Phytochemicals In Fruits Research Articles

Therapeutic potential of phytoconstituents of edible fruits in combating emerging viral infections.

Plant‐derived bioactive molecules display potential antiviral activity against various viral targets including mode of viral entry and its replication in host cells. Considering the challenges and search for antiviral agents, this review provides substantiated data on chemical constituents of edible fruits with promising antiviral activity. The bioactive constituents like naringenin, mangiferin, α‐mangostin, geraniin, punicalagin, and lectins of edible fruits exhibit antiviral effect by inhibiting viral replication against IFV, DENV, polio, CHIKV, Zika, HIV, HSV, HBV, HCV, and SARS‐CoV. The significance of edible fruit phytochemicals to block the virulence of various deadly viruses through their inhibitory action against the entry and replication of viral genetic makeup and proteins are discussed. In view of the antiviral property of active constituents of edible fruits which can strengthen the immune system and reduce oxidative stress, they are suggested to be diet supplements to combat various viral diseases including COVID‐19.Practical applicationsConsidering the increasing threat of COVID‐19, it is suggested to examine the therapeutic efficacy of existing antiviral molecules of edible fruits which may provide prophylactic and adjuvant therapy with their potential antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and immune‐modulatory effects. Several active molecules like geraniin, naringenin, (2R,4R)‐1,2,4‐trihydroxyheptadec‐16‐one, betacyanins, mangiferin, punicalagin, isomangiferin, procyanidin B2, quercetin, marmelide, jacalin lectin, banana lectin, and α‐mangostin isolated from various edible fruits have showed promising antiviral properties against different pathogenic viruses. Especially flavonoid compounds extracted from edible fruits possess potential antiviral activity against a wide array of viruses like HIV‐1, HSV‐1 and 2, HCV, INF, dengue, yellow fever, NSV, and Zika virus infection. Hence taking such fruits or edible fruits and their constituents/compounds as dietary supplements could deliver adequate plasma levels in the body to optimize the cell and tissue levels and could lead to possible benefits for the preventive measures for this pandemic COVID‐19 situation.

The potential of Mangifera indica Linn. and Musa acuminata extracts to attenuate 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OHE2 )-induced DNA oxidative damage in MCF-10A cells by upregulating detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes.

Nowadays, there have been attempts to use phytochemicals in fruits to reduce the risk of suffering a given sickness. In this work, we studied the potential effects of mango (cultivar "Nam Dok Mai") and banana (cultivar "Khai") to attenuate DNA oxidative damage in MCF-10A cells induced by 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OHE2 ). The effects of mango extract (MNE) and banana extract (BKE) were comparable with three carotenoid compounds, β-carotene, lycopene, and lutein. The oxidative-induced DNA damage was evaluated by 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) reduction. 4-OHE2 -induced DNA oxidative damage in MCF-10A cells showed a decrease in 8-OHdG formation when treated with MNE and BKE. Both fruit extracts also enabled the regaining production of Phase II detoxifying (GSTs and NQO1) and antioxidant (SOD, GPx, and CAT) enzymes during 4-OHE2 -induced DNA oxidative damage in the MCF-10A cells when compared with the untreated control. These results indicate that MNE and BKE can exert potential mitigating effects against 4-OHE2 -induced DNA oxidative damage in MCF-10A cells by enhancing the activities of detoxifying and antioxidant enzyme. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Long-term exposure to estrogen increases the risk of sickness since oxidative stress via the estrogen pathway, leading to DNA damage. This study indicated that mango (cultivar "Nam Dok Mai") extract contains β-carotene and lycopene, while banana (cultivar "Khai") extract contains β-carotene and lutein, which act as natural antioxidants. Both fruit extracts have preventive properties against oxidative DNA damage and are potentially good supplements for women taking E2 between HRT.

