Content Of Bioactive Compounds Research Articles

Potential of Nettle Infusion to Protect Common Bean from Halo Blight Disease

The use of plant-based preparations to replace chemical pesticides is a challenge for sustainable agriculture. Preparations from nettle (Urtica dioica L.) are good candidates, as the treatment of common bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with aqueous suspensions of nettle reduced symptoms of halo blight disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola (Pph). The aim of the present work was to test if nettle infusions (Ui) have similar effects and find out what activity is behind this: antimicrobial, promotion of the natural defenses of plants, and/or antioxidant. To achieve this, Pph growth was tested in the presence of infusions of nettle leaves collected in two different years (Ui18 and Ui22), and we found that it was only weakly inhibited at high concentrations of Ui18. Interestingly, Ui22 promoted bacteria growth at all concentrations. Second, we estimated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to flagellin22 (flg22) in common bean leaf discs, since recognition of this bacterial peptide usually leads to ROS accumulation in tissues as a plant immune response. However, leaf discs that were preincubated in Ui showed no accumulation of ROS after flg22 treatment, suggesting that Ui can neutralize ROS production. Finally, in a Pph inoculation experiment of common bean plants grown in vitro, we observed that pretreatment of plants with Ui drastically reduced foliar oxidative damage and disease symptoms 6 h after inoculation. This effect was more noticeable for Ui22, which was related to the higher antioxidant activity found in this extract in comparison with Ui18. These results suggest that the protective properties of Ui are mainly due to the content of antioxidant bioactive compounds.

Different floral honey types are differentiated based on their antioxidant activities, contents of bioactive compounds, and pesticide residues

Honey is a rich source of nutrients, which might be affected by bees foraging on different plants. Therefore, the current study aimed to discriminate honey samples based on their contents of antioxidants, chemical components, and pesticide residues. The antioxidant scavenging activity and total phenolic contents were measured spectrophotometrically. Bioactive chemical components and pesticide residues were estimated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance and clustering and discriminant models to differentiate the different kinds of honey. The results revealed significant differences between the examined kinds of honey in terms of total phenolic contents, with the greatest values for sider and acacia (138.14 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g fresh weight). Moringa and fennel unifloral honey exhibited the highest scavenging activities of the free radical α, α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl. Discriminate analysis revealed differences among honey samples of diverse botanical origins based on their content of sugar, glycoside, flavonoid, fatty acid, and terpenoids.

Influence of particle size fraction and bioactive compound contents on the biological activities of Solanum torvum L. leaf powder extracts

This study investigates the bioactive compound content and biological activities of raw powder extracts and particle size fractions from Solanum torvum leaves. The leaves, harvested from Douala, were processed into powders and subsequently divided into different fractions. Methanolic extracts of these powders were analyzed for their content of bioactive compounds (total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and condensed tannins), antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP assays), and antimicrobial (bacterial and fungal) activities. The particle size fraction of 250-400 µm constitutes the largest proportion (33.41%) of the raw powder. The highest contents of bioactive compounds are found in the 200-250, 400-500, and < 125 µm fractions for total polyphenols (44.62 ± 0.19 mg GEA/100 ml extract), total flavonoids (14.47 ± 0.37 mg QE/100 ml extract), and condensed tannins (22.79 ± 0.12 mg CE/100 ml extract), respectively. The antioxidant activity of extracts from 500-800µm fraction improved their DPPH and ABTS assays by 31.50% and 40.44% compared to the raw powder. The same fraction (500-800 µm) and the raw powder extracts demonstrated bactericidal activities, while the 125-200, 200-250, and ≥ 800 µm fraction extracts exhibited moderate and significant antifungal activities against several bacterial and fungal strains, respectively. These biological activities are primarily attributed to the average flavonoid contents, which become more accessible in extracts after fractionation. This method of processing powder suggests that no plant powder should be disregarded or rejected due to its low content of bioactive compounds.

Assessment of the Antioxidant and Hypolipidemic Properties of Salicornia europaea for the Prevention of TAFLD in Rats.

