Nutraceutical Supplement Research Articles

Comparative study of phytochemicals, antioxidant activities and chromatographic profiling of different parts of Lycium ruthenicum Murr of Trans-Himalayan region

BackgroundLycium ruthenicum is one of the high values yet lesser explored medicinal plant of trans-Himalayan region of India. The local traditional medicine system (Amchi system) has immense interest in powerful biological activity of its fruits (black Goji berries). Lycium ruthenicum used for treatment of many health problems like abnormal menstruation, vision problem, heart disease, enhance liver and kidney function, as well as nutraceutical supplements. Purpose: In this study, we aim to have investigated, the comparative analysis of phenolics content, flavonoid, tannin, anthocyanin content, antioxidant activity and chromatographic profiling (GC–MS,LC-MS) of different parts (leaf, stem and berry) extracts of Lycium ruthenicum. MethodsTotal Phenolic Content, flavonoids, tannins and Anthocyanin content were spectrophotometrically measured and the antioxidant activity was investigate using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) and reducing power assay method. Lycium potential extracts were characterized by GC–MS and LC-MS. ResultThe total phenolic content, flavonoid content and tannin content of leaf and stem soxhlet extract have shown highest values (91.5 ± 3.06 mg of (GAE)/ g DFE, 484.4 ± 4.1 mg of (QR)/ g DFE, 339.0 ± 1.61(CT)/g of DFE: 167.8 ± 2.7 mg of (GAE)/ g DFE, 310.9 ± 3.93 mg of (QR)/ g DFE, 237.0 ± 4.6(CT)/g of DFE) followed by antioxidant assays, DPPH (IC50: 0.182 mg/ml and IC50: 1.152 mg/ml) and ABTS (IC50: 0.046 mg/ml and IC50: 0.015 mg/ml) and FRAP potential (147.7 ± 4.27 mg of TE/ g DFE and100.8 ± 2.9 mg of TE/ g DFE), which significantly correlates to its high content of polyphenolics and flavonoids via a GC–MS analysis. Whereas in case of fruit, ultrasonic and maceration both extracts showed the similar results. GC–MS results of leaf and stem extracts shown the presence of 69 compounds comprising steroids, terpenes, fatty acids, esters, phenolic, aldehyde, furan, and pyridines compounds. ConclusionQuantitative analysis showed that soxhlet extracts of leaf and stem have higher contents of total phenolics and flavonoids as well as antioxidant activity as compared to other extraction methods. The present results support the Lycium ruthenicum leaf and stem extracts might be good source in healthy food supplements, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Extraction of Antioxidants from Aronia mitschurinii Juice Using Macroporous Resins

Antioxidants play a vital role in the human body by defending cells from damage caused by free radicals, highly reactive products of oxidation reactions. A major source of antioxidants is fruits and vegetables. Aronia mitschurinii, a breed created at the end of the 19th century by crossbreeding wild Aronia melanocarpa and Russian Mountain Ash, produces fruits with one of the highest known content of hydrophilic antioxidants. Aronia fruit contains a potent blend of anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids. The most popular way of consuming the fruit is through juicing. Yet, due to very high concentrations of tannins in the juice, very few food-related applications have been developed. Resin extraction of antioxidants provides an alternative for utilizing valuable phytochemicals from crops for applications in the food industry as nutraceutical supplements and more. To increase the market value of the plant, it is important to determine what resins can extract the optimum concentration of antioxidants from aronia juice, pulp, and whole berries. We have shown that macroporous resins such as Amberlite XAD 1180N, Amberlite XAD 7HP, Amberlite XAD 761, and Amberlite FPX66, which have been reported to be effective in extracting the anthocyanins and polyphenols from other fruit juices, skins of red grapes, and the wild breed, are also effective for use in juice, pulp, and whole fruits of Aronia mitchurinii. However, the extremely high content of antioxidants presents a challenge to obtaining high recovery; a notable change in the juice/resin ratio is required to obtain a higher recovery value. Our results showed that Amberlite FPX66 was the best at extracting anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids from aronia juice. A separate experiment conducted to determine how to optimize the efficiency of FPX66 extraction revealed that increasing the resin/juice ratio increased the percent recovery of anthocyanins from aronia juice. Moreover, we have compared recovery between juice, pulp, and whole aronia berries and batch versus column extraction.

