1
|
Pyo Y, Kwon KH, Jung YJ. Anticancer Potential of Flavonoids: Their Role in Cancer Prevention and Health Benefits. Foods 2024; 13:2253. [PMID: 39063337 PMCID: PMC11276387 DOI: 10.3390/foods13142253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The term "flavonoid" encompasses a group of plant compounds, predominantly flavonoids, present in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods. These compounds deliver significant health benefits, including potent antioxidant properties that protect cells from free radicals, thereby mitigating aging and disease. We assessed study quality and bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Inclusion criteria specified that the studies must examine a natural flavonoid from fruits, must involve animal or human trials, must be original studies, and must be English articles on the flavonoid's health and cancer-prevention effects, excluding conference abstracts and single-case studies. We conducted a comprehensive search of major databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar, reviewing six clinical trials with total sample sizes of over 50 to 1500 participants. The results indicate that consuming flavonoid-rich fruits can aid in cancer prevention by targeting angiogenic and cancer-protective pathways. We specifically selected tomatoes, mulberries, Amazon grapes, apples, and citrus fruits due to their well-documented high levels of flavonoids and the robust clinical evidence supporting their physiological effects. In particular, citrus fruits contain additional beneficial phytochemicals that complement the action of flavonoids, enhancing their overall health effects. The anti-cancer mechanisms of flavonoids are not well-defined in the scientific literature, suggesting a gap that this study aims to address. Our study provides novel contributions by demonstrating how flavonoid supplementation induces anti-cancer effects through angiogenesis, anti-inflammatory actions, antioxidant-induced apoptosis, and modulation of pathways like PI3K/Akt and MAPK. These effects were particularly notable in the prevention and progression of breast, colon, liver, and lung cancers, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). By elucidating specific mechanisms and pathways, this study contributes to the understanding of flavonoids' role in cancer prevention and underscores the potential for developing natural anti-cancer therapeutics through the inclusion of flavonoid-rich fruits in the diet. Future research should focus on randomized controlled trials assessing long-term effects of flavonoid supplementation in diverse populations, exploring optimal dosages, and understanding interactions with conventional cancer therapies to provide comprehensive evidence for clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeonhee Pyo
- Department of Beauty Cosmetics, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Han Kwon
- College of General Education, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yeon Ja Jung
- Department of Beauty Cosmetics, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Baynham R, Weaver SRC, Rendeiro C, Veldhuijzen van Zanten JJCS. Fat intake impairs the recovery of endothelial function following mental stress in young healthy adults. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1275708. [PMID: 38024378 PMCID: PMC10665837 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1275708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mental stress has been identified as a trigger of cardiovascular events. A single episode of stress can induce acute impairments in endothelial function in healthy adults. Importantly, during stressful periods, individuals often resort to unhealthy behaviors, such as increased consumption of high-fat foods, which is also known to negatively impact endothelial function. Therefore, this study examined whether consumption of a high-fat meal would further exacerbate the negative effect of mental stress on vascular function. Methods In a randomized, counterbalanced, cross- over, postprandial intervention study, 21 healthy males and females ingested a high-fat (56.5 g fat) or a low-fat (11.4 g fat) meal 1.5 h before an 8-min mental stress task (Paced-Auditory-Serial-Addition-Task, PASAT). Plasma triglyceride (TAG) concentration was assessed pre-and post-meal. Forearm blood flow (FBF), blood pressure (BP), and cardiovascular activity were assessed pre-meal at rest and post-meal at rest and during stress. Endothelial function, measured by brachial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was assessed pre-meal and 30 and 90 min following mental stress. Results Plasma TAG concentration was significantly increased following the high-fat meal compared to the low-fat condition. Mental stress induced similar increases in peripheral vasodilation, BP, and cardiovascular activity, and impaired FMD 30 min post-stress, in both conditions. FMD remained significantly impaired 90 min following stress in the high-fat condition only, suggesting that consumption of fat attenuates the recovery of endothelial function following mental stress. Discussion Given the prevalence of fat consumption during stressful periods among young adults, these findings have important implications for dietary choices to protect the vasculature during periods of stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind Baynham
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel R. C. Weaver
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Catarina Rendeiro
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rodrigues C, de Paula CD, Lahbouki S, Meddich A, Outzourhit A, Rashad M, Pari L, Coelhoso I, Fernando AL, Souza VGL. Opuntia spp.: An Overview of the Bioactive Profile and Food Applications of This Versatile Crop Adapted to Arid Lands. Foods 2023; 12:foods12071465. [PMID: 37048286 PMCID: PMC10094368 DOI: 10.3390/foods12071465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Opuntia spp. are crops well adapted to adverse environments and have great economic potential. Their constituents, including fruits, cladodes, and flowers, have a high nutritional value and are rich in value-added compounds. Cladodes have an appreciable content in dietary fiber, as well as bioactive compounds such as kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. Fruits are a major source of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids and vitamin C. The seeds are mainly composed of unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. The flowers are also rich in phenolic compounds. Therefore, in addition to their traditional uses, the different plant fractions can be processed to meet multiple applications in the food industry. Several bakery products have been developed with the incorporation of cladode flour. Pectin and mucilage obtained from cladodes can act as edible films and coatings. Fruits, fruit extracts, and fruit by-products have been mixed into food products, increasing their antioxidant capacity and extending their shelf life. Betalains, obtained from fruits, can be used as food colorants and demonstrate promising applications as a sensor in food packaging. This work reviews the most valuable components of the different fractions of this plant and emphasizes its most recent food applications, demonstrating its outstanding value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Rodrigues
