Nutraceutical Ingredients Research Articles

Orange fruit peels from PDO varieties of Ribera (Sicily, Italy): An insight into the chemistry and bioactivity of volatile and non-volatile secondary metabolites extracted using a microwave-assisted method

Peels of Washington Navel (WAS), Navelina (NAV), and Vaniglia Apireno (VAN) orange fruits from Ribera (Sicily, Italy) represent abundant by-products of the Italian agro-food sector. In this work, volatile (VE) and non-volatile (NVE) extracts were obtained from fresh peels using a microwave-assisted protocol, and were characterized for their content in secondary metabolites and bioactivity. VEs exerted antibacterial activity against different pathogens, and were toxic on Caco2 cells. Their main component was limonene (>85 %). NVEs inhibited tyrosinase, amylase, and glucosidase in vitro, and exerted significant antioxidant effects on THP-1 XBlue cells. They showed also anti-inflammatory properties, by decreasing NF-κB activity in LPS-stimulated cells. Putative molecular effectors were highlighted by multivariate correlation analysis. Overall, NVEs may represent novel sustainable nutraceutical ingredients with anti-inflammatory and metabolic properties, and can be obtained by using eco-sustainable approaches. Our results will encourage the reuse of by-products of the orange processing chain and will contribute to increase its circularity in the future.

Body temperature responsive capsules templated from Pickering emulsion for thermally triggered release of β-carotene

In recent years, functional foods with lipophilic nutraceutical ingredients are gaining more and more attention because of its potential healthy and commercial value, and developing of various bioderived food-grade particles for use in fabrication of Pickering emulsion has attracted great attentions. Herein, the bio-originated sodium caseinate-lysozyme (Cas-Lyz) complex particles were firstly designed to be used as a novel interfacial emulsifier for Pickering emulsions. Pickering emulsions of various food oils were all successfully stabilized by the Cas-Lyz particles without addition of any synthetic surfactants, while the fluorescence microscopy and SEM characterizations clearly evidenced Cas-Lyz particles were attached on the surface of emulsion droplets. Additionally, the Cas-Lyz particles stabilized emulsion can also be used to encapsulate the β-carotene-loaded soybean oil, suggestion a potential method to carry lipophilic bioactive ingredients in an aqueous formulation for food, cosmetic and medical industry. At last, we present a Pickering emulsion strategy that utilizes biocompatible, edible and body temperature-responsive lard oil as the core material in microcapsules, which can achieve hermetic sealing and physiological temperature-triggered release of model nutraceutical ingredient (β-carotene).

A Traditional Review: The Utilization of Nutraceutical as a Traditional Cure for the Modern World at Current Prospectus for Multiple Health Conditions

Nutraceuticals refer to food products that have a positive impact on the well-being of individuals. This category includes dietary supplements, herbal products, probiotics, and prebiotics, as well as medical foods designed for disease prevention and treatment. The nutraceutical market is witnessing substantial growth worldwide, primarily due to the growing awareness among consumers about the connection between diet and health. Additionally, there is a rising demand for functional foods and dietary supplements. As consumers prioritize preventive healthcare, they are increasingly looking for products that provide targeted health benefits beyond basic nutrition. The rise of this trend can be attributed to various factors, including the aging population, rising healthcare expenses, and a preference for natural and organic ingredients. Nutraceuticals, as a major force in the industry, offer numerous beneficial effects with minimal undesirable impacts, thus attracting more consumer interest. The increasing shift towards preventive treatments, along with the growth in disposable income and a positive market outlook for the pharmaceutical sector, has primarily contributed to the expanding nutraceutical market in India. However, challenges such as the lack of regulation and awareness, high pricing, marketing, and distribution issues need to be addressed. Nutraceutical market is seeing flowing development chiefly in United States, India, and European nations. This review article primarily focuses on providing a concise overview of nutraceuticals, categorizing them, and discussing their significant roles in various health conditions. Additionally, it delves into the present and future status of nutraceuticals on a global scale.
 Keywords: traditional cure; nutraceuticals; remedy; prebiotics; probiotics; regulatory compliance; supplementary diets; nutraceutical ingredients.

