Lutein content of selected Indian vegetables and vegetable oils determined by HPLC

Protection effect of lutein-loaded Pickering emulsion prepared via ultrasound-assisted Maillard reaction conjugates on dry age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prominent cause of vision loss among the elderly, and the treatment options for dry AMD (dAMD) are severely limited. Lutein has a favorable effect on the treatment of dAMD. Algae oil, rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is considered an effective intervention for eye diseases. In this study, casein-mannose conjugates were prepared to form algal oil-in-water Pickering emulsions by ultrasound-assisted Maillard reaction. As the ultrasound time increased from 0 to 25 min, the droplet size decreased to 648.2 ± 21.18 nm, which substantially improved the stability of the Pickering emulsions. The retention of lutein in the Pickering emulsions under ultrasonic treatment for 20 min was significantly improved under different conditions. The simulated gastrointestinal digestion revealed that ultrasound-assisted Pickering emulsions are an effective method for improving the bioaccessibility of lutein (19.76%-53.34%). In vivo studies elucidated that the lutein-loaded Pickering emulsions could effectively alleviate retinal thinning induced by sodium iodate (NaIO3) in mice with dAMD. Mechanistically, lutein-loaded Pickering emulsions significantly reduced oxidative stress by decreasing the MDA level, increasing the SOD production, and reducing the retinal ROS production. These findings explored the protective effects of lutein-loaded Pickering emulsions on dAMD and offered promising prospects for the nutritional intervention of dAMD.

Bioactive Constituents in Cold-Pressed Plant Oils: Their Structure, Bioactivity and Chromatographic Analysis

Cold-pressed oils are oils prepared from pressing plant materials with a screw or hydraulic press, yielding oils with little contamination of harmful chemicals and high content of nutrients and functional constituents. Cold-pressed oils have gained increasing recognition as food supplements for preventing and ameliorating body deterioration due to ageing and the progression of lifestyle diseases or non-communicable diseases. This article aimed to review their structure, bioactivity, and chromatographic analysis of the mostly found functional compounds in cold-pressed oils, including phytosterols, carotenoids, tocols (tocopherols and tocotrienols), phenolic compounds (flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, stilbenes, and lignans), and squalene.

Cow ghee as an efficient carrier to improve oral bioavailability of lutein

In India, cow-ghee has been used in traditional medicinal preparations to solubilize lipophilic drugs and enhance intestinal absorption. However, reports exploring the role of cow-ghee, naturally rich in saturated fatty acids, in carotenoid chemistry is nil. We attempted to understand the influence of fatty-acid composition of cow-ghee and edible oils on intestinal absorption of lutein in mice. The postprandial plasma lutein level in the mice administered with cow-ghee significantly (p < 0.05) reached the maximum (C_max-135.76 pmol/mL; AUC-592.80 pmol.h/mL) within 2 h (T_max). Cow-ghee improved oral bioavailability of lutein by 2.02, 1.41 and 1.66 folds in comparison to control, olive oil and flaxseed oil respectively. Cow-ghee, composed of 69.28% saturated fatty-acids, has the potential to be a delivery vehicle for lutein as evidenced by higher postprandial triglyceride levels. This study is first of its kind which reports the influence of saturated fatty-acids on the oral bioavailability of lutein in an in-vivo system.

Biochemical and Immunological implications of Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Throughout history, nature has been acknowledged for being a primordial source of various bioactive molecules in which human macular carotenoids are gaining significant attention. Among 750 natural carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin and their oxidative metabolites are selectively accumulated in the macular region of living beings. Due to their vast applications in food, feed, pharmaceutical and nutraceuticals industries, the global market of lutein and zeaxanthin is continuously expanding but chemical synthesis, extraction and purification of these compounds from their natural repertoire e.g., plants, is somewhat costly and technically challenging. In this regard microbial as well as microalgal carotenoids are considered as an attractive alternative to aforementioned challenges. Through the techniques of genetic engineering and gene-editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9, the overproduction of lutein and zeaxanthin in microorganisms can be achieved but the commercial scale applications of such procedures needs to be done. Moreover, these carotenoids are highly unstable and susceptible to thermal and oxidative degradation. Therefore, esterification of these xanthophylls and microencapsulation with appropriate wall materials can increase their shelf-life and enhance their application in food industry. With their potent antioxidant activities, these carotenoids are emerging as molecules of vital importance in chronic degenerative, malignancies and antiviral diseases. Therefore, more research needs to be done to further expand the applications of lutein and zeaxanthin.

