The relationship between the structure and biological actions of green tea catechins

Therapeutic potential of synthetic and natural iron chelators against ferroptosis

Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death, is characterized by iron accumulation that results in the production of reactive oxygen species. This further causes lipid peroxidation and damage to the cellular components, eventually culminating into oxidative stress. Recent studies have highlighted the pivotal role of ferroptosis in the pathophysiological development and progression of various diseases such as β-thalassemia, hemochromatosis, and neurodegenerative disorders like AD and PD. Extensive efforts are in progress to understand the molecular mechanisms governing the role of ferroptosis in these conditions, and chelation therapy stands out as a potential approach to mitigate ferroptosis and its related implications in their development. There are currently both synthetic and natural iron chelators that are being researched for their potential as ferroptosis inhibitors. While synthetic chelators are relatively well-established and studied, their short plasma half-life and toxic side effects necessitate the exploration and identification of natural products that can act as efficient and safe iron chelators. In this review, we comprehensively discuss both synthetic and natural iron chelators as potential therapeutic strategies against ferroptosis-induced pathologies.

A review on the effect of green tea extract against obesity

Obesity is a public health crisis that has reached epidemic proportions worldwide, demanding urgent attention. To combat obesity, people endeavor to follow a healthy diet and regularly engage in physical activities. However, maintaining a healthy diet and physical activity is challenging, highlighting the need for novel effective therapies. This review aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of a well-researched functional food ingredient, green tea extract, for combating obesity. To assess the effectiveness of green tea extract, the review systematically examines various obesity indicators. It focuses on markers for body fat reduction in rodent models and humans, including weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and waist circumference. Furthermore, it explores the potential for suppressing and preventing obesity-related metabolic disorders. By thoroughly examining the effectiveness and mechanism of green tea extract, the study seeks to understand the potential of green tea extract as a nutraceutical/functional food for obesity management and prevention.

Evaluation of key taste components in Huangjin green tea based on electronic tongue technology

A random forest algorithm combined with correlation analysis, was employed to identify key taste compounds in Huangjin green tea by using an electronic tongue. A total of 45 commercial Huangjin green teas were analysed for their amino acids, catechins, gallic acid, and caffeine using an amino acid analyser and HPLC. In this study, taste compounds of 30 were quantified, and 16 of these compounds exhibited taste activity values greater than 1 in the tea samples, including 6 amino acids, 8 catechins, as well as gallic acid and caffeine. Among these compounds, 5 compounds showed relatively high importance and strong correlations (P < 0.05) with the response of electronic tongue; specific for theanine, glutamic acid, lysine, gallocatechin, and catechin. A taste reconstruction experiment further confirmed that these 5 compounds significantly contributed to the overall taste profile, particularly enhancing the umami flavour.

Progress in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease based on nanosized traditional Chinese medicines

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been employed for centuries in treating and managing Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, their effective delivery to target sites can be a major challenge. This is due to their poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and potential toxicity. Furthermore, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major obstacle to effective TCM delivery, significantly reducing efficacy. Advancements in nanotechnology and its applications in TCM (nano-TCM) can deliver active ingredients or components of TCM across the BBB to the targeted brain area. This review summarizes the recent advances in nanocarrier-based delivery systems for different types of active constituents of TCM for AD, including terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and quinones. Besides, the main challenges and opportunities for the future development of these advanced TCM nanocarriers are emphasized. In conclusion, this review provides valuable insights and guidance for utilizing nanocarriers to shape future TCM drug delivery.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Flavonoids in the Management of Cancer

Flavonoids are a class of polyphenolic compounds that can be classified into six distinct categories, namely isoflavonoids, flavanones, flavanols, flavonols, flavones, and anthocyanidins. These compounds are naturally occurring and can be found in a diverse range of plant species. Flavonoids, a class of bioactive compounds, are mostly obtained through the consumption of vegetables, fruits and plant-derived beverages such as wine, cocoa-based products and green tea. Flavonoids have been demonstrated to exhibit a diverse range of anticancer properties. These include the modulation of activities of enzymes involved in scavenging reactive oxygen species, involvement in cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis and autophagy, as well as suppression of cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness. Flavonoids exhibit a dual role in maintaining reactive oxygen species balance. They function as antioxidants in regular physiological conditions, while also demonstrating significant pro-oxidant properties in cancer cells. This prooxidant activity induces apoptotic pathways and downregulates pro-inflammatory signalling pathways. The paper explores the biochemical characteristics, bioavailability, anticancer efficacy, and modes of action of flavonoids.

Assessment of the cytotoxicity micro- and nano-plastic on human intestinal Caco-2 cells and the protective effects of catechin

Micro- and nano-plastics (M/NPs) potentially leach from plastic wrapping into food and beverages. However, the risks of ingested M/NPs to human intestinal health remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the potential risks and mechanisms of PS-M/NPs using a human intestinal epithelial in vitro model and to explore protective measures to reduce these risks. The results showed that polystyrene (PS) M/NPs exhibited size-dependent cytotoxicity (3 μm < 0.3 μm < 80 nm < 20 nm). Additionally, by measuring intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production after exposure to PS-M/NPs and the elimination of ROS by N-acetyl-L-cysteine, we identified oxidative stress as a mechanism of PS-M/NP-induced cytotoxicity. Hazard quotients calculated from the study indicated that the risks of M/NPs derived from plastic teabags exceeded the margin of safety, suggesting that ingested M/NPs potentially pose a risk to human intestinal health. Furthermore, this study found that catechins can reduce the adverse effects of M/NPs, so we propose that drinking tea may offer a protective effect against the harm of M/NPs on the intestinal system.

Biochemical insights into tea foam: A comparative study across six categories

Tea foam properties, crucial indicators of tea quality, have gained renewed interest due to their potential applications in innovative beverages and foods. This study investigated the foaming properties and chemical foundations of six major tea categories through morphological observations and biochemical analyses. White tea exhibited the highest foaming ability at 56.28%, while black tea showed the best foam stability at 84.01%. Conversely, green tea had the lowest foaming ability (10.83%) and foam stability (54.24%). These superior foaming characteristics are attributed to the relatively low lipid content and acidic pH values. Surprisingly, no significant correlation was found between tea saponin content and foaming properties. Instead, specific amino acids (including Tyr, Gaba, Phe, Ile, and Leu) and catechins (GA and CG) were identified as potential contributors. These results deepen our understanding of tea foam formation and offer insights into utilizing tea-derived plant-based foams in food products.

