Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) leaf: A narrative review of its Phytoconstituents, health benefits and food industry applications

Metabolomics Combined with Correlation Analysis Revealed the Differences in Antioxidant Activities of Lotus Seeds with Varied Cultivars

Functional foods have potential health benefits for humans. Lotus seeds (LS) as functional foods have excellent antioxidant activities. However, the differences in chemical composition of different LS cultivars may affect their antioxidant activities. This study comprehensively analyzed the differences among five LS cultivars based on metabolomics and further revealed the effects of metabolites on antioxidant activities by correlation analysis. A total of 125 metabolites were identified in LS using UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. Then, 15 metabolites were screened as differential metabolites of different LS cultivars by chemometrics. The antioxidant activities of LS were evaluated by DPPH•, FRAP, and ABTS•+ assays. The antioxidant activities varied among different LS cultivars, with the cultivar Taikong 66 showing the highest antioxidant activities. The correlation analysis among metabolites and antioxidant activities highlighted the important contribution of phenolics and alkaloids to the antioxidant activities of LS. Particularly, 11 metabolites such as p-coumaric acid showed significant positive correlation with antioxidant activities. Notably, 6 differential metabolites screened in different LS cultivars showed significant effects on antioxidant activities. These results revealed the important effects of phytochemicals on the antioxidant activities of different LS cultivars. This study provided evidence for the health benefits of different LS cultivars.

Mitophagy suppression by miquelianin-rich lotus leaf extract induces 'beiging' of white fat via AMPK/DRP1-PINK1/PARKIN signaling axis

BACKGROUND

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) leaf has been described to have anti-obesity activity, but the role of white fat 'browning' or 'beiging' in its beneficial metabolic actions remains unclear. Here, 3T3-L1 cells and high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed mice were used to evaluate the effects of miquelianin-rich lotus leaf extract (LLE) on white-to-beige fat conversion and its regulatory mechanisms.

RESULTS

Treatment with LLE increased mitochondrial abundance, mitochondrial membrane potential and NAD+ /NADH ratio in 3T3-L1 cells, suggesting its potential in promoting mitochondrial activity. qPCR and/or western blotting analysis confirmed that LLE induced the expression of beige fat-enriched gene signatures (e.g. Sirt1, Cidea, Dio2, Prdm16, Ucp1, Cd40, Cd137, Cited1) and mitochondrial biogenesis-related markers (e.g. Nrf1, Cox2, Cox7a, Tfam) in 3T3-L1 cells and inguinal white adipose tissue of HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, we found that LLE treatment inhibited mitochondrial fission protein DRP1 and blocked mitophagy markers such as PINK1, PARKIN, BECLIN1 and LC-3B. Chemical inhibition experiments revealed that AMPK/DRP1 signaling was required for LLE-induced beige fat formation via suppressing PINK1/PARKIN/mitophagy.

CONCLUSION

Our data reveal a novel mechanism underlying the anti-obesity effect of LLE, namely the induction of white fat beiging via AMPK/DRP1/mitophagy signaling. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Probiotic-fermented edible herbs as functional foods: A review of current status, challenges, and strategies

Recently, consumers have become increasingly interested in natural, health-promoting, and chronic disease-preventing medicine and food homology (MFH). There has been accumulating evidence that many herbal medicines, including MFH, are biologically active due to their biotransformation through the intestinal microbiota. The emphasis of scientific investigation has moved from the functionally active role of MFH to the more subtle role of biotransformation of the active ingredients in probiotic-fermented MFH and their health benefits. This review provides an overview of the current status of research on probiotic-fermented MFH. Probiotics degrade toxins and anti-nutritional factors in MFH, improve the flavor of MFH, and increase its bioactive components through their transformative effects. Moreover, MFH can provide a material base for the growth of probiotics and promote the production of their metabolites. In addition, the health benefits of probiotic-fermented MFH in recent years, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-neurodegenerative, skin-protective, and gut microbiome-modulating effects, are summarized, and the health risks associated with them are also described. Finally, the future development of probiotic-fermented MFH is prospected in combination with modern development technologies, such as high-throughput screening technology, synthetic biology technology, and database construction technology. Overall, probiotic-fermented MFH has the potential to be used in functional food for preventing and improving people's health. In the future, personalized functional foods can be expected based on synthetic biology technology and a database on the functional role of probiotic-fermented MFH.

