Health-promoting Agents Research Articles

OPTIMIZATION OF THE HORMONAL STATUS OF THE CULTURE MEDIUM FOR H. RHAMNOIDES IN VITRO CULTIVATION

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is an ancient crop that has traditionally been used as a medicinal plant, health promotion agent and dietary supplement. The fruits of sea buckthorn, which are a source of carotenoids, which had been collected since ancient times and was introduced into cultivation only at the beginning of the 20th century. Currently, sea buckthorn berries are harvested on an industrial scale, as due to the high content of biologically active substances in them, consumer interest in sea buckthorn products has increased significantly, and their use in the food industry and medicine is expanding. Due to its biologically active compounds, high content of vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids and tocopherols, sea buckthorn is an excellent raw material for functional foods. The purpose of this work is to select conditions for cultivating explants of H. rhamnoides L. plants and obtaining micro-shoots for subsequent microclonal reproduction. The material for initiating a sterile culture was the seeds H. rhamnoides. The samples were introduced from natural populations in the RSE “Altai Botanical Garden” of the SC of MoES of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Ridder). Solutions of 0.1% sulema, 34% hydrogen peroxide, and 10% Domestos solution were used for seed sterilization, the exposure period was 20 minutes. Next, the seeds were planted on the surface of the WPM and ½ MS nutrient medium with the addition of phytohormones 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) in various concentrations. Activated carbon in an amount of 2 g/l was used to reduce the accumulation of polyphenols in the medium. The beginning of germination was noted on days 7-8, depending on the genotype of sea buckthorn. The minimum number of infected seeds was observed in the variant using 0.1% sulema. When using hydrogen peroxide, the contamination of seeds with fungal and bacterial infections was at the level of 40.8-45.5%. The largest number of germinated seeds were observed when using WPM medium. The maximum values of seedling length were noted on WPM media with the addition of 1 mg/l BA + 1 mg/l GA3, where the average shoot length was 8.6±0.9 cm. In this variant, sterile seedlings were characterized by an intense green color and well-developed cotyledon leaves. In some genotypes, intensive growth and the appearance of a second internode were noted. In other variants, height indicators varied from 3.2 cm. up to 4.2 cm. Thus, we have found that WPM medium supplemented with 1 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine and 1 mg/l gibberellic acid is better suited for obtaining sterile shoots from H. rhamnoides seeds. The obtained sterile seedlings of H. rhamnoides will be used in vitro culture for subsequent microclonal reproduction.

Xenohormetic Phytochemicals Inhibit Neovascularization in Microphysiological Models of Vasculogenesis and Tumor Angiogenesis.

Xenohormesis proposes that phytochemicals produced to combat stressors in the host plant exert biochemical effects in animal cells lacking cognate receptors. Xenohormetic phytochemicals such as flavonoids and phytoalexins modulate a range of human cell signaling mechanisms but functional correlations with human pathophysiology are lacking. Here, potent inhibitory effects of grapefruit-derived Naringenin (Nar) and soybean-derived Glyceollins (Gly) in human microphysiological models of bulk tissue vasculogenesis and tumor angiogenesis are reported. Despite this interference of vascular morphogenesis, Nar and Gly are not cytotoxic to endothelial cells and do not prevent cell cycle entry. The anti-vasculogenic effects of Glyceollin are significantly more potent in sex-matched female (XX) models. Nar and Gly do not decrease viability or expression of proangiogenic genes in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell spheroids, suggesting that inhibition of sprouting angiogenesis by Nar and Gly in a MPS model of the (TNBC) microenvironment are mediated via direct effects in endothelial cells. The study supports further research of Naringenin and Glyceollin as health-promoting agents with special attention to mechanisms of action in vascular endothelial cells and the role of biological sex, which can improve the understanding of dietary nutrition and the pharmacology of phytochemical preparations.

Bifidobacterial Postbiotics as Health-promoting Agents in Dairy Products

Background: Bifidobacteria is a commercial probiotic that is widely used in industries. However, due to its oxygen-sensitive nature, industries have faced some limitations during the addition of the products. Recently it was stated that the metabolites secreted by bifidobacteria have a key role in improving health. Objective: The possibility of a postbiotic replacement for probiotics in dairy industries and its effect on health are discussed. Method: the keywords including postbiotic, probiotic, dairy, bifidobacteria, inactivated bifidobacteria, bifidobacteria metabolites, the effect of bifidobacteria on psychology, human health, cancer, and inflammation are searched on Google Scholar as well as more than 600 research and review articles are read. Result: Bifidobacteria could change gut bacteria positively and improve health directly. Also, the metabolites produced by bifidobacteria indirectly have wide-range effects on health. Conclusion: Due to the anaerobic nature of bifidobacteria, applying a postbiotic / non-viable form of bifidobacteria is a sagacious option in dairy products.