Halophyte species represent valuable reservoirs of natural antioxidants, and, among these, Salicornia europaea stands out as a promising edible plant. In this study, young and old S. europaea leaves were compared for the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity to assess changes in different growth phases; then, the potential protective effects against low-dose CCl4-induced toxicant-associated fatty liver disease (TAFLD) were investigated by administering an aqueous suspension of young leaves to rats daily for two weeks. Quantification of total and individual phenolic compounds and in vitro antioxidant activity assays (DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC) showed the highest values in young leaves compared to mature ones. Salicornia treatment mitigated CCl4-induced hepatic oxidative stress, reducing lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl levels, and preserving the decrease in glutathione levels. Electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy confirmed these results in the liver and evidenced free radicals increase prevention in the brain. Salicornia treatment also attenuated enzymatic disruptions in the liver's drug metabolizing system and Nrf2-dependent antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, histopathological examination revealed reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation. Overall, this study highlights Salicornia's potential as a source of bioactive compounds with effective hepatoprotective properties capable to prevent TAFLD.

The Effect of Lemon Juice (Citrus limon L.) Treated with Melatonin on the Health Status and Treatment of K14HPV16 Mice.

Lemon is a fruit rich in antioxidant properties and has several health benefits, namely the reduction of skin edema and anticarcinogenic properties, which are due to its high content of bioactive compounds. Melatonin can improve and preserve the properties of lemon for longer and also has health benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral administration of lemon juice after melatonin treatment on murinometric parameters of wild-type (WT) mice and transgenic mice carrying human papillomavirus (HPV). Two trials were performed for oral administration of the lemon extract compound: in drinking water and in diet. First of all, lemons were treated by immersion with melatonin at 10 mM. Then, lemons were squeezed, and the juice obtained was freeze-dried and stored to be subsequently added to drinking water or diet, according to the assay. Thus, mice were divided into eight groups in the drink assay (each with n = 5): group 1 (G1, WT, control), group 2 (G2, WT, 1 mL lemon), group 3 (G3, WT, 1.5 mL lemon), group 4 (G4, WT, 2 mL lemon), group 5 (G5, HPV16, control), group 6 (G6, HPV16, 1 mL lemon) group 7 (G6, HPV16, 1.5 mL lemon) and group 8 (G6, HPV16, 2 mL lemon). The diet assay was divided into four groups: group 1 (G1, WT, control), group 2 (G2, WT, 4 mL lemon), group 3 (G3, HPV16, control) and group 4 (G4, HPV16, 4 mL lemon). In the drink assay, the highest concentration of melatonin (308 ng/100 mL) was for groups 4 and 8, while in the food assay, there was only one concentration of melatonin (9.96 ng/g) for groups 2 and 4. Both trials lasted 30 days. During this time, body weight, food and water were recorded. Afterward, they were sacrificed, and samples were collected for different analyses. At the concentrations used, the lemon juice with melatonin had no adverse effects on the animals' health and showed a positive outcome in modifying weight gain and enhancing antioxidant activity in mice. Moreover, a reduction in the incidence of histological lesions was observed in treated animals. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of lemon extract on health and treatment outcomes in this animal model.

Variations in Cold Resistance and Contents of Bioactive Compounds among Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo Strains.

Dendrobium officinale is a valuable traditional Chinese herbal plant that is both medicinal and edible. However, the yield of wild Dendrobium officinale is limited. Adverse stress affects the growth, development, and yield of plants, among which low temperature is the primary limiting factor for introducing Dendrobium officinale to high-latitude areas and expanding the planting area. Therefore, this study aims to explore the variations in growth ability, cold resistance, and contents of bioactive compounds among different Dendrobium officinale strains. Four strains of Dendrobium officinale were selected as experimental materials and were subjected to low-temperature stress (4 °C). The agronomic traits, physiological indices, as well as the expressions of cold resistance-related genes (HSP70, DcPP2C5, DoCDPK1, and DoCDPK6) in the roots and leaves of Dendrobium officinale, were determined. The contents of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, and phenols were also measured. Compared with the other strains, Xianju had the highest seed germination and transplantation-related survival rates. Under low-temperature stress, Xianju exhibited the strongest cold resistance ability, as revealed by the changes in water contents, chlorophyll levels, electrical conductivities, enzyme activities, and expressions of the cold resistance-related genes. Additionally, the polysaccharide content of Xianju increased the most, while the stem flavonoid and leaf phenol contents were elevated in all four strains under cold treatment. Therefore, selecting excellent performing strains is expected to expand the planting area, improve the yield, and increase the economic benefits of Dendrobium officinale in high latitude areas with lower temperatures.

