Polyphenolic Fraction Research Articles

Hybrid Carbohydrate-Lipid Nanocarriers: In Vitro Efficacy Gene-Rated by Association of UV-Absorbers and Raspberry Polyphenols Rich-Fraction.

Background/Objectives: The study aims to investigate an improved version of lipid nanocarriers (NLCs) (formulated with functional coconut butter and marula oil) by designing hyaluronic acid (HA) decorated NLC co-loaded with dual UVA (butyl methoxy dibenzoyl methane, BMDBM), UVB absorbers (ethyl-hexyl-salicylate, EHS) and a Raspberry rich polyphenols fraction (RPRF) for development of more natural NLC-based to-pical formulations. Methods: Quality and quantitative attributes of classic- and HA-NLC have been assigned based on particle size, electrokinetic potential, encapsulation efficiency, spectroscopic characteristics, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. To establish the performance profile of antioxidant activity, release of active substances, sun blocking action, and photostability, in vitro studies were conducted. Results: NLC with an average size of ~150 nm and zeta potentials < -39.5 mV showed 80% and 93.1% of encapsulation efficiency for BMDBM and EHS, and up to 83% for natural RPRF. A long-lasting release of absorbers, with a maximum cumulative release of 2.1% BMDBM and 4.6% EHS was detected. NLC-UV Abs-RPRF-HA assured 72.83% radical scavenging activity. The IC50 for HA-NLC-UV Abs-RPRF was 6.25-fold lower than NLC-UV Abs-HA, which reflects the greater free radical scavenging action. The conditioned NLC-UV Abs-RPRF-HA cream was able to provide a sun protection factor value of 52 and UVA-PF value of 81, which underlines an impressive removal of both categories of UVA and UVB radiation. A significant photoprotective upregulation, four-fold for the topical formulation with NLC-UV Abs-RPRF-HA, resulted after a simulated irradiation process. Conclusions: HA decorated-NLC-conditioned creams might provide a useful platform for developing na-tural and sophisticated dermal delivery systems, for influencing skin permeability, and for synergistically imparting antioxidant and photoprotective actions to cosmetic pro-ducts.

Phytochemical screening and biological properties of Quintral flower polyphenolic fractions

Tristerix corymbosus flower is used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which are attributed to phenolic compounds. These compounds present different grades of associations with the plant matrix (free, esterified, and insoluble). This study aimed to determine which fraction contributes the most to total phenolic and flavonoid contents and bioactive properties. The total phenolic content was higher in the free fraction. In contrast, the esterified fraction exhibited the highest total flavonoid content and the greatest number of characterised compounds (chlorogenic, coumaric, and sinapic acids). All fractions exhibited antioxidant capacity against FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays. The free and esterified fractions presented antibacterial capacity against E. coli, S. typhi, and S. aureus. Chlorogenic and sinapic acids were correlated with the antibacterial capacity against E. coli and S. typhi. While coumaric acid correlated with the antibacterial capacity against S. aureus. These findings enable the exploration of potential applications for the different fractions.

Composition of four polyphenol fractions extracted from partridge tea and their mechanisms on ameliorate insulin resistance in HepG2 cells

Partridge tea is a plant used as a speciality tea drink in Hainan Province, China. The aim of this study was to isolate polyphenols from partridge tea, investigate their main constituent compositions and ameliorative effects on insulin resistance in insulin resistant HepG2 (IR-HepG2) cells. PTP was obtained from partridge tea, then PTP-1, PTP-2 and PTP-3 were obtained after further purification. The polyphenol contents of PTP, PTP-1, PTP-2, PTP-3 were determined to be 15.9%, 51.4%, 42.51% and 22.74%, respectively. PTP and PTP-1 had similar compositions, and the contents of the main components of PTP-1 was higher than that of PTP. Structural compositions and contents of PTP-2 and PTP-3 differ significantly. Further analysis indicated that PTP failed to have significant hypoglycaemic activity, while other three polyphenols regulated the fat metabolism disorders caused by insulin resistance, thus improving the body’s utilization of blood glucose. In addition, the three polyphenols reversed the damage caused by insulin resistance in IR-HepG2 cells by up-regulating the activities of HK (200 μg/mL PTP-1: 2.8414 mol/min/mL) and PK (200 μg/mL PTP-1: 10.7204 U/L), increasing the activity of SOD and CAT and decreasing the level of MDA. The mRNA results showed that PTP-1, PTP-2 and PTP-3 could achieve hypoglycaemic efficacy in the body by regulating the IRS-1/PI3K/AKT signal pathway. In summary, our results suggested that the polyphenols of partridge tea could be a promising natural source for preventing and treating hyperglycemia.

Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Characterization, and Antioxidant, Protective, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity, of the Polyphenolic Fraction from Ocimum basilicum.

Ocimum basilicum is a valuable plant widely consumed worldwide and considered a rich source of polyphenols. This study examined the impact of the polyphenolic fraction isolated from basil (ObF) on human normal colon epithelial cells and human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, evaluating its anti-inflammatory and protective activity against oxidative stress. The phytochemical characterization of the fraction was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with a photodiode detector (DAD) and mass spectrometry (MS). UPLC-DAD-MS revealed that ObF predominantly contains caffeic acid derivatives, with rosmarinic acid and chicoric acid being the most abundant. The fraction demonstrated high antioxidant potential, as shown by DPPH assays, along with significant reducing power (FRAP). Furthermore, it prevented the depletion of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and catalase, and decreased malonylodialdehyde (MDA) in induced oxidative stress condition. Additionally, it exhibited a significant protective effect against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in human normal colon epithelial cells. Although it had no impact on the viability of adenocarcinoma cells, it significantly reduced IL-1β levels in the neoplastic microenvironment. Our study demonstrated that basil polyphenols provide significant health benefits due to their antioxidant and protective activities.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Nettle Polyphenolic Extract: Impact on Human Colon Cells and Cytotoxicity Against Colorectal Adenocarcinoma.

Urtica dioica L. is one of the most widely utilized medicinal plants commonly applied in the form of tea, juice, and dietary supplements. This study aimed to assess the effect of the U. dioica ethanol-water extract (UdE) and polyphenolic fraction isolated from the extract (UdF) on normal human colon epithelial cells and to evaluate their protective activity against induced oxidative stress. The cytotoxic potential against human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT29) and the anti-inflammatory effects were also investigated. UPLC-MS-DAD analysis revealed that both extracts were abundant in caffeic acid derivatives, specifically chlorogenic and caffeoylmalic acids, and therefore, they showed significant protective and ROS scavenging effects in normal human colon epithelial cells. Moreover, they had no negative impact on cell viability and morphology in normal cells and the extracts, particularly UdF, moderately suppressed adenocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, UdF significantly decreased IL-1β levels in HT29 cells. Our research indicates that U. dioica may provide significant health advantages because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Chemical Profiling of Polar Lipids and the Polyphenolic Fraction of Commercial Italian Phaseolus Seeds by UHPLC-HRMS and Biological Evaluation

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the oldest food crops in the world. In this study, the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) technique was used to characterize the polar lipid composition and polyphenolic fraction of five bean varieties commonly consumed in Italy: Cannellino (PVCA), Controne (PVCO), Borlotti (PVBO), Stregoni (PVST), and Vellutina (PVVE). Lipid content represents a minor fraction of the whole metabolome in dry beans, and little is known about their polar lipids, which could be potentially bioactive components. Thirty-three compounds were detected through UHPLC-MS/MS, including oxylipins, phospholipids, N-acyl glycerolipids, and several fatty acids. The dichloromethane extracts were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA), with the results showing greater differentiation for the Borlotti variety. Moreover, 27 components belonging to different polyphenol classes, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, catechins, anthocyanins and their glycosides, and some saponins, were identified in the hydroalcoholic seed extracts. In addition, the mineral content of the beans was determined. Considering the high number of compounds in the five apolar seed extracts, all samples were examined to determine their in vitro inhibitory activity against the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is inducible in inflammatory cells and mediates inflammatory responses. Only PVCO showed the best inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme with an IC50 = 31.15 ± 2.16 µg/mL. In light of these results, the potential anti-inflammatory properties of PVCO were evaluated in the LPS-stimulated murine macrophage cell line J774A.1. Herein, we demonstrate, for the first time, that PVCO at 30 µg/mL can significantly reduce the release of TNF-α, with a less significant anti-inflammatory effect being observed in terms of IL-6 release.

Characterization of Extractable and Non-Extractable Phenols and Betalains in Berrycactus (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) and Its Chemoprotective Effect in Early Stage of Colon Cancer In Vivo.