Preparation and Characterization of a Lutein Solid Dispersion to Improve Its Solubility and Stability

Lutein has been used as a dietary supplement for the treatment of eye diseases, especially age-related macular degeneration. For oral formulations, we investigated lutein stability in artificial set-ups mimicking different physiological conditions and found that lutein was degraded over time under acidic conditions. To enhance the stability of lutein upon oral intake, we developed enteric-coated lutein solid dispersions (SD) by applying a polymer, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS-LF), through a solvent-controlled precipitation method. The SD were characterized in crystallinity, morphology, and drug entrapment. In the dissolution profile of lutein SD, a F80 formulation showed resistance toward the acidic environment under simulated gastric conditions while exhibiting a bursting drug release under simulated intestinal conditions. Our results highlight the potential use of HPMCAS-LF as an effective matrix to enhance lutein bioavailability during oral delivery and to provide novel insights into the eye-care supplement industry, with direct benefits for the health of patients.

Genetic factors involved in modulating lutein bioavailability

Lutein exhibits effective antioxidant activity conferring protective action against oxidative stress in age-related macular degeneration and cognitive decline. The inability to synthesize these compounds by the human body and the necessity to combat day-to-day oxidative stress prioritizes daily consumption of lutein. However, the bioavailability of the orally consumed lutein largely depends on its gastrointestinal absorption and subsequent metabolism which is in turn governed by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. One of the most important yet least studied factors is the genetic make-up of an individual. The proteins that partake in the absorption, transportation, metabolism and excretion of lutein are encoded by the genes that experience inter-individual variability. Reports suggest that the unanimous effect of phenotypes resulting from such inter-individual variability in the genes of interest causes modulation of lutein bioavailability which is discussed in detail in this review article. However, despite the available reports, a community-based approach to a larger population is required to obtain a stronger understanding of the relationship between inter-individual variability among these genes and lutein bioavailability. Such an understanding of nutrigenetics could not only pave a way to decipher mechanisms that modulate lutein bioavailability but also help in setting the dosage requirements of each patient.

Biodegradable chitosan-sodium alginate-oleic acid nanocarrier promotes bioavailability and target delivery of lutein in rat model with no toxicity

Efficient delivery of macular carotenoid lutein to target retinal tissue is possible with enhanced intestinal uptake remains a major challenge owing to the polarity, sensitivity to light, heat and solubility. In this study, to overcome such constraints, biodegradable polymers chitosan-sodium alginate-oleic acid based nano-carrier loaded with lutein (LNCs) was prepared and safety efficacy was examined in vivo. Acute-toxicity of LNCs (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg body weight) revealed that the LD₅₀ of LNCs was higher than 100 mg/kg body weight. In subacute-toxicity of LNCs (1 and 10 mg/kg body weight) revealed no mortality with no morphological and clinical changes in rats. Histology, haematology and biochemical analysis of urine and plasma confirmed no toxicity of LNCs compared to control. Post-prandial plasma and tissue (retina) levels of lutein from LNCs were higher. Results demonstrate increased bioavailability of lutein from LNCs with no toxicity suggests applications in food and pharma.

Comparison of Phenolic Compounds, Carotenoids, Amino Acid Composition, In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Diabetic Activities in the Leaves of Seven Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Cultivars

Cowpea is a well-known nutrition rich African leafy vegetable that has potential to sustain food and nutrition insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa. Consumption of cowpea legumes is associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the (i) variation in phenolic metabolites in seven cowpea cultivars (VOP1, VOP2, VOP3, VOP4, VOP5, VOP7, and VOP8 using UHPLC coupled with high resolution Q-TOF-MS technique, (ii) in vitro antioxidant activity using ferric reducing/antioxidant capacity (FRAP) assay (iii) in vitro anti-diabetic effects and (iv) composition of carotenoids and amino acids of theses cowpea cultivars. The results of this study demonstrated that gentisic acid 5-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-(2G-xylosylrutinoside) and Quercetin 3-glucosyl-(1->2)-galactoside were highest in VOP1 VOP4 and VOP5, respectively. High inhibition (>50%) of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities was shown by the leaf extracts (50 and 25 mg/mL) of VOP1 and VOP4. Cowpea cultivars VOP1 and VOP4 demonstrated the highest gene expression levels of regulation of glucose transporter GLUT4 in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells, similar to insulin. A positive correlation exited between the phenolic components and the inhibitory effect of antidiabetic enzymes and FRAP activity. Cytotoxic effect was not detected in vitro in any cowpea cultivar. Lutein (124.6 mg/100 g) and all-trans-beta-carotene (92.6 mg/100 g) levels were highest in VOP2 and VOP1, respectively. Cowpea cultivars VOP3 and VOP4 showed potential to fulfil the daily requirements of essential amino acids. Thus, based on this information, cowpea (leaves) genotypes/cultivars can be selected and propagated for the further development of supplementary foods or functional food ingredients.

