Antiobesity Efficacy of Quercetin-Rich Supplement on Diet-Induced Obese Rats: Effects on Body Composition, Serum Lipid Profile, and Gene Expression

Neurotherapeutic effects of quercetin-loaded nanoparticles and Biochanin-A extracted from Trifolium alexandrinum on PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling in the cerebral cortex of male diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a severe metabolic disease that can have significant consequences for cognitive health. Bioflavonoids such as Trifolium alexandrinum (TA), quercetin (Q), and Biochanin-A (BCA) are known to exert a wide range of pharmacological functions including antihyperglycemic activity. This study aimed to investigate the neurotherapeutic effects of quercetin-loaded nanoparticles (Q-LNP) and BCA extracted from TA against diabetes-induced cerebral cortical damage through modulation of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β and AMPK signaling pathways. Adult male Wistar albino rats (N = 25) were randomly assigned to one of five groups: control, diabetics fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 2 weeks and intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with STZ (40 mg/kg), and diabetics treated with Q-LNP (50 mg/kg BW/day), BCA (10 mg/kg BW/day), or TA extract (200 mg/kg BW/day). Treatments were applied by oral gavage once daily for 35 days. Diabetic rats treated with Q-LNP, BCA, and TA extract showed improvement in cognitive performance, cortical oxidative metabolism, antioxidant parameters, and levels of glucose, insulin, triglyceride, and total cholesterol. In addition, these treatments improved neurochemical levels, including acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin levels as well acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase activities. Furthermore, these treatments lowered proinflammatory cytokine production for TNF-α and NF-κB; downregulated the levels of IL-1β, iNOS, APP, and PPAR-γ; and attenuated the expressions of PSEN2, BACE, IR, PI3K, FOXO 1, AKT, AMPK, GSK-3β, and GFAP. The histopathological examinations of the cerebral cortical tissues confirmed the biochemical results. Overall, the present findings suggest the potential therapeutic effects of TA bioflavonoids in modulating diabetes-induced cerebral cortical damage.

Healthy Aging in Times of Extreme Temperatures: Biomedical Approaches

Climate extremes and rising energy prices present interconnected global health risks. Technical solutions can be supplemented with biomedical approaches to promote healthy longevity in hot and cold conditions. In summer, reducing basal metabolic rate through mild caloric restriction or CR mimetics, such as resveratrol, can potentially be used to lower body temperature. In winter, activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) for non-shivering thermogenesis and improved metabolic health can help adaptation to colder environments. Catechins found in green tea and in other food could be alternatives to drugs for these purposes. This review examines and discusses the biomedical evidence supporting the use of CR mimetics and BAT activators for health benefits amid increasingly extreme temperatures.

Mei-Gin Formula Ameliorates Obesity through Lipolysis, Fatty Oxidation, and Thermogenesis in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats

Obesity is a metabolic dysfunction characterized by excessive body fat deposition as a consequence of an energy imbalance. Novel therapeutic strategies have emerged that are safe and have comparatively low side effects for obesity treatment. Functional foods and nutraceuticals have recently received a great deal of attention because of their components with the properties of antimetabolic syndrome. Based on our previous in vitro and in vivo investigations on anti-adipogenesis activity and improved body fat accumulation in serials, the combination of three ingredients (including bainiku-ekisu, black garlic, and Mesona procumbens Hemsl), comprising the Mei-Gin formula (MGF), was eventually selected as a novel inhibitor that exhibited preventive effects against obesity. Herein, we verify the anti-obesity effects of MGF in obese rats induced by a high-fat diet and discuss the potential molecular mechanisms underlying obesity development. Oral administration of MGF significantly suppressed the final body weight, weight change, energy and water intake, subcutaneous and visceral fat mass, liver weight, hepatic total lipids and triglycerides (TG), and serum levels of TG, triglycerides (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine transaminase (AST), uric acid, and ketone bodies and augmented fecal total lipids, TG, and cholesterol excretion in the high-dose MGF-supplemented groups. Furthermore, the corresponding lipid metabolic pathways revealed that MGF supplementation effectively increased lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation gene expression and attenuated fatty acid synthesis gene expression in the white adipose tissue (WAT) and liver and it also increased mitochondrial activation and thermogenic gene expression in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) of rats with obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). These results demonstrate that the intake of MGF can be beneficial for the suppression of HFD-induced obesity in rats through the lipolysis, fatty oxidation, and thermogenesis pathway. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the anti-obesity efficacy of MGF in vivo and suggest that MGF may act as a potential therapeutic agent against obesity.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ethanolic Extract from Tabebuia rosea (Bertol.) DC., Quercetin, and Anti-Obesity Drugs in Adipose Tissue in Wistar Rats with Diet-Induced Obesity

Obesity is characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat, which triggers a low-grade chronic inflammatory process. Currently, the search for compounds with anti-obesogenic effects that help reduce body weight, as well as associated comorbidities, continues. Among this group of compounds are plant extracts and flavonoids with a great diversity of action mechanisms associated with their beneficial effects, such as anti-inflammatory effects and/or as signaling molecules. In the bark of Tabebuia rosea tree, there are different classes of metabolites with anti-inflammatory properties, such as quercetin. Therefore, the present work studied the effect of the ethanolic extract of T. rosea and quercetin on the mRNA of inflammation markers in obesity compared to the drugs currently used. Total RNA was extracted from epididymal adipose tissue of high-fat diet-induced obese Wistar rats treated with orlistat, phentermine, T. rosea extract, and quercetin. The rats treated with T. rosea and quercetin showed 36 and 31% reductions in body weight compared to the obese control, and they likewise inhibited pro-inflammatory molecules: Il6, Il1b, Il18, Lep, Hif1a, and Nfkb1 without modifying the expression of Socs1 and Socs3. Additionally, only T. rosea overexpressed Lipe. Both T. rosea and quercetin led to a reduction in the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, modifying signaling pathways, which led to the regulation of the obesity-inflammation state.