Performance and Phytochemical Content of 22 Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Varieties

Pomegranate is a drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant crop. Its fruits contain high levels of phytochemicals that have many health benefits. Pomegranate has the potential to be an alternative crop in areas where water availability is limited, such as west Texas. However, more than 500 pomegranate varieties are estimated to exist worldwide, and little is known about which varieties are suitable for growing in the west Texas region. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the field performance of 22 pomegranate varieties, specifically based on phenology, resistance to sunburn, fruit split, fruit rot (resistance was calculated by subtracting the percent incidence by 100), yield, fruit phytochemicals, and Brix over the course of 3 years from 2016 to 2018. Cold damage, caused by below-freezing temperatures encountered from Nov. 2018 to Feb. 2019, was also evaluated in Apr. 2019. Our results showed significant varietal differences in nearly all response variables measured, indicating that varietal selection is important for pomegranate production for specific regions, such as west Texas. Leaf budding ranged from 47 to 62 days in 2016, 41 to 54 days in 2017, and 49 to 60 days in 2018. Anthesis ranged from 87 to 119 days in 2016, 80 to 94 days in 2017, and 92 to 114 days in 2018. Fruit resistance to split was broad and ranged from 7.3% to 79.1% in 2017 and from 14.2% to 99.7% in 2018. Fruit sunburn resistance ranged from 14.0% to 64.6% in 2017 and from 28.3% to 90.0% in 2018. Fruit heart rot incidence was nominal for all varieties. Total phenolic compound contents of the pomegranate fruit juice ranged from 0.81 to 1.52 mg GAE/mL, and the total antioxidant capacity ranged from 3.44 to 6.81 mg TE/mL. The yield per tree ranged from 1.00 to 7.96 kg in 2017 and from 0.81 to 10.26 kg in 2018. Brix ranged from 12.5% to 17.4% in 2017 and from 13.9% to 18.4% in 2018. Early winter below-freezing temperatures caused different degrees of cold damage; however, 5 of 22 varieties that originated from Russia did not show any cold damage. Results of a hierarchical cluster analysis based on the means of the key response variables of yield and Brix indicated that four varieties (Al-Sirin-Nar, Russian 8, Ben Ivey, and Salavatski) were notable for having both high yield and high Brix.

Unravelling the human triple negative breast cancer suppressive activity of biocompatible zinc oxide nanostructures influenced by Vateria indica (L.) fruit phytochemicals

The present study delineates the biosynthesis of ZnOVI nanostructures by using aqueous fruit extract of V. indica. The study has disclosed the role of V. indica fruit extract as both reducing and capping agents, ushering the formation of ZnOVI nanostructures with distinct morphologies. The formation of ZnOVI nanostructures was corroborated by FT-IR and UV–visible spectroscopy which was further substantiated by the elemental composition study through EDS spectroscopy. The nanostructures were also investigated by Rietveld refinement of PXRD data, FE-SEM, and BET analysis. The morphology, size, and surface area were found to be precursor stoichiometry dependent. The in-vitro cytotoxicity study of ZnOVI nanostructures carried out on MDA-MB468 human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells has revealed their potential cytotoxicity (91.18 ± 1.98). MTT assay performed on the NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cells has unfolded the non-toxic nature of ZnOVI nanostructures. Additionally, the results of the AO-EB dual staining assay indicated early apoptosis in TNBC cells by displaying greenish yellow-fluorescence in the nuclei. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement study has confirmed the elevated intracellular levels of ROS, supporting the oxidative-stress induced cytotoxicity in ZnOVI nanostructures treated TNBC cells. Furthermore, the haemocompatibility of ZnOVI nanostructures was evaluated using human erythrocytes. Thus, the obtained results have shown greater potential in the anticancer activity of bio-fabricated ZnOVI nanostructures.

Characterization of carotenoids and phenolics during fruit ripening of Chinese raspberry (Rubus chingii Hu).

