Antioxidant and anti-adipogenic activities of chestnut (Castanea crenata) byproducts

Green synthesis of ZnO/CQD nanocomposite using chestnut shell and evaluating its photocatalytic antimicrobial activity under visible light

This research evaluated the photocatalytic antimicrobial activity under visible light and investigated its mechanisms by synthesizing CQDs and ZnO from a single ingredient, chestnut shells, a food processing byproduct, and then wrapping CQDs on the ZnO to form a nanocomposite. Characterization confirmed successful synthesis, highlighting the potential to economically and sustainably produce two nanomaterials from one source. When CQDs were wrapped onto ZnO at an 8% ratio (8%-ZnO/CQD), the highest photocatalytic antimicrobial activity was achieved. The study demonstrated that CQDs effectively suppress the recombination of photoexcited electron-hole pairs, increasing the generation of reactive species, such as e- and •OH. The increased surface area from CQD wrapping led to the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS), further enhancing their antimicrobial activity and causing cell membrane damage. These findings suggest that 8%-ZnO/CQD holds promise for microbial control, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to reducing water- and food-borne diseases.

Possible Beneficial Effects of Hydrolyzable Tannins Deriving from Castanea sativa L. in Internal Medicine

Hydrolyzable tannins (HTs) deriving from chestnuts have demonstrated, through numerous studies, the ability to exert multiple beneficial effects, including antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, on the lipid metabolism and cancer cells. The latter effect is very fascinating, since different polyphenols deriving from chestnuts were able to synergistically induce the inhibition of cancerous cells through multiple pathways. Moreover, the main mechanisms by which tannins induce antioxidant functions include: the reduction in oxidative stress, the ability to scavenge free radicals, and the modulation of specific enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase. HTs have also been shown to exert significant antimicrobial activity by suppressing microbial growth. The actions on the lipid metabolism are several, among which is the inhibition of lipid accumulation. Thus, tannins seem to induce a cardioprotective effect. In fact, through various mechanisms, such as the relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle, HTs were proven to be efficient against arterial hypertension. Therefore, the great number of studies in this field prove the growing interest on the utilization of natural bioactive compounds, such as HTs deriving from natural sources or obtained by circular economy models, as potential nutraceuticals or adjuvants therapies.

Metabolite Profiling of Chestnut (Castanea crenata) According to Origin and Harvest Time Using 1H NMR Spectroscopy

Chestnuts are an important food crop commonly used as a food ingredient due to their nutritional properties and potential health benefits. In Korea, chestnuts have been crossbred to develop cultivars with insect resistance and high productivity, producing multiple chestnut varieties. This study classified 17 Castanea crenata cultivars produced in Korea according to origin and harvest time and determined the metabolites in chestnut kernels using ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The 17 C. crenata cultivars were divided into four groups based on their geographic origin: Korean native, Korean hybrid, Japanese native, and Japanese hybrid. The cultivars were also divided into three groups depending on their harvest period: early-ripening cultivar, mid-ripening cultivar, and late-ripening cultivar. The partial least squares-discriminant analysis score plot revealed differences among the groups. Identified metabolites, including amino acids, organic acids, and sugars, contributed to discriminating the origin and harvest time of the C. crenata chestnut kernels. Significant differences were observed, mainly in amino acids, which suggests that the composition of amino acids is one factor influenced by both the origin and harvest time of C. crenata. These results are useful to both growers and breeders because they identify the nutritional and metabolic characteristics of each C. crenata cultivar.

The aqueous fraction of Castanea crenata inner shell extract reduces obesity and intramuscular lipid accumulation via induction of mitochondrial respiration and fatty acid oxidation in muscle

BACKGROUND

Skeletal muscle is responsible for free fatty acid (FFA) disposal via mitochondrial respiration and fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Obesity triggers high levels of circulating FFAs, which can cause intramuscular lipid (IMCL) deposition. Diverse phytochemicals, including crude Castanea crenata inner shell extract (CCE), have been shown to possess an anti-obesity effect.

PURPOSE

We aimed to demonstrate whether the aqueous fraction of CCE (ACCE) provides an anti-obesity effect with a decrease in plasma FFAs and reduces IMCL.

