Intestinal epithelial cell accumulation of the cancer preventive polyphenol ellagic acid--extensive binding to protein and DNA

The antioxidant and anticonvulsant effects of ellagic acid in kainic acid-induced temporal lobe epilepsy in mice

Oxidative stress (OS) resulting from high levels of free radicals contributes to the initiation and progression of epilepsy. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is associated with alteration in the structure and function of the hippocampus and is modeled in mice using kainic acid (KA). In this study, the neuroprotective effect of ellagic acid (EA) on KA-induced epilepsy in mice was evaluated. Sixty male Swiss albino mice were assigned to six groups: I received normal saline (NS; 10 ml/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)); II, received KA (15 mg/kg, i.p.); III, received diazepam (20 mg/kg, i.p.) and KA (15 mg/kg, i.p.); IV-VI, received EA (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, i.p.), and KA (15 mg/kg, i.p.). Treatments were done 30 min before KA injection. Seizure (latency, duration, activity) and mortality were monitored for 2 h post-injection. OS was evaluated by measuring MDA, NO, and GSH levels and CAT, SOD, and GPx activities. Levels of TNF-α in the brain tissue were measured. Furthermore, a histological examination of the hippocampus was carried out. RESULTS: showed that EA pretreatment caused a decline in seizure activity score and duration compared to the KA-treated group. EA pretreatment reduced mortality in KA-treated mice. EA suppressed the generation of MDA and NO; whereas it preserved GSH and the activity of GPx, SOD, and CAT. Additionally, EA exerted anti-inflammatory effects by reducing TNF-α level. Histopathologically, EA reduced KA-induced neuronal damage. EA demonstrated protective effects against KA-related epilepsy and brain damage. Due to its anti-inflammatory and radical scavenging properties, EA may be considered a potential therapeutic option in epilepsy.

Beneficial Effects of Pomegranate Extracts for Benign Gynecologic Disorders

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a widely cultivated fruit historically recognized for its health benefits and is regarded as a nutritional powerhouse. Pomegranate has a unique composition of bioactive compounds including hydrolysable tannins, anthocyanins, and other polyphenolic components. Of those, punicalagin and its subsequent metabolites are the most extensively studied, demonstrating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-nociceptive activity. The compounds possess promising therapeutic potential for many diseases, including conditions affecting the female reproductive system. This scoping review examines the pharmacodynamics of pomegranate's bioactive compounds and synthesizes the current literature concerning the role in benign gynecological disorders. Pomegranate extract decreased testosterone levels, levels of oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, erstwhile favorably impacting some cardiovascular risk factors in women. Pomegranate supplementation improved menopause specific health-related quality of life in women. In a pre-clinical murine model following ovariectomy, improved bone formation and reduced vaginal atrophy were associated with pomegranate treatment. Existing data suggests that additional research on the beneficial antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and anti-nociceptive effects of pomegranate extracts for benign gynecologic conditions is warranted.

A Comprehensive Review of Bioactive Tannins in Foods and Beverages: Functional Properties, Health Benefits, and Sensory Qualities

Tannins, a diverse class of polyphenolic compounds, are widely present in a variety of plant-based foods and beverages, where they contribute significantly to flavor, astringency, and numerous health benefits. Known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties, tannins are associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Their bioavailability and metabolism are influenced by factors such as polymerization, solubility, and interactions with the gut microbiota. Tannin-rich beverages, including tea, wine, fruit juices, and cider, offer a range of health-promoting effects, including antioxidant, cardioprotective, and antimicrobial activities. In addition, tannins contribute significantly to the sensory and nutritional characteristics of fruits, nuts, and vegetables, influencing flavor, color, and nutrient absorption. The levels and efficacy of tannins are subject to variation due to factors such as ripeness and food processing methods, which can increase their impact on food quality and health. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the bioactive roles of tannins, their nutritional implications, and their sensory effects, highlighting their importance in both dietary applications and overall well-being.

Exploring the Potential of Ellagic Acid in Gastrointestinal Cancer Prevention: Recent Advances and Future Directions

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a significant global health concern with diverse etiologies and limited treatment options. Ellagic acid (EA), a natural polyphenolic compound, exhibits promising anticancer properties against various GI malignancies. In this article, we have reviewed recent research on the anticancer potential of EA across esophageal, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, and liver cancers. In esophageal cancer, EA inhibits the formation of O6-methylguanine (O6-meGua) adducts induced by carcinogens like N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA), thereby suppressing tumor growth. Additionally, EA inhibits STAT3 signaling and stabilizes tumor suppressor proteins, showing potential as an anti-esophageal cancer agent. In gastric cancer, EA regulates multiple pathways involved in cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis, including the p53 and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. It also demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, making it a promising therapeutic candidate against gastric cancer. In colorectal cancer (CRC), EA inhibits cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, and modulates the Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt pathways, suggesting its efficacy in preventing CRC progression. Furthermore, EA has shown promise in pancreatic cancer by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In liver cancer, EA exhibits radio-sensitizing effects, inhibits inflammatory pathways, and modulates the tumor microenvironment, offering potential therapeutic benefits against hepatocellular carcinoma. Studies on EA potential in combination therapies and the development of targeted delivery systems are required for enhanced efficacy against gastrointestinal cancers.

Nose to brain strategy coupled to nano vesicular system for natural products delivery: Focus on synaptic plasticity in Alzheimer's disease

A wide number of natural molecules demonstrated neuroprotective effects on synaptic plasticity defects induced by amyloid-β (Aβ) in ex vivo and in vivo Alzheimer's disease (AD) models, suggesting a possible use in the treatment of this neurodegenerative disorder. However, several compounds, administered parenterally and orally, are unable to reach the brain due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) which prevents the passage of external substances, such as proteins, peptides, or phytocompounds, representing a limit to the development of treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD. The combination of nano vesicular systems, as colloidal systems, and nose to brain (NtB) delivery depicts a new nanotechnological strategy to overtake this limit and to develop new treatment approaches for brain diseases, including the use of natural molecules in combination therapy for AD. Herein, we will provide an updated overview, examining the literature of the last 20 years and using specific keywords that provide evidence on natural products with the ability to restore synaptic plasticity alterations in AD models, and the possible application using safe and non-invasive strategies focusing on nano vesicular systems for NtB delivery.

