Beneficial Health Properties Research Articles

MÉIS DE ABELHA EUROPEIA (APIS MELLÍFERA) E URUÇU BOCA-DE RENDA (MELIPONA ) DE MARABÁ-PARÁ:UMA COMPARAÇÃO FÍSICO-QUÍMICA

Honey is a highly valued natural product, not only for its sweet taste, but also for its various beneficial health properties, being prepared by bees from the nectar of flowers, honey is a rich source of essential nutrients, including B vitamins and minerals such as iron, potassium, and calcium. The present work investigated the physicochemical properties of honey from the European honey bee (Apis mellífera) and honey from the uruçu boca-de-renda bee (Melípona seminigra) from Marabá, in the State of Pará, northern Brazil. Official methodologies were used. The results demonstrate that the parameters of the honeys investigated were in accordance with legislation and other similar works, indicating good quality of the region’s honeys, in addition to the fact that it was possible to discriminate the samples according to the producing species, using multivariate analyzes on the data obtained.

Health-Improving Effects of Polyphenols on the Human Intestinal Microbiota: A Review.

Dietary polyphenols are garnering attention in the scientific community due to their potential health-beneficial properties and preventative effects against chronic diseases, viz. cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases. Polyphenols are antioxidants that change microbial composition by suppressing pathogenic bacteria and stimulating beneficial bacteria. The interaction of polyphenols with dietary fibers affects their bioaccessibility in the upper and lower parts of the digestive tract. Dietary fibers, polyphenols, their conjugates, and their metabolites modulate microbiome population and diversity. Consuming polyphenol-rich dietary fibers such as pomegranate, cranberry, berries, and tea improves gut health. A complex relationship exists between polyphenol-rich diets and gut microbiota for functioning in human health. In this review, we provide an overview of the interactions of dietary polyphenols, fibers, and gut microbiota, improving the understanding of the functional properties of dietary polyphenols.

Probiotic Spores of Shouchella clausii SF174 and Displayed Bromelain Show Beneficial Additive Potential.

Probiotics have health-beneficial properties mainly due to either a direct action on the host or the modulation of the host microbiota. Health-beneficial properties have also been associated with a variety of plant-derived molecules, widely used as dietary supplements. This study explores the possibility of combining the actions of probiotics and of plant-derived molecules by developing beneficial, probiotic-carrying, heterologous molecules. To this extent, spores of SF174, a well-characterized probiotic strain of Shouchella clausii (formerly Bacillus clausii), were used to bind bromelain, a plant-derived mixture of endopeptidases with beneficial effects. Probiotic spores displaying bromelain maintained their antioxidant activity and acquired the endopeptidase activity of the heterologous molecule. The endopeptidase activity was stabilized by the interaction with the spore and largely preserved from degradation at simulated gastric conditions. Under conditions mimicking those encountered in the intestine, as well as upon spore germination, active bromelain was released from the spore surface. The in vitro results reported in this study support the idea that probiotics carrying beneficial heterologous molecules combine the health properties of the probiotic with those of the delivered molecule and pave the way for the development of a novel class of functional probiotics.

Evaluation of Stability and In vitro Anti-Cancer Activity of Dihydroquercetin Nanoemulsion

Background: Dihydroquercetin (DHQ), also known as taxifolin, is a flavonoid commonly found in many plants. Dihydroquercetin has been documented to have powerful antioxidant activity and many beneficial properties for human health, especially its ability to inhibit certain types of cancer cells. However, its low solubility and bioavailability are major obstacles to biomedical applications. Moreover, DHQ is chemically unstable and quickly degrades when exposed to alkaline conditions. Objective: In the present study, a DHQ nanoemulsion formulation was prepared by Self Nano- Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) technique to overcome the above disadvantages. Methods: The obtained nanoemulsion system was evaluated for its micro-properties, stability, and in vitro cytotoxic activity against some cancer cells using tetrazolium dyes (MTS assay). Results: Measurement results showed that the DHQ nanoemulsion was successfully synthesized with typical mean droplet sizes from 9 to 11 nm, and revealed excellent stability over time. Dihydroquercetin in nanoemulsion form is more stable than the non-encapsulated form, as evidenced by the maintenance of droplet size in the nanometer range when dispersed in aqueous solution for up to 48 hours. This stability is particularly pronounced in both acidic and neutral environments. In vitro experiments on cytotoxic activities against A549, Hela, and HepG2 cancer cell lines indicated that the prepared DHQ nanoemulsion effectively inhibited the growth of all these cell lines with IC50 values (μg/mL) of 8.0, 20.4, and 29.5 respectively. Conclusion: From the detailed results above, it is evident that the solubility and bioavailability of DHQ can be improved by creating its nanostructure in the form of nanoemulsions. Furthermore, the nano form of DHQ carried within stable nanoemulsions exhibited better performance in inhibiting cancer cells compared to free DHQ. Therefore, further research is required to explore the development of cancer therapeutics utilizing nano DHQ emulsions.