Physicochemical characterization of a lycopene‐loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticle formulation

AbstractLycopene (LYC), a carotenoid extracted mainly from tomatoes, has several biological properties, making its use desirable as a nutraceutical and pharmaceutical active ingredient. Among its various applications vulvovaginal candidiasis stands out. However, the use of LYC in therapy has limitations related to its solubility and stability. In this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are used to load and protect LYC from degradation. The exact amount of drug incorporated was determined by analytical techniques, such as high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thermal analysis. For this, we developed and validated an HPLC method for LYC quantification and evaluated LYC impregnation in MSNs, followed by thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was also used in order to confirm drug incorporation. Additionally, an in vitro release study in simulated vaginal fluid was also carried out. The HPLC method was duly validated for the range of 26–125 µg mL−1 and proved to be suitable for LYC quantification. DSC measurements suggest an improvement in the stability of the impregnated drug, which was reinforced by the release assay. Overall, the developed method is suitable to quantify LYC‐loaded porous materials enabling its use in vaginal applications.

Antioxidant and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Activity of Faba Bean-Derived Peptides After In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion: Insight into Their Mechanism of Action.

Faba bean flour, after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, showed important antioxidant and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities. In the present study, 11 faba bean- derived peptides were synthesized to confirm their bioactivities and provide a deeper understanding of their mechanisms of action. The results revealed that 7 peptides were potent antioxidants, namely, NYDEGSEPR, TETWNPNHPEL, TETWNPNHPE, VIPTEPPH, VIPTEPPHA, VVIPTEPPHA, and VVIPTEPPH. Among them, TETWNPNHPEL had the highest activity in the ABTS (EC50 = 0.5 ± 0.2 mM) and DPPH (EC50 = 2.1 ± 0.1 mM) assays (p < 0.05), whereas TETWNPNHPE had the highest activity (p < 0.05) in the ORAC assay (2.84 ± 0.08 mM Trolox equivalent/mM). Synergistic and/or additive effects were found when selected peptides (TETWNPNHPEL, NYDEGSEPR, and VVIPTEPPHA) were combined. Four peptides were potent ACE inhibitors, where VVIPTEPPH (IC50 = 43 ± 1 μM) and VVIPTEPPHA (IC50 = 50 ± 5 μM) had the highest activity (p < 0.05), followed by VIPTEPPH (IC50 = 90 ± 10 μM) and then VIPTEPPHA (IC50 = 123 ± 5 μM) (p < 0.05). These peptides were noncompetitive inhibitors, as supported by kinetic studies and a molecular docking investigation. This study demonstrated that peptides derived from faba beans have multifunctional bioactivities, making them a promising food-functional and nutraceutical ingredient.

Potential Phytotherapy of DSS-Induced Colitis: Ameliorating Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Necroptosis and Gut Dysbiosis with a New Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge Variety-Daehong.

Developing new plant varieties plays a crucial role in competitiveness in the agricultural and food industries and enhancing food security. Daehong (DH) is a new variety of Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge (CP); however, its physiological functions and potential as a nutraceutical ingredient remain unknown. Here, the efficacy of DH on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was investigated using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice, and its relative pharmacological effects were analyzed against CP. DH improved colitis-induced weight loss, colon shortening, and inflammatory responses and reduced intestinal permeability. The reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated necroptotic signal that triggers enterocyte cell death in DSS-induced colitis was effectively controlled by DH, attributed to epicatechin. DSS-induced gut dysbiosis was recovered into a healthy gut microbiome environment by DH, increasing beneficial bacteria, like Akkermansia muciniphila, and changing harmful bacteria, including Bacteroides vulgatus and Peptostreptococcaceae. DH shows potential as a dietary or pharmaceutical ingredient to promote gut health and to prevent and treat IBD.

Bread Improvement with Nutraceutical Ingredients Obtained from Food By-Products: Effect on Quality and Technological Aspects.

The use of by-products as functional ingredients for bread recipes may open up new horizons in terms of product innovation to increase nutraceutical characteristics and/or shelf-life. In this research, the ability of residual products from important food chains (Citrus and wine) to influence the water binding capacity of dough and bread was investigated in order to create industrial breads of high quality with prolonged shelf-life in the absence of any chemical additives (e.g., ethanol, sorbic acid, and propionic acid). The product under study is the 'Pan Bauletto bianco con olio EVO' (white bakery bread with EVO oil), an 'industrial bread' type usually treated with ethanol before being marketed, aiming to prolong its short shelf-life. The effect of the addition of different amounts of pectin (Citrus supply chain) and grape pomace (wine supply chain), in combination or not, has shown promising results from both a technological point of view and the increasing shelf-life, allowing to obtain products with high nutraceutical value and interesting properties.

