Isolation, structures and bioactivities of the polysaccharides from jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.): A review

Exploring the potential mechanisms of Da ChaiHu decoction against pancreatic cancer based on network pharmacology prediction and molecular docking approach

Da ChaiHu decoction (DCHD) is used in Chinese medicine to treat pancreatic cancer (PC), but its exact mechanism is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the main active ingredients and specific mechanisms of DCHD against PC. Firstly, the active ingredients and targets of DCHD and PC-related targets were searched from the TCMSP, DrugBank, NCBI and GeneCards databases, respectively. The intersected targets of both were then taken to construct a PPI network using STRING, and this network was visualized by Cytoscape 3.8.2. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the intersected targets were performed using R 4.2.1 "clusterProfiler", "enrichplot", and "ggplot2" packages. Molecular docking was performed utilizing MOE software to detect the binding capacity between compounds and targets. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration were examined through a CCK8 kit, Muse® Cell Analyzer, transwell and wound healing experiment, respectively. The expression levels of five core targets were assessed by RT-qPCR in PANC-1 cells treated with stigmasterol. Molecular dynamic simulations analysis was conducted to analyze the binding affinities and modes of interaction between molecules and stigmasterol using the GROMACS 5.1.4 program package. In this study, 141 common targets of DCHD and PC were obtained. GO-MF items indicated that DCHD exerts its effects on PC primarily by influencing the binding activity of DNA-binding transcription factors. The KEGG analysis revealed that these genes were implicated in various signaling pathways, including the IL-17 signaling pathway and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Stigmasterol was chosen as the final ingredient for subsequent investigation due to its derivation from herb (Da ChaiHu), its encompassment of more common targets, and the scarcity of existing research on its role in PC. The results of molecular docking and Molecular dynamic simulations analysis showed that stigmasterol had good binding activity with BCL2, and ICAM1. In vitro experiments suggested that stigmasterol could effectively inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration of PANC-1 cells, and promote cell apoptosis. Moreover, stigmasterol treatment led to the reduced expression of AKT1, HIF1A, BCL2, IL1B, and ICAM1. This study is the first to reveal the main active components and potential mechanisms of DCHD against PC, which provides a theoretical basis for studying the role of DCHD in the treatment of PC. Especially, the anti-PC mechanism of active compound stigmasterol might be associated with inhibiting proliferation, invasion and migration and accelerating apoptosis. Furthermore, five targets (AKT1, HIF1A, BCL2, IL1B, and ICAM1) were identified as key targets of stigmasterol, and the mRNA expressions of these genes were down-regulated by stigmasterol through in vitro experiments.

Prospects and applications of efficient physical field processing technologies for polysaccharide extraction and quality improvement in edible mushrooms: A systematic review

Edible mushroom-derived polysaccharides (EMPs) have been widely used in foods, medicine, and cosmetics due to theirs' diverse and versatile biological activities. Currently, many conventional extraction methods for extracting EMPs are struggling to meet the growing demand, and the produced EMPs with poor quality and low bioactivity. Novel physical field (e.g., acoustic, electromagnetic, electrical, and mechanical field) processing technologies not only overcome the shortcomings of conventional extraction methods, but also improve the structural feature, bioactivity, and solution behavior of EMPs. Moreover, physical field-assisted techniques can induce the degradation or modification of EMPs, thereby effectively altering the physicochemical properties and structural features of EMPs to improve their bioactivities or processing properties. Therefore, a comprehensive review of physical field processing technologies such as ultrasound, high pressure, pulsed electric field, and microwave for extracting and modifying EMPs in recent years, is presented. In addition, recent advances in physical field-assisted extraction/degradation techniques for EMPs, as well as their mechanisms of action and synergistic effects, are discussed and summarized. In summary, this review provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the physical field processing technology in improving the extraction yield and quality of EMPs, as well as large-scale industrial production.

Extraction, characterization, and biological activities of a novel polysaccharide extract from Fructus caryophylli

This study showed that Polysaccharide-rich Fructus caryophylli extracts (FCE) were prepared for investigation through hot water extraction. Glucose was found to be the significant monosaccharide by chemical analysis, which included Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC). The average molecular weight of FCE was ranged from 15.19 and 208.53 kDa. The bioactivities of FCE, including antioxidant, whitening, tissue regeneration, and anti-wrinkle properties, were evaluated using both in vitro and in vivo tests. In vitro antioxidant experiments demonstrated scavenging of 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), hydroxyl radicals, and strong reducing power. FCE treatment effectively reduced oxidative stress in an in vivo antioxidant experiment involving zebrafish embryos exposed to a nonlethal dose of LPS, demonstrating its potent antioxidant potential. Furthermore, FCE exhibited promise in decreasing tyrosinase activity and total melanin content in zebrafish embryos, while promoting the relative expression levels of the elastin-regulating gene Eln1 RNA and the collagen-related gene col1a1a, thereby facilitating the positive stimulation of wound healing. This research provides valuable insights into the development of FCE as a novel functional raw material for applications in the food and cosmetics industries.

Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis revealed the mechanism of ZjLAR and ZjANR promoting proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in jujube fruit

Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is a traditional fruit tree in China with immense economic and ecological value. Jujube fruits are abundant in polyphenolic secondary metabolites, particularly proanthocyanidins (PAs), which play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of jujube fruits. However, the mechanism underlying the biosynthesis of PAs remains unclear. The PA contents of sour jujube 'Qingjiansuanzao' and cultivated jujube 'Junzao' were compared at different developmental stages to unravel this mechanism. The PA contents of sour jujube were higher than that of cultivated jujube and decreased during fruit development. Combined with transcriptome analysis, a large number of differentially expressed genes related to PA biosynthesis were screened. Correlation analysis showed that ZjLAR and ZjANR played an active role in promoting the biosynthesis of PAs. Transient overexpression of ZjLAR and ZjANR in jujube fruits resulted in higher total PAs and monomeric catechin, but the PAs decreased after transient silencing. Overexpressing ZjLAR and ZjANR in Arabidopsis and tomato increased the content of PAs in Arabidopsis seeds and tomato fruits. These findings provide a new basis for further understanding of the biosynthesis of jujube PAs and are significant for improving the quality of jujube fruit.

In vivo and in vitro study on the regulatory mechanism of XiaoChaiHu decoction on PANoptosis in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In accordance with the tenets of traditional Chinese medicine, sepsis is categorized into three distinct syndromes: heat syndrome, blood stasis syndrome, and deficiency syndrome. Xiaochaihu decoction (XCHD) has many functions, including the capacity to protect the liver, cholagogue, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pathogenic microorganisms. XCHD exerts the effect of clearing heat and reconciling Shaoyang. The XCHD contains many efficacious active ingredients, yet the mechanism of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) remains elusive.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of XCHD against SIC using an integrated approach combining network pharmacology and molecular biology techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Network pharmacology methods identified the active ingredients, target proteins, and pathways affected by XCHD in the context of SIC. We conducted in vivo experiments using mice with lipopolysaccharide-induced SIC, evaluating cardiac function through echocardiography and histology. XCHD-containing serum was analyzed to determine its principal active components using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The effects of XCHD-containing serum on SIC were further tested in vitro in LPS-treated H9c2 cardiac cells. Protein expression levels were quantified via Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, molecular docking was performed between the active components and ZBP1, a potential target protein. Overexpression of ZBP1 in H9c2 cells allowed for a deeper exploration of its role in modulating SIC-associated gene expression.

