Hypocholesterolemic Potential Research Articles

Exploring the Hypocholesterolemic Potential of a Fucus vesiculosus Extract: Omic Insights into Molecular Mechanisms at the Intestinal Level.

High blood cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. A purified aqueous extract of Fucus vesiculosus, rich in phlorotannins and peptides, has been described for its potential to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis and intestinal absorption. In this work, the effect of this extract on intestinal cells' metabolites and proteins was analysed to gain a deeper understanding of its mode of action on lipids' metabolism, particularly concerning the absorption and transport of exogenous cholesterol. Caco-2 cells, differentiated into enterocytes, were exposed to the extract, and analysed by untargeted metabolomics and proteomics. The results of the metabolomic analysis showed statistically significant differences in glutathione content of cells exposed to the extract compared to control cells, along with an increased expression of fatty acid amides in exposed cells. A proteomic analysis showed an increased expression in cells exposed to the extract compared to control cells of FAB1 and NPC1, proteins known to be involved in lipid metabolism and transport. To the extent of our knowledge, this study is the first use of untargeted metabolomics and a proteomic analysis to investigate the effects of F. vesiculosus on differentiated Caco-2 cells, offering insights into the molecular mechanism of the extract's compounds on intestinal cells.

Pine nut skin as a source of phytosterols and alkanediols - Hypocholesterolemic potential and development of sustainable vegan emulsifiers

Pine nut skin is a byproduct arising from the pine nut industry, whose composition and bioactive potential are currently unexplored. For this purpose, its characterization is required for the development of sustainable food ingredients.Pine nut skin was separated into finer (<500 μm) and coarser (≥500 μm) fractions, composed of carbohydrates (35 g/100 g and 11 g/100 g, respectively), lignin (47 g/100 g and 72 g/100 g), lipids (8 g/100 g and 9 g/100 g), and protein (7 g/100 g and 3 g/100 g). The lipophilic extract of both fractions had similar amounts of β-sitosterol (30 mg/g), differing in the amount of long-chain aliphatic alcohols, namely nonacosan-10-ol (8 mg/g and 51 mg/g for finer and coarser fractions, respectively) and secondary/secondary alkanediols (18 mg/g and 185 mg/g), known as emulsifier compounds. The composition of pine nut skin fractions indicated their potential in affecting the cholesterol absorption in the intestinal lumen. The lipophilic extract from the finer fraction showed to decrease cholesterol micellar solubilization, and the polysaccharides and lignin had bile salt sequestration properties, rendering this byproduct an hypolipidemic potential. The coarser fraction showed potential as a substitute of egg yolk (3.4 g/100 g dry weight) in a mayonnaise formulation (49 g/100 g oil-in-water emulsion), an emulsifying capacity ascribed to the dietary fiber content and to its lipophilic fraction. From pine nut skin it is possible to obtain low-cost food ingredients with relevance as emulsifiers and potential hypocholesterolemic activity.

Triterpenoids from Protorhus longifolia Exhibit Hypocholesterolemic Potential via Regulation of Cholesterol Biosynthesis and Stimulation of Low-Density Lipoprotein Uptake in HepG2 Cells.

The increasing incidence of hypercholesterolemia-related diseases even in the presence of the currently available cholesterol-lowering drugs indicates a need to discover new therapeutic drugs. This study aimed to investigate the hypocholesterolemic potential of two triterpenoids isolated from Protorhus longifolia stem bark. In silico techniques and in vitro enzyme assays were used to evaluate the potential inhibition of cholesterol esterase and HMG-CoA reductase by the triterpenoids (ARM-2 and RA-5). The toxicity, modulation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake, and associated gene expression were determined in HepG2 hepatocytes. In silico molecular docking revealed that ARM-2 compared with RA-5 has a relatively stronger binding affinity for both enzymes. Both triterpenoids further demonstrated promising in silico drug-likeness properties and favorable ADMET profiles characterized by high intestinal absorption and lack of CYP450 enzyme inhibition. The compounds further showed, to varying degrees of efficacy, inhibition of cholesterol micellization as well as both cholesterol esterase and HMG-CoA reductase activities with IC50 values ranging from 16.4 to 41.1 μM. Moreover, enhanced hepatic cellular LDL uptake and the associated upregulation of the LDL-R and SREBP-2 gene expression were observed in the triterpenoid-treated HepG2 cells. It is evident that the triterpenoids, especially ARM-2, possess hypocholesterolemic properties, and these molecules can serve as leads or structural templates for the development of new hypocholesterolemic drugs.