Chinese raspberry (Rubus chingii Hu) is a fruit valued for it's health benefits, which is indigenous to China. It is a great source of antioxidants. However, the fruit phytochemicals are poorly understood. Phenolics and carotenoids attract much attention for their antioxidant capability, and they dramatically change during fruit ripening, leading to the difference in color, flavor and medicinal components. In this study, we investigated the change of carotenoids, phenolics and antioxidant activity using spectrophotometry during four different ripening phases i.e. mature green (MG), green yellow (GY), yellow orange (YO) and red (RE). The major components of carotenoids, anthocyanins, ellagitannins and flavonols were identified and quantified by LC-MS/MS. As a result, five carotenoids (mainly β-Citraurin and its esters), six anthocyanins (mainly anthocyanins covalently linked to another flavonoid unit), methyl (S)-flavogallonate and rourinoside were first identified in Rubus. In contrast to other known raspberries, R. chingii had a continuous decrease in total phenolics during fruit ripening, which was due to a continuous decrease in flavonoids (including anthocyanin). Total anthocyanin and flavonoid respectively declined from 19.5 to 6.9 mg/100 g FW, and 646.2 to 128.5 mg/100 g FW during fruit maturation and coloration. Accordingly, the components of anthocyanins, ellagitannins and flavonols also declined, thus resulting in a decrease in antioxidant activity (from 41.2 to 10.1 TEAC/100 g FW in ABTS and from 35.3 to 7.7 mmol TEAC/100 g FW in FRAP). In contrast, total carotenoid increased from 184.2 to 305.4 mg/100 g FW. Accordingly, the components of carotenoids also increased, with the exception of lutein. Additionally, kaempferol and quercetin were the main flavonoid aglycones, which were linked to a variety of glycosides. These kaempferol- and quercetin-glycosides mainly accumulated in epidermal hair and placentae. Notably, carotenoids (i.e. β-citraurin esters), instead of anthocyanins, gradually accumulated during fruit ripening, imparting the reddish color to ripe fruit.

Fruits and fruit by-products as sources of bioactive compounds. Benefits and trends of lactic acid fermentation in the development of novel fruit-based functional beverages

Current awareness about the benefits of a balanced diet supports ongoing trends in humans towards a healthier diet. This review provides an overview of fruits and fruit-by products as sources of bioactive compounds and their extraction techniques, and the use of lactic acid fermentation of fruit juices to increase their functionality. Fruit matrices emerge as a technological alternative to be fermented by autochthonous or allochthonous lactic acid bacteria (LAB such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and other Lactobacillus species), and also as probiotic vehicles. During fermentation, microbial enzymes act on several fruit phytochemicals producing new derived compounds with impact on the aroma and the functionality of the fermented drinks. Moreover, fermentation significantly reduces the sugar content improving their nutritional value and extending the shelf-life of fruit-based beverages. The generation of new probiotic beverages as alternatives to consumers with intolerance to lactose or with vegan or vegetarian diets is promising for the worldwide functional food market. An updated overview on the current knowledge of the use of fruit matrices to be fermented by LAB and the interaction between strains and the fruit phytochemical compounds to generate new functional foods as well as their future perspectives in association with the application of nanotechnology techniques are presented in this review.

Effect of Fruit Secondary Metabolites on Melanoma: A Systematic Review of In vitro Studies

Background: Melanoma is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer and is responsible for the majority of the deaths related to this pathology. Recently, different studies have identified naturally occurring compounds of fruits with chemopreventive action. This systematic review aims to investigate the protective role of fruit phytochemicals against melanoma skin cancer from in vitro studies. Methods: The articles were selected using the search terms string "skin neoplasms" OR “melanoma” AND “fruit” in the following databases: Pubmed/Medline, Bireme, Web of Science and ScienceDirect. Results: Out of an initial database search of 391 titles and/or abstracts, 115 full-text articles were eligible and after final evaluation 49 were selected for further assessment. Almost all analysed articles reveal that compounds of different classes (alkaloid, alkane, benzopyrone, cyclopenta[b]benzofuran, ester, flavonoid, tocotrienols, phenolic, phenylpropanoid, phloroglucinol derivative, terpenoids and betalain) possess anti-melanoma in vitro activity. The benzopyrone (α-mangostin) and stilbene (resveratrol) were effective in inhibiting melanoma cell metastasis, essential to stop the progression of malignant cells. Conclusion: Phytochemicals that possess anticancer properties are present in both, common and exotic fruits. Some of these novel compounds are considered as promising starting points for the discovery of effective new drugs.

