Gastrointestinal Digestion Research Articles

Potential Human Health Benefits of Phaseolus vulgaris L. var Venanzio: Effects on Cancer Cell Growth and Inflammation.

It is widely recognized that foods, biodiversity, and human health are strongly interconnected, and many efforts have been made to understand the nutraceutical value of diet. In particular, diet can affect the progression of intestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and intestinal cancer. In this context, we studied the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of extracts obtained from a local endangered variety of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fagiola di Venanzio, FV). Using in vitro intestinal cell models, we evaluated the activity of three different extracts: soaking water, cooking water, and the bioaccessible fraction obtained after mimicking the traditional cooking procedure and gastrointestinal digestion. We demonstrated that FV extracts reduce inflammation and oxidative stress prompted by interleukin 1β through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 expression and prostaglandin E2 production and through the reduction in reactive oxygen species production and NOX1 levels. The reported data outline the importance of diet in the prevention of human inflammatory diseases. Moreover, they strongly support the necessity to safeguard local biodiversity as a source of bioactive compounds.

Bioaccessibility and Antioxidant Activity of Faba Bean Peptides in Comparison to those of Pea and Soy after In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion and Transepithelial Transport across Caco-2 and HT29-MTX-E12 Cells.

In this study, the transepithelial transport of bioactive peptides derived from faba bean flour gastrointestinal digestates was investigated, in vitro, using a Caco-2 and HT29-MTX-E12 coculture monolayer, in comparison to those of pea and soy. The profile of transported peptides was determined by mass spectrometry, and the residual antioxidant activity was assessed. The ORAC value significantly (p < 0.05) decreased after transepithelial transport (24-36% reduction) for all legumes, while the antioxidant activity in ABTS assay significantly (p < 0.05) increased, as shown by the EC50 decrease of 26-44%. Five of the nine faba bean peptides that crossed the intestinal cell monolayer exhibited antioxidant activity. Two of these peptides, TETWNPNHPEL and TETWNPNHPE, were further hydrolyzed by the cells' brush border peptidases to smaller fragments TETWNPNHP and TWNPNHPE. These metabolized peptides were synthesized, and both maintained high antioxidant activity in both ABTS (EC50 of 1.2 ± 0.2 and 0.4 ± 0.1 mM, respectively) and ORAC (2.5 ± 0.1 and 3.4 ± 0.2 mM of Trolox equivalent/mM, respectively) assays. These results demonstrated for the first time the bioaccessibility of faba bean peptides produced after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and how their bioactive properties can be modulated during transepithelial transport.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Brazilian cultivars have different chemical compositions, present prebiotic potential, and beneficial effects on the colonic microbiota of celiac individuals

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential prebiotic properties of cassava cultivars from Northeast [Doce mel and Ourinho (OUR)] and South [Baiana, and IPR-Upira (UPI)] of Brazil in in vitro fermentation systems. The cultivars were evaluated for their chemical composition, and, then, two cultivars were selected (OUR and UPI) and subjected to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion to assess the effects on probiotics Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium animalis growth, metabolic activity, and prebiotic activity scores. Finally, the impact of cassava cultivars on the fecal microbiota of celiac individuals was evaluated using the 16S rRNA gene. Cassava cultivars have variable amounts of fiber, resistant starch, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), organic acids, phenolic compounds, and sugars, with OUR and UPI cultivars standing out. OUR and UPI cultivars contributed to the increase in the proliferation rates of L. casei (0.04–0.19), L. acidophilus (0.34–0.27), and B. animalis (0.10–0.03), resulting in more significant effects than FOS, an established prebiotic compound. Also, the positive scores of prebiotic activities with probiotic strains indicate OUR and UPI’s ability to stimulate beneficial bacteria while limiting enteric competitors selectively. In addition, OUR and UPI promoted increased relative abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae, and Lactobacillaceae in the fecal microbiota of celiac individuals while decreased Lachnospirales, Bacteroidales, and Oscillospirales. The results show that cassava cultivars caused beneficial changes in the composition and metabolic activity of the human intestinal microbiota of celiacs. OUR and UPI cultivars from the Northeast and South of Brazil could be considered potential prebiotic ingredients for use in the formulation of functional foods and dietary supplements.