This research identified the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of the extractable (EP) and non-extractable (NEP) polyphenol fractions of berrycactus (BC). Additionally, the effects of BC and its residue (BCR) on preventing AOM/DSS-induced early colon carcinogenesis were evaluated in vivo. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 12/group): healthy control (C), AOM/DSS, BC, BCR, BC+AOM/DSS, and BCR+AOM/DSS. NEP was obtained through acid hydrolysis using H2SO4 and HCl (1 M or 4 M). The HCl-NEP fraction exhibited the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content, while condensed tannins were more abundant in the H2SO4-NEP fraction. A total of 33 polyphenols were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MSE in both EP and NEP, some of which were novel to BC. Both NEP hydrolysates demonstrated significant total antioxidant capacity (TEAC), with HCl-NEP exhibiting the highest ORAC values. The BC+AOM/DSS and BCR+AOM/DSS groups exhibited fewer aberrant crypt foci (p < 0.05), reduced colonic epithelial injury, and presented lower fecal β-glucuronidase activity, when compared to AOM/DSS group. No differences in butyric acid concentrations were observed between groups. This study presents novel bioactive compounds in EP and NEP from BC that contribute to chemopreventive effects in early colon carcinogenesis, while reducing fecal β-glucuronidase activity and preserving colonic mucosal integrity.

Influence of fractionation of polyphenols by membrane chromatography on antioxidant, antimicrobial and proliferation-inhibiting effects of red fruit juices

Interest in fruit juice extracts as nutraceuticals is constantly increasing due to their health-beneficial properties, mainly caused by polyphenols. However, the correlation between the various effects of fruit juice extracts and their individual composition, including anthocyanins and copigments, is unknown. Therefore, in the present study, eight red fruit juice extracts were prepared using XAD-7 column chromatography, followed by fractionation and identification of the different compounds as well as characterization of their health-promoting effects. The fruit juice extract of pomegranate, chokeberry, and cranberry showed the highest antimicrobial potential against food-borne pathogens. The highest antioxidant and cell proliferation-inhibiting potential was also found in the pomegranate extract. It can be assumed that pomegranate extracts, which are rich in copigments, especially hydrolyzable tannins, are suitable natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. Pomegranate extracts could be used as nutraceuticals or natural preservatives.

Targeting leptin/CCL3-CCL4 axes in NAFLD/MAFLD: A novel role for BPF in counteracting thalamic inflammation and white matter degeneration

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), redefined as Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD), is characterized by an extensive multi-organ involvement. MAFLD-induced systemic inflammatory status and peripheral metabolic alteration lead to an impairment of cerebral function. Herein, we investigated a panel of leptin-related inflammatory mediators as predictive biomarkers of neuroinflammation and evaluated the possible role of Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction (BPF) in counteracting this MAFLD-induced inflammatory cascade. Male DIAMOND mice were randomly assigned to fed chow diet and tap water or high fat diet with sugar water. Starting from week 16, mice were further divided and treated with vehicle or BPF (50 mg/kg/day), via gavage, until week 30. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at the baseline and at week 30. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to discriminate the altered lipid metabolism in the onset of cerebral alterations. Steatohepatitis led to an increase in leptin levels, resulting in a higher expression of proinflammatory mediators. The inflammatory biomarkers involved in leptin/CCL3-CCL4 axes were correlated with the altered thalamus energetic metabolism and the white matter degeneration. BPF administration restored leptin level, improved glucose and lipid metabolism, and reduced chronic low-grade inflammatory mediators, resulting in a prevention of white matter degeneration, alterations of thalamus metabolism and brain atrophy. The highlighted positive effect of BPF, mediated by the downregulation of the inflammatory biomarkers involved in leptin/CCL3-CCL4 axes, affording novel elements to candidate BPF for the development of a therapeutic strategy aimed at counteracting MAFLD-related brain inflammation.

Rapid determination of phenolic composition in chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids are the main responsible of the antioxidant activity of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.). Traditional methods for the analysis of the phenolic content in vegetables often suffer from limitations such as being expensive, time-consuming, and complex. In this study, we propose, for the first time, the use of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for the rapid determination of the main components of the polyphenolic fraction in chamomile. Results demonstrate that SERS can serve as an alternative or complementary technique to main analytical strategies for qualitative and quantitative determination of polyphenol compounds in plant extracts. The method can be proposed for quasi real-time analysis of herbal teas and infusions, facilitating rapid screening of their main antioxidant components.