RESULTS

UPLC-MS/MS identified 31 shared XCHD and XCHD-containing serum components. These included organic acids, terpenoids, and flavonoids, which have been identified as the active components of XCHD. Our findings revealed that XCHD alleviated LPS-induced myocardial injury, improved cardiac function, and preserved cardiomyocyte morphology in mice. In vitro studies, we demonstrated that XCHD-containing serum significantly suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) in LPS-induced H9c2 cells. Mechanistic investigations showed that XCHD downregulated genes associated with PANoptosis, a novel cell death pathway, suggesting its protective role in sepsis-damaged hearts. Conversely, overexpression of ZBP1 abolished the protective effects of XCHD and amplified PANoptosis-related gene expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides the first evidence supporting the protective effects of XCHD against SIC, both in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanism involves the inhibition of ZBP1-initiated PANoptosis, offering new insights into treating SIC using XCHD.

Immunomodulatory Acidic Polysaccharide from Jujube Fruit (Zizyphus jujuba Mill.): Insight into Their Chemical Characteristics and Modes of Action

Jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill.) has been consumed globally as a fruit and a nutraceutical food for millennia. This study presents the isolation and purification of a novel water-soluble polysaccharide fraction, ZJMP-2, from Z. jujuba Mill. ZJMP-2 underwent characterization through Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), high-performance gel permeation chromatography-laser light scattering (HPGPC-LLS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. It consists of glucose, galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, and galacturonic acid in molar ratios of 0.41:0.08:0.11:0.05:0.33 and boasts an average molecular weight of approximately 57.8 kDa. Its backbone features the structure →2)-α-l-Rhap-(1 → 4)-α-d-GalpA-(1 → 4)-α-d-GalpA-6OMe-(1 → 4)-α-d-GalpA-(1 → 3, 4)-α-d-Glcp-(1 →, with branching at →5)-α-l-Araf-(1 →, →4)-β-d-Galp-(1 →, and →4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→ at position O-3 of →3, 4)-α-d-Glcp-(1 →. These structural variations contribute to the pronounced immunoregulatory effects of ZJMP-2. Specifically, ZJMP-2 significantly elevated the expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB, and TRAF6 proteins, enhancing RAW264.7 cell activity, index of splenic lymphocytes, and the production of cytokines and NO, thereby activating macrophages and promoting lymphocyte proliferation. In vivo studies demonstrated that ZJMP-2 promoted the heart, spleen, and bone marrow indices, peripheral blood and spleen cell counts, and the number of heart and bone marrow cells in mice. These findings demonstrated that ZJMP-2 has potential as an immunomodulator and provides valuable insights for developing natural immunomodulators in the pharmaceutical industry.

A review of the extraction processes and biological characteristics of Chrysanthemum polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are the main chemical components of Chrysanthemum, which has long been used as a tea drink and as a medicinal and nutritional food in China. Research on Chrysanthemum polysaccharides has illustrated their strong phytochemistry and pharmacology properties. Here, the physicochemical and structural properties and biological activities of Chrysanthemum polysaccharides are reviewed and described. First, Chrysanthemum polysaccharide extraction processes are categorized and discussed (including dissolution, filtration, concentration, separation, and purification). Second, the effects of Chrysanthemum polysaccharides on immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antitumor, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, and gastrointestinal prebiotic functions are summarized. Finally, the relationships between the structure and function of Chrysanthemum polysaccharides that merit further research are investigated. This article provides a reference for furthering the theoretical basis, preparation, and use of Chrysanthemum polysaccharides in health food and pharmaceutical products.

Antioxidant and antiaging activities of the polysaccharide ZJP-04M from Ziziphus jujuba in Caenorhabditis elegans

Aging is a social problem that people pay particular attention to. Oxidative stress is closely related to aging. Natural polysaccharides have numerous biological activities, and they show good application prospect in preventing oxidative stress and aging prospects. Herein, morphological analysis, molecular weight analysis, monosaccharide composition, methylation analysis, and NMR spectrum analysis were used to characterize the structure of ZJP-04M, an isolated homogeneous polysaccharide from the Ziziphus jujuba fruit. Results indicated that in ZJP-04M, the trunk chain was formed through the alternately connected homogalacturonan skeleton and rhamnogalacturonan-I domain and the branch chain was formed by arabinan and arabinogalactan. After feeding the polysaccharide to Caenorhabditis elegans, ZJP-04M was found to exert a certain paraquet-induced protective effect on the oxidative damage. Under normal conditions, ZJP-04M could significantly prolong the lifespan of C. elegans but exhibited no obvious effect on its reproductive capacity. We futher confirmed that ZJP-04M can play an antiaging role by regulating DAF-16. Based on these results, ZJP-04M can be used in antioxidation and antiaging applications.

Structural characteristics and antioxidant activity of a low-molecular-weight jujube polysaccharide by ultrasound assisted metal-free Fenton reaction

This study used an ultrasonically accelerated metal-free Fenton (H2O2-Vc system) reaction to promote water-extracted degrading polysaccharides from Ziziphus Jujuba cv. Muzao (DZMP). A novel jujube polysaccharide (DPZMP3) was obtained by degradation using DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow and Sephacryl S-100 column chromatography. Methylation analysis, HPGPC, ion chromatography, FT-IR, and NMR spectroscopies were used to clarify the chemical structures of DPZMP3. Monosaccharide compositional analysis of DPZMP3 revealed the presence of Rha, Ara, Gal, and GalA at a molar ratio of 1.00:1.49:1.60:7.68, and the HPGPC data demonstrated the average Mw of 34.3 kDa. Based on the structural and linkage research using NMR spectroscopy and GC-MS, it was determined that DPZMP3 was a homogalacturonan pectic polysaccharide with a (1 → 4)-Galp branch at C-6 and a small amount of Araf and Rhap residues. The ultrasonic-aided Fenton treatment did not significantly alter the structure of DPZMP3. It may also be useful for DZMP and enhancing their antioxidant activity in vitro. The current study's findings could pave the way for the food sector to use jujube polysaccharides obtained by degradation as a functional food component.

Ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) polysaccharides: Extraction efficiency, antioxidant activity, and structure features

This study investigated the effect of ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE) on the extraction efficiency, antioxidant activity, and structural properties of jujube polysaccharide (JPS), with hot water extraction (HWE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and enzymatic-assisted extraction (EAE) serving as controls. Optimal extraction conditions were determined through a multi-index weighted scoring method that comprehensively accounted for yield, duration, and antioxidant activity. Results demonstrated that the JPS yield obtained by UAEE at 22/33 kHz was 10.5 % to 16.3 % higher than those achieved by the other methods, significantly enhancing antioxidant activity. Monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that UAEE increased the content of key mono-sugars in JPS. Additionally, assessments of molecular weight distribution, zeta potential, and rheological properties showed that UAEE reduced the molecular weight and apparent viscosity of JPS, resulting in a looser structural configuration. These structural modifications were observed in scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, which revealed a filamentous branched morphology in JPS obtained through UAEE. Further observations using the atomic force microscope (AFM) indicated that the polysaccharide chains extracted by UAEE were shorter in length, lower in height, and free from aggregation.

