Bioaccessibility and potential bioavailability of phenolic compounds from achenes as a new target for strawberry breeding programs

Synergistic effects evaluation of jabuticaba and strawberry extracts on oxidative stability of pork burgers

This study aimed to verify whether the combined application of jabuticaba and strawberry extracts at five different concentrations could enhance oxidative stability and microbiological quality of pork burgers over 12 days of storage at 4 °C. The anthocyanins in these extracts were quantified by HPLC-DAD and identified by LC-MS/MS. Pelargonidin-3-glucoside was highlighted as the predominant anthocyanin in jabuticaba extract, while cyanidin-3-glucoside was the main constituent in strawberry extract. The extracts did not exhibit antimicrobial activity but demonstrated significant antioxidant activity. The treatment with the 0.75:0.25 (jabuticaba:strawberry extract) level showed a pH evolution during storage similar to the control (without extract). Additionally, the combination of jabuticaba and strawberry extracts, particularly at the 75:25 levels, indicated lower TBARS values, characterized by the decreased presence of rancid aroma at the end of the storage period. This extract combination level also preserved the burgers' color, evidenced by the lower ΔE values during storage.

Discovering the anti-diabetic potential of pomegranate peel metabolites by examining molecular interplay with the thioredoxin-interacting protein

Introduction

Medicinal plants like Punica granatum (pomegranate) have traditional uses against diabetes, inflammation and other diseases. The study was initiated to get an insight into the interaction tendency of P. granatum derived compounds with diabetes associated human thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). High glucose in diabetes induces production of TXNIP resulting in β-cells apoptosis. Its inhibition might reduce the diabetes incidence.

Methods

To elucidate the therapeutic potential of P. granatum peel against diabetes through GC-MS based identification of extracted compounds followed by application of computational algorithms. P. granatum peel extracts were screened for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial and wound healing properties. Phytochemical and GC-MS based analysis were performed to identify the bioactive compounds. Molecular docking analysis was performed by Auto Dock Vina to predict the binding tendency of P. granatum derived compounds with TXNIP.

Results and Discussion

The peel exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activities, which were attributed to phytochemicals like phenols, tannins and steroids. GC-MS analysis identified 3,5-octadien-2-one, 1H-pyrrole -2,5-dione, Beta-D-lyxofuranoside, 5-O-(beta-D-lyxofuranosyl)-decyl, diethyl phthalate, 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, n-hexadecanoic acid, tetradecane, 2,6,10-trimethyl, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, decane, 3,8-dimethyl, 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester and bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in P. granatum peel extracts. Docking analysis revealed high binding affinities of bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and 9-octadecenoic acid with TXNIP i.e., -4.5 and -5.0 kcal/mol, respectively, reflecting these compounds as potent antidiabetic agents. This study validates the traditional uses of P. granatum peel and demonstrates how computational approaches can uncover pharmacologically active phytochemicals. The results suggest P. granatum peel is a promising source of novel therapeutics against diabetes, inflammation, and oxidation. Further studies on the optimization of identified ligands are warranted.

The roles of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds

Phenolic compounds are a group of non-essential dietary compounds that are widely recognized for their beneficial health effects, primarily due to their bioactive properties. These compounds which found in a variety of plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, and grains are known to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. However, the health effects of these compounds depend on their bioaccessibility and bioavailability. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of probiotics for promoting human health. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a yeast with potential probiotic properties and beneficial health effects. Biosorption of phenolic compounds on Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell walls improves their bioaccessibility. This characteristic has also allowed the use of this yeast as a biosorbent in the biosorption process due to its low cost, safety, and easy availability. S. cerevisiae enhances the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds as a delivery system under in vitro digestion conditions. The reason for this phenomenon is the protective effects of yeast on various phenolic compounds under digestion conditions. This article shows the role of S. cerevisiae yeast on the bioaccessibility of various phenolic compounds and contributes to our understanding of the potential impact of yeasts in human health.

Composition of free sugars and organic acids in Japanese strawberry cultivars and their influence on the perception of sweetness and sourness

This study aimed to determine the extent of variations in the ratio of major free sugars to total sugars and major organic acids to total organic acids in strawberry juice with cultivar and harvest season and investigate whether these differences affect the perceived intensity of sweetness and sourness. Eight Japanese strawberry cultivars were simultaneously grown and harvested in different seasons for sugar and organic acid content analyses. In addition, simulated strawberry juices, containing equal total amounts of sugars and organic acids but in different ratios, were prepared based on their analytical values. The perceived intensities of sweetness and sourness of the juices were subjected to sensory evaluation. The results showed a wide range of sucrose compositions, ranging from almost zero to the highest ratio of 36.7% to total sugar. Glucose and fructose were present in approximately equal amounts, with a slight inclination toward more fructose. For organic acids, the highest ratio of citric acid was 87.6%, the lowest was approximately 60.1%, and the remainder comprised malic acid. The results of the sensory evaluation using simulated strawberry juice indicated that sweetness and sourness were significantly more pronounced as the ratio of sucrose to total sugar and the ratio of malic acid to total organic acid increased, respectively. These results suggest that it is essential to consider not only total soluble solids and titratable acidity but also the composition of the sugars and organic acids comprising them when evaluating strawberry taste. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Total soluble solids and titratable acidity have been used to evaluate strawberry taste; however, how the composition and ratios of the sugars and organic acids that comprise them affect the taste is unclear. This study revealed that, for sugars, an increase in the proportion of sucrose resulted in a stronger perception of sweetness, and for organic acids, an increase in the proportion of malic acid resulted in a stronger perception of sourness. These findings are expected to be useful in future studies evaluating strawberry taste and palatability.

