Seed Coat Extract Research Articles

Activity of Bambara Groundnut Seed Coat Extract Against Shewanella Species: Efficacy and Mechanisms of Action

The Bambara groundnut is the indigenous legume in the southern part of Thailand. It contains a seed coat rich in polyphenols, which can serve as natural antimicrobial agents. The extracts from red and white seed coats of Bambara groundnuts, namely RSC and WSC, respectively, were prepared using an ultrasound-assisted extraction process. The extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), and antimicrobial activity of both extracts were examined. The RSC extract demonstrated a significantly higher extraction yield (8.35%) than WSC extract (2.34%) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the TPC of RSC extract (420.98 ± 0.27 mg of gallic acid/g dry extract) was higher than that of WSC extract (28.29 ± 0.91 mg of gallic acid/g dry extract). The RSC extract exhibited stronger inhibition against Shewanella putrefaciens and S. algae than its WSC counterpart. Liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF/MS) analysis indicated that the RSC extract was rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, while the WSC extract contained more triterpenoid saponins. Time–kill kinetics showed that the RSC extract reduced bacterial loads in a dose-dependent manner. Scanning electron microscopic images revealed that drastic bacterial cell membrane damage with a rough surface and the deformation of cells was caused by the extract. Furthermore, confocal laser scanning microscopic (CLSM) images confirmed the inhibition of S. algae biofilm formation by RSC extract. RSC extract also suppressed bacterial motility, induced protein leakage, and reduced extracellular protease activity, thus highlighting its potent bactericidal effects. These findings suggested that the RSC extract rich in phenolic compounds could serve as an antimicrobial agent and hold promise as a natural preservative for perishable foods, especially seafoods.

Properties of Antioxidant Film Based on Protein Isolate and Seed Coat Extract from Bambara Groundnut

Bambara groundnut (BG)-based films containing seed coat extract at different concentrations were prepared and characterized. BG seed coat extract (BGSCE) had a total phenolic content of 708.38 mg GAE/g dry extract. BGSCE majorly consisted of quercetin 3-galactoside, rutin, and azaleatin 3-arabinoside. BGSCE exhibited ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities (ABTS-RSAs and DPPH-RSAs), a ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and an oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of 66.44, 4.98, 4.42, and 0.91 mmol Trolox equivalent/g dry extract, respectively. When BGSCE at various concentrations (0–8%, w/w, protein content) was incorporated into the BG protein isolate (BG-PI)-based films, film containing 4% BGSCE exhibited higher thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, water vapor and UV-light barrier properties, and a*-value (redness) than the control film (p < 0.05). Films containing BGSCE had greater ABTS-RSA, FRAP, and ORAC than the control film (p < 0.05). An FTIR analysis elucidated that the proteins interacted with phenolic compounds in BGSCE. Nonetheless, less thermal stability was attained in films added with BGSCE. Hence, the addition of BGSCE possessing antioxidant activity exhibited an important role in properties and characteristics of BG-PI-based film. The developed active film could be applied as packaging material possessing antioxidant property for food applications.

Antioxidant Effects and Fatty Acid Analysis of Leucojum aestivum Seed Coat Extracts

The aim of this study is to analyze the biochemical composition and antioxidant activity of Leucojum aestivum seed coats. In the crude extract the total phenolic content was determined to be 129.55 ± 1.94 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g, while the total flavonoid content was found to be 210.21 ± 7.91 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g. Additionally, the total flavonol, tannin, and proanthocyanidin contents were determined to be 9.63 ± 5.16 mg QE/g, 3.32 ± 0.14 mg GAE/g, and 129.89 ± 6.10 mg catechin equivalent (CAE)/g, respectively. Furthermore, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity showed a significant antioxidant potential with a concentration that results in 50% decrease in the initial DPPH concentration IC50 value of 214.97 ± 50.44 mg QE/g in the crude extract. GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of various biologically active compounds, including hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid, and stigmasterol. Moreover, galantamine and galathan were identified in the seed coat extracts. Fatty acid analysis indicated the presence of compounds such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. This comprehensive study provides a detailed examination of seed coats and highlights the presence of biologically active compounds such as galantamine. This finding represents a study conducted for the first time in the literature, as no similar research focusing on L. aestivum seed coats has been conducted previously. Therefore, the results of the study provide new insights into the potential biological and pharmacological effects of seed coats and offer significant findings that could serve as a basis for future research.