HMG – CoA reductase inhibition mediated hypocholesterolemic potential of myricetin and quercetin: in-silico and in-vivo studies

ABSTRACT The study was aimed to examine the HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) inhibition potential. The in-silico investigations followed the assessments of molecular docking, druggability and molecular dynamics. The molecular dynamics was performed at 100 ns by calculating interaction free energies, RSMD, RSMF, radius of gyration and SASA. Consequently, in-vivo examinations were performed by using a hypercholesterolemic rabbit animal model. The molecular docking showed significant interaction capabilities of myricetin as revealed by binding energy data up to −8.4 Kcal/mol. Accordingly, the data of molecular dynamics i.e. free energy, solvation free energy, radius of gyration, RSMD, RSMF and SASA were shown significant interaction capabilities of myricetin with HMGCR. Supportively, significant ameliorations were made in lipid profile, dyslipidemia indices and oxidative stress by the treatments of myricetin compared to quercetin and atorvastatin. Thus, it can be concluded that myricetin is a potent flavanol with significant potential for HMGCR inhibition and free radical scavenging capability.

Levilactobacillus brevis from carnivores can ameliorate hypercholesterolemia: In vitro and in vivo mechanistic evidence.

The aim was to explore the probiotic and hypocholesterolaemic potential of two Levilactobacillus brevis strains of carnivore origin along with selected underlying mechanisms. Levilactobacillus brevis MT950194 and L. brevis MW365351 were analysed in vitro for oro-gastro-intestinal stress tolerance, cholesterol reduction, cholesterol adsorption (through scanning electron microscopy) and bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity. Strains could survive (>80%) in oro-gastro-intestinal conditions and reduce high amount of cholesterol (35% and 54%) from media containing bile salts (0.3%) as compared with Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 and presented the least pathogenicity towards mammalian cells. Exopolysaccharide production, cell surface cholesterol adherence and BSH activity were witnessed as possible cholesterol-lowering mechanisms. In in vivo experiment, the treatments of hypercholesterolaemic rats with L. brevis MT950194, L. brevis MW365351 and their mixture led to significant (p< 0.05) reduction in serum and hepatic cholesterol, low-density lipids, cholesterol ratio, liver steatosis and size of adipocytes. It further ameliorated diet-induced changes in hepatic enzymes. Levilactobacillus brevis MT950194 and L. brevis MW365351 from carnivores have probiotic pharmacological potential and can reduce serum cholesterol through surface adherence and BSH production. These strains may be utilized in treating hypercholesterolaemia and production of low-fat functional foods.

Utilization of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria attaining safety attributes, probiotic properties, and hypocholesterolemic potential in the production of a functional set yogurt