Comparative Study on the Effect of Hot Air and Vacuum Drying on Physiochemical Properties and antioxidant Activities of Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Peel

The red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel was subjected to freeze drying (FD), hot air drying (at 50 – 65°C) (HAD), and vacuum drying (at 50 – 65°C) (VD), in which physical properties (color, water activity, water absorption index-WAI, and microstructure), bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, betacyanin, polyphenol, and flavonoid), and antioxidant activities (DPPH and metal chelating activities) were monitored. The results showed that the lightness (L*) of red dragon fruit peel (RDFP) decreased as HAD and VD were applied especially at higher drying temperatures. Whereas the water absorption index (WAI) of the RDFP was not affected by drying methods. The microstructure surfaces of FD-dried RDFP were smoother than those of samples dried by HAD and VD-dried RDFP. After the drying processes, the bioactive compounds and antioxidative properties of the RDFP powder decreased significantly. However, higher bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities in RDFP dried by VD compared to the samples dried by HAD at the same drying temperatures. The RDFP powder dried by VD at 55°C retaining high physiochemical and antioxidative properties could be utilized as a colorant and nutraceutical ingredient in several food products. Keywords: Red dragon fruit peel, Freeze drying, Vacuum drying, Hot air drying, Bioactive compounds, Antioxidant activity

Anti-ageing effects of CollabZen™ in healthy human volunteers: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study

Background: There are several concerns related to combating signs of ageing. Considering the long-term safety concerns of cosmetic formulations, a safe and effective approach using nutritional supplements and naturals should be of great help. CollabZenTM is one such a blend of three plant materials known as Phyllanthus emblica, Camellia sinensis, and Coffea arabica, earlier tested for collagen building in human cells in-vitro. The current study aims to explore its potential as a nutraceutical product for skin ageing. Methods: The study enrolled 64 volunteers both genders (mean age=45.75) with crow's feet wrinkles. One group (n=32) received a placebo capsule (Product A) and other group received CollabZenTM capsules (Product B). Dermatological parameters were assessed at 0th day, 4th and 8th week, and self-assessment questionnaires for efficacy and tolerance were collected on 4th and 8th week. The trial is registered at https://ctri.nic.in/, CTRI/2022/10/046168. Results: The results showed that product B (CollabZenTM) was significantly effective than the placebo in improving deep skin hydration on the face (p=0.009), increasing facial skin elasticity (p=0.001), and enhancing firmness (p=0.001) after 8 weeks. Participants in Group B reported higher levels of satisfaction regarding their perceived skin health compared to group A based on self-assessment at the 8th weeks (p&lt;0.01). Moreover, only one volunteer in each group experienced mild intolerance at the end of 8th week, demonstrating the safety of these nutraceutical ingredients and excipients. Conclusions: CollabZenTM, with its known antioxidant and collagen-boosting properties and current findings can be considered a valuable nutraceutical product for the anti-ageing sector of the cosmetic industry.

From Ocean to Medicine: Harnessing Seaweed's Potential for Drug Development.

Seaweed, a miscellaneous group of marine algae, has long been recognized for its rich nutritional composition and bioactive compounds, being considered nutraceutical ingredient. This revision delves into the promising role of seaweed-derived nutrients as a beneficial resource for drug discovery and innovative product development. Seaweeds are abundant sources of essential vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and unique secondary metabolites, which reveal a wide range of biological activities. These bioactive compounds possess potential therapeutic properties, making them intriguing candidates for drug leads in various medical applications and pharmaceutical drug development. It explores their pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities, shedding light on their potential as therapeutic agents. Moreover, the manuscript provides insights into the development of formulation strategies and delivery systems to enhance the bioavailability and stability of seaweed-derived compounds. The manuscript also discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of seaweed-based nutrients into the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Regulatory considerations, sustainability, and scalability of sustainable seaweed sourcing and cultivation methods are addressed, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach in harnessing seaweed's potential. This revision underscores the immense potential of seaweed-derived compounds as a valuable reservoir for drug leads and product development. By bridging the gap between marine biology, pharmacology, and product formulation, this research contributes to the critical advancement of sustainable and innovative solutions in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors.

Performance of Azolla pinnata fern protein hydrolysates as an emulsifier and nutraceutical ingredient in an O/W emulsion system and their effect on human gut microbiota and mammalian cells.