Nutraceutical approach to enhance lutein bioavailability via nanodelivery systems

Lutein, a potent dietary carotenoid, has considerable biological activity and confers protection against age-related macular degeneration. Its bioavailability following consumption, however, depends on its rate of degradation. Nanodelivery systems with improved efficacy and stability are currently being developed to increase the bioavailability of lutein. This review examines nutraceutical approaches used in the development of such nanodelivery systems. It describes the methods of lutein preparation, the characteristics of various delivery systems, and the lutein delivery profile. In order to enhance lutein loading, provide electrostatic stabilization, and achieve the controlled release of lutein, adjuvants such as dextran moieties, whey proteins, medium-chain triglycerides, and chitosan polymers can be used to effectively reduce the particle size (&lt; 70 nm) and improve encapsulation efficiency (to 99.5%). The improved bioavailability of lutein via nanocrystals incorporated into rapidly dissolving films for oral consumption is a new area of exploratory research. This review aims to provide clarity about current research aimed at enhancing the bioavailability of lutein through the development of nanodelivery systems.

Use of Natural Components Derived from Oil Seed Plants for Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Diseases

The incidence of inflammatory skin diseases is increasing, so the search for relevant therapeutics is of major concern. Plants are rich in phytochemicals which can alleviate many symptoms. In this review, we concentrate on compounds found in the seeds of widely cultivated plants, regularly used for oil production. The oils from these plants are often used to alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory diseases through synergetic action of unsaturated fatty acids and other phytochemicals most commonly derived from the terpenoid pathway. The knowledge of the chemical composition of oil seeds and the understanding of the mechanisms of action of single components should allow for a more tailored approach for the treatment for many diseases. In many cases, these seeds could serve as an efficient material for the isolation of pure phytochemicals. Here we present the content of phytochemicals, assumed to be responsible for healing properties of plant oils in a widely cultivated oil seed plants and review the proposed mechanism of action for fatty acids, selected mono-, sesqui-, di- and triterpenes, carotenoids, tocopherol and polyphenols.

Health benefits and bioactive compounds of eggplant

Eggplant is a vegetable crop that is grown around the world and can provide significant nutritive benefits thanks to its abundance of vitamins, phenolics and antioxidants. In addition, eggplant has potential pharmaceutical uses that are just now becoming recognized. As compared to other crops in the Solanaceae, few studies have investigated eggplant's metabolic profile. Metabolomics and metabolic profiling are important platforms for assessing the chemical composition of plants and breeders are increasingly concerned about the nutritional and health benefits of crops. In this review, the historical background and classification of eggplant are shortly explained; then the beneficial phytochemicals, antioxidant activity and health effects of eggplant are discussed in detail.

Comparison of Chemical Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Seeds and Oils from Salvia sclarea and Salvia officinalis

Composition of tocopherols, tocotrienols, carotenoids, fatty acids, as well as hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activities, were determined in seeds of two Salvia species and oils obtained from them. Both seeds contained a large amount of oil (around 20%) rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. While Salvia officinalis seed oil can be classified as oleic-linoleic oil, the predominant fatty acid in Salvia sclarea was α-linolenic acid (around 54%). Among tocols, the main isomers in both seeds and oils were γ-tocopherol, followed by α-tocopherol. Concerning carotenoids, their concentration was around 0.75 mg/100 g of seeds and 0.16 mg/100 g of oils, with a predominance of lutein. Oil and seeds of S. officinalis exhibited higher antioxidant potential compared to S. sclarea investigated samples which could be attributed to higher content of total vitamin E and carotenoids. This study provides results that enables use of two Salvia species as new alternative sources of vegetable oils.