Potential Role of Phytochemicals of Fruits and Vegetables in Human Diet

Intake of fruit and vegetables, pigments, juices and nutraceuticals prevent the risk of common form of cancer and many other harmful diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, neurological disorders and eye related disorders etc. Phytochemicals show strong antioxidant activity either alone or in combination form. β-carotene, lycopene and vitamin C and other phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables offers beneficial roles in prevention of various diseases Literature revealed that lycopene has a protective effect against carcinogens in liver, brain, colon, breast, cervix and in prostate. Lycopene is present in tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruits, apricots, and pink guavas. Vitamin C have an excellent antioxidant potential which plays a very crucial role in bone formation, wound healing, and protect immune system. Vitamin C is mainly found in Indian gooseberry, citrus fruits like orange and lemon, tomatoes, potatoes, papaya, kiwifruit, strawberries, broccoli. The purpose of this review is to provide a general description or awareness of phytochemicals and their role in prevention of many diseases such as-cancer, cardiovascular disorders, eye disorders and hypertension.

Solving the controversy of healthier organic fruit: Leaf wounding triggers distant gene expression response of polyphenol biosynthesis in strawberry fruit (Fragaria x ananassa)

The claim that organic agriculture produces higher levels of phytochemicals has been controversial for decades. Using strawberries as a model crop in field conditions, a preharvest leaf wounding stress was applied to study the production of phytochemicals in fruits. As a result phenolic compounds (PCs) and total soluble sugars increased significantly, where specific phenylpropanoids showed increment up to 137% and several genes related to PCs biosynthesis and sugar transport were overexpressed. It was observed that the accumulation of PCs on fruits can be triggered by the application of wounding stress in a distant tissue and this accumulation is directly related to carbon partition and associated gene expression. This supports the idea that higher levels of healthy phytochemicals reported in organic fruits and vegetables could be due to the wounding component of the biotic stress attributed to insects to which the plant are exposed to.

Effect of microwave and air-borne ultrasound-assisted air drying on drying kinetics and phytochemical properties of broccoli floret

The drying kinetics and detailed phytochemical profile of broccoli under microwave drying (500 and 900 W) and air-borne ultrasound (125.2 and 180.1 W/dm2) assisted air drying at 70 °C were compared. The results show that, together with the faster drying speed, microwave performed better than ultrasound for the protection of chlorophylls and ascorbic acid. On the other hand, ultrasound-dried broccoli samples showed higher contents of carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, α-carotene, and β-carotene), glucosinolates (glucoraphanin, glucobrassicin, and 4-methoxyglucobrassicin), and sulforaphane compared to the microwave-dried samples. The contents of lutein, glucoraphanin, glucobrassicin, and sulforaphane in the ultrasound-dried samples at 180.1 W/dm2 were 56.5%, 13.7%, 24.9%, and 53.0% higher than that in microwave-dried samples at 900 W. Taking the aforementioned results and literature survey into consideration, it can be concluded that microwave drying has a higher drying efficiency, whereas ultrasound-assisted drying could be a better technology for the preservation of phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables.

Presence of phytochemicals in fruits and leaves of guava (Psidium guajava Linn.) for cancer prevention: A mini review

The present review deals with the bioactive compounds (phytochemicals) in the fruits and leaves of guava (Psidium guajava Linn.). In the present study, an attempt was done to survey of literatures for exact solvent extraction to know exact phytocompound and characterization by using instruments along with anticancer properties of these phytochemicals present in fruits and leaves of guava. The compilation of available literatures of last 10 years can be suitable ready references for future experimental study as in vitro and in vivo as well as new drug design as phytomedicines for cancer therapy.
 Keywords: Bioactive compounds, Psidium guajava, Guava fruits and leaves, Cancer therapy, Phytomedicines

The Impact of Elevated CO2 and High Temperature on the Nutritional Quality of Fruits – A Short Review