The traditional use of cholesterol-lowering medicines as therapeutic agents has resulted in serious health consequences. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are the most researched probiotic microorganisms, with both manufacturers and consumers interested in natural alternatives. The goal of this study was to characterize and select LAB from three different raw meats and a cheese from cow's milk that could be used as probiotics. Out of 10 Egyptian isolates, three LAB strains were found to be capable of producing bile salt hydrolase (BSH) and exerting hypocholesterolemic activities. Isolate No. 8 was capable of achieving a cholesterol-reducing activity, about 65% after 4 days of incubation. Moreover, the three isolates showed promising probiotic characteristics with remarkable tolerance to pH, heat, osmotic and surfactant stresses. Furthermore, the three isolates showed a promising DPPH scavenging activity that ranged between 72 and 89%. Isolates No. 4, 8, and 10 were molecularly identified using 16S rRNA sequencing as Lactiplantibacillus plantarumMZ413648; Lactiplantibacillus plantarumMZ413651; and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosusMZ413653, and their sequences were deposited in the international gene bank. L. plantarumMZ413648 and L. plantarum MZ413651, which have the highest cholesterol-lowering activity, were used to produce functional solid yogurt with acceptable sensory properties. Further investigations are required to optimize and investigate the in vivo hypocholesterolemic potential of these promising isolates in order to evaluate their potential contributions in dealing with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) via lowering cholesterol levels.

Hypocholesterolemic Potential of Momordica charantia Butanol Fraction on Albino Rats Fed High Fat Diet

Hypercholesterolemia is characterized by high blood cholesterol. It is a leading cause of disease burden accounting for one-third of ischemic heart diseases and one-fifth of stroke and reports reveal a rising prevalence across many low- income countries including Nigeria. While the quest for a therapeutic remedy is ongoing, this study investigated the effect of Momordica charantia butanol fraction (MCB) on lipid profile (TC, TG, LDL-c and HDL-c) of hypercholesterolemic and normolipidemic albino rats. Crude extract of M. charantia was fractionated by liquid-liquid extraction. Acute toxicity (LD50) of MCB was determined. The components of the MCB were examined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Biochemical analyses of serum lipids were performed by reflectance photometry. Twenty-eight albino rats were divided into seven groups of four rats each. Group 1 (Control) fed on basal diet (BD). Group 2 fed on high fat diet (HFD). Group 3 and 4 fed on HFD and orally administered MCB at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg bw/day, respectively. Group 5 fed on HFD and administered 100mg/kg of Atorvastatin. Group 6 and 7 fed on BD and administered MCB at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg respectively. The LD50 of MCB was found to be ≥ 3807.89mg/kg. All treated groups showed a significant (P&lt; 0.05) suppression of body weight compared to control and untreated HFD group (group 2). Also, a significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in the levels of TC, TG and LDL-c was observed in all treated high fat diet groups (group 3, 4 and 5) compared to group 2. However, HDL-c levels of treated HFD groups significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased compared to group 2. No significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in the level of all lipid profile parameters of treated basal diet groups (group 6 and 7) compared to the control. These findings illustrated that MCB possess hypocholesterolemic potential and may be valuable for preventing hypercholesterolemia induced by high fat diet.

The interaction capabilities of phytoconstituents of ethanolic seed extract of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) with HMG‐CoA reductase to subside the hypercholesterolemia: A mechanistic approach

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate hypocholesterolemic potential of phytoconstituents of ethanolic seed extract of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) by assessments of interaction capabilities with 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase (HMG‐CoA) reductase through in vivo and in silico assessments along with screening of phytoconstituents of the test extract. The phytoconstituents of the test extract were identified by Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS)/MS examinations. The hypercholesterolemic rabbit animal model was used for in vivo study and further examined the lipid profile and atherogenic indices. The treatments of the test extract and standard drug (atorvastatin) caused significant reductions in dyslipidemia indices, that is, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Casteli Risk Index‐I (CRI‐I), CRI‐II and atherogenic coefficient (AC). Accordingly, the molecular docking showed significant interactions between the cuminaldehyde and HMG‐CoA reductase compared to the other phytoconstituents. Further, molecular dynamics (MD) validated the interaction capabilities through assessments of N‐Substance, V‐Volume, T‐Temperature (NVT), N‐Substance, P‐Pressure, T‐Temperature (NPT), Root Mean Score Deviation (RSMD), Root Mean Score Fluctuation (RSMF), radius of gyration, system density, and potential energy along with locality assessment of complex interactions evaluated by angle distribution, average angle interaction, free energy of solvation, and solvent accessible surface area (SASA). Subsequently, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) predictions revealed the druggability and bioavailability criteria of the leading identified compounds. On the basis of results obtained, it can be concluded that small phytochemical molecules of test extract of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) have capabilities to inhibit the HMG‐CoA reductase and ameliorate the dyslipidemia indices.