In vitro protein digestibility and mineral accessibility of edible filamentous Fungi cultivated in oat flour

Edible filamentous fungi, a source of mycoprotein, are one of the sustainable alternative protein. This study compares protein digestibility (DH%) and amino acid and mineral accessibility in Rhizopus oligosporus cultivated in oat flour (OatRO) or glucose media (GluRO) by using the INFOGEST in vitro digestion protocol. Fungal total amino acids was higher in GluRO (39.0 ± 1.1 % dw) than OatRO (21.8 ± 1.3 % dw) which was also the case for calcium and magnesium content. After completed gastrointestinal digestion, there were no significant differences between GluRO and OatRO regarding DH% (27.21 ± 10.4 % and 29.4 ± 0.5 %), however, GluRO provided significantly higher amino acid accessibility compared to OatRO (64.3 ± 1.6 % and 55.1 ± 3.1 %). Mineral accessibility of GluRO was for Ca: 37.9 ± 1.8 %, Zn: 9.3 ± 0.4 %, Fe: 38.2 ± 1.9 %, Mg: 66.5 ± 1.4 % and Cu: 24.7 ± 1.3 % and for OatRO; Ca: −40.2 ± 2.4 %, Zn: −4.13 ± 0.15 %, Fe:14.6 ± 1.6 %, Mg: 74.5 ± 3.1 %, and Cu: 55.95 ± 0.8 %. Despite the low phytic acid content, OatRO thus showed antinutrient properties with respect to calcium, and zinc, suggesting that oat-derived fungi had antinutrients other than phytic acid. This study hereby revealed that the cultivation substrate affect amino acid and mineral accessibility of filamentous fungi and calls for deeper evaluations of antinutrients in oat-derived fungi.

Addition of olive by-product extracts to sunflower oil: Study by 1H NMR on the antioxidant effect during potato deep-frying and further in vitro digestion

Potatoes were fried in sunflower oil enriched or not with Chetoui olive by-product extracts (leaves and olive mill wastewater), and afterwards submitted to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Frying oils and fried potato lipids before and after digestion were analyzed using proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. Potential differences on lipid composition, oxidative status and after digestion also lipolysis degree, were studied. During deep-frying with oil replenishment, a higher generation of aldehydes was observed in non-enriched oils. During digestion, in the lipids of digested potatoes fried in non-enriched oil a higher degradation of linoleic chains and a higher generation of cis,trans-hydroperoxy- and cis,trans-hydroxy-octadecadienoates (primary oxidation compounds) and of alkanals was observed. A slightly higher lipolysis degree was reached in the lipids of potatoes fried in enriched oils. These findings suggest that the addition of both extracts could exert a potential antioxidant effect during frying and digestion, enhancing the quality, safety and nutritional value of fried food.

Release profile and metabolism of bound polyphenols of oat bran during in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation

Release profile and metabolism of bound polyphenols of oat bran during <em>in vitro</em> simulated gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation

Preparation of wheat protein peptides-calcium chelate by the ultrasound method: Structural characteristics and bioactivity

Calcium-chelating peptides are a type of calcium dietary supplement with significant development potential, offering advantages in structural stability, absorption efficiency, safety, and various other aspects. This study investigated the biological activity and structural characteristics of wheat protein peptide (WPP)–calcium (Ca2+) chelates. The structures of the WPP, ultrasound-treated WPP (UWPP), and UWPP-Ca were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Ultraviolet spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that oxygen and nitrogen atoms were the chelation sites. Quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry revealed that Ca ions chelated with UWPP, and the chelation sites were identified as follows: Ca ions bound to amino acids D (Asp), K (Lys), R (Arg), W (Trp), E (Glu), H (His), Q (Gln), and N (Asn) and H (His) in the peptides. Notably, among the WPP, UWPP and UWPP-Ca, UWPP-Ca exhibited the strongest reducing power. Furthermore, UWPP-Ca exhibited excellent pH stability and gastrointestinal digestibility. Under the influence of phytic acid and oxalic acid, the solubility and permeability of the UWPP-Ca were greater than those of the other calcium supplements, which is attributed to its stable structure. This study provides essential theoretical confirmation for the application of Ca–peptide chelates as functional foods.