Quality of commercialized dry extracts of blood orange juice in Brazilian compounding pharmacies: Dry extracts of blood orange juice

Abstract The juice of blood oranges, especially those of the Citrus sinensis variety Moro, cultivated in the region of Sicily (Italy), is an increasingly popular drink due to its beneficial health properties, such as its ability to reduce abdominal fat, related to its anthocyanin constituents, especially cyanidin-3-O-glycoside (C3G), as demonstrated in pre-clinical and clinical studies. However, the dry extract of C. sinensis juice currently available at compounding pharmacies in Brazil includes samples from various countries, some of which may not have adequate climatic conditions for the production of anthocyanins. In this work, we investigated samples from the three major suppliers (reference, A1, and A2). The composition of the samples was analyzed by LC-UV and LC-MS, total anthocyanin content (TAC), antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), and in vitro anti-inflammatory effect, by NO production in macrophages. C3G was detected only in the reference sample (1.6%), the TAC values were 1.45%, 0.1% and 0.01% in the reference, A1, and A2, respectively. The reference and A1 showed similar antioxidant activity (EC50 of 45.6 and 62.4 µg/mL, respectively), while A2 showed lower activity (EC50 315.1 µg/mL). Only the reference sample showed significant inhibition of NO release, demonstrating the need for quality control of these commercialized samples.

Development of Probiotics for Male Reproductive Tract Health: In Vitro Experiments and Clinical Trial on Healthy Volunteers

Background: Health of the male urogenital tract is closely related to the microbial communities in this anatomical area. Disturbed microbial communities can be balanced with the help of carefully selected strains in which the presence of both general and specific probiotic effects has been described.Objectives: We aimed to develop novel probiotic that could be used to support male reproductive health.Materials and Methods: Suitable lactobacilli strains were screened from culture collection in order to find the most suitable strains for male genital tract. Clinical trial included 10 volunteer men who considered themselves healthy. They consumed enteric‐coated oral capsules containing four lactobacilli strains. Blood markers and questionnaire data were recorded during the consumption period.Results: The selected lactobacilli strains (two L. crispatus, one L. gasseri, one L. ruminis) expressed good tolerance to high pH and antagonistic activity against prostatitis‐associated opportunistic bacteria. Metabolic profiling of the selected strains revealed beneficial properties for both reproductive and general health. The probiotic capsules appeared to be generally well tolerated during 1‐week period. No serious adverse events and no significant changes in haemogram were observed.Conclusions: The study confirmed that certain probiotic properties in lactobacilli are highly strain‐specific, and we succeeded to select a set of strains that can be suitable for supporting male reproductive health. Our study suggested that daily oral administration of the selected strains at the dose level of billion CFU/dose during 1 week is well tolerated by healthy middle‐aged men. Therefore, these strains seem to be promising candidates for the development of novel evidence‐based well‐focused probiotics to target male urogenital tract disorders. Their effectiveness must be confirmed in clinical trials on diseased patients.

Characterization and Classification of Berry (Aronia, Haskap, and Goji) Fruits with High Bioactive Value Grown in Spain.

