Functional Food Supplements Research Articles

Functional and Therapeutic Potential of Cynara scolymus in Health Benefits.

Dietary supplements enriched with bioactive compounds represent a promising approach to influence physiological processes and enhance longevity and overall health. Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus serves as a functional food supplement with a high concentration of bioactive compounds, which offers various health-promoting benefits. Several chronic diseases have metabolic, genetic, or inflammatory origins, which are frequently interconnected. Pharmacological treatments, although effective, often result in undesirable side effects. In this context, preventive approaches are gaining increased attention. Recent literature indicates that the consumption of bioactive compounds in the diet can positively influence the organism's biological functions. Polyphenols, well-known for their health benefits, are widely recognized as valuable compounds in preventing/combating various pathologies related to lifestyle, metabolism, and aging. The C. scolymus belonging to the Asteraceae family, is widely used in the food and herbal medicine fields for its beneficial properties. Although the inflorescences (capitula) of the artichoke are used for food and culinary purposes, preparations based on artichoke leaves can be used as an active ingredient in herbal medicines. Cynara scolymus shows potential benefits in different domains. Its nutritional value and health benefits make it a promising candidate for improving overall well-being. C. scolymus exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, liver-protective, bile-expelling, antimicrobial, and lipid-lowering neuroprotective properties. Different studies demonstrate that oxidative stress is the leading cause of the onset and progression of major human health disorders such as cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, and cancer diseases. The large amount of polyphenol found in C. scolymus has an antioxidant activity, enabling it to neutralize free radicals, preventing cellular damage. This reduces the subsequent risk of developing conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, these polyphenols demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity, which is closely associated with their antioxidant properties. As a result, C. scolymus has the potential to contribute to the treatment of chronic diseases, including intestinal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative pathologies. The current review discussed the nutritional profiles, potential benefits, and pharmacological effects of C. scolymus.

Protective benefits of ethyl alcohol extract of Piper betel L. to prevent colon carcinogenesis

Piper betel L. is a traditional nutritional and medicinal food, known for its rich phytochemical components. In the current study, the role of the ethyl alcohol extract of betel leaf (Piper betel) against human colorectal carcinoma (HT29 cells), was investigated. The extract consists of phenolic compounds and flavonoids that are potent antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. Exposure of human colon carcinoma cells, to the 80% ethyl alcohol extract resulted in apoptotic cell death, fragmentation, downregulation in the expression levels of Bcl-XL, and upregulation of p53. The results indicated the inhibition of cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The results highlight the activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in response to the treatment with ethanolic extracts of betel leaves. The treatment induced DNA damage leading to G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Low cytotoxicity and anticarcinogenic effects of the ethyl alcohol extracts of betel leaf on HT29 suggest an alternative approach to human colon cancer therapy (combination therapy) and highlights its significance as a functional food or food supplement.

A Promising Functional Food for Diabetes Prevention, Antioxidation, and Anti-inflammation of Green Coffee Bean Extract

Functional foods and nutrition have become increasingly popular in preventing and reducing the incidence of diabetes. Green coffee bean extract (GCBE) has received much interest because of the evidence that coffee consumption reduces the risk of diabetes and many inflammatory diseases. This study was designed to investigate the phytochemicals contained in GCBE and their antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory efficacies. GCBE phytochemicals were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This analysis demonstrated that chlorogenic acid was the predominant component of GCBE, followed by caffeine and caffeic acid. The antioxidant capacity of GCBE was assessed using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azinobis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays, demonstrating significant scavenging capacity with IC50 values of 2.96 ± 1.04 and 7.63 ± 1.03 µg/mL, respectively. The anti-hyperlipidemic efficacy of GCBE was observed through inhibiting cholesterol absorption (by increasing micelle sizes and decreasing cholesterol solubility), lipid digestion, and pancreatic lipase activity in vitro. The investigations revealed that GCBE possessed anti-hyperlipidemic properties by inhibiting cholesterol absorption, lipid digestion, and pancreatic lipase activity. Specifically, GCBE increased micelle particle sizes by ~6.5-fold, decreased cholesterol solubility by 2-fold, and reduced pancreatic lipase activity by 25%. Additionally, the in vitroanti-hyperglycemic activity of GCBE was evaluated by inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase capacity. GCBE demonstrated anti-hyperglycemic activity by inhibiting α-amylase activity (32.80 ± 7.06% inhibition), while α-glucosidase activity remained unaffected. The anti-inflammatory potential of GCBE was evaluated by mRNA regulation using RT-PCR analysis. This analysis revealed that GCBE attenuated mRNA expression of COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1b, and IL-6 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. GCBE’s antioxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-hyperglycemic efficacies and its molecular mechanisms in modulating the inflammation pathway found in the present study highlight its potential as a supplement in functional foods or beverages. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2024-05-01-08 Full Text: PDF