Bioactive Components, Applications, Extractions, and Health Benefits of Winery By-Products from a Circular Bioeconomy Perspective: A Review.

Significant waste streams produced during winemaking include winery by-products such as pomace, skins, leaves, stems, lees, and seeds. These waste by-products were frequently disposed of in the past, causing resource waste and environmental issues. However, interest has risen in valorizing vineyard by-products to tap into their latent potential and turn them into high-value products. Wine industry by-products serve as a potential economic interest, given that they are typically significant natural bioactive sources that may exhibit significant biological properties related to human wellness and health. This review emphasizes the significance of winery by-product valorization as a sustainable management resource and waste management method. The novelty of this review lies in its comprehensive analysis of the potential of winery by-products as a source of bioactive compounds, extraction techniques, health benefits, and applications in various sectors. Chemical components in winery by-products include bioactive substances, antioxidants, dietary fibers, organic acids, and proteins, all of which have important industrial and therapeutic applications. The bioactives from winery by-products act as antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer agents that have proven potential health-promoting effects. Wineries can switch from a linear waste management pattern to a more sustainable and practical method by adopting a circular bioeconomy strategy. Consequently, the recovery of bioactive compounds that function as antioxidants and health-promoting agents could promote various industries concomitant within the circular economy.

Feasibility and acceptability of CRiSOL: A pilot peer-based intervention to address syndemic health issues afflicting Latino immigrants in the U.S.

Substance use, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence and mental health (SAVAME) are syndemic health issues that disproportionately burden Latinos in the U.S. Yet, there are limited evidence-based interventions to address these interrelated syndemic issues and their shared socio-ecological determinants. This study sought to test the feasibility and acceptability of CRiSOL, a peer-based, resilience-focused intervention to reduce the impact of the SAVAME syndemic on Latino immigrants. Fifteen Latino immigrant community leaders were recruited and trained to serve as health promotion agents in their naturally existing social networks. The training was implemented with high fidelity, received with high satisfaction by the peer leaders, and associated with significant improvements in their knowledge, leadership skills, and social capital. During an 8-month outreach phase, nine leaders remained active in the program and documented 825 one-on-one interactions with community members, during which they provided advice/counseling (52.2% of interactions), health information/education (32.5%), referrals to health and social services (38.5%), food aid (39.9%), and service navigation/assistance (10.2%). While future research must be conducted to establish the effectiveness of CRiSOL, findings from this pilot evaluation indicate the feasibility, acceptability, and high level of reach of this intervention and suggest significant potential to reduce the SAVAME syndemic burden in Latino communities.

Utilization of lactobacilli extracts as antibacterial agent and to induce colorectal cancer cells apoptosis: Application in white soft cheese

Food-borne illnesses certainly increase the risk of developing colon cancer. Due to the de-functionalization of the gut microbiota and host-microbe interactions caused by the preponderance of infectious pathogens, sensitive host cells are more likely to develop mutations. The current research utilized some bio-protective lactobacilli to clarify the metabolic basis of human GIT protection from both anti-pathogenic and anti-cancer views. Both cells and methanolic extracts of Lactoplantibacillus plantarum (LP), Lactobacillus acidophilus (AC), and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (GG) were evaluated. The extracts were evaluated for their components by Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The antimicrobial activity of all extracts was determined. A Lactobacillus acidophilus-based extract had the greatest zones of inhibition against all indicator pathogens. Upon co-culturing with pathogens, Lactoplantibacillus plantarum (LP) achieved the maximum reduction percentage of all pathogenic populations. Further LC/MS-based metabolic profiling of extracts showed various biologically active compounds that are thought to be the key health-promoting agents. It was noticed that the IC50 values of HCT 116 cell line upon AC, GG, and LP treatments were 65.897 μg/mL, 79.139 μg/mL, and 71.681 μg/mL, respectively when compared by Raloxifene (RX). Lactobacillus acidophilus (AC) recorded the lowest IC50 (52.053 g/mL) and the highest cytotoxic fold change in Caco-2 cells. Generally, all lactobacilli extracts induced Caco-2 cell apoptosis in a sensitive manner compared to HCT 116 cells by inhibiting cancerous proliferation and inducing nitric oxide release. When various Lactobacilli strains were applied in-situ to white soft cheese, Lactobacillus acidophilus (AC) demonstrated no growth for either bacterial pathogens or spoilage fungi towards the end of the storage time.

