Ginger and avocado as nutraceuticals for obesity and its comorbidities

Looking into the lipid profile of avocado and byproducts: Using lipidomics to explore value-added compounds

Consumer priorities in healthy diets and lifestyle boosted the demand for nutritious and functional foods as well as plant-based ingredients. Avocado has become a food trend due to its nutritional and functional values, which in turn is increasing its consumption and production worldwide. Avocado edible portion has a high content of lipids, with the pulp and its oil being rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and essential omega - 3 and omega - 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These fatty acids are mainly esterified in triacylglycerides, the major lipids in pulp, but also in minor components such as polar lipids (phospholipids and glycolipids). Polar lipids of avocado have been overlooked despite being recently highlighted with functional properties as well. The growth in the industry of avocado products is generating an increased amount of their byproducts, such as seed and peels (nonedible portions), still undervalued. The few studies on avocado byproducts pointed out that they also contain interesting lipids, with seeds particularly rich in polar lipids bearing PUFA, and thus can be reused as a source of add-value phytochemical. Mass spectrometry-based lipidomics approaches appear as an essential tool to unveil the complex lipid signature of avocado and its byproducts, contributing to the recognition of value-added lipids and opening new avenues for their use in novel biotechnological applications. The present review provides an up-to-date overview of the lipid signature from avocado pulp, peel, seed, and its oils.

The inhibitory effects of Xiao-Gao-Jiang-Zhuo-containing serum on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes

BACKGROUND

Obesity and related metabolic diseases are becoming a worldwide epidemic, leading to increased mortality and heavy medical costs. Our Chinese herbal formula Xiao-Gao-Jiang-Zhuo (XGJZ) has remarkable effects on curing obese patients in the clinic, but the cellular and molecular basis remains unknown. This study aimed to reveal the molecular mechanism involved in adipogenesis in vitro.

METHODS

Chinese herbal formula XGJZ-containing serum was prepared from XGJZ-treated obesity model rats. The function of XGJZ-containing serum was validated in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Oil O staining was performed to determine intracellular lipid accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. The expression of pro-adipogenic transcription factors was measured to further validate the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The contents of triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid (FFA), and glycerin, along with the activities of lipid metabolism-related enzymes (including FAT, FATP1, DGAT, GPAT, ATGL, and HSL) were measured to study the lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

RESULTS

XGJZ-containing serum inhibited 3T3-L1 differentiation, decreased intracellular lipid accumulation, and suppressed the expression of pro-adipogenic transcription factors in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. The contents of TG, FFA, and glycerin were decreased when treated with XGJZ-containing serum, which also modulated lipid metabolism-related enzyme activities. The activities of fatty acid transporters (FAT, FATP1) and lipid mobilization enzymes (ATGL, HSL) were promoted, while activities of triglyceride biosynthesis enzymes (DGAT, GPAT) were attenuated in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells.

CONCLUSION

XGJZ-containing serum has inhibitory effects on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, affirming the effect of XGJZ in treating obesity. It provides evidence for the mechanism of obesity.

Exploring the Heat Shock Transcription Factor (HSF) Gene Family in Ginger: A Genome-Wide Investigation on Evolution, Expression Profiling, and Response to Developmental and Abiotic Stresses

Ginger is a valuable crop known for its nutritional, seasoning, and health benefits. However, abiotic stresses, such as high temperature and drought, can adversely affect its growth and development. Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) have been recognized as crucial elements for enhancing heat and drought resistance in plants. Nevertheless, no previous study has investigated the HSF gene family in ginger. In this research, a total of 25 ZoHSF members were identified in the ginger genome, which were unevenly distributed across ten chromosomes. The ZoHSF members were divided into three groups (HSFA, HSFB, and HSFC) based on their gene structure, protein motifs, and phylogenetic relationships with Arabidopsis. Interestingly, we found more collinear gene pairs between ZoHSF and HSF genes from monocots, such as rice, wheat, and banana, than dicots like Arabidopsis thaliana. Additionally, we identified 12 ZoHSF genes that likely arose from duplication events. Promoter analysis revealed that the hormone response elements (MEJA-responsiveness and abscisic acid responsiveness) were dominant among the various cis-elements related to the abiotic stress response in ZoHSF promoters. Expression pattern analysis confirmed differential expression of ZoHSF members across different tissues, with most showing responsiveness to heat and drought stress. This study lays the foundation for further investigations into the functional role of ZoHSFs in regulating abiotic stress responses in ginger.

