Polyphenols composition and anti-diabetic properties in vitro of haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) berries in relation to cultivar and harvesting date

Evaluation of the Harvest Dates for Three Major Cultivars of Blue Honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) in China

Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) is an emerging fruit crop; however, determining its proper harvest time in commercial cultivation remains challenging due to its rapid fruit development characteristics. In this study, we investigated 17 agronomic traits of three blue honeysuckle cultivars harvested on 5 successive dates within their respective harvest windows. 'Lanjingling', 'Wulan', and 'Berel' showed solid-acid ratios (SS:TA) ranging from 10.00 to 16.01, 8.13 to 10.23, and 5.77 to 7.11, respectively; anthocyanin contents ranged from 233.85 to 276.83 mg/100 g, 236.38 to 312.23 mg/100 g, and 235.71 to 334.98 mg/100 g, respectively; vitamin C contents ranged from 88.43 to 99.68 mg/100 g, 108.13 to 191.23 mg/100 g, and 89.71 to 120.40 mg/100 g, respectively; phenolic contents ranged from 25.22 to 37.59 mg/g, 25.40 to 36.52 mg/g, and 37.66 to 50.00 mg/g, respectively. The results revealed the SS:TA value consistently increased with delayed harvesting and were significantly negatively correlated with fruit firmness, total acidity, shelf life, and respiration intensity, suggesting it is an ideal maturity indicator for blue honeysuckle berries. The factor analysis suggests that the suitable harvest date for 'Lanjingling' could be either 47 days after flowering (DAF) with an SS:TA value of approximately 10.0, characterized by high firmness, extended shelf life, and elevated levels of anthocyanins and phenolics; or 67 DAF (SS:TA ≈ 16.0), characterized by high vitamin C content and sweetness, and larger size and weight. For 'Wulan', it suggests the suitable harvest date is either 54 DAF (SS:TA ≈ 9.0), yielding fruit with high levels of anthocyanins and vitamin C; or 62 DAF (SS:TA > 10.0), yielding fruit with high sweetness and large size and weight. For 'Berel', it is suggested to be either 52 DAF (SS:TA ≈ 6.5), resulting in fruit with high levels of anthocyanins and vitamin C; or 62 DAF (SS:TA > 7.0), resulting in balanced levels of the fruit quality traits.

Critical review on anthocyanins in blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) and their function

Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) is an emerging commercial fruit in the world, has been known for its multiple anthocyanins in the berries, cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) is a major anthocyanin in berries and it makes up 76-92% of the total anthocyanins content, with high antioxidant capacity, and widely used in food products. In this review, recent studies related to anthocyanins in blue honeysuckle were sorted out, including the current status of research on anthocyanins in blue honeysuckle berries, especially C3G, qualitative and quantitative analysis of anthocyanins in berries, extraction and purification methods of anthocyanins from blue honeysuckle, in addition, biological effects of blue honeysuckle, and recommended utilization. Blue honeysuckle contains polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, minerals, and multiple bioactive compounds, it has been extensively reported to have significant antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, and anti-diabetic functions, and has been used in a variety of food products as raw materials.

Fermentation of Murta (Ugni molinae) Juice: Effect on Antioxidant Activity and Control of Enzymes Associated with Glucose Assimilation

Berries are rich in bioactive compounds, including antioxidants and especially polyphenols, known inhibitors of starch metabolism enzymes. Lactic acid fermentation of fruits has received considerable attention due to its ability to enhance bioactivity. This study investigated the effect of fermentation with L. mesenteroides of juice from the Chilean berry murta on antioxidant activity, release of polyphenols, and inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Three types of juices (natural fruit, freeze-dried, and commercial) were fermented. Total polyphenol content (Folin-Ciocalteu), antioxidant activity (DPPH and ORAC), and the ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes were determined. Fermented murta juices exhibited increased antioxidant activity, as evidenced by higher levels of polyphenols released during fermentation. Inhibition of α-glucosidase was observed in the three fermented juices, although no inhibition of α-amylase was observed; the juice from freeze-dried murta stood out. These findings highlight the potential health benefits of fermented murta juice, particularly its antioxidant properties and the ability to modulate sugar assimilation by inhibiting α-glucosidase.

