Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory roles of tea polyphenols in inflammatory bowel diseases

Comprehensive analysis of the flavor and color characteristics of light-fermented sour tea mediated by Aspergillus niger RAF106

Light-fermented sour tea (ST) was produced by fermenting the Yunnan large-leaf variety of sun-dried green tea (GT) with Aspergillus niger RAF106. The flavor characteristics of both ST and GT were analyzed using GC-MS, HPLC, and LC-MS/MS. The results indicated that 58 volatile compounds were identified after fermentation, including linalool, benzaldehyde, geraniol, and (+)-limonene (odor activity value, OAV > 1). A total of 66 non-volatile compounds were identified, including caffeine, gallic acid, epicatechin, and epigallocatechin (degree over threshold, DoT >1). The content of non-ester catechins, theanine, L* (luminosity), b* (yellowness), theaflavins, and thearubigins significantly increased. The changes in volatile and non-volatile compounds contributed to ST its rich floral aroma, sweet aftertaste, and bright yellow color of the soup. These results enhance the understanding of the flavor characteristics of ST and the effect of A. niger RAF106 fermentation on tea flavor, highlighting the crucial role of microorganisms in tea flavor development.

Nano-Engineered Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) Delivery Systems: Overcoming Bioavailability Barriers to Unlock Clinical Potential in Cancer Therapy

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a bioactive polyphenol derived from Camellia sinensis, exhibits multimodal anticancer activity through mechanisms such as apoptosis induction, metastasis suppression, and chemoresistance reversal. Despite its therapeutic promise, clinical application is constrained by rapid metabolism, poor bioavailability, and inconsistent biodistribution. Recent advances in nanotechnology have enabled the development of innovative delivery systems including pH-responsive nanoparticles, lipid-polymer hybrids, and ligand-functionalized carriers that enhance EGCG stability, tumor targeting, and bioavailability by 3- to fivefold in preclinical models. These platforms also facilitate synergistic co-delivery with chemotherapeutics like doxorubicin, amplifying cytotoxicity and overcoming multidrug resistance. Mechanistically, EGCG modulates oncogenic pathways via NF-κB suppression, caspase activation, and MMP-9 downregulation, demonstrating efficacy across diverse cancer types. However, translational challenges persist, such as nanoparticle toxicity, variable tumor accumulation, and insufficient penetration in hypoxic microenvironments. Regulatory hurdles, including the lack of harmonized global standards for herbal medicinal products, further complicate clinical adoption. To bridge these gaps, future research must prioritize scalable cGMP-compliant manufacturing, rigorous preclinical toxicity profiling, and robust clinical trials to validate safety and efficacy. Addressing these issues could position nanoengineered EGCG as a paradigm-shifting therapy in precision oncology, aligning with ESCOP's mission to integrate evidence-based phytomedicines into conventional cancer care. This review underscores the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration to standardize phytopreparations, refine regulatory frameworks, and advance biomarker-driven clinical validation, ultimately unlocking the full potential of EGCG in modern therapeutics.

Ophiopogonis Radix fructan-selenium nanoparticles for dual amelioration of ulcerative colitis and anti-colon cancer

Fructans demonstrate significant potential in preclinical models for treating inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer by modulating gut microbiota homeostasis. In this research, ORP-SeNPs were prepared through a redox method. Their roles as colon-targeted delivery carriers and stabilizers were examined for treating inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. ORP-SeNPs showed potent scavenging activity against ABTS· and DPPH· radicals and dose-dependently inhibited colon cancer Caco-2 cell proliferation by arresting growth in the S phase. Moreover, ORP-SeNPs significantly alleviated intestinal inflammation by modulating inflammatory cytokine homeostasis, reducing oxidative stress, repairing the intestinal barrier, and suppressing NF-κB/STAT-3 pathway activation. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for employing mixed fructans as drug carriers to treat inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, extending the therapeutic applications of Ophiopogonis Radix in bowel disorders.

Dialdehyde starch-epicatechin gallate conjugate alleviates inflammation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis mice

In this study, epicatechin gallate (ECG), a natural anti-inflammatory agent, was conjugated onto dialdehyde starch (DAS) to achieve high physiological stability. The anti-inflammatory effect of DAS-ECG conjugate was evaluated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice models. Results showed that 25-800 μg/mL of DAS-ECG conjugate was non-cytotoxic to RAW264.7 cells. DAS-ECG conjugate effectively inhibited the abnormal morphology, the production of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and reactive oxygen species, and the apoptosis of LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. DAS-ECG conjugate significantly reduced the disease activity index, thymus atrophy, spleen enlargement, colon shortening and colon damage of DSS-induced colitis mice. Meanwhile, DAS-ECG conjugate remarkably reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and malondialdehyde but increased the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione in the colon tissue of DSS-induced colitis mice. Moreover, DAS-ECG conjugate increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Akkermansia, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, unclassified_f_Muribaculaceae, Alistipes and Parabacteroides), promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids, and decreased the relative abundance of harmful bacterium (norank_f_Ruminococcaceae) in DSS-induced colitis mice. Therefore, DAS-ECG conjugate could be considered as a promising anti-inflammatory agent.

A review-plant medicine and its extraction components inhibit influenza virus

Influenza is a highly prevalent and highly contagious lung disease caused by influenza viruses. The main anti-influenza strategies are vaccination and antiviral drugs. Vaccination is an effective means of prevention, but the time lag in research and development makes it difficult to respond immediately to an outbreak. Approved drugs are mainly inhibitors of neuraminidase and M2 ion channels, but, due to the variability of influenza viruses, resistance to these drugs may emerge. Botanicals and their extracts have shown unique advantages in influenza treatment and are widely used in clinics across China. However, there are few reviews on the prevention and treatment of influenza with herbal medicines. We undertook a review of relevant literature in recent years to analyze the research progress of various botanicals and their extracts in the prevention and treatment of influenza. Our review provides theoretical support for the prevention and treatment of influenza by plant-based medicines, as well as new ideas for the development of novel low-toxicity and multi-target drugs.

Identification of lu'an Guapian at different picking periods by using excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics

Lu'an Guapian (LAGP) is a renowned green tea, with its price significantly higher when picked before the Qingming Festival compared to after, posing risks of confusion and counterfeiting. This study proposed using an excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence method combined with chemometrics for rapid identification of tea picked before and after Qingming Festival. Firstly, the differences among the EEM fingerprints of different tea samples were analyzed using the alternating trilinear decomposition (ATLD) algorithm. To determine the differences between LAGP before and after Qingming Festival, the total contents of ten main components in tea were detected, and their effects on the EEM fluorescence fingerprint of tea were analyzed using correlation heatmaps. Finally, two chemometric algorithms, partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and k-nearest neighbor (k-NN), were used to classify LAGP before and after Qingming Festival, achieving a classification accuracy of 100% for the training set, test set, and prediction set. To further explore the potential of this method, LAGP was further classified in detail according to four detailed picking periods, achieving an accuracy of over 83%. The same chemometric algorithm was used to classify the data based on the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method, yielding results comparable to those of the EEM-based method, though slightly inferior. Variable importance projection (VIP) analysis shows that catechin analogs are the main contributors to the classification of LAGP. The results demonstrated the EEM method's significant potential in identifying the picking time of green tea.

