Source Of Carotenoids Research Articles

The biochemical effects of carotenoids in orange carrots on the colonic proteome in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity

IntroductionCarotenoids are naturally occurring pigments in plants and are responsible for the orange, yellow, and red color of fruits and vegetables. Carrots are one of the primary dietary sources of carotenoids. The biological activities of carotenoids in higher organisms, including their immunomodulatory activities, are well documented in most tissues but not the large intestine. The gastrointestinal barrier acts as a line of defense against the systemic invasion of pathogenic bacteria, especially at the colonic level.MethodsTo test whether carotenoids in orange carrots can alleviate obesity-associated gut inflammation and strengthen the intestinal barrier function, male C57BL/6J mice were randomized to one of four experimental diets for 20 weeks (n = 20 animals/group): Low-fat diet (LFD, 10% calories from fat), high-fat diet (HFD, 45% calories from fat), HFD with white carrot powder (HFD+WC), or HFD with orange carrot powder (HFD + OC). Colon tissues were harvested to analyze the biochemical effects of carotenoids in carrots. The distal sections were subjected to isobaric labeling-based quantitative proteomics in which tryptic peptides were labeled with tandem mass tags, followed by fractionation and LC-MS/MS analysis in an Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid instrument.ResultsHigh-performance liquid chromatography results revealed that the HFD+WC pellets were carotenoid-deficient, and the HFD+OC pellets contained high concentrations of provitamin A carotenoids, specifically α-carotene and β-carotene. As a result of the quantitative proteomics, a total of 4410 differentially expressed proteins were identified. Intestinal barrier-associated proteins were highly upregulated in the HFD+OC group, particularly mucin-2 (MUC-2). Upon closer investigation into mucosal activity, other proteins related to MUC-2 functionality and tight junction management were upregulated by the HFD+OC dietary intervention.DiscussionCollectively, our findings suggest that carotenoid-rich foods can prevent high-fat diet-induced intestinal barrier disruption by promoting colonic mucus synthesis and secretion in mammalian organisms. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD054150.

Effects of Natural Carotenoid Source Enriched Feed on the Growth, Flesh Carotenoid, Composition, and Palatability of a Silver Barb (Barbonymus gonionotus)

Aim: The study compared the effects of different natural carotenoid-enriched feeds with a commercial carp feed on the growth, flesh carotenoid, composition, and palatability of Barbonymus gonionotus. Study Design: The study was conducted with four feeds treated as four treatments where, a commercial carp grower feed was used as control feed (CF) and three test feed were made by adding the powder of three carotenoid sources, viz., tomato (TMP), carrot (CRP), and beetroot (BRP) in the control feed at a rate of 2g/kg. Fifteen juveniles of B. gonionotus were stocked in each cage. The fish were fed with test feed twice a day at the rate of 5% (2.5% + 2.5%) of body weight and weighed fortnightly to adjust the ration size. Place and Duration of Study: The trial was conducted in twelve cages set in a pond at the Department of Fisheries, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, for 90 days. Methodology: At the end of the trial, the growth and feed utilization parameters, viz., weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER), flesh carotenoid and composition, and palatability indicators of the fish were evaluated according to standard formulae, spectrophotometry, AOAC, and organoleptic sensory technique, respectively. Results: The higher WG (193.89±12.31 g) and SGR (1.41±0.08 %), better FCR (1.59±0.16) and PER (3.07±0.31), and higher carotenoids content (4.31±0.29 mg/g) were found in the fish fed with carrot-enriched feed, followed by the fish fed with tomato-enriched feed (WG: 174.86±11.50 g, SGR: 1.33±0.01 %, FCR: 1.74±0.04, PER: 2.78±0.06 and Carotenoids: 1.59±0.09 mg/g) and the beetroot-enriched feed (WG: 168.56±12.87 g, SGR: 1.30±0.08 %, FCR: 1.84±0.19, PER: 2.66±0.28 and carotenoids: 1.44±0.40 mg/g) when compared to the control fish. No significant difference in the flesh composition was found among the treatments. A significantly higher organoleptic sensory score (25.54±0.57) was recorded in the fish fed with carrot-enriched feed and lower in the control feed (19.52±0.77). Conclusion: The study concludes that 2g/kg carrot powder supplementation in feed is better for enhancing the growth, carotenoid deposition, and palatability of B. gonionotus.

