wheat hydrogel and the impact of hydrogel characteristics in drying was observed in xerogel surface structure. Effect of variation in wheat flour concentration was analyzed by least gelation concentration and pasting parameters. It showed 10% (w/v) of gelatinized wheat flour suspension can be able to form a three-dimensional polymer network during retrogradation. Influence of hydrogel formation temperature was studied by solubility, swelling power, transmittance, contact angle and surface tension at different temperatures. Increase in solubility and swelling power indicates, leaching of more starch components and binding of more water molecules. The decrease in light absorbance indicates loss of crystallinity and birefringence due to disruption of granular structure. Contact angle and surface tension showed its impact on the increase in spreading coefficient at higher temperatures. Different concentration (5–15% (w/v)) of wheat flour suspension were subjected to heat from 30 to 100 °C; at each 5% (w/v) rise in concentration and 10 °C rise in temperature, a xerogel was developed and observed. It was found that 10% (w/v) of wheat flour suspension gelatinized at 90 °C showed better integrity and surface structure without cracks and deformations. The developed xerogel could serve as a snack food and also a carrier material for bioactive components in functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Nutraceutical Based Approach to Combat Diabetes Mellitus

Nutrients, herbals and dietary supplements are major components of nutraceuticals which are instrumental in maintaining health, act against various disease conditions and thus promote the quality of life. Diabetes mellitus is one of them. Management of diabetes with nutraceuticals-based approach includes intake of functional foods and herbal supplements. Nutraceuticals are food supplements and have nutritional value and exhibit significant clinical & pharmacological activity. The potency of herbal drugs is significant & they have negligible side effects than the synthetic antidiabetic drugs.

Bioactive Proteins and Peptides as Potential Components of Nutraceuticals from Melinjo Seed (Gnetum gnemon)

Bioactive Proteins and Peptides as Potential Components of Nutraceuticals from Melinjo Seed (Gnetum gnemon)

Tea Polysaccharides Inhibit Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer via Interleukin-6/STAT3 Pathway.

The interleukin-6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 signaling pathway regulates proliferation and survival of intestinal epithelial cells and has profound impact on the tumorigenesis of colitis-associated cancer (CAC). Tea polysaccharides (TPS) are the major nutraceutical component isolated from tea-leaves and are known to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor bioactivities. Here, we investigated the antitumor activities of TPS on CAC using the azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS) mouse model and IL-6-induced colorectal cancer cell line (CT26) and determined whether TPS exerted its antitumor effects through the IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Results demonstrated that TPS significantly decreased the tumor incidence, tumor size, and markedly inhibited the infiltration of pro-inflammatory cells and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines via balancing cellular microenvironment. Furthermore, we found that TPS suppressed the activation of STAT3 and transcriptionally regulated the expressions of downstream genes including MMP2, cyclin Dl, survivin, and VEGF both in vivo and in vitro. Thus, it was concluded that TPS attenuated the progress of CAC via suppressing IL-6/STAT3 pathway and downstream genes' expressions, which indicated that TPS may be a hopeful antitumor agent for the prevention and treatment of colon cancer.

Ultrasound-Assisted Osmotic Treatment of Model Food Impregnated with Pomegranate Peel Phenolic Compounds: Mass Transfer, Texture, and Phenolic Evaluations

Food impregnation with nutraceutical components due to the health beneficial property is of great importance for food processing industry. In this study, osmotic dehydration was used to impregnate model food with phenolics extracted from pomegranate peel. Intermittent acoustic treatment was applied to enhance mass transfer. This process was carried out at three sucrose concentrations of 40, 50, and 60% and two levels of power ultrasound, 50 and 100% in an experimental setup, which was equipped with a pump circulating osmotic solution frequently. Results showed that increase in sucrose concentration resulted in an increase in the amounts of water loss and solutes gain. Additionally, application of higher power ultrasound led to higher values of water loss and solid gain. Mass transfer modeling using Azuara model predicts water loss and solid gain values at equilibrium. Results revealed the good correlation of experimental values with the model (due to the R2 values greater than 0.94). The microstructure of samples was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Images revealed pores and cavities made by ultrasound waves as the result of spongy effects. Texture profile analysis (TPA) was applied for the determination of hardness, springiness, and gumminess of the samples. Results also showed significant effects of the sucrose concentration and ultrasound power on textural properties. Measurements of total phenolic content and antiradical activity, which were carried out by a colorimetric method and antiradical scavenging assay, EC50, respectively indicated that osmotic dehydration is a possible way for uptaking phenolic compounds of pomegranate peel presented in osmotic solution into food matrices.

Cultivar Variety and Added Potassium Influence the Nutraceutical and Antioxidant Content in Hydroponically Grown Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

The potential impact of increased levels of potassium (K+) in hydroponic solution on the production of bioactive compounds, which provide added value to products, is relevant for local economy and human health. This research pursues assessing different levels of K+ on the nutrition of basil, an important aromatic crop in the arid region of La Laguna, northern México, where water scarcity demands the conversion from open-field agriculture to hydroponics. A randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement (3 × 4) was used to determine the content of nutraceutical components, including polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, vitamin C, chlorophylls, and the antioxidant capacity of three varieties of hydroponic basil, with four doses of K+ in the nutrient solution, 7, 9, 11 and 13 mmol L−1. The analysis of variance showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.001) in most of the response variables, caused by the genotype and doses of K+. The antioxidant capacity of assessed cultivars was improved when doses of K+ were increased in the nutrient solution. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity was positively correlated to the content of flavonoids (r = 0.621), anthocyanins (r = 0.655) and total phenolic compounds (r = 0.549). In conclusion, the nutraceutical content was increased in basil when controlling K+ in the nutrient solution.

EGCG stimulates the recruitment of brite adipocytes, suppresses adipogenesis and counteracts TNF-α-triggered insulin resistance in adipocytes.

The global rise in obesity and type 2 diabetes has precipitated the need for therapeutic intervention in the arsenal against adiposity. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major nutraceutical component of green tea, has been regarded as a nutraceutical that has powerful antioxidant and anti-obesity bioactivities. In the present study, we showed that EGCG alleviates intracellular lipid accumulation markedly, and the inhibitory effect was largely limited to the early stage of adipocyte differentiation. Consistently, EGCG notably evoked the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC and blunted the key enzymes of de novo lipogenesis. Interestingly, EGCG elicited iWAT-preadipocyte-derived mature white adipocyte beiging via activating thermogenic gene Ucp1 expression and mitochondrial biogenesis. Furthermore, our results also revealed that EGCG attenuated insulin signaling pathway blockage induced by TNF-α through the abrogation of redox imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings indicate that EGCG is capable of suppressing adipogenesis and evoking white adipocyte beiging and therefore it may potentially serve as a novel approach to combat obesity.