Fuzi lizhong pills alter microbial community compositions and metabolite profiles in ulcerative colitis rat with spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome

Ethnopharmacological relevanceUlcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that is frequently related with Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome (SKYD) in Chinese medicine. Fuzi Lizhong Pill (FLZP), a traditional medicine for SKYD, has been utilized in China for generations, although the exact mechanism by which it treats UC is unknown. Aim of the studyThe goal of this study is to further understand FLZP's therapeutic mechanism in SKYD-associated UC. Materials and methodsTo investigate the impact of FLZP on SKYD-associated UC, we used a comprehensive method that included serum metabolomics and gut microbiota profiling. The chemical composition of FLZP was determined using mass spectrometry. UC rats with SKYD were induced and treated with FLZP. Serum metabolomics and 16S rRNA microbial community analysis were used to evaluate FLZP's effects on endogenous metabolites and gut microbiota, respectively. Correlation analysis investigated the association between metabolites and intestinal flora. A metabolic pathway analysis was undertaken to discover putative FLZP action mechanisms. ResultsFLZP contains 109 components, including liquiritin (584.8176 μg/g), benzoylaconine (16.3087 μg/g), benzoylhypaconine (31.9583), and hypaconitine (8.1160 μg/g). FLZP predominantly regulated seven metabolites and eight metabolic pathways involved in amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, with an emphasis on energy metabolism and gastrointestinal digestion. FLZP also influenced intestinal flora variety, increasing probiotic abundance while decreasing pathogenic bacteria prevalence. An integrated investigation identified associations between changes in certain gut flora and energy metabolism, specifically the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. ConclusionsFLZP successfully cures UC in SKYD rats by regulating amino acid and energy metabolism. Its positive effects may include altering microbiota composition and metabolite profiles in UC rats with SKYD. These findings shed light on FLZP's mode of action and its implications for UC management.

Se and Hg in processed fish-derived products and their fish raw materials: Occurrence, Se:Hg molar ratio, HBVSe index, bioaccessibility and Caco-2 cells toxicity

Processing conditions applied during food production could affect food component contents and bioaccessibility. Here, possible changes in Hg and Se total and species contents and bioaccessibility have been tracked in each stage of the production chain of processed fish-derived products. Therefore, Se:Hg molar ratio and Selenium Health Benefit Value (HBVSe) were calculated for final products and raw materials, resulting favorable in all cases, suggesting the safety of surimi-based products regarding mercury. Speciation studies revealed the presence of SeMeSeCys and SeMet in all samples. Thus, the integrity of the selenium species seems to be maintained. Moreover, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model evidenced that Se bioaccessibility ranged between 20–39 % for all samples, while in case of Hg was between 8–37 %. Additionaly, SeMeSeCys and SeMet were also identified in the gastrointestinal extracts. Finally, no cytotoxicity was observed after exposure of Caco-2 cells to the gastrointestinal extracts.

Identification, screening and molecular mechanisms of natural stable angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides from foxtail millet protein hydrolysates: a combined in silico and in vitro study.

The stability of bioactive peptides under various food processing conditions is the basis for their use in industrial manufacturing. This study aimed to identify natural ACE inhibitors with excellent stability and investigate their physicochemical properties and putative molecular mechanisms. Five novel ACE inhibitory peptides (QDPLFPL, FPGVSPF, SPAQLLPF, LVPYRP, and WYWPQ) were isolated and identified using RP-HPLC and Nano LC-MS/MS with foxtail millet protein hydrolysates as the raw material. These peptides are non-toxic and exhibit strong ACE inhibitory activity in vitro (IC50 values between 0.13 mg mL-1 and 0.56 mg mL-1). In addition to QDPLFPL, FPGVSPF, SPAQLLPF, LVPYRP, and WYWPQ have excellent human intestinal absorption. Compared to FPGVSPF and SPAQLLPF, the stable helical structure of LVPYRP and WYWPQ allows them to maintain high stability under conditions that mimic gastrointestinal digestion and various food processing (temperatures, pH, sucrose, NaCl, citric acid, sodium benzoate, Cu2+, Zn2+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+). The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation suggest that LVPYRP has greater stability and binding capacity to ACE than WYWPQ. LVPYRP might attach to the active pockets (S1, S2, and S1') of ACE via hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, then compete with Zn2+ in ACE to demonstrate its ACE inhibitory activity. The binding of LVPYRP to ACE enhances the rearrangement of ACE's active structural domains, with electrostatic and polar solvation energy contributing the most energy to the binding. Our findings suggested that LVPYRP derived from foxtail millet protein hydrolysates has the potential to be incorporated into functional foods to provide antihypertensive benefits.