Qualitative Characteristics and Functional Properties of Cherry Tomato under Soilless Culture Depending on Rootstock Variety, Harvesting Time and Bunch Portion.

Tomato grafting is an effective practice in increasing the profitability of fresh-market tomato cultivation, especially in greenhouses, and is also considered a strategy for enhancing fruit quality. In this study, selected quanti-qualitative traits, and the of bioactive health-promoting compound and organic acid contents of cherry tomato fruits from three different scion/rootstock combinations (Sunstream/Top Bental, Sunstream/Kaiser and Sunstream/Suzuka) grown under a greenhouse hydroponic system were evaluated in three different harvests (beginning, middle and end of the whole harvesting period) and on three different bunch portions (proximal, central and distal). Although the tomato productive performance was influenced by the rootstock, with Suzuka and Kaiser grafted plants showing the highest total marketable yield (9.8 kg plant-1, i.e., 20% more than Top Bental), the yield-related traits (bunch number, weight and length per plant, and fruit number per bunch) and the qualitative characteristics of the fruits (color, equatorial and polar diameters, dry matter and solid soluble contents, pH and titratable acidity) showed less variability, by displaying, along with the bioactive compound contents (total polyphenols, lycopene, β-carotene), DPPH free radical scavenging activity and organic acids contents (lactic and acetic), a significant effect of the harvesting time and bunch portion. Fruits from the beginning of the harvesting period showed better qualitative and functional properties, with the lycopene and β-carotene contents equal to 178.6 and 3 mg 100 g-1 fw, and fruits from proximal and central bunch portions had lycopene and β-carotene contents equal to 203.1 and 2.9 mg 100 g-1 fw.

Strengthening bio-circularity by reinforcing waste derived triphasic calcium phosphate to fabricate alumina toughened zirconia biocomposite with enhanced bioactivity

Animal waste bone (AWB) is a significant component of food waste, generating millions of metric tons annually and posing environmental and economic challenges due to improper management. Despite its rich bioactive compound content, AWB is underutilized. To address these issues, we propose incorporating waste-derived calcium phosphate phases from AWB into an alumina toughened zirconia (ATZ) composite, forming a Hydroxyapatite/Tricalcium Phosphate/Whitlockite-ATZ biocomposite. The high-temperature treatment during ATZ consolidation promotes Hydroxyapatite (HAp) formation and decomposition of HAp to Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) phases. Trace amounts of magnesium in AWB aid in Whitlockite (Wk) formation. This triphasic material exhibits excellent biocompatibility and osteoconduction, suitable for bone regeneration. ATZ ensures mechanical stability and counters degradation of calcium phosphate phases. Although AWB incorporation reduces mechanical properties, the resulting ATZ-AWB biocomposite meets acceptable biomaterial standards. The present ATZ-AWB biocomposite possess bulk density, apparent porosity, hardness, and bending strength in the range of 3.7–5.2 g/cm3, 3.6–17%, 2–9 GPa and 620–1000 MPa respectively. AWB incorporation enhances bioactivity, as demonstrated by increased apatite layer formation in simulated body fluid (SBF). By fostering bioactivity, this approach not only tackles biocircularity but also offers economically accessible biomaterials, thereby advancing environmental sustainability and socioeconomic progress.

Physicochemical properties, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of the honey samples from the Herzegovina region

Honey is a natural product that is an excellent source of energy containing mainly carbohydrates and water, as well as small amounts of organic acids, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and enzymes. Due to the presence of bioactive compounds, it has been shown that honey is beneficial for many diseases, e.g. gastrointestinal diseases, skin diseases, cancer, heart diseases, and neurological degeneration. The study of the physical and chemical properties of honey and the content of bioactive compounds has been increasingly applied in order to determine the quality of honey samples. The aim of this study is to investigate physicochemical properties as well as the total phenol content and antioxidant activity of seven multifloral honey samples from the Herzegovina region. Physicochemical parameters determined in the honey samples (moisture, acidity, electrical conductivity, reducing sugars, sucrose, and insoluble matter) were within the quality standard limits of the Regulation on methods for control of honey and other bee products. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and it ranged from 46.98 ± 6.36 to 152.94 ± 4.95 mg GAE/100 g of honey. To determine the antioxidant activity of the honey samples, two methods, FRAP and ABTS, were used. The total phenolic content of honey correlated positively with its antioxidant activity.