Studies on the nutraceuticals composition of wheat derived oils wheat bran oil and wheat germ oil

Fat-soluble nutraceuticals of cereals are known for number of disease preventive activities. Hence wheat bran oil (WBO) and wheat germ oil (WGO) were extracted from wheat bran and germ which yielded 3.35 % and 7.35 % of oil, containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (64 %, 61.2 %) respectively. Both oils contained tocopherols and carotenoids, which were higher in wheat germ oil (273 mg/100 g, 12.23 mg/100 g) than wheat bran oil (190 mg/100 g, 2.21 mg/100 g). Steryl ferulates were also present in both the oils, but their content was eight-fold higher in WBO than in WGO. Three major steryl ferulates identified by HPLC were campesteryl ferulate and sitostenyl ferulate, campestanyl ferulate and β-sitosteryl ferulate as in γ-oryzanol and another ferulate, viz., sitostanyl ferulate. A strong IC50 value of 7.5 mg/mL and 21.6 mg/mL DPPH free radicals scavenging for wheat germ oil for wheat bran oil was observed. NMR ((13)C and (1)H) profile explored the evidence of distribution of antioxidant molecules in the unsaponifiable matter of wheat derived oil. Since oils rich in PUFA and minor components are required for the normal physiological activities, blending such oils with other edible oils of the diet in wheat growing countries like India may be useful to provide health benefits.

Hepatoprotective role of Abelmoschus esculentus (Linn.) Moench., on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury

CONTEXT

Chronic liver disease has become a global health problem. The research for prominent herbal agents for the management of liver diseases is widely increased.

OBJECTIVE

The root of Abelmoschus esculentus (Linn.) Moench., (Malvaceae) has been used as a remedy for liver disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of the ethanol extract of A. esculentus root.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

The antioxidant effect was assessed using DPPH and hydroxy radical scavenging assays. The hepatoprotective effect of the extract was evaluated using CCl₄ intoxicated HepG₂ cell line and Wistar rats by estimating the levels of hepatic and antioxidant markers.

RESULTS

The extract of A. esculentus showed IC₅₀ values of 270.99 and 532.86 µg/mL for DPPH and hydroxy radical scavenging assays, respectively. The incubation of HepG2 cells with CCl₄ drastically decreased the cell viability and increased the leakage of transaminases. Pre-treatment with the extract significantly restored the cell death by 31.25 and 39.04% at 200 and 400 µg/mL concentrations, respectively. The reduction of ALT leakage by the treatment was 18.62, 38.59 and 52.15% compared to the CCl₄ treated cells at 100, 200 and 400 µg/mL, respectively. In in-vivo experiments also the treatment reduced the levels of transaminases, ALP, MDA, total bilirubin and hepatic TNFα levels as well as increased the antioxidant levels in a dose dependent manner. Histological observations of liver sections showed reduction in steatosis, necrosis and inflammation.

CONCLUSION

The results substantiated the hepatoprotective activity of A. esculentus through its antioxidant capacity.

Carotenoids and their isomers: color pigments in fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are colorful pigment-containing food sources. Owing to their nutritional benefits and phytochemicals, they are considered as 'functional food ingredients'. Carotenoids are some of the most vital colored phytochemicals, occurring as all-trans and cis-isomers, and accounting for the brilliant colors of a variety of fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids extensively studied in this regard include β-carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Coloration of fruits and vegetables depends on their growth maturity, concentration of carotenoid isomers, and food processing methods. This article focuses more on several carotenoids and their isomers present in different fruits and vegetables along with their concentrations. Carotenoids and their geometric isomers also play an important role in protecting cells from oxidation and cellular damages.

Variations in bran carotenoid levels within and between rice subgroups

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a major grain in the human diet and carotenoids are valuable antioxidants. However, little is known about varietal differences in the carotenoid contents of the rice bran. The objective of this study is to determine the relative differences in bran carotenoid levels among all the five subgroups of rice. Measurements were made by a recently described, rapid non-destructive fluorescence quenching method. Confirmation by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after solvent extraction of the bran indicated that the major carotenoid was lutein. Our data showed that carotenoid levels were stable over 10 years of storage. Tropical japonica rice, the most consumed subgroup in the United States, tended to have the lowest levels of carotenoids in the bran while temperate japonicas had the highest. These differences in carotenoid content may open up new opportunities for identifying or breeding rice varieties with higher nutritional value.