Polysaccharide Structures and Their Hypocholesterolemic Potential.

Several classes of polysaccharides have been described to have hypocholesterolemic potential, namely cholesterol bioaccessibility and bioavailability. This review will highlight the main mechanisms by which polysaccharides are known to affect cholesterol homeostasis at the intestine, namely the effect (i) of polysaccharide viscosity and its influence on cholesterol bioaccessibility; (ii) on bile salt sequestration and its dependence on the structural diversity of polysaccharides; (iii) of bio-transformations of polysaccharides and bile salts by the gut microbiota. Different quantitative structure–hypocholesterolemic activity relationships have been explored depending on the mechanism involved, and these were based on polysaccharide physicochemical properties, such as sugar composition and ramification degree, linkage type, size/molecular weight, and charge. The information gathered will support the rationalization of polysaccharides’ effect on cholesterol homeostasis and highlight predictive rules towards the development of customized hypocholesterolemic functional food.

Inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase enzyme by dipeptides identified in dry-cured ham

High cholesterolemia is a key risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, which are the main cause of mortality in developed countries. Most therapies are focused on the modulation of its biosynthesis through 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoAR) inhibitors. In this sense, food-derived bioactive peptides might act as promising health alternatives through their ability to interact with crucial enzymes involved in metabolic pathways, avoiding the adverse effects of synthetic drugs. Dry-cured ham has been widely described as an important source of naturally-generated bioactive peptides exerting ACEI-inhibitory activity, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory activity between others. Based on these findings, the aim of this work was to assess, for the first time, the in vitro inhibitory activity of HMG-CoAR exerted by dipeptides generated during the manufacturing of dry-cured ham, previously described with relevant roles on other bioactivities.The in vitro inhibitory activity of the dipeptides was assessed by measuring the substrate consumption rate of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase in their presence, with the following pertinent calculations.Further research was carried out to estimate the possible interactions of the most bioactive dipeptides with the enzyme by performing in silico analysis consisting of molecular docking approaches.Main findings showed DA, DD, EE, ES, and LL dipeptides as main HMG-CoAR inhibitors. Additionally, computational analysis indicated statin-like interactions of the dipeptides with HMG-CoAR.This study reveals, for the first time, the hypocholesterolemic potential of dry-cured ham-derived dipeptides and, at the same time, converges in the same vein as many reports that experimentally argue the cardiovascular benefits of dry-cured ham consumption due to its bioactive peptide content.

Probiotic Potential and Cholesterol-Lowering Capabilities of Bacterial Strains Isolated from Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae 'Chachiensis'.

Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae ‘Chachiensis’ (PCR-Chachiensis), the pericarps of Citri Reticulatae Blanco cv. Chachiensis, is a food condiment and traditional medicine in southeast and eastern Asia. Its rich and various bacterial community awaits exploration. The present study is the first report on probiotic screening and characterization of bacteria from PCR-Chachiensis. Based on 64 culturable bacterial isolates, 8 strains were screened out to have great survival in the simulated gastrointestinal stressful condition, being nonhemolytic and without biogenic amine formation. They were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing as two Bacillus, three Lactobacillus, and three strains from Bacillales. Their probiotic properties, cholesterol-lowering potential and carbohydrate utilization capability were further investigated. Though these eight strains all displayed distinct cholesterol removal potential, Bacillus licheniformis N17-02 showed both remarkable cholesterol removal capability and presence of bile salt hydrolase gene, as well as possessing most of the desirable probiotic attributes. Thus, it could be a good probiotic candidate with hypocholesterolemic potential. Bacillus megaterium N17-12 displayed the widest carbohydrate utilization profile and the strongest antimicrobial activity. Hence, it was promising to be used as a probiotic in a host and as a fermentation starter in fermented food or feed.