Food application of germinated quinua and enhancement of its nutritional, biological and functional properties: A systematic review

The germination of quinua improves the content of polyphenols, flavonoids, amino acids, dietary fiber, vitamin E, antioxidants and other bioactive compounds, making this pseudocereal a nutritious and healthy source for the preparation of functional foods. The aim of this work was to assess the effect of the germination of quinua on the nutritional, biological and functional properties, in turn to be able to analyze the potential that this golden grain has in the food industry. For the systematic review, the databases (Scopus, Scielo and Science Direct) were used, following the PRISMA guideline and the PIO strategy (Population, Intervention, Outputs), which helped to formulate the search equations and to identify the most relevant articles of the last 5 years. The results of the bibliometric analysis showed that the germination of quinua improves the nutritional properties and the content of secondary metabolites, also represents a potential source for the development of food products with functional and nutraceutical properties. A recent study confirms that after 4 days of germination the total phenolic content of various types of quinua ranges between 39.29 and 782.15 mg/100 g, indicating a powerful ability to eliminate free radicals, turning this pseudocereal into a raw material with the ability to be applied in the formulation of various food products such as bread, cookies, pizzas, beverages, yogurt, cheeses, etc.

Mechanisms Involved in the Antihypertensive Effects of Arbequina Table Olives

The Mediterranean Diet is associated with antihypertensive properties and prevention of cardiovascular disease. This dietary pattern includes the intake of Olea europaea L. derivatives such as extra virgin olive oil and table olives, characterized by a high content of bioactive compounds. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the supplementation of Arbequina table olives (AO) reduces blood pressure (BP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The aim of the present study was to elucidate the possible mechanisms involved in the antihypertensive effects of AO. Consequently, we have studied different plasmatic biomarkers (angiotensin II, Ang II; malondialdehyde, MDA; interleukin 6, IL6; tumor necrosis factor α, TNFα) and the fecal microbiota composition. Experiments were performed using male SHR from 14 to 21 weeks of age. SHR strain was divided into a control (SHR-c) and a treated group (SHR-o) that received water or AO (3.85 g/kg) by gavage, respectively. At the end of the experiment, BP was measured using a non-invasive automatic analyzer; Ang II, IL6, and TNFα were determined by Elisa, and MDA by spectrophotometric analysis. Fecal microbiota was analyzed by sequencing 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Data were analyzed by t-Student or the Mann–Whitney U test, and statistical significance was considered when p<0.05. AO supplementation decreased systolic and diastolic BP by approximately 19 mmHg in SHR-o with respect to SHR-c. The decrement in BP was accompanied by a decrease in MDA (39%) and Ang II (32%) in SHR-o without changes in the concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokines IL6 and TNFα. Moreover, regular AO intake induced changes in the microbiota associated with the normalization of BP. Our results showed variations in relative abundance in genera such as Akkermansia, Sutterella, and Peptoniphilus, that were well correlated with the decrease in BP, MDA, and Ang II. In conclusion, OA supplementation reduced oxidative stress and Ang II associated with changes in the fecal microbiota that may explain the antihypertensive effect elicited by consumption of the fruit of Olea europaea L. Supported by grants AGL2013-41188 & 2021SGR300. INSA Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence grant CEX2021-001234-M. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Studies and Enhancement of Natural Bioactive Compounds Content through Media Optimization

Studies and Enhancement of Natural Bioactive Compounds Content through Media Optimization

The Impact of Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) Extract on Atherosclerosis Biomarker Profiles in Obese White Rats (Rattus norvegicus L.)