Application of atomic force microscopy in the characterization of fruits and vegetables and associated substances toward improvement in quality, preservation, and processing: nanoscale structure and mechanics perspectives

Fruits and vegetables are essential horticultural crops for humans. The quality of fruits and vegetables is critical in determining their nutritional value and edibility, which are decisive to their commercial value. Besides, it is also important to understand the changes in key substances involved in the preservation and processing of fruits and vegetables. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), a powerful technique for investigating biological surfaces, has been widely used to characterize the quality of fruits and vegetables and the substances involved in their preservation and processing from the perspective of nanoscale structure and mechanics. This review summarizes the applications of AFM to investigate the texture, appearance, and nutrients of fruits and vegetables based on structural imaging and force measurements. Additionally, the review highlights the application of AFM in characterizing the morphological and mechanical properties of nanomaterials involved in preserving and processing fruits and vegetables, including films and coatings for preservation, bioactive compounds for processing purposes, nanofiltration membrane for concentration, and nanoencapsulation for delivery of bioactive compounds. Furthermore, the strengths and weaknesses of AFM for characterizing the quality of fruits and vegetables and the substances involved in their preservation and processing are examined, followed by a discussion on the prospects of AFM in this field.

Chemical characterization and pharmacological properties of polysaccharides from Allium roseum leaves: In vitro and in vivo assays

Allium roseum is amongst the most important wild medicinal plants. It is known for its diverse biological properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial and antidiabetic activities. In this work, the polysaccharides (PARLs) were ultrasonically extracted from Allium roesum leaves then purified and analyzed by several techniques. Chemical composition and GC-MS analysis showed that the obtained polysaccharides were composed mainly of glucose (40.20 %), mannose (25.30 %), fructose (10.60 %) and galacturonic acid (15.11 %). Moreover, PARLs exhibited a potent antioxidant effect with higher capacities up to 69.61 % and 71.72 % for DPPH and ABTS free radicals, respectively. Furthermore, PARLs significantly modulated inflammatory response by reducing TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 pro-inflammatory mediators and promoting the anti-inflammatory IL-10 mediator in LPS stimulated THP-1 derived macrophages. The in-vivo tests proved that the extract was able to decrease carrageenan-induced rat paw swelling by around 68.15 % after 4 h of treatment. PARLs, significantly reduced the growth of U87 (glioblastoma) and IGROV-1 cancer cells with IC50 values of about 4.27 and 7.89 mg/mL respectively. This research clearly shows that Allium roseum polysaccharides can be used as natural antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.

Review of polysaccharides from Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.: Extraction, purification, structural characteristics, health benefits, structural-activity relationships and applications

Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. (C. morifolium), as a traditional ornamental plant, it has multiple values, including edible, economic, nutritional and even medicinal values, which is used as herbal medicine and a new food resource in the world. Polysaccharides are one of the main bioactive components in C. morifolium, which have various health benefits such as improving functional constipation, improving colitis, anti-glycosylation, antioxidant, anti-angiogenesis, immunomodulation, prebiotic, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. This paper describes the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, health benefits, structural-activity relationships, applications, and analyses the shortcomings of the major relevant studies exist on C. morifolium polysaccharides. In addition, the potential mechanisms of the health benefits of C. morifolium polysaccharides were summarized. This study can provide reference and direction for further research and development of C. morifolium polysaccharides.

Tibetan kefir grains fermentation alters physicochemical properties and improves antioxidant activities of Lycium barbarum pulp polysaccharides

There is a lack of research on how Tibetan kefir grains fermentation alters the physicochemical properties and biological activity of Lycium barbarum pulp polysaccharides, despite some reports that fermentation can affect the structure and activity of plant polysaccharides. This study demonstrated that, through fermentation, the molecular weight of polysaccharides decreased from 25.33 to 15.11 kg/mol while the contents of total sugar and uronic acid increased by 19.11% and 40.38%, respectively. Furthermore, after fermentation, the polysaccharides exhibited an uneven and rough surface along with a reduced number of branched chains and triple helix structures. Tibetan kefir grains fermentation enhanced the antioxidant activity of polysaccharides, which may be attributed to an increase in arabinose, galactose, and uronic acid content and a decrease in polysaccharide molecular weight. This research offers an alternative viewpoint on the potential application of Tibetan kefir grains-fermented Lycium barbarum pulp polysaccharides in functional foods.

A Narrative Review: Immunometabolic Interactions of Host-Gut Microbiota and Botanical Active Ingredients in Gastrointestinal Cancers

The gastrointestinal tract is where the majority of gut microbiota settles; therefore, the composition of the gut microbiota and the changes in metabolites, as well as their modulatory effects on the immune system, have a very important impact on the development of gastrointestinal diseases. The purpose of this article was to review the role of the gut microbiota in the host environment and immunometabolic system and to summarize the beneficial effects of botanical active ingredients on gastrointestinal cancer, so as to provide prospective insights for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. A literature search was performed on the PubMed database with the keywords "gastrointestinal cancer", "gut microbiota", "immunometabolism", "SCFAs", "bile acids", "polyamines", "tryptophan", "bacteriocins", "immune cells", "energy metabolism", "polyphenols", "polysaccharides", "alkaloids", and "triterpenes". The changes in the composition of the gut microbiota influenced gastrointestinal disorders, whereas their metabolites, such as SCFAs, bacteriocins, and botanical metabolites, could impede gastrointestinal cancers and polyamine-, tryptophan-, and bile acid-induced carcinogenic mechanisms. GPRCs, HDACs, FXRs, and AHRs were important receptor signals for the gut microbial metabolites in influencing the development of gastrointestinal cancer. Botanical active ingredients exerted positive effects on gastrointestinal cancer by influencing the composition of gut microbes and modulating immune metabolism. Gastrointestinal cancer could be ameliorated by altering the gut microbial environment, administering botanical active ingredients for treatment, and stimulating or blocking the immune metabolism signaling molecules. Despite extensive and growing research on the microbiota, it appeared to represent more of an indicator of the gut health status associated with adequate fiber intake than an autonomous causative factor in the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases. This study detailed the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal cancers and the botanical active ingredients used for their treatment in the hope of providing inspiration for research into simpler, safer, and more effective treatment pathways or therapeutic agents in the field.