This study investigated the dual potential of Azolla pinnata fern protein hydrolysates (AFPHs) as functional and nutraceutical ingredients in an oil/water emulsion system. The AFPH-stabilised emulsion (AFPH-E) displayed a small and uniform droplet distribution and was stable to aggregation and creaming over a wide range of pH (5-8), salt concentrations ≤ 100 mM, and heat treatment ≤ 70 °C. Besides, the AFPH-E possessed and maintained strong biological activities, including antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and antioxidant, under different food processing conditions (pH 5-8; NaCl: 50-150 mM, and heat treatment: 30-100 °C). Following in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, the antihypertensive and antioxidant activities were unchanged, while a notable increase of 8% was observed for DPPH. However, the antidiabetic activities were partially reduced in the range of 5-11%. Notably, AFPH-E modulated the gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, particularly Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, along with increased SCFA acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Also, AFPH-E up to 10 mg mL-1 did not affect the proliferation of the normal colon cells. In the current work, AFPH demonstrated dual functionality as a plant-based emulsifier with strong biological activities in an oil/water emulsion system and promoted healthy changes in the human gut microbiota.

Elucidation of antioxidant compounds recovery capacity from “Cam” purple rice bran by different sustainable extraction techniques

“Cam” rice is a pigmented rice with the purple color that was well known as local cultivar in Tien Giang province (Vietnam). The bran of this rice is usually not properly used; however, it contains rich antioxidants that could be utilized for demanding healthy and nutritional foods. This study is aimed to study the different green and sustainable extraction methods for rice bran’s antioxidants, including microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), ultrasound followed by microwave (U+MAE), microwave followed by ultrasound (M+UAE), and conventional method as the control. The results showed that high extraction efficiency was found when Cam rice bran was extracted with the aid of sustainable extraction techniques such as sonication or microwave. The study also reported that dual synergistic-assisted extraction presented a higher content of bioactive compounds and their antioxidant activities compared with single-assisted extraction. In addition, U+MAE was shown to have a higher capacity to extract and maintain antioxidant activities than M+UAE. This study provides the fundamental information for further application and optimization process of extract of antioxidant compounds from Cam rice bran, as source of antioxidant and nutraceutical ingredient.

Anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and anti-oxidant bioactives of beer and brewery by-products, as ingredients of bio-functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, cosmeceuticals and pharmaceuticals with health promoting properties

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;Fermented alcoholic beverages and their by-products, including beer and breweries' bio-wastes like spent yeasts, grain, and hops, contain a plethora of natural bioactive compounds that have recently gained attention for their valorization as functional ingredients in several novel foods and nutraceuticals, as well as in drugs and cosmetics applications. Within this article, the natural bio-functional compounds of fermented beer product and breweries' by-products with anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and anti-oxidant bioactivities are thoroughly reviewed. The important roles of yeasts involved for such bioactives to be present in the fermented product and in the brewery bio-wastes are also outlined. The health promoting benefits of beer moderate consumption resulting from these bioactives, as part of a balanced diet, against inflammation-related chronic disorders is also discussed, along with the detrimental effects of beer consumption abuse and the potential benefits of alternative non-alcoholic beers. The mechanisms of action and synergism of the natural bioactives present in the fermented beer product and in breweries' by-products, with anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and antioxidant properties are also presented. Current research and future perspectives on valorizing bioactives of fermented beer and brewery by-products, such as spent yeasts, grain and hops in health-promoting functional foods, supplements, nutraceuticals cosmetics, cosmeceuticals, and pharmaceuticals are also thoroughly evaluated, while the limitations of their use are also discussed.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/abstract&gt;

Punicic acid ameliorates obesity-related hyperlipidemia and fatty liver in mice via regulation of intestinal flora and lipopolysaccharide-related signaling pathways.

Punicic acid (PA), mainly found in pomegranate seed oil (PSO), has attracted increasing attention due to its potential to mitigate obesity. The regulation of intestinal microflora was identified as a crucial factor and an effective strategy to reverse obesity-related hyperlipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To assess the impact of PSO on hyperlipidemia related to obesity, we investigated the hepatic lipid status and gut microbiota regulation in mice over 13 weeks of feeding a high-fructose high-fat diet (HFHFD). Serum lipid markers, including TG, TC and LDL-C, were markedly reduced in hyperlipidemic mice. PSO supplementation reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and steatosis, inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (including IL-6 and IL-1β), and restored the normal levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In addition, PSO also alleviated oxidative stress and increased T-AOC and SOD activities, as well as GSH levels, while reducing the MDA content in the liver of HFHFD-fed mice. The activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and TLR4/IL-22/STAT3 signaling pathways in the liver due to the HFHFD was also evidently inhibited by PSO. Furthermore, supplementation of PSO ameliorated the HFHFD-induced dysbiosis of intestinal microflora, resulting in a markedly increased proportion of Muribaculaceae, a decreased ratio of Blautia, and elevated levels of microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Moreover, the expression of tight junction proteins correlated with intestinal barrier function was notably restored in the colon. The collected results indicate that PSO may be an effective nutraceutical ingredient for attenuating lipid metabolic disorders.