Background: Clitoria ternatea L., commonly known as butterfly pea flower, has gained attention as a potential agent in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis due to its rich content of bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanin, a type of flavonoid renowned for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, along with its ability to enhance the immune system.Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the positive impact of butterfly pea flower extract on atherosclerosis biomarker profiles.Methods: The approach framework used in this research is a true experimental laboratory with a Control Group Post-Test design. Obese male white rats were selected as the research subjects. Thirty-six obese white rats were randomly divided into six groups using the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) method. The data collected were VCAM and IL-6 levels from the blood serum of obese white rats tested using an ELISA photometer. The tunica intima thickness was measured using a microscope. Data were analyzed employing SPSS 18 software, utilizing one-way ANOVA statistical tests and post hoc Tukey tests.Results: The research showed that with the increase in Butterfly Flower Extract (BPFE) dose, there was a consistently lower level of inflammatory biomarkers, such as VCAM-1 and IL-6, compared to positive controls and other variations, as well as tunica intima thickness was thinning than others. A dose of 600 mg/kg BW (P3 group) had VCAM-1 levels up to 30.40 ± 6.71 ng/mL, IL-6 levels up to 17.70 ± 8.29 ng/mL, and tunica intima thickness up to 3.18 ± 1.24 µm.Conclusion: BPFE effectively lowers inflammatory biomarkers and thins the tunica intima thickness in obese white rats at 600 mg/kg BW dose. It may offer promising therapeutic potential in addressing atherosclerosis.

Physicochemical Characterization, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Capacity from Stenocereus queretaroensis: Mexican Endemic Fruits with High Potential Functionality

Stenocereus queretaroensis fruits are endemic to Mexico. They have an excellent advantage in cultivation because they require little water and fertilizers. These plants do not require fungicides and herbicides, drastically reducing production costs. However, the nutritional contribution and potential health benefits of S. queretaroensis fruits are unknown. The physicochemical characterization, the content of bioactive compounds, and the antioxidant capacity (AOX) of four S. queretaroensis fruits (red, purple, yellow, and white) were evaluated. All fruits had a low sugar content (7.04–8.96%) and provided 4–5% dietary fiber. The purple and red fruits presented 19.7–20.29 mg/100 g fresh weight (fw) of total betalains, respectively, while the yellow fruit presented 9.21 mg/100 g fw of total carotenoids. The total soluble phenols were 54.86–62.14 mg/100 g fw. Flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic, and hydroxybenzoic acids were also found in all fruits in ascending order. The red fruit exhibited the highest AOX, followed by the yellow, purple, and white fruits. In conclusion, these fruits are a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients, highlighting that they provide 20% of daily consumption of dietary fiber and have a low caloric content. S. queretaroensis fruits, therefore, may have a high potential functionality, especially in people with diabetes and living with obesity.

Damakase (<i>Ocimum lamiifolum</i> Hochest ex Benth): A Medicinal Plant Used in Ethiopian Traditional Medicine: A Critical Review

Damakase (<i>Ocimum lamiifolum </i>Hochest ex Benth) is a traditional medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family and a popular home remedy in Ethiopia. It is a well-known and widely used ancient therapeutic herb in various regions of the nation. The utilization of plant leaves for medicinal purposes is primarily due to their rich content of bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties. Consequently, this plant is employed in the management of a condition referred to as 'Mich' in Ethiopia. Additionally, it is frequently used to address diverse health conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory conditions, pyrexia, and respiratory ailments. Moreover, the essential oil derived from Ocimum lamiifolium consists of specific chemical constituents, such as alkaloids, sterols, carbohydrates, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, bornyl acetate, p-cymene, camphene, α-pinene, and sabinene. Bioactive constituents, such as phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids, exhibit antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, the potential applications of damakase essential oils as natural preservatives in the food and cosmetic sectors have been recognized. The essential oil is deemed safe and non-hazardous, displaying no mutagenic or cytotoxic effects. Despite the extensive historical use of this traditional medicinal plant in Ethiopia, the limited scientific investigations on its genetic improvement, cultivation practices, and integration into modern healthcare pose a notable challenge. This review aims to furnish a comprehensive discourse on the historical and contemporary applications of traditional damakase in Ethiopian traditional medicine.