Enhancing the Bioavailability of the Ellagitannin, Geraniin: Formulation, Characterization, and in vivo Evaluation

Geraniin (GE), an ellagitannin (ET) renowned for its promising health advantages, faces challenges in its practical applications due to its limited bioavailability. This innovative and novel formulation of GE and soy-phosphatidylcholine (GE-PL) complex has the potential to increase oral bioavailability, exhibiting high entrapment efficiency of 100.2 ± 0.8 %, and complexation efficiency of 94.6 ± 1.1 %. The small particle size (1.04 ± 0.11 μm), low polydispersity index (0.26 ± 0.02), and adequate zeta potential (-26.1 ± 0.12 mV), indicate its uniformity and stability. Moreover, the formulation also demonstrates improved lipophilicity, reduced aqueous and buffer solubilities, and better partition coefficient. It has been validated by various analytical techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of free GE and GE-PL complex investigated in rabbits demonstrated enhanced plasma concentration of ellagic acid (EA) compared to free GE. Significantly, GE, whether in its free form or as part of the GE-PL complex, was not found in the circulatory system. However, EA levels were observed at 0.5 h after administration, displaying two distinct peaks at 2 ± 0.03 h (T1max) and 24 ± 0.06 h (T2max). These peaks corresponded to peak plasma concentrations (C1max and C2max) of 588.82 ng/mL and 711.13 ng/mL respectively, signifying substantial 11-fold and 5-fold enhancements when compared to free GE. Additionally, it showed an increased area under the curve (AUC), the elimination half-life (t1/2, el) and the elimination rate constant (Kel). The formulation of the GE-PL complex prolonged the presence of EA in the bloodstream and improved its absorption, ultimately leading to a higher oral bioavailability. In summary, the study highlights the significance of the GE-PL complex in overcoming the bioavailability limitations of GE, paving the way for enhanced therapeutic outcomes and potential applications in drug delivery and healthcare.

Dietary Polyphenols: Review on Chemistry/Sources, Bioavailability/Metabolism, Antioxidant Effects, and Their Role in Disease Management

Polyphenols, as secondary metabolites ubiquitous in plant sources, have emerged as pivotal bioactive compounds with far-reaching implications for human health. Plant polyphenols exhibit direct or indirect associations with biomolecules capable of modulating diverse physiological pathways. Due to their inherent abundance and structural diversity, polyphenols have garnered substantial attention from both the scientific and clinical communities. The review begins by providing an in-depth analysis of the chemical intricacies of polyphenols, shedding light on their structural diversity and the implications of such diversity on their biological activities. Subsequently, an exploration of the dietary origins of polyphenols elucidates the natural plant-based sources that contribute to their global availability. The discussion extends to the bioavailability and metabolism of polyphenols within the human body, unraveling the complex journey from ingestion to systemic effects. A central focus of the review is dedicated to unravelling the antioxidant effects of polyphenols, highlighting their role in combating oxidative stress and associated health conditions. The comprehensive analysis encompasses their impact on diverse health concerns such as hypertension, allergies, aging, and chronic diseases like heart stroke and diabetes. Insights into the global beneficial effects of polyphenols further underscore their potential as preventive and therapeutic agents. This review article critically examines the multifaceted aspects of dietary polyphenols, encompassing their chemistry, dietary origins, bioavailability/metabolism dynamics, and profound antioxidant effects. The synthesis of information presented herein aims to provide a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and health enthusiasts, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between polyphenols and human health.

Chestnut Wood Tannins in Broiler Diets: Pharmacokinetics, Serum Levels during Rearing, and Intestinal Absorption Pattern of Gallic Acid

Studies on the bioavailability, serum levels, and absorption of hydrolyzable tannin compounds are lacking. In this study, we performed a pharmacokinetic trial, measured the serum levels of compounds in broilers that were reared with different feed added or not with tannins, and tested the digestibility of tannins throughout the intestinal tract. Only gallic acid and 4-O-methyl gallic acid were found in the serum. Moreover, gallic acid showed a 41.8% absolute oral bioavailability and a 72.3% relative bioavailability of gallic acid from chestnut extract compared to the standard. The rapid metabolization caused alternating serum levels during the day and night. These patterns were not affected by the feed type or the previous addition of tannins in the feed. The absorption and metabolization in the intestines occurred gradually throughout the intestinal tract. The latter was true for gallic acid as well as ellagic acid, which was not found in the serum. We can conclude that components from chestnut tannins are absorbed throughout all components of the intestinal tract and are eliminated quickly with little interaction from the feed and previous addition of tannins. Moreover, ellagic acid seems to be absorbed but would remain accumulated in the intestinal tissue or be metabolized by the microbiome.

Effects of feeding different dietary rates of mixed fodder beet tops-wheat straw silage on the performance of Holstein lactating cows

Rations containing different rates of the mixed fodder beet tops-wheat straw silage (BS), instead of corn silage (CS), were given to 30 mid-lactation Holstein cows (all in parity 2) to measure the effects on feed consumption, milk production efficiency, milk chemistry, urinary purine derivatives (PD), blood chemistry, antioxidant levels, and in vitro methane (CH4) emission. The BS was prepared by mixing the fodder beet tops with wheat straw at a ratio of 9:1 based on fresh weight. The experimental design was completely randomized (one 28-d period with 21-d adaptation) using 30 cows (10 animals/treatment) and 3 treatments. The treatments were 1) a diet containing CS only (25 g/100 g DM) (CSD), 2) a diet containing 50% CS (12.5 g/100 g DM) and 50% BS (12.5 g/100 g DM) (CBSD), and 3) diet containing BS only (25 g/100 g DM) (BSD). Each animal (as an experimental unit) was housed individually in the tie stall and had ad libitum access to its diet. Dietary replacing 50% of CS with BS showed no significant differences in milk production, fat-corrected milk, fat and protein yields, feed efficiency, and apparent digestibility, however, these variables were less (P < 0.05) in the cows fed with BSD. Cows fed on BSD had less intakes of DM, organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber but greater oxalic acid intake and blood urea-N, as compared to the other cows. Milk percentages of fat, protein, lactose, urea N, blood serum glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, Ca, and P, as well as in vitro ruminal pH, were not affected by the diets. Saturated fatty acids concentration was less and monounsaturated FA and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) was greater in the milk of cows receiving CBSD, compared to the other groups. The inclusion of both BS rates in the diet decreased the in vitro gas production, protozoa number, and CH4 emission in comparison to the control. Cows fed BSD had decreased levels of urinary allantoin, PD excreted or absorbed, and estimated microbial-N synthesis than the control and CBSD-fed groups. The milk and blood total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the animals fed CBSD was the maximum among the cows. Overall, under the current experimental conditions, replacing 50% of dietary CS with BS did not affect milk production, but increased milk PUFA, as well as blood and milk TAC, and decreased in vitro CH4 emission, so it's feeding to lactating Holstein cows is recommended.

Ellagic acid inhibits human colon cancer HCT-116 cells by regulating long noncoding RNAs

The natural phenolic compound ellagic acid exerts anti-cancer effects, including activity against colorectal cancer (CRC). Previously, we reported that ellagic acid can inhibit the proliferation of CRC, and can induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. This study investigated ellagic acid-mediated anticancer effects using the human colon cancer HCT-116 cell line. After 72 h of ellagic acid treatment, a total of 206 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) with differential expression greater than 1.5-fold were identified (115 down-regulated and 91 up-regulated). Furthermore, the co-expression network analysis of differentially expressed lncRNA and mRNA showed that differential expressed lncRNA might be the target of ellagic acid activity in inhibiting CRC.