- MEtRICs/CubicB, Departamento de Química, NOVA School of Science and Technology, FCT NOVA, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus de Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Camila Damásio de Paula
- MEtRICs/CubicB, Departamento de Química, NOVA School of Science and Technology, FCT NOVA, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus de Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Soufiane Lahbouki
- MEtRICs/CubicB, Departamento de Química, NOVA School of Science and Technology, FCT NOVA, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus de Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Center of Agrobiotechnology and Bioengineering, Research Unit Labelled CNRST (Centre AgroBiotech-URL-CNRST-05), “Physiology of Abiotic Stresses” Team, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
- Laboratory of Agro-Food, Biotechnologies and Valorization of Plant Bioresources (AGROBIOVAL), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials for Energy and Environment Physics Department, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
| | - Abdelilah Meddich
- Center of Agrobiotechnology and Bioengineering, Research Unit Labelled CNRST (Centre AgroBiotech-URL-CNRST-05), “Physiology of Abiotic Stresses” Team, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
- Laboratory of Agro-Food, Biotechnologies and Valorization of Plant Bioresources (AGROBIOVAL), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
| | - Abdelkader Outzourhit
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials for Energy and Environment Physics Department, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Rashad
- Land and Water Technologies Department, Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute, City of Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab City 21934, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Luigi Pari
- CREA Research Centre for Engineering and Agro-Food Processing, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Isabel Coelhoso
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, NOVA School of Science and Technology, FCT NOVA, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus de Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Fernando
- MEtRICs/CubicB, Departamento de Química, NOVA School of Science and Technology, FCT NOVA, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus de Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Victor G. L. Souza
- MEtRICs/CubicB, Departamento de Química, NOVA School of Science and Technology, FCT NOVA, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus de Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- INL, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Giraldo-Silva L, Ferreira B, Rosa E, Dias ACP. Opuntia ficus-indica Fruit: A Systematic Review of Its Phytochemicals and Pharmacological Activities. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12030543. [PMID: 36771630 PMCID: PMC9919935 DOI: 10.3390/plants12030543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The use of Opuntia ficus-indica fruits in the agro-food sector is increasing for a multiplicity of players. This renewed interest is, in part, due to its organoleptic characteristics, nutritional value and health benefits. Furthermore, industries from different sectors intend to make use of its vast array of metabolites to be used in different fields. This trend represents an economic growth opportunity for several partners who could find new opportunities exploring non-conventional fruits, and such is the case for Opuntia ficus-indica. O. ficus-indica originates from Mexico, belongs to the Cactaceae family and is commonly known as opuntia, prickly pear or cactus pear. The species produces flowers, cladodes and fruits that are consumed either in raw or in processed products. Recent publications described that consumption of the fruit improves human health, exhibiting antioxidant activity and other relevant pharmacological activities through enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms. Thus, we provide a systematic, scientific and rational review for researchers, consumers and other relevant stakeholders regarding the chemical composition and biological activities of O. ficus-indica fruits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Giraldo-Silva
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Ferreira
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Rosa
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Alberto C. P. Dias
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Escudero-López B, Cerrillo I, Ortega Á, Martín F, Fernández-Pachón MS. Effect of Acute Intake of Fermented Orange Juice on Fasting and Postprandial Glucose Metabolism, Plasma Lipids and Antioxidant Status in Healthy Human. Foods 2022; 11:foods11091256. [PMID: 35563979 PMCID: PMC9101597 DOI: 10.3390/foods11091256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Higher postprandial plasma glucose and lipemia, and oxidative and inflammatory responses, are considered important cardiovascular risk factors. Fermentation of fruits has generated products with high concentrations of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential acute effects that fermented orange juice (FOJ) can exert in healthy humans by modulating postprandial response, and inflammatory/antioxidant status, compared with orange juice (OJ). Nine volunteers were recruited for a randomized, controlled, and crossover study. Participants ingested 500 mL of FOJ. At 4 h post intake, subjects consumed a standardized mixed meal. Blood samples were collected at 0-8 h hours post intake. The subjects repeated the protocol with OJ following a 2-week washout period. Glucose and lipid metabolism, plasma antioxidant capacity (ORAC, FRAP), endogenous antioxidants (albumin, bilirubin, uric acid), C-reactive protein and fibrinogen were measured in plasma samples. There was a trend of a smaller increase in LDL-C after FOJ intake compared with OJ, a significant decrease in apo-B and significant increase in ORAC. The glycemic and triglyceride response of meal was attenuated with FOJ. No differences were obtained in endogenous antioxidants and inflammation status between the treatments. The acute consumption of FOJ could play a protective role against cardiovascular risk factors.
Collapse
|