Mexican Ancestral Foods (Theobroma cacao, Opuntia ficus indica, Persea americana and Phaseolus vulgaris) Supplementation on Anthropometric, Lipid and Glycemic Control Variables in Obese Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Diet containing Mexican ancestral foods such as cocoa, nopal, avocado, and common bean have been individually reported to have beneficial effects on obesity and comorbidities. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of Mexican ancestral foods on the anthropometric, lipid, and glycemic control variables in obese patients was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Data were analyzed using a random-effects model. Results: We selected 4664 articles from an initial search, of which only fifteen studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Data for 1670 participants were analyzed: 843 in the intervention group and 827 in the control group. A significant reduction in body mass index (mean difference: −0.80 (−1.31 to −0.30)) (95% confidence interval), p = 0.002, heterogeneity I2 = 92% was showed after the ingestion of cocoa, nopal, avocado, or common bean. The mean difference for body weight was −0.57 (−1.93 to 0.79), waist of circumference: −0.16 (−2.54 to −2.21), total cholesterol: −5.04 (−11.5 to 1.08), triglycerides: −10.11 (−27.87 to 7.64), fasting glucose: −0.81 (−5.81 to 4.19), and insulin: −0.15 (−0.80 to 0.50). Mexican ancestral food supplementation seems to improve anthropometric, lipid, and glycemic control variables in obesity; however, more randomized controlled trials are needed to have further decisive evidence about dosage and method of supplementation and to increase the sample size.

Functional bioactive compounds in ginger, turmeric, and garlic

Nutrition plays a very important role in the health promotion of individuals and brought about a global paradigm shift from pharmaceuticals to nutraceuticals. This is due to the high cost, non-availability, and side effects associated with the unregulated consumption of pharmaceuticals. Over the ages, nutraceuticals from food products were reported to contain bioactive compounds with great health and physiological benefits. This report reviews bioactive compounds in selected foods namely ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and garlic (Allium sativum) as potential natural therapeutics for ailments of cancer and heart-related diseases. Analytical profiles, functional activities, and characterization of these compounds were discussed with possible recommendations for the prospective treatment of diseases using these nutraceuticals.

Impact of Thermal Processing on the Composition of Secondary Metabolites of Ginger Rhizome-A Review

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is both a commonly used spice, and an ingredient of various dietary supplements and medications. Its diverse applications result from the range of health benefits that this plant brings thanks to the presence of active compounds (secondary metabolites) in the matrix. Even if several studies underline a stronger pharmacological activity of fresh ginger rhizomes, the unprocessed plant is relatively rarely used. Ginger rhizomes are subjected to thermal processing, such as boiling, blanching, steam drying and others, at different temperature and time settings. Additionally, freeze-drying of the rhizomes is used as the first step in the preparation of raw material. It was proved that the composition of secondary metabolites of the Zingiber officinale rhizome changes upon the influence of temperature. Therefore, the aim of the review was to put together scientific results on the impact of traditional and unconventional methods of heat treatment on ginger rhizomes and to show the compositional differences that they induce in the plant matrix. Variations in the content and the transformation of some compounds into other metabolites will be also discussed, with particular attention paid to two major groups of secondary metabolites present in the plant, namely, phenolics and terpenes.

Review on nutraceuticals: phase transition from preventive to protective care

Nutraceuticals are essential for healthcare which is an alternative medicine that has gained popularity in recent years. Nutraceuticals consist of nutrients, herbals, and dietary supplements, which make them useful in preserving and promoting health, fighting illness, and improving overall quality of life. Its success or failure will be determined by its rapid expansion, research advances, lack of standards, marketing enthusiasm, quality assurance, and regulations. Nutraceuticals have been used in different regions under different names/categories. however, globally there are no stringent pharmaceutical standards for nutraceutical health products till date, but slowly regulators are paying attention on it. Nutraceuticals can be broadly classified according to it clinical significance, source and therapeutic effects. Nutraceuticals and functional foods have grown to be a multibillion-dollar business worldwide in recent years and personalization is the emerging approach to deliver the best therapeutic effect in future. This review carries extensive information about nutraceutical history, classification, regulatory aspects and industrial perspective.