Relation between Strawberry Fruit Redness and Bioactivity: Deciphering the Role of Anthocyanins as Health Promoting Compounds

The red colour of most berries is often associated to fruit healthiness, since it has been linked to enrichment in anthocyanins (polyphenol with antioxidative properties). However, recent studies suggest that anthocyanins could not be the major contributors to bioactivity leading to uncertainty about their role as important molecules in the generation of health-promoting properties. To shed light on this issue, spectrophotometric and HPLC techniques were used for characterizing the content of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins, in fruits of red (Fragaria x ananassa, cv. Fortuna) and white strawberry (Fragaria vesca spp. XXVIII) species (distinguishing receptacle from achene). In addition, the effect of these extracts on the reduction of intracellular ROS was tested, as well as on the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the quantification of cell oxidation markers. The results showed that white receptacle extracts (deprived of anthocyanins) were able to protect cells from oxidative damage to a greater extent than red fruits. This could be due per se to their high antioxidant capacity, greater than that shown in red fruits, or to the ability of antioxidants to modulate the activity of antioxidant enzymes, thus questioning the positive effect of anthocyanins on the wholesomeness of strawberry fruits. The results shed light on the relevance of anthocyanins in the prevention of health-associated oxidative damage.

Geographical Indication Characteristics of Aroma and Phenolic Acids of the Changping Strawberry

Strawberry is the most consumed berry fruit worldwide due to its unique aroma and high nutritive value. This fruit is also an important source of phenolic compounds. Changping strawberries are recognized as a national agricultural product of geographical indication (GI) due to their unique flavor. Widely accepted standards for identifying GI strawberries from non-GI strawberries are currently unavailable. This study compared the aroma and phenolic acid composition of GI and non-GI strawberries. Furthermore, the characteristic aroma and phenolic acid markers of GI strawberries were determined. A classification model based on the markers was established using Fisher discriminant analysis (FDA). In this study, six groups of strawberries with variety name of "Hongyan", including GI strawberries from Changping and non-GI strawberries from Changping, Miyun, Pinggu, Shunyi, and Tongzhou, were collected. A total of 147 volatile substances were discovered using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The contents of a few compounds principally responsible for the distinctive aroma in GI strawberries were in the top three of the six groups, providing GI strawberries with a generally pleasant fragrance. OPLS-DA identified isoamyl butyrate and trans-2-octen-1-ol as characteristic markers. Enrichment analysis indicated that beta-oxidation of very long-chain fatty acids, mitochondrial beta-oxidation of very long-chain fatty acids, fatty acid biosynthesis, and butyrate metabolism played critical roles in volatile compound biosynthesis. The total phenolic content was 24.41-36.46 mg/kg of fresh weight. OPLS-DA results revealed that cinnamic acid could be used as a characteristic phenolic acid marker of GI strawberries. Based on the three characteristic markers, FDA was performed on the different groups, which were then divided. The separation of strawberry samples from different origins using the three characteristic markers was found to be feasible. These findings help effectively understand the aroma and phenolic acid composition of strawberries and contribute to the development of strawberries with a pleasant fragrance and health benefits.

Bioavailability of Korean mint (Agastache rugosa) polyphenols in humans and a Caco-2 cell model: a preliminary study exploring the efficacy

Agastache rugosa, commonly known as Korean mint (KM), is a medicinal plant renowned for its potential health-promoting properties. However, the lack of bioavailability studies has hindered the acquisition of conclusive evidence. In this study, we investigated the bioavailability of six key polyphenols present in KM, including rosmarinic acid (RA), acacetin (AC), and four glycosides of AC. Utilizing UPLC-MS/MS, we analyzed their presence in human plasma and Caco-2 monolayers grown in permeable filter supports. Following single ingestion, we were able to detect RA, AC, and tilianin (TA) in the plasma. Consistent results were obtained for AC and TA but no transport was found for RA in a highly tight Caco-2 cell monolayer, indicating transport through the intercellular space for RA and transepithelial transport for AC and TA. Other AC glucosides with acetyl and/or malonyl groups were rarely found in the plasma. Interestingly, AC glucosides with only an acetyl group appeared at the basolateral side in Caco-2 monolayers, suggesting exclusive hydrolysis of malonyl glucosides in the colon. These findings highlight the high potential of RA, AC, and TA as bioactive compounds that may confer health benefits.

Effect of Drying and Freezing on the Phytochemical Properties of Okra during Storage

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is known for its high nutritional value, including its content of phytochemicals. This study aims to investigate the effect of drying and freezing conditions on the phytochemical content of okra. Our results indicated that both air-drying and freezing okra during 6 months of storage showed a significant decrease in total phenolic content, flavonoid content, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, higher levels of phytochemicals were found for okra samples treated with Na2SO4 solution when compared to untreated okra. The freezing process appeared to better preserve the content of the investigated phytochemicals when compared to the decrease after drying. Our research has determined that both immersing and freezing okra samples consistently yielded better results in the preservation of phytochemical properties over time, compared to other methods. This study is important for the food industry, as it highlights the importance of proper storage methods to retain the nutritional value of okra.