Cross-Linking Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Biochemistry Insights: Investigating Medicinal Potential in Azadirachta Indica, Swietenia Mahagoni and Melia Azedarach

Background: The increasing resistance to synthetic drugs and their side effects has prompted renewed interest in the medicinal potential of natural products. Azadirachta indica, Swietenia mahagoni, and Melia azedarach, members of the Meliaceae family, have been traditionally used for their diverse therapeutic properties. Their efficacy stems from a range of bioactive compounds known for antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities. Objective: This study aims to explore and quantify the bioactive compounds in Azadirachta indica, Swietenia mahagoni, and Melia azedarach, assess their therapeutic potentials, and discuss their implications for drug development and human healthcare. Methods: Plant materials were collected, and extracts were prepared using ethanol, methanol, or water as solvents. Following maceration and filtration, the extracts were concentrated and analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). HPLC conditions were optimized for each plant, focusing on key compounds such as azadirachtin, nimbin, swietenine, meliacarpinin, and azedarachin. Method validation was performed to ensure precision, accuracy, and reproducibility. Results: The study identified high concentrations of bioactive compounds in each plant: Azadirachta indica contained azadirachtin (450 mg/g), nimbin (120 mg/g), and salannin (50 mg/g); Swietenia mahagoni had concentrations of swietenine (200 mg/g) and limonoids (180 mg/g total); Melia azedarach demonstrated high levels of meliacarpinin (300 mg/g) and azedarachin (220 mg/g). Conclusion: The confirmation of high levels of specific bioactive compounds in these plants supports their traditional uses and highlights their potential in developing new therapeutic agents that are environmentally sustainable and potentially more effective than current synthetic options. This research underscores the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches in drug discovery.

Nutritional and bioactive properties and antioxidant potential of Amaranthus tricolor, A. lividus, A viridis, and A. spinosus leafy vegetables

Climate change results in continuous warming of the planet, threatening sustainable crop production around the world. Amaranth is an abiotic stress-tolerant, climate-resilient, C4 leafy orphan vegetable that has grown rapidly with great divergence and potential usage. The C4 photosynthesis allows amaranth to be grown as a sustainable future food crop across the world. Most amaranth species grow as weeds in many parts of the world, however, a few amaranth species can be also found in cultivated form. Weed species can be used as a folk medicine to relieve pain or reduce fever thanks to their antipyretic and analgesic properties. In this study, nutritional value, bioactive pigments, bioactive compounds content, and radical scavenging potential (RSP) of four weedy and cultivated (WC) amaranth species were evaluated. The highest dry matter, carbohydrate content, ash, content of iron, copper, sodium, boron, molybdenum, zinc, β-carotene and carotenoids, vitamin C, total polyphenols (TP), RSP (DPPH), and RSP (ABTS+) was determined in Amaranthus viridis (AV). On the other hand, A. spinosus (AS) was found to have the highest content of protein, fat, dietary fiber, manganese, molybdenum, and total flavonoids (TF). In A. tricolor (AT) species the highest total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a and b, betaxanthin, betacyanin, and betalain content was determined. A. lividus (AL) was evaluated as the highest source of energy. AV and AT accessions are underutilized but promising vegetables due to their bioactive phytochemicals and antioxidants.

Bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds present in Persea americana Mill. seed ingredient during oral-gastric digestion with antibacterial capacity against Helicobacter pylori