C3G quantified method verification and quantified in blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) using HPLC–DAD

Blue honeysuckle is a source of anthocyanins with great potential as a food colorant, and a healthy and functional food material, and contains much cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G), which has many benefits for human health. A rapid, reliable, accurate quantification method of anthocyanin content in different varieties of blue honeysuckle is critical to help in breeding and selecting excellent varieties which are used in the food processing industry and healthcare industry. Our objective was to verify the modified quantification method of C3G and quantified C3G content in three blue honeysuckle varieties of 'Berel', 'Lanjingling' and 'Wulan' using the modified HPLC method by Agilent 1200 system and CAPCELL PAK C18 column (150 mmⅹ4.6 mm, I. D., 5 μm, Japan), with detection at 530 nm, the solvent flow rate was 1 mL/min, the temperature of the column chamber is 35 °C. The results indicated that the modified method was validated in terms of linearity (R2 = 0.999), precision (RSD = 0.61%), stability (RSD = 5.23%), and recovery with a good level, and C3G can be quickly quantified in blue honeysuckle. In addition, 'Wulan' contains the highest C3G level compared with 'Lanjingling' and 'Berel'.

Anthocyanin actions at the gastrointestinal tract: Relevance to their health benefits

Anthocyanins (AC) are flavonoids abundant in the human diet, which consumption has been associated to several health benefits, including the mitigation of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and neurological disorders. It is widely recognized that the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is not only central for food digestion but actively participates in the regulation of whole body physiology. Given that AC, and their metabolites reach high concentrations in the intestinal lumen after food consumption, their biological actions at the GI tract can in part explain their proposed local and systemic health benefits. In terms of mechanisms of action, AC have been found to: i) inhibit GI luminal enzymes that participate in the absorption of lipids and carbohydrates; ii) preserve intestinal barrier integrity and prevent endotoxemia, inflammation and oxidative stress; iii) sustain goblet cell number, immunological functions, and mucus production; iv) promote a healthy microbiota; v) be metabolized by the microbiota to AC metabolites which will be absorbed and have systemic effects; and vi) modulate the metabolism of GI-generated hormones. This review will summarize and discuss the latest information on AC actions at the GI tract and their relationship to overall health benefits.

Haskap Berry Leaves (Lonicera caerulea L.)—The Favorable Potential of Medical Use

The presented research evaluates the medical use potential of Lonicera caerulea leaves, which are waste plants in cultivating berries. The study’s screening activity included the leaves of five varieties of Lonicera caerulea: Atut, Duet, Wojtek, Zojka, and Jugana. The microbiological analysis confirmed the safety of using Lonicera caerulea leaves without significant stabilization. Lonicera caerulea leaves standardization was carried out based on the results of the chromatographic analysis, and it showed differences in the contents of active compounds (loganic, chlorogenic and caffeic acids, and rutin), which are attributed to biological activity. For the Lonicera caerulea leaves varieties tested, the differences in the content of total polyphenol content, chlorophylls, and carotenoids were also confirmed. The screening of biological activity of five Lonicera caerulea leaf varieties was carried out concerning the possibility of inhibiting the activity of α-glucosidase, lipase, and hyaluronidase as well, and the antioxidant potential was determined. The defined profile of the biological activity of Lonicera caerulea leaves makes it possible to indicate this raw material as an essential material supporting the prevention and treatment of type II diabetes. However, this research showed that tested enzymes were strongly inhibited by the variety Jugana. The health-promoting potential of Lonicera caerulea leaves was correlated with the highest chlorogenic acid and rutin content in the variety Jugana.

Antidiabetic, Antiglycation, and Antioxidant Activities of Ethanolic Seed Extract of Passiflora edulis and Piceatannol In Vitro