Aronia, haskap, and goji berries are characterized by their high content of bioactive compounds and their beneficial health properties as well as their resistance to harsh agronomic conditions. In this work, cultivars of these species growing in a mountainous region of central-western Spain were characterized by analyzing physicochemical parameters and bioactive compounds. Goji fruits showed the highest total soluble solid content and the lowest acidity values. The sugar profile suggested that goji cultivars will have a higher sweetness due to higher fructose and glucose content. However, aronia cultivars will be the least sweet due to their high sorbitol content. The total organic acid content was much higher in aronia and haskap than in goji fruits, and the profile varied according to species. The total phenolic content was significantly higher in aronia fruits. A total of 15 phenolic compounds were detected, with anthocyanins being predominant in aronia and haskap berries; however, they were not detected in goji fruits. Nevertheless, carotenoid compounds were found in goji berries and not detected in aronia and haskap fruits. Aronia fruits showed the highest antioxidant capacity compared to haskap and goji fruits. The PCA analysis classified the samples to determine which parameters have the greatest influence.

Scientific mapping of the use of lecithin in breast cancer therapy

Lecithin, a natural phospholipid, possesses health-beneficial properties, recognized for its potential in breast cancer treatment. In recent years, it has been utilized in systems to enhance chemotherapy effectiveness, increase tumor penetration, and reduce side effects, offering less invasive and economically viable treatments. The aim of this study was to identify publication trends and patterns, leading journals, prominent authors, frequent keywords, and the influence of collaboration among researchers and institutions in scientific production on the topic. Employing a scientometrics approach, the study involved rigorous criteria for material search and selection to ensure data quality. A total of 241 studies were identified, with 81 selected after detailed filtering. Results indicate a rise in publications post-2012, peaking in 2020. 411 authors were identified, with Le, Ngoc Thuy Trang standing out, alongside three high-impact factor journals dominating the field. Strong collaboration among researchers and institutions was observed. Results were interpreted and discussed within the broader context of scientometrics. The study faced limitations, such as exclusive use of Bibliometrix potentially restricting analysis scope, and reliance on different databases yielding incomplete information. This study suggests future research to explore other natural substances with therapeutic potential and develop new methodologies to optimize drug delivery.

Genetic Diversity and Genome-Wide Association Study of Total Phenolics, Flavonoids, and Antioxidant Properties in Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.).

Genetic diversity of nutritional quality traits is crucial for potato breeding efforts to develop better varieties for the diverse market demands. In this study, the genetic diversity of 104 potato genotypes was estimated based on nutritional quality traits such as color parameters, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbezothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging potential across two environments. The results indicated that environment II, Hangzhou 2020, exhibited higher bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties than environment I, Hangzhou 2019. The colored potato accessions exhibited higher levels of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, DPPH, and ABTS activities than the white potato accessions, indicating the superiority of the colored to white potato accessions. The genome sequencing identified 1,101,368 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and 141,656 insertion/deletions (Indels). A population structure analysis revealed that genotypes can be divided into two subpopulations. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified 128 significant SNPs associated with potato's color, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant properties. Thus, the study provides new opportunities for strategic breeding and marker-assisted selection of ideal varieties and favorable alleles to enhance bioactive compounds and health-beneficial properties.

Assessment of genotoxicity and acute oral toxicity of a standardized Ocimum tenuiflorum extract (HolixerTM)

Ocimum tenuiflorum, commonly referred to as holy basil or Tulsi, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda, due to its various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and adaptogenic properties. In contemporary contexts, this plant is progressively incorporated into dietary supplements and nutraceuticals. Given its widespread use and potential health beneficial properties, it is imperative to scientifically evaluate the safety of Ocimum tenuiflorum. This study presents comprehensive safety assessments of a standardized extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum. We conducted a series of genotoxicity studies, including the bacterial reverse mutation test (BRMT), in-vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration (CA) test, and in-vivo mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus (MN) test in Swiss Albino mice. Additionally, an acute oral toxicity study was performed using Sprague Dawley rats, adhering to OECD guidelines in a GLP-compliant laboratory. The results showed no mutagenic effect with O. tenuiflorum extract up to a dose of 5000 µg/plate in BRMT. The results of CA test revealed the non clastogenic activity of O. tenuiflorum extract up to a dose of 500 µg/mL with and without metabolic activation (S9). Ocimum tenuiflorum extract was found to be non-clastogenic at the highest tested dose of 2000 mg/kg bodyweight in invivo MN test. In acute oral toxicity study, O. tenuiflorum extract was found to be safe up to 5 g/kg bodyweight in Wistar rats. Collectively, these findings suggest that Ocimum tenuiflorum extract is non-genotoxic and safe for oral consumption up to 5000 mg/kg body weight in Sprague Dawley rats.