Anti-tumor Effects of Polyphenols via Targeting Cancer Driving Signaling Pathways: A Review

The use of drugs in chemotherapy poses numerous side effects. Hence the use of natural substances that can help in the prevention and cure of the disease is a dire necessity. Cancer is a deadly illness and combination of diseases, the menace of which is rising with every passing year. The research community and scientists from all over the world are working towards finding a cure of the disease. The use of polyphenols which are naturally derived from plants have a great potential to be used as anti-cancer drugs and also the use of fruits and vegetables which are rich in these polyphenols can also help in the prevention of diseases. The study aims to compile the available literature and research studies on the anti-cancer effects of polyphenols and the signaling pathways that are affected by them. To review the anti-cancer effects of polyphenols, Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect were used to study the literature available. The article that have been used for literature review were filtered using keywords including cancer, polyphenols and signaling pathways. Majorly articles from the last 10 years have been considered for the review but relevant articles from earlier than 10 years have also been considered. Almost 400 articles were studied for the review and 200 articles have been cited. The current review shows the potential of polyphenols as anti-cancer compounds and how the consumption of a diet rich in polyphenols can help in the prevention of cancer. Because of their capacity to affect a variety of oncogenic and oncosuppressive signaling pathways, phytochemicals derived from plants have been effectively introduced as an alternative anticarcinogenic medicines.

Graphical Abstract

Enhancement of ROS Production by Catechin Is a Primary Effect of Increased Azole Efficacy in Nakaseomyces glabratus (Candida glabrata) Cells Lacking the ERG6 Gene

Fungal infections have become an important public health problem. Currently, there are only three available classes of antifungals for the treatment of invasive infections. Two of them, azoles and polyenes, target the synthesis of ergosterol or bind to sterols. A promising strategy to improve current therapies is the use of natural compounds in combinational therapies with the existing antifungals. In this work, we analyzed the changes in the susceptibility of the mutant strain of Nakaseomyces glabratus (Candida glabrata) lacking the ERG6 gene (encoding the sterol C-24 methyltransferase in ergosterol biosynthesis) in the presence of catechin and antifungal azoles. The reduced content of ergosterol in the Cgerg6Δ mutant resulted in the increased tolerance of the mutant cells to both azoles and polyenes. The combination of catechin with fluconazole or miconazole led to the growth inhibition of the azole-resistant Cgerg6Δ mutant strain. In the presence of catechin and miconazole, the Cgerg6Δ mutant fails to properly activate the expression of genes encoding the transcription factors CgYap1p and CgMsn4p, as well as the gene expression of CgCTA1, which are involved in oxidative stress response and lead to the intracellular accumulation of ROS. Finally, we show that catechin administration reduces mortality in a Galleria mellonella model infected with C. glabrata. Our work thus supports the use of catechin in combination therapies for fungal infections and shows that the CgERG6 gene could be a potential new drug target.

Maternal Polyphenols and Offspring Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health

BACKGROUND

The convergence of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic disorders at the pathophysiological level has led to the recognition of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, which represents a significant global health challenge. Polyphenols, a group of phytochemicals, have demonstrated potential health-promoting effects.

METHODS

This review highlights the impact of maternal polyphenol supplementation on the CKM health of offspring.

RESULTS

Initially, we summarize the interconnections between polyphenols and each aspect of CKM syndrome. We then discuss in vivo studies that have investigated the use of polyphenols during pregnancy and breastfeeding, focusing on their role in preventing CKM syndrome in offspring. Additionally, we explore the common mechanisms underlying the protective effects of maternal polyphenol supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this review underscores the potential of early-life polyphenol interventions in safeguarding against CKM syndrome in offspring. It emphasizes the importance of continued research to advance our understanding and facilitate the clinical translation of these interventions.

Euterpe oleracea Mart. Bioactive Molecules: Promising Agents to Modulate the NLRP3 Inflammasome

Inflammation is a vital mechanism that defends the organism against infections and restores homeostasis. However, when inflammation becomes uncontrolled, it leads to chronic inflammation. The NLRP3 inflammasome is crucial in chronic inflammatory responses and has become a focal point in research for new anti-inflammatory therapies. Flavonoids like catechin, apigenin, and epicatechin are known for their bioactive properties (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, etc.), but the mechanisms behind their anti-inflammatory actions remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the ability of various flavonoids (isolated and combined) to modulate the NLRP3 inflammasome using in silico and in vitro models. Computer simulations, such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and MM/GBSA calculations examined the interactions between bioactive molecules and NLRP3 PYD. THP1 cells were treated with LPS + nigericin to activate NLRP3, followed by flavonoid treatment at different concentrations. THP1-derived macrophages were also treated following NLRP3 activation protocols. The assays included colorimetric, fluorometric, microscopic, and molecular techniques. The results showed that catechin, apigenin, and epicatechin had high binding affinity to NLRP3 PYD, similar to the known NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950. These flavonoids, particularly at 1 µg/mL, 0.1 µg/mL, and 0.01 µg/mL, respectively, significantly reduced LPS + nigericin effects in both cell types and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine, caspase-1, and NLRP3 gene expression, suggesting their potential as anti-inflammatory agents through NLRP3 modulation.