Effects of aqueous extract of Waltheria indica (Sterculiaceae) leafy stems on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats

Ulcerative colitis is one of the inflammatory bowel diseases that manifest itself by uncontrolled inflammation of colon. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Waltheria indica on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Six (6) groups of five (5) rats each, were anesthetized with a ketamine (50 mg/kg)/valium (10 mg/kg) mixture after eighteen (18) fasting hours. Colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of 1 mL of acetic acid (5%) in animals. Five (5) hours later, the normal control (NC) and the colitis control (CC) received distilled water (10 mL/kg bw), the positive control (Pre5) received prednisolone (5 mg/kg) and the other three test groups received the W. indica extract at 50 (Wi50), 100 (Wi100) and 200 (Wi200) mg/kg bw, orally for 7 days. At the end of the treatment, the animals were sacrificed and the blood was collected from the carotid artery, part in the ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) tube for hematological analyzes and part in dry tubes for biochemical assays. The abdomen was then opened, the colon, liver, spleen, lungs and heart were removed, drained, weighed and the indexes of each organ were determined. The extract at 200 mg/kg reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO) and inhibited the production of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6(IL-6) in the colon and serum. The extract significantly increased the blood platelet level of the colitis rats. Thus, these results suggest that Walthera indica extract may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Advanced nutraceutical approaches to Parkinson's disease: bridging nutrition and neuroprotection

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by progressive motor symptoms, including tremors, bradykinesia, and postural instability. The disease is characterized by dopaminergic neuron degeneration in the substantia nigra, leading to cognitive decline and motor dysfunction. Dietary supplements, known as nutraceuticals, have numerous health and medical benefits for treating and preventing the disease. Nutraceuticals offer neuroprotection through several mechanisms, including iron chelation, modulation of the cell-signaling pathway, scavenging of superoxide radicals and ROS, and suppression of inflammation. This review highlights the therapeutic potential of nutraceuticals as a complementary approach to traditional pharmaceutical treatments. Nutritional supplements such as Coenzyme Q10, Lycopene, Resveratrol, and Omega-3 fatty acids offer neuroprotection by targeting alpha-synuclein misfolding, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation, potentially reducing the disease progression and improving patients' quality of life.

New advances in biological preservation technology for aquatic products

Aquatic products, characterized by their high moisture content, abundant nutrients, and neutral pH, create an optimal environment for the rapid proliferation of spoilage organisms, lipid oxidation, and autolytic degradation. These factors collectively expedite the spoilage and deterioration of aquatic products during storage and transportation within the supply chain. To maintain the quality and extend the shelf-life of aquatic products, appropriate preservation methods must be implemented. The growing consumer preference for bio-preservatives, is primarily driven by consumer demands for naturalness and concerns about environmental sustainability. The present review discusses commonly employed bio-preservatives derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms and their utilization in the preservation of aquatic products. Moreover, the preservation mechanisms of bio-preservatives, including antioxidant activity, inhibition of spoilage bacteria and enzyme activity, and the formation of protective films are reviewed. Integration of bio-preservation techniques with other methods, such as nanotechnology, ozone technology, and coating technology that enhance the fresh-keeping effect are discussed. Importantly, the principal issues in the application of bio-preservation technology for aquatic products and their countermeasures are presented. Further studies and the identification of new bio-preservatives that preserve the safety and quality of aquatic products should continue.

Gut-Derived Ursodeoxycholic Acid from Saponins of Quinoa Regulated Colitis via Inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway

Alteration of the gut microbiota and its metabolites plays a key role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here, we investigated the mechanism of saponins, a byproduct from quinoa (SQ) processing, in regulating IBD. SQ ameliorated gut microbiota dysbiosis revealed by 16S rRNA sequencing and improved colonic antioxidant activities and barrier integrity in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated mice. Broad-spectrum antibiotics further proved that the gut-protective effects of SQ were mediated by gut microbiota. Next, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) of SQ-induced gut microbiota/metabolites to inoculate DSS-treated mice alleviated colitis significantly. Untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics revealed that ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) was enriched as a microbial metabolite after SQ supplementation. UDCA was then found to attenuate DSS-induced colitis in vivo by targeting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, which was also verified in a Caco-2 cell model treated with a TLR4 agonist/antagonist. Overall, our findings established that gut microbiota-UDCA-TLR4/NF-κB signaling plays a key role in mediating the protective effects of SQ.

Global bibliometric analysis of traditional Chinese medicine regulating gut microbiota in the treatment of diabetes from 2004 to 2024

Objectives

The therapeutic efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in modulating gut microbiota for diabetes treatment has garnered increasing scholarly attention. This study aims to meticulously examine current research trajectories and focal areas from 2004 to 2024, providing a foundational framework for future inquiries.

Methods

A comprehensive search of documents published between 2004 and 2024 was conducted using the Web of Science database. The resulting data were analyzed and visualized using R software, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace.

Results

The study included a total of 751 documents. From 2004 to 2022, the number of annual publications showed a continuous upward trend (2004: n = 1 to 2022: n = 159), and the number of publications in 2023 (n = 141) decreased slightly from the previous year. China emerged as the leading country in terms of article publications (n = 430). Additionally, the United States played a prominent role in international research collaborations. Frontiers in Pharmacology (n = 31) was the most frequently published journal, while Nature (n = 1,147) achieved the highest citation count. Key identified keywords included obesity, insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Conclusion

Three key research focuses in this domain include: the therapeutic effects of active constituents in TCM on diabetes via gut microbiota modulation, the underlying mechanisms through which TCM influences gut microbiota in diabetes management, and the targeted regulation of specific gut bacterial populations by TCM in the treatment of diabetes.

Eurotium-Cristatum fermented black tea alleviates ulcerative colitis through the PPARγ-NF-κB signaling axis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that significantly impairs patient quality of life and remains incurable. Effective dietary management is crucial for both prevention and treatment. This study investigates the effects and mechanisms of Eurotium cristatum-fermented black tea (FBT) in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mouse model using transcriptome sequencing, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. Our results demonstrate that FBT significantly protects intestinal integrity by suppressing NF-κB-dependent inflammatory genes through the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. FBT enhances intestinal barrier integrity by limiting microbial penetration and metabolite translocation into systemic circulation, thereby reducing systemic inflammation risk. Additionally, FBT promotes intestinal mucosa repair and maintains microecological homeostasis by regulating intestinal flora and enhancing the biosynthesis of short-chain fatty acids and amino acids. These findings suggest that FBT has promising prophylactic potential for preventing and alleviating UC by modulating multiple biological pathways, including reducing inflammation, mitigating oxidative stress, and strengthening intestinal barrier integrity. This study lays the groundwork for future research on dietary interventions for UC prevention and management.

Polyphenols and Functionalized Hydrogels for Osteoporotic Bone Regeneration

Osteoporosis induces severe oxidative stress and disrupts bone metabolism, complicating the treatment of bone defects. Current therapies often have side effects and require lengthy bone regeneration periods. Hydrogels, known for their flexible mechanical properties and degradability, are promising carriers for drugs and bioactive factors in bone tissue engineering. However, they lack the ability to regulate the local pathological environment of osteoporosis and expedite bone repair. Polyphenols, with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and bone metabolism-regulating properties, have emerged as a solution. Combining hydrogels and polyphenols, polyphenol-based hydrogels can regulate local bone metabolism and oxidative stress while providing mechanical support and tissue adhesion, promoting osteoporotic bone regeneration. This review first provides a brief overview of the types of polyphenols and the mechanisms of polyphenols in facilitating adhesion, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and bone metabolism modulation in modulating the pathological environment of osteoporosis. Next, this review examines recent advances in hydrogels for the treatment of osteoporotic bone defects, including their use in angiogenesis, oxidative stress modulation, drug delivery, and stem cell therapy. Finally, it highlights the latest research on polyphenol hydrogels in osteoporotic bone defect regeneration. Overall, this review aims to facilitate the clinical application of polyphenol hydrogels for the treatment of osteoporotic bone defects.

A Metal-Polyphenol-Based Antidepressant for Alleviating Colitis-Associated Mental Disorders

Emerging evidence suggests that patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are predisposed to psychosocial disturbances, such as depression and anxiety. Regrettably, clinical antidepressants exhibit unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy in IBD-associated psychosocial disturbances, primarily attributed to the inherent intestinal disorders and intricate bidirectional relationship between the gut and the brain. Herein, we report a metal-polyphenol-based antidepressant to alleviate mental disorders in dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental acute colitis mice via modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The antidepressant, termed CSMTC, comprises a core of melittin-encapsulated natural antioxidant enzymes (i.e., catalase and superoxide dismutase) and a protective shell composed of tannic acid-cerium ion network. Upon oral administration to colitis mice, CSMTC can effectively restore colonic redox balance, reinforce the intestinal barrier, modulate gut microbiota composition, maintain the blood-brain barrier integrity, and regulate systemic immune responses. Notably, behavioral test results reveal that CSMTC significantly alleviates the colitis-associated mental disorder (e.g., depression-like behavior) via the microbiota-gut-brain axis by reducing neuroinflammation, enhancing hippocampal neural plasticity, modulating hippocampal immune responses, and restoring neurotransmitter homeostasis. This work may have implications for the development of new nanodrugs for treating inflammation-associated complications.