Moringa oleifera leaves ethanolic extract counteracts cortical neurodegeneration induced by aluminum chloride in rats.

Aluminum, a well-recognized neurotoxin, is implicated in various neurodegenerative disorders. Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera), known as a miracle tree, is utilized as a functional food and nutritional supplement. This study investigates the potential preventive effects of M. oleifera extract on aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced cortical neurodegeneration in rats. Therefore, 24 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four distinct groups: negative control, M. oleifera extract (MOE), AlCl3, and AlCl3+MOE. Treatments were administered orally for 28 consecutive days. Cognitive performance, brain oxidative/nitrosative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptotic-cell death, and associated histopathological alterations were assessed. Our results showed that MOE improved spatial learning and memory, enhanced antioxidant superoxide dismutase enzyme activity, antagonized nitrosative stress, reduced inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6), decreased caspase-3, increased Bcl-2, and facilitated repair of cortical and hippocampal structures. We concluded that MOE exhibits protective effects against cortical neurodegeneration, making it a promising supplement to counteract aluminum-induced neurotoxic effects.

Wild imitating vs greenhouse cultivated Dendrobium huoshanense: Chemical quality differences.

Dendrobium huoshanense (D. huoshanense) has been used as functional food supplements and herbal medicines for preventing and managing diseases with a long history in China. Due to its endangered natural resources and huge demand, people tend to cultivate D. huoshanense to protect this species. However, the quality of wild and cultivated herbs of the same species may change. This work quantified and compared the main quality traits and chemical components of wild imitating and greenhouse cultivated D. huoshanense with different growth years. As a result, wild and cultivated D. huoshanense had similar chemical composition, but there are significant differences in the content of many ingredients (polysaccharides, flavonoids, nucleosides, bibenzyls, lignans and volatile compounds). And the contents of many of these components increased with growing years. In addition, multivariate statistical analyses have been applied to classify and evaluate samples from different cultivation modes according to these components. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that the overall quality of greenhouse cultivated D. huoshanense was not as good as wild-grown, but this mode can be a promising and sustainable way of producing D. huoshanense.

Lactic acid fermented microalgae and cyanobacteria as a new source of lipid reducing compounds: assessment through zebrafish Nile red fat metabolism assay and untargeted metabolomics.

Obesity is one of the most important threats to human health. Besides existing pharmacological or clinical interventions, novel effective and largely available solutions are still necessary. Among diverse natural resources, microalgae are well known for their complexity in the production of novel secondary metabolites. At the same time, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are known for their capacity to metabolize, through fermentation, different matrices, and consequently to modify or produce new compounds with potential bioactivity. This work aimed to study the production of fermented microalgae and cyanobacteria, and to analyse their extracts in the zebrafish Nile red fat metabolism assay. Three microalgal species (Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorococcum sp. and Arthrospira platensis) were fermented with seven strains of LAB from 4 species (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei), derived from the UPCCO - University of Parma Culture Collection, Parma, Italy). All the selected strains were able to ferment the selected species of microalgae, and the most suitable substrate for LAB growth was Arthrospira platensis. Extracts from fermented Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorococcum sp. reduced significantly the neutral lipid reservoirs, which was not observed without fermentations. The strongest lipid reducing effect was obtained with Arthrospira platensis fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus 1932. Untargeted metabolomics identified some compound families, which could be related to the observed bioactivity, namely fatty acids, fatty amides, triterpene saponins, chlorophyll derivatives and purine nucleotides. This work opens up the possibility of developing novel functional foods or food supplements based on microalgae, since lactic acid fermentation enhanced the production of bioactive compounds with lipid reducing activities.