Characterization of lactic acid bacteria isolated from human breast milk and their bioactive metabolites with potential application as a probiotic food supplement.

The probiotic properties of twenty-five lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from human breast milk were investigated considering their resistance to gastrointestinal conditions and proteolytic activity. Seven LAB were identified and assessed for auto- and co-aggregation capacity, antibiotic resistance, and behavior during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Three Lacticaseibacillus strains were further evaluated for antifungal activity, metabolite production (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS) and proteolytic profiles (SDS-PAGE and HPLC-DAD) in fermented milk, whey, and soy beverage. All strains resisted in vitro gastrointestinal digestion with viable counts higher than 7.9 log10 CFU mL-1 after the colonic phase. Remarkable proteolytic activity was observed for 18/25 strains. Bacterial auto- and co-aggregation of 7 selected strains reached values up to 23 and 20%, respectively. L. rhamnosus B5H2, L. rhamnosus B9H2 and L. paracasei B10L2 inhibited P. verrucosum, F. verticillioides and F. graminearum fungal growth, highlighting L. rhamnosus B5H2. Several metabolites were identified, including antifungal compounds such as phenylacetic acid and 3-phenyllactic acid, and volatile organic compounds produced in fermented milk, whey, and soy beverage. SDS-PAGE demonstrated bacterial hydrolysis of the main milk (caseins) and soy (glycines and beta-conglycines) proteins, with no apparent hydrolysis of whey proteins. However, HPLC-DAD revealed alpha-lactoglobulin reduction up to 82% and 54% in milk and whey, respectively, with L. rhamnosus B5H2 showing the highest proteolytic activity. Overall, the three selected Lacticaseibacillus strains demonstrated probiotic capacity highlighting L. rhamnosus B5H2 with remarkable potential for generating bioactive metabolites and peptides which are capable of promoting human health.

Cellulose cryogel particles for oil structuring: Mixture properties and digestibility

This study evaluated the feasibility of using cellulose cryogel particles to structure liquid oil. To this aim, cryogel particles were prepared by grinding and freeze-drying a hydrogel made from a 5% (w/w) microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) dissolved in aqueous NaOH and coagulated in water. Compared to native MCC, cryogel particles presented a more irregular surface, as detected by scanning electron microscopy. The powder of cryogel particles presented low density (0.25 g cm−3), and high porosity (78%). The obtained particles were mixed with increasing quantities of sunflower oil, from 60 to 80% (w/w) oil, and their capacity to entrap oil forming a semi-solid material was determined. While MCC showed no oil structuring capacity, cellulose cryogel particles mixed with 71–74% (w/w) oil resulted in gel-like materials characterized by 100% oil holding capacity. No oil was released upon temperature increase up to 90 °C. The compressive behavior of these systems revealed no yield point, highlighting a non-spreadable deformation behavior. In these conditions, cellulose cryogel particles likely absorbed oil in their pores, while free oil formed capillary bridges allowing particle interconnections without the formation of a plastic network. Based on these considerations, these materials can be regarded as granular solids. The in vitro gastrointestinal digestion showed that oil structuring by cellulose cryogel particles did not affect the kinetics or the extent of fatty acid release. The proposed oil structuring approach opens promising applications of porous cellulose in foods.

Structure-Activity Relationships and Changes in the Inhibition of Xanthine Oxidase by Polyphenols: A Review.