A Review of the Dietary Intake, Bioavailability and Health Benefits of Ellagic Acid (EA) with a Primary Focus on Its Anti-Cancer Properties

Ellagitannins (ET) and ellagic acid (EA) are polyphenols, present in common foods, which may exhibit significant health benefits against inflammation, infection and cancer. EA is metabolised by the gut flora to produce urolithins, which are absorbed into the systemic circulation. Urolithins are widely documented to reduce oxidative stress associated with many diseases including cancer, heart disease and liver damage. In particular, Urolithin C and D have been shown to have high anti-oxidant properties through the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The anti-inflammatory properties of EA have been demonstrated through the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory enzymes such as COX-2 and iNOS as well as decreasing the expression of adhesion molecules. EA also regulates the gut microflora and possesses antimicrobial activity against various strains of harmful bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Helicobacter pylori. Numerous studies have documented the anticarcinogenic benefits of EA and have been performed on, but not limited to, prostate, colon and breast cancer cell lines and in vivo models. Conventional treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy, can often be associated with significant side effects such as fatigue, hair loss and alopecia. Naturally-occurring food substances such as ETs potentially offer a risk-free preventative measure against cancer and could perhaps be used in synergy with current treatments. More level 1 studies are required to inform the evidence-base on this topic.

Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion of Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) Shell Extract Prepared by Subcritical Water Extraction: Bioaccessibility, Bioactivity, and Intestinal Permeability by In Vitro Assays

Chestnut shells (CSs) are an appealing source of bioactive molecules, and constitute a popular research topic. This study explores the effects of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and intestinal permeability on the bioaccessibility and bioactivity of polyphenols from CS extract prepared by subcritical water extraction (SWE). The results unveiled higher phenolic concentrations retained after gastric and intestinal digestion. The bioaccessibility and antioxidant/antiradical properties were enhanced in the following order: oral < gastric ≤ intestinal digests, attaining 40% of the maximum bioaccessibility. Ellagic acid was the main polyphenol in the digested and undigested extract, while pyrogallol-protocatechuic acid derivative was only quantified in the digests. The CS extract revealed potential mild hypoglycemic (<25%) and neuroprotective (<75%) properties before and after in vitro digestion, along with upmodulating the antioxidant enzymes' activities and downregulating the lipid peroxidation. The intestinal permeation of ellagic acid achieved 22.89% after 240 min. This study highlighted the efficacy of the CS extract on the delivery of polyphenols, sustaining its promising use as nutraceutical ingredient.

Ellagic acid as a potent anticancer drug: A comprehensive review on in vitro, in vivo, in silico, and drug delivery studies

Ellagic acid as a polyphenol or micronutrient, which can be naturally found in different vegetables and fruits, has gained considerable attention for cancer therapy due to considerable biological activities and different molecular targets. Ellagic acid with low hydrolysis and lipophilic and hydrophobic nature is not able to be absorbed in circulation. So, accumulation inside the intestinal epithelial cells or metabolization to other urolithins leads to the limitation of direct evaluation of EA effects in clinical studies. This review focuses on the studies which supported anticancer activity of pure or fruit-extracted ellagic acid through in vitro, in vivo, in silico, and drug delivery methods. The results demonstrate ellagic acid modulates the expression of various genes incorporated in the cancer-related process of apoptosis and proliferation, inflammation related-gens, and oxidative-related genes. Moreover, the ellagic acid formulation in carriers composed of lipid, silica, chitosan, iron- bovine serum albumin nanoparticles obviously enhanced the stable release and confident delivery with minimum loss. Also, in silico analysis proved that ellagic acid was able to be placed at a position of cocrystal ADP, in the deep cavity of the protein target, and tightly interact with binding pocket residues leading to suppression of substrate availability of protein and its activation inhibition.

Anticancer potential of acetone extracts from selected Potentilla species against human colorectal cancer cells

Cinquefoils have been widely used in local folk medicine in Europe and Asia to manage various gastrointestinal inflammations and/or infections, certain forms of cancer, thyroid gland disorders, and wound healing. In the present paper, acetone extracts from aerial parts of selected Potentilla species, namely P. alba (PAL7), P. argentea (PAR7), P. grandiflora (PGR7), P. norvegica (PN7), P. recta (PRE7), and the closely related Drymocalis rupestris (syn. P. rupestris) (PRU7), were analysed for their cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activities against human colon adenocarcinoma cell line LS180 and human colon epithelial cell line CCD841 CoN. Moreover, quantitative assessments of the total polyphenolic (TPC), total tannin (TTC), total proanthocyanidins (TPrC), total flavonoid (TFC), and total phenolic acid (TPAC) were conducted. The analysis of secondary metabolite composition was carried out by LC-PDA-HRMS. The highest TPC and TTC were found in PAR7 (339.72 and 246.92 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g extract, respectively) and PN7 (332.11 and 252.3 mg GAE/g extract, respectively). The highest TPrC, TFC, and TPAC levels were found for PAL7 (21.28 mg catechin equivalents (CAT)/g extract, 71.85 mg rutin equivalents (RE)/g extract, and 124.18 mg caffeic acid equivalents (CAE)/g extract, respectively). LC-PDA-HRMS analysis revealed the presence of 83 compounds, including brevifolincarboxylic acid, ellagic acid, pedunculagin, agrimoniin, chlorogenic acid, astragalin, and tiliroside. Moreover, the presence of tri-coumaroyl spermidine was demonstrated for the first time in the genus Potentilla. Results of the MTT assay revealed that all tested extracts decreased the viability of both cell lines; however, a markedly stronger effect was observed in the colon cancer cells. The highest selectivity was demonstrated by PAR7, which effectively inhibited the metabolic activity of LS180 cells (IC₅₀ = 38 μg/ml), while at the same time causing the lowest unwanted effects in CCD841 CoN cells (IC₅₀ = 1,134 μg/ml). BrdU assay revealed a significant decrease in DNA synthesis in both examined cell lines in response to all investigated extracts. It should be emphasized that the tested extracts had a stronger effect on colon cancer cells than normal colon cells, and the most significant antiproliferative properties were observed in the case of PAR7 (IC₅₀ LS180 = 174 μg/ml) and PN7 (IC₅₀ LS180 = 169 μg/ml). The results of LDH assay revealed that all tested extracts were not cytotoxic against normal colon epithelial cells, whereas in the cancer cells, all compounds significantly damaged cell membranes, and the observed effect was dose-dependent. The highest cytotoxicity was observed in LS180 cells in response to PAR7, which, in concentrations ranging from 25 to 250 μg/ml, increased LDH release by 110%–1,062%, respectively. Performed studies have revealed that all Potentilla species may be useful sources for anti-colorectal cancer agents; however, additional research is required to prove this definitively.