Phytochemicals with ROS scavenging activity and nutritional analyses of an underutilized fruit from Odisha (Eugenia roxburghii DC.)

Eugenia roxburghii is a wild edible species belonging to the Myrtaceae family. It bears delicious edible nutritious fruits. Eugenia species holds both pharmacological and nutritional properties. However, they are still underutilized due to a lack of information on food quality. This research aims to evaluate the phytochemical and nutritional components of E. roxburghii with the objective to study the influence of the constituents on ROS scavenging activity and its comparison among other Eugenia species. Results revealed that the fruits contained a discrete level of phytochemicals such as polyphenols (1.74 mg g−1) and flavonoids (2.11 mg g−1). E. roxburghii extract showed significant scavenging activity having an IC50 value of 6.13 μg/ml. According to proximate analysis, the fruit has a substantial amount of calories (125.6 kcal/100 g), carbs (31.41%), protein (5.4%), dietary fibers (1.28 g/100 g), an acceptable amount of moisture (79.52%) for preservation, a reasonable amount of sugar (5.18%), and a very low amount of ash (0.72%) and fat as compared to other Eugenia species. Nutritionally, E. roxburghii was found to be rich in Vitamin C (81.5 mg/100 g) while having a very low salt level but discovered to be high in potassium (89.12 mg/100 g) and Calcium (34.41 mg/100 g). Based on the findings of this study, the E. roxburghii plant might be explored and used as a nutraceutical and food supplement in the pharmaceutical industry. The results of this research enable consumers to locate more affordable sources for a variety of supplements and advantages to prevent micronutrient deficiencies.

Anthocyanin profile and main antioxidants in pigmented wheat grains and related millstream fractions

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesIncreasing evidence has shown the potential for foods made from anthocyanin‐rich cereal grains to reduce the development and progression of many degenerative chronic diseases. Among cereals, only pigmented rice and maize have been used for food production, whereas for blue and purple wheat grains the food industry has been more limited. In light of this, the present study was aimed at characterizing the whole meal, bran, and flour of the blue bread wheat “Sebesta Blue‐2” and the purple durum wheats “T‐1303” and “‘ELS 6304‐56” in relation to their total phenolic content (TPC), total proanthocyanidin content (TPrC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and total antioxidant activity (TAA) determined spectrophotometrically, and their anthocyanin profile and TAC determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (TACHPLC).FindingsAmong the milling fractions, the bran showed the highest phytochemical content and antioxidant activity, with values 1.6–8.3‐ and 4.0–9.3‐fold higher than those observed in the whole meal and flour, respectively. Among genotypes, the highest phytochemical content and antioxidant activity were observed in Sebesta Blue‐2, followed by T‐1303 and ELS 6304‐56. The strongest differences among genotypes concerned the TACHPLC, with values that in Sebesta Blue‐2 were 4.8‐ and 14.1‐fold higher than T‐1303 and ELS 6304‐56, respectively. Multivariate analysis highlighted the best profile in terms of phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in the bran of Sebesta Blue‐2 with very high values of TPC, TPrC, glycosylated anthocyanins, and TAA, followed by the bran of T‐1303, with high‐to‐very high values of TPC, TPrC, anthocyanins and TAA, and the whole meal of Sebesta Blue‐2, with high values of glycosylated anthocyanins and intermediate values of TPC, TPrC, and TAA.ConclusionsThe bran of Sebesta Blue‐2 and T‐1303 could be used as an additive in cereal‐based fortified‐functional foods or could be further processed to produce nutraceutical supplements. The whole meal of Sebesta Blue‐2 could be used as starting material for the preparation of baked products rich in health‐promoting compounds.Significance and noveltyThe present study is one of the few studies to report the anthocyanin profile for the milling fractions of pigmented grains and is the first to report the existence of proanthocyanidins in blue and purple wheat grains and their milling fractions.