Kinetic Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction as a Sustainable Approach for the Recovery of Phenolics Accumulated through UVA Treatment in Strawberry By-Products

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) is an efficient and sustainable method for extracting bioactive compounds from agro-industrial by-products. Moreover, it has been reported that ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation can induce the biosynthesis and accumulation of bioactive phenolic compounds. This study optimized the efficiency of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for recovering ultraviolet A (UVA)-induced phenolic compounds in strawberry by-products (RF-N). The impact of three factors (solid-liquid ratio, ethanol concentration, and ultrasound power) on total phenolic compound (TPC) kinetics using Peleg's model was investigated. The developed model showed a suitable fit for both RF-N and strawberry by-products treated with UVA (RF-E). The optimal UAE conditions obtained were of a 1:30 ratio, 46% ethanol, and 100% ultrasound power, resulting in an average yield of 13 g total phenolics kg-1. The bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds during in-vitro digestion was 36.5%, with agrimoniin being the predominant compound. UAE combined with UVA treatment increased the bioactivity of RF extracts, displaying significant anti-proliferative effects on HT29 and Caco-2 cancer cell lines, as well as anti-inflammatory potential and cellular antioxidant activity. The ultrasound proved to be a sustainable and effective technique for extracting phenolic compounds from RF, contributing to the valorization of strawberry agro-industrial by-products, and maximizing their nutraceutical potential.

Gastrointestinal digestion assays for evaluating the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds in fruits and their derivates: an overview

Fruits and their derivatives are sources of phenolic compounds, which contribute to the maintenance of health benefits. In order to exert such properties, these compounds must be exposed to gastrointestinal conditions during digestion. In vitro methods of gastrointestinal digestion have been developed to simulate and evaluate the changes that compounds undergo after being exposed to various conditions. We present, in this review, the major in vitro methods for evaluating the effects of gastrointestinal digestion of phenolic compounds in fruits and their derivatives. We discuss the concept of bioaccessibility, bioactivity, and bioavailability, as well as the conceptual differences and calculations among studies. Finally, the main changes caused by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion in phenolic compounds are also discussed. The significant variation of parameters and concepts observed hinders a better evaluation of the real effects on the antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds, thus, the use of standardized methods in research would contribute for a better understanding of these changes.

Effect of thermosonication on bioactive compounds, enzymatic and microbiological inactivation in nectar with strawberry by-products

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of strawberry by-products (pulp and achene) and thermosonication offers a nectar with a potential contribution of health and safety benefits. Strawberry nectar with 0, 10 and 20% of strawberry by-products (SB) was subjected to thermosonication (24 kHz) at 70 and 80% for 8 min at 50 °C. Total soluble solids, pH, polyphenol oxidase (PO) and pectin methylesterase (PME) activities, total soluble phenols (TSP), ascorbic acid (AA), anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity (AOX) were evaluated. Microbiological reduction and inactivation of Escherichia coli was also determined. A limited activity was observed in PO and PME related to the SB percentage added. TSP, AA, anthocyanins, and AOX were increased due to the different percentages of SB added to the nectar. A reduction of aerobic mesophiles (1.28 Log CFU/mL), molds and yeast counts (1.23 Log CFU/mL) were achieved by thermosonication. E. coli inactivation was approximately 1 log CFU/mL in 20% SB nectar at 80% amplitude, 8 min at 50 °C, but increased during storage at 6 °C (0.915-5.86 Log CFU/mL). Thermosonication showed the possibility of employing strawberry by-products in nectars, improving the use of agro-industrial residues by non-thermal technologies.

The modulatory effect of encapsulated bioactives and probiotics on gut microbiota: improving health status through functional food

The gut microbiota can be a determining factor of the health status of the host by its association with some diseases. It is known that dietary intake can modulate this microbiota through the consumption of compounds like essential oils, unsaturated fatty acids, non-digestible fiber, and probiotics, among others. However, these kinds of compounds can be damaged in the gastrointestinal tract as they pass through it to reach the intestine. This is due to the aggressive and changing conditions of this tract. For this reason, to guarantee that compounds arrive in the intestine at an adequate concentration to exert a modulatory effect on the gut microbiota, encapsulation should be sought. In this paper, we review the current research on compounds that modulate the gut microbiota, the encapsulation techniques used to protect the compounds through the gastrointestinal tract, in vitro models of this tract, and how these encapsulates interact with the gut microbiota. Finally, an overview of the regulatory status of these encapsulates is presented. The key findings are that prebiotics are the best modulators of gut microbiota fermentation metabolites. Also, probiotics promote an increase of beneficial gut microorganisms, which in some cases promotes their fermentation metabolites as well. Spray drying, freeze drying, and electrodynamics are notable encapsulation techniques that permit high encapsulation efficiency, high viability, and, together with wall materials, a high degree of protection against gastrointestinal conditions, allowing controlled release in the intestine and exerting a modulatory effect on gut microbiota.

