Nutraceutical Products Research Articles

"Evaluation of the Impact of a Novel Nutraceutical Product through the Membrane Lipidomic Analysis in Aging Dogs with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction"

"Evaluation of the Impact of a Novel Nutraceutical Product through the Membrane Lipidomic Analysis in Aging Dogs with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction"

Secondary metabolic profiling, antioxidant potential, enzyme inhibitory activities and in silico and ADME studies: a multifunctional approach to reveal medicinal and industrial potential of Tanacetum falconeri

Tanacetum falconeri is a significant flowering plant that possesses cytotoxic, insecticidal, antibacterial, and phytotoxic properties. Its chemodiversity and bioactivities, however, have not been thoroughly investigated. In this work, several extracts from various parts of T. falconeri were assessed for their chemical profile, antioxidant activity, and potential for enzyme inhibition. The total phenolic contents of T. falconeri varied from 40.28 ± 0.47 mg GAE/g to 11.92 ± 0.22 mg GAE/g in various extracts, while flavonoid contents were found highest in TFFM (36.79 ± 0.36 mg QE/g extract) and lowest (11.08 ± 0.22 mg QE/g extract) in TFSC (chloroform extract of stem) in similar pattern as found in total phenolic contents. Highest DPPH inhibition was observed for TFFC (49.58 ± 0.11 mg TE/g extract) and TFSM (46.33 ± 0.10 mg TE/g extract), whereas, TFSM was also potentially active against (98.95 ± 0.57 mg TE/g) ABTS radical. In addition, TFSM was also most active in metal reducing assays: CUPRAC (151.76 ± 1.59 mg TE/g extract) and FRAP (101.30 ± 0.32 mg TE/g extract). In phosphomolybdenum assay, the highest activity was found for TFFE (1.71 ± 0.03 mg TE/g extract), TFSM (1.64 ± 0.035 mg TE/g extract), TFSH (1.60 ± 0.033 mg TE/g extract) and TFFH (1.58 ± 0.08 mg TE/g extract), while highest metal chelating activity was recorded for TFSH (25.93 ± 0.79 mg EDTAE/g extract), TFSE (22.90 ± 1.12 mg EDTAE/g extract) and TFSC (19.31 ± 0.50 mg EDTAE/g extract). In biological screening, all extracts had stronger inhibitory capacity against AChE while in case of BChE the chloroform extract of flower (TFFC) and stem (TFSC) showed the highest activities with inhibitory values of 2.57 ± 0.24 and 2.10 ± 0.18 respectively. Similarly, TFFC and TFSC had stronger inhibitory capacity (1.09 ± 0.015 and 1.08 ± 0.002 mmol ACAE/g extract) against α-Amylase and (0.50 ± 0.02 and 0.55 ± 0.02 mmol ACAE/g extract) α-Glucosidase. UHPLC-MS study of methanolic extract revealed the presence of 133 components including sterols, triterpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, and coumarins. The total phenolic contents were substantially linked with all antioxidant assays in multivariate analysis. These findings were validated by docking investigations, which revealed that the selected compounds exhibited high binding free energy with the enzymes tested. Finally, it was found that T. falconeri is a viable industrial crop with potential use in the production of functional goods and nutraceuticals.

Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Verbascum sinaiticum Leaves: Maximal Phenolic Yield and Antioxidant Capacity.

Verbascum sinaiticum (Qetetina or yeahya Joro) is a medicinal plant with secondary metabolites such as phenolics, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and alkaloids. This study was designed to optimize the ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) parameters to enhance the phenolic content and characterize the phenolic compounds using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS), and antioxidant activities in Verbascum sinaiticum extract. Extraction time, sample-to-solvent ratio, and extraction temperature were considered for UAE optimization. It was found that UAE generated the highest extraction yield (21.6%), total phenolic content (179.8 GAE mg/g), total flavonoid content (64.49 CE mg/g), DPPH (61.85 µg/mL), and ABTS (38.89 µg/mL) when compared to maceration extraction. Metabolite analysis in this study showed the detection of 17 phenolic compounds, confirming antioxidant capacities. The optimization parameters have significant effects on phenolic compounds. Scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of structural changes when UAE was used over the maceration method. The optimized UAE parameters for extraction temperature (41.43 °C), sample-to-solvent ratio (36.32 g/mL), and extraction time (33.22 min) for TPC were obtained. This study shows the potential application for UAE of Verbascum sinaiticum leaves in the development of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.