The objective of this work was to investigate the antidiabetic, antiglycation, and antioxidant potentials of ethanolic extract of seeds of Brazilian Passiflora edulis fruits (PESE), a major by-product of the juice industry, and piceatannol (PIC), one of the main phytochemicals of PESE. PESE, PIC, and acarbose (ACB) exhibited IC₅₀ for alpha-amylase, 32.1 ± 2.7, 85.4 ± 0.7, and 0.4 ± 0.1 µg/mL, respectively, and IC₅₀ for alpha-glucosidase, 76.2 ± 1.9, 20.4 ± 7.6, and 252 ± 4.5 µg/mL, respectively. The IC₅₀ of PESE, PIC, and sitagliptin (STG) for dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DPP-4) was 71.1 ± 2.6, 1137 ± 120, and 0.005 ± 0.001 µg/mL, respectively. PESE and PIC inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGE) with IC₅₀ of 366 ± 1.9 and 360 ± 9.1 µg/mL for the initial stage and 51.5 ± 1.4 and 67.4 ± 4.6 µg/mL for the intermediate stage of glycation, respectively. Additionally, PESE and PIC inhibited the formation of β-amyloid fibrils in vitro up to 100%. IC₅₀ values for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH^•) scavenging activity of PESE and PIC were 20.4 ± 2.1, and 6.3 ± 1.3 µg/mL, respectively. IC₅₀ values for scavenging hypochlorous acid (HOCl) were similar in PESE, PIC, and quercetin (QCT) with values of 1.7 ± 0.3, 1.2 ± 0.5, and 1.9 ± 0.3 µg/mL, respectively. PESE had no cytotoxicity to the human normal bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B), and alpha mouse liver (AML-12) cells up to 100 and 50 µg/mL, respectively. However, 10 µg/mL of the extract was cytotoxic to non-malignant breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A). PESE and PIC were found to be capable of protecting cultured human cells from the oxidative stress caused by the carcinogen NNKOAc at 100 µM. The in vitro evidence of the inhibition of alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and DPP-4 enzymes as well as antioxidant and antiglycation activities, warrants further investigation of the antidiabetic potential of P. edulis seeds and PIC.

Blue honeysuckle extracts retarded starch digestion by inhibiting glycosidases and changing the starch structure

Blue honeysuckle rich in anthocyanins can inhibit starch-digesting enzyme activity. This study evaluated the inhibitory effect and mechanism of blue honeysuckle extract (BHE) on glycosidases (α-amylase and α-glucosidase). BHE was a mixed glycosidase inhibitor with an IC₅₀ of 2.36 ± 0.14 and 0.06 ± 0.01 for α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, multi-fluorescence spectroscopy, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) confirmed that BHE caused the secondary structure change and static fluorescence quenching of glycosidases, and the interaction was an enthalpy-driven exothermic reaction. Molecular docking proved that the main anthocyanin monomers in BHE interacted with glycosidases through hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. Moreover, BHE changed the starch structure and prevented starch from being digested by glycosidases. In vivo, BHE and starch-BHE complexes effectively slowed postprandial hyperglycemia. This research provided a theoretical basis for BHE in antidiabetic healthy food research and development.

Genetic Structure of Native Blue Honeysuckle Populations in the Western and Eastern Eurasian Ranges

Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) is a promising berry crop producing edible early-ripening berries with a valuable chemical composition. We evaluated the genetic diversity of native L. caerulea populations from the western (Baltic states) and eastern (the Russian Far East and Japan) edges of the Eurasian range using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and chloroplast DNA (psbA-trnH and trnL-trnF) markers. The genetic relationships of populations and genotypes were analyzed using principal coordinate and cluster analyses (neighbor joining and Bayesian clustering). Sampling was carried out in two disjunct areas of this circumpolar species and the analyses showed clustering of individuals and populations according to geographic origin. The analysis of genetic structure based on ISSR markers showed that the studied populations of L. caerulea were highly differentiated. However, sequence analysis of two chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) regions revealed no phylogeographic structure among the populations. We also found that the eastern populations of blue honeysuckle had significantly greater genetic diversity parameters than the populations from the Baltic region. This finding correlates with the endangered status of blue honeysuckle in the Baltic states.

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

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

Lonicera caerulea (Haskap berries): a review of development traceability, functional value, product development status, future opportunities, and challenges

Lonicera caerulea is a honeysuckle plant with a long development history. It is defined as a "homology of medicine and food" fruit because it is rich in bioactive substances. By-products (such as pomace, leaves, stems, and flowers), which also have beneficial values, will be produced during processing. Nevertheless, the reuse of derivatives and the further development of new products of Lonicera caerulea are still a challenge. Firstly, this paper traced the development history of Lonicera caerulea and summarized its primary nutrients and bioactive substances, subsequently discussed the research progress and underlying molecular mechanisms of its functional properties, and introduced the application and potential of Lonicera caerulea in the fields of food, health products, cosmetics, medicine, and materials. Finally, this paper put forward the future research direction to promote the development of the Lonicera caerulea industry. To sum up, Lonicera caerulea, as a potential raw material, can be used to produce more functional products. Besides, more in-depth clinical trials are needed to clarify the specific molecular mechanism of the practical components of Lonicera caerulea and improve the rate of development and utilization.HighlightsThe original species of Lonicera caerulea subgroup had appeared on the earth as early as the end of the third century.Lonicera caerulea has been introduced into North America since the 18th century, but the introduction process has not ended until now.Lonicera caerulea widely exists in Eurasia and North America and it has excellent cold tolerance, early maturity and ornamental.The fruits, stems, leaves and flowers of Lonicera caerulea all have bioactive value, but the specific molecular mechanism and utilization need to be improved.Lonicera caerulea has been widely used in food, medicine, health products, cosmetics and materials, but there are still great challenges.