Berberis vulgaris L. extract supplementation exerts regulatory effects on the lifespan and healthspan of Drosophila through its antioxidant activity depending on the sex.

Worldwide the aging population continues to increase, so the concept of healthy longevity medicine has become increasingly significant in modern society. Berberis vulgaris L. fruits serve as a functional food supplement with a high concentration of bioactive compounds, which offer numerous health-promoting benefits. The goal of this study was to investigate the geroprotective effect of Berberis vulgaris L. extract. Here we show that extract of Berberis vulgaris L. can, depending on concentrate, increases lifespan up to 6%, promote healthspan (stress resistance up to 35%, locomotor activity up to 25%, integrity of the intestinal barrier up to 12%, metabolic rate up to 5%) of Drosophila melanogaster (in vitro) and exhibits antioxidant (using red blood cell tests) and antiglycation activity (using glycation of bovine serum albumin) (in vitro). In addition to this, the extract does not exhibit cytotoxic properties in vitro, unlike the well-known polyphenolic compound quercetin. qRT-PCR has revealed the involvement of metabolic, heat shock response and lipid metabolism genes in the observed effects.

Biyotik Ailesinden Postbiyotiklerin Sınıflandırılması ve Antitümör Aktiviteleri

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and although the prognosis for patients has improved, it is still poor in a significant proportion of cases. Complex and inconclusive approaches to anticancer treatment in the human body motivate the search for new ways to create an anticancer environment. Studies have shown that probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics are effective in their use as adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment. Postbiotics, from the biotic family, are health-promoting microbial metabolites offered as a functional food or dietary supplement. They directly affect the body's signaling pathways or indirectly manipulate the metabolism and composition of the intestinal microflora. The administration of postbiotics is an effective complementary strategy to fight cancer. In this review, studies including the antitumoral effects of postbiotics and their role in metastatic cancers were examined and the main findings showing the usefulness of postbiotic sources in tumor cells were summarized. Postbiotics can be considered as adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment and may help reduce the side effects caused by treatment methods. In addition, more in vivo and in vitro studies are needed to evaluate the effects of postbiotics on cancer in detail.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Bovine Livers and Hearts Hydrolysates

Our previous research has indicated that bioactive protein hydrolysates derived from porcine by-products possess the potential to be utilized in the production of functional additives and food supplements. The objective of this investigation was to assess the antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics and amino acid changes in hydrolysates of lyophilized meat of bovine livers and hearts. The relevant enzymes, papain and pepsin, were used to hydrolyze the meat by-products over periods of 3, 6, and 24 h. The antimicrobial properties of all enzymatically digested samples were assessed against Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Typhimurium. Bacillus cereus, and Escherichia coli, S. aureus subsp. aureus. The assessment of antiradical activity involved the quantification of DPPH• and ABTS•+ absorbance in bovine by-product hydrolysates. The hydrolysates were subjected to amino acid analysis using AccQ Tag technology, which was performed by Waters Corporation in Milford, MA, USA. The bacteria L. monocytogenes had the highest antibacterial activity (inhibition zone) (20.00 ± 0.20 mm) and less against E. coli (10.00 ± 0.10 mm) of bovine heart hydrolysates and were prepared for 24 h with papain. The highest values of ABTS•+ (98.1 ± 0.30%) and of DPPH• scavenging activity (92.56 ± 0.56%) of cationic radicals were evaluated in the bovine liver hydrolysates after the effect of papain for 24 h. Longer hydrolysis time influenced the decrease in free hydrophobic amino acids (Ala, Val, Ile, Leu, Tyr, Phe, Pro, Met). The results confirmed the potential use of bovine liver and heart hydrolysates as functional or biologically active materials.

Anti-tumor target screening of sea cucumber saponin Frondoside A: a bioinformatics and molecular docking analysis.

