Natural Food Supplement Research Articles

The effectiveness and safety of natural food and food-derived extract supplements for treating functional gastrointestinal disorders-current perspectives.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) were highly prevalent and involve gastrointestinal discomfort characterized by non-organic abnormalities in the morphology and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract. According to the Rome IV criteria, irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia are the most common FGIDs. Complementary and alternative medicines are employed by increasing numbers of individuals around the world, and they include herbal and dietary supplements, acupuncture, and hypnosis. Of these, herbal and dietary supplements seem to have the greatest potential for relieving FGIDs, through multiple modes of action. However, despite the extensive application of natural extracts in alternative treatments for FGIDs, the safety and effectiveness of food and orally ingested food-derived extracts remain uncertain. Many randomized controlled trials have provided compelling evidence supporting their potential, as detailed in this review. The consumption of certain foods (eg, kiwifruit, mentha, ginger, etc) and food ingredients may contribute to the alleviation of symptoms associated with FGID,. However, it is crucial to emphasize that the short-term consumption of these components may not yield satisfactory efficacy. Physicians are advised to share both the benefits and potential risks of these alternative therapies with patients. Furthermore, larger randomized clinical trials with appropriate comparators are imperative.

Abstract 2183: Immunomodulation by oxaliplatin is affected by the mycotoxin food contaminants alternariol and deoxynivalenol in opposite directions

Abstract Our diet does not only impact our risk for cancer, but might also affect the outcome of anti-cancer therapies. While interaction of natural food constituents or supplements with anticancer therapies are frequently investigated, studies on how food contaminants, such as mycotoxins, interfere with anticancer drugs is rare or lacking, despite the rise of mycotoxin occurrence in food worldwide. As the importance of the immune system during anticancer therapies is now well known, especially mycotoxins with immunomodulatory activity, such as alternariol (AOH) or deoxynivalenol (DON), which were reported as immunosuppressive and immunostimulatory, respectively, are of great concern. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate possible disadvantageous or beneficial interactions of the mycotoxins AOH or DON with the clinically routinely-used oxaliplatin, a known stimulator of the anticancer immune response as well as immunogenic cell death inducer. Effects of the mycotoxin-oxaliplatin combinations on cell viability of different colon carcinoma cell models were analyzed via CellTiter Blue, showing a mostly additive increase of anticancer activity with both mycotoxins. As the immune system was reported to play an important role in the anticancer activity of oxaliplatin, the combined influence of mycotoxins and anticancer therapies on immune cell stimulation was analyzed. To that end, monocytic THP-1 Lucia NF-κB reporter cells were utilized and their activation, differentiation and polarization was monitored during combinatorial treatment, via luminescence, flow cytometry and qPCR, respectively. In line with its more immunostimulatory activities, oxaliplatin alone activated NF-κB signaling in monocytic THP-1 cells. However, this increase in signaling was significantly suppressed in combination with AOH, while DON further enhanced the activation significantly. In line, during polarization of THP-1 macrophages to pro- (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) mediators, oxaliplatin strongly induced M1 markers (IL-8, TNF-α and COX-2) on mRNA level, not altering the NF-κB activity but partly downregulating M2 marker IL-10. This M1 stimulation was potentiated in the combination with DON, whereas AOH stimulated M2 marker expression. In conclusion, AOH was able to suppress the immunostimulatory potential of oxaliplatin, whereas DON enhanced it. Consequently, mycotoxins might affect the outcome of especially immunologically-active therapies. This should not only be considered in future risk assessment of food contaminants, but might also be a chance to fine-tune the anticancer immune response. Citation Format: Sonja Hager, Judith Gufler, Walter Berger, Petra Heffeter, Doris Marko. Immunomodulation by oxaliplatin is affected by the mycotoxin food contaminants alternariol and deoxynivalenol in opposite directions [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2183.