Sustainable Poultry Feeding Strategies for Achieving Zero Hunger and Enhancing Food Quality

As global demand increases for poultry products, innovative feeding strategies that reduce resource efficiency and improve food safety are urgently needed. This paper explores the potential of alternative sustainable poultry feeding strategies aimed at achieving SDG2 (Zero Hunger) while increasing production performance and food quality, focusing on the potential recycling of by-products, plants, and food waste derived from fruits, vegetables, and seeds, which account for up to 35% annually. The paper provides a review analysis of the nutritional (protein, fat, fiber, and ash) and minerals (i.e., calcium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, copper, and iron) content as well as the bioactive compounds (polyphenols, antioxidants, carotenoids, fatty acids, and vitamins) of alternative feed ingredients, which can contribute to resource efficiency, reduce dependency on conventional feeds, and lower production costs by 25%. The nutritional benefits of these alternative feed ingredients, including their effects on poultry production and health, and their potential for improving poultry product quality, are presented. Carrot, paprika, rosehip, and some berry waste represent a great source of carotenoids, polyphenols, and vitamins, while the seed meals (flax, rapeseed, and sea buckthorn) have been reported to enhance the essential fatty acid composition in eggs and meat. Numerous plants (basil, sage, rosemary, and lettuce) are natural reservoirs of bioactive compounds with benefits for both animal and food products. Some challenges in implementing these alternative sustainable feeding strategies, including inconsistencies in quality and availability, the presence of anti-nutrients, and regulatory barriers, are also explored. In conclusion, future research directions in sustainable poultry feeding with alternative feed ingredients should be considered to achieve SDG2.

Effect of natural carotenoids obtained from Haematococcus pluvialis, Paracoccus carotinifaciens, and Phaffia rhodozyma on flesh pigmentation and related biochemical mechanisms in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

The present study highlights the efficiency of natural carotenoid sources (Haematococcus pluvialis, Phaffia rhodozyma, and Paracoccus carotinifaciens) in terms of Atlantic salmon pigmentation, lipid profile, oxidation status (glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG)) ratio, and genomic stress markers (nrf2.1, keap1b1, hsp70, and h2q8 genes) during an 88-day feeding trial. As controls, fish fed synthetic astaxanthin was used. Four experimental diets with equal nutritional composition, except for the pigment source, were tested in an experimental design of 12 tanks and 372 fish (n = 3 × 31 per feed, start weight of 149 ± 27.5 g).Astaxanthin from H. pluvialis, P. rhodozyma, and P. carotinifaciens were found to be as efficient as synthetic astaxanthin in terms of visual perception, oxidation status and lipid peroxidation as there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in a* value, GSH/GSSG ratio, or lipid profile between the different groups. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the gene expression of nrf2.1, keap1b1, or hsp70 in the NQC or the PC. Fish fed P. rhodozyma showed the most favorable results as it had the numerically highest a* and C* values and the lowest L* value. Moreover, no significant difference in total muscle astaxanthin concentration was observed between the fish fed P. rhodozyma and those fed synthetic astaxanthin. However, the fish fed synthetic astaxanthin had a significantly higher concentration of total flesh astaxanthin than those fed H. pluvialis and P. carotinifaciens.The results conclude that naturally produced astaxanthin has a significant potential in Atlantic salmon pigmentation. However, further research on slaughter-ready salmon is essential to prove the concept.