Fresh Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) Fruit Supplementation Enhances Milk Fatty Acid Profiles and the Antioxidant Capacities of Milk and Blood in Dairy Cows

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a diet supplemented with fresh amla fruit as a natural feed additive on blood metabolic parameters, milk antioxidant capacity, and milk fatty acid (FA) proportions in lactating dairy cows. Eight ruminally cannulated mid-lactation dairy cows were used in a repeated crossover design. The first group of four cows received total mixed ration (TMR) feed without fresh amla fruit (control group). The remaining four cows sequentially supplemented fresh amla fruit (FAF) at three levels (200, 400, then 600 g/d) (treatment group) at 14-day intervals. In second period, control and treatment groups were exchanged. The first ten days were adjusted to diet adaptation for each sub-period, and the last four days for sampling milk and blood. A total of 514 metabolites were detected from FAF using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The five main metabolites in FAF were phenolic acids (22%), flavonoids (20%), lipids (20%), amino acids and derivatives (9%), and tannins (7%). Amla fruit supplementation reduced total saturated fatty acid and the omega-6/omega-3 ratio at 200 or 400 g/d FAF dose compared to controls. In addition, amla fruit increased unsaturated FA, such as C_20:5 (Eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) and C_22:6 (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA), and branched-chain FA in a dose-dependent manner at 200 or 400 g/d compared to controls. In addition, amla fruit increased the antioxidant capacity biomarkers in the blood, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and albumin; this confirms that amla fruit is an excellent antioxidant, inhibiting reactive oxygen species’ (ROS) metabolism, and can thereby protect cells from oxidative stress. Moreover, the most remarkable improvement of ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in milk was recorded at 400 g/d FAF doses compared to controls. Therefore, fresh amla fruit doses for lactating cows at 400 g/d on an as-fed basis can be used as an alternative additive feed in dairy cow diets to improve antioxidant capacity, protein efficiency, butter quality, and to produce more desirable milk fatty acid profiles for human consumption.

Evaluation of the Free Radical Scavenging Activities of Ellagic Acid and Ellagic Acid Peracetate by EPR Spectrometry

The purpose of this study was to examine the free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of ellagic acid (EA) and ellagic acid peracetate (EAPA) by measuring their reactions with the radicals, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and galvinoxyl using EPR spectroscopy. We have also evaluated the influence of EA and EAPA on the ROS production in L-6 myoblasts and rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation catalyzed by NADPH. The results obtained clearly indicated that EA has tremendous ability to scavenge free radicals, even at concentration of 1 µM. Interestingly even in the absence of esterase, EAPA, the acetylated product of EA, was also found to be a good scavenger but at a relatively slower rate. Kinetic studies revealed that both EA and EAPA have ability to scavenge free radicals at the concentrations of 1 µM over extended periods of time. In cellular systems, EA and EAPA were found to have similar potentials for the inhibition of ROS production in L-6 myoblasts and NADPH-dependent catalyzed microsomal lipid peroxidation.

An overview on the role of plant-derived tannins for the treatment of lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Despite many advanced approaches to treat cancer, they are often ineffective due to resistance to classical anti-cancer drugs and distant metastases. Currently, alternative medicinal agents derived from plants are the major interest due to high bioavailability and fewer adverse effects. Tannins are polyphenolic compounds existing as specialized products in a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Many tannins have been found to possess protective properties, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, and so on. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge addressing the anti-cancer effects of dietary tannins and their underlying molecular mechanisms. In vivo and in vitro studies provide evidences that anti-cancer effects of various tannins are predominantly mediated through negative regulation of transcription factors, growth factors, receptor kinases, and many oncogenic molecules. In addition, we also discussed the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties of tannins, clinical trial results as well as our perspective on future research with tannins.

Effect of Gut Microbiota Biotransformation on Dietary Tannins and Human Health Implications

Tannins represent a heterogeneous group of high-molecular-weight polyphenols that are ubiquitous among plant families, especially in cereals, as well as in many fruits and vegetables. Hydrolysable and condensed tannins, in addition to phlorotannins from marine algae, are the main classes of these bioactive compounds. Despite their low bioavailability, tannins have many beneficial pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, and cardioprotective effects. Microbiota-mediated hydrolysis of tannins produces highly bioaccessible metabolites, which have been extensively studied and account for most of the health effects attributed to tannins. This review article summarises the effect of the human microbiota on the metabolism of different tannin groups and the expected health benefits that may be induced by such mutual interactions. Microbial metabolism of tannins yields highly bioaccessible microbial metabolites that account for most of the systemic effects of tannins. This article also uses explainable artificial intelligence to define the molecular signatures of gut-biotransformed tannin metabolites that are correlated with chemical and biological activity. An understanding of microbiota-tannin interactions, tannin metabolism-related phenotypes (metabotypes) and chemical tannin-metabolites motifs is of great importance for harnessing the biological effects of tannins for drug discovery and other health benefits.

Effect of Hydrolyzable Tannins on Glucose-Transporter Expression and Their Bioavailability in Pig Small-Intestinal 3D Cell Model

Intestinal transepithelial transport of glucose is mediated by glucose transporters, and affects postprandial blood-glucose levels. This study investigates the effect of wood extracts rich in hydrolyzable tannins (HTs) that originated from sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) and oak (Quercus petraea) on the expression of glucose transporter genes and the uptake of glucose and HT constituents in a 3D porcine-small-intestine epithelial-cell model. The viability of epithelial cells CLAB and PSI exposed to different HTs was determined using alamarBlue^®. qPCR was used to analyze the gene expression of SGLT1, GLUT2, GLUT4, and POLR2A. Glucose uptake was confirmed by assay, and LC–MS/ MS was used for the analysis of HT bioavailability. HTs at 37 µg/mL were found to adversely affect cell viability and downregulate POLR2A expression. HT from wood extract Tanex at concentrations of 4 µg/mL upregulated the expression of GLUT2, as well as glucose uptake at 1 µg/mL. The time-dependent passage of gallic acid through enterocytes was influenced by all wood extracts compared to gallic acid itself as a control. These results suggest that HTs could modulate glucose uptake and gallic acid passage in the 3D cell model.

In Vitro Genotoxicity and Molecular Docking Study of Ellagic Acid

Background:

Ellagic Acid (EA) is a polyphenolic compound that is classified in the natural antioxidants group. Polyphenolic compounds that exert antioxidant activity possess particular importance for scientists, food producers and consumers due to their positive effects on human health. However, despite considerable evidence that EA shows antigenotoxic activity by binding to DNA, there is no systematic genotoxicity study of this substance, which can covalently bind to DNA. This study aims to reveal the possible genotoxic activity of EA using widely accepted assays for the assessment of DNA clastogenic activity: sister chromatid exchange, chromosome aberration, micronucleus and comet assays as well as to predict the interactions among EA and DNA through molecular docking.

Methods:

Different assays were carried out to identify the clastogenic activity of EA on human lymphocyte DNA using Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE), Chromosome Aberration (CA), Micronucleus (MN) and single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE/comet) assays. For this aim, human peripheral blood lymphocytes were treated with EA (60, 80 and 100 μg/ml) for 24 and 48 hrs in the SCE, CA and MN assays and for 1 hr in the comet assay. Furthermore, molecular docking experiments were also performed to calculate the binding energy of EA on human B-DNA structure (B-DNA dodecamer) as well as to predict noncovalent interactions among these macromolecules.