Neurodegenerative diseases and catechins: (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate is a modulator of chronic neuroinflammation and oxidative stress

Catechins, a class of phytochemicals found in various fruits and tea leaves, have garnered attention for their diverse health-promoting properties, including their potential in combating neurodegenerative diseases. Among these catechins, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant polyphenol in green tea, has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are key pathological mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). EGCG has neuroprotective efficacy due to scavenging free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and attenuating neuroinflammatory processes. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms of EGCG's anti-oxidative stress and chronic neuroinflammation, emphasizing its effects on autoimmune responses, neuroimmune system interactions, and focusing on the related effects on AD and PD. By elucidating EGCG's mechanisms of action and its impact on neurodegenerative processes, this review underscores the potential of EGCG as a therapeutic intervention for AD, PD, and possibly other neurodegenerative diseases. Overall, EGCG emerges as a promising natural compound for combating chronic neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, offering novel avenues for neuroprotective strategies in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Methylxanthine and Flavonoid Contents from Guarana Seeds (Paullinia cupana): Comparison of Different Drying Techniques and Effects of UV Radiation

Guarana seeds are typically processed using one of three drying methods: traditional sun exposure, greenhouse drying, or the alguidar oven technique. In our research, we evaluated the contents of methylxanthines and flavan-3-ols in sun- and alguidar-dried guarana seeds from Bahia State's Low Sul Identity Territory. Caffeine, theobromine, catechin, and epicatechin were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV-visible detection (HPLC/UV-vis). Statistical tools, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey's test, and exploratory analysis, were employed to analyze the obtained data. Our findings indicated that the flavan-3-ols content in sun-dried guarana samples was lower compared to those dried using the alguidar oven, possibly due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from solar energy. Conversely, we observed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the average contents of methylxanthines between the two drying methods. Our supplementary experiments involving UV-A and UV-C radiation lamps revealed a decreasing trend in methylxanthines and flavan-3-ols contents with increasing duration of UV radiation exposure.

Generation of Hydrogen Peroxide in Cancer Cells: Advancing Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer Treatment

Cancer cells show altered antioxidant defense systems, dysregulated redox signaling, and increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Targeting cancer cells through ROS-mediated mechanisms has emerged as a significant therapeutic strategy due to its implications in cancer progression, survival, and resistance. Extensive research has focused on selective generation of H2O2 in cancer cells for selective cancer cell killing by employing various strategies such as metal-based prodrugs, photodynamic therapy, enzyme-based systems, nano-particle mediated approaches, chemical modulators, and combination therapies. Many of these H2O2-amplifying approaches have demonstrated promising anticancer effects and selectivity in preclinical investigations. They selectively induce cytotoxicity in cancer cells while sparing normal cells, sensitize resistant cells, and modulate the tumor microenvironment. However, challenges remain in achieving selectivity, addressing tumor heterogeneity, ensuring efficient delivery, and managing safety and toxicity. To address those issues, H2O2-generating agents have been combined with other treatments leading to optimized combination therapies. This review focuses on various chemical agents/approaches that kill cancer cells via H2O2-mediated mechanisms. Different categories of compounds that selectively generate H2O2 in cancer cells are summarized, their underlying mechanisms and function are elucidated, preclinical and clinical studies as well as recent advancements are discussed, and their prospects as targeted therapeutic agents and their therapeutic utility in combination with other treatments are explored. By understanding the potential of these compounds, researchers can pave the way for the development of effective and personalized cancer treatments.

(+)-Catechin ameliorates diabetic nephropathy injury by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-related NLRP3-mediated inflammation

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and chronic sterile inflammation are associated with the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Catechins are natural polyphenolic compounds found in green tea that possess some health benefits. However, whether (+)-catechin can reduce tubular injury in DN by regulating ER stress and NLRP3-associated inflammation remains uncertain. This study examined the effects of (+)-catechin on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and on palmitic acid (PA)-treated HK-2 cells. In vivo, a DN mouse model was generated by injecting STZ. The biochemical indicators of serum and urine, as well as renal histopathology and ultrastructure were analysed. To predict the mechanisms associated with (+)-catechin, network pharmacology and molecular docking were used. Finally, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), western blot analysis and immunofluorescence analysis were performed to measure the mRNA and protein expressions of specific targets in the renal tissue of DN mice and PA-treated HK-2 cells to validate the predicted results. (+)-Catechin significantly ameliorated renal function and pathological changes associated with tubular injury by inhibiting ER stress by downregulating of GRP78, PEAK, CHOP, ATF6 and XBP1. In addition, (+)-catechin inhibited renal inflammation by suppressing NLRP3 associated inflammation, which was characterized by the downregulation of NLRP3, ASC, AIM2, Caspase1, IL-1β and IL-18 in DN mice and PA-treated HK-2 cells. Collectively, these findings suggested that (+)-catechin exerted a renoprotective effect against DN by inhibiting ER stress and NLRP3-related inflammation to ameliorate tubular injury, suggesting the therapeutic potential of (+)-catechin.

Sustainable strategies for using natural extracts in smart food packaging

The growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly food packaging has prompted research on innovative solutions to environmental and consumer health issues. To enhance the properties of smart packaging, the incorporation of bioactive compounds derived from various natural sources has attracted considerable interest because of their functional properties, including antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. However, extracting these compounds from natural sources poses challenges because of their complex chemical structures and low concentrations. Traditional extraction methods are often environmentally harmful, expensive and time-consuming. Thus, green extraction techniques have emerged as promising alternatives, offering sustainable and eco-friendly approaches that minimise the use of hazardous solvents and reduce environmental impact. This review explores cutting-edge research on the green extraction of bioactive compounds and their incorporation into smart packaging systems in the last 10 years. Then, an overview of bioactive compounds, green extraction techniques, integrated techniques, green extraction solvents and their application in smart packaging was provided, and the impact of bioactive compounds incorporated in smart packaging on the shelf lives of food products was explored. Furthermore, it highlights the challenges and opportunities within this field and presents recommendations for future research, aiming to contribute to the advancement of sustainable and efficient smart packaging solutions.