Характеристика антиоксидантной активности СО2- экстрактов бурых водорослей и стабилизации липидов

Vegetable oils are susceptible to oxidation during storage, which is a serious problem for shelf-life and food safety. The article describes the antioxidant properties of supercritical extracts from brown algae (Undaria pinnatifida and Costaria costata), Russian Far East. It also explains their prospects as stabilizers that preserve the quality and safety of vegetable oils by affecting the kinetics of oxidation and hydrolysis. The study featured supercritical extracts of marine brown algae Undaria pinnatifida and Costaria costata from Russian Far East. The methods involved spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. Supercritical extracts of marine brown algae proved to be reliable sources of bioactive substances, e.g., phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and mannitol. They also possessed antioxidant properties in terms of antiradical activity, hydroxyl ion binding, superoxide radical absorption, and Fe+2 chelating. The experiments revealed nine phenolic compounds responsible for antioxidant properties. The supercritical extract of Costaria costata demonstrated a greater antioxidant effect on lipid oxidation in vegetable oils than Undaria pinnatifida. Both algae proved effective in stabilizing hydrolysis and were able to increase the shelf-life of soy and sunflower oils by three months. Supercritical extracts of Undaria pinnatifida and Costaria costata served as antioxidants to stabilize lipid oxidation in refined and unrefined soy and sunflower oils. The research revealed high approximation coefficients for regression equations describing the patterns of changes in the peroxide and acid numbers of vegetable oils stabilized with supercritical extracts of these marine brown algae.

Production of Carotenoids by Microorganisms

Carotenoids are one of the most studied groups of biologically active compounds. They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and coloring properties and are particularly interesting for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food, feed, cosmetic, and textile industries. Rapidly growing consumer demand for natural products has led to a significant increase in research and development of opportunities for their production from natural sources. Among the sources of carotenoids of natural origin, various microorganisms are of greater interest. This mini-review briefly summarizes the information published mainly during the last decade about carotenoid-producing microorganisms, the physiological importance of carotenoids for microbial cells, and the possibilities to improve their biosynthesis. This review also describes some new approaches/directions to make biotechnological production of microbial carotenoids more efficient.

OPTIMIZATION OF THE HORMONAL STATUS OF THE CULTURE MEDIUM FOR H. RHAMNOIDES IN VITRO CULTIVATION

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is an ancient crop that has traditionally been used as a medicinal plant, health promotion agent and dietary supplement. The fruits of sea buckthorn, which are a source of carotenoids, which had been collected since ancient times and was introduced into cultivation only at the beginning of the 20th century. Currently, sea buckthorn berries are harvested on an industrial scale, as due to the high content of biologically active substances in them, consumer interest in sea buckthorn products has increased significantly, and their use in the food industry and medicine is expanding. Due to its biologically active compounds, high content of vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids and tocopherols, sea buckthorn is an excellent raw material for functional foods. The purpose of this work is to select conditions for cultivating explants of H. rhamnoides L. plants and obtaining micro-shoots for subsequent microclonal reproduction. The material for initiating a sterile culture was the seeds H. rhamnoides. The samples were introduced from natural populations in the RSE “Altai Botanical Garden” of the SC of MoES of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Ridder). Solutions of 0.1% sulema, 34% hydrogen peroxide, and 10% Domestos solution were used for seed sterilization, the exposure period was 20 minutes. Next, the seeds were planted on the surface of the WPM and ½ MS nutrient medium with the addition of phytohormones 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) in various concentrations. Activated carbon in an amount of 2 g/l was used to reduce the accumulation of polyphenols in the medium. The beginning of germination was noted on days 7-8, depending on the genotype of sea buckthorn. The minimum number of infected seeds was observed in the variant using 0.1% sulema. When using hydrogen peroxide, the contamination of seeds with fungal and bacterial infections was at the level of 40.8-45.5%. The largest number of germinated seeds were observed when using WPM medium. The maximum values of seedling length were noted on WPM media with the addition of 1 mg/l BA + 1 mg/l GA3, where the average shoot length was 8.6±0.9 cm. In this variant, sterile seedlings were characterized by an intense green color and well-developed cotyledon leaves. In some genotypes, intensive growth and the appearance of a second internode were noted. In other variants, height indicators varied from 3.2 cm. up to 4.2 cm. Thus, we have found that WPM medium supplemented with 1 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine and 1 mg/l gibberellic acid is better suited for obtaining sterile shoots from H. rhamnoides seeds. The obtained sterile seedlings of H. rhamnoides will be used in vitro culture for subsequent microclonal reproduction.