Cancer remains the leading cause of death worldwide. In spite of significant advances in targeted and immunotherapeutic approaches, clinical outcomes for cancer remain poor. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets of Frondoside A for the treatment of liver, pancreatic, and bladder cancers. The data presented in our study demonstrated that Frondoside A reduced the viability and migration of HepG2, Panc02, and UM-UC-3 cancer cell in vitro. Moreover, we utilized the GEO database to screen and identify for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in liver, pancreatic, and bladder cancers, which resulted in the identification of 714, 357, and 101 DEGs, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway annotation were performed using the Metascape database for DEGs that were significantly associated with cancer development. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks of the identified DEGs in liver, pancreatic, and bladder cancers were analyzed using Cytoscape 3.9.0 software, and subsequently identified potential key genes that were associated with these networks. Subsequently, their prognostic values were assessed by gene expression level analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (GEPIA). Furthermore, we utilized TIMER 2.0 to investigate the correlation between the expression of the identified key gene and cancer immune infiltration. Finally, molecular docking simulations were performed to assess the affinity of Frondoside A and key genes. Our results showed a significant correlation between these DEGs and cancer progression. Combined, these analyses revealed that Frondoside A involves in the regulation of multiple pathways, such as drug metabolism, cell cycle in liver cancer by inhibiting the expression of CDK1, TOP2A, CDC20, and KIF20A, and regulates protein digestion and absorption, receptor interaction in pancreatic cancer by down-regulation of ASPM, TOP2A, DLGAP5, TPX2, KIF23, MELK, LAMA3, and ANLN. While in bladder cancer, Frondoside A regulates muscle contraction, complement and coagulation cascade by increase FLNC expression. In conclusion, the present study offers valuable insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer effects of Frondoside A, and suggests that Frondoside A can be used as a functional food supplement or further developed as a natural anti-cancer drug.

Nutritional intervention with acidic Stigma Maydis polysaccharide (ASMP-1) in membranous nephropathy: Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a glomerulonephritis characterized by C5b-9-mediated podocyte injury. Stigma Maydis is a medicinal, polysaccharide-based product derived from corn silks, traditionally used by traditional Chinese medicine physicians to treat chronic kidney disease. However, the mechanism through which Stigma Maydis polysaccharides (SMP) alleviates MN remains unclear. This study aimed to verify the potential protective effects of refined acidic SMP (ASMP-1) in vitro and in vivo. An ASMP-1 was successfully isolated by DEAE Sepharose anion exchange and Sephadex G-100 gel permeation chromatography. Our results showed that ASMP-1 suppressed oxidative stress, promoted autophagy, and repressed apoptosis. This mechanism is believed to be associated with the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Consequently, owing to its enhanced autophagic activity and resources, ASMP-1 has potential as a functional food or nutritional supplement for kidney health preservation.

Assessment of in vitro anti-skin aging activities of Phyllanthus indofischeri Bennet extracts for dermatological and aesthetic applications

Giant Indian Gooseberry (GIG) or Phyllanthus indofischeri Bennet are commercially cultivated and commonly used herbs in Traditional medicine, especially in Thailand. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of the GIG extracts in anti-aging activities to be a dermatological application. The juice, meat residues, and seeds of GIG collected from Sra Kaeo Province, Thailand, were extracted by the Boiling method (B) and the Maceration process (M) by using 95% ethanol as a solvent. The GIG extracts gave the total phenolic, total flavonoid contents and quercetin contents, as well as exhibited anti-oxidative activities. The GIG-R-B extract inhibited tyrosinase activity and had the highest anti-melanogenesis activity on B16F10 cells at 31.63 ± 0.70%. The GIG-S-B, GIG-S-M, and GIG-R-M extracts demonstrated the highest collagen biosynthesis, which was comparable to vitamin C (p < 0.05), whereas the GIG-R-B extracts gave the highest stimulation of anti-aging genes (SIRT1 and FOXO1). All extracts at the concentration of 0.1 mg/mL showed no cytotoxicity on human skin fibroblasts. Therefore, the GIG-S-B extract was discovered to be a promising natural anti-aging agent for dermatological health and aesthetic applications that can be further developed in cosmetic, functional food and food supplement industries.