Nuciferine prevents obesity by activating brown adipose tissue

Increasing evidence suggests that brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays an important role in obesity and related diseases. Increasing the amount or activity of BAT could prevent obesity. Therefore, a safe and effective method of activating BAT is urgently required. Here, we evaluated the potential effects of lotus leaf extract (LLE) on BAT function. We found that LLE substantially increased UCP1 mRNA and protein levels as well as thermogenic protein expression in primary brown adipocytes. Additionally, LLE treatment reduced diet-induced obesity and improved glucose homeostasis owing to BAT activation and increased energy expenditure. We found that nuciferine, an active ingredient of LLE, could dose-dependently activate BAT in vitro and in vivo, alleviate diet-induced obesity, and improve glucose homeostasis by increasing energy expenditure. Mechanistically, we found that nuciferine induced PPARG coactivator 1 alpha (PGC1-α) expression, which is a key gene involved in mitochondrial biogenesis promoter activity, by directly binding to RXRA. Furthermore, RXRA knockdown abolished expression of the nuciferine-induced mitochondrial and thermogenesis-related gene in primary brown adipocytes. In summary, we found that LLE and nuciferine have a notable effect on BAT activation and highlight the potential applications of the main component of LLE in preventing obesity and treating metabolic disorders.

Bitter yet beneficial: The dual role of dietary alkaloids in managing diabetes and enhancing cognitive function

With the rising prevalence of diabetes and its association with cognitive impairment, interest in the use of dietary alkaloids and other natural products has grown significantly. Understanding how these compounds manage diabetic cognitive dysfunction (DCD) is crucial. This comprehensive review explores the etiology of DCD and the effects of alkaloids in foods and dietary supplements that have been investigated as DCD therapies. Data on how dietary alkaloids like berberine, trigonelline, caffeine, capsaicin, 1-deoxynojirimycin, nuciferine, neferine, aegeline, tetramethylpyrazine, piperine, and others regulate cognition in diabetic disorders were collected from PubMed, Research Gate, Web of Science, Science Direct, and other relevant databases. Dietary alkaloids could improve memory in behavioral models and modulate the mechanisms underlying the cognitive benefits of these compounds, including their effects on glucose metabolism, gut microbiota, vasculopathy, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. Evidence suggests that dietary alkaloids hold promise for improving cognition in diabetic patients and could open exciting avenues for future research in diabetes management.

Development of gummy bear supplements and in vitro exploration of antioxidant and antiproliferative potential of Nuciferine

BACKGROUND

Nuciferine's extensive therapeutic potential, including its robust antioxidant properties, is explored in response to the growing consumer preference for value-added organic foods.

OBJECTIVE

This study focuses on the formulation of gummy bear supplements fortified with nuciferine from Nelumbonucifera. The research highlights nuciferine's ability to combat oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and examines its application in maintaining basal ROS levels during oxidative stress conditions in skin melanoma cells.

METHODS

Characterization of extracted nuciferine through FTIR and UV-vis spectroscopy ensures product quality, while sensory evaluation compares honey and sugar as natural sweeteners for optimal flavor and consumer preference. SK-Mel-28 cellular ROS levels were measured using 2',7' -dichlorofluorescin diacetate dye before and after nuciferine treatment. SK-Mel-28 cell viability and dose response of nuciferine treatment was assessed using MTT assay.

RESULTS

Nuciferine shows potent inhibition of SK-Mel-28 cell proliferation with an IC50 of 39.31 ± 5.280 μg/ml and showed no cytotoxicity in normal L6 skeletal muscle cells. This study compares the sensory properties of honey and sugar based gummy bear formulations.

CONCLUSION

This project aims to create a high-quality, health-promoting dietary supplement that aligns with the evolving trends in organic nutrition and antioxidant supplementation.