Getting insights into chemical composition and antiherpetic capability of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba mill.) drupes

Food plant diversity in bioactive compounds makes them an exploitable resource in the search for effective natural products to prevent or treat viral infections. Therefore, in the framework aimed at studying the antiviral properties of extractive mixtures from fruits (and their waste) grown in the Campania Region (Italy), jujube drupes (Zizyphus jujuba Mill.) were our focus. The drupes were dissected into their peel, pulp and seed parts, each of which was extracted by ultrasound-assisted maceration and further fractionated, thus obtaining, beyond the sugar fraction, a polyphenolic fraction and a lipid fraction. UHPLC-HR MS/MS tools highlighted that the polyphenolic component of the seed was strongly dissimilar from that of the edible parts, being constituted by swertisin and its derivatives. Moreover, the peel mostly accounted for triglycosylated flavonols, whereas the pulp was rich in volatile aromatic glycosides. Among lipids, p-coumaroyl triterpenes mainly characterized the peel. All fractions were screened for their cytotoxicity, and non-toxic concentrations of each extract were tested against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) by plaque assays. Molecular tests and Western blot analyses were also carried out. The jujube mixtures, in detail the peel and pulp polyphenolic fractions, and peel lipophilic fraction (the latter enriched mainly in ursane-type triterpenes), showed a marked inhibitory activity against HSV-1 acting in the early stages of viral infection and preventing attachment of the virus to the host cell. The acquired data suggest jujube active mixtures as promising candidates for the prevention and treatment of herpetic lesions.

Exploring the Role of Bergamot Polyphenols in Alleviating Morphine-Induced Hyperalgesia and Tolerance through Modulation of Mitochondrial SIRT3.

Morphine is an important pain reliever employed in pain management, its extended utilize is hindered by the onset of analgesic tolerance and oxidative stress. Long-term morphine administration causes elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), disrupting mitochondrial function and inducing oxidation. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a mitochondrial protein, is essential in modulating ROS levels by regulating mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes as manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Our investigation focused on the impact of SIRT3 on hyperalgesia and morphine tolerance in mice, as evaluating the antioxidant effect of the polyphenolic fraction of bergamot (BPF). Mice were administered morphine twice daily for four consecutive days (20 mg/kg). On the fifth day, mice received an acute dose of morphine (3 mg/kg), either alone or in conjunction with BPF or Mn (III)tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin (MnTBAP). We evaluated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitration, and the activity of SIRT3, MnSOD, glutamine synthetase (GS), and glutamate 1 transporter (GLT1) in the spinal cord. Our findings demonstrate that administering repeated doses of morphine led to the development of antinociceptive tolerance in mice, accompanied by increased superoxide production, nitration, and inactivation of mitochondrial SIRT3, MnSOD, GS, and GLT1. The combined administration of morphine with either BPF or MnTBAP prevented these effects.

Cocoa and Polyphenol-Rich Cocoa Fractions Fail to Improve Acute Colonic Inflammation in Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Treated Mice.

A study is conducted to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of cocoa and polyphenol-rich cocoa fractions in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model of acute colonic inflammation. Male C57BL/6J mice are treated with dietary cocoa powder, an extractable cocoa polyphenol fraction, or a non-extractable cocoa polyphenol fraction for 2 weeks prior to treatment with 2.5% DSS in the drinking water for 7 days to induce colonic inflammation. Cocoa treatment continues during the DSS period. Cocoa and/or cocoa fractions exacerbate DSS-induced weight loss and fail to mitigate DSS-induced colon shortening but do improve splenomegaly. Cocoa/cocoa fraction treatment fails to mitigate DSS-induced mRNA and protein markers of inflammation. Principal component analysis shows overlap between cocoa or cocoa fraction-treated mice and DSS-induced controls, but separation from mice not treated with DSS. The results suggest cocoa and cocoa polyphenols may not be useful in mitigating acute colonic inflammation.

Antiviral and Cytotoxic Activities of Ilex aquifolium Silver Queen in the Context of Chemical Profiling of Two Ilex Species.