Elucidating the antidiabetic potential of Chrysophyllum albidum: An integrative approach combining in vitro and in silico studies on dipeptidyl peptidase IV and adenosine deaminase inhibition

Diabetes mellitus remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating the discovery of novel therapeutic interventions. This study elucidated the inhibitory potential of phytochemicals derived from the African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum (C. albidum)) against two critical enzymes implicated in diabetes pathogenesis: dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) and adenosine deaminase (ADA). A multi-pronged approach integrating in vitro enzyme inhibition assays and in silico molecular docking simulations was employed. Aqueous extracts from various C. albidum fruit parts were evaluated for enzyme inhibition using colorimetric assays. Molecular docking studies were performed using the crystal structures of DPP-IV (PDB ID: 2ONC) and ADA (PDB ID: 3IAR) to investigate binding interactions and identify potential hit compounds using autodock-vina. In vitro assays revealed potent, dose-dependent inhibition of both DPP-IV and ADA by the aqueous extracts, with the fruit's seed coat extract exhibiting the most promising activity (IC50 = 4.88 μg/mL and 18.25 μg/mL against DPP-IV and ADA, respectively). Molecular docking unveiled several C. albidum hits, including CIDs 562,128 (-9.569), 6,430,793 (-9.501), and 23,647,311 (-8.286), and 73,530 (-6.936) exhibiting favorable drug-like properties and binding geometries. This integrative study unveiled the inhibitory potential of C. albidum phytochemicals against DPP-IV and ADA, with a notable correlation between in vitro and in silico data, underscoring the therapeutic promise of this indigenous African plant source for developing novel antidiabetic agents, most importantly the seedcoat.

The Phytochemical Quantification and Pharmaceutical Potential Evaluation of Different Solvent Extracts of Sesbania aculeate

The present study aims for screening phytochemical content and exploring antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer potential of different solvent extracts of different parts of Sesbania aculeata. The highest extract yield obtained for the ethanolic extract with the highest amount of the phytochemicals (alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenols and flavonoids) tested. Ethanolic extracts (20.8-31.1 mm zone of inhibition) showed best antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria and also the highest antioxidant activity tested by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing activity. The anticancer activity of ethanolic extracts tested against human oral cancer cell line SSC-29B and human kidney cancer cell line 786-O, where only seed coat extract which showed anticancer potential while other extracts showed negligible activity.

Mung bean seed coat extract modulates gut microbiota and inflammatory markers in high-fat fed rats.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-024-05995-1.

Effects of Borassus flabellifer L. fruit seed coat on HSC-3 cell line

Background: The seed coat of Borassus flabellifer L. fruit contains antioxidants that can neutralize the toxic effects of free radicals and can fight DNA damage due to exposure to oxidative stress. The extract of B. flabellifer is proven to have cytotoxic effects and can inhibit the growth of several types of cancer cells such as HeLa cell lines. Objective: To determine the cytotoxicity effect of extract of B. flabellifer L. fruit seed coat against HSC-3 cell line. Methods: Laboratory experimental research was conducted using HSC-3 cell lines treated with B. flabellifer L. fruit seed coat extract at concentrations of 93.75 µg/mL, 187.5 µg/mL, 375 µg/mL, 750 µg/mL, and 1,500 µg/mL, negative control DMEM-FBS 20%, and positive control anti cancer drugs Doxorubicin 3 µM. HSC-3 cell line cytotoxicity assay was performed using CCK-8 reagent. Micro plate reader at 450 nm wavelength was used to determine the viability of HSC-3 cell lines by measuring the optical density of formazan. Results: B. flabellifer fruit L. seed coat extract was able to reduce viability and was cytotoxic to HSC-3 cell lines at concentrations of 93.75 µg/mL, 187.5 µg/mL, 375 µg/mL, 750 µg/mL, and 1,500 µg/mL, with an IC50 value of 141.9 µg/mL. Conclusion: B. flabellifer L. fruit seed coat extract can reduce the ability of HSC-3 cell line cancer cells to survive by inhibiting cell proliferation due to its cytotoxicity effect.