The Role of Nutraceutical Supplements, Monacolin K and Astaxanthin, and Diet in Blood Cholesterol Homeostasis in Patients with Myopathy

Several studies suggest that different combinations of nutraceutical supplements may improve the lipid profile, representing a viable alternative to statins. However, their effects on individuals with myopathy need to be investigated. The aim of our study was to explore the mid- and long-term physiological effects of monacolin k (5 mg) and astaxanthin (0.1 mg) supplements in association with a low-energy/fat diet in a group of subjects with mild myopathy. Eighty subjects (44 women) took part in this observational study. Participants were assigned to the experimental group (EG, n = 40, 24 women) treated with a low-energy/fat diet (1200–1500 Kcal/day and 15–20% lipids) in combination with monacolin k (5 mg) and astaxanthin (0.1 mg) supplementation, and to the control group (CG, n = 40, 20 women) treated only with a low-energy/fat diet (1200–1500 Kcal/day and 15–20% lipids). BMI and biochemical parameters (blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, C-reactive protein (CRP) and creatine phosphokinase-CPK) were collected at baseline (T0), after 12 (T1) and 24 (T2) weeks. A mixed factorial ANOVA was performed to determine if there were significant main effects and/or interactions between time and treatment. Treatment (EG vs. CG) was entered as the between-subjects factor and time (T0 vs. T1 vs. T2) as the within-subject factor. We found a significant improvement in total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, PCR and CPK parameters in EG compared with CG. Our results highlight the efficacy and safety of combined use of monacolin k (5 mg) and astaxanthin (0.1 mg) in combination with a low-energy/fat diet in the treatment of dyslipidemia.

Effect of Different Proportions of Phenolics on Antioxidant Potential: Pointers for Bioactive Synergy/Antagonism in Foods and Nutraceuticals.

Phenolic compounds include a broad variety of antioxidant plant substances such as flavonoids that have in common an aromatic ring with one or more hydroxyl groups. Nutraceuticals and health food supplements are designed from flavonoids as well as pure phytochemicals, often in isolation. However, studies on synergistic and antagonistic effects of such compounds are relatively few. In the current study, dual combinations prepared from five phenolic compounds (flavonoid and non-flavonoid) including rutin hydrate, quercetin dihydrate, hydroquinone, kaempferol, and resveratrol were tested for their antioxidant activities using DPPH· radical scavenging assay. The synergistic antioxidant interactions among these phenolics were evaluated by comparing their individual antioxidant effect with that obtained by a mixture of two compounds in various ratios. Quercetin dihydrate showed the highest antioxidant activity. Many combinations were found statistically synergistic in particular ratios. Rutin hydrate and resveratrol showed maximum synergy (1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 ratio). Antagonistic interactions were also identified. The results of this study could be used by industries to develop more potent nutraceutical supplements or guide the researchers for further bioactivity validation using in vivo assays.

Physiological Performance, Antioxidant and Immune Status, Columnaris Resistance, and Growth of Nile Tilapia That Received Alchemilla vulgaris-Supplemented Diets.

The current perspective is a pioneering trial to assess the efficacy of the dietary supplementation of Alchemilla vulgaris powder (AVP) in the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) on growth performance, blood picture, hepatic and renal biomarkers, immune status, and serum and tissue antioxidant capacity and to investigate the resistance against Flavobacterium columnare challenge. Fish (n = 360) were distributed into six groups (three replicates each) and received increasing AVP supplementation levels (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 g kg−1) for 60 days. Furthermore, fish were exposed to the bacterial challenge of a virulent F. columnare strain and maintained under observation for 12 days. During the observation period, clinical signs and the cumulative mortality percentage were recorded. The results demonstrated that the growth performance, feed conversion ratio, and hematological profile were noticeably enhanced in the AVP-supplemented groups compared to the control. The most promising results of weight gain and feed conversion ratio were recorded in the groups with 6, 8, and 10 g AVP kg−1 diets in a linear regression trend. The levels of hepatorenal function indicators were maintained in a healthy range in the different dietary AVP-supplemented groups. In a dose-dependent manner, fish fed AVP dietary supplements displayed significant augmented serum levels of innate immune indicators (lysozyme, nitric oxide, and complement 3) and antioxidant biomarkers (Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant (TAC), and reduced glutathione (GSH) with a marked decrease in myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels). Likewise, hepatic CAT and SOD activities were significantly improved, and the opposite trend was recorded with hepatic MDA. The highest AVP-supplemented dose (10 g/kg) recorded the highest immune-antioxidant status. Based on the study findings, we highlight the efficacy of AVP as a nutraceutical dietary supplementation for aquaculture to enhance growth, physiological performance, and immune-antioxidant status and as a natural economic antibacterial agent in O. niloticus for sustaining aquaculture. It could be concluded that the dietary supplementation of 10 g AVP/kg enhanced O. niloticus growth, physiological performance, immune-antioxidant status, and resistance against F. columnare.