Widely Targeted Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology Reveal the Nutritional Potential of Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge) Leaves and Flowers

Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge) is a unique oilseed tree in China with high edible and medicinal value. However, the application potential of yellowhorn has not been adequately explored. In this study, widely targeted metabolomics (HPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS) and network pharmacology were applied to investigate the nutritional potential of yellowhorn leaves and flowers. The widely targeted metabolomics results suggested that the yellowhorn leaf contains 948 non-volatile metabolites and 638 volatile metabolites, while the yellowhorn flower contains 976 and 636, respectively. A non-volatile metabolite analysis revealed that yellowhorn leaves and flowers contain a variety of functional components beneficial to the human body, such as terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, lignans and coumarins, phenolic acids, amino acids, and nucleotides. An analysis of volatile metabolites indicated that the combined action of various volatile compounds, such as 2-furanmethanol, β-icon, and 2-methyl-3-furanthiol, provides the special flavor of yellowhorn leaves and flowers. A network pharmacology analysis showed that various components in the flowers and leaves of yellowhorn have a wide range of biological activities. This study deepens our understanding of the non-volatile and volatile metabolites in yellowhorn and provides a theoretical basis and data support for the whole resource application of yellowhorn.

A sensor array based on a nanozyme with polyphenol oxidase activity for the identification of tea polyphenols and Chinese green tea

Green tea is popular among consumers because of its high nutritional value and unique flavor. There is often a strong correlation among the type of tea, its quality level and the price. Therefore, the rapid identification of tea types and the judgment of tea quality grades are particularly important. In this work, a novel sensor array based on nanozyme with polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity is proposed for the identification of tea polyphenols (TPs) and Chinese green tea. The absorption spectra changes of the nanozyme and its substrate in the presence of different TPs were first investigated. The feature spectra were scientifically selected using genetic algorithm (GA), and then a sensor array with 15 sensing units (5 wavelengths × 3 time) was constructed. Combined with the support vector machine (SVM) discriminative model, the discriminative rate of this sensor array was 100% for different concentrations of typical TPs in Chinese green tea with a detection limit of 5 μM. In addition, the identification of different concentrations of the same tea polyphenols and mixed tea polyphenols have also been achieved. Based on the above study, we further developed a facile and efficient new method for the category differentiation and adulteration identification of green tea, and the accuracy of this array was 96.88% and 100% for eight types of green teas and different adulteration ratios of Biluochun, respectively. This work has significance for the rapid discrimination of green tea brands and adulteration.

The Protective Effects of L-Theanine against Epigallocatechin Gallate-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a main bioactive constituent in green tea. Being a redox-active polyphenol, high-dose EGCG exhibits pro-oxidative activity and could cause liver injury. L-theanine is a unique non-protein amino acid in green tea and could provide liver-protective effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of L-theanine on EGCG-induced liver injury and the underlying mechanisms. A total of 300 mg/kg L-theanine was administrated to ICR mice for 7 days. Then, the acute liver injury model was established through intragastric administration of 1000 mg/kg EGCG. Pretreatment with L-theanine significantly alleviated the oxidative stress and inflammatory response caused by high-dose EGCG through modulation of Nrf2 signaling and glutathione homeostasis. Furthermore, metabolomic results revealed that L-theanine protects mice from EGCG-induced liver injury mainly through the regulation of amino acid metabolism, especially tryptophan metabolism. These findings could provide valuable insights into the potential therapeutic applications of L-theanine and highlight the importance of the interactions between dietary components.

New insights into the anti-apoptotic mechanism of natural polyphenols in complex with Bax protein

Excessive apoptosis can kill normal cells and lead to liver damage, heart failure and neurodegenerative diseases. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites of plants that can interact with proteins to inhibit toxins and disease-related apoptosis. Bax is the major pro-apoptotic protein that disrupts the outer mitochondrial membrane to induce apoptosis, but limited studies have focused on the interaction between polyphenols and Bax and the associated anti-apoptotic mechanisms, especially at the atomic level. In this article, we collected 69 common polyphenols for active ingredient screening targeting Bax. Polyphenols with better and worse molecular docking scores were selected, and their anti-apoptosis effects were compared using the H2O2-induced HepG2 cell model. The interactions between the selected polyphenols and Bax protein were analyzed using molecular dynamics simulation to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-apoptosis effect. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) and Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) with the best affinity for Bax (-6.76 and -6.52 kcal/mol) reduced the expression of cytochrome c and caspase 3, decreasing the apoptosis rate from 52 to 11% and 12%. Molecular dynamics simulation results showed that Bim unfolded the α1-α2 loop of Bax, and disrupted the non-bond interactions between the loop (Pro-43, Glu-44 and Leu-45) and surface (Ile-133, Arg-134 and Met-137) residues, with binding free energy changed from -15.0 to 0 kJ/mol. The hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions formed between polyphenols and Bax prevented the unfolding of the loop. Taken together, our results proved that polyphenols can inhibit apoptosis by maintaining the unactivated conformation of Bax to reduce outer mitochondrial membrane damage.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The evaluation of catechins reducing heterocyclic aromatic amine formation: Structure-activity relationship and mechanism speculation

The favorable inhibitory effect of tea polyphenols on heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) has been confirmed in many past studies. The objective of this study was to investigate the structure-activity relationship of catechins that act as inhibitors of HAA formation in chemical models. Two kinds of quantitative structure-activity relationship models for catechin-inhibiting-HAA were established. We chose two kinds of HAAs including 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) and 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), and five catechins including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin (EC), and catechin (C). The inhibitory effect of five catechins were in the following order: EGCG > ECG > EGC > C > EC. Thereinto, EGCG and ECG showed dramatically better inhibition on the formation of PhIP and MeIQx, especially EGCG. Further, the mechanisms of catechin-inhibiting-HAA were speculated by correlation analysis. The free radical-scavenging ability was predicted to be the most relevant to the inhibitory effect of ECG, EGC, EC and C on HAAs. Differently, the phenylacetaldehyde-trapping ability might be the more important mechanism of EGCG inhibiting PhIP in chemical model system. This study may bring a broader idea for controlling the formation of HAAs according to the structure of catechins.

The potential of therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial biogenesis for the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a persistent metabolic disorder marked by deficiencies in insulin secretion and/or function, affecting various tissues and organs and leading to numerous complications. Mitochondrial biogenesis, the process by which cells generate new mitochondria utilizing existing ones plays a crucial role in energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism, and lipid handling. Recent evidence suggests that promoting mitochondrial biogenesis can alleviate insulin resistance in the liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle while improving pancreatic β-cell function. Moreover, enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis has been shown to ameliorate T2DM symptoms and may contribute to therapeutic effects for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. This review summarizes the intricate connection between mitochondrial biogenesis and T2DM, highlighting the potential of novel therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial biogenesis for T2DM treatment and its associated complications. It also discusses several natural products that exhibit beneficial effects on T2DM by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis.