Microbial interactions within beneficial consortia promote soil health

By ecologically interacting with various biotic and abiotic agents acting in soil ecosystems, highly diverse soil microorganisms establish complex and stable assemblages and survive in a community context in natural settings. Besides facilitating soil microbiome to maintain great levels of population homeostasis, such microbial interactions drive soil microbes to function as the major engine of terrestrial biogeochemical cycling. It is verified that the regulative effect of microbe–microbe interplay plays an instrumental role in microbial-mediated promotion of soil health, including bioremediation of soil pollutants and biocontrol of soil-borne phytopathogens, which is considered an environmentally friendly strategy for ensuring the healthy condition of soils. Specifically, in microbial consortia, it has been proven that microorganism–microorganism interactions are involved in enhancing the soil health-promoting effectiveness (i.e., efficacies of pollution reduction and disease inhibition) of the beneficial microbes, here defined as soil health-promoting agents. These microbial interactions can positively regulate the soil health-enhancing effect by supporting those soil health-promoting agents utilized in combination, as multi-strain soil health-promoting agents, to overcome three main obstacles: inadequate soil colonization, insufficient soil contaminant eradication and inefficient soil-borne pathogen suppression, all of which can restrict their probiotic functionality. Yet the mechanisms underlying such beneficial interaction-related adjustments and how to efficiently assemble soil health-enhancing consortia with the guidance of microbe–microbe communications remain incompletely understood. In this review, we focus on bacterial and fungal soil health-promoting agents to summarize current research progress on the utilization of multi-strain soil health-promoting agents in the control of soil pollution and soil-borne plant diseases. We discuss potential microbial interaction-relevant mechanisms deployed by the probiotic microorganisms to upgrade their functions in managing soil health. We emphasize the interplay-related factors that should be taken into account when building soil health-promoting consortia, and propose a workflow for assembling them by employing a reductionist synthetic community approach.

A review of the bioactive properties of Mongolian plants, with a focus on their potential as natural food preservatives.

Consumers have recently preferred food that is easy to make and of excellent quality, as well as food that is safe, natural, and minimally processed, but has a longer shelf life. Food deteriorates over time as a result of microbiological, chemical, or physical changes. Phytochemicals derived from medicinal and food plants have long been recognized for their biological activity to protect plants. These bioactivities are designed to increase the shelf life of food while inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. The use of natural plant food preservatives containing bioactive compounds as health-promoting agents is particularly intriguing. Furthermore, due to their effectiveness against food spoilage and foodborne pathogens, natural plant-origin antimicrobial compounds have been investigated as alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial compounds for preserving food quality. This review focused on the plant composition and properties that can be utilized as a natural food preservative, as well as the possibilities of using Mongolian medicinal plants.

Potentialities of the Extraction Technologies and Use of Bioactive Compounds from Winery by-Products: A Review from a Circular Bioeconomy Perspective

Agro-industrial by-products and by-products from the wine industry (pomace, peels, leaves, stems, and seeds) represent a potential economic interest because they are usually relevant natural sources of bioactive compounds, which may present significant biological activities related to human health and well-being. This article aims to review wine and winery industry by-products as potential natural sources of antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiaging, and anticancer compounds, as well as briefly highlighting the extraction methods used to obtain these bioactive compounds and explore their potential applications in the food, cosmetic, and packaging industries. Although there are some studies of wine industry by-products with different origins, this revision will be mainly focused on the Portuguese vineyard industry since it represents an import industrial sector as proof of the diversity of the bioactive compounds identified. Therefore, the recovery of these bioactive molecules that act as antioxidants and health-promoting agents may promote a variety of industries at the same time as the circular economy.