Sensory evaluation and in vitro prebiotic effect of (poly)phenols and dietary fiber-rich mango bagasse-enriched confections

Sensory evaluation and in vitro prebiotic effect of (poly)phenols and dietary fiber-rich mango bagasse-enriched confections

The Influence of Radiofrequency Heating on the Quality and Shelf of Life of Pepper

Pepper is one of the common vegetable food items that constitute most African dishes with beneficial health properties. This study investigates the influence of radiofrequency (RF) heating on the quality and shelf life of pepper. Utilising the measured dielectric properties of pepper, the research evaluates how microwave exposure at varying frequencies affects pepper's nutritional content and preservation duration. Fresh samples of pepper were subjected to radio waves ranging from 5 MHz to 25 MHz, and their dielectric properties, proximate composition, and shelf life were analysed. The dielectric properties were measured using a parallel plate capacitance method, revealing significant variations in conductivity, dielectric constant, and loss factor across different frequencies. Results demonstrated that RF treatment effectively extended the shelf life of pepper, with the highest frequency (25 MHz) achieving a shelf life of 36 days, compared to 20 days for the control. Moreover, the study observed minimal changes in the proximate composition of pepper, ensuring the retention of its nutritional quality. This research provides valuable insights into the use of RF heating as a viable technique for extending the shelf life of pepper while maintaining its nutritional integrity.

Unveiling the antimicrobial, antivirulence, and wound-healing accelerating potentials of resveratrol against carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA)-septic wound in a murine model

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a repertoire of several virulence factors that create a frightening high pathogenicity level as well as high antimicrobial resistance toward commercially used antibiotics. Therefore, finding a new alternative to traditional antimicrobials is a must. Resveratrol is a very famous phytochemical that harbors many beneficial health properties by possessing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The current study aimed to explore the antimicrobial efficacy of resveratrol against P. aeruginosa and explore its ability to accelerate wound healing in a murine model. The obtained results revealed the potent antimicrobial, antivirulence, and wound-healing accelerating potentials of resveratrol against carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (CRPA)-septic wounds. It significantly lowered the transcript levels of P. aeruginosa virulent genes toxA, pelA, and lasB. Additionally, resveratrol significantly accelerated skin wound healing by shortening the inflammatory phase and promoting re-vascularization, cell proliferation, re-epithelialization, and collagen deposition. Furthermore, it increased the immunoexpression of αSMA along with a reduction of the mRNA levels of VEGF, IL-1β, and TNF-α genes. Resveratrol has high therapeutic potential for the treatment of P. aeruginosa wound infection and is a prospective and promising candidate for this problem.

Fruits, Spices and Honey Phenolic Compounds: A Comprehensive Review on Their Origin, Methods of Extraction and Beneficial Health Properties.

Numerous health benefits have been attributed in the last decades to the regular consumption of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, along with honey, in a balanced diet. In this context, the aim of the present review was to provide the literature with the most relevant studies focusing on the determination protocols of these polyphenols and other reducing agents in selected fruits (orange, lemon, grapefruit, prunus, apricot, peach, plum, sweet cherry), spices (oregano, cinnamon, clove, saffron, turmeric) and honey of different botanical origin (nectar or honeydew). In addition, the content and the extraction methods of these compounds, along with their metabolic pathway, have been critically evaluated and discussed. Results showed that all fruits, spices and honey exhibit a considerably high antioxidant activity, which is mainly owed to their phytochemical content. Therefore, a balanced diet consisting of the combination of the foods studied herein may comprise a shield against chronic and other pathophysiological disorders and may be achieved through consecutive educational programs for consumers at an international level.

A Versatile Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Full-Scan High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Method to Quantify Wine Polyphenols.

Polyphenols are responsible for wine colour and astringency, and, as antioxidants, they also have beneficial health properties. In this work, we developed a robust full-scan high-resolution mass spectrometry method for the quantification of 90 phenolic compounds in wine samples (either red, rosé, or white wine), using a UHPLC-OrbitrapTM system. With this method, we could conduct a detailed analysis of phenolic compounds in red, rosé, and white wines with great selectivity due to sub-ppm mass accuracy. Moreover, accessing the full-scan spectrum enabled us to monitor all the other compounds detected in the sample, facilitating the adaptability of this method to new phenolic compounds if needed.