The Prospective Effect of Green Tea versus Pomegranate Peels Extracts on Submandibular Salivary Glands of Albino Rats after Methotrexate Administration (Histological and Immunohistochemical Study)

Background

There is curiosity in the use of substances that can stop cell damage. Antioxidants are substances that can prevent free radicals from damaging cells, and they can be used to treat and avoid a wide variety of illnesses.

Objectives

The current investigation set out to evaluate the histological changes brought on by a single high dose of methotrexate in the submandibular glands of rats treated with green tea and pomegranate peel extract, both are well-known as antioxidants.

Materials and Methods

Forty-eight healthy Albino rats were used in the current study. Animals were divided into six groups. Group 1: Vehicle group which is control group, Group 2: methotrexate treated group, Group 3: green tea control group, Group 4: pomegranate peel extract control group, Group 5: green tea + methotrexate group, and Group 6: pomegranate peel extract + methotrexate group. Rats of all groups were left 1 week after the end of the treatment. Cervical dislocation was used to kill all of the rats. Samples were gained from the rats' submandibular salivary glands of different groups for histological and immunohistochemical evaluation.

Results

Green tea + methotrexate group showed improvement in the histological picture of the submandibular salivary gland compared to methotrexate group and the pomegranate peel extract + methotrexate group.

Conclusion

The antioxidant activity of green tea is more potent than that of pomegranate peels extract in blocking methotrexate that induced cytotoxicity in the submandibular salivary glands of rats. As a result, it can be administered to people undergoing cancer treatment as a safeguard for their salivary glands.

Modulatory role of terminal monomeric flavan-3-ol units in the viscoelasticity of dentin

Flavan-3-ol monomers are the building blocks of proanthocyanidins (PACs), natural compounds from plants shown to mediate specific biologic activities on dentin. While the stereochemistry of the terminal flavan-3-ols, catechin (C) versus epicatechin (EC), impacts the biomechanical properties of the dentin matrix treated with oligomeric PACs, structure-activity relationships driving this bioactivity remain elusive. To gain insights into the modulatory role of the terminal monomers, two highly congruent trimeric PACs from Pinus massoniana only differing in the stereochemistry of the terminal unit (Trimer-C vs. Trimer-EC) were prepared to evaluate their chemical characteristics as well as their effects on the viscoelasticity and biostability of biomodified dentin matrices via infrared spectroscopy and multi-scale dynamic mechanical analyses. The subtle alteration of C versus EC as terminal monomers lead to distinct immediate PAC-trimer biomodulation of the dentin matrix. Nano- and micro-dynamic mechanical analyses revealed that Trimer-EC increased the complex moduli (0.51 GPa) of dentin matrix more strongly than Trimer-C (0.26 GPa) at the nanoscale length (p < 0.001), whereas the reverse was found at the microscale length (p < .001). The damping capacity (tan δ) of dentin matrix decreased by 70% after PAC treatment at the nano-length scale, while increased values were found at the micro-length scale (~0.24) compared to the control (0.18 ; p < .001). An increase in amide band intensities and a decrease of complex moduli was observed after storage in simulated body fluid for both Trimer-C and Trimer-EC modified dentin. The stereochemical configuration of the terminal monomeric units, C and EC, did not impact the chemo-mechanical stability of dentin matrix.

EGCG attenuates METH self-administration and reinstatement of METH seeking in mice

Methamphetamine (METH) use disorder is a chronic, relapsing disorder and involves frequent failures of self-control of drug seeking and taking. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant polyphenolic compounds of green tea, which has shown great therapeutic effectiveness in neurological disorders. However, it is still unknown whether and how EGCG affects METH seeking behaviour. Here, we show nanostructured EGCG/ascorbic acid nanoparticles (EGCG/AA NPs) dose-dependently reduced METH self-administration (SA) under fixed-ratio 1 (FR1) and progressive ratio (PR) reinforcement schedules in mice and shifted METH dose-response curves downward. Furthermore, EGCG/AA NPs decreased drug- and cue-induced METH seeking. In addition, we found that METH SA led to a decrease in inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) and increase in the AMPAR/NMDAR ratio and excitation/inhibition (E/I) ratio in ex vivo midbrain slices from ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons. EGCG/AA NPs enhanced Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inhibition and normalized the E/I ratio. EGCG restored the balance between excitation and inhibition in VTA dopamine neurons, which may contribute to the attenuation of METH SA. These findings indicate that EGCG is a promising pharmacotherapy for METH use disorder.

Effects of Processing Conditions and Simulated Digestion In Vitro on the Antioxidant Activity, Inhibition of Xanthine Oxidase and Bioaccessibility of Epicatechin Gallate

The bioactivity and gastrointestinal stability of epicatechin gallate (ECG) may be affected by processing conditions. Results showed that the antioxidant ability and inhibitory activity on xanthine oxidase (XO) of ECG were higher at low pH values. Appropriate microwave and heating treatments improved the antioxidant (the scavenging rate increased from 71.75% to 92.71% and 80.88% under the microwave and heating treatments) and XO inhibitory activity (the inhibitory rate increased from 47.11% to 56.89% and 51.85% at the microwave and heating treatments) of ECG. The treated ECG led to a more compact structure of XO. Moreover, there may be synergistic antioxidant and inhibitory effects between ECG and its degradation products. The bioaccessibility of ECG after simulated digestion was untreated > microwave > heating, and the microwave-treated ECG still had good XO inhibitory activity after digestion. These findings may provide some significant information for the development of functional foods enriched in catechins.