Miquelianin in Folium Nelumbinis extract promotes white-to-beige fat conversion via blocking AMPK/DRP1/mitophagy and modulating gut microbiota in HFD-fed mice

The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of miquelianin (quercetin 3-O-glucuronide, Q3G), one of the main flavonoids in the Folium Nelumbinis extract (FNE), on beige adipocyte formation and its underlying mechanisms. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes Q3G (12.8%)-rich FNE treatment upregulated beige-related markers such as SIRT1, COX2, PGC-1α, TFAM, and UCP1. Furthermore, Q3G enhanced mitochondrial biosynthesis and inhibited mitophagy by downregulating the expression of PINK1, PARKIN, BECLIN1 and LC-3B in 3T3-L1 cells. Moreover, in high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed mice, Q3G markedly inhibited body weight gain, reduced blood glucose/lipid levels, reduced white adipose tissues (WAT) and mitigated hepatic steatosis. Meanwhile, the induced beiging accompanied by suppressed mitophagy was also demonstrated in inguinal WAT (iWAT). Chemical intervention of AMPK activity with Compound C (Com C) and Acadesine (AICAR) revealed that AMPK/DRP1 signaling was involved in Q3G-mediated mitophagy and the beiging process. Importantly, 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that Q3G beneficially reshaped gut microbiota structure, specifically inhibiting unclassified_Lachnospiraceae, Faecalibaculum, Roseburia and Colidextribacter while increasing Bacteroides, Akkermansia and Mucispirillum, which may potentially facilitate WAT beiging. Collectively, our findings provide a novel biological function for Folium Nelumbinis and Q3G in the fight against obesity through activating the energy-dissipating capacity of beige fat.

Lotus leaf extract can attenuate salpingitis in laying hens by inhibiting apoptosis

This study aimed to determine whether the lotus leaf extract (LLE) had the effect of treating salpingitis in laying hens. First, the salpingitis model was established by the method of bacterial infection. Differential genes between salpingitis and healthy laying hens were identified by transcriptome sequencing, and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed. Groups of treatment of antibiotics and LLE were established to verify the feasibility of the lotus leaf extract in treating salpingitis. Furthermore, the active component and pharmacological effects of LLE were identified using the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and network pharmacology technique. At last, the mechanism of LLE treating salpingitis was further evaluated by DF-1 cells infected with bacteria. The results showed that LLE significantly reduced the levels of TLR4 and IFN-γ (P < 0.05), accelerated the levels of IgA and IgG (P < 0.05), regulated the levels of SOD and MDA (P < 0.05) in laying hens with salpingitis. A total of 1,874 differential genes were obtained according to the transcriptome sequencing. It was revealed a significant role in cell cycle and apoptosis by enrichment analysis. In addition, among the 28 components identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, 20 components acted on 58 genes, including CDK1, BIRC5, and CA2 for treating salpingitis. After bacterial infection, cells were damaged and unable to complete the normal progression of the cell cycle, leading to cell cycle arrest and further apoptosis formation. However, with the intervention of LLE, bacterial infection was resisted. The cells proliferation was extensively restored, and the expression of NO was increased. The addition of LLE significantly decreased cell apoptosis. The G1 phase increased, the S phase and the G2 phase decreased in the model group; after the intervention of LLE, the G1 phase gradually returned to the average level, and G2 and S phases increased. The mRNA expression levels of BIRC5, CDK1, and CA2 were consistent with the predicted results in network pharmacology. At the same time, the mRNA expression levels of Caspase-3 and Caspase-7 were reduced after added with LLE. The mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, TRADD, FADD, Caspase-8, Caspase-10, and Caspase-9 (P < 0.05), which would inhibit death receptor activation and decrease the apoptotic cascade, were upregulated after bacterial infection. However, the results in LLE groups were downregulated (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the mRNA expression levels of BCL-2 in LLE groups were increased significantly compared with it in model group (P < 0.05). Notably, LLE administration inhibited apoptosis and regulated the cell cycle distribution in the salpingitis induced by bacterial infection. These results indicated that the LLE attenuated bacterial-induced salpingitis by modulating apoptosis and immune function in laying hens.

DNA from herbs can be obtained from air and authenticated by polymerase chain reaction

DNA barcoding of herbs allows accurate species authentication. However, the DNA of herbs are often not easily PCR amplified due to co-extraction of inhibitors. Methods have been developed to improve DNA extraction to reduce contaminants. These methods usually require toxic chemical treatments or expensive commercial kits and are labor intensive. In this report, we collected the air passed from the herbs and directly amplified the DNA obtained. Results showed that DNA could be obtained, and it was PCR amplifiable. Sequencing of the amplified DNA allowed species authentication. This DNA collection method is applicable to herbs from different plant tissues. It has the advantages of reducing the use of toxic substances and more economical.