Structural characterization and human gut microbiota fermentation in vitro of a polysaccharide from Fucus vesiculosus

In this study, an acidic polysaccharide (FVP-7 A) was isolated from Fucus vesiculosus by DEAE-Sepharose™ fast flow. The chemical composition, glycosidic bonds and in vitro fecal fermentation characteristics of FVP-7 A were studied. Results shown that FVP-7 A was a homogenous polysaccharide with average molecular weight of 30.94 kDa. Combined with FT-IR, monosaccharide composition, methylation and NMR analysis, the glycosidic bonds of FVP-7 A mainly composed of →4)-β-D-Manp-(1→, →3)-α-L-Fucp-(1→, α-D-Manp-(1→, →3)-β-D-Manp-(1 → and →4,6)-α-D-Manp-(1→. The zeta potential and atomic force microscopy images indicated that FVP-7 A could exist stably as a single chain-like structure in dilute solution. After gut fermentation, FVP-7 A was utilized and promoted multiple short-chain fatty acids production, especially acetic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid. For prebiotics, FVP-7 A significantly increased the relative abundance of short-chain fatty acids producing bacteria such as Bacteroides, Lachnospira, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, Oscillospira and Dialister, and inhiited the growth of the harmful bacteria Shigella. These results indicated that FVP-7 A could be used as a potential dietary supplement to improve intestinal health.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of multi-components in normal and stomach cold syndrome rats after oral administration of Zingiberis Rhizoma - Jujubae Fructus herb pair and its single herb extracts by UHPLC-MS/MS

The Zingiberis Rhizoma - Jujubae Fructus herb pair (ZJHP) is a classic herb pair in traditional Chinese medicine. The herb pair shows the effect of dispelling cold, harmonizing the middle and improving gastrointestinal function, and is widely used for patients with stomach cold syndrome (SCS), stomachache and anemofrigid cold. The gingerols, shogaols, flavonoids and triterpenic acids are the important bioactive ingredients of ZJHP. However, few pharmacokinetic studies have been investigated in vivo for the above compounds. To comprehend the kinetics of active components and promote their curative application, a fast and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was established for simultaneous determination of 12 analytes in normal and SCS rats in this study. The results showed that the pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax, Tmax, t1/2z, MRT0-t, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞) in SCS model were significantly different from those in normal rats. In addition, the pharmacokinetics of rats given ZJHP were also varied from single herb oral administration, especially in model condition. These results indicated that the in vivo processes of the above analytes changed under pathological conditions and the compatibility of the herb pair could significantly influence the absorption of active components, which might provide an insight and further supports for the clinical application of ZJHP.

Microwave-assisted extraction of mucilage from juá: Characterization and antioxidant activity

Microwave-assisted extraction of mucilage from juá was investigated using response surface methodology. The optimal conditions for extraction were a power of 300 W, an extraction time of 240 s, a pH of 8.0, and a water/sample ratio of 1/6, which achieved a 26.43% yield. The monosaccharide composition and antioxidant activity of the mucilage from juá fruits from different regions of Caatinga were investigated. The fruits from Agreste Paraibano showed the highest mucilage extraction yield (18.64%) compared to that of fruits from Mata Paraibana (MP) (12.37%), Borborema (BB) (11.47%), and Sertão Paraibano (8.31%) (p < 0.05). Glucose (32.8%-50.8%) and arabinose (19.3%-32.9%) were the main monosaccharides found in juá mucilage. The mucilage from fruits in the MP presented the highest antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assays. Our results demonstrated the potential for the future exploration and application of juá mucilage in the food industry. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Juá (Ziziphus joazeiro Mart.) mucilage contains phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity, and its extraction by MAE is efficient, as it contributed to a higher yield.

Polysaccharides from Platycodon grandiflorum: A review of their extraction, structures, modifications, and bioactivities

Platycodon grandiflorum (P. grandiflorum) has long been used as a food and traditional herbal medicine. As a food, P. grandiflorum is often transformed into pickles for consumption, and as a traditional Chinese medicine, P. grandiflorum clears the lung, nourishes the pharynx, dispels phlegm, and discharges pus. Polysaccharides are among the main active components of P. grandiflorum. Recent literature has described the preparation, identification, and pharmacological activity of these polysaccharides. Studies have shown that these polysaccharides exhibit a variety of significant biological effects in vitro and in vivo, such as immune stimulation and antioxidant, anti-liver injury, anti-apoptosis and antitumour effects. However, there is no systematic summary of the related research articles on P. grandiflorum polysaccharide, which undoubtedly brings some difficulties to the future research. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively describe research progress on the extraction, purification, structural characterization, modification, and biological activity of P. grandiflorum polysaccharides. The shortcomings of recent research are summarized, further research on their biological activity is proposed to provide new reference value for the application of P. grandiflorum polysaccharides in drugs and health products in the future.

Functional properties and flavor characteristics of milk from cows supplemented with jujube powder

Jujube has various functional properties and is a promising source of bioactive compounds and flavors. This study investigated the functional properties and flavor characteristics of milk from cows supplemented with jujube powder (JP). Here, milk volatile profiles and taste properties were analyzed by using an electronic nose and headspace solid-phase microextraction GC-MS. Compared with the control group, the total antioxidant capacity, 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic free-radical-scavenging activity, lactoferrin, and IgG levels increased significantly in the JP group. Volatile flavor analysis indicated that ketone levels increased, acid abundance decreased, and toluene and dimethyl sulfone significantly increased in the JP group. Taste-profile analyses demonstrated that jujube supplementation altered the taste of the milk. In summary, dietary JP supplementation affects the volatile flavor composition and aroma of milk, as well as the bioactive components and antioxidant properties. These findings enhance our understanding of milk production using direct dietary supplementation to produce sustainable dairy products.

The Antioxidant Dendrobium officinale Polysaccharide Modulates Host Metabolism and Gut Microbiota to Alleviate High-Fat Diet-Induced Atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- Mice

BACKGROUND

The discovery of traditional plants' medicinal and nutritional properties has opened up new avenues for developing pharmaceutical and dietary strategies to prevent atherosclerosis. However, the effect of the antioxidant Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP) on atherosclerosis is still not elucidated.

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate the inhibitory effect and the potential mechanism of DOP on high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The identification of DOP was measured by high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). We used high-fat diet (HFD)-induced atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice as an animal model. In the DOP intervention stage, the DOP group was treated by gavage with 200 μL of 200 mg/kg DOP at regular times each day and continued for eight weeks. We detected changes in serum lipid profiles, inflammatory factors, anti-inflammatory factors, and antioxidant capacity to investigate the effect of the DOP on host metabolism. We also determined microbial composition using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate whether the DOP could improve the structure of the gut microbiota in atherosclerotic mice.

RESULTS

DOP effectively inhibited histopathological deterioration in atherosclerotic mice and significantly reduced serum lipid levels, inflammatory factors, and malondialdehyde (F/B) production. Additionally, the levels of anti-inflammatory factors and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), were significantly increased after DOP intervention. Furthermore, we found that DOP restructures the gut microbiota composition by decreasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio. The Spearman's correlation analysis indicated that serum lipid profiles, antioxidant activity, and pro-/anti-inflammatory factors were associated with Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Allobaculum, and Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that DOP has the potential to be developed as a food prebiotic for the treatment of atherosclerosis in the future.

Physicochemical, Structural, and Functional Properties of Fructans from Single-Clove Garlic and Multiclove Garlic: A Comparison

This study aimed to compare the structural features and functional properties of polysaccharides from single-clove garlic (SGPs) and multiclove garlic (MGPs) and to establish their structure-function relationships. Both SGPs and MGPs were identified as fructans consisting mainly of →1)-β-d-Fruf (2→ and →6)-β-d-Fruf (2→ residues but differed in average molecular weights (6.76 and 5.40 kDa, respectively). They shared similar thermodynamic properties, X-ray diffraction patterns, and high gastrointestinal digestive stability. These two purified fructans could dose-dependently scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidized metals, and effectively alleviate metronidazole-induced oxidative stress and CuSO4-induced inflammation in zebrafish via inhibiting the overexpression of inflammation-related proteins and cytokines. SGPs showed lower free radical scavenging activity in vitro than MGPs but higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vivo. Taken together, the molecular weight was the main structural difference between the two garlic fructans of different varieties, which is a potential reason for their differences in biological activities.