Melatonin‐rich, erucic acid‐lean nutraceutical supplements by microwave‐assisted solvent extraction of brown and yellow mustard seeds

The microwave-assisted solvent extraction (MASE) parameters optimized by Taguchi L9 (34) orthogonal array design to obtain extracts with a favorable combination of high melatonin-cum-low erucic acid content from Brassica juncea (BJ) and Brassica campestris (BC) seeds were: seed particle diameter of 500 μm for BJ and 420 μm for BC seeds, 1:10 sample to solvent (50% ethanolic water) ratio, 180 W microwave power, and 10 min extraction time. The yield of melatonin from BC was relatively higher owing to its greater protein and/or moisture content(s). Biochemical characterization confirmed a synergistic consortium of antioxidants in the extracts, viz. melatonin along with co-extracted ascorbic acid, limonene, and linalool. At the optimized condition, the actual power absorbed by the seed-solvent matrices (21.5 W in BJ-, 24.6 W in BC-MASE extracts) was lower compared to the microwave power applied (180 W) during MASE. Our studies affirm safe consumption of the extracts as melatonin-rich nutraceutical supplements. Novelty impact statement This work is of significance since melatonin which is commercially used as a drug has been extracted from an unconventional source, that is, from an oilseed crop for use as a food antioxidant. MASE has been conducted for the first time with green solvents for obtaining “melatonin rich-cum-erucic acid-lean” extracts of brown and yellow mustard seeds embracing natural “antioxidant synergy” within. The procedure established in this work could be easily scaled up to commercial level extraction of “a synergistic consortium of antioxidants” from other oilseeds (or allied food matrices).

Chemopreventive Potential of Dietary Nanonutraceuticals for Prostate Cancer: An Extensive Review.

There are more than two hundred fifty different types of cancers, that are diagnosed around the world. Prostate cancer is one of the suspicious type of cancer spreading very fast around the world, it is reported that in 2018, 29430 patients died of prostate cancer in the United State of America (USA), and hence it is expected that one out of nine men diagnosed with this severe disease during their lives. Medical science has identified cancer at several stages and indicated genes mutations involved in the cancer cell progressions. Genetic implications have been studied extensively in cancer cell growth. So most efficacious drug for prostate cancer is highly required just like other severe diseases for men. So nutraceutical companies are playing major role to manage cancer disease by the recommendation of best natural products around the world, most of these natural products are isolated from plant and mushrooms because they contain several chemoprotective agents, which could reduce the chances of development of cancer and protect the cells for further progression. Some nutraceutical supplements might activate the cytotoxic chemotherapeutic effects by the mechanism of cell cycle arrest, cell differentiation procedures and changes in the redox states, but in other, it also elevate the levels of effectiveness of chemotherapeutic mechanism and in results, cancer cell becomes less reactive to chemotherapy. In this review, we have highlighted the prostate cancer and importance of nutraceuticals for the control and management of prostate cancer, and the significance of nutraceuticals to cancer patients during chemotherapy.

A Long-Term Study of the Safety and Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Supplement for Promoting Hair Growth in Perimenopausal, Menopausal, and Postmenopausal Women.