Black Soybean Seed Coat Extract Improves Endothelial Function and Upregulates Oxidative Stress Marker Expression in Healthy Volunteers by Stimulating Nitric Oxide Production in Endothelial Cells.

Black soybean seed coat extract (BE) contains multiple bioactive polyphenols, including flavan-3-ols and anthocyanins. BE improves endothelial function; however, it is unclear whether BE protects endothelial cells from senescence. In this study, we examined the effects of BE on endothelial cell senescence and vascular function in healthy individuals. High concentrations of glucose were used to induce senescence in bovine aortic endothelial cells incubated with BE. Senescence, vascular function, and oxidative stress markers were measured. Incubation with BE remarkably inhibited senescence-associated β-galactosidase and lactate dehydrogenase activities and dose dependently reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species levels in bovine aortic endothelial cells. BE treatment increased the levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA and endothelial nitric oxide (NO) metabolites and increased the mRNA expression of klotho, a gene associated with an antiaging phenotype. To examine the effects of BE in humans, we conducted a clinical study using the second derivative of the fingertip photoplethysmogram to investigate vascular function and aging in 24 healthy volunteers. The participants consumed BE supplements (100 mg/day) or a placebo for 2 weeks. When compared with the placebo group, the BE group showed considerably improved vascular function, NO metabolite levels, and oxidative stress. These results suggest that BE supplementation improves endothelial function, possibly through antioxidant activity and NO production, and may consequently reduce the cardiovascular risk associated with aging. BE supplementation may be an effective and safe approach to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease; however, additional studies investigating chronic vascular inflammation are needed.

Black soybean seed coat polyphenols have different effects on glucose and lipid metabolism in growing and young adult mice.

Black soybean contains flavan-3-ols and cyanidin 3-O-glucoside in its seed coat. Polyphenol-rich black soybean seed coat extract (BE) possesses various health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-hyperglycemic effects. However, these functions have been evaluated mainly in the growing stage of animals, and there is no comparison data for different life stages. In this present study, we compared the effect of BE in growing (5-week old) and young adult (22-week old) ICR male mice. These mice were given an AIN 93M diet containing 2.0% BE for 4 weeks. BE did not affect body weight gain in both growing and young adult mice, but it suppressed mesenteric and subcutaneous white adipose tissue weights and decreased the cell size. BE also significantly suppressed plasma free-fatty acid levels. The effect of both BE and life stages were observed in the protein expression of adipogenesis-related transcription factors; in particular, BE suppressed the expression of C/EBPα and PPARγ. No significant change was observed in lipolysis and lipogenesis factors in the white adipose tissue and liver. Alternatively, BE showed low glucose tolerance without affecting plasma insulin levels after glucose loading in young adult mice, as seen from the results of the oral glucose tolerance test. However, plasma glucose and insulin levels remained unchanged at the end of the experimental period. In conclusion, these results strongly suggest that the health-beneficial effects of BE may alter in mice at different life stages.

Impact of food matrix components on the physicochemical properties, release properties and bioaccessibility of unencapsulated and encapsulated vitexin

SummaryMung bean seed coat extract (ME), rich in antioxidants such as vitexin and iso‐vitexin, was encapsulated in egg yolk phosphatidylcholine to enhance its bioaccessibility and expand its application in food products. This study investigated the effect of the food matrix on the physical properties, chemical properties and release properties of bioactive compounds during simulated gastrointestinal digestion and analysed the morphology and chemical interactions of the samples. The ME and mung bean seed coat extract‐loaded phytosome particles (PS) were incorporated with four types of food ingredients including whey protein isolate, rice flour, butter and mixed ingredients. The highest total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity measured using DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were detected in ME incorporated with whey protein isolate. PS incorporated with butter gave the highest values of TPC, DPPH and FRAP. After simulated intestinal digestion, ME incorporated with whey protein isolate gave the highest TPC, while the highest DPPH and FRAP values were found in ME incorporated with rice flour. Higher values of TPC, DPPH and FRAP were observed when PS was incorporated with all types of food ingredients compared to PS alone. Results suggested that the addition of PS enhanced the bioaccessibility of food ingredients.