Relationship between Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Some Moroccan Date Palm Fruit Varieties (Phoenix dactylifera L.): A Two-Year Study.

In Morocco, the abundance of low-value varieties in the oases may provide an opportunity to capitalize on this richness to create new nutraceutical food products. In this context, the phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of four Moroccan date varieties were analyzed. Our results indicate that the levels of total polyphenols, total flavonoids and total condensed tannins vary, respectively, from 91.86 to 364.35 mg GAE/100 g of dry weight (DW), 46.59 to 111.80 mg QE/100 g DW and 16.10 to 42.03 mg CE/100 g DW during the 2021 harvest season. Furthermore, during the 2022 harvest season, these contents vary, respectively, from 119.13 to 410.39 mg GAE/100 g DW, 59.30 to 110.85 mg QE/100 g DW and 21.93 to 53.95 mg CE/100 g DW. The results of the HPLC-UV-VIS analysis revealed that, in all four varieties, gallic acid was and remained one of the major compounds in the date extracts. In addition, a high antioxidant activity of date extracts was particularly observed in the three tests, namely ferric reducing power (FRAP), ferrous ion chelating capacity (FIC) and the phosphomolybdate test. This richness in phenolic compounds makes low-value dates a source of active ingredient that can replace the synthetic antioxidants used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Colostrum in cheese milk: Effects on physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of milk, whey and fresh cheese

Colostrum presence in milk may cause problems in industrial processes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of cheese whey and model-fresh cheeses made from milk containing up to 10% colostrum. Physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of colostrum, milk, cheese and cheese whey were evaluated. IgG content in colostrum, milk and cheese whey was also analyzed. The colostrum presence changed cheese milk composition, physicochemical parameters, IgG content and microbial counts. As the presence of colostrum increased, cheeses had higher protein and moisture contents, while aerobes mesophiles and coliform counts decreased. The cheese and cheese whey color were slightly to noticeably different when up to 10% colostrum was added to the cheese milk. The whey IgG concentration increased significantly when the cheese milk contained 5% and 10% colostrum. This should be taken into consideration when this by-product be potentially used in the production of value-added dairy or nutraceutical products.

The Development of Antioxidant Nutraceuticals containing Chrysanthemum indicum L. Gummy Candy

Chrysanthemum flowers (Chrysanthemum indicum L.) have been shown to contain flavonoid compounds and exert antioxidant activity. This brings Chrysanthemum indicum potential to be developed as a nutraceutical product. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Chrysanthemum flowers before and after the formulation of Chrysanthemum indicum flower extract as a gummy candy. Gummy candy formulas were developed using variations of gelatin and pectin as gelling agents. In this study, Chrysanthemum flower extract was formulated into gummy candy. The physical characteristics evaluated include organoleptic tests, weight uniformity, elasticity, and moisture content. Optimization was performed using the simplex lattice design (SLD) method with the aid of the Design Expert software Ver. 13. The antioxidant activity of the chrysanthemum flower extract and gummy candy extract was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging method. Ascorbic acid was used as a positive control. The optimum formula for preparing the gummy candy was 11.51% of gelatin and 1.24% of pectin. The evaluation of weight uniformity, elasticity, and moisture content suggested that there is no significant difference between the optimum formula and the predicted value. Both the chrysanthemum flower extract and chrysanthemum flower gummy candy had strong antioxidant activity. The IC50 value of the extract was 67.80 ± 2.37 mg/mL while the gummy candy IC50 value was 82.93 ± 2.55 mg/mL. The antioxidant activity of Chrysanthemum indicum was slightly decreased after being formulated into gummy candy. These studies suggested that scientists are expected to anticipate the decrease of Chrysanthemum antioxidant activity in the gummy manufacturing process.

Elemental Characterization of Leaf Extracts of Three Different Species of Mulberry: Morus. alba L., Morus. nigra L. and Morus. indica L., Using Inductively Coupled Plasma -Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES)

The present study aimed to compare the elemental composition of leaf extracts from three different plant species of Mulberry, Morus alba L., Morus nigra L., and Morus indica L. The results showed that ten essential elements of biological importance for human metabolism, such as Copper, Chromium, Iron, Manganese, Sodium, Zinc, Calcium, Nickel, Lead, and Cadmium, were present in varying concentrations, well below the World Health Organization, (WHO's) daily intake limits. Mulberry leaves are an economical and readily available source of essential mineral elements vital for human health, which can be used to fortify functional foods, treat various diseases, and act as nutraceuticals. The information obtained could be used to determine the efficacy and dosage of herbal drugs manufactured from the leaf extracts of the Mulberry plant, making it a new contributor to food supplements and nutraceutical products.