Trial Analysis of the Relationship between Taste and Biological Information Obtained While Eating Strawberries for Sensory Evaluation

This paper presents a trial analysis of the relationship between taste and biological information obtained while eating strawberries (for a sensory evaluation). This study used the visual analog scale (VAS); we collected questionnaires used in previous studies and human brain activity obtained while eating strawberries. In our analysis, we assumed that brain activity is highly correlated with taste. Then, the relationships between brain activity and other data, such as VAS and questionnaires, could be analyzed through a canonical correlation analysis, which is a multivariate analysis. Through an analysis of brain activity, the potential relationship with "taste" (that is not revealed by the initial simple correlation analysis) can be discovered. This is the main contribution of this study. In the experiments, we discovered the potential relationship between cultural factors (in the questionnaires) and taste. We also found a strong relationship between taste and individual information. In particular, the analysis of cross-loading between brain activity and individual information suggests that acidity and the sugar-to-acid ratio are related to taste.

Chemical Compounds of Berry-Derived Polyphenols and Their Effects on Gut Microbiota, Inflammation, and Cancer

Berry-derived polyphenols are bioactive compounds synthesized and secreted by several berry fruits. These polyphenols feature a diversity of chemical compounds, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. Here, we report the beneficial health effects of berry-derived polyphenols and their therapeutical application on gut-microbiota-related diseases, including inflammation and cancer. Pharmacokinetic investigations have confirmed the absorption, availability, and metabolism of berry-derived polyphenols. In vitro and in vivo tests, as well as clinical trials, showed that berry-derived polyphenols can positively modulate the gut microbiota, inhibiting inflammation and cancer development. Indeed, these compounds inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and also promote beneficial bacteria. Moreover, berry-derived polyphenols exhibit therapeutic effects against different gut-microbiota-related disorders such as inflammation, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Moreover, these polyphenols can manage the inflammation via various mechanisms, in particular the inhibition of the transcriptional factor Nf-κB. Berry-derived polyphenols have also shown remarkable effects on different types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, esophageal, and prostate cancer. Moreover, certain metabolic disorders such as diabetes and atherosclerosis were also managed by berry-derived polyphenols through different mechanisms. These data showed that polyphenols from berries are a promising source of bioactive compounds capable of modulating the intestinal microbiota, and therefore managing cancer and associated metabolic diseases. However, further investigations should be carried out to determine the mechanisms of action of berry-derived polyphenol bioactive compounds to validate their safety and examinate their clinical uses.

Regulation of Plant Tannin Synthesis in Crop Species

Plant tannins belong to the antioxidant compound family, which includes chemicals responsible for protecting biological structures from the harmful effects of oxidative stress. A wide range of plants and crops are rich in antioxidant compounds, offering resistance to biotic, mainly against pathogens and herbivores, and abiotic stresses, such as light and wound stresses. These compounds are also related to human health benefits, offering protective effects against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases in addition to providing anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial characteristics. Most of these compounds are structurally and biosynthetically related, being synthesized through the shikimate-phenylpropanoid pathways, offering several classes of plant antioxidants: flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins. Tannins are divided into two major classes: condensed tannins or proanthocyanidins and hydrolysable tannins. Hydrolysable tannin synthesis branches directly from the shikimate pathway, while condensed tannins are derived from the flavonoid pathway, one of the branches of the phenylpropanoid pathway. Both types of tannins have been proposed as important molecules for taste perception of many fruits and beverages, especially wine, besides their well-known roles in plant defense and human health. Regulation at the gene level, biosynthesis and degradation have been extensively studied in condensed tannins in crops like grapevine (Vitis vinifera), persimmon (Diospyros kaki) and several berry species due to their high tannin content and their importance in the food and beverage industry. On the other hand, much less information is available regarding hydrolysable tannins, although some key aspects of their biosynthesis and regulation have been recently discovered. Here, we review recent findings about tannin metabolism, information that could be of high importance for crop breeding programs to obtain varieties with enhanced nutritional characteristics.

Phenolic profiles and their responses to pre- and post-harvest factors in small fruits: a review

The consumption of small fruits has increased in recent years. Besides their appealing flavor, the commercial success of small fruits has been partially attributed to their high contents of phenolic compounds with multiple health benefits. The phenolic profiles and contents in small fruits vary based on the genetic background, climate, growing conditions, and post-harvest handling techniques. In this review, we critically compare the profiles and contents of phenolics such as anthocyanins, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and phenolic acids that have been reported in bilberries, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, black and red currants, raspberries, and strawberries during fruit development and post-harvest storage. This review offers researchers and breeders a general guideline for the improvement of phenolic composition in small fruits while considering the critical factors that affect berry phenolics from cultivation to harvest and to final consumption.