Nutritional Properties, Antioxidant Activity, and Heavy Metal Accumulation in Selected Marine Macro-Algae Species of Sri Lanka

In recent years, the emergence of drug resistance and sensitivity in leading diseases has heightened global interest in natural nutraceuticals as primary health supplements. However, comprehensive scientific scrutiny is essential before marketing these as supplements. In this study, we assessed the nutritional composition, antioxidant activities, and trace metal accumulation in eleven selected Sri Lankan coastal seaweed species. Gracilaria corticata had the highest (p < 0.05) ash and crude fiber content among the species. Protein content ranged from 4.87% to 23.67% (DW), with Ulva rigida displaying the highest (p < 0.05). Crude fat content ranged from 0.09% to 4.13% (DW), with Cladophora herpestica having the highest (p < 0.05) crude fat content. Sargassam cinereum, Turbinaria ornata and Sargassum crassifolium had the highest (p < 0.05) TPC content (51.32 ± 0.61–28.90 ± 2.68 mg/GAE g) and the highest (p < 0.05) radical scavenging antioxidant activity compared to other seaweeds. The study findings indicate that most of the studied metals in seaweeds exceeded the WHO-recommended levels. Aluminum was the highest (p < 0.05) accumulated metal in seaweeds compared to other metals. Toxic heavy metals, such as arsenic, cadmium and chromium, levels in all of the studied seaweeds surpassed the WHO limits. While seaweeds displayed acceptable nutritional and antioxidant properties, heavy metal presence poses a potential health risk to consumers. Products using seaweeds with accumulated heavy metals may have lower nutritional quality. Thus, this study underscores the need for comprehensive scientific investigation before developing high-quality natural food products or supplements from seaweeds.

In vitro evaluation of a natural food supplement as inhibitors of feline herpesvirus replication

The feline herpesvirus (FHV) is a widely diffused and highly contagious virus that represents a common health problem in cats. It is frequently associated with diseases of different pathogenicity that can be particularly severe in young kittens determining viral pneumonia and sometimes, death. Unfortunately, there isn’t a well-defined therapeutic protocol against the virus. Several studies concerning the application of alternative treatments against herpesviruses have been performed with promising results, in both human and veterinary medicine. The present study aims to investigate in vitro antiviral effects against FHV of the commercially compound HELP-TH1 (Camon, S.p.A., Italy) mainly composed by Ganoderma lucidum, Cordyceps sinensis, and Trametes versicolor. The antiviral effect of HELP-TH1 was evaluated by the Plaque Reduction Assay and by the real time PCR quantifying and comparing the viral load of infected controls vs treated experimental samples. Our data indicate that HELP-TH1 inhibits the cytopathic effect of the virus and reduces the viral load in the experimental conditions demonstrating its antiviral effect.

Enhancement of propolis food preservation and functional ingredient characteristics by natural eutectic solvents extraction of phytochemicals

Due to the promising applications of propolis as a natural food preservative, functional ingredient or supplement, on one side, and the inherent toxicity and high volatility of organic solvents used for extraction of phenolics from propolis, a range of natural eutectic solvents (NESs) was evaluated for the extraction of phenolic compounds from poplar type propolis to create “green-labelled” food products. The phenolic profile of novel green propolis extracts was evaluated using high-performance thin-layer chromatography, while 16 phenolic compounds were quantified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography hyphenated with mass spectrometry. Pinocembrin and chrysin were the most dominant phenolics with an average concentration of 3111 and 3039 mg/kg in lactic acid-based NES, respectively. Biological activity, such as antioxidative and antimicrobial activities, were determined using spectrophotometric and well diffusion methods. Considering all spectrophotometric assays lactic acid-based presented as the best extraction medium for phenolic extraction, with TPC, TFC and RSA values 150.0 mg GAE/g, 190.0 mg RUE/g, and 132.8 mg TE/g on average, respectively. From 38 studied NESs, choline-chloride:tartaric acid (1:1 n/n), glycerol:lactic acid (1:1 n/n) and glycine: lactic acid (1:3 n/n) were the most promising extraction medium for obtaining the propolis extracts enriched with bioactive compounds. Additionally, proposed green solvents were proved to be the designer solvents and showed potential to be tuned to target specific phenolic compounds. Improved, or at least maintained, biological activity of NES propolis extracts support its application in agriculture industry.

BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF ICE CREAM ENRICHED WITH ANTIOXIDANT ENCAPSULATED PROPOLIS

Microorganism food poisoning is one of the foodborne illnesses in the world. The interest in natural preservatives has increased since the lack of acceptability in using synthetic preservatives. Propolis, a resinous mixture, is a natural product produced by honey bees to protect their hives against microorganisms. It is considered a natural food supplement and preservative owing to its high antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. However, its resinous nature (not readily soluble in water), ethanol solubility, specific strong smell and taste limits its usage as a natural preservative. Encapsulation of propolis ethanol extract with natural polymers like alginate and pectin may overcome these limitations. Main aim of this study was to test powdered form of propolis as a natural preservative in ice cream as model food. For this purpose propolis, after extraction and characterization, was encapsulated by using pectin and converted into powdered form. Antimicrobial activity of prepared ice cream itself against S. aureus (ATCC 25923), E. coli (ATCC 28712), E. faecalis (ATCC 51299), K. pneumoniae (ATCC 700603) and B. cereus (patient isolate) was tested. Total phenolic content and ferric reducing antioxidant power of propolis were noted as 46.26 ±1.18 mg GAE/mL and as 0.27 ±0.07 µmol FeSO4.7H2O/mL, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency was found 95%. Encapsulation of propolis ethanol extract improved the homogenization of propolis active compounds in ice cream. This resulted in obtaining an ice cream with high antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. In conclusion, the use of encapsulated active compounds of propolis ethanol extract improved the both antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the ice cream produced in a natural way. Keywords: antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, ionic gelation, ice cream, propolis

The phytochemical study of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim) leaves in hydroponics and soil culture

Background: In the medical fieldEleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim) (E. senticosus) or Siberian ginseng is known as a natural adaptogen and immunomodulator. All parts of E. senticosus: roots, stems, leaves, and berries, have medicinal properties. In medicine, E. senticosus is used to treat depression, Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cerebral ischemia, and diabetes. The adaptogenic properties of the plant are related to its rich composition of biologically active compounds (phenylpropanoids, eleuterosides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, vitamins, etc.). E. senticosus activates the body’s protection mechanisms, directly affecting tissue metabolism. It increases mental and physical performance, immunity, and protects from stress, making its use important in sports medicine and the military. The use of E. senticosus in food and dietary supplements has become popular in recent years, whereas some studies suggest that its potential benefits are the reduction of stress and enhancement of immune system function. Objective: To study the content of the main biologically active compounds of medicinal raw material (leaves) of E. senticosus, cultivated in outdoor hydroponics and soil conditions during different stages of growth and development. Methods: The spectrophotometric method was used to determine the content of total phenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids and eleutherosides in a 70 % water-alcohol extract from E. senticosus dry leaves at different phases of vegetation period. The spectra were recorded using an Agilent Cary 60 UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Moreover, the content of extractive substances was determined, and the content of vitamin C, and β-carotene in fresh leaves (State Pharmacopoeia 2015).Results:The results of our study showed that levels of phenolic compounds in the leaves of E. senticosus obtained in hydroponics and soil culture are the highest during the flowering phase (August-September). It was observed that during the flowering period, the content of total phenols, phenolic acids, and eleutherosides was 1.3 times higher, and flavonoids - 1.2 times higher compared to the vegetative phase. It is worth noting that the content of vitamin “C”, β-carotene and extractives was also higher during the flowering period. Hydroponic plants had higher content of vitamin “C”, β-carotene, and extractives, respectively by 1.4, 1.2 and 1.2 times compared to soil plants. This could be due to several factors such as the optimal content of nutrients (N=200 mg/L, P=65 mg/L, K=350 mg/L), and the high content of oxygen in the hydroponic system. Conclusion: According to the results of a phytochemical study of E. senticosus leaves grown in outdoor hydroponics and soil culture in the Ararat Valley, the highest content of biologically active compounds (eleutherosides, phenols, phenolic acids, vitamins) is recorded in hydroponic plants in the flowering period. In general, the research has practical importance,since the E. senticosus plants grown in hydroponic conditions can be a rich source for the production of natural food and dietary supplements. Keywords:biologically active compounds, adaptogen, eleutherosides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, medicinal raw material

Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in bud-derived supplements by magnetic molecular imprinted microparticles and GC-MS: D-optimal design for a fast method optimization

Within the world of natural food supplements, organic extracts deriving from young plant meristematic tissue (bud-derivatives) are becoming attractive, thanks to their richness in bioactive molecules. This natural source is scarce, but every year, tons of plant material, including buds, come from city pruning. If this sustainable source is rather promising from a circular economy point of view, the safety of the obtained supplements must be assessed. In fact, anthropic microcontaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), could adsorb onto the urban buds, leading to a possible contamination of the bud-derivatives. In this study, we developed a magnetic dispersive solid phase extraction (m-dSPE) based on molecularly imprinted microparticles, combined with GC-MS, to quantify the 16 priority PAHs in such extracts. The D-optimal experimental design was implemented to maximize analytes’ recovery with the smallest set of experiments. The optimized method was characterized by great selectivity thanks to the molecular imprinted polymer and ease of use provided by m-dSPE. Moreover, it complies with green principles, thanks to the minimum consumption of organic solvent (1.5 mL of acetone per sample). The recoveries ranged from 76 to 100% and procedural precision was below 10% for most PAHs. Despite the matrix complexity, low quantification limits (0.7–12.6 μg kg−1) were reached. This guaranteed the PAHs’ quantitation at levels below those indicated as safe by a European Community regulation on food supplements. None of the analyzed samples, coming from different anthropically impacted areas, showed concerning PAHs levels.

Betalains Alleviate Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Fatigue and Improve Sports Performance: an Update on Recent Advancement.

Beetroot juice is a popular natural food supplement commonly consumed for its health and ergogenic benefits. It contains an abundance of phytochemical compounds, which have been shown to enhance sports endurance and recovery. Among them, nitrate is well-studied and known for improving performance during exercise. On the other hand, betalains, the bioactive pigment, have shown various biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypertensive, which may improve exercise performance and post-exercise recovery. Additionally, free radical scavenging activities of betalains could increase nitric oxide availability in the blood, thereby improving blood flow and oxygen supply during strenuous exercise. This review article provides a critical discussion of the non-pathological conditions induced by prolonged or strenuous exercise and betalains' potential in reducing such conditions including muscle damage, inflammation, and fatigue. Additionally, the real-time application of betalains as an ergogenic compound in competitive athletes has been discussed. Finally, future directions and conclusions on the potential of betalains as a natural ergogenic aid in sport endurance are outlined. Betalains in beetroot are the major water-soluble nitrogen-containing pigment possessing high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fatigue activities. Betalain supplementation could alleviate exercise-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and fatigue in competitive athletes. Betalains have the potential to become a natural ergogenic aid or nutraceutical compound for sports people during exercise and competitive performance.

Orange peels andChlorella vulgaris supplementation ameliorate gamma radiation-induced oxidative stress by regulating TGF-β and NOX2/NOX4 signaling pathways.