Co-encapsulation of omega-3 and vitamin D3 in beeswax solid lipid nanoparticles to evaluate physicochemical and in vitro release properties.

In recent years, lipophilic bioactive compounds have gained much attention due to their wide range of health-benefiting effects. However, their low solubility and susceptibility to harsh conditions such as high temperatures and oxidation stress have limited their potential application for the development of functional foods and nutraceutical products in the food industry. Nanoencapsulation can help to improve the stability of hydrophobic bioactive compounds and protect these sensitive compounds during food processing conditions, thus overcoming the limitation of their pure use in food products. The objective of this work was to co-entrap vitamin D3 (VD3) and omega 3 (ω3) as hydrophobic bioactive compounds providing significant health benefits in beeswax solid lipid nanoparticles (BW. SLNs) for the first time and to investigate the effect of different concentrations of VD3 (5 and 10 mg/mL) and ω3 (8 and 10 mg) on encapsulation efficiency (EE). Our findings revealed that the highest EE was obtained for VD3 and ω3 at concentrations of 5 mg/mL and 10 mg, respectively. VD3/ω3 loaded BW. SLNs (VD3/ω3-BW. SLNs) were prepared with zeta potential and size of-32 mV and 63.5 nm, respectively. Results obtained by in-vitro release study indicated that VD3 release was lower compared to ω3 in the buffer solution. VD3 and ω3 incorporated in BW. SLNs demonstrated excellent stability under alkaline and acidic conditions. At highly oxidizing conditions, 96.2 and 90.4% of entrapped VD3 and ω3 remained stable in nanoparticles. Moreover, nanoparticles were stable during 1 month of storage, and no aggregation was observed. In conclusion, co-loaded VD3 and ω3 in BW. SLNs have the great potential to be used as bioactive compounds in food fortification and production of functional foods.

Hesperidin: Diversified Prospects of Naturally Occurring Bioflavonoid

Abstract: Hesperidin is one of the most well-known, naturally occurring flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, occurring in high concentrations in citrus fruits. Citrus fruits and juices are widely consumed worldwide and are readily available dietary sources for their intake. Its use has been associated with a great number of health benefits, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. Due to its biological activities, hesperidin is often used in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Supplements containing hesperidin, alone or in combination with other citrus bioflavonoids, are commercially available. The utilization of hesperidin can be used for the production of novel nutraceuticals or for the improvement of older ones. This piece of review aims to discuss the various diversified aspects of the naturally occurring bioflavonoid hesperidin.

Tetraselmis chuii Edible Microalga as a New Source of Neuroprotective Compounds Obtained Using Fast Biosolvent Extraction.

Tetraselmis chuii is an EFSA-approved novel food and dietary supplement with increasing use in nutraceutical production worldwide. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of bioactive compounds extracted from T. chuii using green biobased solvents (ethyl acetate, AcOEt, and cyclopentyl methyl ether, CPME) under pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) conditions and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). Response surface optimization was used to study the effect of temperature and solvent composition on the neuroprotective properties of the PLE extracts, including anticholinergic activity, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) scavenging capacity, and anti-inflammatory activity. Optimized extraction conditions of 40 °C and 34.9% AcOEt in CPME resulted in extracts with high anticholinergic and ROS/RNS scavenging capacity, while operation at 180 °C and 54.1% AcOEt in CPME yielded extracts with potent anti-inflammatory properties using only 20 min. Chemical characterization revealed the presence of carotenoids (neoxanthin, violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, α- and β-carotene) known for their anti-cholinesterase, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential. The extracts also exhibited high levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with a favorable ω-3/ω-6 ratio (>7), contributing to their neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, the extracts were found to be safe to use, as cytotoxicity assays showed no observed toxicity in HK-2 and THP-1 cell lines at or below a concentration of 40 μg mL-1. These results highlight the neuroprotective potential of Tetraselmis chuii extracts, making them valuable in the field of nutraceutical production and emphasize the interest of studying new green solvents as alternatives to conventional toxic solvents.