From waste to bioactive compounds: A response surface methodology approach to extract antioxidants from Pistacia vera shells for postprandial hyperglycaemia management

Pistacia vera shells, an abundant agricultural by-product, are a rich source of undiscovered bioactive compounds. This study employed a response surface methodology (RSM) approach to optimize the microwave-assisted extraction of antioxidants. The highest total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity were achieved under the optimized extraction conditions (20 % ethanol, 1000 W, 135 s, and solvent-to-solid ratio of 27 mL/g). The resulting extract (OPVS-E) included gallic acid derivatives, hydrolysable tannins, flavonoids, fatty acids, and anacardic acids. Remarkably, OPVS-E displayed potent inhibitory activity against α-amylase (IC50 = 2.05 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 41.07 μg/mL), by far more powerful than the anti-diabetic drug acarbose, OPVS-E exhibited a strong antiradical capacity against reactive oxygen species (ROS) without causing toxicity in intestinal cells (HT29-MTX and Caco-2). These findings introduce OPVS-E as a potential novel dual-action nutraceutical ingredient, able to mitigate postprandial hyperglycemia and counteract the ROS overproduction occurring in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Pepsin Hydrolysate from Surimi Industry-Related Olive Flounder Head Byproducts Attenuates LPS-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in RAW 264.7 Macrophages and In Vivo Zebrafish Model.

Fish head byproducts derived from surimi processing contribute about 15% of the total body weight, which are beneficial to health because they contain essential nutrients. In this study, olive flounder (OF) was the target species in order to maximize the byproduct utilization. In RAW 264.7 macrophages, the seven hydrolysates from OF head byproducts were examined for their inhibitory potential against inflammation and the oxidative stress induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The pepsin hydrolysate (OFH-PH) demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory activity via the down-regulation of NO production, with an IC50 value of 299.82 ± 4.18 µg/mL. We evaluated the inhibitory potential of pro-inflammatory cytokines and PGE2 to confirm these findings. Additionally, iNOS and COX-2 protein expressions were confirmed using western blotting. Furthermore, the results from the in vivo zebrafish model demonstrated that OFH-PH decreased the LPS-elevated heart rate, NO production, cell death, and intracellular ROS level, while increasing the survival percentage. Hence, the obtained results of this study serve as a platform for future research and provide insight into the mediation of inflammatory disorders. These results suggest that OFH-PH has the potential to be utilized as a nutraceutical and functional food ingredient.

Lavandula pedunculata Polyphenol-Rich Extracts Obtained by Conventional, MAE and UAE Methods: Exploring the Bioactive Potential and Safety for Use a Medicine Plant as Food and Nutraceutical Ingredient.

Nowadays, plant-based bioactive compounds (BCs) are a key focus of research, supporting sustainable food production and favored by consumers for their perceived safety and health advantages over synthetic options. Lavandula pedunculata (LP) is a Portuguese, native species relevant to the bioeconomy that can be useful as a source of natural BCs, mainly phenolic compounds. This study compared LP polyphenol-rich extracts from conventional maceration extraction (CE), microwave and ultrasound-assisted extraction (MAE and UAE). As a result, rosmarinic acid (58.68-48.27 mg/g DE) and salvianolic acid B (43.19-40.09 mg/g DE) were the most representative phenolic compounds in the LP extracts. The three methods exhibited high antioxidant activity, highlighting the ORAC (1306.0 to 1765.5 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/g DE) results. In addition, the extracts obtained with MAE and CE showed outstanding growth inhibition for B. cereus, S. aureus, E. coli, S. enterica and P. aeruginosa (>50%, at 10 mg/mL). The MAE extract showed the lowest IC50 (0.98 mg DE/mL) for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition and the best results for α-glucosidase and tyrosinase inhibition (at 5 mg/mL, the inhibition was 87 and 73%, respectively). The LP polyphenol-rich extracts were also safe on caco-2 intestinal cells, and no mutagenicity was detected. The UAE had lower efficiency in obtaining LP polyphenol-rich extracts. MAE equaled CE's efficiency, saving time and energy. LP shows potential as a sustainable raw material, allowing diverse extraction methods to safely develop health-promoting food and nutraceutical ingredients.