Bacterioruberin extract from Haloarchaea Haloferax marinum: Component identification, antioxidant activity and anti-atrophy effect in LPS-treated C2C12 myotubes.

Carotenoids are natural pigments utilized as colourants and antioxidants across food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. They exist in carbon chain lengths of C30, C40, C45 and C50, with C40 variants being the most common. Bacterioruberin (BR) and its derivatives are part of the less common C50 carotenoid group, synthesized primarily by halophilic archaea. This study analysed the compositional characteristics of BR extract (BRE) isolated from 'Haloferax marinum' MBLA0078, a halophilic archaeon isolated from seawater near Yeoungheungdo Island in the Republic of Korea, and investigated its antioxidant activity and protective effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced C2C12 myotube atrophy. The main components of BRE included all-trans-BR, monoanhydrobacterioruberin, 2-isopentenyl-3,4-dehydrorhodopin and all-trans-bisanhydrobacterioruberin. BRE exhibited higher antioxidant activity and DNA nicking protection activity than other well-known C40 carotenoids, such as β-carotene, lycopene and astaxanthin. In C2C12 myotubes, LPS treatment led to a reduction in myotube diameter and number, as well as the hypertranscription of the muscle-specific ubiquitin ligase MAFbx and MuRF1. BRE mitigated these changes by activating the Akt/mTOR pathway. Furthermore, BRE abolished the elevated cellular reactive oxygen species levels and the inflammation response induced by LPS. This study demonstrated that 'Hfx. marinum' is an excellent source of natural microbial C50 carotenoids with strong antioxidant capacity and may offer potential protective effects against muscle atrophy.

Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous Is a Safe Dietary Supplement with Potent Antioxidant Defense Enhancing Activity.

Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous (X. dendrorhous), previously known as Phaffia rhodozyma, is a red yeast that is widely recognized as a rich source of carotenoids, particularly astaxanthin, which exhibits potent antioxidant activity and other health-promoting functions. However, there is currently a lack of research on the safety of consuming X. dendrorhous. To address this, we conducted an acute toxicity study followed by a 90-day subchronic toxicity trial to evaluate the safety of X. dendrorhous and investigate its in vivo antioxidant activity. In the acute toxicity study, Sprague-Dawley rats were administered a maximum of 12 g/kg body weight of X. dendrorhous powder by gavage and survived without any adverse effects for 14 days. In the subsequent subchronic toxicity test, the rats were randomly divided into five groups, each with free access to their diet adulterated with 0% (control), 2.5% (low), 5% (middle), 10% (high), and 20% (extreme high) X. dendrorhous powder. The rats' behavior, body weight, and food intake were monitored during the 90-day experiment. At the end of the experiment, urine, blood, and organs were collected from the rats for biochemical testing. Additionally, the antioxidant activity in rat sera was evaluated. The results of the acute toxicity test demonstrated that the LD50 of X. dendrorhous was greater than 12 g/kg body weight, indicating that the substance was not toxic. Throughout the 90-day period of subchronic toxicity, the triglyceride levels of male rats fed with 10 and 20% X. dendrorhous increased to 1.54 ± 0.17 and 1.55 ± 0.25 mmol/L (P < 0.05), respectively. This may be attributed to the elevated fat content of the diet in the high-dose and extreme high-dose groups, which was 5.5 and 2.5% higher than that in the control, respectively. Additionally, the white pulp in the spleen exhibited an increase, and the number of white blood cells in the extreme high-dose group increased by 2.41 × 109/L (P < 0.05), which may contribute to enhanced immunity. Finally, the body weight, food intake, blood and urine indexes, and histopathological examination results of the organs of the rats did not demonstrate any regular toxic effects. With the adulteration of X. dendrorhous, the activity of GSH-Px in male rats increased by 16-36.32%. The activity of GSH-Px in female rats of the extreme high-dose group increased by 14.70% (P < 0.05). The free radical scavenging ability of ABTS in male rats in the two high-dose groups exhibited an increase of 6.5 and 11.41% (P < 0.05). In contrast, the MDA content of male rats in the extreme high-dose group demonstrated a reduction of 2.73 nmol/mL (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that X. dendrorhous has no toxic effects, can be taken in high doses, and has a beneficial antioxidant effect that may enhance the body's immunity.