Simultaneous vehiculation of probiotics and yellow mombin (Spondias mombin L.) seed extract to develop a new vegan multifunctional ingredient

This study aimed to evaluate the simultaneous vehiculation of probiotics and yellow mombin (Spondias mombin L.) seed extract. The 50% ethanol solvent showed the highest efficiency in extracting total phenolic compounds and total sugars. This extract was then evaluated as a fermentation medium for Lactobacillus acidophilus NRRL B-4495 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NRRL B-4496. As a result, probiotic populations showed a drop of 1.6–2.2 logarithmic cycles and maintained total phenolic content during 48 h of fermentation. L. acidophilus and the yellow mombin seed extract were co-encapsulated by spray drying using maltodextrin (M) or maltodextrin associated with pectin (MP). The M and MP microcapsules showed probiotic encapsulation efficiency above 98% and diameters of 15.18–16.37 μm. Maltodextrin microcapsules showed a higher concentration of total phenolics and MP higher antioxidant activities. The microcapsules showed inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, microencapsulation provided over 75% survival of L. acidophilus in the simulated gastric fluid. Therefore, microcapsules containing probiotics and yellow mombin extract are promising multifunctional ingredients for developing new vegan nutraceutical products.

Exploring the Chemical Profile, In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Santolina rosmarinifolia Extracts.

In this study, the phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous and 60% ethanolic (EtOH) extracts of Santolina rosmarinifolia leaf, flower, and root were examined. The antioxidant activity of S. rosmarinifolia extracts was determined by 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. The total phenolic content (TPC) of the extracts was measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts was monitored by the Griess assay. The chemical composition of S. rosmarinifolia extracts was analysed using the LC-MS technique. According to our findings, 60% EtOH leaf extracts showed the highest Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) values in both ABTS (8.39 ± 0.43 µM) and DPPH (6.71 ± 0.03 µM) antioxidant activity assays. The TPC values of the samples were in good correspondence with the antioxidant activity measurements and showed the highest gallic acid equivalent value (130.17 ± 0.01 µg/mL) in 60% EtOH leaf extracts. In addition, the 60% EtOH extracts of the leaves were revealed to possess the highest anti-inflammatory effect. The LC-MS analysis of S. rosmarinifolia extracts proved the presence of ascorbic acid, catalpol, chrysin, epigallocatechin, geraniol, isoquercitrin, and theanine, among others, for the first time. However, additional studies are needed to investigate the direct relationship between the chemical composition and physiological effects of the herb. The 60% EtOH extracts of S. rosmarinifolia leaves are potential new sources of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules in the production of novel nutraceutical products.

Keputusan Pembelian Dan Determinan Yang Memengaruhi Ekuitas Merek Madu Kemasan Madurasa

Honey is a secondary food product which included in nutraceutical products with health functions for human body. The demand of honey products continues to increase and has made many brands of packaged honey compete. Madurasa has been the top brand in the branded packaged honey category, which indicates that Madurasa has strong brand equity. Therefore, this research aims to find out the purchasing behavior patterns of Madurasa consumers and what determinants can affect brand equity. The study takes place in Jabodetabek from October 2022 to September 2023, utilizing primary data from online questionnaires. The analytical methods used are descriptive analysis, cross tabulation and SEM- PLS. The analysis results show that Madurasa consumers make pre-planned purchases of Madurasa products. Madurasa consumers prefer purchasing products in plastic bottle at Minimarkets. They typically buy one or two products per purchase and consume them two or three times a week. The brand equity dimensions that significantly influence Madurasa’s brand equity are brand awareness, perceived quality, and brand loyalty. Based on these results, Madurasa can expand product distribution, carry out intensive promotions and innovate product types and packaging to increase these dimensions.

Characterization and comparative effect of drying process on antioxidant activity over Chilean sea cucumber (Athyonidiun chilensis)

Chilean sea cucumber, Athyonidium chilensis, has both a high nutritional value and a high economic potential to increase the trade of other marine products. Currently there is a minimal commercialization of sea cucumber within Chile, and it is sold exclusively to China in dry or frozen forms where it is then used nutraceutical, cosmetic and nutricosmetic products marketed mostly in Asia. The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional, heavy metals, mineral and amino acids contents of Chilean sea cucumber (eviscerated and ground form) and compare its antioxidant capacity following three different drying processes. The results showed that A. chilensis had very high level of protein contain (68.17%), ash (17.41%), fiber (13.22%), and very low fat and carbohydrate contents. The antioxidant activity measured by ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) was between 6676.34 and 10,321.30 μmol TE(Trolox equivalents)/100 g, depending on the drying process used. Amino acid profile analysis showed that total amino acids in Chilean sea cucumber was 60.3 g/100 g protein. The information obtained illuminates the antioxidant capacity and amino acid profile that has not previously been reported for Athyonidium chilensis, which indicates that this species has a competitive commercial value for use in food or nutraceutical products, when compared to similar sea cucumbers found on the international market.