Purification, characterization, and antioxidant ability of polysaccharides from Phascolosoma esculentas

The polysaccharide was extracted from Phascolosoma esculenta (PEP). Two purified polysaccharides (PEP-1 and PEP-2) were obtained by the column chromatography separation method. The molecular weights of PEP-1 and PEP-2 were 33.6 and 5.7 × 103 kDa, respectively. PEP-1 and PEP-2 had the same monosaccharides composition, but their molar ratios varied. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the PEP, PEP-1, and PEP-2 were investigated by scavenging free radicals like 3-ethylbenzoth-iazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), •OH, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Additionally, the in vivo antioxidant activity of PEP-1 was examined using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) organism. Results showed that PEP-1 was much more effective than PEP and PEP-2 at scavenging DPPH, •OH, and ABTS radicals. Additionally, PEP-1 strengthened C. elegans' ability to endure oxidative stress. PEP-1 possessed the in vivo antioxidant capacity, including the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content reducing, and protective effect on antioxidant enzyme activities in C. elegans. In summary, PEP, PEP-1, and PEP-2 might have the potential to develop as functional foods and clinical medications.

Extraction, purification, structural features, modifications, bioactivities, structure-activity relationships, and applications of polysaccharides from garlic: A review

Garlic is a common vegetable and spice in people's daily diets, in which garlic polysaccharide (GP) is one of the most important active components with a variety of benefits, such as antioxidant, immune-enhancing, anti-inflammatory, liver-protective and bowel-regulating properties. >20 types of GPs, mainly crude polysaccharides, have been identified. However, the exact chemical composition of GPs or the mechanism underlying their pharmacological activity is still not fully understood. The extraction and purification methods of GPs are compared in this review while providing detailed information on their structural features, identification methods, major biological activities, mechanisms of actions, structural modifications, structure-activity relationships as well as potential applications. Finally, the limitations of GP research and future issues that need to be addressed are discussed in this review. GPs are widely recognized as substances with great potential in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the latest research progresses in the field of GPs, together with scientific insights and a theoretical support for the development of GPs in research and industrialization.

Structural and in vivo-in vitro myocardial injury protection features of two novel polysaccharides from Allium macrostemon Bunge and Allium chinense G. Don

This study aimed to investigate the structural characteristics, in vivo antiatherosclerosis activity, and in vitro myocardial injury protection effects of polysaccharides from Allium macrostemon Bunge and Allium chinense G. Don. Thus, crude polysaccharides of Allium macrostemon Bunge and Allium chinense G. Don significantly reduced serum lipid levels, improved cardiac myocyte morphology and arrangement, and relieved the development of myocardial fibrosis. Meanwhile, the lesion areas of the aorta and aortic valve had evident visual improvements. Furthermore, two main novel purified polysaccharides, namely, AMB-1 and ACGD-1, were isolated and characterized from crude Allium macrostemon Bunge and Allium chinense G. Don fractions, respectively. The purified polysaccharides mainly consisted of fructose and glucose and had molecular weights of 25.22 and 19.53 kDa, respectively. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, methylation, and nuclear magnetic resonance data revealed the primary structures of the AMB1 (or ACGD1) backbone with branched side chains. Scanning electron microscope analysis showed that the purified polysaccharides were both piled together in a lamellar or clastic form with a smooth surface along with linear or irregular bulges. Moreover, the purified polysaccharides both showed nontoxicity on H9c2 cells and effectively dropped hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis by the BCL-2/BAX pathway. Overall, the characterization of the structural properties and in vivo and in vitro myocardial injury protection effects of Allium macrostemon Bunge and Allium chinense G. Don polysaccharides enriched our understanding of their nutritional and medicinal values. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the structural characteristics and bioactivities of Allium chinense G. Don polysaccharides.

A review on extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activities, applications of polysaccharides from Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (Guai Zao)

Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (H. dulcis) is a widely distributed plant with a long history of cultivation and consumption. As a common plant, it has economic, edible and medicinal value. H. dulcis polysaccharides are one of their main bioactive ingredients and have many health benefits, such as anti-diabetes, antioxidation, anti-glycosylation, anti-fatigue, immune regulation activities and alcoholic liver disease protection activity. In this paper, the research progress of H. dulcis polysaccharides in extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activities, existing and potential applications were reviewed, which could provide new valuable insights for future studies.

A thermostable xylanase hydrolyzes several polysaccharides from Bacillus altitudinis JYY-02 showing promise for industrial applications

Polysaccharides have attracted immense attention as the largest source of bioactive compounds. Its bioavailability and bioactivity can be improved by utilizing degradation enzymes to reduce their molecular weight and viscosity. In this study, a 654 bp gene encoding xylanase was screened from the genome of Bacillus altitudinis JYY-02 and overexpressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta (DE3). The recombinant xylanase with a molecular weight of 27.98 kDa was purified (11.7-fold) using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography, with a 43.6% final yield. Through molecular docking, Glu, Arg, Tyr, and Trp were found to be the main amino acids involved in the interaction between xylanase and xylobiose. The effects of pH, temperature, metal ions, and substrates on xylanase activity were determined, and the results showed that the highest catalytic activity was displayed at pH 6.5, 50 °C temperature, with Cu2+ as an activator and xylan as the substrate. The Km (substrate concentration that yields a half-maximal velocity) and Vmax (maximum velocity) of recombinant xylanase were 6.876 mg/mL and 10984.183 μmol/mg∙pr/min, respectively. The recombinant xylanase was thermostable, with 85% and 39% of the enzymatic activity retained after 1 h at 60 °C and 1 h at 90 °C, respectively. The recombinant xylanase demonstrated a significant clarifying effect on fruit juices.

Recent trends in extraction, purification, structural characterization, and biological activities evaluation of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton polysaccharide

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton is an annual herb plant of the Perilla genus in the Labiatae family, which is commonly utilized as an edible and medicinal resource. Polysaccharides are among the major components and essential bioactive compounds of P. frutescens, which exhibit a multitude of biological activities, including antioxidant, antitumor, anti-fatigue, immunoregulation, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering effects. As a natural carbohydrate, P. frutescens polysaccharide has the potential to be utilized in the development of drugs and functional materials. In this paper, we provide an overview of progress made on the extraction, purification, structural characterization, and bioactivity of polysaccharides from different parts of P. frutescens. The challenges and opportunities for research are discussed, along with the potential development prospects and future areas of focus in the study of P. frutescens polysaccharides.

Review of isolation, purification, structural characteristics and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Portulaca oleracea L

Portulaca oleracea L., also known as purslane, affiliates to the Portulacaceae family. It is an herbaceous succulent annual plant distributed worldwide. P. oleracea L. is renowned for its nutritional value and medicinal value, which has been utilized for thousands of years as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The extract derived from P. oleracea L. has shown efficacy in treating various diseases, including intestinal dysfunction and inflammation. Polysaccharides from P. oleracea L. (POP) are the primary constituents of the crude extract which have been found to have various biological activities, including antioxidant, antitumor, immune-stimulating, and intestinal protective effects. While many publications have highlighted on the structural identification and bioactivity evaluation of POP, the underlying structure-activity relationship of POP still remains unclear. In view of this, this review aims to focus on the extraction, purification, structural features and bioactivities of POP. In addition, the potential structure-activity relationship and the developmental perspective for future research of POP were also explored and discussed. The current review would provide a valuable research foundation and the up-to-date information for the future development and application of POP in the field of the functional foods and medicine.

Ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction, structural characterization, and anticancer activity of polysaccharides from Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit

In this work, Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit polysaccharides (RPs) were extracted by ultrasound-assisted enzymatic method. The highest extraction yield of RPs was 4.78 ± 0.10 % under the optimal extraction conditions. Two purified fractions named RP1 and RP3 were obtained and systematically characterized by a combination strategy of FT-IR, monosaccharide composition, molecular weight distribution, methylation and 2D NMR spectroscopy analyses. Structural analysis showed that the main chain of RP1 was composed of rhamnogalacturonan type I (RG-I), while the side chains were rich in arabinogalactan and galactose. RP3 was composed of long homogalacturonan (HG) backbone interspersed with alternating sequences of RG-I domains, with galactose and arabinose side chains. RP1 and RP3 induced apoptosis of MCF-7 cells in a dose dependent manner in vitro especially for RP1, and had no effect on L929 cells. Furthermore, the possible anticancer mechanisms were revealed, and results suggested that RP1 induced apoptosis through ROS-dependent pathway and mitochondrial pathway. The results of this work not only provided an efficient extraction method and theoretical basis for the application of RPs, but also may contribute to develop novel functional foods or pharmaceutical products for the prevention and treatment of human breast cancer disease.

Extraction, purification, structural characteristics and biological properties of the polysaccharides from Armillaria mellea (Vahl) P. Kumm.: A review

Armillaria mellea (Vahl) P. Kumm. is a well-known homoeopathic plant with medicinal and culinary uses. Modern phytochemical researchers have successfully extracted and purified over 40 types of A. mellea polysaccharides (AMPs) from the fruiting bodies, hyphae and fermentation broth of A. mellea, and some of them have been analyzed and identified by their chemical structures. The impressive biological activity of these polysaccharides has been recognized by scientists worldwide. Many studies show that AMPs have remarkable antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, hypolipidemic, thrombectomy, anti-aging, pulmonary protective, hepatic protective, anti-Alzheimer's properties, etc. However, the current understanding of the relationships between their chemical structure and biological activity, toxicological effects and pharmacokinetics remains limited. This article provides a systematic review of the research conducted over the past decades on the extraction and purification methods, structural characteristics, biological activity and mechanism of action of AMPs. The aim is to provide a research base that will benefit the future application of AMPs as therapeutic drugs and functional foods, and also provide insights for the further development of AMPs.

Potential promising anticancer applications of β-glucans: a review

β-Glucans are valuable functional polysaccharides distributed in nature, especially in the cell walls of fungi, yeasts, bacteria, and cereals. The unique features of β-glucans, such as water solubility, viscosity, molecular weight, and so on, have rendered them to be broadly applied in various food systems as well as in medicine to improve human health. Moreover, inhibition of cancer development could be achieved by an increase in immune system activity via β-glucans. β-glucans, which are part of a class of naturally occurring substances known as biological response modifiers (BRMs), have also shown evidence of being anti-tumorogenic, anti-cytotoxic, and anti-mutagenic. These properties make them attractive candidates for use as pharmaceutical health promoters. Along these lines, they could activate particular proteins or receptors, like lactosylceramide (LacCer), Dickin-1, complement receptor 3 (CR3), scavenge receptors (SR), and the toll-like receptor (TLR). This would cause the release of cytokines, which would then activate other antitumor immune cells, like macrophages stimulating neutrophils and monocytes. These cells are biased toward pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis and phagocytosis enhancing the elicited immunological responses. So, to consider the importance of β-glucans, the present review introduces the structure characteristics, biological activity, and antitumor functions of fungal β-glucans, as well as their application.

Recent advances in the extraction, purification, structural-property correlations, and antiobesity mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine-derived polysaccharides: a review

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has displayed preventive and therapeutic effects on many complex diseases. As natural biological macromolecules, TCM-derived antiobesogenic polysaccharides (TCMPOs) exhibit notable weight-loss effects and are seen to be a viable tactic in the fight against obesity. Current studies demonstrate that the antiobesity activity of TCMPOs is closely related to their structural characteristics, which could be affected by the extraction and purification methods. Therefore, the extraction, purification and structural-property correlations of TCMPOs were discussed. Investigation of the antiobesity mechanism of TCMPOs is also essential for their improved application. Herein, the possible antiobesity mechanisms of TCMPOs are systematically summarized: (1) modulation of appetite and satiety effects, (2) suppression of fat absorption and synthesis, (3) alteration of the gut microbiota and their metabolites, and (4) protection of intestinal barriers. This collated information could provide some insights and offer a new therapeutic approach for the management and prevention of obesity.

Inhibitory Effects of Jiuzao Polysaccharides on Alcoholic Fatty Liver Formation in Zebrafish Larvae and Their Regulatory Impact on Intestinal Microbiota

The liver is critical in alcohol metabolism, and excessive consumption heightens the risk of hepatic damage, potentially escalating to hepatitis and cirrhosis. Jiuzao, a by-product of Baijiu production, contains a rich concentration of naturally active polysaccharides known for their antioxidative properties. This study investigated the influence of Laowuzeng Jiuzao polysaccharide (LJP) on the development of ethanol-induced alcoholic fatty liver. Zebrafish larvae served as the model organisms for examining the LJPs hepatic impact via liver phenotypic and biochemical assays. Additionally, this study evaluated the LJPs effects on gene expression associated with alcoholic fatty liver and the composition of the intestinal microbiota through transcriptomic and 16 S rRNA gene sequencing analyses, respectively. Our findings revealed that LJP markedly mitigated morphological liver damage and reduced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in larvae. Transcriptome data indicated that LJP ameliorated hepatic fat accumulation and liver injury by enhancing gene expression involved in alcohol and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, LJP modulated the development of alcoholic fatty liver by altering the prevalence of intestinal Actinobacteriota and Firmicutes, specifically augmenting Acinetobacter while diminishing Chryseobacterium levels. Ultimately, LJP mitigated alcohol-induced hepatic injury by modulating gene expression related to ethanol metabolism, lipid metabolism, and inflammation and by orchestrating alterations in the intestinal microbiota.

Effects of Near-Freezing Temperature Combined with Jujube Polysaccharides Treatment on Proteomic Analysis of 'Diaogan' Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)

This study involved the extraction of polysaccharides from jujube for application in apricot storage. Although near-freezing temperature (NFT) storage is commonly employed for preserving fresh fruit, its effectiveness is somewhat limited. Incorporating jujube polysaccharides was proposed to augment the preservative effect on apricots. Our findings demonstrated that the combined use of NFT and jujube polysaccharides can maintain fruit color, and effectively inhibit decay. Additionally, Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) quantitative proteomic technology was utilized to analyze protein variations in 'Diaogan' apricots during storage. This dual approach not only markedly lowered the activity of polyphenol cell wall-degrading enzymes (p < 0.05) but also revealed 1054 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), which are related to sugar and energy metabolism, stress response and defense, lipid metabolism, and cell wall degradation. The changes in DEPs indicated that the combined use of NFT and jujube polysaccharides could accelerate the conversion of malic acid to oxaloacetic acid and regulate antioxidant ability, potentially extending the storage lifespan of apricot fruit.