The prevalence of female hair loss and hair thinning increases with advancing age and is most common among post-menopausal women. Recent statistics show that by age 60, an estimated 80% of women experience hair loss. A previous publication detailing the results of the 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase of this study demonstrated the ability of a nutraceutical supplement to significantly improve hair growth and shedding compared to placebo. Here, we present results from a subsequent 6-month, open-label extension phase assessing the continued safety and efficacy of this nutraceutical for promoting and improving hair growth and evaluate potential long-term benefits on quality of life and menopausal symptoms. After a total of 12 months with the active nutraceutical, subjects had progressive improvements in hair growth, quality, and shedding. Quality of life measures and menopausal symptoms also improved over the duration of the study. When transitioned to daily intake of the supplement, subjects previously treated with placebo achieved significant increases in all hair counts, a significant decrease in shedding, and significant improvement in blinded investigator global hair growth and quality assessments. The results of this long-term study demonstrate that continued use of a novel nutraceutical provides significant incremental improvement over the beneficial effects achieved during the initial 6-month randomized, placebo-controlled phase. Continued use may provide ongoing improvements in hair growth and exert a positive effect on secondary symptoms of menopause, and quality of life in perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women with selfperceived thinning hair (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04048031). J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(7):776-783. doi:10.36849/JDD.6912.

O-149 Personalized probiotics and food supplementation according to microbiome miRNA test improves the conception rate in multiple IVF failure patients

Abstract Study question Can the microbiota play a role in the development of infertility by affecting the epigenetic, immunologic, and/or biochemical functions of the host? Summary answer The customization of diet and a nutraceutical and probiotic supplementation according microbiome miRNA signature could increase the pregnancy and live birth rates. What is known already The normal gut microbiota has an impact on the normal function of the male and female reproductive tract by regulating the immunological changes associated with conception. Several miRNAs -a class of small noncoding RNA molecules that control gene expression at the post-transcriptional level- have been described to be associated with dysbiosis and an immune imbalance. We previously demonstrated that women with unexplained infertility could have a gut and vaginal microbiome imbalance with increased intestinal permeability linked to an overexpression of miR-21 and miR-155. Study design, size, duration Observational study including 287 multiple IVF failure infertile patients. They had an average age of 40y and they performed 4 IVF-ET within 10 years on average. Swab samples were collected from the vagina and rectum. Participants/materials, setting, methods Microbial composition by NGS and miRNA expression by real time PCR of vaginal and rectal samples were measured. Immunometabolic markers from blood (TPO, vitamin D and B12, insulin, LDL) were analyzed. Patients followed a customized food supplementation, according to the tested biomarkers, for 90 days. Main results and the role of chance We found that 80% of women showed increased miRNA levels associated with gut and vaginal microbiome imbalances. Deficient values of Vitamin D and/or B were found in 73.2% of tested patients, whereas 56.1% showed high LDL and or insulin values and 19.9% showed positive anti thyroid TPO antibodies. Based upon the elevated levels of miRNAs and immunometabolic markers (insulin, vitamin D, autoantibodies, LDL cholesterol and secretory IgA), patients completed a 60-90 day therapy prior to their next IVF-ET attempt with no clinical side effects. BMI measurements before and after the therapy were not significantly different. After normalization of the blood biomarkers, each patient underwent a next IVF -ET attempt. The total pregnancy rate resulted in 75% (215/287) of positive chemical pregnancy (hCG) and 73% (157/215) of clinically confirmed pregnancy (ultrasound). The live birth rate per intended egg retrieval (all embryos transfers) was 60% (129/215); 27 pregnancies resulted in first trimester losses and one fetal death after a severe preeclampsia. Limitations, reasons for caution A future study should be performed testing miRNA expression before and after the food supplementation to achieve a direct correlation between the microRNA test and the supplementation in a placebo control study in order to evaluate the efficacy of the personalized supplementation on improving pregnancy and live birth rates. Wider implications of the findings Immune system and microbiome modulation could be adress by customizing different strains of probiotics and nutraceuticals selected for their immunomodulatory capacity. An anti-inflammatory dose-specific effect to maintain a delicate immune balance and favor endometrial mucous vascularization and the subsequent placentation, should be personalized to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Trial registration number CEI 1590