Semi-industrial ultrasound-assisted extraction of grape-seed proteins.

To manage industrial waste in accordance with the circular bioeconomy concept it is sometimes necessary to handle grape seeds, an abundant by-product of the wine-making process. This study presents a process based on ultrasound technology for the extraction of grape-seed proteins, due to their nutritional and techno-functional properties. The protein content of extracts obtained under silent and lab-scale conditions was compared with that obtained under semi-industrial ultrasound conditions, and the chemical composition (carbohydrates, total phenols, and lipids) and the elemental profiles of the final, up-scaled downstream extracts were characterized. This work found that the maximum amount of protein in the final product was 378.31 g.kg-1 of the extract. Chemical characterization revealed that each 1 kg of extract had an average content of 326.19 g gallic acid equivalent as total phenols, 162.57 g glucose equivalent as carbohydrates, and 382.76 g of lipophilic compounds. Furthermore, when the extract was checked for hazardous elements, none were found in levels that could be considered a risk for human health. The proposed semi-industrial strategy has the potential to contribute greatly to the valorization of grape seeds through the preparation of a protein-rich extract that can be used as an alternative to synthetic wine stabilizers and for the development of novel food and nutraceutical products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

FIRST REPORT OF THE AMINO ACID AND FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF JELLYFISH (LOBONEMOIDES ROBUSTUS STIASNY, 1920) COLLECTED DURING JELLYFISH BLOOM ALONG THE COX’S BAZAR COAST, BANGLADESH

Jellyfish (JF) are essential to marine ecosystems. However, JF that increases rapidly can have negative effects. On 3-4 August 2022, a significant JF (Lobonemoides robustus Stiasny, 1920) bloom was observed along Cox’s Bazar coast (from Najdirartek to Sabrang) in Bangladesh. The goal of the current investigation was to identify the fatty acids (FAs) and amino acids (AAs) of L. robustus. The AAs were determined using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, while the FAs were determined using a gas chromatographic system with a flame ionisation detector. The most prevalent AA was glycine. The most common FA was linoleic acid (C18:3) (0.43%), followed by myristic acid (0.12%), cis-9-oleic acid (0.18%), gamma-linolenic acid (0.24%), and heptadecanoic acid (0.29%). Based on its AA and FA contents, L. robustus can be a great candidate for the potentially sustainable manufacture of nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and biomedical natural products to improve health and well-being. In addition, the edible L. robustus could be exported to other countries, thus way it can play a major role in achieving a blue economy.

Vernonia amygdalina: a comprehensive review of the nutritional makeup, traditional medicinal use, and pharmacology of isolated phytochemicals and compounds

Vernonia amygdalina is a perennial shrub that belongs to the family Asteraceae. The herb is an indigenous African plant that grows in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It is probably the most used medicinal plant in the genus Vernonia. Previous studies on the traditional medicinal value, nutritional composition, classes of phytochemical or compound isolation, and evaluation of their pharmacology activity are numerous. This provokes us to review and provide up-to-date evidence-based information on the study plant. A systematic online search using the databases of Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, Elsevier and Sci-Hub was carefully applied, using some important key words to get appropriate information. The leafy part of Vernonia amygdalina contributes greatly to the nutritional requirements for human health and to food security since it contains enough concentrations of proximate composition, minerals, and vitamins. The plant parts are used in traditional medicine for many human and animal healthcare purposes, including diarrhea, diabetes, wound healing, tonsillitis, evil eye, retained placenta, headache, eye disease, intestinal parasite, bloating, hepatitis, toothache, anthrax, malaria, urine retention, gastritis, stomach disorders, and snake bites. The chemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids, sesquiterpene lactones, steroids, cardiac glycosides, oxalates, phytates, cyanogenic glycosides, and phenols. Additionally, various compounds such as vernolide, luteolin, vernodalol, vernoamyoside A, vernoamyoside B, isorhamnetin, glucuronolactone, and 1-Heneicosenol O-β-D-glucopyranoside were isolated. Some of the isolated compounds pharmacological activity was evaluated against some diseases and showed antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antihelmintic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory potencies. Thus, the review provides comprehensive information about ethnomedicinal value, nutritional composition, isolated classes of phytochemicals, and compounds, including an evaluation of the pharmacological activity of the isolated compounds of Vernonia amygdalina. A review with this much information could be extremely valuable for future research on developing innovative nutraceutical products.