The traditional herbal medicines mixture, Banhasasim-tang, relieves the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome via modulation of TRPA1, NaV1.5 and NaV1.7 channels

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, remains unclear. Banhasasim-tang (BHSST), a traditional herbal medicines mixture, mainly used to treat GI-related diseases, may have a potential in IBS treatment. IBS is characterized by abdominal pain as the main clinical symptom, which seriously affects the quality of life.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of BHSST and its mechanisms of action in treating IBS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated the efficacy of BHSST in a zymosan-induced diarrhea-predominant animal model of IBS. Electrophysiological methods were used to confirm modulation of transient receptor potential (TRP) and voltage-gated Na+ (NaV) ion channels, which are associated mechanisms of action.

RESULTS

Oral administration of BHSST decreased colon length, increased stool scores, and increased colon weight. Weight loss was also minimized without affecting food intake. In mice administered with BHSST, the mucosal thickness was suppressed, making it similar to that of normal mice, and the degree of tumor necrosis factor-α was severely reduced. These effects were similar to those of the anti-inflammatory drug-sulfasalazine-and antidepressant-amitriptyline. Moreover, pain-related behaviors were substantially reduced. Additionally, BHSST inhibited TRPA1, NaV1.5, and NaV1.7 ion channels associated with IBS-mediated visceral hypersensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the findings suggest that BHSST has potential beneficial effects on IBS and diarrhea through the modulation of ion channels.

Regulation strategy, bioactivity, and physical property of plant and microbial polysaccharides based on molecular weight

Structural features affect the bioactivity, physical property, and application of plant and microbial polysaccharides. However, an indistinct structure-function relationship limits the production, preparation, and utilization of plant and microbial polysaccharides. Molecular weight is an easily regulated structural feature that affects the bioactivity and physical property of plant and microbial polysaccharides, and plant and microbial polysaccharides with a specific molecular weight are important for exerting their bioactivity and physical property. Therefore, this review summarized the regulation strategies of molecular weight via metabolic regulation; physical, chemical, and enzymic degradations; and the influence of molecular weight on the bioactivity and physical property of plant and microbial polysaccharides. Moreover, further problems and suggestions must be paid attention to during regulation, and the molecular weight of plant and microbial polysaccharides must be analyzed. The present work will promote the production, preparation, utilization, and investigation of the structure-function relationship of plant and microbial polysaccharides based on their molecular weight.

Extraction Optimization, Characterization and Biological Activities of Polysaccharide Extracts from Nymphaea hybrid

In this study, polysaccharide-rich Nymphaea hybrid extracts (NHE) were obtained using the ultrasound-assisted cellulase extraction (UCE) method optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The structural properties and thermal stability of NHE were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thermogravimetry-derivative thermogravimetry (TG-DTG) analysis, respectively. Moreover, the bioactivities of NHE, including the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, whitening and scratch healing activities were evaluated by different in vitro assays. NHE conveyed a good ability to scavenge against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals and inhibit the hyaluronidase activity. NHE can effectively protect the HaCaT cells against oxidative damage by inhibiting the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the H₂O₂ stimulation assays and promoting the proliferation and migration in the scratch assays. In addition, NHE was proven to inhibit melanin production in B16 cells. Collectively, the above results seem to be the evidence needed to promote the potential of NHE to be regarded as a new functional raw material in the cosmetics or food industries.

Production and characterization of Ziziphus jujuba extract-loaded composite whey protein and pea protein beads based on sodium alginate-IFPG (insoluble fraction of Persian gum)

BACKGROUND

This research was aimed at the fabrication of jujube extract (JE)-loaded beads by extrusion, using whey protein isolate (WPI), chickpea protein concentrate (PPC) and a combination of two types of hydrocolloid insoluble fraction of Persian gum (IFPG) and sodium alginate (Al).

RESULTS

JE-loaded beads with the highest encapsulation efficiency (10.87%) and polyphenol content (120.8 mg L^-1 gallic acid) were obtained using Al-IFPG/PPC at 4 °C. The Al-IFPG, Al-IFPG/WPI and Al-IFPG/PPC beads revealed 5.66, 6.85 and 5.76 mm bead size, respectively, and almost all of them demonstrated a homogeneous and spherical structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data proved that the stable structure of the Al-IFPG beads was due to hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. The thermostability of beads loaded with JE based on Al-IFPG/WPI was significantly enhanced compared to pure Al-IFPG. Texture evaluation of JE-loaded beads based on Al-IFPG incorporation with WPI revealed an increment in the hardness of beads.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the potential of Al-IFPG complex beads for the effective delivery of jujube extract via incorporation into pea and whey proteins and for the expansion of its use in products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Utilization of two plant polysaccharides to improve fresh goat milk cheese: Texture, rheological properties, and microstructure characterization

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of added jujube polysaccharide (JP) and Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on the texture, rheological properties, and microstructure of goat milk cheese. Seven groups of fresh goat milk cheese were produced with 4 levels (0, 0.2, 0.6, and 1%, wt/wt) of JP and LBP. The goat milk cheese containing 1% JP showed the highest water-holding capacity, hardness, and the strongest rheological properties by creating a denser and more stable casein network structure. In addition, the yield of goat milk cheese was substantially improved as a result of JP incorporation. Cheeses containing LBP expressed lower fat content, higher moisture, and softer texture compared with the control cheese. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance analysis demonstrated that the addition of JP improved the stability of the secondary protein structure in cheese and significantly enhanced the binding capacity of the casein matrix to water molecules due to strengthened intermolecular interactions. The current research demonstrated the potential feasibility of modifying the texture of goat milk cheese by JP or LBP, available for developing tunable goat milk cheese to satisfy consumer preferences and production needs.

Fingerprinting Evaluation and Gut Microbiota Regulation of Polysaccharides from Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) Fruit

Jujube fruit was well-loved and praised by the broad masses due to its delicious taste, abundant nutritional value, and medicinal properties. Few studies reported the quality evaluation and gut microbiota regulation effect of polysaccharides of jujube fruits from different producing areas. In the present study, multi-level fingerprint profiling, including polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, and monosaccharides, was established for the quality evaluation of polysaccharides from jujube fruits. For polysaccharides, the total content in jujube fruits ranged from 1.31% to 2.22%, and the molecular weight distribution (MWD) ranged from 1.14 × 10⁵ to 1.73 × 10⁶ Da. The MWD fingerprint profiling of polysaccharides from eight producing areas was similar, but the profile of infrared spectroscopy (IR) showed differentiation. The characteristic signals were screened and used to establish a discrimination model for the identification of jujube fruits from different areas, and the accuracy of identification reached 100.00%. For oligosaccharides, the main components were galacturonic acid polymers (DP, 2-4), and the profile of oligosaccharides exhibited high similarity. The monosaccharides, GalA, Glc, and Ara, were the primary monosaccharides. Although the fingerprint of monosaccharides was semblable, the composing proportion of monosaccharides revealed significant differences. In addition, the polysaccharides of jujube fruits could regulate the gut microbiota composition and possess potential therapeutic effects on dysentery and nervous system diseases.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction of polysaccharides from seabuckthorn fruits using response methodology, physicochemical characterization and bioactivities

BACKGROUND

Seabuckthorn fruits contains many active subtances, among them, the seabuckthorn polysaccharide is one of the main active ingredients, and exhibits diverse bioactivities. The extraction of polysaccharides from seabuckthorn fruits is the most important step for their wide applications. Ultrasound-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction (UA-ATPE) is a promising green method for extracting polysaccharides. Additionally, physicochemical characterization and antioxidant activities can evaluate the potential functions and applications in the food and medicine industries.