Maternal AA/EPA Ratio and Triglycerides as Potential Biomarkers of Patients at Major Risk for Pharmacological Therapy in Gestational Diabetes.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GD) is characterized by glycemic and lipid metabolism alterations in an environment of low-grade inflammation. Our trial aimed to assess the effect of nutraceutical supplements (omega-3 fatty acids, anthocyanins, and alpha-cyclodextrins) in GD patients and evaluate the role of anthropometric, metabolic, and inflammatory parameters as biomarkers to identify subjects who require pharmacological hypoglycemic treatment during gestation. Pregnant women with GD at 24–28 weeks of gestation were enrolled in a double-blind trial and randomized to receive either nutraceutical supplements or a placebo for 12 weeks. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in blood and urine measurements of metabolic, inflammatory, and antioxidant parameters. In the whole cohort, pre-pregnancy BMI and anthropometric measurements were significantly different in patients who required pharmacological intervention. These patients showed higher triglycerides, CRP, and insulin levels and gave birth to newborns with significantly higher weights. Subjects with a greater AA/EPA ratio had higher PAF levels and gave birth four days earlier. In conclusion, one-to-one nutritional coaching and poor compliance with nutraceutical supplementation might have outweighed the impact of this intervention. However, triglyceride concentration and the AA/EPA ratio seems to be a biomarker for higher inflammatory levels and GD candidates for pharmacological treatment. An adequate assumption of omega-3 in women with GD, either by a controlled diet or by nutraceutical supplementation, reduces the need for pharmacological therapy.

Crocodile Oil Modulates Inflammation and Immune Responses in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages.

Crocodile oil (CO) is generated from the fatty tissues of crocodiles as a by-product of commercial aquaculture. CO is extensively applied in the treatment of illnesses including asthma, emphysema, skin ulcers, and cancer, as well as wound healing. Whether CO has anti-inflammatory properties and encourages an immune response remains uncertain. The impact of CO on inflammatory conditions in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and the mechanisms behind it were examined in this work. Cells were treated with 0.125–2% CO dissolved in 0.5% propylene glycol with or without LPS. The production and expression of inflammatory cytokines and mediators were also examined in this research. CO reduced the synthesis and gene expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Consistently, CO inhibited the expression and synthesis of inflammatory markers including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nitric oxide (NO), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Furthermore, CO reduced the effects of DNA damage. CO also increased the cell-cycle regulators, cyclins D2 and E2, which improved the immunological response. CO might thus be produced as a nutraceutical supplement to help avoid inflammatory diseases.

Impacts of Various Nutraceutical Milk Replacer Supplements on the Health and Performance of High-Risk Holstein Calves

The objectives of this study were to determine the impacts of supplementing various nutraceuticals in milk replacers, including a blend of probiotics, β-glucan extract, mannanoligosaccharide extract, or a non-immunoglobulin rich extract, from colostrum on the performance and health of high-risk calves and to determine carry-over effects into the immediate post-weaned period. One hundred bull calves were acquired from a local calf ranch within 24 h of birth and randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments added to milk replacer only: (1) Control (CON), no additive; (2) Immu-PRIME (ImmPr), 1.5 g/d ImmPr first 3 d only (Sterling Technology, Brookings, SD, USA); (3) Beta glucan (BG), 1 g/d BG extract (ImmuOligo, Irvine, CA, USA); (4) Mannanoligosaccharide + Bacillus subtilis (MOS+Bs), 3 g/d CEREVIDA EXCELL-M + 4 x 109 CFU/d Bacillus subtilis (MB Nutritional Sciences, Lubbock, TX, USA); and (5) PROVIDA CALF (PRO), proprietary blend of 2 x 109 CFU/d of a Lactobacillus casei and an Enterococcus faecium + 2 x 109 CFU/d Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MB Nutritional Sciences, Lubbock, TX, USA). Calves were weaned at d 56, comingled, and treatment carry-over effects evaluated through d 84. Starter intake was measured daily and BW weekly. Peripheral blood samples were collected and analyzed for hematology and serum was analyzed for haptoglobin concentrations. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) function was assessed through surface L-selectin expression, phagocytic, and oxidative burst activities against Escherichia coli. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed in SAS (SAS 9.4, Cary, NC). The BG calves consumed the most starter from d 1 to 28 and pre-weaned average daily gain was greater for both the PRO and BG when compared to the CON group. There was a tendency for BG, MOS+Bs, and PRO to have reduced serum haptoglobin throughout the study. Total leukocyte, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts were reduced among MOS+Bs calves, whereas BG calves tended to have the greatest neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio. Oxidative burst function for PMNL was reduced among BG and PRO treatments, suggesting a decreased need for neutrophil function. Supplementing BG, MOS+Bs, and PRO all influenced the performance and health of high-risk calves, but mechanistically appear to be different.