Adaptive advantage of Sesbania virgata (Cav.) Pers. in the phytochemical production: the influence on fungi occurring in seeds

Sesbania virgata is a native Brazilian plant species. It exhibits rapid growth, a high soil cover potential, and efficient soil seed bank formation and is used in environmental restoration projects. The soil seed bank is susceptible to fungal infection and other biotic factors. However, only a few studies have reported on the fungi on the surface of S. virgata seeds. Moreover, little is known about how substances present in the seed integument affect fungal communities and their role in adapting to and thriving in new environments. Herein, S. virgata seeds were collected from populations that produce or do not produce the flavonoid catechin in the seed coat. These seeds were subjected to laboratory tests to identify and quantify the fungal populations in the integument. We selected and subjected three genera to irrigation and inoculation tests with S. virgata extracts and seeds from both populations. We observed that the aqueous seed coat extracts inhibited Alternaria sp. micellar and augmented Phoma sp. growth. Phoma sp. also caused post-germinated seed lethality. Our data indicate that the seed coat of S. virgata contains antifungal substances that endow this species with an adaptive advantage.

Cis-vaccinic acid, Dibutyl-Cyanamide and 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid from pistachio (Pistachia vera) seed coat (PSCE) induced nuclear damage and cytotoxicity in human colon cancer HT-115 cells

Current strategy for colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy like regular intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the risk of developing CRC but they induce the regression of adenomas. Even the CRC management technique include colectomy, have not yet been proven to reduce mortality. The present study aimed to reduce the susceptibility of CRC via controlling cellular oxidative stress, inflammation and caspase depended apoptosis in HT-115 human colorectal cancer cells using pistachio seed coat extract as nutritional therapy. Increasing concentrations of pistachio seed coat ethyl acetate extract (PSCE) were applied to HT-115 cells, which were incubated for 24 h and 48 h. The IC50 values were 14 mg/dl after 24 h, and and 7.5 mg/dl after 48 h. Acridine orange/ ethidium bromide staining confirmed the presence of 32% early apoptotic, 27% pre-apoptotic, 12% apoptotic, and 6% necrotic cells after 48 h. PSCE at 14 mg/dl significantly increased the antioxidant capacity via the expression of CYP1A and GSK3β, and decreased inflammatory agents via decreasing NF-κb, TNF-α, COX-2 and PGE-2 expression three-fold after 48 h. The expression of the tumor suppression related genes p53 and mdm2, and the apoptosis related genes Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase 3, p21, and PCNA levels increased one-fold, and levels of mdm2, Bcl-2 and PCNA decreased after PME treatment of 48 h. PSCE effectively controlled colon cancer cell proliferation via the caspase-dependent mitochondrial mediated apoptotic pathway.
 Keywords: Pistachia vera, cytotoxicity, human colon cancer, Cis-Vaccininc acid, apoptosis

Red Rice Seed Coat Targeting SPHK2 Ameliorated Alcoholic Liver Disease via Restored Intestinal Barrier and Improved Gut Microbiota in Mice.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD), leading to the most common chronic liver diseases, is increasingly emerging as a global health problem, which is intensifying the need to develop novel treatments. Herein, our work aimed to estimate the therapeutic efficacy of red rice (Oryza sativa L.) seed coat on ALD and further uncover the underlying mechanisms. Red rice seed coat extract (RRA) was obtained with citric acid-ethanol and analyzed via a widely targeted components approach. The potential targets of RRA to ALD were predicted by bioinformatics analysis. Drunken behavior, histopathological examination, liver function, gut microbiota composition and intestinal barrier integrity were used to assess the effects of RRA (RRAH, 600 mg/kg·body weight; RRAL, 200 mg/kg·body weight) on ALD. Oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis associated factors and signaling pathways were measured by corresponding kits, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. In ALD model mice, RRA treatment increased sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) levels, improved gut microbiota composition, restored intestinal barrier, decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels in plasma and the liver, cut down Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways, alleviated liver pathological injury and oxidative stress, attenuated inflammation and apoptosis and enhanced liver function. To sum up, RRA targeting SPHK2 can ameliorate ALD by repairing intestinal barrier damage and reducing liver LPS level via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and intestinal microbiota, revealing that red rice seed coat holds potential as a functional food for the prevention and treatment of ALD.