In silico analyses of bioactive compounds extracted from ziziphus jujuba using supercritical CO2 extraction: Potential anti-anxiety and anti-Alzheimer’s disease

Background: Jujube (Chinese date) is a fruit with a pleasant, sweet taste, traditionally used as sedative to treat insomnia and anxiety. Objective: The study aims to explore the potential of these bioactive compounds in exerting anti-anxiety and anti-Alzheimer's disease effects. Methods: Molecular docking, ADME, and molecular dynamics studies were carried out for the green-extracted phytochemicals against acetylcholinesterase and Beta-amyloid proteins for Anti-Alzheimer’s disease effect and serotonin receptor for anti-anxiety activity. Our results suggest that compound (2,3,6,7-tetramethyl-10-(4-methylphenylsulfonyloxy)-1,4,4.alpha.,5,8,8a.beta.,9.b) showed good binding affinity of -10.3 with acetylcholinesterase (4EY7) as anti-Alzheimer’s disease and the compound andrographolide with serotonin transporter (6VRH) showed binding affinity of -9.7 for anxiety. Compounds with the best docking scores were subjected to molecular dynamic simulations.Results: These compounds revealed the best stability. Conclusion: These findings are promising for manufacturing new functional foods, nutraceuticals, food supplements, and/or pharmaceuticals which may play a good and safe role in treating Alzheimer disease and anxiety. While further biological studies must be carried out, our computational studies suggest that these compounds have potent activity.Keywords: Ziziphus jujuba; Bioactive compounds; Neurological disorders disease; Molecular docking, ADME and Molecular dynamics.

The protective effect and mechanism of mangiferin on D‐galactose‐induced oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in aging mice by an integrated network pharmacology and experimental validation strategy

AbstractMangiferin (MAN) was a natural bioactive xanthone with remarkable antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. The purpose of this study to determine the protective influence of MAN on D‐galactose (D‐gal)‐induced aging and cognitive impairment, together with its underlying molecular mechanism. The network pharmacology molecular docking analysis revealed that MAN has a potential binding with aging‐related oxidative stress and apoptosis proteins. In D‐gal‐induced aging mice, MAN could significantly reduce D‐gal‐induced histopathological changes of liver and brain tissues. Moreover, MAN administration obviously increased activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, T‐AOC, GSH‐Px, and CAT) and decreased levels of AChE and MDA in the serum, liver, or brain tissues. Additionally, MAN alleviated learning and memory disorders and improved the exploration ability. Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis results revealed that MAN could regulate the expressions of PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway‐related proteins and apoptotic‐related proteins (Bax, Bcl‐2, and Caspase‐9) in the liver tissues. Therefore, these findings suggested that MAN can be used as a potent dietary supplement in functional foods for the protection against aging‐related impairments.

Evaluation of Schisandra chinensis extract on anti-fatigue activity in mice

Many herbs and plant extracts have traditionally been used to enhance physical endurance and increase vitality. These natural products may contain active compounds such as antioxidants, adaptogens, and neuroprotective agents, which help alleviate fatigue and restore energy, but have not been developed enough as new anti-fatigue nutritional supplements. Schisandra chinensis, also known as Wu Wei Zi, is a medicinal and edible plant native to China. It is rich in various bioactive components and possesses significant pharmacological activities. The current study was designed to investigate the effect of Schisandra chinensis extract (SCE) on fatigue in mice, and further to elucidate its possible underlying mechanism. The results showed that SCE significantly prolonged the swimming time, increased the levels of hepatic glycogen and muscular glycogen, while reducing the levels of lactic acid (LA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, it enhanced the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Pearson correlation analysis also revealed a strong correlation between the anti-fatigue effects and antioxidant activities of SCE in mice vivo. Western blotting results showed that SCE alleviated fatigue by activating the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway and simultaneously increasing the expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 proteins in mouse skeletal muscle. Therefore, SCE could be considered as a potential anti-fatigue nutritional supplement in functional foods, beneficial for alleviating exercise-induced fatigue.

Can unexploited biomass of Ficus carica L. be valorized as a bio‐based material for the development of functional food formulations?

AbstractFigs are a valuable source of nutrients including polyphenols, dietary fiber, and minerals. Cultivation and consumption of figs generates a considerable amount of by‐products and waste which are also nutrient‐rich. Fig unexploited mass can efficiently be valorized in the frame of circular bioeconomy for the development of functional foods, food supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Herein, we provide a thorough assessment of the chemical composition of figs toward the potential utilization of unexploited fig biomass for the generation of bio‐based materials. Conventional and novel processes such as drying and extraction leading to the isolation of targeted ingredients are critically discussed.