Incorporating antioxidative peptides within nanofibrous delivery vehicles: Characterization and in vitro release kinetics

L-carnosine (Car), an antioxidative dipeptide, is a promising health-promoting bioactive agent, which can be isolated from animal waste. In the present study, Car loaded pullulan (Pul)-sodium alginate (NaAlg) based nanofibrous delivery vehicles were fabricated by uniaxial, coaxial and emulsion electrospinning. The CaCl2 crosslinking was applied after electrospinning process to evaluate the effect on release behavior of Car. Results showed that Car was successfully loaded in water-in-oil-in-water (W1/O/W2) double emulsion to produce nanofibers by emulsion electrospinning. Encapsulation efficiencies were found to be 74.11% and 81.69% for the uniaxial (UENFs) and coaxial nanofibers (CENFs), respectively. Encapsulation efficiency was determined for different formulas of emulsions, whereas among the samples that could form nanofibers (NFs) and encapsulate Car, the highest value was obtained for nanofibers from emulsion-VIII (EE-VIII NFs) at 68.63%. DPPH and CUPRAC assays revealed that all electrospinning methods demonstrated protective effect on the antioxidant activity of Car and thus helped in enhancing its antioxidant potential significantly. According to in vitro digestion results, the release of Car from all electrospun NFs was predominantly controlled by Fickian diffusion mechanism. The CaCl2 crosslinking treatment improved water resistance of NFs and enhanced sustained release of Car in the gastrointestinal tract. The initial burst release of Car from EE-VIII NFs was significantly lower than for UENFs and CENFs in the gastric phase, and the release from EE-VIII NFs in the intestinal phase was followed by sustained release, with/without crosslinking treatment. It can therefore be said that the simultaneously encapsulation of Car in double emulsion and in Pul-NaAlg based electrospun NFs can provide sustained release.

In-silico Docking and Toxicity Analysis of N-acetyl D- glucosamine with Antimicrobial Proteins- A Novel Targeting against Antimicrobial Resistance

Nutraceuticals are popular health-promoting agents for various disease ailments such as food supplements, health promoters, etc. The rising antimicrobial resistance concerns are a serious challenge to researchers and need of the hour to be addressed by developing novel antimicrobial agents. One prospective nutraceutical that has been chosen as a candidate for development as an antibacterial agent is N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. GlcNAc is a monomer of chitin, a substance found in the cell walls of several fungi, mollusks, and cephalopod beaks. The present study aimed to evaluate NAG’s antimicrobial potential by in-silico docking using Molegro virtual docker MVD 2013.6.0 as a novel approach. N-acetyl-D-glucosamine was tested against various targets like penicillin-binding protein (PDB3UDI) ligase (PDB2zdq), isomerase/isomerase inhibitor (PDB3TTZ), transferase (PDB2VEG), thymidylate kinase (PDB5UIV), dihydrofolate reductase (PDB3SRW), rifampicin-resistant, RNA polymerase (PDB6VVT) in diff erent confi rmations. Based on the docking scores obtained NAG was found to have potent activity against Acinetobacter baumannii, Thermus thermophilus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Candida albicans proving the therapeutic approach that can develop the NAG as antimicrobial agent. The toxicity analysis was performed using TEST software using diff erent methods proving there no report of endotoxicity of GlcNAc molecule that tend to be promising for developing the GlcNAc as lead for antimicrobial resistance. The future lies in evaluating the in-vivo antimicrobial potential studies of NAG.

Phytochemical and biological properties of the water extract from roots and leaves of Lactuca longidentata, an endemic phytoalimurgic (food) species of Central Sardinia (Italy)

Lactuca longidentata is an endemic species present in Sardinia (Italy). The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and biological properties of leaf and root water extracts obtained from L. longidentata. Phenolic composition, scavenging/reducing, and enzyme inhibition properties were investigated. In vitro studies, namely allelopathy assay, brine shrimp and Daphnia magna toxicity tests, and viability assay on C2C12 myocytes were also conducted for defining the limits of biocompatibility. Antimicrobial properties were studied against Gram + and Gram − bacteria, yeasts, dermatophytes, and fungi isolated as contaminants of public swimming pools. Colorimetric analyses indicated that leaves are richer than roots in total phenols and flavonoids, whereas chromatographic analyses confirmed that leaves are richer in catechins and chicoric acid. The leaf extract was also the most effective as antiradical agent. Within the limits of biocompatibility (concentration <200 µg/mL), the leaf extract was particularly effective in reducing the growth of Escherichia coli and Trichophyton tonsurans (MIC < 10 µg/mL). However, a similar potency was showed by the root extract against the swimming pool fungal species Rhodotorula, Auxarthron ostraviense, and Trichothecium roseum. Overall, the present study suggested new scenarios for this botanical resource, traditionally used as a food, but underestimated as a health-promoting agent.