The leaves of Ilex paraguariensis (known as Yerba mate), used as a popular beverage, are a very well-recognized plant material with various biological activities, including analeptic (because of caffeine), anti-obesity (phenolics, saponins), antimicrobial, and antiviral (phenolics, saponins). Here, the chemical compositions of the leaves of two European Ilex species (× meserveae and aquifolium) with three varieties each were investigated. The terpenoid, saponin, and polyphenolic fractions were submitted for LC-MS or GC-MS analysis against a standard Mate leaf. In addition, the aroma profiles of all the species were analysed using HS-SPME-Arrow prior to GC-MS analysis. All fractions were subjected to antiviral and cytotoxic assays. We found 86 compounds in all accessions, with limonene, linalool, and p-cymene being predominant. There were minor similarities between the volatile compositions of the European and South American species. We found ursolic and oleanolic acid to be the main compounds in the terpenoid fraction. Mono-caffeoylquinic acids and di-caffeoylquinic acids were the main constituents of the polar fractions. About 180 compounds from the saponin group were tentatively identified, of which 9 and 3 were selected as distinctive markers for I. meserveae and I. aquifolium, respectively. Based on chemical screening, I. aquifolium Silver Queen was chosen as the source of terpenoid and saponin fractions and polyphenol extracts. The most substantial inhibition of cancer cell growth was observed with saponin in the case of the MCF7 (human breast cancer) cell line, while for LoVo and L929 cell lines (human colorectal cancer and reference mouse fibroblasts), it was slightly weaker. These results should be analysed further as a promising chemoprevention of colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers. Saponin and polyphenolic extracts exhibited similar activities against HSV-1 and HAdV-5, with 4-log reduction in virus titres. This study focuses our attention on a field of potential antiviral formulations derived from European holly.

Grape Pomace Polyphenols Reduce Acute Inflammatory Response Induced by Carrageenan in a Murine Model.

Grape pomace (GP), a by-product of wine production, contains bioactive polyphenols with potential health benefits. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory properties of a polyphenolic fraction derived from GP, obtained by ultrasound-microwave hybrid extraction and purified using ion-exchange chromatography. In the inflammation model, mice were divided into six groups: intact, carrageenan, indomethacin, and three GP polyphenols treatment groups. Paw edema was induced by subplantar injection of carrageenan, and the GP polyphenols were administered intraperitoneally at doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by measuring paw volume, and expression of inflammatory markers: cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6), along with lipid peroxidation levels. The GP polyphenols significantly reduced paw edema and expression levels of COX-2, MPO, and cytokines in a dose-dependent manner effect, with the highest dose showing the greatest reduction. Additionally, lipid peroxidation levels were also decreased by GP polyphenols treatment at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg. These findings suggest that ultrasound-microwave extraction combined with amberlite purification proved to be effective in obtaining a polyphenolic-rich fraction from GP. Thus, GP polyphenols may serve as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent for treating inflammation and oxidative stress-related diseases.

Optimizing the Extraction of the Polyphenolic Fraction from Defatted Strawberry Seeds for Tiliroside Isolation Using Accelerated Solvent Extraction Combined with a Box-Behnken Design.

Tiliroside is a natural polyphenolic compound with a wide range of biological activity, and defatted strawberry seeds are its rich source. The goal of this study was to optimize accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) conditions, including temperature, solvent composition, and the number of extraction cycles, using Box-Behnken design to maximize the yield of tiliroside. UPLC-DAD-MS was applied to investigate the polyphenolic composition of the extracts, and preparative liquid chromatography (pLC) was used for isolation. All obtained mathematical models generally showed an increase in the efficiency of isolating polyphenolic compounds with an increase in temperature, ethanol content, and the number of extraction cycles. The optimal established ASE conditions for tiliroside were as follows: a temperature of 65 °C, 63% ethanol in water, and four extraction cycles. This allowed for the obtainment of a tiliroside-rich fraction, and the recovery of isolated tiliroside from plant material reached 243.2 mg from 100 g. Our study showed that ASE ensures the isolation of a tiliroside-rich fraction with high effectiveness. Furthermore, defatted strawberry seeds proved to be a convenient source of tiliroside because the matrix of accompanying components is relatively poor, which facilitates separation.

ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS FROM MYRTUS COMMUNIS CALLUS

This study was aimed to evaluate atotal phenolic content, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant activity of M. communis callus extracts were evaluated. Callus induction in general Murashige and Skoog (MS) media is completed by the Benzil adenine's unique knowledge of callus formation. A well diffusion experiment was used to examine antibacterial interest in Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The DPPH radical scavenging activity test was used to measure antioxidant activity. FTIR and HPLC have been used to pinpoint the presence of polyphenol compounds in calluses. The total phenol content of plant leaves extract (0.1, 0.5, and 1) mg/ml was 42.12, 94.08, and 189 mg of Gallic acid equivalents GAE/g, respectively. Bacterial growth was greatly inhibited by the polyphenol extract from the callus. In comparison to ascorbic acid, the polyphenol extract from the sample has a very high level of 90.17 percent with substantial at P ≤0.05 antioxidant capabilities. There was evidence of phenolic–OH stretching, C-H stretching, aromatic C=C, and C–O stretching in the polyphenol fraction of the M. communis callus that was analyzed using FTIR. According to past research, this is a good fit HPLC revealed the presence of phenolic compounds in the callus. The antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the callus polyphenol may be extrapolated from this study.