Results:

At the concentrations and treatment times (24- or 48-hr) tested, EA did not induce either SCE or Chromosome Aberrations (CAs) as compared to the negative and solvent controls. Although EA slightly increased the percentage of Micronucleated Binuclear (%MNBN) cells as well as the percentage of Micronucleus (%MN) in 24 or 48-hr treatment periods at all concentrations, this increase was not statistically significant as compared to both controls. The effect of EA on DNA replication (nuclear division) was determined by the Proliferation Index (PI), the Nuclear Division Index (NDI) and the Mitotic Index (MI). No statistically significant differences were observed in the PI or NDI in 24- or 48-hr treatment periods in human lymphocyte cultures treated with EA at various concentrations. EA generally had no significant effect on the MI, as observed with the PI and NDI.

Discussion:

Although the concentrations of 60 and 80 μg/mL at a 24-hr treatment period and the concentrations of 60 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL at 48-hr treatment period generally decreased the MI, those decreases were not statistically significant when compared to negative and solvent controls. Moreover, none of the concentrations of EA tested in this study were able to increase DNA damage determined by the tail DNA length, %DNA in tail and tail moment parameters in the comet assay. Although the amount of DNA damage in the comet assay decreased with increasing concentrations of EA, this decrease was not statistically significant as compared to both controls. However, molecular docking experiments interestingly showed that the binding free energy of EA with B-DNA was -7.84 kcal/mol-1, indicating a strong interaction between the two molecules.

Conclusion :

Although the findings of our study show that EA does not have genotoxic potential in human chromosomes, molecular docking experiments revealed strong hydrogen bonding between EA and B-DNA molecules. Therefore, it has been proposed that the prevailing information suggesting that the molecules that bind to DNA cause genotoxic effects should be reconsidered from a wider perspective.

Strategies to improve ellagic acid bioavailability: from natural or semisynthetic derivatives to nanotechnological approaches based on innovative carriers

Ellagic acid (EA) is a polyphenolic compound whose dietary consumption is mainly associated with the intake of red fruits, including pomegranates, strawberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, raspberries, grapes or dried fruits, like walnuts and almonds. A number of studies indicate that EA exerts health-beneficial effects against several chronic pathologies associated with oxidative damage, including different kinds of cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, EA possesses wound-healing properties, antibacterial and antiviral effects, and acts as a systemic antioxidant. However, clinical applications of this polyphenol have been hampered and prevented by its poor water solubility (9.7 ± 3.2 μg ml^-1 in water) and pharmacokinetic profile (limited absorption rate and plasma half-life <1 h after ingestion of pomegranate juice), properties due to the chemical nature of the organic heterotetracyclic compound. Little has been reported on efficient strategies to enhance EA poor oral bioavailability, including chemical structure modifications, encapsulation within nano-microspheres to be used as carriers, and molecular dispersion in polymer matrices. In this review we summarize the experimental approaches investigated so far in order to improve EA pharmacokinetics, supporting the hypothesis that enhancement in EA solubility is a feasible route for increasing its oral absorption.

Transformation of Oligomeric Ellagitannins, Typical for Rubus and Fragaria Genus, during Strong Acid Hydrolysis

The strong acid hydrolysis analysis of galloyl-O-digalloyl-type ellagitannins (ETs), lambertianin C (LC) and sanguiin H-6, and dehydrodigalloyl-type ET, agrimoniin (AM), was performed. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of the degradation products of individual ETs was conducted using high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detecto-electrospray ionization interface-mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS). The data indicate that ETs undergo multidirectional changes in a strongly acidic environment, where the process of successive hydrolysis of ester bonds to form ellagic acid (EA) is the dominant phenomenon in the initial phase of the reaction, followed by the depolymerization process and the formation of low-molecular ETs. Characteristic products of ET hydrolysis were distinguished: for LC: dimeric ET plus one galloyl moiety without one EA moiety (M = 1736 Da), for all analyzed ETs: sanguisorbic acid dilactone (M = 470 Da), and for AM: dehydrodigallic acid (M = 338 Da). The research carried out has allowed to create a database of possible products and routes of transformation of individual ETs, which should facilitate future research on the transformation of ETs, including potential prohealth properties of its breakdown products, under conditions occurring during food processing or digestion.

Chitosan-Based Microparticles Enhance Ellagic Acid's Colon Targeting and Proapoptotic Activity

This study aimed at improving the targeting and cytotoxic effect of ellagic acid (EA) on colon cancer cells. EA was encapsulated in chitosan (CHIT) polymers then coated by eudragit S100 (ES100) microparticles. The release of EA double-coated microparticles (MPs) was tested at simulative pH values. Maximum release was observed at 24 h and pH 7.4. The cytotoxicity of EA MPs on HCT 116 colon cancer cells was synergistically improved as compared with raw EA. Cell-cycle analysis by flow cytometry suggested enhanced G2-M phase colon cancer cell accumulation. In addition, a significantly higher cell fraction was observed in the pre-G phase, which highlighted the enhancement of the proapoptotic activity of EA formulated in the double-coat mixture. Annexin-V staining was used for substantiation of the observed cell-death-inducing activity. Cell fractions were significantly increased in early, late, and total cell death. This was backed by high elevation in cellular content of caspase 3. Effectiveness of the double-coated EA to target colonic tissues was confirmed using real-time iohexol dye X-ray radiography. In conclusion, CHIT loaded with EA and coated with ES100 formula exhibits improved colon targeting as well as enhanced cytotoxic and proapoptotic activity against HCT 116 colon cancer when compared with the administration of raw EA.

Nutraceuticals in the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe disease characterized by the loss and obstructive remodeling of the pulmonary arterial wall, causing a rise in pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance, which is responsible for right heart failure, functional decline, and death. Although many drugs are available for the treatment of this condition, it continues to be life-threatening, and its long-term treatment is expensive. On the other hand, many natural compounds present in food have beneficial effects on several cardiovascular conditions. Several studies have explored many of the potential beneficial effects of natural plant products on PAH. However, the mechanisms by which natural products, such as nutraceuticals, exert protective and therapeutic effects on PAH are not fully understood. In this review, we analyze the current knowledge on nutraceuticals and their potential use in the protection and treatment of PAH, as well as whether nutraceuticals could enhance the effects of drugs used in PAH through similar mechanisms.

Nano Ellagic Acid Counteracts Cisplatin-Induced Upregulation in OAT1 and OAT3: A Possible Nephroprotection Mechanism

Cisplatin is an anticancer drug commonly used for solid tumors. However, it causes nephrotoxicity. OAT1 and OAT3 are organic anion transporters known to contribute to the uptake of cisplatin into renal tubular cells. The present study was designed to examine the protective role of ellagic acid nanoformulation (ellagic acid nano) on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats, and the role of OAT1/OAT3 in this effect. Four groups of male Wistar rats were used (n = 6): (1) control, (2) cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg single dose, intraperitoneal), (3) cisplatin + ellagic acid nano (1 mg/kg), and (4) cisplatin + ellagic acid nano (2 mg/kg). Nephrotoxic rats treated with ellagic acid nano exhibited a significant reduction in elevated serum creatinine, urea, and oxidative stress marker, malondialdehyde (MDA). Additionally, ellagic acid nano restored renal glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Ellagic acid nano improved the histopathological changes induced by cisplatin, such as tubular dilatation, necrosis, and degeneration. Interestingly, OAT1 and OAT3 showed significantly lower expression at both mRNA and protein levels following ellagic acid nano treatment relative to the cisplatin-exposed group. These findings reveal a potential inhibitory role of ellagic acid antioxidant on OAT1 and OAT3 expression and thus explains its nephroprotective effect against cisplatin nephrotoxicity.