Cellular Red-Ox system in health and disease: The latest update

Cells are continually exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during cellular metabolism. Apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy are biological processes involving a feedback cycle that causes ROS molecules to induce oxidative stress. To adapt to ROS exposure, living cells develop various defense mechanisms to neutralize and use ROS as a signaling molecule. The cellular redox networks combine signaling pathways that regulate cell metabolism, energy, cell survival, and cell death. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) are essential antioxidant enzymes that are required for scavenging ROS in various cell compartments and response to stressful situations. Among the non-enzymatic defenses, vitamin C, glutathione (GSH), polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamin E, etc., are also essential. This review article describes how ROS are produced as byproducts of oxidation/reduction (redox) processes and how the antioxidants defense system is directly or indirectly engaged in scavenging ROS. In addition, we used computational methods to determine the comparative profile of binding energies of several antioxidants with antioxidant enzymes. The computational analysis demonstrates that antioxidants with a high affinity for antioxidant enzymes regulate their structures.

Catechins and Proanthocyanidins Involvement in Metabolic Syndrome

Recent studies on natural antioxidant compounds have highlighted their potentiality against various pathological conditions. The present review aims to selectively evaluate the benefits of catechins and their polymeric structure on metabolic syndrome, a common disorder characterized by a cluster of three main risk factors: obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Patients with metabolic syndrome suffer chronic low inflammation state and oxidative stress both conditions effectively countered by flavanols and their polymers. The mechanism behind the activity of these molecules has been highlighted and correlated with the characteristic features present on their basic flavonoidic skelethon, as well as the efficient doses needed to perform their activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The amount of evidence provided in this review offers a starting point for flavanol dietary supplementation as a potential strategy to counteract several metabolic targets associated with metabolic syndrome and suggests a key role of albumin as flavanol-delivery system to the different target of action inside the organism.

Flavonoids nanostructures promising therapeutic efficiencies in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is among the frequently diagnosed cancers with high mortality rates around the world. Polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids are secondary plant metabolites which exhibit anti-cancer activities along with anti-inflammatory effects. However, due to their hydrophobicity, sensitivity to degradation and low bioavailability, therapeutic effects have shown poor therapeutic effect. Nano delivery systems such as nanoliposomes, nanomicelles, silica nanoparticles have been investigated to overcome these difficulties. This review provides a summary of the efficiency of certain flavonoids and polyphenols (apigenin, genistein, resveratrol, quercetin, silymarin, catechins, luteolin, fisetin, gallic acid, rutin, and curcumin) on colorectal cancer models. It comprehensively discusses the influence of nano-formulation of flavonoids on their biological functions, including cellular uptake rate, bioavailability, solubility, and cytotoxicity, as well as their potential for reducing colorectal cancer tumor size under in vivo situations.

Gallate Moiety of Catechin Is Essential for Inhibiting CCL2 Chemokine-Mediated Monocyte Recruitment

Leukocyte recruitment witnesses an orchestrated complex formation between the chemokines and their molecular partners. CCL2 chemokine that regulates monocyte trafficking is a worthwhile system from the pharmaceutical perspective. In the current study, four major catechins (EC/EGC/ECG/EGCG) were assessed for their inhibitory potential against CCL2-regulated monocyte/macrophage recruitment. Interestingly, catechins with the gallate moiety (ECG/EGCG) could only attenuate the CCL2-induced macrophage migration. These molecules specifically bound to CCL2 on a pocket comprising the N-terminal, β₀-sheets, and β₃-sheets, and the binding affinity of ECGC (K_d = 22 ± 4 μM) is ∼4 times higher than that of the ECG complex (K_d = 85 ± 6 μM). MD simulation analysis evidenced that the molecular specificity/stability of CCL2-catechin complexes is regulated by multiple factors, including stereospecificity, number of hydroxyl groups on the annular ring-B, the positioning of the carbonyl group, and the methylation of the galloyl ring. Further, a significant overlap on the binding surface of CCL2 for EGCG/ECG and receptor interactions as evidenced from NMR data provided the rationale for the observed inhibition of macrophage migration in response to EGCG/ECG binding. In summary, these galloylated epicatechins can be considered as potent protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors that regulate CCL2-directed leukocyte recruitment for resolving inflammatory/immunomodulatory disorders.

Polymeric Systems for the Controlled Release of Flavonoids

Flavonoids are natural compounds that are attracting great interest in the biomedical field thanks to the wide spectrum of their biological properties. Their employment as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic drugs, as well as for many other pharmacological applications, is extensively investigated. One of the most successful ways to increase their therapeutic efficacy is to encapsulate them into a polymeric matrix in order to control their concentration in the physiological fluids for a prolonged time. The aim of this article is to provide an updated overview of scientific literature on the polymeric systems developed so far for the controlled release of flavonoids. The different classes of flavonoids are described together with the polymers most commonly employed for drug delivery applications. Representative drug delivery systems are discussed, highlighting the most common techniques for their preparation. The flavonoids investigated for polymer system encapsulation are then presented with their main source of extraction and biological properties. Relevant literature on their employment in this context is reviewed in relationship to the targeted pharmacological and biomedical applications.

Absorption, metabolism, bioactivity, and biotransformation of epigallocatechin gallate

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a typical flavone-3-ol polyphenol containing eight free hydroxyl groups, is associated with a variety of bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antibacterial activities. However, the poor bioavailability of EGCG restricts its use. In this review, we discuss the processes involved in the absorption and metabolism of EGCG, with a focus on its metabolic interactions with the gut microbiota. Next, we summarize the bioactivities of some key metabolites, describe the biotransformation of EGCG by different microorganisms, and discuss its catabolism by specific bacteria. A deeper understanding of the absorption, metabolism, and biotransformation of EGCG may enable its disease-preventive and therapeutic properties to be better utilized. This review provides a theoretical basis for further development and utilization of EGCG and its metabolites for improving the gut microbiota and physiological health.

The medicinal value of tea drinking in the management of COVID-19

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is presently the largest international public health event, individuals infected by the virus not only have symptoms such as fever, dry cough, and lung infection at the time of onset, but also possibly have sequelae in the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, nervous system, mental health and other aspects. However, numerous studies have depicted that the active ingredients in tea show good antiviral effects and can treat various diseases by regulating multiple pathways, and the therapeutic effects are associated with the categories of chemical components in tea. In this review, the differences in the content of key active ingredients in different types of tea are summarized. In addition, we also highlighted their effects on COVID-19 and connected sequelae, further demonstrating the possibility of developing a formulation for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and its sequelae through tea extracts. We have a tendency to suggest forestalling and treating COVID-19 and its sequelae through scientific tea drinking.