6-Gingerol, a functional polyphenol of ginger, reduces pulmonary fibrosis by activating Sirtuin1

Pulmonary fibrosis in general is the final common outcome of various interstitial lung diseases. In recent years, the incidence of pulmonary fibrosis has been rising with poor prognosis. 6-gingerol is deemed as a functional polyphenol of ginger. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 6-gingerol, on pulmonary fibrosis. Mice were randomly divided into four groups: control, bleomycin, bleomycin + 6-gingerol 100 mg/kg, bleomycin + 6-gingerol 250 mg/kg, and the survival rates of the groups were recorded. Pathological and fibrotic changes in the lungs were identified by H&E and Masson staining, respectively. The levels of hydroxyproline and protein deposited in lung tissues were then, respectively, determined by colorimetry and western blotting. Subsequently, the proportion of cells and inflammatory factors in the alveolar lavage fluid were estimated. Following the identification of the possibility of Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) in the pharmacological mechanism through molecular docking and western blotting, human embryonic lung fibroblasts MRC-5 were treated with TGF-β1 and SIRT1 inhibitor to study the role of SIRT1 in the regulatory effect of 6-gingerol. From the results, 6-gingerol was found to increase the survival rate of mice and reduce lung pathology and fibrosis in mice. And, it significantly reduced the levels of hydroxyproline and the proteins deposited in lung tissues. Moreover, the number of neutrophils, basophils, monocytes, and the levels of inflammatory factors in the alveolar lavage fluid were also reduced. SIRT1 inhibitor blocked the function of 6-gingerol to inhibit fibrosis. To sum up, 6-gingerol relieves pulmonary fibrosis via activating SIRT1. This finding expands the pharmacological effect of 6-gingerol, and it is expected to advance the development of treatments for pulmonary fibrosis.

Purification and characterization of avocado (Persea americana) polyphenol oxidase by affinity chromatography

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme was purified from avocado (Persea americana) by ammonium sulfate precipitation 0-80%, dialysis and affinity chromatography. Characterization studies were performed with catechol (0.10 M, pH: 7.2, 37 °C), 4-methyl catechol (0.10 M, pH: 6.0, 37 °C), pyrogallol (0.02 M, pH: 8.5, 5 °C), chlorogenic acid (0.20 M, pH: 6.8, 10 °C) and caffeic acid (0.20 M, pH: 8.5, 10 °C), respectively. V_max and K_M values were determined for catechol (15789.96 U*mL^-1*min^-1, 10 mM), 4-methyl catechol (6768.40 U*mL^-1*min^-1, 2 mM), pyrogallol (6802.72 U*mL^-1*min^-1, 4 mM), chlorogenic acid (1377.97 U*mL^-1*min^-1, 14.29 mM) and caffeic acid (2567.24 U*mL^-1*min^-1, 5 mM). PPO was purified as 147.73-fold and 154.00-fold by Sepharose 4B-L-Tyrosine-p-aminobenzoic acid and Sepharose-6B-L-Tyrosine-p-aminobenzoic acid, respectively. 4B isolated PPO gave two bands at 35 and 50 kDa in SDS-PAGE while visible and slightly visible bands at 50-70 kDa and 100 kDa in Native-PAGE. 6B isolated PPO gave bands as distinctively at 50 kDa and unclearly at around 35 kDa in SDS-PAGE while visible and slightly visible bands at 50-70 and 100 kDa in Native-PAGE. The synthesis of original 6B-affinity gel and no any study found in literature on affinity purification of avocado PPO show importance of our study.