Nanotechnology as a Key to Enhance the Benefits and Improve the Bioavailability of Flavonoids in the Food Industry

Nanotechnology has impacted the food industry, mainly on developing healthier, safer, and high-quality functional food. Flavonoids are valuable compounds present in plants, fruits, grains, roots, stems, tea, and wine, among others; they possess many benefits for health due to their antioxidant properties toward reactive oxygen species, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative, among others. These characteristics make flavonoids attractive in various industrial areas such as medicine, nutraceutical, cosmetology, and pharmaceutical. Unfortunately, flavonoids lack long-term stability, are sensitive to light, long periods of darkness with low oxygen concentration, and often present a low water solubility and poor bioavailability. Nanoencapsulation is an alternative to improve bioavailability and sensitivity in the manufacturing process, based on encapsulating substances on a nanoscale. Nanocapsules are a promising strategy in significantly enhancing the delivery of compounds to various sites in the body. The development of biopolymers to encapsulate sensitive compounds is increasing, as well as the search for the non-toxic, biodegradable, natural and biocompatible characteristics of polymers, is fundamental. The present review describes the recent techniques and technologies for the nanoencapsulation of flavonoids. It discusses their potential advantages and possible limitations, compares natural and synthetic biopolymers, and finally, details nanoparticle regulation.

Pharmacological Properties of Polyphenols: Bioavailability, Mechanisms of Action, and Biological Effects in In Vitro Studies, Animal Models, and Humans

Drugs are bioactive compounds originally discovered from chemical structures present in both the plant and animal kingdoms. These have the ability to interact with molecules found in our body, blocking them, activating them, or increasing or decreasing their levels. Their actions have allowed us to cure diseases and improve our state of health, which has led us to increase the longevity of our species. Among the molecules with pharmacological activity produced by plants are the polyphenols. These, due to their molecular structure, as drugs, also have the ability to interact with molecules in our body, presenting various pharmacological properties. In addition, these compounds are found in multiple foods in our diet. In this review, we focused on discussing the bioavailability of these compounds when we ingested them through diet and the specific mechanisms of action of polyphenols, focusing on studies carried out in vitro, in animals and in humans over the last five years. Knowing which foods have these pharmacological activities could allow us to prevent and aid as concomitant treatment against various pathologies.

Comparison the dissipation behaviors and exposure risk of carbendazim and procymidone in greenhouse strawberries under different application method: Individual and joint applications

The dissipation behaviors and exposure risks of individual and joint application of procymidone and carbendazim in greenhouse strawberries were studied. The initial concentrations were similar after individual or joint applications, while the dissipation half-lives and finial concentrations were significantly different. After joint application, the dissipation half-lives of procymidone and carbendazim were 12.9 and 16.0 days, respectively, which were about 1.8 times higher than those after individual application. Furthermore, the final residues under joint application condition were 1.8-3.5 times higher than those under individual application condition. The joint application decreased the dissipation rates of procymidone or carbendazim in strawberries, and increased the final residue concentrations. The dietary intake risks of procymidone and carbendazim (whether applied individually or jointly) were no higher than 0.12, which were acceptable for human health. This work would shed a light for the guidance of the joint application and risk assessment of the typical fungicides in strawberry.

Effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties of soluble and insoluble dietary fibers derived from hulless barley

In this study, the bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds in insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) and soluble dietary fiber (SDF) derived from hulless barley were evaluated by an in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) digestion model. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds in IDF and SDF following GI digestion were studied. The results obtained showed an increase in total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well antioxidant activity compared with undigested extracts. Moreover, the bioaccessibility indexes of phenolic compounds in IDF and SDF were 490.90 ± 3.10% and 1608.79 ± 40.63% respectively, after GI digestion. Similarly, the bioaccessibility indexes of flavonoids in IDF and SDF were 179.20 ± 15.16% and 814.36 ± 26.31%, respectively. Based on our findings, individual phenolic compounds show different stability in the digestion process. The content of ferulic acid has different trends in IDF and SDF during GI digestion. This study could provide a scientific basis for hulless barley DF as valuable food additives. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Hulless barley is a unique cereal with potential health benefits due to high dietary fiber (DF) content and phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds could be linked to DF through chemical bonds. Phenolic compounds in DF can be slowly and continuously released under acidic, alkaline, and enzymatic conditions by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, which could maintain a higher phenolic concentration in the bloodstream and be beneficial for human health. This study could provide a scientific basis for hulless barley DF as valuable food additives.

The influence of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the Perilla frutescens leaf extract: Changes in the active compounds and bioactivities

In this study, the influence of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the Perilla frutescens leaf extract (PFLE) were measured. Results revealed that total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were significantly decreased after simulated digestion (ca. 53% of phenolics and 40% of flavonoids). The IC₅₀ value of DPPH· scavenging activity and ABTS⁺ scavenging ability increased by 23% and 56%, respectively, while ferric reducing antioxidant power reduced by 53%. For the inhibition ability on α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and MCF-7 cell proliferation, their IC₅₀ values increased by 360%, 197%, and 25%, respectively. Three phenolic acids and one flavonoid in PFLE were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Overall, although significant losses of the active components and biological activities occurred during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, it still showed the potential as an oral agent for treatment and prevention of oxidative stress, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: As an important annual herbaceous plant with rich biochemical compounds and many biological functions, Perilla frutescens leave is widely used in the food and traditional Chinese medicine. However, the dynamic changes of its active compounds and activities during the digestion process are unclear. In this study, the digestion results in significant loss of the active ingredients and biological activities of P. frutescens leaf extract (PFLE), particularly in the gastric digestion. In addition, PFLE remains to show certain antioxidant activity, α-glucosidase inhibitory ability, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory ability, and MCF-7 cell proliferation inhibitory ability after digestion. Therefore, this research might facilitate further research and development of P. frutescens.