Chemical Basis and Molecular Mechanism of Aged Qingzhuan Tea Alleviating DSS-Induced Colitis

SCOPE

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) poses a serious threat to human health. Qingzhuan tea (QZT), especially aged QZT, was concerned to have a potential effect on the prevention of colitis. In this study, we aim to assess the feasibility of different aged QZT on the alleviation of colitis induced by DSS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A comprehensive investigation into the efficacy of QZT of different aging years was conducted by establishing the animal model of colitis and the cellular inflammation model. The results demonstrated that QZT aged 0-20 years could significantly alleviate the symptoms of colitis. Notably, QZT aged for 5 years (A5) and 10 years (A10) was particularly effective in downregulating the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, via suppressing the activation of the NF-κB p65 pathway and upregulating the expression of the Nrf2/ARE pathway. The additional upregulation of gut microbiota including Allobaculum and Lactobacillus and superior alleviation on mitochondrial damage may be the mechanisms for A10 to show the better activity than A0 on alleviating colitis.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the potential of QZT, especially A5 and A10, and provides valuable insights for the development of functional foods targeting colitis.

Substituting ethoxyquin with tea polyphenols and propyl gallate enhanced feed oxidative stability, broiler hepatic antioxidant capacity and gut health

The safety of ethoxyquin has garnered increasing attention. This study evaluated the effects of partially substituting ethoxyquin with tea polyphenols and propyl gallate on feed oxidative stability, hepatic antioxidant properties, intestinal morphology and barrier functions, as well as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory profiles of the intestinal mucosa in broilers. A total of 351 one-day-old male Arbor Acres Plus broilers were randomly assigned to 3 groups, each comprising 9 replicates with 13 birds per replicate. The treatments included a control group (CON) fed a basal diet, an ethoxyquin group (EQ) that received the basal diet supplemented with 120 g/t of ethoxyquin, and a substitution group (TP) receiving the basal diet supplemented with 6 g/t of tea polyphenols, 6 g/t of propyl gallate, and 30 g/t of ethoxyquin. In vitro experiments showed that both EQ and TP supplementation significantly reduced the acid value (AV), peroxide value (POV), and total oxidation value (TOV) of the feeds, with the TP group exhibiting lower AV and TOV than the EQ group. In vivo assessments revealed no significant differences in growth performance among the groups. Additionally, the TP group exhibited significantly higher glutathione peroxidase activity, increased glutathione content, and elevated protein expression of Keap1, Nrf2, and NQO1 in the liver compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, dietary TP significantly increased liver catalase activity, glutathione content, and NQO1 protein levels compared to the EQ group (P < 0.05). Both additives effectively reduced malondialdehyde levels in the intestinal mucosa by approximately 50% (P < 0.05) through the activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway, as indicated by increased mRNA expression of TXN, CAT, GPX1, and GPX4 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, compared to the control group, the TP group exhibited greater villus height and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (VCR) in the jejunum, as well as elevated VCR in the ileum (P < 0.05). The TP group also achieved the lowest serum levels of diamine oxidase activity, D-lactate and lipopolysaccharide contents among all groups (P < 0.05). The inclusion of both EQ and TP increased the mRNA expression of Occludin, Claudin-1, Mucin-2, and E-cadherin in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Moreover, the combination of tea polyphenols and propyl gallate effectively mitigated the proinflammatory effect of ethoxyquin, as evidenced by reductions in TNF-α, IL-18, and IFN-γ expression, potentially mediated by inhibition of the TLR-4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that partially replacing ethoxyquin with tea polyphenols and propyl gallate enhances feed oxidative stability, liver antioxidant capacity, and gut health in broilers, suggesting an efficient alternative with a lower dosage requirement.

Metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis reveals the enhancement of growth, anti-oxidative stress and immunity by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate in Litopenaeus vannamei

(-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the main active component of tea polyphenols, has been less studied in Litopenaeus vannamei. Therefore, the potential benefits of EGCG on L. vannamei were explored in this experiment. L. vannamei were fed diets containing EGCG (0, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg). At the end of the 60-day farming experiment, metabolomics, transcriptomics, quantitative real-time PCR assays, and tissue sections were used to assess and explore the effects of EGCG on growth, antioxidant capacity, and immunity. It was found that the best growth and genes expressions related to antioxidant, anti-stress, apoptosis, and immunity were observed in the group with 0.5 g/kg EGCG. The analysis of hepatopancreatic metabolomics and transcriptomics results revealed bumper differential metabolites and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with nutrient metabolism, digestion, immunity, and environmental adaptation. Many metabolites with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant activities have been identified. A large number of DEGs were enriched in apoptosis, Rap1 signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, hippo signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway, and signaling pathways related to amino acid and lipid metabolism. In conclusion, dietary 0.5 g/kg EGCG was beneficial for growth, resistance to oxidative stress, and immunity in L. vannamei. The improvement of the properties was attributed to the modulation of signaling pathways, metabolites abundance and genes expressions related to the above properties by EGCG.

Assessing functional properties of diet protein hydrolysate and oil from fish waste on canine immune parameters, cardiac biomarkers, and fecal microbiota

Locally produced fish hydrolysate and oil from the agrifood sector comprises a sustainable solution both to the problem of fish waste disposal and to the petfood sector with potential benefits for the animal's health. This study evaluated the effects of the dietary replacement of mainly imported shrimp hydrolysate (5%) and salmon oil (3%; control diet) with locally produced fish hydrolysate (5%) and oil (3.2%) obtained from fish waste (experimental diet) on systemic inflammation markers, adipokines levels, cardiac function and fecal microbiota of adult dogs. Samples and measurements were taken from a feeding trial conducted according to a crossover design with two diets (control and experimental diets), six adult Beagle dogs per diet and two periods of 6 weeks each. The experimental diet, with higher docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids contents, decreased plasmatic triglycerides and the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme, also tending to decrease total cholesterol. No effects of diet were observed on serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, and IL-12/IL-23 p40, and of the serum levels of the anti-inflammatory adipokine adiponectin. Blood pressure, heart rate and echocardiographic measurements were similar between diets with the only exception of left atrial to aorta diameter ratio that was higher in dogs fed the experimental diet, but without clinical relevance. Diet did not significantly affect fecal immunoglobulin A concentration. Regarding fecal microbiome, Megasphaera was the most abundant genus, followed by Bifidobacterium, Fusobacterium, and Prevotella, being the relative abundances of Fusobacterium and Ileibacterium genera positively affected by the experimental diet. Overall, results from the performed short term trial suggest that shrimp hydrolysate and salmon oil can be replaced by protein hydrolysate and oil from fish by-products without affecting systemic inflammatory markers, cardiac structure and function, but potentially benefiting bacterial genera associated with healthy microbiome. Considering the high DHA and EPA contents and the antioxidant properties of fish oil and hydrolysate, it would be worthwhile in the future to assess their long-term effects on inflammatory markers and their role in spontaneous canine cardiac diseases and to perform metabolomic and metagenomics analysis to elucidate the relevance of microbiota changes in the gut.

Injectable and self-healable hydrogel based on pullulan polysaccharide loading platelet-rich plasma and metal-phenol network nanoparticles for infectious wound healing

Due to elevated glucose levels, oxidative stress, weakened immune function, and delayed angiogenesis, diabetic wounds are difficult to heal. However, current dressings often do not successfully achieve the desired therapeutic outcome for diabetic wounds. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is widely used in the treatment of diabetic wounds. Even so, the sudden release of growth factors or proteins in PRP frequently hampers the therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, it is of considerable clinical value to achieve long-term release of active molecules in PRP and to create more effective diabetic wound dressings. Here, PRP was combined with pullulan polysaccharide derivatives (OPD) and polylysine derivatives (EPL-BA) to form a multifunctional hydrogel backbone. Tea polyphenols (TP), gallic acid (GA), and metal ions (Cu2+) were utilized to prepare metal-phenol network nanoparticles (TGMPN) which were encapsulated in the hydrogel system. The EPL-BA/OPD/PRP/TGMPN (EOPM) composite hydrogel showed injectable and self-healing properties. The hydrogel system could effectively remove reactive oxygen species (ROS) and showed excellent antibacterial properties against different bacteria. The results showed that EOPM hydrogel was effective in reducing the inflammatory response and promoting the regeneration of blood vessels and neoplastic tissues, thus greatly accelerating the repair of infected wounds.