Renoprotective Effect of Chrysanthemum coronarium L. Extract on Adenine-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease in Mice.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) gradually leads to loss of renal function and is associated with inflammation and fibrosis. Chrysanthemum coronarium L., a leafy vegetable, possesses various beneficial properties, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects. In this study, we investigated the renoprotective effect of Chrysanthemum coronarium L. extract (CC) on adenine (AD)-induced CKD in mice. CKD was induced by feeding mice with an AD diet (0.25% w/w) for 4 weeks. Changes in renal function, histopathology, inflammation, and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed. The adenine-fed mice were characterized by increased blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and histological changes, including inflammation and fibrosis; however, these changes were significantly restored by treatment with CC. Additionally, CC inhibited the expression of the inflammatory markers, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukins-6 and -1β, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and cyclooxygenase 2. Moreover, CC suppressed the expression of the fibrotic markers, type IV collagen, and fibronectin. Furthermore, CC attenuated the expression of profibrotic genes (tumor growth factor-β and α-smooth muscle actin) in AD-induced renal injury mice. Thus, our results suggest that CC has the potential to attenuate AD-induced renal injury and might offer a new option as a renoprotective agent or functional food supplement to manage CKD.

Dendrobium officinale Polysaccharide Prevents Diabetes via the Regulation of Gut Microbiota in Prediabetic Mice.

Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP), which serves as a prebiotic, exhibits a variety of biological activities, including hypoglycemic activities. However, the effects of DOP on diabetes prevention and its hypoglycemic mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, the effects of DOP treatment on the prediabetic mice model were studied and the mechanism was investigated. The results showed that 200 mg/kg/d of DOP reduced the relative risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from prediabetes by 63.7%. Meanwhile, DOP decreased the level of LPS and inhibited the expression of TLR4 by regulating the composition of the gut microbiota, consequently relieving the inflammation and alleviating insulin resistance. In addition, DOP increased the abundance of SCFA (short chain fatty acid)-producing bacteria in the intestine, increased the levels of intestinal SCFAs, promoted the expression of short-chain fatty acid receptors FFAR2/FFAR3, and increased the secretion of the intestinal hormones GLP-1 and PYY, which helped to repair islet damage, suppress appetite, and improve insulin resistance. Our results suggested that DOP is a promising functional food supplement for the prevention of T2DM.

Bacillus siamensis FVP1 as a potential probiotic for enhancing nutritional aspects of soybean meal

SummaryMicrobial fermentation is an effective approach for enhancing the nutritional value of soybean products. In this work, Bacillus siamensis FVP1, isolated from fermented vegetables, was used for the solid‐state fermentation of soybean meal. After 48 h fermentation, the amounts of allergenic proteins (glycinin and β‐conglycinin) and non‐digestible oligosaccharides (stachyose) were significantly reduced. In addition, the ratio between essential and non‐essential free amino acids increased 3.05‐fold. The total phenolic, total flavonoid content, and antioxidative properties were significantly enhanced after fermentation. After fractionation, the &lt;10 kDa fraction had high peptide content as well as antioxidant activities. However, the peptide yield was relatively low (34.04%). This strain exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as well as a lack of antibiotic resistance. Together with its ability to survive in gastric juice (82.8%) and bile salt (80.4%), the strain FVP1 could be considered a potential probiotic and applied to functional food supplements.

Comprehensive functional evaluation of a novel collagen for the skin protection in human fibroblasts and keratinocytes.

The collagen had been widely used as a promising source of functional food supplements for skin care. Here, we developed a novel animal-derived collagen that displayed multiple functions for protecting the human skin cells under UV irradiation. Different evaluations were performed to explore the protective effects of this collagen on human skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Specifically, we found that our collagen could induce the production of collagen I, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in fibroblasts and could also enhance the skin wound healing ability. Besides, it could elevate the expression of aquaporin-3 and cluster of differentiation 44 in keratinocytes. Moreover, this collagen had been demonstrated to alleviate the generation of reactive oxygen species and the malondialdehyde content in UVA-treated fibroblasts, as well as the secretion of inflammation factors in keratinocytes. These data indicated that the novel animal-derived collagen was a hopeful material for the comprehensive protection of the skin cells and the prevention of skin aging.