Bioactive polysaccharides from lotus as potent food supplements: a review of their preparation, structures, biological features and application prospects

Lotus is a famous plant of the food and medicine continuum for millennia, which possesses unique nutritional and medicinal values. Polysaccharides are the main bioactive component of lotus and have been widely used as health nutritional supplements and therapeutic agents. However, the industrial production and application of lotus polysaccharides (LPs) are hindered by the lack of a deeper understanding of the structure-activity relationship (SAR), structural modification, applications, and safety of LPs. This review comprehensively comments on the extraction and purification methods and structural characteristics of LPs. The SARs, bioactivities, and mechanisms involved are further evaluated. The potential application and safety issues of LPs are discussed. This review provides valuable updated information and inspires deeper insights for the large scale development and application of LPs.

Comparative Analysis of the Physicochemical Properties and Metabolites of Farinose and Crisp Lotus Roots (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) with Different Geographical Origins

Lotus roots are widely consumed vegetables because of their great taste and abundant nutrients, but their quality varies with the environments and cultivar. This study systematically compared farinose (Elian No. 5) and crisp (Elian No. 6) lotus root cultivars from three geographical origins. Pasting and texture characteristics verified that Elian No. 5 possessed lower hardness and lower ability to withstand shear stress and heating during cooking compared with Elian No. 6. Untargeted metabolite profiling was first performed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) combined with a Zeno trap. In total, 188 metabolites were identified based on the matching chemistry database. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that lotus roots from different cultivars and origins could be adequately distinguished. Sixty-one differential metabolites were identified among three Elian No. 5 samples, and 28 were identified among three Elian No. 6 samples. Isoscopoletin, scopoletin, and paprazine were the most differential metabolites between Elian No. 5 and Elian No. 6. These results can inform future research on the discrimination and utilization of lotus roots.

Effects of Maturity and Processing on the Volatile Components, Phytochemical Profiles and Antioxidant Activity of Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) Leaf

In this study, fresh lotus leaves at two maturity stages were processed to tea products by different methods (white-tea process, green-tea process and black-tea process). The volatile compounds, phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activities of lotus-leaf tea were investigated. A total of 81 volatile components were identified with HS-GC-IMS. The mature lotus-leaf tea showed more volatile compounds than the tender lotus-leaf tea. The lotus leaf treated with the white-tea process had more aroma components than other processing methods. In addition, six types of phenolic compounds, including luteolin, catechin, quercetin, orientin, hyperoside and rutin were identified in the lotus-leaf tea. The mature leaves treated with the green-tea process had the highest levels of TPC (49.97 mg gallic acid/g tea) and TFC (73.43 mg rutin/g tea). The aqueous extract of lotus-leaf tea showed positive scavenging capacities of DPPH and ABTS radicals, and ferric ion reducing power, whereas tender lotus leaf treated with the green-tea process exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity. What is more, the antioxidant activities had a significant positive correlation with the levels of TPC and TFC in lotus-leaf tea. Our results provide a theoretical basis for the manufacture of lotus-leaf-tea products with desirable flavor and health benefits.

Quercetin 3-O-glucuronide-rich lotus leaf extract promotes a Brown-fat-phenotype in C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is an aquatic perennial crop planted worldwide and its leaf (also called "He-Ye") has therapeutic effects on obesity. However, whether the underlying mechanism leads to increased energy expenditure by activation of brown adipocytes has not been clarified. Here, murine C₃H₁₀T_1/2 mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were employed to investigate the effects of ethanol extracts from lotus leaf (LLE) on brown adipocytes formation and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results showed LLE was rich in polyphenols (383.7 mg/g) and flavonoids (178.3 mg/g), with quercetin 3-O-glucuronide (Q3G) the most abundant (128.2 μg/mg). In LLE-treated C₃H₁₀T_1/2 MSCs, the expressions of lipolytic factors (e.g., ATGL, HSL, and ABHD5) and brown regulators (e.g., Sirt1, PGC-1α, Cidea, and UCP1) were significantly upregulated compared to that in the untreated MSCs. Furthermore, LLE promoted mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid β-oxidation, as evidenced by increases in the expression of Tfam, Cox7A, CoxIV, Cox2, Pparα, and Adrb3. Likewise, enhanced browning and mitochondrial biogenesis were also observed in Q3G-stimulated cells. Importantly, LLE and Q3G induced phosphorylation of AMPK accompanied by a remarkable increase in the brown fat marker UCP1, while pretreatment with Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) reversed these changes. Moreover, stimulating LLE or Q3G-treated cells with CL316243 (a beta3-AR agonist) increased p-AMPKα/AMPKα ratio and UCP1 protein expression, indicating β3-AR/AMPK signaling may involve in this process. Collectively, these observations suggested that LLE, especially the component Q3G, stimulates thermogenesis by activating brown adipocytes, which may involve the β3-AR/AMPK signaling pathway.