METHODS

High-fat-fed C57BL/6 mice received ACCE via water intake. A204 cells incubated with fatty acids were treated with ACCE. Lipid accumulation and mitochondrial metabolism were assessed using histological and molecular techniques.

RESULTS

ACCE possessed a notably higher gallic acid content than CCE among the constituents. ACCE-administered mice exhibited reduced plasma FFA levels, adiposity, and IMCL. Muscle lipotoxicity was suppressed, including apoptosis, ER stress, and inflammation. The anti-lipid effect of ACCE was observed with the induction of mitochondrial respiration and fatty acid oxidation in muscle.

CONCLUSIONS

ACCE increases mitochondrial respiration and FAO in skeletal muscle and protects muscle from IMCL and lipotoxicity, reducing plasma FFA and adiposity.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity, Deodorizing Effect, and Antibacterial Activity of 'Porotan' Chestnut By-Products and Establishment of a Compound Paper

Chestnuts are widely cultivated for their edible portion (kernel), whereas the non-edible parts are discarded. To enable the utilization of the by-products of processed chestnuts, we separated them into green and brown burs, shells, inner skin, and leaves, and analyzed the bioactive properties of the ground components. We also created a composite paper, comprising the inner skin, and examined its deodorant properties. It was revealed that the inner skin had the highest functionality and showed potent antioxidant, antibacterial, and deodorant properties. Furthermore, when we produced a paper, containing 60% inner skin, and examined its deodorant properties, we found that it was highly effective in deodorizing ammonia and acetic acid gases. These results show that the inner skin of chestnuts is a promising material for developing hygiene and other products.

Bioactive phenolic components and potential health effects of chestnut shell: A review

Chestnut kernels are often used for direct consumption; or processed to produce marron glacé, chestnut purée, and gluten-free products, while chestnut by-products (inner shell and outer shell) are treated as waste residues. Many in vivo and in vitro studies have proved how chestnut shell extract functions as an antioxidant and exhibits anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity activities. This review introduces the main components of phenolic compounds in chestnut shells, traditional and modern extraction methods, and reported potential health effects. The aim is to have a better understanding of the functional active ingredients in chestnut shells and their value-added uses, to increase understanding of future applications of this agricultural and sideline product in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In recent years, chestnut shells have become a hot research topic because of their rich bioactive ingredients. Due to the large amount of phenolic compounds in chestnut shells and their potential health functions (antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and treatment of obesity), extracts of chestnut shells have high biological value in the treatment of diseases. Therefore, this review introduces the main components of phenolic compounds in chestnut shells, traditional and modern extraction methods, and the potential health effects of these compounds. The aim of this review is to better understand the functional, active ingredients in chestnut shells and their value-added uses, and to increase understanding of future applications of this agricultural and sideline product in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Untargeted Characterization of Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) Shell Polyphenol Extract: A Valued Bioresource for Prostate Cancer Cell Growth Inhibition

Chestnut seeds are used for fresh consumption and for the industrial preparation of derivatives, such as chestnut flour. During industrial processing, large amounts of by-products are generally produced, such as leaves, flowers, shells and burs. In the present study, chestnut shells were extracted by boiling water in order to obtain polyphenol-rich extracts. Moreover, for the removal or non-phenolic compounds, a separation by preparative reverse phase chromatography in ten fractions was carried out. The richest fractions in terms of phenolic content were characterized by means of untargeted high-resolution mass spectrometric analysis together with a dedicated and customized data processing workflow. A total of 243 flavonoids, phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins and ellagitannins were tentatively identified in the five richest fractions. Due its high phenolic content (450.03 µg GAE per mg of fraction), one tumor cell line (DU 145) and one normal prostate epithelial cell line (PNT2) were exposed to increasing concentration of fraction 3 dry extract for 24, 48 and 72 h. Moreover, for DU 145 cell lines, increase of apoptotic cells and perturbation of cell cycle was demonstrated for the same extract. Those outcomes suggest that chestnut industrial by-products could be potentially employed as a source of bioresources.