Numerous studies revealed that Chlorella vulgaris and orange peels are potential sources for many valuable compounds such as flavonoids, which are natural polyphenols with antioxidant capacities that lessen oxidative stress via suppressing ROS levels. Thus, this study was designed to investigate their radioprotective efficiency either alone or in combination as natural food supplements. Sixty-four male Albino rats were divided into eight groups (n = 8) as follows: control, orange peel (10% in diet), C. vulgaris (1% in diet), orange peel + C. vulgaris, gamma irradiated (2Gy twice per week up to 8Gy), orange peel + gamma irradiation, C. vulgaris + gamma irradiation, and orange peel + C. vulgaris + gamma irradiation. After the experiment, blood serums were collected for biochemical analysis, whole bloods were collected for blood picture, bone marrows were collected for GSH, MDA, TGF-β, NOX2 and NOX4, and liver tissues were collected for histopathological evaluation. Current study revealed that exposure to gamma irradiation induced a significant disturbance in liver function markers (ALT and AST), kidney function markers (urea and creatinine), cholesterol and triglycerides levels in serum. In addition, a significant decrease in WBCs, RBCs, PLT, and Hb in blood of irradiated rats. Moreover, a significant elevation in TGF-β, NOX2, NOX4 activities, and MDA level, while showed a marked decrease in GSH concentration. Furthermore, hepatic inflammation appeared in the histopathological examination. Orange peels or C. vulgaris treatments showed acceptable amelioration in all measured parameters, combination between orange peels and C. vulgaris showed statistically significant additive amelioration in radiation induced disturbance.

Nutraceuticals with high antioxidant properties based on fruits and medicinal plants

Recently, consuming natural food supplements derived from natural resources has become widespread in many developed societies due to the lack of side effects, low cost, and high antioxidant properties to prevent and treat many diseases. The research and formulation aimed to design a safe and effective medicinal and edible healthy natural nutraceutical with high antioxidant properties and rich mineral elements based on fruits and medicinal plants. Antioxidant, Protein, and inorganic contents of fruits and natural herbal plants were determined to evaluate the contents of active constituents of the meal in milligrams. The results were then used to formulate an edible herbal supplement as a solid oral system. The raw protein content of each ingredient was evaluated through the Kjeldahl method. The contents of the nutrient elements were measured in mg/kg (D.W) by ICP-Mass. All components were mixed thoroughly in some proper percentages, milled, and then dried by heating for 48 hours. The Flowability of the powder was subsequently evaluated using the work index and Hausner ratio. The work index of the sample was 34.3, and because the Flowability was not optimal, aerosol was added to 10 grams of a mixture of 1% by weight of the material. Finally, the working index reached 23, which is desirable. Furthermore, the ingredients were volumetrically encapsulated in OO-sized capsules and subjected to quality control tests. Performing organoleptic assays for controlling the physical and chemical properties of the formulation, the active ingredient was determined in terms of the results of Kjeldahl and inductively coupled plasma Mass spectrometry (ICP-Mass). The results of all control tests, including the weight deviation test, opening time test, and active ingredient dosage test, were conducted for the developed formulation according to credible pharmacopeia. According to the allowable daily dosages, the developed capsule is a proper herbal supplement with very high antioxidants.

Gymnema sylvestre extract ameliorated streptozotocin‐induced hyperglycemia in T2DM rats via gut microbiota

AbstractGymnema sylvestre (GS) has been traditionally used to treat diabetes mellitus (DM) and consumed as both food and medicine. The present work aimed to reveal the arresting hypoglycemic properties of GS leaves on type 2 DM (T2DM) rats meditated by gut microbiota pathway. After administration for 30 days, GS treatment observably improved the abnormal fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, lipid profiles, and the glucose tolerance of the T2DM rats in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, GS treatment reversibly restored the gut microbiota diversities in the T2DM rats based on the decreased Firmicute abundance and boosted Bacteroidetes abundance and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Particularly, the KEGG pathway suggested that GS treatment strongly interfered with the glucose metabolism processes, such as the glycolysis from glucose 6‐phosphate and glucose, along with the changes in the relative abundances of the beneficial bacteria of Clostridium, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides. In addition, the GS treatment dramatically promoted the contents of the acetic acid, the total short‐chain fatty acids in the T2DM rat feces. This study showcased the remarkable amelioration of GS on the metabolic disorders of blood glucose and lipids via the regulation of gut microbiota in T2DM rats, which could offer a new mechanism of GS as a potential natural antidiabetic food supplement for T2DM.

The Cyanobacterial "Nutraceutical" Phycocyanobilin Inhibits Cysteine Protease Legumain.