Structure, stability and antioxidant activity of dialdehyde starch grafted with epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin gallate

BACKGROUND

Catechins, a member of the flavonoids, exist widely in teas, and have health benefits. However, catechins have poor stability, which greatly limits their application. In order to improve the stability of catechins, different catechins including (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) were conjugated onto dialdehyde starch by acid-mediated coupling method. The structure, stability and antioxidant activity of dialdehyde starch-catechin conjugates were determined.

RESULTS

Thin-layer chromatography and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence, nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectra revealed that catechins were successfully conjugated onto dialdehyde starch, coupling between 6-H/8-H of catechins' A ring and dialdehyde starch's aldehyde groups. The conjugates presented an amorphous structure and sheet-like and/or blocky morphologies. As compared to dialdehyde starch, the conjugates showed enhanced thermal stability. Furthermore, the stability of catechins in pH 7.4 phosphate-buffered saline was improved after conjugating onto dialdehyde starch. The conjugates exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activities than dialdehyde starch, decreasing in the following order: dialdehyde starch-ECG, dialdehyde starch-EGCG, dialdehyde starch-EC, dialdehyde starch-EGC and dialdehyde starch.

CONCLUSION

Dialdehyde starch-catechin conjugates have great potential as stable antioxidant agents. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

The role of catechin in electroporation of pancreatic cancer cells - Effects on pore formation and multidrug resistance proteins

Catechin is a bioflavonoid known for its anti-cancer properties. In the present study, we combined theoretical and experimental approaches to reveal the potential of catechin application in the electroporation (EP) or electrochemotherapy (ECT) of pancreatic cancer cells. The molecular dynamics simulations were implemented to examine the interactions of catechin with a model of a membrane, its influence on the membrane's thickness, and the impact of the catechin-membrane interaction on the pore formation. The data were confronted with experimental measurement of the threshold electric field required for permeabilization of pancreatic cancer cells to a fluorescent dye YO-PRO-1. Further, we examined the influence of catechin on cell viability following electroporation with cisplatin or calcium ions. Finally, we investigated the catechin impact on four proteins associated with multidrug resistance: P-glycoprotein, MRP1, BCRP, and LRP. We demonstrated that catechin may boost the effects of electroporation through various mechanisms: i) increasing the cell permeability prior to electroporation ii) increasing the electroporation threshold iii) sensitization of cells to chemotherapeutic compounds. We showed that catechin incubation influences mRNA levels and mitigates the immunoreactivity of Pgp, MRP1, BCRP, and LRP but these changes did not translate to the efficacy of electrochemotherapy.

Flavonoids-Rich Plant Extracts Against Helicobacter pylori Infection as Prevention to Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common and fourth type to cause the highest mortality rates worldwide. The leading cause is related to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Unfortunately, current treatments have low success rates, highlighting the need for alternative treatments against carcinogenic agents, specifically H. pylori. Noteworthy, natural origin products contain pharmacologically active metabolites such as flavonoids, with potential antimicrobial applications.

Objective: This article overviews flavonoid-rich extracts’ biological and pharmacological activities. It focuses on using these substances against Helicobacter pylori infection to prevent gastric cancer. For this, PubMed and Science Direct databases were searched for studies that reported the activity of flavonoids against H. pylori, published within a 10-year time frame (2010 to August 2020). It resulted in 1,773 publications, of which 44 were selected according to the search criteria. The plant family primarily found in publications was Fabaceae (9.61%). Among the flavonoids identified after extraction, the most prevalent were quercetin (19.61%), catechin (13.72), epicatechin (11.76), and rutin (11.76). The potential mechanisms associated with anti-H. pylori activity to the extracts were: inhibition of urease, damage to genetic material, inhibition of protein synthesis, and adhesion of the microorganism to host cells.

Conclusion: Plant extracts rich in flavonoids with anti-H. pylori potential proved to be a promising alternative therapy source, reinforcing the relevance of studies with natural products.

Arecae pericarpium water extract alleviates chronic pancreatitis by deactivating pancreatic stellate cells

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pancreas with irreversible morphological changes. Arecae pericarpium (ARP), known to improve gastrointestinal disorders, has not yet been reported to inhibit fibrosis in CP. Therefore, we investigated the beneficial effects of ARP on cerulein-induced CP. Cerulein (50 μg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to mice every hour, six times a day, four times a week for a total of 3 weeks to induce CP. To ascertain the prophylactic effects of ARP, ARP water extract (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) or saline was administered intraperitoneally 1 h before the onset of CP. To determine the therapeutic effects of ARP, ARP water extract (200 mg/kg) or saline was administered for a total of 1 week or 2 weeks, starting 2 weeks or 1 week after the onset of CP. The pancreas was collected immediately for histological analysis. Additionally, to determine the effectiveness and mechanism of ARP in alleviating pancreatic fibrosis, pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) were isolated. ARP treatment considerably improved glandular atrophy and inflammation and repressed collagen deposition in the pancreas. Furthermore, ARP water extract inhibited extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents such as alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and fibronectin 1 (FN1) in pancreatic tissue and PSCs. ARP also suppressed transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling by inhibiting Smad2 phosphorylation. Our study suggests that ARP exhibits anti-fibrotic effects in cerulein-induced CP by inhibiting TGF-β/Smad signaling.

Gaz Alafi: A Traditional Dessert in the Middle East With Anticancer, Immunomodulatory, and Antimicrobial Activities

Background

From the earliest times, manna has been widely used as a tasty local sweet or folk medicine. The type of manna being investigated in the present study is called Gaz-alafi, a mixture of insect and Quercus brantii leaves secretions from oak forests in the north of Iraq and west of Iran.