Upcycling Shellfish Waste: Distribution of Amino Acids, Minerals, and Carotenoids in Body Parts of North Atlantic Crab and Shrimp.

The snow/pink crab (Chionoecetes opilio) and Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) are widely distributed in the North Atlantic Ocean. During processing/consumption, about 80% of the harvest is discarded as processing waste, which is a rich source of protein, chitin, minerals, and carotenoids. This study, for the first time, investigated the proximate composition and individual amino acids, minerals, and carotenoids from different body parts (carapace, shoulder, claw, tip, and leg) of snow crabs and shrimp shells. Shrimp proteins were found to be abundant and well-balanced in their amino acid composition. Compared to shrimp shells, a lower content of amino acids was found in the snow crab, depending on the part of the shell used. Moreover, crab shells, mainly crab claws, contained a higher (p < 0.05) level of chitin compared to shrimp shells. Seven micro-elements (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Ba, and Ce) and six macro-elements (Ca, Na, K, Mg, P, and Sr) were identified using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Among them, calcium and iron were higher in crab carapaces (p < 0.05), followed by shrimp shells and other crab shell segments. Additionally, shrimp and crab carapaces contained a significant level of carotenoids, and these were mainly composed of astaxanthin and its mono- and diesters, along with zeaxanthin, astacene, canthaxanthin, and lutein. Thus, this investigation provides detailed information to allow upcycling of shellfish waste and addresses the knowledge gap concerning the availability of various nutrients in different crab sections and shrimp shells.

Stability and Bioaccessibility of Carotenoids from Sea Buckthorn Pomace Encapsulated in Alginate Hydrogel Beads.

Carotenoids, the natural pigments that confer the bright orange color of sea buckthorn berries, are also associated with several health benefits, such as antioxidant activity and skin and eye protection. Due to their lipophilic nature and localization, carotenoids are largely retained in the sea buckthorn pomace (SBP) resulting from juice production. Carotenoids from SBP (70.03 mg/100 g DW), extracted and characterized by HPLC-PDA, contained zeaxanthin (free and esterified) and beta-carotene as major compounds. The SBP carotenoids-enriched sunflower oil was further encapsulated in Ca-alginate hydrogel beads (98.4% encapsulation efficiency) using ionotropic gelation. The hydrogel beads were characterized by confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Fairly good stability (>64%) of the encapsulated carotenoids in the alginate hydrogel beads during storage (30 days, 4 °C and 25 °C) was found, with zeaxanthin esters being the most stable compounds, for all the experimental conditions. The bioaccessibility of the total carotenoids (INFOGEST protocol) was 42.1 ± 4.6% from hydrated, and, respectively, 40.8 ± 4% from dehydrated SBP alginate hydrogel beads. The addition of yogurt to the dehydrated hydrogel beads had a positive effect on the bioaccessibility of free and esterified zeaxanthin, but not on that of the carotenes. In conclusion, SBP is a valuable source of carotenoids which can be protected by encapsulation in alginate hydrogel beads, thus still retaining a good bioaccessibility.