Microencapsulation of Green Coffee Beans (Coffea canephora) Extract using Whey Protein Concentrate

Coffee bean contains bioactive compounds including caffeine and chlorogenic acid (CGA) that have a stimulant effect and are used for combating fatigue and drowsiness, and enhancing alertness. However, when the coffee bean was processed in the form of green coffee bean (GCB) extract, it has an unpleasant flavour and limitations instability, activity, and bioavailability. This study aimed to produce microcapsules of the GCB (Coffea canephora) ethanolic extract containing considerable amounts of the bioactive compounds for nutraceutical supplements. The GCB ethanolic extract was microencapsulated by spray drying using a whey protein concentrate (WPC) biopolimer. The particle size (PSA), morphology (SEM), and physicochemical characteristics (UV and LC-MS/MS), as well as radical scavenging activity (DPPH) of the microcapsule were determined. We found that the microencapsulation yield was 95.85% of the extract, with the particle mean of volume diameter was 1.312 µm (span value: 1.285 µm). The morphology of microcapsule particles was irregular microspheres with dense, smooth, wrinkle and shrivel, compact, and homogeneous surface. The microcapsule demonstrated the caffeine content of 15.25%, the CGA content of 8.52%, the total phenolic content of 1794.7 ± 77.0 mg GAE/100g and the radical scavenging activity of 179.23 µg/mL.
 The WPC can be used to encapsulate the GCB extract by using spray drying microencapsulation to produce a high yield microcapsule with a smaller and narrower particle diameter. This microencapsulation was able to engulf and package unpleasant flavor and aroma, and to preserve considerable amounts of the bioactive compounds.

Identification and Quantification of Flavonoids in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) and Antiproliferative Activity In Vitro of Four Main Components Identified.

Okra is a kind of flavonoid-rich food which was reported to have a variety of health functions. Flavonoids are the major polyphenolic compounds in okra and are thought to play a role in reducing the risk of disease. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify the flavonoids composition in okra pods and explore the activity of the main flavonoids components identified on inhibiting tumor cell proliferation in vitro. Six individual flavonoids were identified by HPLC-MS/MS: quercetin-3-gentiobioside (Q3G), quercetin-3-sambubioside (Q3S), rutin, quercetin-7-glucoside (Q7G), isoquercitrin (ISO) and quercetin-3-malonylglucoside (Q3M), which were all separated well within 30 min. The analytical method was validated by the recovery of spiked samples and so on. Moreover, four main flavonoids components, namely Q3G, Q3S, ISO and Q3M, exhibited significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of NCI-N87, A375, A549 cells proliferation (25−100 μmol/L) and of HFLS-RA (200−300 μmol/L) in different levels, according to MTT method, respectively. It is demonstrated that the flavonoids components of okra exhibited a noteworthy development prospect as a possible nutraceutical dietary supplement.

Considerations Regarding Public Use of Longevity Interventions.

Public attention and interest for longevity interventions are growing. These can include dietary interventions such as intermittent fasting, physical interventions such as various exercise regimens, or through supplementation of nutraceuticals or administration of pharmaceutics. However, it is unlikely that most interventions identified in model organisms will translate to humans, or that every intervention will benefit each person equally. In the worst case, even detrimental health effects may occur. Therefore, identifying longevity interventions using human data and tracking the aging process in people is of paramount importance as we look towards longevity interventions for the public. In this work, we illustrate how to identify candidate longevity interventions using population data in humans, an approach we have recently employed. We consider metformin as a case-study for potential confounders that influence effectiveness of a longevity intervention, such as lifestyle, sex, genetics, age of administration and the microbiome. Indeed, metformin, like most other longevity interventions, may end up only benefitting a subgroup of individuals. Fortunately, technologies have emerged for tracking the rate of ‘biological’ aging in individuals, which greatly aids in assessing effectiveness. Recently, we have demonstrated that even wearable devices, accessible to everyone, can be used for this purpose. We therefore propose how to use such approaches to test interventions in the general population. In summary, we advocate that 1) not all interventions will be beneficial for each individual and therefore 2) it is imperative that individuals track their own aging rates to assess healthy aging interventions.