RESULTS

Based on the single-factor experiments, 20.70% (w/w) ammonium sulfate ((NH₄ )₂ SO₄ ) and 27.56% (w/w) ethanol were determined as the suitable composition for aqueous two-phase. The optimum conditions of UA-ATPE obtained by response surface methodology were as follows: ultrasonic power (390 W), extraction time (41 min), liquid-to-material ratio (72: 1 mL/g), and the total yield of the polysaccharides reached 34.14 ± 0.10%, The molecular weights of the purified upper-phase seabuckthorn polysaccharide (PUSP) and the purified lower-phase seabuckthorn polysaccharide (PLSP) were 65 525 and 26 776 Da, respectively. PUSP and PLSP contained the same six monosaccharides (galacturonic acid, rhamnose, xylose, mannose, glucose and galactose), but with different molar ratios. Furthermore, PUSP and PLSP displayed certain viscoelastic property, had no triple helical structure, possessed different thermal stability, surface morphology and conformation in aqueous solution. PUSP and PLSP displayed strong antioxidant properties by the assays of scavenging ability of ABTS⁺ ·, the protection of DNA damage and erythrocyte hemolysis.

CONCLUSION

UA-ATPE significantly increased the yield of seabuckthorn polysaccharides. PUSP and PLSP were different in many aspects, such as molar ratio, surface shape and antioxidant activities. Seabuckthornpolysaccharides possess great potential in medicine and functional foods. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

An Acidic Heteropolysaccharide Isolated from Pueraria lobata and Its Bioactivities

A novel water-soluble acidic heteropolysaccharide, called PPL-1, was purified from Pueraria lobata. PPL-1 had an average molecular weight of 35 Kad, and it was composed of glucose, arabinose, galactose and galacturonic acid (6.3:0.8:0.8:2.1). In accordance with methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses, PPL-1 primarily consisted of (1→2)-linked α-Araf, (1→4)-linked α-Glcp, (1→)-linked β-Glcp, (1→6)-linked α-Glcp, (1→3,6)-linked α-Galp, (1→)-linked β-GalpA and (1→4)-linked α-GalpA. In terms of bioactivities, PPL-1 exhibited remarkable scavenging ability towards DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radicals and moderate activity by enhancing the proliferation rate of RAW 264.7 cells by approximately 30% along with the secretion of NO. This work demonstrates that PPL-1 can be a potential source of immunoenhancers and antioxidants.

Effect of ultrasonic degradation on the structural feature, physicochemical property and bioactivity of plant and microbial polysaccharides: A review

With the bioactivities of antioxidant, anti-bacteria, anti-inflammation, immune regulation, antitumor and anti-coagulation, plant and microbial polysaccharides have been widely used in foods, medicine and cosmetics. However, how structure features affect the physicochemical property and bioactivity of plant and microbial polysaccharides is still unclear. Ultrasonic degradation usually degrades or modifies plant and microbial polysaccharides with different physicochemical properties and bioactivities by affecting their chemical or spatial structures via mechanical bond breaking and cavitation effects. Therefore, ultrasonic degradation might be an effective strategy for producing bioactive plant and microbial polysaccharides and analyzing their structure-function relationship. Present review summarized the influence of ultrasonic degradation on structural feature, physicochemical property and bioactivity of plant and microbial polysaccharides. Moreover, further problems need to be paid attention to during the application of ultrasonication for plant and microbial polysaccharides degradation are also recommended. Overall, present review will provide an efficient method for producing enhanced bioactive plant and microbial polysaccharides and analyzing their structure-activity relationship based on ultrasonic degradation.

Simultaneous determination and quality evaluation of 16 compounds in Ligustri Lucidi Fructus covering different regions and processed products using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

A quantitative analysis method and a chemical pattern recognition method were developed to evaluate raw Ligustri Lucidi Fructus (LLF) from different regions and different processed products. In this study, a comprehensive strategy using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry quantitative analysis method was established for the simultaneous determination of 16 components in 47 batches of LLF covering 19 regions belonging to 8 provinces and 24 batches of different processed products (steamed LLF without auxiliary material, wine-steamed LLF, salt-steamed LLF, and vinegar-steamed LLF). The results of this study indicated that the proposed method was reliable and accurate for the rapid analysis proved by detection limit, quantification limit, precision, and accuracy. Furthermore, principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were employed to analyze the experimental data, showing that the best-quality samples of 47 batches of raw LLF were S47 (Lantian, Shaanxi), S39 (Pingyang-2, Shandong), S38 (Pingyang-1, Shandong), and S45 (Lingbao, Henan), whereas the worst-quality samples were S7-S16 (Huzhou, Zhejiang). In 24 batches of processed products, the best-quality samples were S48 (salt steamed 2 h), S60 (wine steamed 2 h), and S61 (wine steamed 4 h). Meanwhile, the heat map showed that the contents of triterpenoid saponins, including C16 (ursolic acid), C15 (oleanic acid), and C14 (maslinic acid), were higher than those of other compounds in 71 batches of samples. These results suggested that the quality of raw LLF in the central and northern regions was better than that in the southern regions, and regarding the processed products, different auxiliary materials had little effect on the quality of LLF, but steaming time of 2 h was appropriate. Briefly, this study proposed a multiparameter quantitative analysis method for the overall quality control of raw LLF samples covering different regions in China and different processed LLF.

Analysis of the Effect of Mixed Fermentation on the Quality of Distilled Jujube Liquor by Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry and Flavor Sensory Description

Distilled jujube liquor is an alcoholic beverage made from jujube, which has a unique flavor and a sweet taste. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of mixed fermentation on the quality of distilled jujube liquor by comparing the performance of mixed fermentation between S. cerevisiae, Pichia pastoris and Lactobacillus. The results showed that there were significant differences in the quality of the jujube liquor between the combined strains. Moreover, Lactobacillus increased and P. pastoris reduced the total acid content. The results from an E-nose showed that the contents of methyl, alcohol, aldehyde, and ketone substances in the test bottle decreased significantly after decanting, while the contents of inorganic sulfide and organic sulfide increased. Fifty flavor compounds were detected, including nineteen esters, twelve alcohols, seven ketones, six aldehydes, three alkenes, one furan, one pyridine, and one acid. There were no significant differences in the type or content of flavor compounds. However, PLS-DA showed differences among the samples. Eighteen volatile organic compounds with variable importance in projection values > 1 were obtained. There were sensory differences among the four samples. Compared with the sample fermented with only S. cerevisiae, the samples co-fermented with Lactobacillus or with P. pastoris had an obvious bitter taste and mellow taste, respectively. The sample fermented by all three strains had a prominent fruity flavor. Except for the sample fermented with only S. cerevisiae, the jujube flavor was weakened to varying degrees in all samples. Co-fermentation could be a valuable method to improve the flavor quality of distilled jujube liquor. This study revealed the effects of different mixed fermentation modes on the sensory flavor of distilled jujube liquor and provided a theoretical basis for the establishment of special mixed fermentation agents for distilled jujube liquor in the future.