Ellagic acid protects Caco-2 cell monolayers against inflammation-induced permeabilization

Chronic intestinal inflammation involves a cycle of oxidative stress, activation of redox sensitive transcription factors, and barrier permeabilization. The latter can lead to systemic inflammation and its associated co-morbidities. Diet can play a major role in the modulation of intestinal inflammation. Among plant bioactives, ellagic acid (EA) was reported to inhibit inflammatory bowel disease in animal models. This work investigated the mechanisms by which EA inhibits tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and loss of barrier integrity. Caco-2 cells differentiated into an intestinal epithelial cell monolayer were incubated with TNFα (10 ng/ml), in the presence of different EA concentrations. TNFα triggered interleukin (IL) 6 and 8 release into the medium, which was inhibited by EA in a dose-dependent manner (IC₅₀ = 17.3 μM for IL-6). TNFα also led to: i) increased ICAM-1 and NLRP3 expression; ii) loss of epithelial barrier function; iii) increased oxidant production from NOX and mitochondrial origin; iv) NF-κB and ERK1/2 activation; and v) increased MLCK gene expression and MLC phosphorylation. EA (10-40 μM) inhibited all these adverse effects of TNFα. EA mainly acted through NF-κB and ERK1/2 inhibition, breaking the cycle of inflammation, oxidative stress, redox-sensitive pathway (e.g. NF-κB, ERK1/2) activation and intestinal permeabilization. This suggests that consumption of EA, via foods or supplements, may afford a strategy to mitigate intestinal inflammation and its associated co-morbidities.

Formulation Strategies to Improve Oral Bioavailability of Ellagic Acid

Ellagic acid, a polyphenolic compound present in fruit and berries, has recently been the object of extensive research for its antioxidant activity, which might be useful for the prevention and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular pathologies, and neurodegenerative disorders. Its protective role justifies numerous attempts to include it in functional food preparations and in dietary supplements, and not only to limit the unpleasant collateral effects of chemotherapy. However, ellagic acid use as a chemopreventive agent has been debated because of its poor bioavailability associated with low solubility, limited permeability, first pass effect, and interindividual variability in gut microbial transformations. To overcome these drawbacks, various strategies for oral administration including solid dispersions, micro and nanoparticles, inclusion complexes, self-emulsifying systems, and polymorphs were proposed. Here, we listed an updated description of pursued micro and nanotechnological approaches focusing on the fabrication processes and the features of the obtained products, as well as on the positive results yielded by in vitro and in vivo studies in comparison to the raw material. The micro and nanosized formulations here described might be exploited for pharmaceutical delivery of this active, as well as for the production of nutritional supplements or for the enrichment of novel foods.

Nanoformulated Bioactive Compounds Derived from Different Natural Products Combat Pancreatic Cancer Cell Proliferation

Purpose

This study was designed to determine the potential effect of nanoencapsulated bioactive compounds from different natural sources on human pancreatic cancer.

Background

Pancreatic cancer carries the highest fatality rate among all human cancers because of its high metastatic potential and late presentation at the time of diagnosis. Hence there is a need for improved methods to prevent and treat it. Natural products, such as 3, 3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) and ellagic acid (EA) demonstrated anticancer efficacy against various cancer types. However, DIM is insoluble. Hence, using nanotechnology to encapsulate these compounds in combination with EA might improve their physical and chemical properties and their delivery to the cancer cells.

Methods

Human pancreatic cancer cells, namely SUIT2-luciferase transfected, were used to examine the effects of DIM or EA and their nanoformulation in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) [PLGA-PEG] nanoparticles (NPs) on SUIT2-luciferase cell viability/proliferation over 24 hrs. Additionally, effects on tumor weight and angiogenesis were determined using the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) tumor implant model.

Results

Both DIM and EA PLGA-PEG NPs resulted in rapid suppression of pancreatic cancer cell viability/proliferation within 24 hrs (P < 0.01), while the non-encapsulated DIM and EA did not show any significant effect on SUIT2 cancer cell viability or cell proliferation (MTT assay). In the CAM pancreatic cancer cell (SUIT2) implant model, results showed a greater suppression of tumor weight (P < 0.01), tumor cell viability, and tumor angiogenesis (P < 0.01) for DIM NPs and EA NPs and their combinations versus DIM or EA alone.

Conclusion

Nanoformulation of DIM and EA resulted in a more effective suppression of pancreatic cancer cell viability, pancreatic tumor weight, implanted cancer cell viability, and tumor angiogenesis as compared with these bioactive compounds alone.

Permeability of the ellagitannin geraniin and its metabolites in a human colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cell culture model

Geraniin and its metabolites, found in many edibles, were classified as per the BCS. This finding can be used to predict its' in vivo oral absorption.

Binding of ellagic acid and urolithin metabolites to the CK2 protein, based on the ONIOM method and molecular docking calculations

Using three-layer ONIOM and molecular docking calculations to investigate the binding of urolithins to the active site of the CK2 protein.

Total replacement of corn silage with sorghum silage improves milk fatty acid profile and antioxidant capacity of Holstein dairy cows

Total mixed rations containing corn silage (CS) or forage sorghum silage (SS) were fed to mid-lactation Holstein cows to determine the effects on feed intake, lactation performance, milk composition and fatty acid profile, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, rumen microbial N synthesis, and antioxidant status. The experiment was designed as a 2-period change-over (two 28-d periods) trial with 2 diets including CS diet or SS diet and 12 cows. Total replacement of CS with SS had no significant influence on dry matter intake. Substituting CS with SS had no effect on milk production, feed efficiency, and milk concentrations of fat, protein, lactose, and solids-not-fat, whereas yields of milk fat, protein, and lactose were greater for cows fed the CS diet. Blood parameters including glucose, albumin, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, urea N, and fatty acids were not affected by the dietary treatments. Apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were not significantly influenced by the diets. Replacing CS with SS had no effect on total saturated fatty acids and total monounsaturated fatty acids, whereas total polyunsaturated fatty acid percentage was greater with the SS diet. Proportions of C20:0, C18:3n-3, and C18:3n-6 were affected by feeding SS. Cows fed CS had a greater amount of urinary purine derivatives. Feeding SS had a positive effect on total antioxidant capacity of blood and milk. In conclusion, SS can be fed to lactating Holstein cows as a total replacement for CS without undesirable effects on animal performance, but with positive effects on antioxidant capacity and polyunsaturated fatty acids of milk. This forage can be an excellent choice for dairy farms in areas where cultivation of corn is difficult due to water shortage.