Hyperuricemia (HUA), or elevated uric acid in the blood, has become more prevalent in recent years. Polyphenols, which are known to have good inhibitory activity on xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), are effective in uric acid reduction. In this review, we address the structure-activity relationship of flavonoids that inhibit XOR activity from two perspectives: the key residues of XOR and the structural properties of flavonoids. Flavonoids' inhibitory effect is enhanced by their hydroxyl, methoxy, and planar structures, whereas glycosylation dramatically reduces their activity. The flavonoid structure-activity relationship informed subsequent discussions of the changes that occur in polyphenols' XOR inhibitory activity during their extraction, processing, gastrointestinal digestion, absorption, and interactions. Furthermore, gastrointestinal digestion and heat treatment during processing can boost the inhibition of XOR. Polyphenols with comparable structures may have a synergistic effect, and their synergy with allopurinol thus provides a promising future research direction.

Microwave-assisted extraction of valuable phenolics from sunflower pomace with natural deep eutectic solvents and food applications of the extracts

AbstractA green process, both in terms of solvent (natural deep eutectic solvents, NADES) and extraction method (microwave-assisted extraction, MAE) for the recovery of bioactive components from sunflower pomace (SFP, a by-product of oil extraction process), was designed to contribute to their sustainable valorization. For the extraction of valuable phenolics from sunflower pomace, nine potential NADES were prepared. Among them, choline chloride-urea-water (CC-U-W) at a molar ratio of 1:2:4 was selected for extraction, showing better yield and physicochemical properties. Operational parameters (extraction temperature, time, water ratio, and solvent-to-solid ratio) for MAE were optimized and modeled utilizing response surface methodology. Under optimal conditions, the antioxidant properties of SFP extract were evaluated by CUPRAC, ABTS, and DPPH methods. The total phenolic contents of extracts were evaluated by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Phenolics were characterized by using the HPLC–PDA system. The results showed that SFP NADES extract had potential antioxidant activity which was higher than that of traditional solvents. In order to better evaluate SFP extract as a valuable food ingredient, SFP extracts at a ratio of 5, 10, and 20% added smoothie-like beverages with strawberries and yogurt were prepared. Fortification of beverages with NADES extract enhanced antioxidant efficiency, increasing total antioxidant capacity in a range of 12.4 to 68.6% and free radical scavenging capacity between 0.4 to 67.9% during both the initial and the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion stages. The addition of SFP NADES extract to food samples made a positive contribution in terms of the antioxidant activity of the final product. The results of this study revealed that sunflower by-products can be evaluated as a potential antioxidant source which is easily accessible, and the proposed extraction process has an important potential to recover bioactive compounds with high efficiency.

γ-Conglutin Immunoreactivity Is Differently Affected by Thermal Treatment and Gastrointestinal Digestion in Lupine Species.

Lupine is a legume commonly used in human diet as a functional food due to its high nutritional content and important technological properties. However, its consumption can lead to the manifestation of adverse immunological reactions, posing significant health issues in sensitized/allergic patients. This work aims to investigate the effect of food processing combined with simulated gastrointestinal (GI) digestion on the immunoreactivity of lupine γ-conglutin. Model foods of wheat pasta containing 35% of lupine flour (Lupinus albus, L. luteus, and L. angustifolius) were prepared and submitted to a boiling process. The proteins were extracted and their profiles characterized by SDS-PAGE. Simulated GI digestion was performed on thermally treated pasta using the INFOGEST harmonized digestion protocol 2.0. The IgG binding capacity of γ-conglutin was assessed by immunoblotting in non-reducing conditions and indirect ELISA with specific antibodies. Results demonstrate that the boiling treatment affected the immunoreactivity of the three lupine species differently. Simulated GI digestion led to extensive destruction of the protein structure, more significant in the intestinal phase, reducing but not abolishing the IgG affinity to γ-conglutin and its potential presentation to immunocompetent cells. This information can offer valuable insights to the food industry for developing food formulations with reduced allergenic properties.

Phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) inflorescence extract after in vitro simulated digestion

Background: Torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) is an edible flower whose inflorescence is utlized for culinary purposes to enchance the taste of traditional dishes containing polyphenols and antioxidant compounds. However, investigation on the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of torch ginger inflorescence extract following simulated gastrointesinal digestion is still limited. Objective: This study aims to determine the phytochemical profile and evaluate the antioxidant activity of the inflorescence extract after in vitro simulated digestion. Methods: Torch ginger inflorescence (TGI) was extracted by ultrasound-assisted extraction with different solvents (water,50%, and 80% aqueous ethanol). Total phenolics content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity were determined by ORAC, DPPH, FRAP, and metal ion (Fe2+) chelating activity. The solvent extraction that gave the highest value of TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities was used for an in vitro digestion and identification of phytochemicals profile by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. Furthermore, the TPC, TFC, and antioxidant capacities of digested TGI extract were compared to those of undigested extract. Results: TGI contained 90.24% moisture. The 80% aqueous ethanol extract exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, with an ORAC value of 1,156.61 ± 11.55 mM TE/g extract, DPPH radical scavenging capacity of 1,087.68 ± 14.37 mM TE/g extract, FRAP value of 799.30 ± 1.45 mM TE/g extract, and Fe2+ chelating capacity of 42.32 ± 3.48% /mg extract. The 39 phytochemicals were identified for 9 flavonoids and 5 phenolic acids. The putative bioactive compounds for antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anticholesterol were detected in TGIE, such as catechin, 2-hydroxycinnamic acid, astragalin, chlorogenic acid, coumarin, and procyanidin B2. After passing through an in vitro simulated mouth, gastric, and intestinal digestion, the TGI extract exhibited higher values of TPC, TFC, and antioxidative capacities than the undigested extract. Conclusion: This study reviewed the phytochemical components presented in the 80% aqueous ethanol TGIE. The expressed antioxidant capacity was increased when the TGIE passed through the in vitro simulated digestion, which could potentially represent a promising source of endogenous antioxidants in food and nutraceutical applications. Keywords: Antioxidant, edible flower, gastrointestinal digestion, phytochemicals, Torch ginger inflorescence

Estrogenic analysis of ten Thai medicinal plants used for treating menstrual irregularity by ERα and ERβ yeast two-hybrid systems

IntroductionSeveral traditional Thai medicinal plants have historically been utilised to alleviate menstrual irregularities. While it is hypothesised that phytoestrogens are pivotal in their medicinal efficacy, more empirical evidence is needed to verify this assumption. Furthermore, our understanding of the estrogenic effects mediated by estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) and their alterations post-intestinal enzymatic digestion is limited. This study aims to assess the estrogenic activity of 10 medicinal plants before and after in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion using yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) systems. MethodsY2H systems were constructed based on the interaction between the ligand-binding domain of estrogen receptors and the receptor interaction domain of coactivators. The medicinal plants were extracted in water at 95 °C for 1 hour or in 70% ethanol for 24 hours (1: 8 w/v). Their estrogenic activities before and after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion were determined using Y2H systems. ResultsThe majority of ethanol extracts exhibited higher estrogenic activity compared to water extracts, with detection notably facilitated by the ERβ-Y2H system. This study represents the first documentation of the estrogenic activities of Dendrolobium lanceolatum and Morinda coreia, both prominently identified by the ERβ-Y2H system. Specifically, the D. lanceolatum extract demonstrated the highest estrogenic activity, showing a significant enhancement following gastrointestinal enzymatic digestion, suggesting the presence of active metabolites. ConclusionsThese findings advance our understanding of the estrogenic properties of medicinal plants for treating menstrual irregularities, clarifying their effects on estrogen receptor subtypes and post-hydrolysis activities. Such insights are vital for determining their potential as alternative medicines.

Determination of prebiotic activity and probiotic encapsulation ability of inulin type fructans obtained from Inula helenium roots.