Effects of shear emulsifying/ball milling/autoclave modification on structure, physicochemical properties, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of lotus (Nelumbo) leaves dietary fiber

Lotus (Nelumbo) leaves are rich in polyphenols and dietary fiber, which have the potential as a high-quality fiber material in functional food. However, lotus leaves exhibit dense structure and poor taste, it is vital to develop appropriate modification methods to improve the properties of lotus leaves dietary fiber. In this study, the effects of three modification methods with shear emulsifying (SE), ball milling (BM), and autoclave treatment (AT) on structure, physicochemical properties, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of lotus leave dietary fiber (LDF) were evaluated. SEM indicated that there were significant differences in the microstructure of modified LDFs. FT-IR spectra and X-ray diffraction pattern of modified LDFs revealed similar shapes, while the peak intensity and crystalline region changed by modification. SE showed the greatest effect on crystallization index. SE-LDF had the highest water holding capacity, water swelling capacity, and bound phenolic content in LDFs, which increased by 15.69, 12.02, and 31.81%, respectively, compared with the unmodified LDF. BM exhibited the most dramatic effect on particle size. BM-LDF had the highest free phenolic and total phenolic contents in LDFs, which increased by 32.20 and 29.05% respectively, compared with the unmodified LDF. Phenolic compounds in LDFs were mainly free phenolic, and modifications altered the concents of flavonoids. The BM-LDF and SE-LDF exhibited higher antioxidant capacity than that of AT-LDF. Overall, SE-LDF showed better physical properties, and BM-LDF showed better bioactive components. SE and BM were considered to be appropriate modification methods to enhance the properties of LDF with their own advantages.

Phytochemicals, biological activity, and industrial application of lotus seedpod (Receptaculum Nelumbinis): A review

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is a well-known food and medicinal plant. Lotus seedpod (Receptaculum Nelumbinis) is the by-products during lotus products processing, which is considered as waste. Numerous studies have been conducted on its phytochemicals, biological activity and industrial application. However, the information on lotus seedpod is scattered and has been rarely summarized. In this review, summaries on preparation and identification of phytochemicals, the biological activities of extracts and phytochemicals, and applications of raw material, extracts and phytochemicals for lotus seedpod were made. Meanwhile, the future study trend was proposed. Recent evidence indicated that lotus seedpods extracts, obtained by non-organic and organic solvents, possessed several activities, which were influenced by extraction solvents and methods. Lotus seedpods were rich in phytochemicals categorized as different chemical groups, such as proanthocyanidins, oligomeric procyanidins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, etc. These phytochemicals exhibited various bioactivities, including ameliorating cognitive impairment, antioxidation, antibacterial, anti-glycative, neuroprotection, anti-tyrosinase and other activities. Raw material, extracts and phytochemicals of lotus seedpods could be utilized as sources for biochar and biomass material, in food industry and as dye. This review gives well-understanding on lotus seedpod, and provides theoretical basis for its future research and application.

Genome and Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis of Fusarium commune Provides Insights into the Pathogenic Mechanisms of the Lotus Rhizome Rot