Novel avenue of carotenoids & omega-3 rich carrot waste extract in innovative table spread: optimization (based on texture and sensory) and characterization

Carrot waste is a rich source of pro-vitamin A, β-carotene, recognized for its immunomodulatory and health-promoting properties. The present study was aimed at formulating an innovative table spread (ITS) enriched with concentrated carotenoid extract derived from carrot pomace. Prior extraction of carotenoids in flaxseed oil was optimized resulting in extract (CE) rich in carotenoids (82.66 µg/g) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The effects of three ingredients i.e. CE, tri-sodium citrate (TC), and common salt (CS) on ITS formulated using 33 factorial experiment (27 treatment combinations) were determined employing three-way ANOVA of Proc GLM method of SAS 9.3 for its textural and sensory acceptability. The optimized formulation contained 15% CE, 1.0% CS and 0.3% TC. ITS displayed medium (≈51% fat) internal phase emulsion (confirmed via fluorescence microscopy) stabilized (-56.867 mV ± 0.850 zeta potential) by whey protein concentrate and possessed high thermal stability (studied through thermogravimetric analysis). The control table spread (CTS) was prepared using all ingredients except CE replaced with flaxseed oil. ITS showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher carotenoid, antioxidant (ABTS, DPPH and FRAP), yellowness index and b* value than CTS; while non-significant (p > 0.05) difference existed for proximate composition and acidity. ITS turned out to be a naturally colored functional product and excellent source of carotenoids (24.276 μg/g ± 0.076) and ALA (13.816 g/ 100 g fat).

Strategies for improvement of bioactive compounds production using microalgal consortia: An emerging concept for current and future perspective

In recent times, microalgae have been recognized as one of the most potential sources of biomolecules with therapeutic potential. Microalgae are rich sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, carotenoids, and vitamins. These compounds have significant anticancer, antioxidant, anti-aging, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory potentials. Until now, monoculture of microalgae has been the most preferred way to produce these compounds. However, this method faces the challenge of low biomass and biomolecule production and a high risk of contamination. Controlled symbiotic co-culture of microalgae with suitable microorganisms can overcome these challenges. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the compatibility of microalgae with other microorganisms to develop novel consortia to enhance biomass and biomolecule production. The article comprehensively reviews the strategies for the improvement of bioactive compound production using microalgal consortia (SIBCP-MC) viz. microalgae, fungi, bacteria, and cyanobacteria. It also discusses the mechanisms of their interaction, economic viability, and a comparison of expected revenue generation from different types of microalgal consortia. The review mainly focuses on the therapeutic potentials of microalgae biomolecules and the optimization of different factors, such as the selection of consortium partners, inoculum ratio, cultivation types and modes, temperature, pH, light intensity, and photoperiod, that affect the biomass and biomolecule production of microalgal consortia which in future helps in enhancement in biomass and biomolecules production from microalgae and curing chronic diseases. The review discusses various types of microalgal consortia, aiding in selecting the most suitable consortia for future use. The review compares their biomass and biomolecule production with monoculture, outlining microalgal consortia's advantages, challenges, and prospects. Additionally, it discusses advanced artificial intelligence techniques that could assist in the future in the selection of compatible organisms and predict expected revenue generation.

Optimization of Extraction Conditions from Gac Fruit and Utilization of Peel-Derived Biochar for Crystal Violet Dye Removal.

Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) is a prominent source of carotenoids, renowned for its exceptional concentration of these compounds. This study focuses on optimizing the extraction of active components from the aril of gac fruit by evaluating the effects of extraction temperature, solid-liquid ratio, and extraction time. The primary objective is to maximize the yield of gac oil while assessing its antioxidant capacity. To analyze the kinetics of the solid-liquid extraction process, both first-order and second-order kinetic models were employed, with the second-order model providing the best fit for the experimental data. In addition, the potential of gac fruit peel as a precursor for biochar production was investigated through carbonization. The resultant biochars were evaluated for their efficacy in adsorbing crystal violet (CV) dye from aqueous solutions. The adsorption efficiency of the biochars was found to be dependent on the carbonization temperature, with the highest efficiency observed for BCMC550 (91.72%), followed by BCM450 (81.35%), BCMC350 (78.35%), and BCMC250 (54.43%). The adsorption isotherm data conformed well to the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating monolayer adsorption behavior. Moreover, the adsorption kinetics were best described by the pseudo-second-order model. These findings underscore the potential of gac fruit and its byproducts for diverse industrial and environmental applications, highlighting the dual benefits of optimizing gac oil extraction and utilizing the peel for effective dye removal.