Fermentation of Abelmoschus manihot Extract with Halophilic Bacillus licheniformis CP6 Results in Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory Activities.

Microbial fermentation provides a valorization strategy, through biotransformation, to convert plant-derived raw materials into health-promoting agents. In this study, we have investigated the antioxidative activity of Abelmoschus manihot fermented with various Bacillaceae strains from specific environments and demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of Bacillus licheniformis CP6 fermented A. manihot extract (FAME) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Raw264.7 macrophages. Of 1500 bacteria isolated from various specific environments, 47 extracellular protease- and amylase-producing strains with qualified presumption safety status, belonging to the family Bacillaceae, were selected for A. manihot fermentation. Among them, strain CP6, a halophilic bacterium isolated from Tongyeong seawater in Korea and identified as B. licheniformis, showed the highest antioxidant activity. In particular, FAME exerted anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-stimulated Raw264.7 macrophages. Consequently, FAME had a potent inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated macrophages, without cytotoxicity. Moreover, FAME downregulated LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediator and enzyme levels in LPS-induced Raw264.7 cells, including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, and COX-2, compared to levels when cells were incubated in A. manihot extract (IAME). Further detailed characterization indicated that FAME suppresses inflammation by blocking NF-κB via IKK phosphorylation inhibition and IκB-α degradation and by downregulating NO production, and inflammatory mediators also decreased NF-κB translocation. Furthermore, FAME inhibited LPS-stimulated activation of MAPKs, including ERK1/2, JNK, and p38, compared to that with either IAME. Therefore, we suggest that FAME could be used for inflammation-related disorders.

Seagrass proteins: Sources of health-promoting agents awaiting exploration?

Seagrass proteins: Sources of health-promoting agents awaiting exploration?

Application of the Reuterin System as Food Preservative or Health-Promoting Agent: A Critical Review.

The reuterin system is a complex multi-component antimicrobial system produced by Limosilactobacillus reuteri by metabolizing glycerol. The system mainly includes 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde (3-HPA, reuterin), 3-HPA dimer, 3-HPA hydrate, acrolein and 3-hydroxypropionic acid, and has great potential to be applied in the food and medical industries due to its functional versatility. It has been reported that the reuterin system possesses regulation of intestinal flora and anti-infection, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. Typically, the reuterin system exerts strong broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. However, the antimicrobial mechanism of the reuterin system remains unclear, and its toxicity is still controversial. This paper presents an updated review on the biosynthesis, composition, biological production, antimicrobial mechanisms, stability, toxicity and potential applications of the reuterin system. Challenges and opportunities of the use of the reuterin system as a food preservative or health-promoting agent are also discussed. The present work will allow researchers to accelerate their studies toward solving critical challenges obstructing industrial applications of the reuterin system.

The exogenous application of wood vinegar induces a tissue- and dose-dependent elicitation of phenolics and functional traits in onion (Allium cepa L.)

Novel insights on the valorisation of onion (Allium cepa L.) are required to decipher its potential as nutritional and health-promoting agent. Wood vinegar (WV) was exogenously applied to onion plants to determine its effectiveness as an elicitor. An untargeted UHPLC-QTOF-MS metabolomics approach was combined with evaluating the bioactivities of onion extracts. WV promoted tissue and dose-specific effects on onion metabolome, involving both primary and secondary metabolites. Accordingly, the antioxidant and enzyme-inhibiting properties of onion were significantly enhanced after WV treatment. Moderate to high WV concentrations, ranging 250–500 µL L−1, were found optimal at conferring the highest rates of biological activities. Polyphenols were related to the bioactivities of onion extracts since phenolic acids, flavanols, and flavonols were suggested as the contributors to their health-enhancing properties. This approach provides insight into the characterisation of WV as a natural elicitor and opens wide perspectives on the research of onion tissues as biofactories of functional ingredients.