Fusarium wilt, a vascular wilt caused by F. commune, has been a serious problem for the lotus. Although some F. commune isolate genomes have been sequenced, little is known about the genomic information of the strain that causes Fusarium wilt of aquatic plants. In this study, the genome of F. commune FCN23 isolated from lotuses in China was sequenced using Illumina and PacBio sequencing platforms. The FCN23 genome consisted of 53 scaffolds with a combined size of 46,211,149 bp. According to the reference genome, F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici 4287 isolated from tomato, it was finally assembled into 14 putative chromosomes, including 10 core and 4 lineage-specific chromosomes. The genome contains about 3.45% repeats and encodes 14,698 putative protein-coding genes. Among these, 1,038 and 296 proteins were potentially secreted proteins and candidate effector proteins, respectively. Comparative genomic analysis showed that the CAZyme-coding genes and secondary metabolite biosynthesis genes of FCN23 were similar to those of other Ascomycetes. Additionally, the transcriptome of FCN23 during infection of lotus was analyzed and 7,013 differentially expressed genes were identified. Eight putative effectors that were upregulated in the infection stage were cloned. Among them, F23a002499 exhibited strong hypersensitive response after transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Our results provide a valuable genetic basis for understanding the molecular mechanism of the interaction between F. commune and aquatic plants. IMPORTANCE Fusarium commune is an important soilborne pathogen with a wide range of hosts and can cause Fusarium wilt of land plants. However, there are few studies on Fusarium wilt of aquatic plants. Lotus rhizome rot mainly caused by F. commune is a devastating disease that causes extensive yield and quality losses in China. Here, we obtained high-quality genomic information of the FCN23 using Illumina NovaSeq and the third-generation sequencing technology PacBio Sequel II. Compared to the reference genome F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici strain 4287, it contains 11 core and 3 lineage-specific chromosomes. Many differentially expressed genes associated with pathogenicity were identified by RNA sequencing. The genome and transcriptome sequences of FCN23 will provide important genomic information and insights into the infection mechanisms of F. commune on aquatic plants.

Red-Skin Extracts of Lotus Seeds Alleviate High-Fat-Diet Induced Obesity via Regulating Lipoprotein Lipase Activity

In recent years, obesity has become an epidemic and an important public health concern. This study was designed to explore the anti-obesity effects of red-skin extracts (RSE) from lotus seeds on high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed mice. In this study, a total of 55 phenolic compounds from the RSE were tentatively characterized using a UPLC-Q/TOF-MS system, including 9 phenolic acids and derivatives, 40 flavonoids, 2 proanthocyanidin, and 4 coumarins and derivatives. Our data demonstrated that RSE could significantly ameliorate obesity characteristics of HFD-fed mice by regulating tissue specific lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activities. In detailed, the activity and expression of LPL in adipose tissue was inhibited, and the activity and expression of LPL in skeletal muscle tissue was enhanced. Overall, these findings suggested that RSE from the red skin of lotus seeds could serve as a great candidate for a value-added, functional ingredient due to its anti-obesity effects via the regulation of LPL activity.

Optimization of alcohol extraction and spray-drying conditions for efficient processing and quality evaluation of instant tea powder from lotus and green tea leaves

Lotus and Green Tea leaves are two frequently used medicinal plants in Vietnam, utilized as food, drink, or in traditional treatments to help with weight loss and cholesterol reduction. The study’s major goal is to determine the parameters of the process preparation in order to generate instant tea powder that satisfies quality criteria for customer demand. Twenty experiments are conducted using the D-optimal model to evaluate the cause-effect relationship and optimize the production process of instant tea powder. Four independent variables are selected for the survey namely alcohol concentration (40%; 50%; 60%), carrier mass (10 g; 20 g; 30 g), inlet air temperature (160 °C; 170 °C) and flow rate (4 rpm/min; 5 rpm/min). The instant tea powder is effectively created and met quality parameters, with a drying performance, moisture content, total phenol and flavonoid content of 29.15%, 4.83%, 45.29 mg GA/g, and 70.68 mg QE/g, respectively. In conclusion, the optimal parameters of the preparation process were identified, which included an alcohol content of 60%, a carrier mass of 10 g, an inlet air temperature of 165 °C, and a flow rate of 4 rpm/min.

In vitro digestive characteristics and microbial degradation of polysaccharides from lotus leaves and related effects on the modulation of intestinal microbiota