The blue biliprotein phycocyanin, produced by photo-autotrophic cyanobacteria including spirulina (Arthrospira) and marketed as a natural food supplement or "nutraceutical," is reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activity. These diverse biological activities have been specifically attributed to the phycocyanin chromophore, phycocyanobilin (PCB). However, the mechanism of action of PCB and the molecular targets responsible for the beneficial properties of PCB are not well understood. We have developed a procedure to rapidly cleave the PCB pigment from phycocyanin by ethanolysis and then characterized it as an electrophilic natural product that interacts covalently with thiol nucleophiles but lacks any appreciable cytotoxicity or antibacterial activity against common pathogens and gut microbes. We then designed alkyne-bearing PCB probes for use in chemical proteomics target deconvolution studies. Target identification and validation revealed the cysteine protease legumain (also known as asparaginyl endopeptidase, AEP) to be a target of PCB. Inhibition of this target may account for PCB's diverse reported biological activities.

Prevention and amelioration of erythrocyte instability observed under deficiency of vitamin B12 alone or combined with micronutrient limitation through dietary supplementation with <em>Chlorella</em> and <em>Spirulina</em>

Micronutrient rich microalgae, Chlorella and Spirulina, could be natural food supplements to overcome the micronutrient deficiency, increasingly recognised as a global health issue. In two independent experiments, the Spirulina and Chlorella were evaluated as prophylactic and ameliorative dietary supplements of vitamin B12. Erythrocyte stability (relative osmotic fragility and haemolysis percentage), haematological parameters, micronutrient deficiency (serum levels of iron, zinc), plasma vitamin B12 and vitamin B12 biomarker (methylmalonic acid) were analysed. The deficient groups receiving Spirulina and Chlorella as prophylactic dietary supplements showed a 1.34 to 1.41 folds increase in serum iron and a 2.13 to 2.19 folds increase in plasma vitamin B12, compared to B12 deficient group. Supplementation of Spirulina to ameliorate vitamin B12 deficiency combined with micronutrient limitation showed an increase of 1.14 folds and 1.2 folds in serum iron and zinc respectively and 1.51 folds in plasma vitamin B12 compared to the deficient group. The relative osmotic fragility of erythrocytes in deficient experimental animals was 17 to 45% higher compared to the control. The osmotic fragility and deformation in the morphology of erythrocytes observed under vitamin B12 deficiency, alone or in combination with micronutrient limitation, were prevented and ameliorated on dietary supplementation with the microalgal biomass.

Cost Effective In-Vitro Rearing of YSB using Natural Food Supplement Mass rearing of YSB

Cost Effective In-Vitro Rearing of YSB using Natural Food Supplement Mass rearing of YSB

A Combined Angelica gigas and Artemisia dracunculus Extract Prevents Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy in Mice through the Akt/mTOR/FoxO3a Signaling Pathway.

Since skeletal muscle atrophy resulting from various causes accelerates the progression of several diseases, its prevention should help maintain health and quality of life. A range of natural materials have been investigated for their potential preventive effects against muscle atrophy. Here, ethanol extracts of Angelica gigas and Artemisia dracunculus were concentrated and dried, and mixed at a ratio of 7:3 to create the mixture CHDT. We then evaluated the potential for CHDT to prevent muscle atrophy and explored the mechanisms involved. CHDT was orally administered to C57BL/6 mice daily for 30 days, and dexamethasone (Dex) was intraperitoneally injected daily to induce muscle atrophy from 14 days after the start of oral administration. We found that CHDT prevented the Dex-induced reductions in muscle strength, mass, and fiber size, likely by upregulating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In addition, CHDT reduced the Dex-induced increase in the serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which directly induce the degradation of muscle proteins. These findings suggest that CHDT could serve as a natural food supplement for the prevention of muscle atrophy.

Antioxidative and Energy Metabolism-Improving Effects of Maca Polysaccharide on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Hepatotoxicity Mice via Metabolomic Analysis and Keap1-Nrf2 Pathway.