Employ of Anthocyanins in Nanocarriers for Nano Delivery: In Vitro and In Vivo Experimental Approaches for Chronic Diseases

Anthocyanins are among the best-known phenolic compounds and possess remarkable biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic effects. Despite their therapeutic benefits, they are not widely used as health-promoting agents due to their instability, low absorption, and, thus, low bioavailability and rapid metabolism in the human body. Recent research suggests that the application of nanotechnology could increase their solubility and/or bioavailability, and thus their biological potential. Therefore, in this review, we have provided, for the first time, a comprehensive overview of in vitro and in vivo studies on nanocarriers used as delivery systems of anthocyanins, and their aglycones, i.e., anthocyanidins alone or combined with conventional drugs in the treatment or management of chronic diseases.

Characterization of the Biological Activities of a New Polyphenol-Rich Extract from Cinnamon Bark on a Probiotic Consortium and Its Action after Enzymatic and Microbial Fermentation on Colorectal Cell Lines.

Cinnamon polyphenols are known as health-promoting agents. However, their positive impact depends on the extraction method and their bioaccessibility after digestion. In this work, cinnamon bark polyphenols were extracted in hot water and subjected to an in vitro enzymatic digestion. After a preliminary characterization of total polyphenols and flavonoids (respectively 520.05 ± 17.43 µgGAeq/mg and 294.77 ± 19.83 µgCATeq/mg powder extract), the extract antimicrobial activity was evidenced only against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis displaying a minimum inhibition growth concentration value of 2 and 1.3 mg/mL, respectively, although it was lost after in vitro extract digestion. The prebiotic potential was evaluated on probiotic Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains highlighting a high growth on the in vitro digested cinnamon bark extract (up to 4 × 108 CFU/mL). Thus, the produced SCFAs and other secondary metabolites were extracted from the broth cultures and determined via GC-MSD analyses. The viability of healthy and tumor colorectal cell lines (CCD841 and SW480) was assayed after the exposition at two different concentrations (23 and 46 µgGAeq/mL) of the cinnamon extract, its digested, and the secondary metabolites produced in presence of cinnamon extract or its digested, showing positive protective effects against a tumorigenic condition.

Curcumin and Capsaicin-Loaded Ag-Modified Mesoporous Silica Carriers: A New Alternative in Skin Treatment.

Biologically active substances of natural origin offer a promising alternative in skin disease treatment in comparison to synthetic medications. The limiting factors for the efficient application of natural compounds, such as low water solubility and low bioavailability, can be easily overcome by the development of suitable delivery systems. In this study, the exchange with the template procedure was used for the preparation ofa spherical silver-modified mesoporous silica nanocarrier. The initial and drug-loaded formulations are fully characterized by different physico-chemical methods. The incipient wetness impregnation method used to load health-promoting agents, curcumin, and capsaicin in Ag-modified carriers separately or in combinationresulted in high loading efficiency (up to 33 wt.%). The interaction between drugs and carriers was studied by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The release experiments of both active substances from the developed formulations were studied in buffers with pH 5.5, and showed improved solubility. Radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assays were successfully used for the evaluation of the antiradical and antioxidant capacity of the curcumin or/and capsaicin loaded on mesoporous carriers. Formulations containing a mixture of curcumin and capsaicin were characterized bypotentiation of their antiproliferative effect against maligning cells, and it was confirmed that the system for simultaneous delivery of both drugs has lower IC50 values than the free substances.The antibacterial tests showed better activity of the obtained delivery systems in comparison with the pure curcumin and capsaicin. Considering the obtained results, it can be concluded that the obtained delivery systems are promising for potential dermal treatment.

Health-Promoting and Therapeutic Attributes of Milk-Derived Bioactive Peptides.

Milk-derived bioactive peptides (BAPs) possess several potential attributes in terms of therapeutic capacity and their nutritional value. BAPs from milk proteins can be liberated by bacterial fermentation, in vitro enzymatic hydrolysis, food processing, and gastrointestinal digestion. Previous evidence suggested that milk protein-derived BAPs have numerous health-beneficial characteristics, including anti-cancerous activity, anti-microbial activity, anti-oxidative, anti-hypertensive, lipid-lowering, anti-diabetic, and anti-osteogenic. In this literature overview, we briefly discussed the production of milk protein-derived BAPs and their mechanisms of action. Milk protein-derived BAPs are gaining much interest worldwide due to their immense potential as health-promoting agents. These BAPs are now used to formulate products sold in the market, which reflects their safety as natural compounds. However, enhanced commercialization of milk protein-derived BAPs depends on knowledge of their particular functions/attributes and safety confirmation using human intervention trials. We have summarized the therapeutic potentials of these BAPs based on data from in vivo and in vitro studies.