Bioactive compounds from Cucumis melo L. fruits as potential nutraceutical food ingredients and juice processing using membrane technology.

The present study was designed to evaluate the nutritional composition of melon pulp Maazoun variety, in order to explore its potential attitude as a natural source of nutrients and bioactive molecules. The chemical characterization showed that the pulp was rich in moisture, carbohydrate, dietary fibers, and minerals, as well as carotenoids and phenolic compounds. The chromatographic analysis indicated that amentoflavone (16.14 mg/100 g) and gallic acid (13.56 mg/100 g) were the most abundant phenolic compounds. Melon flesh has an interesting volatile profile in which, mostly esters and alcohols are considered as the key odorants of this appreciated fruit. Melon juice was filtered through crossflow microfiltration that provides more translucent juice and accentuation of yellow color. During clarification process, the permeate flux was reduced by 50% in approximately 40 min. Results proved that the richness of melons in nutrients and bioactive phytochemicals makes them useful as a potential source of antioxidants and suitable as nutraceutical supplements.

Characterization of a thermostable, protease-tolerant inhibitor of α-glycosidase from carrot: A potential oral additive for treatment of diabetes

Inhibiting α-glucosidase activity is important in controlling postprandial hyperglycemia and, thus, helping to manage type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In the present study, we purified a hypothetical protein of carrots called DCHP (Daucus Carrot hypoglycemic peptide), and their inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase, as well as related mechanisms, were investigated. The recombinant DCHP protein with a molecular weight of 8 kDa showed strong inhibitory activity against α-glycosidase and maintained good stability in solution. DCHP exhibited no inhibitory activity but was tolerant to trypsin and chymotrypsin. Cellular experiments demonstrated that glucose consumption and lactic acid production increased rapidly when treated with DCHP in Caco-2 and HepG2 cells. DCHP crystal was generated, and the crystal structure, which was similar to that of rBTI and consisted of a central α-helix and a two-stranded β-sheet with a unique loop region. The interaction between DCHP and α-glycosidase was investigated by molecular docking and site-directed mutation, which revealed that Glu43, Pro46, Thr47 Thr48 and Gln49 are the key residues in DCHP that inhibit α-glycosidase activity. This work provides potential bioactive peptides as functional foods or nutraceutical supplements in preventing and managing T2DM.

Development of Astaxanthin-Loaded Nanosized Liposomal Formulation to Improve Bone Health.

Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid commonly found in marine organisms. Due to its super antioxidative ability, astaxanthin has been widely applied as a human nutraceutical supplement for health benefits. In order to enhance the bioavailability of astaxanthin, we used soybean phosphatidylcholine to encapsulate astaxanthin for liposomal formation. The physical properties of astaxanthin (asta)-loaded liposomes were determined by particle size, encapsulation efficiency and polydispersity index. The results revealed that the particle sizes of asta-loaded liposomes with various concentrations exhibited mean diameters in the range of 109 to 134 nm and had a narrow PDI value. As expected, the entrapment efficiency of liposomes loaded with a low concentration of astaxanthin (0.05 μg/mL) was 89%, and that was reduced to 29% for 1.02 μg/mL asta loading. Alizarin red staining and calcium content measurement showed that there was a significant reduction in calcium deposition for 7F2 osteoblasts treated with asta-loaded liposomes (0.25–1.02 μg/mL) in comparison with the cells treated with drug-free liposomes and mineralization medium (MM). Although liposomal formulation can reduce the cytotoxicity of astaxanthin and possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoclastogenic activities in RAW264.7 macrophages, asta-loaded liposomes with high concentrations may suppress ALP activity and mineralization level in 7F2 osteoblasts. Therefore, astaxanthin extract may be able to protect bones against oxidative stress and inflammation through liposomal formulation.