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn ancient Mexican cultures, the Persea americana Mill seed has been used against gastrointestinal diseases, due to high concentrations of bioactive compounds. According to Traditional Mexican Medicine, P. americana seed aqueous infusion is used against roundworms, intestinal worms, parasites, and gastrointestinal problems, in a dose taken over three or four days. In addition, Mexican Society of Natural History indicates the traditional use of P. americana seed powder as an antiparasitic, and antibacterial. On the other hand, Helicobacter pylori infection is a factor associated with the development of gastric disease, peptic ulcers as well as some types of gastric lymphomas and gastric cancer in humans; in this way is necessary scientific evidence about P. americana seed effect in gastrointestinal disease. Aim of the studyThe work aimed to evaluate bioactive compounds bioaccessibility and antimicrobial potential against Helicobacter pylori during oral-gastric digestion in vitro of food ingredient from Persea americana Mill. seed and elucidate the possible action mechanism using in silico tools. Materials and methodsInitially, P. americana seed oil and aqueous extract of P. americana seed were obtained using ultrasound and maceration respectively, and the food ingredient from P. americana seed was obtained. The samples underwent oral-gastric digestions by the INFOGEST method, to continue identifying and quantifying the bioactive compounds by HPLC-DAD and GC-MS. The anti-Helicobacter pylori activity determination were used fourteen Helicobacter pylori clinical strains and reference strains by Susceptibility testing by Minimal Inhibition Concentration, Kinetics of Growth Inhibition of H. pylori, Urease Inhibitory Kinetic. Finally, to elucidate a possible action mechanism used in silico tools (Software AutoDock 4.2.6 and BioVia Discovery v.19.1.0.1.18287). ResultsThe lipophilic fraction of P. americana seed detected oleic acid, linoleic acid, and avocadenofuran compounds, and the phenolic fraction showed the presence of catechin, rutin, ellagic, and chlorogenic acid, among others. Phenolic compounds conformational changes during oral-gastric digestion due to mechanical and acid hydrolysis, while lipophilic compounds showed a 20% increase in the gastric phase. Persea americana Mill. seed ingredient (3.08 μg/mL) showed total in vitro inhibition of clinical and reference strains of H. pylori, likewise, the lipophilic fraction had a lower inhibition concentration (2.59 μg/mL) regardless of the strains. Among the mechanisms found in silico, inhibition of target proteins such as CagA, BabA, and MUC5 were observed, as virulence factors involving adherence and bacterial pathogenicity. ConclusionsThis research provides evidence that food ingredient from P. americana seed has antimicrobial in vitro potential against H. pylori clinical strains, through phenolic and mainly lipophilic compounds, opening new scientific evidence that supports the P. americana seed's traditional use.

Time maters: Exploring the dynamics of bioactive compounds content, bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity during Lupinus angustifolius germination

Germination is a process that enhances the content of health-promoting secondary metabolites. However, the bioaccessibility of these compounds depends on their stability and solubility throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The study aimed to explore how germination time influences the content and bioaccessibility of γ-aminobutyric acid and polyphenols and antioxidant capacity of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) sprouts during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Gamma-aminobutyric acid showed a decrease following gastrointestinal digestion (GID) whereas phenolic acids and flavonoids exhibited bioaccessibilities of up to 82.56 and 114.20%, respectively. Although the digestion process affected the profile of phenolic acids and flavonoids, certain isoflavonoids identified in 7-day sprouts (G7) showed resistance to GID. Germination not only favored antioxidant activity but also resulted in germinated samples exhibiting greater antioxidant properties than ungerminated counter parts after GID. Intestinal digests from G7 did not show cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and notably, they showed an outstanding ability to inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species. This suggests potential benefit in mitigating oxidative stress. These findings contribute to understand the dynamic interplay between bioprocessing and digestion in modulating the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds in lupin, thereby impacting health.

Physico-Chemical Properties and Antioxidant Stability of Liquid and Powdered Red Ginger Aquaresin: Modification of Plating Method with Silicon Dioxide and γ-Cyclodextrin

Red ginger extract (RGE) boasts high antioxidant activity due to its bioactive compounds but suffers from poor water solubility and dispersibility. This study aimed to improve these properties by converting RGE into liquid and powdered aquaresins. Diacetyl tartaric acid ester of mono- and diglycerides (DATEM) were used as emulsifiers due to their balanced hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB). Aquaresins were prepared using plating methods due to their practicability and vacuum methods for the powdered form. The optimal RGE:DATEM ratio and characteristics of the aquaresins were investigated. A 45% RGE and 5% DATEM formulation yielded the highest levels of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and 6-gingerol, while maintaining potent antioxidant activity over 60 days. The plating method significantly enhanced bioactive compound concentration compared to the vacuum method. Adding silicon dioxide and γ-cyclodextrin improved physical properties and antioxidant stability. The 45:5 RGE:DATEM ratio offered superior chemical properties and antioxidant activity in liquid aquaresin, while the plating method contributed to better chemical characteristics and antioxidant activity in powdered form. This study paves the way for incorporating RGE into various food and pharmaceutical applications.