Fruits are essential components of modern diet. Fruit nutrients provide important benefits to human in various ways for better health. Phytochemicals in fruit vary in quality and quantity depending mainly on fruit species and cultivar. Additionally, these phytonutrients can also be affected by different environmental factors including atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and temperature. The current changes and the continuous anticipated increase in the CO2 concentrations and temperature in the atmosphere has become a major challenge in crop production. The literature is rich with investigations of individual and combination effects of elevated CO2 and temperature on growth, development and yield of plants, including fruits. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the impacts of elevated CO2 and high temperature individually and interactively on nutritional quality of fruits. According to the reviewed literature, both elevated CO2 and temperature significantly influenced fruit nutrient content and availability. Elevated CO2 is expected to affect positively the fruits nutrient content, while mixed responses found for high temperature. Interaction effects of these factors are the most important since they are predicted to increase concomitantly. With available literature, the combination impact of these factors on fruit nutrients was discussed under three different hypotheses in this review. (1) high temperature may offset the positive effects of elevated CO2, (2) elevated CO2 would compensate for the negative effects of high temperature and (3) interactively, both elevated CO2 and temperature may increase or decrease the phytonutrients in fruits.

Regulation of phytochemicals in fruits and berries by environmental variation-Sugars and organic acids.

Sugars and organic acids are important phytochemicals contributing to the nutrition and sensory properties of fruits and berries. Their contents are closely correlated to the genetic background of plants as well as to the environmental conditions during growth. This review focuses on the recent researches on the metabolism of these compounds in fruits and berries in response to the variation of environmental conditions, including temperature, radiation, and water supply. A great deal of investigations indicates that the influence of environmental factors on the composition of fruits/berries depended largely on the genetic background. Moreover, the metabolic regulation in response to environmental changes also varies between different plant developmental stages. Nevertheless, some general trends, like the positive correlation between light intensity and sugar content, were observed in most investigations. In grapes (Vitis vinifera L.), the content of malic acid always decreases as light intensity increases, and as the water supply decreases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The contents of sugars and organic acids, and especially their relative ratio, are important indicators determining the taste and quality of fruits and fruit products. In this review, we summarized the investigations carried out on the regulation of these sensory contributing primary metabolites in fruits and berries in relation to the variation of environmental conditions. It was indicated that various factors, such as plant genotype, growing period, and interaction between environmental factors, might contribute to the impact of environmental changes on the composition of fruits/berries. The article not only provides comprehensive knowledges in food chemistry and plant physiology but also provide important background knowledge for berry cultivation and breeding, as well as useful guidelines for utilization of fruits and berries in food industry.

Phenolic compounds and phytochemicals in fruits of black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) genotypes from the Aegean region in Turkey

Abstract Turkey is one of the most important centres of mulberry genetic resources and mulberries grow naturally almost everywhere in Turkey. This study was carried out to determine the most important phenolic compounds and phytochemical properties of mulberry (Morus nigra L.) genotypes collected from natural resources in 2016-2017 in the province of Uşak (Turkey). The investigated biochemical characteristics included: total soluble solids content (TSS), pH, titratable acidity, total phenolic content, vitamin C and antioxidant capacity (DPPH). The highest values of phenolic compounds, i.e. ellagic acid, rutin, quercetin, gallic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, were as follows: 5.89, 133.60, 11.25, 40.90, 10.54, 97.59 and 21.93 g 100 g−1, respectively. The highest values of total phenolics, vitamin C content and antioxidant capacity determined in the investigated mulberry genotypes were 2977.30 mg GAE g−1, 31.34 mg 100 g−1 and 26.80%, respectively. The genotypes 64USA08, 64USA06 and 64USA10 can be recommended in terms of the most valuable chemical composition and used for future breeding purposes. It is desirable to take steps to implement an intensive programme for the preservation of Morus nigra L. biodiversity in Turkey.

Characterization of phenolics, amino acids, fatty acids and antioxidant activity in pulp and seeds of high altitude Himalayan crab apple fruits (Malus baccata).

Phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables have achieved immense significance owing to the increasing evidence which signifying their activity for antioxidant and prevention of chronic diseases. The amount of phloretin (88.39µgmg-1) and phloridzin (83.03µgmg-1) were found to be higher among other phenolics determined using UPLC. DPPH, ABTS+, metal chelating and ·OH radical assays were used to evaluate antioxidant activity. Malus baccata pulp portion showed higher antioxidant activity than seed portion. HPLC analysis for free amino acids showed that serine (9.06µgmg-1), alanine (8.03µgmg-1), tyrosine (10.33µgmg-1), and cysteine (76.86µgmg-1) were only detected in pulp portion while seed comprised of histidine (3.96µgmg-1) only. Seed portion was also determined for their fatty acid composition including palmitic acid (0.89%), ethyl palmitate (0.56%), methyl petroselinate (0.90%) and linolein (3.93%) using GC-MS analysis. HPAEC technique detected fructose and sucrose in a fair amount of 21 and 17.3mgg-1 in pulp, while 9.4 and 4.24mgg-1 in seed portion, respectively. The present study suggested that M. baccata fruit is a rich source of phenolic and other chemical components which can be used in food products and nutraceutical formulations.

Effects of the Alternative Postharvest Treatments on ‘Hicaznar’ Pomegranate Fruit Phytochemicals, Organic Acids and Sugar Content

Abstract: Background: There are many alternative techniques have been used for preserving fruits quality and extent shelf life by reducing metabolic activities which promote their quality changes negatively during storage to understand the metabolic process in fresh fruits. Objective: The main objective of this study was to investigate effects of postharvest treatment of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and oxalic acids (OA) on phytochemicals, organic acid and sugar content of ‘Hicaznar’ pomegranate fruit. Method: The pomegranate arils were immersed external three different concentrations (0, 2.5 and 5 mM) of OA and GABA after minimally process of fruit. Total phenolic, anthocyanin, antioxidant activities, organic acid sugar content of treated and control fruit arils were analysed. Results: The present results were indicated that in general, glucose and sucrose sugar contents of fruit slightly decreased at the end of the storage while fructose and sorbitol content slightly increased. Conclusion: OA treated group showed better antiradical activity than GABA treated arils while TAC was higher in GABA treated arils at the end of storage. Total phenolic contents of pomegranate arils were changed significantly during storage. Key words: Pomegranate Arils, Oxalic Acid, Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, Sugar, Organic Acid.

Physicochemical properties of dietary phytochemicals can predict their passive absorption in the human small intestine

A diet high in phytochemical-rich plant foods is associated with reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, obesity, diabetes and cancer. Oxidative stress and inflammation (OSI) is the common component underlying these chronic diseases. Whilst the positive health effects of phytochemicals and their metabolites have been demonstrated to regulate OSI, the timing and absorption for best effect is not well understood. We developed a model to predict the time to achieve maximal plasma concentration (Tmax) of phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables. We used a training dataset containing 67 dietary phytochemicals from 31 clinical studies to develop the model and validated the model using three independent datasets comprising a total of 108 dietary phytochemicals and 98 pharmaceutical compounds. The developed model based on dietary intake forms and the physicochemical properties lipophilicity and molecular mass accurately predicts Tmax of dietary phytochemicals and pharmaceutical compounds over a broad range of chemical classes. This is the first direct model to predict Tmax of dietary phytochemicals in the human body. The model informs the clinical dosing frequency for optimising uptake and sustained presence of dietary phytochemicals in circulation, to maximise their bio-efficacy for positively affect human health and managing OSI in chronic diseases.

Dietary polyphenols and chromatin remodeling

ABSTRACTPolyphenols are the most abundant phytochemicals in fruits, vegetables, and plant-derived beverages. Recent findings suggest that polyphenols display the ability to reverse adverse epigenetic regulation involved in pathological conditions, such as obesity, metabolic disorder, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and various forms of cancer. Epigenetics, defined as heritable changes to the transcriptome, independent from those occurring in the genome, includes DNA methylation, histone modifications, and posttranscriptional gene regulation by noncoding RNAs. Sinergistically and cooperatively, these processes regulate gene expression by changing chromatin organization and DNA accessibility. Such induced epigenetic changes can be inherited during cell division, resulting in permanent maintenance of the acquired phenotype, but they may also occur throughout an individual life-course and may ultimately influence phenotypic outcomes (health and disease risk). In the last decade, a number of studies have shown that nutrients can affect metabolic traits by altering the structure of chromatin and directly regulate both transcription and translational processes. In this context, dietary polyphenol-targeted epigenetics becomes an attractive approach for disease prevention and intervention. Here, we will review how polyphenols, including flavonoids, curcuminoids, and stilbenes, modulate the establishment and maintenance of key epigenetic marks, thereby influencing gene expression and, hence, disease risk and health.