Oryza sativa L. Indica Seed Coat Ameliorated Concanavalin A-Induced Acute Hepatitis in Mice via MDM2/p53 and PKCα/MAPK1 Signaling Pathways.

Acute hepatitis (AH) is a common liver disease with an increasing number of patients each year, requiring the development of new treatments. Hence, our work aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Oryza sativa L. indica (purple rice) seed coat on concanavalin A (ConA)-induced AH and further reveal its potential mechanisms. Purple rice seed coat extract (PRE) was extracted with hydrochloric acid ethanol and analyzed through a widely targeted components method. We evaluated the effects of PRE on AH through histopathological examination, liver function, gut microbiota composition, and the intestinal barrier. The potential targets of PRE on AH were predicted by bioinformatics. Western blotting, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) staining, and corresponding kits were used to investigate PRE effects on predicting targets and associated signaling pathways in AH mice. In AH model mice, PRE treatment increased transformed mouse 3T3 cell double minute 2 (MDM2) expression to inhibit apoptosis; it also markedly downregulated protein kinase C alpha (PKCα), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1 (PTGS1), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) activity to alleviate inflammation. Thus, PRE treatment also recovered the intestinal barrier, decreased the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels of plasma and the liver, enhanced liver function, and improved the composition of intestinal microbiota. In general, PRE targeting MDM2, PKCα, MAPK1, and PTGS1 ameliorated ConA-induced AH by attenuating inflammation and apoptosis, restoring the intestinal barrier, enhancing the liver function, and improving the gut microbiota, which revealed that the purple rice seed coat might hold possibilities as a therapeutic option for AH.

Comparative study of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of the seed coat vs. seed kernel extracts from the plant Mangifera indica L. in inflammatory acne treatment

Introduction: The present study was developed to investigate and compare the extraction yield, the contents of polyphenols and mangiferin, the activities against Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli bacteria, and the anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extracts of mango seed kernels vs. seed coats. Methods: Mango seed kernels and seed coats were extracted using ethanol as the solvent and tested against microorganisms using the disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) levels of extracts were determined by the agar dilution method. The anti-inflammatory activities were assessed both in vitro and in vivo by albumin denaturation method and carrageenan-induced paw edema test, respectively. Results: Both extracts yielded high contents of mangiferin and phenolic compounds. The antibacterial activities of both extracts showed inhibition of the tested microorganisms Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus but not Escherichia coli. Seed kernel extract (0.2 g/kg) reduced paw edema by 44.8% at 3 hours after λ-carrageenan administration. Meanwhile, 0.5 g/kg seed coat extract reduced paw edema less than the seed kernel extract (23.1% vs. 44.8%). Mango seed kernel extract, mango seed coat extract, and diclofenac sodium displayed concentration-dependent inhibition of heat-induced protein denaturation with IC50 values of 137.23 μg/mL, 292.12 μg/mL, and 6.64 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The obtained results confirmed the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential of mango seed kernel and seed coat extracts. The mango seed kernel extract was proven to be more effective than the mango seed coat extract and thus can be used in cosmetics as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent.