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inhibition as a therapeutic target for plant nutraceuticals in mitigating inflammatory lung diseases

Nutraceuticals are dietary supplements that are used to improve health, postpone aging, prevent illnesses, and maintain the human body's correct functioning. Nutraceuticals are now garnering a lot of interest because of their nutritional and therapeutic benefits. The research indicating the relevance of nutraceuticals as a possible therapeutic candidate against inflammatory lung disease was covered in this review. Nowadays, inflammatory lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer, becoming highly dreadful because of their associated fatality. Inflammation is one of the cores and common factors of these diseases which is mainly associated with nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation, NF-κB p65 and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκBα) phosphorylation, and initiation of the signaling pathway of the NF-κB. The secondary metabolites from natural sources are the active component that attenuates NF-κB and the associated pathway that inhibits inflammation in lung diseases. Nutraceuticals belonging to the chemical category polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins have the potential to combat the NF-κB pathway. Accordingly, this review discusses the medical value of nutraceuticals briefly and their ability to mitigate various inflammatory lung diseases through targeting inhibition of NF-κB.

Zingiber officinale: A Systematic Review of Botany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Gut Microbiota-Related Gastrointestinal Benefits

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is a traditional edible medicinal herb with a wide range of uses and long cultivation history. Fresh ginger (Zingiberis Recens Rhizoma; Sheng Jiang in Chinese, SJ) and dried ginger (Zingiberis Rhizoma; Gan Jiang in Chinese, GJ) are designated as two famous traditional Chinese herbal medicines, which are different in plant cultivation, appearances and functions, together with traditional applications. Previous researches mainly focused on the differences in chemical composition between them, but there was no systematical comparison on the similarity concerning research achievements of the two herbs. Meanwhile, ginger has traditionally been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, but so far, the possible interaction with human gut microbiota has hardly been considered. This review comprehensively presents similarities and differences between SJ and GJ retrospectively, particularly proposing them the significant differences in botany, phytochemistry and ethnopharmacology, which can be used as evidence for clinical application of SJ and GJ. Furthermore, the pharmacology of gut microbiota-related gastrointestinal benefits has also been discussed in order to explore better ways to prevent and treat gastrointestinal disorders, which can be used as a reference for further research.

Diet Impact on Obesity beyond Calories and Trefoil Factor Family 2 (TFF2) as an Illustration: Metabolic Implications and Potential Applications

Obesity is a health problem with increasing impacts on public health, economy and even social life. In order to reestablish the energy balance, obesity management focuses mainly on two pillars; exercise and diet. Beyond the contribution to the caloric intake, the diet nutrients and composition govern a variety of properties. This includes the energy balance-independent properties and the indirect metabolic effects. Whereas the energy balance-independent properties are close to "pharmacological" effects and include effects such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, the indirect metabolic effects represent the contribution a diet can have on energy metabolism beyond the caloric contribution itself, which include the food intake control and metabolic changes. As an illustration, we also described the metabolic implication and hypothetical pathways of the high-fat diet-induced gene Trefoil Factor Family 2. The properties the diet has can have a variety of applications mainly in pharmacology and nutrition and further explore the "pharmacologically" active food towards potential therapeutic applications.

Effects of Zingiber officinale extract supplementation on metabolic and genotoxic parameters in diet-induced obesity in mice

Obesity is an epidemic associated with many diseases. The nutraceutical Zingiber officinale (ZO) is a potential treatment for obesity; however, the molecular effects are unknown. Swiss male mice were fed a high-fat diet (59 % energy from fat) for 16 weeks to generate a diet-induced obesity (DIO) model and then divided into the following groups: standard diet + vehicle; standard diet + ZO; DIO + vehicle and DIO + ZO. Those in the ZO groups were supplemented with 400 mg/kg per d of ZO extract (oral administration) for 35 d. The animals were euthanised, and blood, quadriceps, epididymal fat pad and hepatic tissue were collected. DIO induced insulin resistance, proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and DNA damage in different tissues. Treatment with ZO improved insulin sensitivity as well as decreased serum TAG, without changes in body weight or adiposity index. TNF-α and IL-1β levels were lower in the liver and quadriceps in the DIO + ZO group compared with the DIO group. ZO treatment reduced the reactive species and oxidative damage to proteins, lipids and DNA in blood and liver in obese animals. The endogenous antioxidant activity was higher in the quadriceps of DIO + ZO. These results in the rat model of DIO may indicate ZO as an adjuvant on obesity treatment.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) as a nutraceutical: Focus on the metabolic, analgesic, and antiinflammatory effects

Ginger (from the rizhome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe) has been widely used in ethnomedicine for the cure of several ailments. Main active ingredients include phenolic compounds named gingerols. In modern phytotherapy, ginger preparations are predominantly used to counteract nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. However, a number of other pharmacological actions of potential therapeutic interest, which might broaden the spectrum of its clinical use, have been reported. This focused review aims at giving a shot on the antinflammatory, analgesic, and metabolic actions of Zingiber officinale preparations, with a discussion on the clinical applications in knee osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea, type‐2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, overweight, and obesity.