Polysaccharides exist as one of the most abundant components in lotus leaves, which attract increasing attention owing to their promising health-promoting benefits. In this study, the digestive and microbial degradation characteristics of lotus leaf polysaccharides (LLP) were studied by using an in vitro gastrointestinal model. The results suggested that LLP was stable in the human upper gastrointestinal tract in vitro according to its digestive stabilities at different simulated digestion stages. Conversely, the indigestible LLP (LLPI) could be remarkably utilized by intestinal microbiota in human feces during in vitro fermentation, and its fermentability was 58.11% after the in vitro fermentation of 48 h. Indeed, the microbial degradation characteristics of LLPI during in vitro fermentation by human fecal inoculum were revealed. The results showed that the content of reducing sugars released from LLPI obviously increased from 0.498 to 2.176 mg/mL at the initial fermentation stage (0–6 h), and its molecular weight sharply decreased from 4.08 × 10⁴ to 2.02 × 10⁴ Da. Notably, the molar ratios of arabinose (Ara), galactose (Gal), and galacturonic acid (GalA) in LLPI decreased from 2.89 to 1.40, from 5.46 to 3.72, and from 21.24 to 18.71, respectively, suggesting that the utilization of arabinose and galactose in LLPI by intestinal microbiota was much faster than that of galacturonic acid at the initial fermentation stage. Additionally, LLPI could remarkably regulate gut microbial composition by increasing the abundances of several beneficial microbes, including Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Megamonas, and Collinsella, resulting in the promoted generation of several short-chain fatty acids, especially acetic, propionic, and butyric acids. The findings from the present study are beneficial to better understanding the digestive and microbial degradation characteristics of LLP, which indicate that LLP can be used as a potential prebiotic for the improvement of intestinal health.

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LLP was stable in the human upper gastrointestinal tract in vitro.

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The indigestible LLP could be remarkably utilized by intestinal microbiota.

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Arabinose and galactose were quickly utilized at the initial fermentation stage.

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Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Megamonas, and Collinsella obviously increased.

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SCFAs, especially acetic, propionic, and butyric acids, remarkably promoted.

Alkaloids from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera): recent advances in biosynthesis, pharmacokinetics, bioactivity, safety, and industrial applications

Different parts of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) including the seeds, rhizomes, leaves, and flowers, are used for medicinal purposes with health promoting and illness preventing benefits. The presence of active chemicals such as alkaloids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids (particularly alkaloids) may account for this plant's pharmacological effects. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview and summarize up-to-date research on the biosynthesis, pharmacokinetics, and bioactivity of lotus alkaloids as well as their safety. Moreover, the potential uses of lotus alkaloids in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors are explored. Current evidence shows that alkaloids, mainly consisting of aporphines, 1-benzylisoquinolines, and bisbenzylisoquinolines, are present in different parts of lotus. The bioavailability of these alkaloids is relatively low in vivo but can be enhanced by technological modification using nanoliposomes, liposomes, microcapsules, and emulsions. Available data highlights their therapeutic and preventive effects on obesity, diabetes, neurodegeneration, cancer, cardiovascular disease, etc. Additionally, industrial applications of lotus alkaloids include their use as food, medical, and cosmetic ingredients in tea, other beverages, and healthcare products; as lipid-lowering, anticancer, and antipsychotic drugs; and in facial masks, toothpastes, and shower gels. However, their clinical efficacy and safety remains unclear; hence, larger and longer human trials are needed to achieve their safe and effective use with minimal side effects.

Deep Eutectic Solvent-Assisted Extraction, Partially Structural Characterization, and Bioactivities of Acidic Polysaccharides from Lotus Leaves

Lotus leaves are often discarded as byproducts in the lotus industry. Polysaccharides are regarded as one of the essentially bioactive components in lotus leaves. Therefore, in order to promote the application of lotus leaves in the functional food industry, the deep eutectic solvent (DES) assisted extraction of polysaccharides from lotus leaves (LLPs) was optimized, and structural and biological properties of LLPs extracted by DES and hot water were further investigated. At the optimal extraction conditions (water content of 61.0% in DES, extraction temperature of 92 °C, liquid-solid ratio of 31.0 mL/g and extraction time of 126 min), the maximum extraction yield (5.38%) was obtained. Furthermore, LLP-D extracted by DES and LLP-W extracted by hot water possessed the same sugar residues, such as 1,4-α-D-GalAp, 1,4-α-D-GalAMep, 1,3,6-β-D-Galp, 1,4-β-D-Galp, 1,5-α-L-Araf, and 1,2-α-L-Rhap, suggesting the presence of homogalacturonan (HG), rhamnogalacturonan I and arabinogalactan in both LLP-W and LLP-D. Notably, LLP-D was much richer in HG fraction than that of LLP-W, suggesting that the DES could assist to specifically extract HG from lotus leaves. Additionally, the lower molecular weight and higher content of uronic acids were observed in LLP-D, which might contribute to its much stronger in vitro antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and immunomodulatory effects. These findings suggest that the optimized DES assisted extraction method can be a potential approach for specific extraction of acidic polysaccharides with good bioactivities from lotus leaves for applications in the functional food industry.