Antibacterial Activity Test of Roll on Deodorant Extract Ethanol Tamarind Seed Coat

Introduction: Armpit odor is one of the problems caused by bacteria, one of which is Staphylococcus aureus. The rind of the tamarind seed contains tannins and flavonoids that function as antibacterial. Aims: The purpose of this study was to formulate the ethanolic extract of tamarind seed coat into roll-on deodorant preparations and to determine the zone of inhibition from variations in the concentration of the extract. Methods: The method used is the well diffusion method and the data obtained are then analyzed using Statistical Product and Service solution (SPSS). The level of confidence used is 95% to see the significance of each evaluation of the preparation. Result: The results showed that the roll on deodorant preparation of ethanol extract of tamarind seed coat did not meet the requirements for good dispersibility, adhesion and viscosity for topical preparations in general and emulsion preparations. The pH of the preparation met the axillary skin pH he standard for topical preparations. The roll-on deodorant preparation of ethanol extract of tamarind seed cultivars was effective in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Conclusion: The results of inhibition zone 3 formulations containing extracts were in the strong category and the value increased with increasing concentration of tamarind seed coat extract in the deodorant preparation.

The Anti-Bacterial Potency of Tamarind (Tamarindus Indica L.) Seed Coat Extract Against the Growth of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC® 29213TM (In Vitro)

The prevalence of oral bacterial infections, such periodontitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus is a global issue affecting several countries, including Indonesia. However, the use of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.), a multifunctional plant with antibacterial, antidiabetic, anticholesterol, antioxidant, and analgesic effects, has proven to be effective overcome this issue. The antimicrobial compounds of tamarind such as polyphenols, tannins, and anthocyanins, which damage cell walls, inactivate enzymes, and interfere with protein transport, involve bacteria lysis. Therefore, this study aims to determine the antibacterial effect of tamarind seed coat extract against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC® 29213TM. The design of this study is experimental laboratory, with a post-test-only control group design, which was analyzed using ANOVA and Least Significant Difference (LSD) tests. The parameters measured included the zone of inhibition, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) at various extract concentrations of 15%, 10%, 5%, and 2.5%. The inhibition zone was determined using the blank disk method with a digital caliper, while the MIC and MBC were measured using the dilution method. Tamarind seed coat was extracted using a maceration method with 70% ethanol, divided into four group concentrations. The results showed average inhibition zones of 15 mm, 12.7 mm, 10.6 mm, and 0 mm at concentrations of 15%, 10%, 5%, and 2.5%, respectively. The MIC and MBC obtained through the dilution method in the tube were clearer at 5% and turbid at 15%. Furthermore, the value of both parameters at 5% and 10% were determined by subculturing the solution onto Mueller Hinton Agar (MHA) media. Based on the results, higher concentrations of the extract were more effective against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC® 29213TM.

Antioxidant Potentials of Different Genotypes of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) Cultivated in Bulgaria, Southern Europe

Recently, there has been a growing interest in protein-rich foods and functional foods, as well as plants characterized by high levels of drought resistance. Vigna unguiculata L. Walp. from the Fabaceae family, also known as cowpea, was chosen as the subject of the present study. The antioxidant potentials of 15 genotypes cultivated in Bulgaria, Southern Europe, were determined. The research focused on the green mass used as feed and on the seeds used as an “ancient” traditional crop. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), radical scavenging capacity, determined via the DPPH method, and crude protein content were measured. The seed coat extracts showed higher contents of phenolics (291.0 ± 4.6 mgGAE/g) and flavonoids (83.5 ± 1.1 mgCE/g) and a stronger radical scavenging capacity (50.4 ± 0.7 µmolTE/g) than those obtained from the leaves (22.0 ± 0.5 mgGAE/g, 13.7 ± 0.5 mgCE/g, and 19.7 ± 0.6 µmolTE/g, respectively). The protein content in the seeds ranged from 20.5% to 27.0%. According to the obtained results, the cowpea genotypes with dark-colored seed coats showed greater antioxidant potentials but lower protein contents. Due to its high antioxidant content, strong radical scavenging capacity, and high protein content, V. unguiculata L. shows great potential as a functional food for humans and animals.