A Brief Overview of Oxidative Stress in Adipose Tissue with a Therapeutic Approach to Taking Antioxidant Supplements

One of the leading causes of obesity associated with oxidative stress (OS) is excessive consumption of nutrients, especially fast-foods, and a sedentary lifestyle, characterized by the ample accumulation of lipid in adipose tissue (AT). When the body needs energy, the lipid is broken down into glycerol (G) and free fatty acids (FFA) during the lipolysis process and transferred to various tissues in the body. Materials secreted from AT, especially adipocytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), are impressive in causing inflammation and OS of AT. There are several ways to improve obesity, but researchers have highly regarded the use of antioxidant supplements due to their neutralizing properties in removing ROS. In this review, we have examined the AT response to OS to antioxidant supplements focusing on animal studies. The results are inconsistent due to differences in the study duration and diversity in animals (strain, age, and sex). Therefore, there is a need for different studies, especially in humans.

Binge Eating and Binge Drinking: A Two-Way Road? An Integrative Review

Unhealthy diet and alcohol are serious health problems, especially in adolescents and young adults. "Binge" is defined as the excessive and uncontrolled consumption of food (binge eating) and alcohol (binge drinking). Both behaviors are frequent among young people and have a highly negative impact on health and quality of life. Several studies have explored the causes and risk factors of both behaviors, and the evidence concludes that there is a relationship between the two behaviors. In addition, some research postulates that binge eating is a precipitating factor in the onset and escalation of excessive alcohol consumption, while other studies suggest that alcohol consumption leads to excessive and uncontrollable food consumption. Given that no review has yet been published regarding the directionality between the two behaviors, we have set out to provide an upto- date overview of binge eating and binge drinking problems, analyzing their commonalities and differences, and their uni- and bidirectional associations. In addition, we explore the reasons why young people tend to engage in both behaviors and consider directions for future research and clinical implications.

Erica multiflora extract rich in quercetin-3-O-glucoside and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside alleviates high fat and fructose diet-induced fatty liver disease by modulating metabolic and inflammatory pathways in Wistar rats

The wide morbidity of obesity has heightened interest in providing natural and safe compounds to maintain optimal health. The present study was designed to determine the chemical constituents and the effects of methanol leaf extract from Erica multiflora (M-EML) on mitigating high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD)-induced metabolic syndrome (MS). LC-MS/MS characterization of M-EML allowed the identification of 14 secondary metabolites and showed that quercetin-3-O-glucoside and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside were the main compounds of our extract. In the in vivo study, the oral administration of M-EML (250 mg/kg) during the last 4 weeks of the experimentation alleviated HFFD-induced obesity, insulin resistance (IR) and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, M-EML treatment significantly normalized body and liver weight, allowed to a sharp decline in plasma levels of TC, TG and LDL-c by 32%, 35% and 66%, respectively. Moreover, hepatic enzymes, total and direct bilirubin, lipase and uric acid levels have been diminished in treated group. Histopathology of the liver confirmed the changes induced by HFFD and the hepatoprotective effect of M-EML. The supply of M-EML reduced NO production and cellular lysosomal enzyme activity by 44% and 60%, respectively compared to HFFD. Besides, M-EML showed decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines levels (259.5±47.35 pg/ml and 56.08±1.56 pg/ml) of TNF-α and IL-6, respectively. In addition, M-EML reduced liver malondialdehyde (MDA) content and enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. In contrast, these enzymatic activities have been disrupted in HFFD rats. Overall, M-EML prevented obesity through the modulation of metabolic syndrome, reducing inflammation and promoting antioxidant enzymes activities.