Elevated CO2 improves the nutritive value, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hypocholestecolemic activities of lemongrass sprouts

Sprouts have been regarded as a big store for bioactive compounds with a wide range of biological activities. Elevated CO2 (eCO2, 620 μmol mol−1)was employed to enhance the nutritive and health promoting values of sprouts of two species of lemongrass, i.e. Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon proximus. eCO2 improved the biomass production of sprouts, and their levels of primary metabolites e.g., amino acids and oils and active secondary metabolites e.g., phenolic compounds. As a result, eCO2 increased total antioxidant capacity, cytotoxicity against several human cancer cell lines, and antibacterial activities of Cymbopogon sprouts. We also recorded a significant increase in hypocholesterolaemic potential and anti-inflammatory activities of eCO2-treated sprouts, as indicated by inhibition of cholesterol micellar solubility and pancreatic lipase activity, as well as lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase activities, respectively. Thus, the present investigation supports the use of eCO2 as a promising approach to produce lemongrass sprouts with effective phytochemicals and enhanced biological activities.

UTILIZATION OF MICROWAVE ASSISTED BLACK CUMIN SEED EXTRACT AS HYPOCHOLESTEROLEMIC AGENT IN ALBINO RATS

Main aim of this study was to evaluate hypocholesterolemic potential of microwave-assisted black cumin (Nigella sativa) extracts (MABCEs) in a rat bioassay. Efficacy trial in this study comprised of 25 male albino rats which were divided into 5 groups having 5 rats each. Out of these 25 rats, 20 were hypercholesterolemic and 5 were normal rats. Hypercholesterolemia was induced by providing high cholesterol diet for 15 days, and after the onset of hypercholesterolemia these rats were administered with different concentrations of the MABCE i.e. 150, 300 &amp; 450 mg/kg B.W. for a period of 28 days. The administration of extract displayed significant lowering in the lipid profile of the experimental rats. The 300mg/kg B.W. dose of black cumin MAE provided the optimum results giving cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-c content lowered by 14.9%, 11.32% and 12% and value of HDL-c elevated by 12.88% compared to the hypercholesterolemic control. Similarly, there was a percent elevation in levels of SOD and CAT by 19.83% and 13.97%. The current study concluded that MABCEs have hypocholesterolemic effect thus can be used for its therapeutic property.

Assessment of exopolysaccharides, bacteriocins and in vitro and in vivo hypocholesterolemic potential of some Egyptian Lactobacillus spp.

Lactobacilli probiotics have been suggested to reduce cholesterol with low side effects to host. Bacteriocins and exopolysaccharides (EPSs) production are two meaningful examples of functional applications of lactobacilli in the food industry. Eight Lactobacillus strains were isolated from some Egyptian fermented food and tested for their probiotic properties. Analysis of the monosaccharide composition by thin layer chromatography showed the presence of glucose, galactose and unknown sugar. The main functional groups of EPSs were elucidated by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Their fermentation cultures displayed powerful antioxidant activities extending from 97.5 to 99%, 40–75% for their EPSs and free cells, respectively, and exhibited in vitro cholesterol downgrading from 48 to 82% and 72 to 91% after 48 and 120 h, respectively. Their EPSs showed good anticancer activities against carcinoma cells with low IC50 values for HCT–116, PC–3 and HepG–2 cells. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous reports on the potential of Lactobacillus EPSs activity against PC–3. The selected strains, L. plantarum KU985433 and L. rhamnosus KU985436 produced two different bacteriocins as detected by gel permeation chromatography with good antimicrobial activities. In vivo study demonstrated that feeding Westar rats with fermented milk exhibited greater cholesterol, LDL and blood triglyceride reduction for both strains. Whereas, HDL was increased by about 43 and 38%, respectively, and the atherogenic indices decreased.