Fabrication, characterization, and bioactivity of self-assembled carrier-free colloidal dispersions from Citrus × Limon 'Rosso' essential oil and tea polyphenols

Carrier-free nanodelivery systems are fully self-assembled from active ingredients through interactions, offering the advantages of green, safe, and large-scale manufacturing. To improve the dispersion of Citrus × limon 'Rosso' peel essential oil (CEO) in water and boost the biological activity of CEO and tea polyphenols (TP), self-assembled CEO-TP colloidal dispersions (CEO-TP Colloids) were fabricated through sonication without surfactants or carriers. The optimal CEO and TP concentrations in the CEO-TP Colloids were determined to be 10.0 and 20.0 mg/mL by particle size and stability analyzer, respectively. The CEO self-assembled with TP to form spherical nanoparticles through hydrophobic and hydrogen-bonding interactions, whereas the CEO in CEO-TP Colloids weakened TP intramolecular aggregation. Meanwhile, the CEO-TP Colloids showed synergistic effects with better antibacterial, cellular antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities than single components. This study opens up the possibility of carrier-free co-delivery of hydrophobic and hydrophilic active components developed into food-grade formulations with multiple bioactivities.

Correlation analysis of secondary metabolites and disease resistance activity of different varieties of Congou black tea based on LC-MS/MS and TCMSP

To investigate the correlation between the difference of secondary metabolites and the disease-resistance activity of different varieties of Congou black tea. Among a total of 657 secondary metabolites identified, 183 metabolites had anti-disease activity, 113 were key active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), 73.22% had multiple anti-disease activities, and all were mainly flavonoids and phenolic acids. The main enriched metabolic pathways were phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, flavonoid biosynthesis, and metabolic pathways. Flavonoid and phenolic acid secondary metabolites were more correlated with anti-disease activity and key active TCM ingredients. Conclusion: The types of JGY and Q601 Congou black tea of the relative contents show large differences in secondary metabolites. Flavonoid and phenolic acid secondary metabolites were identified as the primary factors contributing to the variation in secondary metabolites among different varieties of Congou black tea. These compounds also exhibited a stronger correlation with disease resistance activity.

Dynamic changes and correlation analysis of microorganisms and flavonoids/ amino acids during white tea storage

White tea stored for various times have different flavors. However, the mechanism of flavor conversion remains elusive. Flavonoids and amino acids are two typical flavor components in tea. Herein, the contents of 46 flavonoids and 40 amino acids were measured in white tea (Shoumei) stored for 1, 3, 5 and 7 years, respectively. L-tryptophan, L-ornithine and L-theanine contribute to the refreshing taste of Shoumei 1 and 3. Quercetin, rutin and hesperidin contribute to aging charm and grain aroma of Shoumei 5 and 7. 306 bacterial OTUs and 268 fungal OTUs core microbiota existed in all samples. Interestingly, white teas contained higher richness of fungi than bacteria. The correlation analysis showed that the cooperation with bacteria and fungi may result in the flavonoids and amino acids composition changes in white teas during storage. Overall, this study provides new insights into flavor conversion of white tea during storage.

Effects of Green Tea and Java Pepper Mixture on Gut Microbiome and Colonic MicroRNA-221/222 in Mice with Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis

In this study, we aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of a green tea and java pepper mixture (GTP) on the gut microbiome and microRNA (miR)-221/222 expression in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: DSS-, DSS+, GTP50, and GTP100. In the GTP50 and GTP100 groups, GTP was orally administered to mice at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively, every day for 2 weeks, and colitis was induced in the DSS+, GTP50, and GTP100 groups by adding 3% DSS to their drinking water for 1 week. GTP was found to mitigate the severity of inflammation and the damage to goblet cells caused by DSS-induced colitis. The results showed that compared with the DSS- group, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was increased and that of Proteobacteria and Candidatus Melainabacteria was decreased in the GTP100 group. The ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes was also reduced in the GTP100 group. However, GTP administration did not modulate the microbial diversity. GTP administration upregulated the mRNA and protein levels of occludin and zonula occludens 1. In addition, GTP effectively downregulated the expression of miR-221 and miR-222. Overall, GTP altered the gut microbiota composition and downregulated colonic miR-221/222 expression in mice with DSS-induced colitis.

Microbial-Metabolomic Exploration of Tea Polyphenols in the Regulation of Serum Indicators, Liver Metabolism, Rumen Microorganisms, and Metabolism in Hu Sheep

This study investigated the impact of tea polyphenols on serum indices, rumen microorganisms, rumen metabolism, and liver metabolism in Hu sheep. Sixty healthy lambs, aged three months and with similar average weights, were chosen and randomly assigned to control (CON), TP400, TP800, and TP1200 groups, each consisting of fifteen lambs. The control group received a basal diet, while the experimental groups were provided with basal diet supplemented with 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg, and 1200 mg/kg of tea polyphenols, respectively. Compared with the CON group, the addition of tea polyphenols to the diet significantly increased serum IgA, GSH-Px, and TSOD. In addition, tea polyphenols were able to increase rumen pH but had no significant effect on the rumen NH3-N, VFA molar content, and the microbial top 10 phylum and genus levels. Moreover, Firmicutes predominated in the network map of the top 80 abundant microorganisms at the genus level, identifying 13 biomarkers at the genus level. In addition, strong correlations were observed between liver and rumen metabolites, particularly between rumen succinic acid and liver alanyl-serine and methylmalonic acid. Furthermore, tea polyphenol additions changed the enrichment of liver and rumen metabolites in the top five KEGG metabolic pathways, but 400-1200 mg/kg additions had no negative impact on the liver and rumen. In summary, TP significantly influences rumen and liver metabolites in Hu sheep, enhancing lamb immunity and antioxidant capacity, with 400 mg/kg being the most effective dosage.

Physiological potential of different Sorghum bicolor varieties depending on their bioactive characteristics and antioxidant potential as well as different extraction methods

A comprehensive study of sorghum bran and flour was performed to explore the secondary metabolite profiles of differently coloured genotypes and to evaluate the variability in the antioxidant properties based on differences in polarity and solubility. This research included one red variety and one white variety. Among the samples, the red variety contained significantly greater amounts of secondary metabolites than did the white variety, with total polyphenol contents of 808.04 ± 63.89 mg.100 g-1 and 81.56 ± 3.87 mg.100 g-1, respectively. High-molecular-weight condensed tannin-type flavonoid extracts with high antioxidant activity were obtained by using relatively low-polarity acetone-water solvents, which was reflected by the measured antioxidant values. Among the methods used, the electron-donating Trolox equivalent antioxidant assay provided the highest antioxidant capacity, with values ranging from 118.5 to 182.6 μmol g-1 in the case of the red variety, in accordance with the electron donor properties of condensed tannins. Key secondary metabolites were identified using MS techniques and quantified using HPLC. Catechin and procyanidin B1 were found in the red variety at concentrations of 3.20 and 96.11 mg.100 g-1, respectively, while the concentrations in the white variety were under the limit of detection. All four tocopherols were found in sorghum, with the red variety containing a higher amount than the white variety, but the vitamin B complex concentrations were higher in the white variety. Overall, the red sorghum variety proved to be a better source of secondary metabolites with potential health benefits and could be used as a nutrient-rich food source.