Abstract 4244: Black soybean seed coat extract suppress intestinal tumorigenesis in APCmin mice

Abstract Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths in Japan and worldwide. Since CRC has been reported to have close relationship with diet, it seems significant to identify dietary constituents that might suppress occurrence of CRC. Recently, an epidemiological investigation for cancer incidence in Japan revealed that consumptions of black soybeans seem to reduce incidence of several cancers, especially colorectal cancer. Black soybeans coat extract (BE) is known to contain rich procyanidins which have many beneficial physiological activities such as anticancer effects. Therefore, we hypothesized that BE may have inhibitory effects to intestinal tumorigenesis and investigated using APCmin/+ mice models. Materials and Methods: APCmin/+ male mice in the C57BL/6 genetic background were obtained from Jackson Laboratories. APCmin/+ genotypes of each mouse were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction analysis (PCR) using DNA extracted from the tip of mouse tails. Mice were weighed weekly once and monitored regularly for any signs of weight loss. APC min/+ mice at 4 weeks of age were randomly divided into three groups with 5 mice, and fed by either AIN-76A diet, AIN-76A diet containing 0.05% or 0.05% BE for 8 weeks. At 12 weeks of age, intestines were removed from each mouse and then sliced longitudinally. The small intestine was cut into three equally parts: proximal, middle, and distal. Numbers and sizes of intestinal polyps in each portion were evaluated under Video-Zoom-microscope XV-440. Intestinal polyps were categorized by size into 1-2 mm, 2-3 mm and >3 mm. Other parts of the intestines were placed in 10% phosphate-buffered formalin for histopathology and immunohistochemical (PCNA, β-catenin, and MUC2) analyses. Results: Numbers of polyps in mice fed with containing 0.05% or 0.5% BE diet were significantly smaller than in mice fed without BE (P < 0.05). As for size of polyps, the number of polyps of 1 to 3 mm in size was decreased in mice with BE, however, there were no significant difference for numbers of polyps more than 3 mm in size regarding diets with or without BE. With 0.05% BE diet, reduction rates for occurrence of polyps were 81% for proximal, 48% for middle, and 47% for distal positions, while in with 0.5% BE diet, those reduction rates were 71% for proximal, 59% for middle, and 58% for distal positions, respectively. From these results, the BE, either 0.05% or 0.05% concentration, showed inhibitory effects for tumorigeneses in the small intestine of APC min/+ mice. In histological analyses, the BE was induced higher expression of MUC2-positive cells in normal intestinal lesions and lower expression of β-catenin in tumor sites Conclusions: The BE showed inhibitory effects in occurrence and growth of intestinal polyps in APCmin/+ mice models. With further evaluation of mechanisms, the BE could be a promising nutrition for prevention of CRC in human. Citation Format: Yasuyuki Shimizu, Shunta Hirano, Yoko Yamashita, Tsuyoshi Fukumoto, Naritoshi Mukumoto, Ai Nakaoka, Namiko Hoshi, Takeaki Ishihara, Daisuke Miyawaki, Ashida Hitoshi, Ryohei Sasaki. Black soybean seed coat extract suppress intestinal tumorigenesis in APCmin mice. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4244.

Extraction, identification, and starch-digestion inhibition of phenolics from Euryale ferox seed coat.

Euryale ferox is an important cash crop and valuable tonic in traditional medicine. The seeds of E.ferox are rich in starch, which is hard to digest, and the digestion speed is significantly slower than that of rice starch. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of E.ferox seed-coat phenolics (EFCPs) on the digestion of E.ferox seed starch. EFCPs were extracted and identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. We optimized the extraction parameters, and the final extraction yield was about 1.49%. We identified seven phenolics from the E.ferox seed-coat extracts: gallic acid, digalloylhexoside, catechin, procyanidin B2, epicatechin, ellagic acid, and epicatechin gallate. Quantitative analysis results showed that the E.ferox seed phenolics mainly distributed in the seed coat and the gallic acid, digalloylhexoside, and epicatechin gallate were three main phenolic compounds. The phenolics displayed strong inhibitory activities on α-glucosidase and α-amylase with an IC50 of 3.25 μg mL-1 and 1.36 mg mL-1 respectively. Furthermore, these phenolics could interact with starch by hydrogen bonds, which might make its starch more difficult to digest. Our investigation suggests that the EFCPs can strongly inhibit the digestion of E.ferox seed starch by inhibiting the α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities and interacting with starch by hydrogen bonds; therefore, E.ferox seeds have a promising application prospect in foods for hypoglycemia. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.