Anthocyanins, Vibrant Color Pigments, and Their Role in Skin Cancer Prevention

Until today, numerous studies evaluated the topic of anthocyanins and various types of cancer, regarding the anthocyanins' preventative and inhibitory effects, underlying molecular mechanisms, and such. However, there is no targeted review available regarding the anticarcinogenic effects of dietary anthocyanins on skin cancers. If diagnosed at the early stages, the survival rate of skin cancer is quite high. Nevertheless, the metastatic form has a short prognosis. In fact, the incidence of melanoma skin cancer, the type with high mortality, has increased exponentially over the last 30 years, causing the majority of skin cancer deaths. Malignant melanoma is considered a highly destructive type of skin cancer due to its particular capacity to grow and spread faster than any other type of cancers. Plants, in general, have been used in disease treatment for a long time, and medicinal plants are commonly a part of anticancer drugs on the market. Accordingly, this work primarily aims to emphasize the most recent improvements on the anticarcinogenic effects of anthocyanins from different plant sources, with an in-depth emphasis on melanoma skin cancer. We also briefly summarized the anthocyanin chemistry, their rich dietary sources in flowers, fruits, and vegetables, as well as their associated potential health benefits. Additionally, the importance of anthocyanins in topical applications such as their use in cosmetics is also given.

Bioactive compounds, nutritional benefits and food applications of colored wheat: a comprehensive review

The consumers' demands have changed from energy providing diet to a diet with a balanced nutrient profile along with metabolic, physiological and functional health benefits. They are seeking colorants derived from natural sources to enhance the nutritional and antioxidant value of foods. Colored wheat (Triticum aestivum) contains many phytochemicals, responsible for numerous health benefits. Colored wheat (blue, black, purple and red) contains a good amount of anthocyanins and carotenoids that are primarily located in the outer aleurone layer. Food regulatory and safety authorities and food processing industries are trying to minimize the usage of synthetic food colorants and dyes. Colored wheat is imperative for food processing industries as high-value pigments present in the bran layer (milling industry co-product) can easily be extracted and utilized as functional foods and natural colorants. The extracted pigments such as anthocyanin can replace synthetic dyes currently used in food, drug and cosmetics. Additionally, natural additives improve the nutritional value, appearance, texture, flavor, and storage properties of food products. This review presents a brief knowledge of the nutritional composition of colored wheat including phytochemicals and bioactive compounds like flavonoids, phenolic compounds, their health benefits, methods and technologies used for processing and extraction as well as the effects of processing on these compounds.

Microplastics as Vectors of Chromium and Lead during Dynamic Simulation of the Human Gastrointestinal Tract

The human body is exposed to the ingestion of microplastics that are often contaminated with other substances, which can be released into our body. In this work, a dynamic in-vitro simulator of the gastrointestinal tract based on a membrane reactor has been used for the first time to study the release, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) from polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics previously contaminated in the laboratory. The results showed that 23.11% of the initial Cr and 23.17% of the initial Pb present in microplastics were able to cross the tubular membrane, simulating the intestinal absorption phase. The pH evolution during the gastric phase and the duodenal phase, the interaction mechanisms with physiological fluids, and the properties of the polymers, such as specific surface, porosity, and/or surface degradation, affected the kinetics of release from the microplastics and the behavior of both heavy metals. Cr was released very early in the gastric phase, but also began simultaneously to precipitate quite fast, while Pb was released slower and in less quantity than Cr, and did not precipitate until the beginning of the duodenal phase. This study shows, for the first time, how useful the dynamic gastrointestinal simulator is to study the behavior of microplastics and some problematic heavy metals along the human gastrointestinal tract, and can serve as a reference for future studies focused on the effects of these substances in the human body.

The Role of Extracting Solvents in the Recovery of Polyphenols from Green Tea and Its Antiradical Activity Supported by Principal Component Analysis

Green tea contains a variety of biologically active constituents that are widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Among them, simple catechins constitute a major group of compounds that is primarily responsible for the high biologic activity of green tea extracts. Therefore, the application of optimized extraction conditions may result in obtaining high value extracts. The main purpose of the study was to compare the content of polyphenols, mainly catechins, and the antioxidant activity of green tea extracts obtained by three different extraction methods: simple maceration, ultrasound extraction and accelerated solvent extraction using six various solvent systems. The quality of the extracts was evaluated by LC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS methodologies and spectrophotometric determinations. The obtained results revealed that catechins' extraction efficiency was identical for the three techniques studied. However, larger quantitative differences among the samples were observed when using different solvents. The total content of major catechins and gallic acid was within a very wide range of 10.2-842 mg/L. Ethyl acetate was by far the least effective extractant, regardless of the extraction technique used. After all, the solvent system composed of ethanol:water (1:1 v/v) was proven to be the best to recover catechins and to deliver extracts with the highest antiradical activity.