Regular Consumption of Green Tea as an Element of Diet Therapy in Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI)

The liver is a highly metabolically active organ, and one of the causes of its dysfunction is the damage caused by drugs and their metabolites as well as dietary supplements and herbal preparations. A common feature of such damage is drugs, which allows it to be defined as drug-induced liver injury (DILI). In this review, we analysed available research findings in the global literature regarding the effects of green tea and/or its phenolic compounds on liver function in the context of protective action during prolonged exposure to xenobiotics. We focused on the direct detoxifying action of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in the liver, the impact of EGCG on gut microbiota, and the influence of microbiota on liver health. We used 127 scientific research publications published between 2014 and 2024. Improving the effectiveness of DILI detection is essential to enhance the safety of patients at risk of liver damage and to develop methods for assessing the potential hepatotoxicity of a drug during the research phase. Often, drugs cannot be eliminated, but appropriate nutrition can strengthen the body and liver, which may mitigate adverse changes resulting from DILI. Polyphenols are promising owing to their strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as their prebiotic effects. Notably, EGCG is found in green tea. The results of the studies presented by various authors are very promising, although not without uncertainties. Therefore, future research should focus on elucidating the therapeutic and preventive mechanisms of polyphenols in the context of liver health through the functioning of gut microbiota affecting overall health, with particular emphasis on epigenetic pathways.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Acute Toxicity of Caco Seed (Chrysobalanus icaco L.) in Murine Models

Chysobalanus icaco L. (C. icaco) is a plant that is native to tropical America and Africa. It is also found in the southeast region of Mexico, where it is used as food and to treat certain diseases. This study aimed to carry out a phytochemical analysis of an aqueous extract of C. icaco seed (AECS), including its total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and condensed tannins (CT). It also aimed to examine the antioxidant and metal-ion-reducing potential of the AECS in vitro, as well as its toxicity and anti-inflammatory effect in mice. Antioxidant and metal-ion-reducing potential was examined by inhibiting DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP. The acute toxicity test involved a single administration of different doses of the AECS (0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg body weight). Finally, a single administration at doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg of the AECS was used in the carrageenan-induced model of subplantar acute edema. The results showed that the AECS contained 124.14 ± 0.32 mg GAE, 1.65 ± 0.02 mg EQ, and 0.910 ± 0.01 mg of catechin equivalents/g dried extract (mg EC/g de extract) for TPC, TFC and CT, respectively. In the antioxidant potential assays, the values of the median inhibition concentration (IC50) of the AECS were determined with DPPH (0.050 mg/mL), ABTS (0.074 mg/mL), and FRAP (0.49 mg/mL). Acute toxicity testing of the AECS revealed no lethality, with a median lethal dose (LD50) value of >2 g/kg by the intragastric route. Finally, for inhibition of acute edema, the AECS decreased inflammation by 55%, similar to indomethacin (59%, p > 0.05). These results demonstrated that C. icaco seed could be considered a source of bioactive molecules for therapeutic purposes due to its antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory activity derived from TPC, with no lethal effect from a single intragastric administration in mice.

Comparative studies on the antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of green tea, orthodox black tea and CTC black tea

Tea is a natural dietary supplement rich in polyphenols and based on the manufacturing process, their polyphenol content also varies. In the present study, we have compared the in vitro antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of green tea (GT), orthodox black tea (oBT) and CTC black tea (cBT). The analysis was carried out in 50:50 ethanol:water extracts. The total antioxidant capacity, total polyphenol content and free radical scavenging activity were found to be high in GT samples. HPLC profiling indicated a higher percentage of polyphenols like catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin-gallate in GT when compared to other samples. The comparison of the anticancer potential was done in breast cancer MDA MB-231 cells and it was found that GT has a higher percentage of cell growth inhibition than oBT and cBT. Anti-inflammatory effects were done in LPS stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells and here also GT showed maximum effects. This was confirmed by the lower production of iNOS, reduced level of ROS generation and proinflammatory cytokines such as MCP-1, IL-1ɑ, and IL-6 by GT. To conclude, the order for the biological effectiveness of different teas tested is in the order GT > oBT > cBT.

Comparative analysis of antioxidant activities and chemical compositions in the extracts of different edible parts from Camellia tetracocca Zhang (C. tetracocca) with two distinct color characteristics

The Camellia tetracocca Zhang is a rare and ancient plant, exclusively found in the vicinity of Puan County, Guizhou Province, China. According to leaf color, two distinct variations have been identified: purple C. tetracocca Zhang (PCTZ) and green C. tetracocca (GCTZ). This research was conducted to investigate the antioxidant activities and chemical compositions of different edible parts of PCTZ and GCTZ. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, HSA, and T-AOC assays, while the content of compounds was determined by HPLC. The findings demonstrated that the antioxidant capacity of PCTZ leaves is significantly superior to that of GCTZ leaves. Notably, theacrine, a rare compound, contains up to 2.075% in PCTZ leaves, indicating potential as a novel natural antidepressant and antioxidant. In conclusion, PCTZ is a distinctive tea beverage and a valuable genetic material for tea tree breeding due to its high theacrine and low caffeine characteristics.

An efficient artificial intelligence algorithm for predicting the sensory quality of green and black teas based on the key chemical indices

The key components dominating the quality of green tea and black tea are still unclear. Here, we respectively produced green and black teas in March and June, and investigated the correlations between sensory quality and chemical compositions of dry teas by multivariate statistics, bioinformatics and artificial intelligence algorithm. The key chemical indices were screened out to establish tea sensory quality-prediction models based on the result of OPLS-DA and random forest, namely 4 flavonol glycosides of green tea and 8 indices of black tea (4 pigments, epigallocatechin, kaempferol-3-O-rhamnosyl-glucoside, ratios of caffeine/total catechins and epi/non-epi catechins). Compared with OPLS-DA and random forest, the support vector machine model had good sensory quality-prediction performance for both green tea and black tea (F1-score > 0.92), even based on the indices of fresh tea leaves. Our study explores the potential of artificial intelligence algorithm in classification and prediction of tea products with different sensory quality.

The Evaluation of the Phytochemical Profiles and Antioxidant and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities of Four Herbal Teas Originating from China: A Comparative Analysis of Aqueous and Ethanol Infusions

Recent research has demonstrated the positive impact of herbal tea consumption on postprandial blood glucose regulation. This study conducts a comparative analysis of aqueous and ethanol extractions on four herbal teas (Mallotus, Cyclocarya, Rubus, and Vine) to assess their phytochemical profiles and functional attributes. Phytochemical contents, antioxidant activities, α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, and chemical compositions are investigated via colorimetric analyses and UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS/MS, respectively. Results indicate that Vine, among the teas studied, exhibits the most pronounced glucose-regulating effects under both extraction methods. While ethanol extractions yield higher phytochemical content overall, the compositions vary. Conversely, aqueous extracts demonstrate unexpectedly potent antioxidant activities and comparable α-glucosidase inhibitory activities to ethanol extracts. Phytochemical contents correlate positively with antioxidant activities and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. However, antioxidant activities exhibit a weak positive correlation with α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. These findings provide evidence that aqueous extracts from herbal teas contain valuable phytochemical compositions beneficial for antioxidants and individuals with hyperglycemia, suggesting their potential as functional ingredients to enhance the nutritional value of herbal food products.

Distinguishable short-term effects of tea and water drinking on human saliva redox

Food consumption can alter the biochemistry and redox status of human saliva, and the serving temperature of food may also play a role. The study aimed to explore the immediate (3 min) and delayed (30 min) effects of hot tea (57 ± 0.5 °C) ingestion and cold tea (8 ± 0.5 °C) ingestion on the salivary flow rate and salivary redox-relevant attributes. The saliva was collected from 20 healthy adults before, 3-min after and 30-min after the tea ingestion. The hot or cold deionised water at the same temperatures were used as control. The salivary flow rate and redox markers in hot tea (HBT), cold tea (CBT), hot water (HW) and cold water (CW) group were analysed and compared. The results demonstrated that neither the black tea nor the water altered the salivary flow rate; the black tea immediately increased the salivary thiol (SH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content while reduced salivary uric acid (UA) significantly. The tea ingestion showed a tendency to elevate the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) in saliva, although not significantly. The water ingestion decreased the MDA content immediately and increased the UA level significantly. Cold water was found to induce a greater delayed increase in total salivary total protein (TPC) than the hot water. In conclusion, the black tea ingestion affects the redox attributes of human saliva acutely and significantly, while the temperature of drink makes the secondary contribution.