Qualitative traits and peel essential oil profiles of 24 Italian and international lemon varieties

Lemon (Citrus limon L. Burm. f.) is used for fresh consumption because it is rich in several nutraceutical products especially vitamin C. The physicochemical properties and the bioactive compounds of the peel, such as the essential oil, are strictly depended on the genotype. In this context, peel and juice qualitative traits of 24 lemon cultivars were described: 20 varieties of the Italian germplasm, mostly belonging to Femminello (F.) lines, and 4 international varieties were studied. This study which may be considered one of the few examples carried out on a large number of varieties of a single Citrus species, was conducted over two years and the oils collected by hydro-distillation of the flavedo were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Differences were observed in the oil yields. For an easier comparison the essential oils’ component were subdivided in five classes: monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated sesquiterpenes and others (not terpenoidic compounds). Among the monoterpene hydrocarbons, in all the cultivars the most abundant compounds were limonene, followed by β-pinene and γ-terpinene. In particular, Monachello showed the highest content of monoterpene hydrocarbons, while the lowest value was observed in F. Carrubaro, Fino and Akragas. Femminello lines are interesting cultivars for qualitative traits of the juice (organic acids and vitamin C) and for the highest content of volatile compounds in the peel, such as limonene, myrcene, β-pinene, α-pinene, γ-terpinene and sabinene. Significant differences in morphological and physicochemical traits were observed: fruits of Lemox, F. Adamo and F. Scandurra showed to be seedless, while high acidity content was observed in F. 2Kr, which also showed the highest vitamin C content.

A Review of the Functional Characteristics and Applications of Aristotelia chilensis (Maqui Berry), in the Food Industry.

The Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz, also known as Maqui, is an endemic berry native to southern Chile. It is a very popular berry for its nutritional attributes and health benefits, provided mainly by its polyphenols. This review aims to investigate the Maqui and its nutritional characteristics, its health benefits, and the application of Maqui in the food industry. This fruit provides 150 calories per 100 g of product and has a low protein content and a high fiber content. Its seeds contain monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs); however, its most outstanding feature is its high value of bioactive compounds, mainly anthocyanins, indole alkaloids and flavonoids, coumarins, caffeic and ferulic acids, and delphinidin 3-O-β-glucoside, the latter being the most representative, providing Maqui with high antioxidant activity. Maqui is considered a fruit of high interest as a nutraceutical product for the control and prevention of ongoing diseases, and among its benefits, we can highlight glycemic and metabolic control; the control and prevention of obesity, cancer, cognitive decline, and dementia; the prevention and treatment of bone structure alterations; prevention against oxidative stress, particularly in cigarette smoke-induced stress. In addition to its nutraceutical use, Maqui has been used in the food industry to improve the shelf life (by controlling lipid oxidation) and nutritional value of food products and as a substitute for synthetic additives. In addition, the inclusion of Maqui improves the organoleptic and sensory characteristics of foods. The incorporation of this fruit has been observed mainly in drinks, meat products, bakery products, and milk products. Evidence has shown that Maqui consumption, as well as products with Maqui added, have a good acceptability and exert benefits on people's health. Knowledge about the application of Maqui in food will allow us to create new nutraceutical and food products that improve their nutritional and functional value.

Cytochrome p450 and innovative nutraceutical products

Dietary supplements are products that are ingested in addition to the regular diet to provide additional health-promoting nutrients. Dietary supplements are defined and regulated differently in the European Union (EU) and the United States (US). A fundamental aspect, besides the one related to the composition of the various products on the market, is linked to their quality, both from a nutritional and a pharmacological point of view. Concerning the knowledge of the metabolic aspects, the analysis of the interference, as an inductive or an inhibitory effect, of the p450 enzyme on individual preparations of supplements, is crucial. In this study, we present the results of the interference analysis of a new nutraceutical product based on 38% Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction BPF® (Citrus bergamia Risso et Poit.), Pomegranate (Punica granatum) and Citrus fruits (Citrus aurantium var. dulcis, Citrus maxima Burm. Merr, Citrus paradisi Macfad) extract with cytochrome p450, showing that the product has limited activity on the cytochromes involved in most of human drug metabolism. This nutraceutical product is to be considered safe and potentially useful in the context of multiple treatments, not interfering with the traditional chronic therapies of patients. These findings open the door to modern "pharma-grade" nutraceuticals, expanding the safety and quality profiles of these new products.