Exploring the Chemical Composition of Female Zucchini Flowers for Their Possible Use as Nutraceutical Ingredient.

The zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) plant is well known for its fruits; however, its edible flowers appear to contain several active molecules, including polyphenols, which display poor bioaccessibility after gastrointestinal digestion (GiD). This study explores the bioaccessibility of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity within zucchini flower extracts during simulated GiD. Two nutraceutical formulations, non-acid-resistant (NAcR) and acid-resistant (AcR) capsules containing an aqueous extract of zucchini flowers, were employed in this investigation. Additionally, high-resolution mass spectrometry (Q-Orbitrap HRMS) was utilized for a comprehensive analysis of their polyphenolic constituents. Predominantly, rutin and isorhamnetin-3-rutinoside were the most prevalent compounds detected in the samples (514.62 and 318.59 mg/kg, respectively). Following in vitro GiD, the extract encapsulated in AcR capsules exhibited enhanced bioaccessibility during both the duodenal (189.2 and 162.5 mg GAE/100 g, respectively) and colonic stages (477.4 and 344.7 mg GAE/100 g, respectively) when compared with the extract encapsulated in NAcR capsules. This suggests that gastric acidity adversely impacted the release of polyphenols from NAcR capsules. In conclusion, the aqueous zucchini flower extract emerges as a promising and readily accessible source of dietary polyphenols. Moreover, the utilization of AcR capsules presents a potential nutraceutical formulation strategy to improve polyphenol bioaccessibility, enhancing its applicability in promoting health and well-being.

Integrating eco-friendly approaches to produce protein extracts and hydrolysates with antioxidant properties from Microchloropsis gaditana

In recent years, microalgae have emerged as sustainable alternatives to conventional animal-based proteins and powerful sources of bioactive peptides. This study aimed to develop an eco-friendly workflow using ultrasounds and green solvents to extract proteins from Microchloropsis gaditana and enzymatically produce antioxidant hydrolysates. The ultrasound method yielded comparable protein amounts to the traditional approach, reducing extraction time (1 vs. 5 h) and using a greener solvent (water vs. 5 % NaOH). The enzymatic solutions Flavourzyme® and Alcalase® successfully produced protein hydrolysates with up to 70 % hydrolysis, depending on the hydrolysis time. Regarding biological activity, the protein extract and certain hydrolysates (Flavourzyme® after 2 h and Alcalase® after 8 h of hydrolysis time) showed promising antioxidant effects, as these substances significantly suppressed the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in HCT 116 cells under H2O2-induced stress. The proteomic analysis uncovered up to 288 proteins, in which antioxidant activity-related proteins and the protein Histone H2A were identified, suggesting a potential correlation with the observed biological activity. Thus, this multidisciplinary approach sheds light on the green production of protein extracts and hydrolysates from microalgae and presents an integrated process for producing antioxidant extracts, holding significant promise as potential ingredients for functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Effect of coconut water on in vitro propagation of Hylocereus costaricensus and acclimatization

Red-purple dragon fruit, Hylocereus costaricensis (Web.) Britton & Rose belongs to Cactaceae family. Due to its high nutraceutical ingredients has attracted a lot of attention to alternative propagate this species through in vitro culture technique. This research was aimed to analysed the effects of different concentrations of coconut water on the growth of H. costaricensis stem explants in Murashige and Skoog (MS) and Vacin and Went (VW) media. Then, combination of soil and coconut coir or coconut husk were used as planting media during acclimatization was investigated. Findings showed that in MS and VW supplemented with 5% coconut water formed 100% of shoot and root. VW media supplemented with 5% of coconut water yielded the highest average number of shoots (6.28 ± 0.48) and the longest shoot (3.85 ± 0.23 cm). The longest root (7.00 ± 0.66 cm) was observed on MS media supplemented with 5% coconut water whereas VW media supplemented with 5% coconut water produced the highest average number of roots (2.40 ± 0.19). Addition of coconut water can stimulate better shoot and root formation as it contains naturally plant growth regulators. During acclimatization, combination of soil and coconut coir showed the highest percentage (100%) of survival rate.