Investigation the mechanism of iron overload-induced colonic inflammation following ferric citrate exposure

Iron overload occurs due to excessive iron intake compared to the body's demand, leading to iron deposition and impairment of multiple organ functions. Our previous study demonstrated that chronic oral administration of ferric citrate (FC) caused colonic inflammatory injury. However, the precise mechanism underlying this inflammatory response remains unclear. The current study aims to investigate the mechanism by which iron overload induced by FC exposure leads to colonic inflammation. To accomplish this, mice were orally exposed to three different concentrations of FC (71 mg/kg/bw (L), 143 mg/kg/bw (M) and 286 mg/kg/bw (H)) for continuous 16 weeks, with the control group receiving ultrapure water (C). Exposure to FC caused disturbances in the excretory system, altered colonic flora alpha diversity, and enriched pathogenic bacteria, such as Mucispirillum, Helicobacter, Desulfovibrio, and Shigella. These changes led to structural disorders of the colonic flora and an inflammatory response phenotype characterized by inflammatory cells infiltration, atrophy of intestinal glands, and irregular thickening of the intestinal wall. Mechanistic studies revealed that FC-exposure activated the NF-κB signaling pathway by up-regulating TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB mRNA levels and protein expression. This activation resulted in increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, further contributing to the colonic inflammation. Additionally, in vitro experiments in SW480 cells confirmed the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway by FC exposure, consistent with the in vivo findings. The significance of this study lies in its elucidation of the mechanism by which iron overload caused by FC exposure leads to colonic inflammation. By identifying the role of pathogenic bacteria and the NF-κB signaling pathway, this study could potentially offer a crucial theoretical foundation for the research on iron overload, as well as provide valuable insights for clinical iron supplementation.

Effect of polyphenols against complications of COVID-19: current evidence and potential efficacy

The COVID-19 pandemic that started in 2019 and resulted in significant morbidity and mortality continues to be a significant global health challenge, characterized by inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system dysfunction.. Developing therapies for preventing or treating COVID-19 remains an important goal for pharmacology and drug development research. Polyphenols are effective against various viral infections and can be extracted and isolated from plants without losing their therapeutic potential. Researchers have developed methods for separating and isolating polyphenols from complex matrices. Polyphenols are effective in treating common viral infections, including COVID-19, and can also boost immunity. Polyphenolic-based antiviral medications can mitigate SARS-CoV-2 enzymes vital to virus replication and infection. Individual polyphenolic triterpenoids, flavonoids, anthraquinonoids, and tannins may also inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 protease. Polyphenol pharmacophore structures identified to date can explain their action and lead to the design of novel anti-COVID-19 compounds. Polyphenol-containing mixtures offer the advantages of a well-recognized safety profile with few known severe side effects. However, studies to date are limited, and further animal studies and randomized controlled trials are needed in future studies. The purpose of this study was to review and present the latest findings on the therapeutic impact of plant-derived polyphenols on COVID-19 infection and its complications. Exploring alternative approaches to traditional therapies could aid in developing novel drugs and remedies against coronavirus infection.

Crude Tieguanyin oolong tea polysaccharides regulate intestinal immune and gut microflora in dextran sulfate sodium-induced mice colitis

BACKGROUND

The global incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) have been increasing. Epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and animal experiments have indicated a negative association between the consumption of tea and IBD. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of crude Tieguanyin oolong tea polysaccharides (CTPS) on experimental colitis, while also exploring the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

The administration of CTPS significantly alleviated IBD in the mouse model, and was found to regulate T-cell mediated immune responses in the colon by modulating cytokine production associated with T cells. Furthermore, CTPS demonstrated a positive impact on the gut microbiota, reversing the increase in pathogenic Helicobacter and enhancing the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia, Lachnospiraceae, and Odoribacter. Oral administration of CTPS also led to an improvement in intestinal metabolism, specifically by increasing the levels of short-chain fatty acids.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first in vivo evidence of the protective effects of CTPS on colitis in mice. The effects are likely facilitated through the regulation of T cell-mediated responses and modulation of the gut microbiota, suggesting that CTPS may be a potential preventive and therapeutic approach for IBD. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fabrication of antibacterial poly (L-lactic acid)/tea polyphenol blend films via reactive blending using SG copolymer

Poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) composite materials with both excellent antibacterial properties and mechanical properties are highly desirable for both food packaging and biomedical applications. However, a facile method to prepare transparent PLLA composite films with both excellent antibacterial and mechanical properties is still lacking. In this work, blend films based on PLLA, tea polyphenols (TP) and poly (styrene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (SG) copolymers (PLLA/TP/SG) were prepared by melt blending using twin screw extruder. The blend films showed high transparency with a brownish color originated from tea polyphenols. Both SEM and DSC analyses confirmed that the blends are thermodynamically compatible. GPC and mechanical assessments demonstrated that the PLLA/TP binary blends exhibit reduced molecular weight and compromised mechanical properties, compared to neat PLLA. However, incorporating SG copolymer resulted in increased molecular weight and improved mechanical properties for the PLLA/TP/SG blends. The FT-IR spectra exhibited a shift to lower wavenumber for the absorption peak associated with the benzene ring on TPs after blending with PLLA and SG, indicating the occurrence of transesterification between PLLA and TP. Plate coating studies revealed that the PLLA/TP/SG blends with TP incorporation at 5 wt% exhibited a bacteriostatic rate of 99.99 % against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Overall, our study reveals that the PLLA/TP/SG blend films exhibit excellent antibacterial properties coupled with good mechanical properties, rendering them a promising candidate for antibacterial packaging materials.

Muslim pilgrims' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM); a study conducted during Hajj season

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has attracted much interest, and its prevalence in both developed and developing countries has increased. During the Hajj season, millions of Muslims from many different countries travel to Makkah for the pilgrimage. In dealing with health issues during the holy season, many pilgrims prefer to self-medicate with traditional remedies instead of visiting medical practitioners, which could affect the efforts of state healthcare organizations to maintain overall public health during this mass gathering. This study aims to gauge the prevalence of CAM use during Hajj, and to assess pilgrims' beliefs and knowledge of CAM therapies, with particular reference to products available in Makkah. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in several camps and hotels occupied by Hajj pilgrims in Makkah, during Hajj 2023. CAM modalities were used by 68.8 % of the study participants during the Hajj season. There were almost equal numbers of men (53.7 %) and women (46.3 %) participants, with 88 % of the CAM users being non-Saudi and only 12 % Saudi. The majority of the CAM users belonged to two age groups, the 31-40 year group (29.9 %) and the 41-50 year group (34.5 %). The most frequent self-practice therapies were religious prayer/rituals (30.2 %), and the most popular practitioner therapies was herbal treatments (12.3 %). The most common source of CAM-related information was family/friends (29.2 %), for improving well-being reason (25.8 %). More than half of the participants (56.8 %) strongly believed that CAM therapies have the potential to cure disease, although they were unaware of possible interactions between CAM and conventional drugs (76.7 %). More than half of the participants (57.8 %) did not disclose their CAM usage to healthcare practitioners. Half of the sample said they used CAMs during Hajj because of the common belief that therapeutic products from the holy city of Makkah, such as Zamzam water, are more effective. In conclusion, CAM therapies are commonly used by Hajj pilgrims as they are presumed to be natural and therefore safe, raising concerns about the potential risks of relying on CAM without adequate consultation with healthcare providers or awareness of potential interactions between prescription drugs and CAM treatments.

Effect of tea polyphenols on intestinal barrier and immune function in weaned lambs

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of tea polyphenols on growth performance, cytokine content, intestinal antioxidant status and intestinal barrier function of lambs, in order to provide reference for intestinal health of ruminants.

Methods

Thirty weaned lambs (average initial weight 9.32 ± 1.72 kg) were randomly divided into five groups with six lambs in each group. The control group did not add anything but the basic diet mainly composed of Pennisetum and Corn, and the other four groups added 2, 4, 6 g/kg tea polyphenols and 50 mg/kg chlortetracycline to the basic diet, respectively. The experiment lasted for 42 days.