Pomegranate as a source of bioactive constituents: a review on their characterization, properties and applications

Increasing awareness about the use of compounds obtained from natural sources exerting health-beneficial properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, led to increased number of research papers focusing on the study of functional properties of target compounds to be used as functional foods or in preventive medicine. Pomegranate has shown positive health properties due to the presence of bioactive constituents such as polyphenols, tannins, and anthocyanins. Punicalagin is the major antioxidant, abundantly found in pomegranate's peel. Research has shown that pomegranate polyphenols not only have a strong antioxidant capacity but they also inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria like V. cholera, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, B. cereus, E. coli, and S. virulence factor, and inhibits fungi such as A. Ochraceus, and P. citrinum. Compounds of natural origin inhibit the growth of various pathogens by extending the shelf life of foodstuffs and assuring their safety. Therefore, the need to find compounds to be used in combination with antibiotics or as new antimicrobial sources, such as plant extracts. On the basis of the above discussion, this review focuses on the health benefits of pomegranate, by summarizing the current body of research focusing on pomegranate bioactive constituents and their therapeutic potential against some pathogenic microbes.

One-Pot Efficient Catalytic Oxidation for Bio-Vanillin Preparation and Carbon Isotope Analysis

Vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) is one of the most widely used food spices. Aimed at bio-vanillin green production, the natural materials were directly catalytically oxidized efficiently in one pot under low O₂ pressure (0.035 MPa) in the presence of a non-noble metal oxidation combined catalyst (NiCo₂O₄/SiO₂ nanoparticles), which showed remarkable advantages of a short synthetic route and less industrial waste. The catalytic system showed good universality to many natural substrates with nearly 100% conversion and 86.3% bio-vanillin yield. More importantly, carbon isotope ratio investigations were employed to verify the origin of the organic matter. One hundred percent ¹⁴C content of the obtained vanillin was detected, which indicated that it was an efficient method to distinguish the vanillin from biomass or fossil materials. Furthermore, the ¹³C isotope examination showed effective distinguishing ability for the vanillin from a particular biomass source. The C isotope detection provides an effective method for commercial vanillin identification.

Phenolic Profiling of 12 Strawberry Cultivars Using Different Spectroscopic Methods

Phenolic compounds of 12 strawberry cultivars were profiled using spectrophotometry, spectrofluorometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, coupled with multivariate regression analysis. Total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content, and total antioxidant capacity (TPC, TACY, and TAC, respectively) and concentrations of individual phenolics were evaluated, and the multivariate statistic was employed to identify the most promising cultivars based on their phenolic content. According to the principal component analysis, TAC was strongly correlated with the TPC (0.81), pointing out its importance in overall antioxidant activity. 'Joly', 'Laetitia', and 'Asia' cultivars were distinguished from others as the richest in concerning identified anthocyanins, almost all flavonoids and phenolic acids. Multivariate curve resolution with alternating least squares indicated the presence of two main types of fluorophores assigned to anthocyanins and phenolics, in which emission spectral ratios also showed the highest values in the referred cultivars. These cultivars could be recommended to consumers in terms of the health functionality of fruit.

Regulation of PI3k-WNK Pathway by Ethyl Acetate Partition Fraction of Gardenia jasminoides var. radicans Makino in SHR, NRK52e Cells, and IMCD3 Cells

The antihypertensive mechanism was studied of the ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanol extract (EAPF) of Gardenia jasminoides var. radicans Makino (GJRM). GJRM is a fake product of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis ( G. jasminoides), but in China’s Henan province, the production of GJRM is much more than G. jasminoides’s, but its traditional usage is as a dye. Gardenia jasminoides can be used to reduce blood pressure and blood glucose levels. The chemical compositions of GJRM and G. jasminoides are similar, and we previously confirmed that GJRM can also reduce blood pressure. Here, we report that the EAPF of GJRM could activate the phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) pathway in the kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats, thus increasing the content of nitric oxide and bradykinin in sera and decreasing endothelin-1 content. EAPF can also decrease the levels of with-no-lysine kinase 1 (WNK1) expression, WNK4 and oxidative stress-responsive kinase 1 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), and Na-K-2Cl cotransporter and sodium chloride cotransporters mRNA and phosphorylation. To investigate the antihypertensive effects of the EAPF of GJRM, 5 monoterpenoids isolated from EAPF were studied for their effects on NRK52e and IMCD3 cells. These compounds inhibited the PI3K-WNK signaling pathway to varying degrees under hypotonic conditions; 4-methoxyrehmapicrogenin had the best effect.

Inhibitory Effects of Urtica thunbergiana Ethanol Extract on Atopic Dermatitis-Induced NC/Nga Mice

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that persists or repeatedly recurs in both childhood and adulthood. Urtica thunbergiana (UT) is an aroma herb with little-known pharmacological effects and anti-inflammatory activities against AD. This study investigated the immunomodulatory efficacy of 50% ethanol-extracted UT in necrosis factor-alpha/interferon-gamma (TNF-α/IFN-γ)-stimulated HaCaT cells in vitro and AD-Biostir-induced NC/Nga mice in vivo. The results showed that UT exhibits a dose-dependent increase in scavenged free radicals, reaching 76.0% ± 1.4% of scavenged 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl at a concentration of 250 µg/mL. In addition, UT significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of the following pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells: interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine, macrophage-derived chemokine, and regulated on activation normal T expressed and secreted. UT-treated HaCaT cells showed inhibition of the overexpression of chemokine-regulated signaling molecules, such as nuclear factor-kappa B, inhibitor of kappa B (IκBα), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). UT dietary administration in AD-Biostir-induced NC/Nga mice treated and improved AD-like symptoms, such as scales, epidermal thickening, the dermatitis severity score, high trans-epidermal water loss, reduced skin hydration, increased mast cells, elevated serum immunoglobulin E levels, and an enlarged spleen. UT treatment inhibited the expression of phosphorylated forms of MAPKs, nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1, and regulator IκBα. It also upregulated filaggrin (FLG) production. Therefore, UT shows high anti-AD activity both in vitro and in vivo, and can be a useful anti-AD agent.