Bio-functional properties of Jilungin (Terminalia canescens).

Jilungin (Terminalia canescens) is a native Australian plant and the Indigenous "Nyul Nyul" people of the Kimberleyregion of Western Australia use its leaves to make herbal tea. Due to the rise in the popularity of drinking Jilungin tea among the consumers in Australia and internationally, it is important to study the nutritional and health-beneficial properties as well as safety of Jilungin leaves. This study aims to determine the nutritional composition, anti-nutritional factors, antimicrobial and antidiabetic properties of Jilungin leaves. Also, the phytochemical profiling using UHPLC-MS/MS (Ultra-performance liquid chromatographymass spectrometry) and antioxidant activity of Jilungin methanolic extracts and herbal infusion were investigated. The safety of the leaves and infusion was also investigated by using in vitro mammalian cell lines (Caco2, HT29, and HepG2) through cell viability assays. The leaves are rich in dietary fiber (43.9%) and linoleic acid (30.4% of total fatty acids). Phytochemical profiling revealed ellagic acid, geraniin, pedunculagin, and punicalagin as the major bioactive compounds. The results also demonstrated that Jilungin has strong antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. A significant (p<0.01) strong positive correlation was observed between the high antioxidant activity of Jilungin infusion with the major bioactive compounds. Jilungin extracts (50mg/mL) exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. Its infusion and methanolic extract were safe on the studied cell lines (Caco-2, HT29, and HepG2) at higher concentrations of 66.6 and 98mg/mL, respectively. Therefore, Jilungin teas or infusions could be a safe and effective way to promote health and well-being. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Jilungin tea is very popular among consumers in Australia and is gaining popularity worldwide. The current study will increase knowledge on the nutritional aspects and safety of the Jilungin use.

Gastrointestinal-inert prebiotic micro-composites improve the growth and community diversity of mucosal-associated bacteria.

The process of microencapsulation and the development of microparticle-based drug formulations have gained increased pharmaceutical interest, particularly for drug delivery and bacterial-encapsulation purposes for probiotic delivery. Existing studies have examined microcomposite (MC) responses to gastrointestinal (GI) conditions with the aim of controlling disintegration, and thus release, across the small and large bowel. However, the delivery of MCs which remain intact, without degrading, could act as bacterial growth scaffolds or materials providing a prebiotic support, conferring potentially beneficial GI health properties. This present study employs prilling as a method to produce a portfolio of MCs using a variety of biopolymers (alginate, chitosan, pectin and gellan gum) with a range of MC diameters and density compositions. Fluorescent probes are co-encapsulated within each MC to enable flow-cytometry directed release profile assessments following exposure to chemical simulated gastric and intestinal digestion conditions. We observe that MC size, gel-strength, density, and biopolymer material all influence response to gastric and intestinal conditions. Gellan gum (GG) MCs demonstrated complete resistance to disintegration throughout GI-simulation in the stomach and small intestine. Considering these MCs could reach the colon intact, we then examined how such MCs, doped with prebiotic growth supporting carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) polymers, could impact microbial communities using a bioreactor model of the colonic microbiome. Following supplementation with GGCMC MCs, mucosal bacterial diversity (using 16 s rRNA sequencing and Shannon entropy and observed feature diversity metrics) and taxonomic composition changes were observed. Concentrations of short chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolites were also found to be altered. This is the first study to comprehensivelyexamine how MC physicochemistry can be manipulated to tailor MCs to have the desired GI release performance and subsequently, how GI-resistant MCs could have influential microbial altering properties and be adopted in novel prebiotic strategies.

In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-Hemolytic and Cytotoxic Effects of Traditional Mexican Medicinal Plant Extracts on Human Erythrocytes and Cell Cultures.