Results

Dietary tea polyphenols improved the growth and stress response and reduced intestinal permeability of lambs (p > 0.05), while CTC did not affect the final lamb weight (p > 0.05). Both tea phenols and CTC significantly reduced inflammatory factors and enhanced the immune system (p > 0.05). Dietary tea polyphenols increased villus height, villus height/crypt depth, secretory immunoglobulin A (p > 0.05), and antioxidant enzymes, while decreasing MDA and apoptosis in the intestine (p > 0.05). However, compared with other groups, the content of T-AOC in jejunum did not change significantly (p > 0.05). Tea polyphenols also increased claudin-1 levels in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum more than CTC (p > 0.05). CTC had a limited effect on the mRNA expression of Occludin and ZO-1, while tea polyphenols increased these in both the duodenum and ileum (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that tea polyphenols can effectively improve the intestinal barrier of weaned lambs, and that they have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects similar to those of antibiotics. Thus, tea polyphenols could be used to replace antibiotics in ensuring safety of livestock products and in achieving the sustainable development of modern animal husbandry.

Gallic acid ameliorates colitis by trapping deleterious metabolite ammonia and improving gut microbiota dysbiosis

Gut microbiota dysbiosis is causally related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and increased levels of the gut metabolite ammonia have been proposed to contribute to IBD development. In this study, we aimed to clarify the anti-colitis mechanism of gallic acid (GA) based on its ability to trap the deleterious metabolite ammonia and improve gut microbiota. Aminated product was detected in the fecal samples of mice after oral gavage of gallic acid (GA) and identified as 4-amino-substituted gallic acid (4-NH2-GA), thus confirming the ability of GA to trap ammonia in vivo. Then, we compared the beneficial effects of GA and 4-NH2-GA on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse and found that both compounds managed to alleviate colitis phenotypes, indicating ammonia trapping had no adverse effect on the original anti-colitis activity of GA. In addition, both GA and 4-NH2-GA improved the gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by DSS, and fecal microbiota transplantation was subsequently performed, which further revealed that the gut microbiota mediated the anti-colitis activity of both GA and 4-NH2-GA. In summary, this study clarified that GA alleviated colitis by targeting both the symptoms and root causes: it directly reduced the deleterious metabolite ammonia by forming aminated metabolites without compromising the original anti-colitis activity, and it also improved gut microbiota dysbiosis, which in turn contributed to the alleviation of colitis. Since the GA structure is presented in various polyphenols as a common building block, the novel anti-colitis mechanism obtained from GA may also apply to other complex polyphenols.IMPORTANCEThe dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and its metabolism directly cause the emergence of IBD. In this study, we aimed to clarify the anti-colitis mechanism of GA in sight of gut microbiota and its metabolite ammonia. We discovered that GA directly captured and reduced the harmful metabolite ammonia in vivo to produce the aminated metabolite 4-NH2-GA, while the amination of GA had no adverse effect on its initial anti-colitis activity. In addition, both GA and its aminated metabolite improved the gut microbiota in colitis mice, and the modified gut microbiota, in turn, helped to relieve colitis. Since the GA structure is presented in diverse polyphenols as a common building block, the novel anti-colitis mechanism targeting the symptoms and root causes might also apply to other complex polyphenols.

Effect of tea polyphenols supplement on growth performance, antioxidation, and gut microbiota in squabs

Early life nutritional supplementation can significantly improve pigeon health. Both the nutritional crops of parental pigeons and the intestinal development of squabs play key roles in the growth rate of squabs. Tea polyphenols (TPs), as natural plant extracts, exhibit potential biological activities. However, the impact of TPs on the intestinal function of squabs is not known. This study evaluated the effects of TPs on growth performance, immunity, antioxidation, and intestinal function in squabs. A total of 432 young pigeons (1 day old) were divided into four groups: a control group (fed a basic diet) and three treatment groups (low, medium, and high dose groups; 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg TPs, respectively). On the 28th day, samples of serum, mucosal tissue, and digests from the ileum of squabs were collected for analysis. The results revealed that TP supplementation significantly reduced the feed-to-meat ratio and improved the feed utilization rate and serum biochemical indices in squabs. Additionally, it enhanced the intestinal barrier function of birds by promoting intestinal development and integrity of tight junctions and regulating digestive enzyme activities and intestinal flora. Mechanistically, TPs activated the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway, which may be associated with improved antioxidant and immune responses, correlating with an increased abundance of Candida arthritis and Corynebacterium in the ileum.

Pure Epigallocatechin-3-gallate-Assisted Green Synthesis of Highly Stable Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles (NPs) are conventionally produced by using physical and chemical methods that are no longer in alignment with current society's demand for a low environmental impact. Accordingly, green synthesis approaches are considered a potential alternative due to the plant extracts that substitute some of the hazardous reagents. The general mechanism is based on the reducing power of natural products that allows the formation of NPs from a precursor solution. In this context, our study proposes a simple, innovative, and reproducible green approach for the synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO2 NPs) that uses, for the first time, the major component of green tea (Camellia sinensis)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a non-toxic, dietary, accessible, and bioactive molecule. The influence of EGCG on the formation of TiO2 NPs was analyzed by comparing the physicochemical characteristics of green synthesized NPs with the chemically obtained ones. The synthesis of bare TiO2 NPs was performed by hydrolysis of titanium isopropoxide in distilled water, and green TiO2 NPs were obtained in the same conditions, but in the presence of a 1 mM EGCG aqueous solution. The formation of TiO2 NPs was confirmed by UV-VIS and FTIR spectroscopy. SEM micrographs showed spherical particles with relatively low diameters. Our findings also revealed that green synthesized NPs were more stable in colloids than the chemically synthesized ones. However, the phytocompound negatively influenced the formation of a crystalline structure in the green synthesized TiO2 NPs. Furthermore, the synthesis of EGCG-TiO2 NPs could become a versatile choice for applications extending beyond photocatalysis, including promising prospects in the biomedical field.

Nutraceutical Properties of Syringic Acid in Civilization Diseases-Review

Civilization diseases account for a worldwide health issue. They result from daily behavioral, environmental, and genetic factors. One of the most significant opportunities to prevent and alleviate the occurrence of these diseases is a diet rich in antioxidants like polyphenols. This review paper is concentrated on syringic acid (SA), one of the representative compounds of phenolic acids subgroups. There are many in vitro and in vivo studies on SA that assess its pivotal effects on oxidative stress and inflammation parameters. It is effective on metabolic risk factors as well, including hyperglycemia, high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia. SA is one of the prominent polyphenolic compounds that may help address health issues related to civilization diseases.

Amelioration Effects and Regulatory Mechanisms of Different Tea Active Ingredients on DSS-Induced Colitis

The potential biological function of tea and its active components on colitis has attracted wide attention. In this study, different tea active ingredients including tea polyphenols (TPPs), tea polysaccharides (TPSs), theabrownin (TB), and theanine (TA) have been compared in the intervention of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Specifically, TPP showed the greatest effect on colitis since it reduced 60.87% of disease activity index (DAI) compared to that of the DSS-induced colitis group, followed by the reduction of 39.13% of TPS and 28.26% of TB on DAI, whereas there was no obvious alleviative effect of TA on colitis. TPP, TPS, and TB could regulate the composition and abundance of gut microbiota to increase the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and enhance intestinal barrier function. Further evidence was observed that TPP and TPS regulated the activation of Nrf2/ARE and the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB P65 pathway to alleviate the colitis. Results of cell experiments demonstrated that TPP showed the greatest antiapoptosis and mitochondrial function protective capability among the tea ingredients via inhibiting the Cytc/Cleaved-caspase-3 signaling pathway. In summary, the superior anticolitis activity of TPP compared to TPS and TB is primarily attributed to its unique upregulation of the abundance of Akkermansia and its ability to regulate the mitochondrial function.