Methods

Aqueous and ethanol extracts were prepared as decoction. Various phytochemical tests were conducted to analyze manna composition, including total phenolic contents using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and LC-MS. Gallic acid and catechin were detected in both extracts, in addition to tiliroside presence in ethanol extract, which added more value to the phenolic content of ethanol extract. Cytotoxic activities of Gaz alafi were evaluated against breast cancer cell lines and compared to normal cell lines and doxorubicin using the MTT assay. Antimicrobial properties were assessed against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans using the dilution method of the micro-titer plate. Serum levels of IFN-γ, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured using ELISA. The effect of extracts on splenocyte proliferation was evaluated using the lymphocytes proliferation assay. Macrophage function was evaluated using the nitro blue tetrazolium assay, whereas pinocytosis was evaluated using the neutral red uptake assay. Ten days after tumor inoculation, changes in tumor size, survival rates, levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatinine were measured.

Results

The growth of cancer cells was inhibited by Gaz alafi ethanol extract. An alteration in IFN- γ, IL-2, and IL-4 levels toward antiproliferation immune response were reported for both extracts. The aqueous extract efficiently stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, phagocytosis, and pinocytosis, followed by the ethanol extracts with moderate activity. After treating the mice with ethanol extracts, a significant reduction in tumor size and several undetected tumors were recorded.

Conclusions

Gaz alafi extracts (aqueous and ethanol) are promising sources for anticancer and immunostimulatory agents. Further studies are needed to fully identify the chemical composition of Gaz alafi extracts.

Novel Insights on Dietary Polyphenols for Prevention in Early-Life Origins of Hypertension: A Review Focusing on Preclinical Animal Models

Polyphenols are the largest group of phytochemicals with health benefits. Early life appears to offer a critical window of opportunity for launching interventions focused on preventing hypertension, as increasing evidence supports the supposition that hypertension can originate in early life. Although polyphenols have antihypertensive actions, knowledge of the potential beneficial action of the early use of polyphenols to avert the development of hypertension is limited. Thus, in this review, we first provide a brief summary of the chemistry and biological function of polyphenols. Then, we present the current epidemiological and experimental evidence supporting the early-life origins of hypertension. We also document animal data on the use of specific polyphenols as an early-life intervention to protect offspring against hypertension in adulthood and discuss underlying mechanisms. Continued research into the use of polyphenols to prevent hypertension from starting early in life will have far-reaching implications for future health.

Enhancing health benefits of bakery products using phytochemicals

There has been a growing interest in functional bakery products with enhanced health benefits, especially the prevention of some chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. Fortification of wheat flour with phytochemicals, plant components with various bio-activities, is one of the promising approaches to improving public health with the ubiquitous consumption of baked goods. This chapter reviews the current knowledge of several representative phytochemicals, mainly plant polyphenols, including catechins, anthocyanins, fucoidan and quercetin extracted from various plant resources, and their application in bakery products, regarding their stability, impact on product quality and potential health benefits.

Catechins as a Potential Dietary Supplementation in Prevention of Comorbidities Linked with Down Syndrome

Plant-derived polyphenols flavonoids are increasingly being recognized for their medicinal potential. These bioactive compounds derived from plants are gaining more interest in ameliorating adverse health risks because of their low toxicity and few side effects. Among them, therapeutic approaches demonstrated the efficacy of catechins, a major group of flavonoids, in reverting several aspects of Down syndrome, the most common genomic disorder that causes intellectual disability. Down syndrome is characterized by increased incidence of developing Alzheimer's disease, obesity, and subsequent metabolic disorders. In this focused review, we examine the main effects of catechins on comorbidities linked with Down syndrome. We also provide evidence of catechin effects on DYRK1A, a dosage-sensitive gene encoding a protein kinase involved in brain defects and metabolic disease associated with Down syndrome.

The hepatoprotective effects of plant-based foods based on the "gut-liver axis": a prospective review

The importance of the "gut-liver axis" in the pathogenesis of liver diseases has been revealed recently; which promotes the process of developing preventive and therapeutic strategies. However, considering that there are still many challenges in the medical treatment of liver diseases, potential preventive dietary intervention may be a good alternative choice. Plant-based foods have received much attention due to their reported health-promoting effects in targeting multiple pathways involved in the pathogenesis of liver diseases as well as the relative safety for general use. Based on the PubMed and Web of Science databases, this review emphatically summarizes the plant-based foods and their chemical constituents with reported effects to impact the LPS/TLR4 signaling pathway of gut-liver axis of various liver diseases, reflecting their health benefits in preventing/alleviating liver diseases. Moreover, some plant-based foods with potential gut-liver effects are specifically analyzed from the reported studies and conclusions. This review intends to provide readers an overview of the current progress in the field of this research topic. We expect to see more hepatoprotective measures for alleviating the current prevalence of liver diseases.

Phenolic compound profile of probiotic (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LR5) fortified vegetable tablet and probiotic survival in the simulated gastrointestinal tract

The objectives of this research were to study the changes of phenolic compounds in vegetable (yellow VS green) tablets with/without probiotics (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LR5) supplementation by using high performance liquid chromatography and probiotic survivability through the simulated gastrointestinal tract. The green vegetable tablets with/without probiotics had a greater (p ≤ 0.05) phenolic content compared to the yellow ones. There were no significant differences of most phenolic compound contents between probiotic-supplemented vegetable tablets and non-probiotic supplemented ones (p > 0.05). The contents of ferulic acid, epicatechin, tannic acid and rutin for both vegetable tablets tended to decrease through passing the stomach (1 and 2 h) and small intestine (2 and 4 h), however, the content of catechin in the yellow vegetable tablets tended to increase. The results also showed that the survival of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LR5 slightly decreased through the simulated gastrointestinal tract. The vibrations from FTIR appeared in the wave length of 4000–3100, 3000–2800 and 1652–1545 cm⁻¹, which accounted for the change in the N–H bonds of the amine group, changes in the structure of fatty acids and the change of carbonyl groups, respectively. This work highlighted the opportunity of application of probiotics in food products; especially non-dairy foods for consumer with dairy allergy.

Identification of natural flavonoids as novel EGFR inhibitors using DFT, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics

The quantum mechanical descriptors from DFT, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and NCIplot methodology have been utilized to find a potential anti-EGFR flavonoid.