Effect of microwave heating on the phenolic and carotenoid composition and antioxidant properties of Momordicacharantia

Momordica charantia L. (MC) is a widely consumed vegetable known for its nutritional benefits, as it is a rich source of carotenoids and phenolic compounds. Various cooking methods are use in domestic settings, including microwave cooking. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the impact of microwave cooking on the bioactive composition of MC. MC fruits were subjected to microwave heat for 5-, 10-, and 15-min. High performance liquid chromatography was used to identify of carotenoids and phenolic compounds, and total bioactive composition and antioxidant assays were conducted using spectroscopic techniques. There were 17 carotenoids and chlorophylls identified in MC fruit, including lutein, violaxanthin, antheraxanthin, pheophytin a, and all-E-β-carotene. The levels of these compounds significantly increased upon exposure to microwave heating. Similarly, 16 phenolic compounds were identified, and their amounts increased during the treatments, except for 3-hydroxyphloretin-6′-hexoside, quercetin-3-(6″-acetyl)-glucoside, petunidin-3-(6″-acetyl)-glucoside and petunidin-3-(6″-acetyl)-glucoside. The sample subjected to microwave treatment for 15 min exhibited the highest concentration of total phenolic compounds (TPC) at 754.5 mg/100g. The total flavonoid content (TFC) reached 94.6 mg/100g after 10 min of treatment. Additionally, the maximum total anthocyanin content, reported as 54.8 mg/L, was observed in the sample exposed to microwave heating for 15 min.

Diplotaxis erucoides and Oxalis pes-caprae: Two Wild Edible Plants as a New and Valuable Source of Carotenoids, Tocols and B1 and B2 Vitamins.

The aim of this study was to determine the profile and contents of carotenoids, tocols and B1 and B2 vitamins in different parts of two wild edible plants (WEPs), Diplotaxis erucoides and Oxalis pes-caprae. Results showed interesting amounts of these bioactive compounds in the leaves, with intakes higher than the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamin A and vitamin E after consumption of 100 g. Diplotaxis erucoides and Oxalis pes-caprae leaves evidenced high amounts of carotenoids, such as lutein (about 8 mg/100 g and 5 mg, respectively) and β-carotene (about 8 mg/100 g and 4 mg/100 g, respectively). Even when not present at high amounts, the investigated plants can also contribute to the daily intake of thiamine and riboflavin. The rich profile and high contents of bioactive compounds in these WEPs clearly justify their potential use as food ingredients in a healthy and sustainable modern cuisine and in the development of new functional foods.

Enhancing the stability and bio-accessibility of carotenoids extracted from canistel (Lucuma nervosa) via liposomes encapsulation

Canistel (Lucuma nervosa) is a valuable natural source of carotenoids, but their use in the food industry is hampered by low extraction efficiency, poor stability, and limited bio-accessibility. HPLC results showed that a deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of D-menthol and canoic acid (Men-CaA) has significantly higher extraction yields for lycopene (498.66 ± 3.20 μg/mL DW) and β-carotene (6.43 ± 0.23 μg/mL DW) than corn oil. UV-VIS spectrophotometry combined with response surface methodology results confirmed that the best encapsulation efficiency of liposome for lycopene and β-carotene was attained in the temperature range of 30–70 °C, with the ratio of carotenoid extract to liposome of 1:25 (w/w), the ratio of phospholipids to cholesterol, and the ratio of aqueous phase to lipid phase of 2:1 (v/v). SEM analysis revealed that liposome-encapsulated carotenoid extract formed spherical structures with a uniform texture and rough surface. The ζ-potential assay confirmed the highest stability of liposomes at pH 7. FTIR spectroscopy indicated effective encapsulation of canistel-derived carotenoids by liposomes. Furthermore, liposomes encapsulation improved the thermal and storage stability and bio-accessibility of lycopene and β-carotene. Encapsulating canistel carotenoids in liposomes significantly enhances their stability and bio-accessibility, presenting a viable strategy for preserving the efficacy of food-based active ingredients.