Preventive effects of a novel herbal mixture on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in BALB/C mice

BACKGROUND

A combination of parts of Cornus officinalis, Rosa multiflora, Lespedeza bicolor, Platycladus orientalis, and Castanea crenata is commonly used for alleviating inflammatory skin disorders. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo preventive effects of a novel herbal formula made from the five plants (C2RLP) against atopic dermatitis in BALB/C mice.

METHODS

Mice were allocated into five groups (n = 8) including, control (Normal, petrolatum, and betamethasone treated) and treatment groups (treated with 2.5 and 5% C2RLP ointment). Atopic lesion was induced by applying 1-Chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene to the dorsal thoracic area of mice. Macroscopical and histological evaluations were performed to determine the effects of treatment on the progress of the skin lesions. The effects of treatment on the production and release of interleukins, interferon -ϒ, nitrite, prostaglandin E2, thymus and activation-receptor chemokine, and β-hexosaminidase were evaluated and comparisons were made between groups. In addition, the chemical compounds present in C2RLP were identified by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

RESULTS

Topical application of C2RLP reduced the dermatitis score and suppressed histopathological changes in mice. Treatment significantly reduced (P < 0.05) plasma IL-4 level, the production of nitrite, prostaglandin E2, and thymus and activation-receptor chemokine production. The lipopolysaccharide-induced iNOS-mRNA expression in RAW 264.7 cells was also suppressed by high concentrations of C2RLP. In addition, C2RLP showed an inhibitory effect against DPPH free radical (IC50 = 147.5 μg/ml) and β-hexosaminidase release (IC50 = 179.5 μg/ml). Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of various compounds, including loganin, ellagic acid, and kaempferol 3-glucoside.

CONCLUSION

Down-regulation of T- helper 2 cellular responses and suppression of inflammatory mediators contributed to the protective effects of C2RLP from atopic dermatitis in BALB/C mice.

Antioxidant and anti-adipogenic activities of the nuts of Castanopsis cuspidata var. thunbergii

The antioxidant and anti-adipogenic activities of the water extract (WE) and methanol extract (ME) of the shell and kernel of Castanopsis cuspidata var. thunbergii (CCT) nuts were evaluated. The shell extracts showed higher DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities (RSAs) than did the kernel extracts. Furthermore, the RSA of the ME was higher than that of the WE, regardless of the part. The total phenolic contents (TPCs) of the ME of the shell and kernel were 71.38 and 10.56 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 mg extract, respectively. The TPCs of the WE of the shell and kernel were 17.44 and 9.27 mg GAE/100 mg extract, respectively. The WE inhibited 3T3-L1 adipogenesis more effectively than did the ME, and the shell extracts suppressed 3T3-L1 adipogenesis more effectively than did the kernel extracts. These results suggest that CCT nut kernels (ME) and shells (WE) may be strategically used to enhance antioxidant or and anti-obesity materials.

Suppression of Nrf2 Activity by Chestnut Leaf Extract Increases Chemosensitivity of Breast Cancer Stem Cells to Paclitaxel

Due to metastatic potential and drug resistance, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have become a critical target for the development of chemotherapeutic agents. Recent studies showed that CSCs highly express NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated antioxidant enzymes and thereby retain relatively low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since anticancer agents usually utilize ROS as an arsenal for killing cancer cells, we hypothesized that inhibition of Nrf2 activity could increase the sensitivity of CSCs to anticancer drugs, and thus enhancing their therapeutic efficacy. We found that MCF-7-derived CSCs with a CD44^high/CD24^low phenotype formed mammospheres and highly expressed Nrf2 compared to the adherent parental MCF-7 cells. In a separate experiment, we screened 89 different edible plant extracts for inhibitory activity against the Nrf2 signaling pathway by using an antioxidant response element (ARE)-luciferase assay system. Among those extracts, Castanea crenata (chestnut) leaf extract significantly decreased the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and protein expression of antioxidant enzymes in MCF-7-derived CSCs. The combined treatment of the CSCs with chestnut leaf extract and paclitaxel resulted in more effective cell death than the treatment with paclitaxel alone. These findings suggest that the chestnut leaf extract or its constituents could increase the susceptibility of breast CSCs to an anticancer drug, paclitaxel, through inhibition of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, and could be utilized as an adjuvant for chemotherapy.