Transcriptome analysis of two structurally related flavonoids; Apigenin and Chrysin revealed hypocholesterolemic and ketogenic effects in mouse embryonic fibroblasts

There is no known single therapeutic drug for treating hypercholesterolemia that comes with negligible systemic side effects. In the current study, using next generation RNA sequencing approach in mouse embryonic fibroblasts we discovered that two structurally related flavonoid compounds. Apigenin and Chrysin exhibited moderate blocking ability of multiple transcripts that regulate rate limiting enzymes in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. The observed decrease in cholesterol biosynthesis pathway correlated well with an increase in transcripts involved in generation and trafficking of ketone bodies as evident by the upregulation of Bdh1 and Slc16a6 transcripts. The hypocholesterolemic potential of Apigenin and Chrysin at higher concentrations along with their ability to generate ketogenic substrate especially during embryonic stage is useful or detrimental for embryonic health is not clear and still debatable. Our study will serve as a steppingstone to further the investigation in whole animal studies and also in translating this knowledge to human studies.

Effect of cassava flour on the lipidic and redox profile of Wistar rats with dyslipidemia.

One of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease is high total cholesterol. It is known that some foods can reduce plasma cholesterol, such as oats. Cassava flour has a similar amount of fiber when compared to oats. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hypocholesterolemic potential of cassava flour. Thirty Wistar rats (eight weeks old) were divided into three groups: control, high-cholesterol diet, high-cholesterol diet+cassava flour, and were treated for 8weeks. The weight and food consumption of the animals were evaluated weekly. After euthanasia, analyzes of biochemical and oxidative stress profiles were performed, besides the histological analysis of the liver. Cassava flour protected animals from lipoperoxidation, according to thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances results and improved superoxide dismutase activity and thiol content; however, failed to improve the lipid profile and catalase. Cassava flour was possibly able to slow the progression of NASH according to liver histology. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Lifestyle and nutritional habits have been considered important factors associated with the development of dyslipidemia and other chronic diseases. Medicines for chronic diseases are often expensive and have present side effects, and therefore, it is preferable to prevent them through food. Cassava flour is a food widely consumed by Brazilians, which is inexpensive and contains no gluten. Understanding more about one of the most used foods in Brazil is important for health professionals to be able to prescribe it for the correct purposes.

Effect of thermally treated barley dietary fiber against hypercholesterolemia.

Dietary fiber is a nondigestible constituent of vegetal foods, formed by insoluble and soluble dietary fiber. The intake of dietary fiber, especially soluble dietary fiber, is limited and demands researcher's attention. The modification of cereal's dietary fiber, predominantly insoluble fiber, could be one possible solution. The current study evaluated the comparative effects of several thermal treatments on the modification of insoluble dietary fiber in barley and explored their therapeutic potential in vivo against hypercholesterolemia. The two cultivars of barley, Haider‐93 and Jau‐87, were thermally treated using different techniques, and dietary fiber was extracted. Successively, the intake of these dietary fibers was evaluated for its antilipidemic activity in normal and hypercholesterolemic rats. In the first phase, thermal treatments especially cooking without soaking increased the soluble fiber (68.08%). The roasting all increased the soluble fiber contents, however, at relatively lower rate (53.91%). The results of efficacy study revealed that biochemical parameters in control animals were within the normal clinical ranges, thus appraising the safe status of the experimental diets. The thermally treated barley fiber decreased total cholesterol (12.14%–12.63%), low‐density lipoprotein (14.12%–14.85%), and triglycerides (2.25%–4.32%). The study recorded increasing trends for high‐density lipoprotein in both normal and hypercholesterolemic rats. In the nutshell, thermal modification of dietary fiber increased the ratio of soluble to insoluble dietary fiber that improved its hypocholesterolemic potential. The thermally treated barley dietary fiber is effective in reducing the lipid profile in Sprague–dawley rats than untreated dietary fiber and, therefore, can be considered as a functional food and ingredient to cope different lifestyle diseases.