Lepidium meyenii Walp. (Maca), as a natural food supplement, has strong antioxidant and energy metabolism-improving characteristics, and Maca polysaccharide (MP) is its effective component. MP has been shown to mitigate liver damage in previous research, and Cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced hepatotoxicity is also a major concern in clinical practice. We investigated the possible cytoprotective effect of MP on CYP-induced liver injury, and explored its underlying mechanism by analyzing the resulting liver metabolic profiles. MP significantly inhibited increases in serum transaminase, improved pathological changes, reduced oxidative stress, and increased the levels of energy metabolism-related enzymes. Metabolomic analysis showed that MP corrected lipid metabolic problems and regulated the pentose phosphate pathway and acid metabolism, thereby protecting against apoptosis of hepatocytes. The Pearson correlation analysis indicated that antioxidant enzymes and energy metabolism-related enzymes are closely correlated with these differential metabolites. In addition, the upstream Keap1-Nrf2 antioxidant signal transduction pathway was explored to validate the possible mechanism of the cytoprotective effect of MP. In conclusion, MP plays a protective role in CYP-induced hepatotoxicity through these potential metabolic means, where it ameliorates oxidative stress, improves energy metabolism, and restores mitochondrial respiration by regulating the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby preventing liver damage.

MiR-125b-5p is targeted by curcumin to regulate the cellular antioxidant capacity

As a natural polyphenolic food supplement and the principal curcuminoid in turmeric, curcumin shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. However, its specific functional mechanism remains unclear. Our preliminary study indicated that miR-125b-5p was downregulated by a curcumin extract. This study aimed to determine whether miR-125b-5p is involved in the antioxidant regulation of curcumin. The results showed that miR-125b-5p overexpression had a pro-oxidant effect by reducing the cellular antioxidant capacity, as well as decreasing the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the normal liver cell line LO2. However, miR-125b-5p repression significantly increased the cellular antioxidant capacity and enhanced the activities of CAT and SOD. Further investigation demonstrated that the cellular antioxidant capacity induced by curcumin extract was inhibited by miR-125b-5p overexpression. Thus, curcumin may exhibit antioxidant effects by repressing miR-125b-5p expression, which provides new insights into the molecular antioxidant mechanism of curcumin and other functional food components.

Valorization of Ellagic Acid from Chestnut Shell as a Natural Anti-anxiety Food Supplement

Mental health is on the agenda, especially in times of pandemic due to the COVID-19 virus. Nowadays, psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression, have been more discussed and have become even more critical during confinement. This paper proposes the development process of an innovative product whose active ingredient - ellagic acid, extracted from the chestnut shell - has anxiolytic properties and can be potentially used in consumers' daily lives, preventing this type of illness. The product presented, Do Nut Stress – Acid ellagic enriched pancakes for anxiety control, consists of a pancake powder, considered a healthy and nutritious meal.

Polyprenylated Benzophenones and Tocotrienol Derivatives from the Edible Fruits of Garcinia oblongifolia Champ. ex Benth. and Their Cytotoxicity Activity.

The fruits of Garcinia oblongifolia Champ. ex Benth. were famous as an edible fruit in tropical regions of China. Because of its unique taste and great nutritional value, the ripe fresh fruits of G. oblongifolia could be eaten directly or used as raw materials for natural beverages and food supplements. In this work, six new polyprenylated benzophenones (1-6) and one new dimeric tocotrienol derivative (7), together with 18 known ones (8-25), were isolated from the fruits of G. oblongifolia. Compounds 1-4 were peculiar polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) featuring the rare carbon skeleton of a bicyclo[3.4.1]decane-1,3-diketone. Moreover, all isolates (1-25) were evaluated for their cytotoxicity activities against nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines (CNE1 and CNE2). Among these isolates, compound 6 exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity activity on CNE1 and CNE2 cells with the IC50 values of 7.8 ± 0.2 and 9.1 ± 0.3 μM, respectively. Further mechanistic investigation demonstrated that 6 could induce mitophagy to promote Caspase-9/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis through triggering ROS in NPC cells.