Dramatic Suppression of Lipogenesis and No Increase in Beta-Oxidation Gene Expression Are among the Key Effects of Bergamot Flavonoids in Fatty Liver Disease.

Bergamot flavonoids have been shown to prevent metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and stimulate autophagy in animal models and patients. To investigate further the mechanism of polyphenol-dependent effects, we performed a RT2-PCR array analysis on 168 metabolism, transport and autophagy-related genes expressed in rat livers exposed for 14 weeks to different diets: standard, cafeteria (CAF) and CAF diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg of bergamot polyphenol fraction (BPF). CAF diet caused a strong upregulation of gluconeogenesis pathway (Gck, Pck2) and a moderate (>1.7 fold) induction of genes regulating lipogenesis (Srebf1, Pparg, Xbp1), lipid and cholesterol transport or lipolysis (Fabp3, Apoa1, Lpl) and inflammation (Il6, Il10, Tnf). However, only one β-oxidation gene (Cpt1a) and a few autophagy genes were differentially expressed in CAF rats compared to controls. While most of these transcripts were significantly modulated by BPF, we observed a particularly potent effect on lipogenesis genes, like Acly, Acaca and Fasn, which were suppressed far below the mRNA levels of control livers as confirmed by alternative primers-based RT2-PCR analysis and western blotting. These effects were accompanied by downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Il6, Tnfa, and Il10) and diabetes-related genes. Few autophagy (Map1Lc3a, Dapk) and no β-oxidation gene expression changes were observed compared to CAF group. In conclusion, chronic BPF supplementation efficiently prevents NAFLD by modulating hepatic energy metabolism and inflammation gene expression programs, with no effect on β-oxidation, but profound suppression of de novo lipogenesis.

Comprehensive polyphenolic profiling, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity studies of Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Blume: a medicinal orchid

Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Blume, commonly known as the Foxtail orchid, has garnered worldwide attention for its diverse medicinal properties. In this study, root extract and its fractions were evaluated for total polyphenols, flavonoids, targeted polyphenols, and antioxidant potential. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains while cytotoxicity was assessed using the A549 and HCT-116 cell lines. The investigations showed that chloroform and ethyl acetate are the most effective solvents for fractionation of polyphenols from the parent extract. These fractions also exhibited strong antioxidant and cytotoxic potentials. The chloroform fraction showed maximum cell death of 87.35 and 92.36% in A549 and HCT- 116 cell lines respectively. All samples showed growth inhibition against bacterial strains except the n-hexane fraction, whereas the n-butanol fraction showed comparable antimicrobial activity with the tetracycline standard. The possible health benefits and thereby, application of R. retusa were thus revealed in this investigation.

Colloidal and interfacial properties of spray dried pulse protein-blueberry polyphenol particles in model dispersion systems

The phytochemical composition and physicochemical attributes of polyphenol-enriched protein particle ingredients produced with pulse proteins (e.g. chickpea protein, pea protein, and a chickpea-pea protein blend) and polyphenols recovered from wild blueberry pomace were investigated for colloidal and interfacial properties. Anthocyanins were the major polyphenol fraction (27.74–36.47 mg C3G/g) of these polyphenol-rich particles (44.95–62.08 mg GAE/g). Dispersions of pea protein-polyphenol particles showed a superior phase stability before and after heat treatment compared to the chickpea pea protein-polyphenol system. This observation was independent of the added amount of NaCl in the dispersion. In general, at quasi equilibrium state, pulse protein-polyphenol particles and parental pulse protein ingredients showed similar oil-water interfacial tension. However, pea protein-polyphenol particles demonstrated a reduced diffusion-driven oil-water interfacial adsorption rate constant compared to the parental pea protein ingredient. Overall, the obtained results suggest application potential of pea protein-polyphenol particles as a functional food/beverage ingredient.