Tea polyphenols inhibit blooms caused by eukaryotic and prokaryotic algae

With changes in global climate, blooms are becoming more frequent and difficult to control. Therefore, the selection of algal suppressor agents with effective inhibition and environmental safety is of paramount importance. One of the main treatment strategies is to inhibit the release of harmful algal toxins. Tea polyphenols (TP) are natural products that have been widely used in medicine, the environment, and other fields due to their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. To investigate their potential application in the treatment of algal blooms, TP were applied to three different microalgae. TP exhibited strong inhibitory effects towards all three microalgae. They stimulate the accumulation of ROS in algal cells, leading to lipid peroxidation and subsequent damage to the cell membrane, resulting in the rupture and necrosis of Cyclotella sp. and Chlorella vulgaris cells. Remarkably, it was observed that lower concentrations of TP exhibited the ability to induce apoptosis in M. aeruginosa cells without causing any structural damage. This outcome is particularly significant as it reduces the potential risk of microcystin release resulting from cell rupture. Overall, blooms dominated by different algae can be treated by adjusting the concentration of TP, a new algal suppressor, indicating strong potential treatment applications.

Ferulic acid ameliorates ulcerative colitis in a rat model via the inhibition of two LPS-TLR4-NF-κB and NF-κB-INOS-NO signaling pathways and thus alleviating the inflammatory, oxidative and apoptotic conditions in the colon tissue

INTRODUCTION

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the colon. However, the common treatment for it is accompanied by many complications. Therefore, the present study was aimed to determine the ameliorative effects of ferulic acid on acetic acid-induced colitis in rat.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To induce ulcerative colitis, animals received 0.8 ml of 7% acetic acid intra-rectally. Ferulic acid in 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg doses was administered orally one hour after the ulcerative colitis induction. Animals received treatments for five consecutive days and then were euthanized on the sixth day. The colon was dissected out and macroscopic lesions were examined. Colon samples were evaluated for histopathological examination, biochemical analysis, determination of the expression of inflammatory, and apoptotic genes as well as total antioxidant capacity.

RESULTS

Ferulic acid significantly inhibited inflammatory and apoptotic genes mRNA expression, also production of MDA and NO. Ferulic acid significantly increased the activity of antioxidant factors (TAC content, and SOD and CAT activity), thereby preventing inflammation and histopathological damage in the colon tissue of colitis rats.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study confirmed the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties of ferulic acid. About the mechanism of action of this compound, it can be concluded that the ability of ferulic acid in the amelioration of ulcerative colitis is related to the inhibition of two LPS-TLR4-NF-κB and NF-κB-INOS-NO signaling pathways.

Health benefits, mechanisms of interaction with food components, and delivery of tea polyphenols: a review

Tea polyphenols (TPs) are the most important active component of tea and have become a research focus among natural products, thanks to their antioxidant, lipid-lowering, liver-protecting, anti-tumor, and other biological activities. Polyphenols can interact with other food components, such as protein, polysaccharides, lipids, and metal ions to further improve the texture, flavor, and sensory quality of food, and are widely used in food fields, such as food preservatives, antibacterial agents and food packaging. However, the instability of TPs under conditions such as light or heat and their low bioavailability in the gastrointestinal environment also hinder their application in food. In this review, we summarized the health benefits of TPs. In order to better use TPs in food, we analyzed the form and mechanism of interaction between TPs and main food components, such as polysaccharides and proteins. Moreover, we reviewed research into optimizing the applications of TPs in food by bio-based delivery systems, such as liposomes, nanoemulsions, and nanoparticles, so as to improve the stability and bioactivity of TPs in food application. As an effective active ingredient, TPs have great potential to be applied in functional food to produce benefits for human health.

Structural and textural properties of walnut protein gels induced by ultrasound and transglutaminase: encapsulation and release of tea polyphenols

This study investigated the synergy of ultrasonic and transglutaminase (TGase) treatment on the structural, physicochemical, rheological, gelation properties and controlled release properties of dehulled walnut proteins (DWP). The results showed that after ultrasonic-TGase treatment, the surface hydrophobicity was decreased, indicating the involvement of disulfide bonds in gel formation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that ultrasonic-TGase treatment resulted in a more uniform and denser microstructure of DWP gels. Ultrasonic-TGase treatment changed the secondary structure of the DWP gels as determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, with an increase in α-helix, β-turn and random coils and a decrease in β-sheets. In addition, in vitro drug release profiles showed that ultrasonic-TGase treatment promoted the cross-linking of protein molecules and formed a dense network to embed tea polyphenols (TP), thereby slowing down the digestion of TP in simulated gastric fluid and achieving the purpose of slow-release in simulated intestinal fluid. Thus, the synergy of ultrasonic and TGase treatment might be an effective method to improve gel properties and expand the application of protein gels in the food industries.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05756-6.

Characterization of a Dihydromyricetin/α-Lactoalbumin Covalent Complex and Its Application in Nano-emulsions

A dihydromyricetin (DMY)/α-lactoalbumin (α-La) covalent complex was prepared and characterized, and its application in nano-emulsions was also evaluated in this study. The results suggested that the covalent complex could be obtained using the alkaline method. The UV and IR spectra confirmed the formation of the covalent complex, and the amount of DMY added was positively correlated with the total phenol content of the complex. The complex had an outstanding 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)-radical-scavenging ability, reducing power and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, which were positively related to its total phenol content. The complex could be used as an emulsifier to stabilize the β-carotene-loaded nano-emulsion. The stability and β-carotene-protective capacity of the nano-emulsion stabilized by the complex were also positively related to the total phenol content of the complex, being higher than those of the nano-emulsion developed using α-La. Our results provide a reference for the construction of a new food delivery system and extend the applications of α-La and DMY in foods.

Role of dietary tea polyphenols on growth performance and gut health benefits in juvenile hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser baerii ♀ × A. schrenckii ♂)

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary TPs on growth performance, intestinal digestion, microflora and immunity in juvenile hybrid sturgeon. A total of 450 fish (97.20 ± 0.18 g) were randomly divided into a standard diet (TP-0) or four treatments consisting of a standard diet supplemented with four concentrations of TPs (mg/kg): 100 (TP-100), 300 (TP-300), 500 (TP-500), and 1000 (TP-1000) for 56 days. The TP-300 significantly increased weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) (p < 0.05), and TP-1000 significantly increased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05). TP-300 and TP-500 significantly increased intestinal trypsin, amylase, and lipase activities (p < 0.05). Besides, TP-300 significantly enhanced total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p < 0.05). Moreover, TP-300 decreased the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and interleukin 1β(IL-1β) compared with TP-0 and TP-1000 (p < 0.05). In addition, the intestinal microbiota diversity in the TP-300 group was observably higher, the dominant microbiota was Bacteroidota, Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes at the phylum level, Enterobacteriaceae, Nostocaceae and Clostridiaceae at the family level. The relative abundances of potential probiotics including Rhodobacteraceae and potential pathogens especially Clostridiaceae were the highest, and lowest, respectively. In conclusion, TP-300 altered the abundance of microbial taxa, resulting in enhancing the intestinal digestion, antioxidant status and non-specific immunity to improve the growth performance in juvenile hybrid sturgeon.

Micro- and nanoencapsulation of natural phytochemicals: Challenges and recent perspectives for the food and nutraceuticals industry applications

Worldwide, there has been growing interest in the research, development, and commercialization of functional bioactive components and nutraceuticals. As a result of consumer awareness of the relationship between diet, health, and disease, the consumption of plant-derived bioactive components has recently increased in the past two decades. Phytochemicals are bioactive nutrient plant chemicals in fruits, vegetables, grains, and other plant foods that may provide desirable health benefits beyond essential nutrition. They may reduce the risk of major chronic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and psychotic diseases and have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, cholesterol-lowering, antithrombotic, or anti-inflammatory effects. Phytochemicals have been recently studied and explored for various purposes, such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, flavors, fragrances, coloring agents, biopesticides, and food additives. These compounds are known as secondary metabolites and are commonly classified as polyphenols, terpenoids (terpenes), tocotrienols and tocopherols, carotenoids, alkaloids and other nitrogen-containing metabolites, stilbenes and lignans, phenolic acids, and glucosinates. Thus, this chapter aims to define the general chemistry, classification, and essential sources of phytochemicals, as well as describe the potential application of phytochemicals in the food and nutraceuticals industry, explaining the main properties of interest of the different compounds. Finally, the leading technologies involving micro and nanoencapsulation of phytochemicals are extensively detailed to protect them against degradation and enhance their solubility, bioavailability, and better applicability in the pharmaceutical, food, and nutraceutical industry. The main challenges and perspectives are detailed.