Light Intensity Enhances the Lutein Production in Chromochloris zofingiensis Mutant LUT-4.

Chromochloris zofingiensis, a unicellular green alga, is a potential source of natural carotenoids. In this study, the mutant LUT-4 was acquired from the chemical mutagenesis pool of C. zofingiensis strain. The biomass yield and lutein content of LUT-4 reached 9.23 g·L-1, and 0.209% of dry weight (DW) on Day 3, which was 49.4%, and 33% higher than that of wild-type (WT), respectively. The biomass yields of LUT-4 under 100, 300, and 500 µmol/m2/s reached 8.4 g·L-1, 7.75 g·L-1, and 6.6 g·L-1, which was 10.4%, 21%, and 29.6% lower compared with the control, respectively. Under mixotrophic conditions, the lutein yields were significantly higher than that obtained in the control. The light intensity of 300 µmol/m2/s was optimal for lutein biosynthesis and the content of lutein reached 0.294% of DW on Day 3, which was 40.7% more than that of the control. When LUT-4 was grown under 300 µmol/m2/s, a significant increase in expression of genes implicated in lutein biosynthesis, including phytoene synthase (PSY), phytoene desaturase (PDS), and lycopene epsilon cyclase (LCYe) was observed. The changes in biochemical composition, Ace-CoA, pyruvate, isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), and geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) contents during lutein biosynthesis were caused by utilization of organic carbon. It was thereby concluded that 300 µmol/m2/s was the optimal culture light intensity for the mutant LUT-4 to synthesize lutein. The results would be helpful for the large-scale production of lutein.

Potential Use of Tomato Peel, a Rich Source of Lycopene, for Cancer Treatment.

Tomatoes are well known for their impressive nutritional value among vegetables. However, the industrial processing of tomatoes generates a significant amount of waste. Specifically, 10% to 18% of the raw materials used in tomato processing become waste. This waste can seriously affect ecosystems, such as freshwater bodies, wetlands, rivers, and other natural environments, if not properly managed. Interestingly, tomato waste, specifically the skin, contains lycopene, a potent antioxidant and antimutagenic that offers a range of health benefits. This makes it a valuable ingredient in industries such as food and cosmetics. In addition, researchers are exploring the potential of lycopene in the treatment of various types of cancer. This systematic review, guided by the PRISMA 2020 methodology, examined studies exploring the possibility of tomato peel as a source of lycopene and carotenoids for cancer treatment. The findings suggest that tomato peel extracts exhibit promising anticancer properties, underscoring the need for further investigation of possible therapeutic applications. The compiled literature reveals significant potential for using tomato peel to create new cancer treatments, which could potentially revolutionize the field of oncology. This underscores the importance of continued research and exploration, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the scientific community's contribution to this promising area of study.

Natural Bioactive Compounds from Macroalgae and Microalgae for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: A Review.

Neuroinflammation, toxic protein aggregation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction are key pathways in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD). Targeting these mechanisms with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and inhibitors of Aβ formation and aggregation is crucial for treatment. Marine algae are rich sources of bioactive compounds, including carbohydrates, phenolics, fatty acids, phycobiliproteins, carotenoids, fatty acids, and vitamins. In recent years, they have attracted interest from the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries due to their exceptional biological activities, which include anti-inflammation, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-apoptosis properties. Multiple lines of evidence have unveiled the potential neuroprotective effects of these multifunctional algal compounds for application in treating and managing AD. This article will provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of bioactive compounds derived from algae based on in vitro and in vivo models of neuroinflammation and AD. We will also discuss their potential as disease-modifying and symptomatic treatment strategies for AD.