Hypoglycemic bioactivity of anthocyanins: A review on proposed targets and potential signaling pathways

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease with complicated interrelationships responsible for initiating its pathogenesis. Novel strategies for the treatment of this devastating disease have attracted increasing attention worldwide. Anthocyanins are bioactive compounds that are widely distributed in the plant kingdom, and multiple studies have elucidated their beneficial role in preventing and managing T2DM. This review summarizes and comments on the hypoglycemic actions of anthocyanins from the perspective of molecular mechanisms and different target-related signaling pathways in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials. Anthocyanins can ameliorate T2DM by functioning as carbohydrate digestive enzyme inhibitors, facilitating glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation, suppressing the effectiveness of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), promoting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion, inhibiting protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) overexpression, and interacting with sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT) to delay glucose absorption in various organs and tissues. In summary, anthocyanin is a promising and practical small molecule that can hyperglycemic symptoms and accompanying complications suffered by patients with diabetes. However, rational and potent doses for daily intake and clinical studies are required in the future.

Phenolic Compounds, Vitamins C and E and Antioxidant Activity of Edible Honeysuckle Berries (Lonicera caerulea L. var. kamtschatica Pojark) in Relation to Their Origin

Honeysuckles are frost tolerant plants providing early-ripening fruits with health-promoting properties which have been used in traditional medicine in China. This study evaluates the impact of the climatic conditions of two areas on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity (AOA; by DPPH-2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and photochemiluminescence assays) of eight cultivars of honeysuckle berries (Lonicera caerulea L. var. kamtschatica Pojark) of various ripening times. Expectedly, chemical composition and AOA values varied depending on the cultivars, locality and selected methods. Berries from Lednice (the area with more sunshine) showed higher average contents of total monomeric anthocyanins (TMAC; pH differential absorbance method), vitamins C and E and total phenolics (high-performance liquid chromatography). In contrast, berries from Žabčice (the area with more rain) performed higher average contents of total phenolics and flavonoids (UV/VIS spectroscopic analyses). Interestingly, fundamental amounts of chlorogenic acid were determined irrespective of the locality. Regarding TMAC and vitamin C content, early ripening Amphora from both areas has been assessed as the best cultivar; concerning the content of phenolic compounds, Fialka from both areas and Amphora from Lednice is considered as the most valuable. The obtained results may facilitate the selection of the most valuable cultivars for both producers and consumers.

Haskap Berry Phenolic Subclasses Differentially Impact Cellular Stress Sensing in Primary and Immortalized Dermal Fibroblasts

It is generally accepted that dietary phenolics from fruits are of significant importance to human health. Unfortunately, there is minimal published data on how differences in phenolic structure(s) impact biological pathways at cellular and molecular levels. We observed that haskap berry extracts isolated with ethanol:formic acid:water or phenolic subclass fractions separated using different concentrations of ethanol (40% and 100%) impacted cell growth in a positive manner. All fractions and extracts significantly increased population doubling times. All extracts and fractions reduced intracellular free radicals; however, there were differences in these effects, indicating different abilities to scavenge free radicals. The extracts and fractions also exhibited differing impacts on transcripts encoding the antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD1, GPX1, GSS and HMOX1) and the phosphorylation state of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). We further observed that extracts and fractions containing different phenolic structures had divergent impacts on the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). siRNA-mediated knockdown of SIRT1 transcripts demonstrated that this enzyme is key to eliciting haskap phenolic(s) impact on cells. We postulate that phenolic synergism is of significant importance when evaluating their dietary impact.

Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Potentials of Ficus glumosa and Its Bioactive Polyphenol Metabolites

Ficus glumosa Delile (Moraceae), a reputed plant that is used in herbal medicine, is of high medicinal and nutritional value in local communities primarily ascribed to its phytochemical profile. Currently, there are hardly any fine details on the chemical profiling and pharmacological evaluation of this species. In this study, the flavonoids and phenolics contents of the ethanol extracts and four extracted fractions (petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EA), n-butanol, and water) of the stem bark of Ficus glumosa were firstly quantified. Further, their antioxidant and antiproliferative potentials were also evaluated. The quantitative determination indicated that the EA and n-butanol fractions possessed the highest total flavonoids/phenolics levels of 274.05 ± 0.68 mg RE/g and 78.87 ± 0.97 mg GAE/g, respectively. Similarly, for the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, the EA fraction exhibited high potency in both DPPH and ABTS⁺ scavenging activities with IC₅₀ values of 0.23 ± 0.03 mg/mL, 0.22 ± 0.03 mg/mL, and FRAP potential of 2.81 ± 0.01 mg Fe²⁺/g, respectively. Furthermore, the EA fraction displayed high cytotoxicity against human lung (A549) and colon (HT-29) cancer cells. Additionally, the liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) was employed in order to characterize the chemical constituents of the EA fraction of Ficus glumosa stem bark. Our findings revealed 16 compounds from the EA fraction that were possibly responsible for the strong antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties. This study provides edge-cutting background information on the exploitation of Ficus glumosa as a potential natural antioxidant and anti-cancer remedy.

The effect of growing conditions and pollination mode on the Lonicera caerulea berry mass

The berry mass of the blue honeysuckle plants of different environmental and geographical provenance was shown to be affected by the weather conditions at the time of the fruit setting and ripening. Pollination by defective pollen and by the pollen of closely-related species resulted in the decreased berry mass.

Targets and mechanisms of dietary anthocyanins to combat hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia: a comprehensive review

Hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia are both metabolic disorders related to excessive amount of metabolites in blood, which are considered as high risk factors for the development of many chronic diseases. Enzymes, cells, tissues and organs, which are relevant to metabolism and excretion of glucose and UA, are usually regarded to be the targets in treatment of hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia. Several drugs have been commonly applied to combat hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia through various targets but with unignorable side effects. Anthocyanins have become promising alternatives against hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia because of their bio-activities with little side effects. Structurally different anthocyanins from berry fruits, cherries and purple sweet potato lead to the diverse functional activity and property. This review is aimed to illustrate the specific targets that are available for anthocyanins from berry fruits, cherries and purple sweet potato in hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia management, as well as discuss the structure-activity relationship, and the underlying mechanisms associated with intracellular signaling pathway, anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation. In addition, the relationship of hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia, and the possibly regulative role of anthocyanins against them, along with the effects of anthocyanins in clinical trial are mentioned.

Phytochemical Characterization of Blue Honeysuckle in Relation to the Genotypic Diversity of Lonicera sp

The phytochemical characteristic analysis of a group of 30 haskap berry genotypes was carried out bearing in mind the concern for the consumption of food with high nutraceutical value that helps maintain good health. Phytochemical fruit composition and antioxidant activity were assessed by the Folin–Ciocalteau, spectrophotometric, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) as well as ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) method. Evaluation of antioxidant activity was referred to as the Trolox equivalent. The observed differences in the content of phenolics, flavonoids, vitamin C and antioxidant activity allowed us to select genotypes which, due to the high level of the analyzed compounds, are particularly recommended in everyone’s diet. In addition, the analysis of the prospects of increasing the analyzed phytochemical properties, estimated by parameters such as heritability and genetic progress, indicates the effectiveness of breeding in relation to each of the analyzed traits. The results of the presented research can be used in the implementation of future breeding programs for this valuable species.

Fruit, vegetables, and mushrooms for the preparation of extracts with α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition properties: A review

The inhibition of the α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity facilitates the maintenance of circulating glucose levels by decreasing the rate of blood sugar absorption. Existing enzyme inhibitors such as acarbose, miglitol, and voglibose are used for inhibiting the activity of these enzymes, however, alternative solutions are required to avoid the side-effects of using these drugs. The current study aims to review recent evidence regarding the in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities of extracts derived from selected fruit, vegetables, and mushrooms. The mechanisms of action of the extracts involved in the inhibition of both enzymes are also presented and discussed. Compounds including flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, saponins, carotenoids, terpenes, sugars, proteins, capsaicinoids, fatty acids, alkaloids have been shown to have α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities. Harvesting period, maturity stage, sample preparation, extraction technique, and solvent type are parameters that affect the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities of the extracts.