Inulin, a prebiotic utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries, promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon, thereby enhancing human health. Although inulin is commercially produced from chicory and artichoke, Inula helenium roots offer a high potential for inulin production. The aim of this study is to investigate the prebiotic activity of inulin (inulin-P) from I. helenium roots on Lactobacillus rhamnosus, as well as its ability to produce synbiotic microcapsules and the effects on probiotic viability during freeze-drying, in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) digestion, and storage. First, the effect of inulin-P on L. rhamnosus viability and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production was compared to other commonly utilized prebiotics. The findings revealed that inulin-P remarkably promoted the growth and SCFA yield of L. rhamnosus for 48h of fermentation and 28 days of storage. Then, L. rhamnosus was encapsulated with inulin-P and commercial inulin to compare its survival throughout storage and the GI tract. Inulin-P microcapsules outperformed in terms of viability during storage (7.98logCFU/g after 30 days at 4°C). Furthermore, inulin-P microcapsules were heat-resistant and protected L. rhamnosus from GI conditions, resulting in a high survival rate (89.52%) following large intestine simulation, which is ideal for increasing customer benefits. Additionally, inulin-P microcapsules exhibited similar physical characteristics to commercial inulin. Consequently, this study revealed that inulin-P, which is easy to produce, low-cost, and has industrial application potential, could be used as a good carrier for the synbiotic encapsulation of L. rhamnosus. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Inulin is a prebiotic that promotes the activity and growth of beneficial bacteria in the human gut. Although commercial inulin is currently produced from chicory root and artichoke, Inula helenium root is a potential raw material for inulin production. In this study, inulin was produced from I. helenium roots with a low-cost and easy production method, and it was determined that this inulin was an effective carrier in the synbiotic encapsulation of L. rhamnosus. This inulin exhibits superior prebiotic activity and encapsulation efficiency compared to commercial inulins like Orafti® GR and HPX and can be easily integrated into industrial production.

Destructuration of Canola Protein Gels during In Situ Gastrointestinal Digestion Studied by X-ray Scattering.

We are studying the destructuration of canola protein gels, as a solid food model, during in situ gastrointestinal digestion using synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Digestion of two gels, prepared by heating pH 8 and pH 11 solutions, was carried out by diffusion of enzymatic juices into the gel from the top of the capillary and monitored for several tens of hours. Very similar time evolutions of SAXS curves occur at different positions of the gel in the capillary, with a delay determined by the distance from the surface initially in contact with the digestive juice. The main phenomena observed are (i) at the scale of the protein conformation (1-5 nm). The scattering curve is a power law, the exponent of which measures the compactness (related to the degree of unfolding). It can be plotted as a function of the characteristic size of proteins/and interprotein distances and as a function of the scattering intensity. Such diagrams clearly show successive digestion processes. For the pH 11 gel, in which proteins are initially hardly unfolded, the digestive processes are unfolding (1st step), recompaction-aggregation phenomena (2nd step) due to gastrointestinal pH conditions and enzymatic cleavage, further unfolding-disaggregation (3rd step), and final protein cleavage (4th step) down to small peptides. For the pH 8 gel, proteins are initially unfolded, and only the last three steps are observed, showing the influence of easier access for the enzymes. (ii) At the scale of large aggregates (10-50 nm), we observe for both gels a decrease in the size and/or number of these aggregates during digestion and alteration of their interfaces. (iii) At the scale of the secondary protein structure, wide-angle X-ray scattering is very useful for detecting the degradation of the secondary protein structure at different steps of digestion.

First Evidence of the Effects of Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics on Ruminal Degradability and Gastro-Intestinal Digestibility of Mixed Hay.

Microplastics (MPs) raise environmental concerns. However, their effects on the ruminal-gastro-intestinal system have not yet been studied. This study aims to investigate the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs on the ability of the ruminal-gastro-intestinal system to degrade and digest mixed hay. Using a three-step in vitro ruminal-gastro-intestinal incubation system, PET MPs were introduced at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/L in ruminal and gastro-intestinal solutions. Ruminal fluid was collected from three 16-month-old Piedmontese bulls. The experiment was conducted on three mixed hays and was repeated three times, with triplicate incubations in each run. The results reveal that PET MPs reduced the degradability and digestibility of crude protein. Specifically, crude protein degradation was reduced by 9% at medium and 16% at high PET MP concentrations in the ruminal phase, while the crude protein digestibility of undegraded crude protein was reduced by 8% at the lowest PET MPs concentration in the gastro-intestinal tract. Additionally, PET MPs reduced the degradation of neutral detergent fiber at medium and high PET MP concentrations in the ruminal phase by 9% and 13%, respectively. These results highlight the risks of PET MPs contamination on ruminal-gastro-intestinal functions and underscore the urgent need to mitigate MPs contamination in the livestock sector.