Fermented pomegranate wastes as sustainable source of ellagic acid: Antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory action, and controlled release under simulated digestion conditions

Wastes deriving from production of wines by yeast fermentation of Punica granatum (fermented pomegranate wastes, FPW) showed a marked antioxidant activity in a series of conventional chemical tests. HPLC/MS analysis of the methanol extract showed the presence of ellagic acid (EA) as the main phenolic component at levels up to 40% on a w/w basis. Experiments using murine macrophages showed that FPW extract is able to reduce the LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory genes IL-1β, TNF-α and iNOS. A remarkable increase in the antioxidant properties and extractable EA content was observed following acid hydrolytic treatment of FPW. Under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, EA was slowly released from FPW up to 80% of the overall content over 2 h incubation at the slightly alkaline pHs simulating the small intestine environment, suggesting a potential of the material in nutraceuticals and other applications.

Enhanced anticancer activity and oral bioavailability of ellagic acid through encapsulation in biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles

Despite the fact that various studies have investigated the clinical relevance of ellagic acid (EA) as a naturally existing bioactive substance in cancer therapy, little has been reported regarding the efficient strategy for improving its oral bioavailability. In this study, we report the formulation of EA-loaded nanoparticles (EA-NPs) to find a way to enhance its bioactivity as well as bioavailability after oral administration. Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) was selected as the biodegradable polymer for the formulation of EA-NPs through the emulsion–diffusion–evaporation technique. The obtained NPs have been characterized by measuring particle size, zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction. The entrapment efficiency and the release profile of EA was also determined. In vitro cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of the obtained NPs were evaluated using Caco-2 and HCT-116 cell lines, respectively. Moreover, in vivo study has been performed to measure the oral bioavailability of EA-NPs compared to free EA, using New Zealand white rabbits. NPs with distinct shape were obtained with high entrapment and loading efficiencies. Diffusion-driven release profile of EA from the prepared NPs was determined. EA-NP-treated HCT-116 cells showed relatively lower cell viability compared to free EA-treated cells. Fluorometric imaging revealed the cellular uptake and efficient localization of EA-NPs in the nuclear region of Caco-2 cells. In vivo testing revealed that the oral administration of EA-NPs produced a 3.6 times increase in the area under the curve compared to that of EA. From these results, it can be concluded that incorporation of EA into PCL as NPs enhances its oral bioavailability and activity.

CS-PEG decorated PLGA nano-prototype for delivery of bioactive compounds: A novel approach for induction of apoptosis in HepG2 cell line

PURPOSE

Polymer-based nanoparticles are used as vectors for cancer drug delivery. The bioactive compounds (quercetin, ellagic acid and gallic acid) are well known to be not only antioxidants but also chemopreventive candidates against various types of cancers. To circumvent the low bioavailability and the short half-life time obstacles, we hypothesized a novel PLGA nano-platform functionalized with CS and PEG to encapsulate these phytochemicals. This encapsulation will protect the compounds from the phagocytic uptake and deliver PLGA-CS-PEG nano-prototype with high biodegradability and biosafety.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three consequent types of PLGA-based nanocomposites were prepared and characterized. Furthermore, we investigated the newly synthesized nano-formulations against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and colorectal cancer (HCT 116) cell lines using cell growth inhibition assays, followed by apoptosis and necrosis assays using flow cytometry to detect the underlying mechanism of HepG2 cell death.

RESULTS

Through Malvern Zeta Sizer, we recorded that the average diameters of the nano-prototypes ranged from 150 to 300nm. The cytotoxic activity of quercetin, ellagic acid, and gallic acid-encapsulated PLGA, PLGA-CS, and PLGA-CS-PEG nano-prototypes it has been found that they reduce the IC50s of the HepG2 cells values by 2.2, 2.9, 2.8-folds, 1, 1.5, 2.7-folds, and 0.9, 0.7, 1.5-folds, respectively. Mechanistically, the nano-platforms of quercetin seem to be dependent on both apoptosis and necrosis, while those of ellagic acid and gallic acid are mainly dependent on apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

CS-PEG-blended PLGA nano-delivery system of quercetin, ellagic acid and gallic acid can potentiate apoptosis-mediated cell death in HepG2 cell line.

A comprehensive review of agrimoniin

Plant tannins are a unique class of polyphenols with relatively high molecular weights. Within the ellagitannins group, agrimoniin--dimeric ellagitannin--is one of the most representative compounds found in many plant materials belonging to the Rosaceae family. Agrimoniin was first isolated in 1982 from roots of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. (Rosaceae), a plant traditionally used in Japan and China as an antidiarrheal, hemostatic, and antiparasitic agent. Agrimoniin is a constituent of medicinal plants, which are often applied orally in the form of infusions, decoctions, or tinctures. It is also present in commonly consumed food products, such as strawberries and raspberries. It is metabolized by human gut microbiota into a series of low-molecular-weight urolithins with proven anti-inflammatory and anticancer in vivo and in vitro bioactivities. The compound has received widespread interest owing to some interesting biological effects and therapeutic activities, which we elaborate in the present review. Additionally, we present an overview of the techniques used for the analysis, isolation, and separation of agrimoniin from the practical perspective.

Therapeutic Applications of Rose Hips from Different Rosa Species

Rosa species, rose hips, are widespread wild plants that have been traditionally used as medicinal compounds for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases. The therapeutic potential of these plants is based on its antioxidant effects caused by or associated with its phytochemical composition, which includes ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds and healthy fatty acids among others. Over the last few years, medicinal interest in rose hips has increased as a consequence of recent research that has studied its potential application as a treatment for several diseases including skin disorders, hepatotoxicity, renal disturbances, diarrhoea, inflammatory disorders, arthritis, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, obesity and cancer. In this review, the role of different species of Rosa in the prevention of treatment of various disorders related to oxidative stress, is examined, focusing on new therapeutic approaches from a molecular point of view.

Chemical composition of rosehips from different Rosa species: an alternative source of antioxidants for the food industry

It is important to explore new sources of natural additives because the demand for these compounds by consumers is increasing. These products also provide health benefits and help in food preservation. An unexplored source of nutrients and antioxidant compounds is rosehip, the fleshy fruit of roses. This work compares the antioxidant compound (vitamin C, neutral phenols and acidic phenols) content of four Rosa species rosehips: R. pouzinii, R. corymbifera, R. glauca and R. canina from different geographical zones. Results show quantitative variability in ascorbic acids and neutral phenols content, and quantitative and qualitative differences in acidic phenol content, depending on species. Vitamin C concentration was highly variable depending on species, R. canina being the one with the highest concentration and R. pouzinii the one with the lowest content. Variability was found in total neutral polyphenols concentration and a correlation between freshness of the rosehips and concentration of neutral polyphenols was also found. Significant differences were found in the acidic phenols content among the studied species. Generally antioxidant activity was higher in the vitamin C fraction.