Cyanidin-3-O-Glucoside-Rich Haskap Berry Administration Suppresses Carcinogen-Induced Lung Tumorigenesis in A/JCr Mice

In our previous study, we demonstrated that cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G)-rich haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) berry extracts can attenuate the carcinogen-induced DNA damage in normal lung epithelial cells in vitro. Here, the efficacy of lyophilized powder of whole haskap berry (C3G-HB) in lowering tobacco-specific nitrosamine, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone, (NNK)-induced lung tumorigenesis in A/JCr mice was investigated. Three weeks after daily oral administration of C3G-HB (6 mg of C3G in 0.2 g of C3G-HB/mouse/day), lung tumors were initiated by a single intraperitoneal injection of NNK. Dietary C3G-HB supplementation was continued, and 22 weeks later, mice were euthanized. Lung tumors were visualized through positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 19 weeks after NNK injection. Dietary supplementation of C3G-HB significantly reduced the NNK-induced lung tumor multiplicity and tumor area but did not affect tumor incidence. Immunohistochemical analysis showed reduced expression of proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki-67 in lung tissues. Therefore, C3G-HB has the potential to reduce the lung tumorigenesis, and to be used as a source for developing dietary supplements or nutraceuticals for reducing the risk of lung cancer among high-risk populations.

Dietary Flavonoids in p53-Mediated Immune Dysfunctions Linking to Cancer Prevention

The p53 protein plays a central role in mediating immune functioning and determines the fate of the cells. Its role as a tumor suppressor, and in transcriptional regulation and cytokine activity under stress conditions, is well defined. The wild type (WT) p53 functions as a guardian for the genome, while the mutant p53 has oncogenic roles. One of the ways that p53 combats carcinogenesis is by reducing inflammation. WT p53 functions as an anti-inflammatory molecule via cross-talk activity with multiple immunological pathways, such as the major histocompatibility complex I (MHCI) associated pathway, toll-like receptors (TLRs), and immune checkpoints. Due to the multifarious roles of p53 in cancer, it is a potent target for cancer immunotherapy. Plant flavonoids have been gaining recognition over the last two decades to use as a potential therapeutic regimen in ameliorating diseases. Recent studies have shown the ability of flavonoids to suppress chronic inflammation, specifically by modulating p53 responses. Further, the anti-oxidant Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway could play a crucial role in mitigating oxidative stress, leading to a reduction of chronic inflammation linked to the prevention of cancer. This review aims to discuss the pharmacological properties of plant flavonoids in response to various oxidative stresses and immune dysfunctions and analyzes the cross-talk between flavonoid-rich dietary intake for potential disease prevention.

Anthocyanin-rich haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) berry extracts reduce nitrosamine-induced DNA damage in human normal lung epithelial cells in vitro

Diets rich in polyphenols are known to reduce cancer among high-risk populations. Haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) berry has abundant phenolic acids and flavonoids, especially anthocyanins. Tobacco-specific nitrosamine, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) present in cigarette smoke, is a major lung carcinogenic factor. We analyzed the efficacy of anthocyanin-rich haskap berry extracts in preventing DNA damage induced by 4-[(acetoxymethyl) nitrosamino]-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNKOAc), a precursor of NKK, in human lung epithelial BEAS-2B cells in vitro. A cocktail of monomeric polyphenols from haskap berries was extracted separately in ethanol and water and profiled. Sub-lethal concentrations of NNKOAc were used to induce DNA damage in BEAS-2B cells, and a cell viability assay was performed to confirm that the tested concentrations of haskap extracts were not cytotoxic to BEAS-2B cells. Cells were pre-treated with the haskap extracts prior to NNKOAc exposure. Dose-dependent DNA damage was observed with carcinogenic NNKOAc, but did not occur in the presence of the haskap extracts. Pre-treatment of the cells with the haskap extracts significantly reduced NNKOAc-induced DNA damage, DNA fragmentation, and intracellular reactive oxygen species and upregulated the ATM-dependent DNA damage repair cascade compared to non-treated BEAS-2B cells. The protective effect of haskap extracts could be related to their polyphenol content and high antioxidant capacity.