The Mechanisms Behind the Biological Activity of Flavonoids

Flavonoids are phenolic compounds widely distributed in the human diet. Their intake has been associated with a decreased risk of different diseases such as cancer, immune dysfunction or coronary heart disease. However, the knowledge about the mechanisms behind their in vivo activity is limited and still under discussion. For years, their bioactivity was associated with the direct antioxidant and radical scavenging properties of phenolic compounds, but nowadays this assumption is unlikely to explain their putative health effects, or at least to be the only explanation for them. New hypotheses about possible mechanisms have been postulated, including the influence of the interaction of polyphenols and gut microbiota and also the possibility that flavonoids or their metabolites could modify gene expression or act as potential modulators of intracellular signaling cascades. This paper reviews all these topics, from the classical view as antioxidants in the context of the Oxidative Stress theory to the most recent tendencies related with the modulation of redox signaling pathways, modification of gene expression or interactions with the intestinal microbiota. The use of C. elegans as a model organism for the study of the molecular mechanisms involved in biological activity of flavonoids is also discussed.

Recent progress in the use of functional foods for older adults: A narrative review

The number and proportion of older adults are increasing globally, and it is predicted that in 2020, there will be 723 million people worldwide aged 66 and older. In recent decades, numerous studies showed that healthy eating is positively associated with better nutritional status and quality of life, and the decreased incidence of noncommunicable diseases. As older adults become health conscious, the demand for foods and beverages rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds has increased. The increased demand for healthy food stimulated a recent rapid increase in designing, producing, and marketing functional foods to prevent or correct nutrient deficiencies and to improve the nutritional status of older adults. These functional products contain and/or are enriched with dietary fiber; omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; phytoestrogens; polyphenols; carotenoids such as alpha- and beta-carotene; lutein and zeaxanthin; pre-, pro-, and synbiotics; and plant sterols and stanols. A limited number of publications have thoroughly addressed the effect of functional foods on the nutritional status of older adults. The goal of this review was to review existing recent research on the role of functional foods in healthy and active aging.

Agriculture waste valorisation as a source of antioxidant phenolic compounds within a circular and sustainable bioeconomy

Agro-food industrial waste is currently being accumulated, pushing scientists to find recovery strategies to obtain bioactive compounds within a circular bioeconomy. Target phenolic compounds have shown market potential by means of optimization extraction techniques.

Bioaccessibility of micronutrients in fresh and frozen strawberry fruits grown under elevated carbon dioxide and temperature

Strawberry cultivar "San Andreas" was grown under ambient (400 ppm CO₂, 25 °C) and elevated (950 ppm CO₂, 30 °C) growth conditions. The strawberries were subjected to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation to examine the accessibility of polyphenols, vitamin C and folates in fresh and frozen fruits using HPLC-UV analyses. Results revealed that elevated CO₂ and higher temperature enhanced the amounts of accessible bioactive compounds in strawberries. Bioaccessibility of pelargonidin-3-glucoside increased from 67% to 88% in strawberries grown under elevated growth. Fresh strawberries grown under ambient growth contained 93.09 ± 6.2 µg/100 g folates and 18.55 ± 0.5 mg/100 g vitamin C as bioaccessible fractions under fed state while, elevated growth enhanced soluble folates and vitamin C up to 188.63 ± 7.5 µg/100 g and 30.48 ± 0.3 mg/100 g, respectively. Fresh strawberries contained higher amounts of accessible micronutrients than frozen strawberries, while increased bile contents in intestinal fluid (fed state) facilitated the release of bioactive compounds to gastrointestinal fluid.

Bioaccessibility and biotransformation of anthocyanin monomers following in vitro simulated gastric-intestinal digestion and in vivo metabolism in rats

Anthocyanins (ANCs) are phytochemicals with several health effects and undergo significant degradation and subsequent biotransformation during complex metabolic processes. The aim of the present study was to determine the bioaccessibility and biotransformation of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) during the simulated gastric-intestinal digestion in vitro and the metabolism in rats in vivo. Characterization of C3G and its metabolites was conducted by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. After gastric-intestinal digestion, C3G was detected with a recovery of 88.31% in the gastric-digestive system, and a small amount of methylated-C3G occurred. In the intestinal-digestive system, C3G occurred with a recovery of 6.05%, and mainly decomposed into protocatechuic acid (PCA) and 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzaldehyde. The pharmacokinetic trial of C3G in rats showed rapid elimination in plasma. In tissues, C3G underwent rapid absorption and metabolism into phenolic acids or their derivatives. C3G and methylated-C3G passed through the blood-brain barrier and caused rapid distribution of C3G in the brain. Understanding the conversion of C3G and its metabolites helps in the future design of dietary interventions and the exploration of biological activities of ACNs.