Mini Review: Hypocholesterolemic Potential of Unsaponifiable Matter from Palm Fatty Acid Distillate

Palm fruit as raw material of palm oil is the main commodity of Indonesian agriculture. Palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) is a by-product of palm oil refinery process in deodorization stage. PFAD contained bioactive compounds such as vitamin E, phytosterols, and squalene. Vitamin E, phytosterols, and squalene have knows for its hypocholesterolemic effect and cardio protector. Bioactive compounds of PFAD can be separated from its fatty acid using saponification reaction. Saponification of PFAD produced unsaponifiable matter (USM) which was rich in bioactive compounds. Food fortification is aimed to enhance the nutrition quality of food for specific reason. The fortificant can be macronutrient or micronutrient. USM of PFAD potentially become food product fortificant which will give hypocholesterolemic effect. This review is discussed about hypocholesterolemic effect of each bioactive compounds in USM of PFAD and the potential of USM as food fortificant espsecially for food with hypocholesterolemic effect.

In Vitro Hypocholesterolemic Effect of Coffee Compounds.

(1) Background: Cholesterol bioaccessibility is an indicator of cholesterol that is available for absorption and therefore can be a measure of hypocholesterolemic potential. In this work, the effect of commercial espresso coffee and coffee extracts on cholesterol solubility are studied in an in vitro model composed by glycodeoxycholic bile salt, as a measure of its bioaccessibility. (2) Methods: Polysaccharide extracts from coffees obtained with different extraction conditions were purified by selective precipitation with ethanol, and their sugars content were characterized by GC-FID. Hexane extraction allowed us to obtain the coffee lipids. Espresso coffee samples and extracts were tested regarding their concentration dependence on the solubility of labeled 13C-4 cholesterol by bile salt micelles, using quantitative 13C NMR. (3) Results and Discussion: Espresso coffee and coffee extracts were rich in polysaccharides, mainly arabinogalactans and galactomannans. These polysaccharides decrease cholesterol solubility and, simultaneously, the bile salts’ concentration. Coffee lipid extracts were also found to decrease cholesterol solubility, although not affecting bile salt concentration. (4) Conclusions: Coffee soluble fiber, composed by the arabinogalactans and galactomannans, showed to sequester bile salts from the solution, leading to a decrease in cholesterol bioaccessibility. Coffee lipids also decrease cholesterol bioaccessibility, although the mechanism of action identified is the co-solubilization in the bile salt micelles. The effect of both polysaccharides and lipids showed to be additive, representing the overall effect observed in a typical espresso coffee. The effect of polysaccharides and lipids on cholesterol bioaccessibility should be accounted on the formulation of hypocholesterolemic food ingredients.

Biologically active components and health benefits of nettle seed oil

The biologically active components of nettle seed oil and important lipid indices, which are criteria for the health benefits of the oil, have been examined. Linoleic acid predominates in triacylglycerols (77.7%), followed by oleic (16.2%). Sterols in the lipids are present at 1.1% and β-sitosterol is the main component (90.1%). The oil contains 711 mg/kg tocopherols and γ-tocopherol predominates (36.1%), followed by α-tocopherol (28.9%) and δ-tocopherol (26.9%). Atherogenicity and thrombogenicity index values are significantly low, which determine the best anti-atherogenic and anti-thrombogenic properties of the oil. The cholesterolemic index and the ratio of polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids are considerably higher than 1.0 and reveal good hypocholesterolemic potential and nutritional value. The content of biologically active components of nettle seed oil indicates that it is a rich source of essential fatty acids, sterols and tocopherols and this oil can be used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.