Potential Benefits of Edible Berries in the Management of Aerodigestive and Gastrointestinal Tract Cancers: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence

Epidemiological reports as well as experimental studies have demonstrated the significant health benefits provided by regular berry consumption. Berries possess both prophylactic and therapeutic potential against several chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and neoplastic diseases. Berries owe their health benefits to phytoconstituents, such as polyphenolic anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and a diverse array of phytochemicals bestowed with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as the ability to engage a multitude of signaling pathways. This review highlights the principal chemical constituents present in berries and their primary molecular targets. The article presents and critically analyzes the chemopreventive and therapeutic potential of berry extracts, fractions, and bioactive components on various cancers of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), including esophageal, stomach, intestinal, and colorectal cancers as well as cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract, such as oral cancer. The current status of clinical studies evaluating berry products in several aforementioned cancers is presented. Various emerging issues including dose-ranging and dosage forms, the role of synergy and the usage of combination therapy as well as other relevant areas essential for the development of berry phytoconstituents as mainstream chemopreventive and therapeutic agents against aerodigestive and GIT cancers are critically discussed.

Multiple effects of ellagic acid on human colorectal carcinoma cells identified by gene expression profile analysis

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. Phytochemicals have become a research hotspot in recent years as cancer prevention and treatment agents due to their low toxicity and limited side-effects. Ellagic acid (EA), a natural phenolic constituent, displays various biological activities, including anticancer effects. However, the detailed anticancer mechanisms of EA remain unclear. In the present study, we found that EA inhibited the growth of HCT-116 colon cancer cells. Moreover, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by microarray profiling of HCT-116 cells treated with EA. A total of 857 DEGs (363 upregulated and 494 downregulated) were identified with a >1.5-fold change in expression after treatment with EA for 72 h. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that a large number of cellular functions were modified by EA including proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and angiogenesis. Interaction network analysis using DEGs provided details of their interactions and predicted the key target pathways of EA. To verify the result of cDNA microarray, 10 selected DEGs related to proliferation, apoptosis or cell cycle were further confirmed by real-time RT-PCR. Based on microarray data, we identified several crucial functions of EA. These results provide important new data for EA in anti-CRC research.

Pomegranate peel as a natural antioxidant enhanced reproductive performance and milk yield of female rabbits

<p>This study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary pomegranate peel (PP; 9.61% crude protein and 13.1% crude fibre) on reproductive performance and milk yield of heat-stressed rabbit does. Forty-eight V-line rabbit does with average initial live body weight of 3.59±0.11 kg (2nd parity; 9 mo old) were divided into 4 treatment  roups (12 does per group). The first group was fed diet free of PP. The second, third and fourth groups were fed diets containing 0.75, 1.5 and 3.0% PP, respectively, included in substitution of clover hay from the basal diet. Feed of the 4 groups was free of added antioxidants. The studied traits were: kindling rate, gestation period, litter size, litter weight, kit weight at both birth and weaning (28 d of lactation) for the last 3 parameters, pre-weaning mortality and milk yield. Range of temperatures and relative humidity during the experimental period in the rabbitry varied between 27.5-33.5°C and 64-76%, respectively. The inclusion of PP quadratically affected litter size at birth (P&lt;0.001) and weaning (P&lt;0.01), as well as milk yield (P&lt;0.001). However, it tended to reduce the kit milk intake in most lactation periods (P=0.078), leading to a linear reduction in individual kit weight at weaning (P=0.060). In conclusion, supplementations of PP in the diet of does during summer season in Egypt can improve their productivity.</p>

Pomegranate Intake Protects Against Genomic Instability Induced by Medical X-rays In Vivo in Mice

Ionizing radiation (IR) is a well-documented human carcinogen. The increased use of IR in medical procedures has doubled the annual radiation dose and may increase cancer risk. Genomic instability is an intermediate lesion in IR-induced cancer. We examined whether pomegranate extract (PE) suppresses genomic instability induced by x-rays. Mice were treated orally with PE and exposed to an x-ray dose of 2 Gy. PE intake suppressed x-ray-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in peripheral blood and chromosomal damage in bone marrow. We hypothesized that PE-mediated protection against x-ray-induced damage may be due to the upregulation of DSB repair and antioxidant enzymes and/or increase in glutathione (GSH) levels. We found that expression of DSB repair genes was not altered (Nbs1 and Rad50) or was reduced (Mre11, DNA-PKcs, Ku80, Rad51, Rad52 and Brca2) in the liver of PE-treated mice. Likewise, mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes were reduced (Gpx1, Cat, and Sod2) or were not altered (HO-1 and Sod1) as a function of PE treatment. In contrast, PE-treated mice with and without IR exposure displayed higher hepatic GSH concentrations than controls. Thus, ingestion of pomegranate polyphenols is associated with inhibition of x-ray-induced genomic instability and elevated GSH, which may reduce cancer risk.

Ellagitannin-rich cloudberry inhibits hepatocyte growth factor induced cell migration and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT activation in colon carcinoma cells and tumors in Min mice

Berries have been found to inhibit colon carcinogenesis in animal models, and thus represent a potential source of compounds for prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer. The mechanistic basis for their effects is not well understood. We used human colon carcinoma cells and Min mice to investigate the effects of ellagitannin-rich cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus) extract on cancer cell migration and underlying cell signaling. Intrinsic and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) -induced cell motility in human HT29 and HCA7 colon carcinoma cells was assessed carrying out cell scattering and scratch wound healing assays using time-lapse microscopy. Activation of Met, AKT, and ERK in cell lines and tumors of cloudberry-fed Min mice were determined using immunoprecipitation, Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses. Cloudberry extract significantly inhibited particularly HGF-induced cancer cell migration in both cell lines. Cloudberry extract inhibited the Met receptor tyrosine phosphorylation by HGF and strongly suppressed HGF-induced AKT and ERK activation in both HT29 and HCA7 cells. Consistently, cloudberry feeding (10% w/w freeze-dried berries in diet for 10 weeks) reduced the level of active AKT and prevented phosphoMet localization at the edges in tumors of Min mice. These results indicate that cloudberry reduces tumor growth and cancer cell motility by inhibiting Met signaling and consequent activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT in vitro and in tumors in vivo. As the Met receptor is recognized to be a major target in cancer treatment, our results suggest that dietary phytochemicals may have therapeutic value in reducing cancer progression and metastasis.

Scope of Hydrolysable Tannins as Possible Antimicrobial Agent

Hydrolysable tannins (HTs) are secondary metabolites from plants, which are roughly classified into gallotannins and ellagitannins having gallic acid and ellagic acid residues respectively attached to the hydroxyl group of glucose by ester linkage. The presence of hexahydroxydiphenoyl and nonahydroxyterphenoyl moieties is considered to render antimicrobial property to HTs. HTs also show considerable synergy with antibiotics. Nevertheless, they have low pharmacokinetic property. The present review presents the scope of HTs as future antimicrobial agent. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.