Real-time monitoring of glucose and phenols intestinal absorption through an integrated Caco-2TC7cells/biosensors telemetric device: Hypoglycemic effect of fruit phytochemicals

An integrated device for real-time monitoring of glucose and phenols absorption, that consists of a sensors/biosensors system (SB) and a Caco-2TC7 human intestinal cell culture, is described in this study. The SB is composed of a glucose oxidase-based biosensor, a sentinel platinum sensor, a laccase/tyrosinase-based biosensor and a sentinel carbon sensor, all located in the basolateral compartment (BC) of a cell culture plate. Caco-2TC7 cells, differentiated on culture inserts, separated the apical compartment that simulates the intestinal lumen, from the BC which represented the bloodstream. The system recorded currents relative to glucose (1mM) absorption, obtaining bioavailability values (5.1%) comparable to HPLC analysis (4.8%). Phloridzin and phloretin, specific phenolic inhibitors of SGLT1 and GLUT2 glucose transporters, reduced the glucose transport of almost 10 times. They were minimally absorbed in the BC with a bioavailability of 0.13% and 0.49% respectively. The hypoglycemic potential of blueberry and pomegranate juices was also studied. In particular, the amount of glucose absorbed through the Caco-2TC7 monolayer was 8‰ for pomegranate and 1.7‰ for blueberry, demonstrating the potential hypoglycemic effect of the juices. Polyphenols absorption was also monitored by the SB and an increase was recorded during the first 50min in presence of both blueberry and pomegranate juices, then a constant decrease occurred. The proposed device has been developed as innovative tool for the dynamic monitoring of natural compounds effects on glucose absorption, in order to manage postprandial hyperglycemia.

Consumption of Quercetin and Quercetin-Containing Apple and Cherry Extracts Affects Blood Glucose Concentration, Hepatic Metabolism, and Gene Expression Patterns in Obese C57BL/6J High Fat–Fed Mice

Background: Intake of polyphenols and polyphenol-rich fruit extracts has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation, diabetes, and hepatic complications that result from the consumption of a high-fat (HF) diet.Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether mice fed polyphenol-rich apple peel extract (AE), cherry extract (CE), and quercetin, a phytochemical abundant in fruits including apples and cherries, would modulate the harmful effects of adiposity on blood glucose regulation, endocrine concentrations, and hepatic metabolism in HF-fed C57BL/6J male mice.Methods: Groups of 8-wk-old mice (n = 8 each) were fed 5 diets for 10 wk, including low-fat (LF; 10% of total energy) and HF (60% of total energy) control diets and 3 HF diets containing polyphenol-rich AE, CE, and quercetin (0.2% wt:wt). Also, an in vitro study used HepG2 cells exposed to quercetin (0–100 μmol/L) to determine whether intracellular lipid accumulation could be modulated by this phytochemical.Results: Mice fed the HF control diet consumed 36% more energy, gained 14 g more body weight, and had ∼50% elevated blood glucose concentrations (all P < 0.05) than did LF-fed mice. Mice fed HF diets containing AE, CE, or quercetin became as obese as HF-fed mice, but had significantly lower blood glucose concentrations after food deprivation (−36%, −22%, −22%, respectively; P < 0.05). Concentrations of serum C-reactive protein were reduced 29% in quercetin-fed mice compared with HF-fed controls (P < 0.05). A qualitative evaluation of liver tissue sections suggested that fruit phytochemicals may reduce hepatic lipid accumulation. A quantitative analysis of lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease in lipid content in cells treated with 0–100 μmol quercetin/L (P < 0.05).Conclusions: In mice, consumption of AE, CE, or quercetin appears to modulate some of the harmful effects associated with the consumption of an obesogenic HF diet. Furthermore, in a cell culture model, quercetin was shown to reduce intracellular lipid accumulation in a dose-dependent fashion.