Plant extracts of fifteen plants of ethnomedicinal use in Mexico were analyzed to provide scientific knowledge of their medicinal properties through the evaluation of different biological activities such as anti-hemolytic, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effects in normal cells. Therefore, methanolic extracts were obtained from each of the plants by the Soxhlet extraction. The hemolytic activity in human erythrocytes was evaluated, as was their potential to protect the erythrocyte membrane against the 2,2'-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Finally, the toxicity of the extracts in normal cell cultures of African green monkey kidney cells (Vero) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction method. Most of the extracts showed low hemolytic activity and high anti-hemolytic activity as well as high selectivity indices (SI) and antioxidant effects. Extracts of H. inuloides, J. dioica, and J. spicigera induced cell proliferation of the Vero cells. K. daigremontiana, A. adstringens, S. mexicanum, J. spicigera, L. tridentata, and M. tenuiflora extracts showed PBMC cell proliferation. In the present study, it was observed that the evaluated extracts did not present hemolytic activity, and some presented low toxicity when Vero and PBMC cell cultures were exposed. In conclusion, traditionally used plants possess beneficial health properties, and it is hoped that this study will serve as a basis for understanding the biological effects of traditionally used plants and may complement future studies.

Biosynthesis of Piceatannol from Resveratrol in Grapevine Can Be Mediated by Cresolase-Dependent Ortho-Hydroxylation Activity of Polyphenol Oxidase.

Piceatannol is a naturally occurring hydroxylated analogue of the stilbene phytoalexin resveratrol that can be found in grape fruit and derived products. Piceatannol has aroused great interest as it has been shown to surpass some human health-beneficial properties of resveratrol including antioxidant activity, several pharmacological activities and also bioavailability. The plant biosynthetic pathway of piceatannol is still poorly understood, which is a bottleneck for the development of both plant defence and bioproduction strategies. Cell cultures of Vitis vinifera cv. Gamay, when elicited with dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin (MBCD) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA), lead to large increases in the accumulation of resveratrol, and after 120 h of elicitation, piceatannol is also detected due to the regiospecific hydroxylation of resveratrol. Therefore, an ortho-hydroxylase must participate in the biosynthesis of piceatannol. Herein, three possible types of resveratrol hydroxylation enzymatic reactions have been tested, specifically, a reaction catalyzed by an NADPH-dependent cytochrome, P450 hydroxylase, a 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase and ortho-hydroxylation, similar to polyphenol oxidase (PPO) cresolase activity. Compared with P450 hydoxylase and the dioxygenase activities, PPO displayed the highest specific activity detected either in the crude extract, the particulate or the soluble fraction obtained from cell cultures elicited with MBCD and MeJA for 120 h. The overall yield of PPO activity present in the crude extract (107.42 EU) was distributed mostly in the soluble fraction (66.15 EU) rather than in the particulate fraction (3.71 EU). Thus, partial purification of the soluble fraction by precipitation with ammonium sulphate, dialysis and ion exchange chromatography was carried out. The soluble fraction precipitated with 80% ammonium sulphate and the chromatographic fractions also showed high levels of PPO activity, and the presence of the PPO protein was confirmed by Western blot and LC-MS/MS. In addition, a kinetic characterization of the cresolase activity of partially purified PPO was carried out for the resveratrol substrate, including Vmax and Km parameters. The Km value was 118.35 ± 49.84 µM, and the Vmax value was 2.18 ± 0.46 µmol min-1 mg-1.

Enzymatic Hydrolysis as an Effective Method for Obtaining Wheat Gluten Hydrolysates Combining Beneficial Functional Properties with Health-Promoting Potential.

The byproduct from wheat starch production contains approximately 70% gluten (WG) and is an inexpensive but demanding protein raw material for the food industry. This study attempted to determine the optimal hydrolysis conditions for such raw material to obtain peptides combining beneficial functional characteristics with health-promoting activity. The proteases Bromelain, Alcalase, Flavourzyme, and a protease from A. saitoi were used for hydrolysis. It was shown that the tested proteases differ both in terms of the effective hydrolysis conditions of gluten and the profile of the released hydrolysates. Bromelain was particularly effective in converting gluten into peptides, combining beneficial health and functional properties. It achieved maximum activity (189 U/g) against WG at pH 6 and 60 °C, and the best-balanced peptides in terms of desired properties were released at a dose of 2.5 U/g. These peptides were free from most allergenic epitopes, effectively inhibited ACE, and, at 0.34 g, were equivalent to the approved dose of BHT. Their emulsifying activity was higher than that of gluten, and the foaming formation and stabilization potential exceeded that of ovalbumin by 10% and 19%, respectively. It seems that Bromelain-released WG hydrolysates are a promising candidate for a safe fat stabilizer and egg white substitute.