Preventive effect of quercetin-Loaded nanophytosome against autistic-like damage in maternal separation model: The possible role of Caspase-3, Bax/Bcl-2 and Nrf2

The autism is an abnormality in the neuronal advance which starts before age 3 recognized by defective behaviors. This study aimed to make quercetin-loaded nanophytosomes (QNP) on behavioral deficits, cerebellar oxidative stress and apoptosis in an autistic-like model caused by maternal separation (MS). The newborn rats are randomly categorized into seven groups, including control, positive control, disease, and diseases treated with quercetin (10 and 40 mg/kg) and QNP (10 and 40 mg/kg). Pups exposed to MS for 3 h per day from postnatal days (PND) 1-9 showed behavioral impairment in adult rats compared to control group. The oral administration of quercetin and QNP was constantly started after the lactation period (21 postnatal days) for three weeks. Autistic-like behaviors, antioxidant parameters, and Nrf2, Bax/Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 expressions were surveyed in the cerebellum. Quercetin (40 mg/kg) treated improved some behavioral disorders. Also, the improvement of oxidative stress parameters, Nrf2 and apoptotic factors gene expression was observed in the cerebellum of quercetin (40 mg/kg) treated (p < 0.01). QNP treatment (10 and 40 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated anxiety-like behaviors, line crossing, and grooming index (p < 0.001), lipid peroxidation (p < 0.001), and increased catalase (CAT) (p < 0.001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.001), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (p < 0.001) activity, and glutathione (GSH) levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, QNP significantly reduced Caspase-3 and Bax expression (p < 0.001), but increased Bcl-2, and Nrf2 expressions (p < 0.001). These findings indicated that QNP due to its high bioavailability was more effective than quercetin can be reduced autistic-like behavior, oxidative and apoptotic damages in the model of MS rats.

By-Products of Zea mays L.: A Promising Source of Medicinal Properties with Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities: A Comprehensive Review

Zea mays (Z. mays) is one of the main cereal crops in the world, and it's by-products have exhibited medicinal properties to explore. This article intends to review the chemical compositions and pharmacological activities of by-products of Z. mays (corn silks, roots, bract, stems, bran, and leaves) which support the therapeutic potential in the treatment of different diseases, with emphasis on the natural occurring compounds and detailed pharmacological developments. Based on this review, 231 natural compounds are presented. Among them, flavonoids, terpenes, phenylpropanoids, and alkaloids are the most frequently reported. The by-products of Z. mays possess diuretic effects, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, plant protection activity, and other activities. This article reviewed the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Z. mays for comprehensive quality control and the safety and effectiveness to enhance future application.

Neuropharmacological interventions of quercetin and its derivatives in neurological and psychological disorders

Quercetin is a naturally occurring bioactive flavonoid abundant in many plants and fruits. Quercetin and its derivatives have shown an array of pharmacological activities in preclinical tests against various illnesses and ailments. Owing to its protective role against oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, quercetin is a possible therapeutic choice for the treatment of neurological disorders. Quercetin and its derivatives can modulate a variety of signal transductions, including neuroreceptor, neuroinflammatory receptor, and redox signaling events. The research on quercetin and its derivatives in neurology-related illnesses mainly focused on the targets, such as redox stress, neuroinflammation, and signaling pathways; however, the function of quercetin and its derivatives on specific molecular targets, such as nuclear receptors and proinflammatory mediators are yet to be explored. Findings showed that various molecular targets of quercetin and its derivatives have therapeutic potential against psychological and neurodegenerative disorders.

Potential of Natural Honey in Controlling Obesity and its Related Complications

Honey has a long history of therapeutic properties for multiple diseases, including inflammation and oxidative stress. This review aimed to provide a better understanding and renewed interest in the potential role of honey in obesity control, obesity-related diseases treatment and weight management, with specific reference to its components and the effect of honey overall. There is compelling evidence that honey possesses the desired properties for this purpose, as seen in the in vitro, in silico, in vivo and clinical analyses discussed in this review. This review also highlights the components potentially responsible for the health benefits of honey. Honey and its components reduce blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism by reducing triglycerides, and reduce total cholesterol and LDL levels while increasing HDL levels that prevent excessive weight gain and reduce the risk of obesity and its complications. Further controlled studies are necessary to validate the role of honey in the management of obesity, both as a preventive and as a therapeutic agent.

Potential Pharmaceutical Applications of Quercetin in Cardiovascular Diseases

Quercetin, as a member of flavonoids, has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in recent decades. In this comprehensive literature review, our goal was a critical appraisal of the pathophysiological mechanisms of quercetin in relation to the classical cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., hyperlipidemia), atherosclerosis, etc. We also assessed experimental and clinical data about its potential application in CVDs. Experimental studies including both in vitro methods and in vivo animal models mainly outline the following effects of quercetin: (1) antihypertensive, (2) hypolipidemic, (3) hypoglycemic, (4) anti-atherosclerotic, and (5) cardioprotective (suppressed cardiotoxicity). From the clinical point of view, there are human studies and meta-analyses implicating its beneficial effects on glycemic and lipid parameters. In contrast, other human studies failed to demonstrate consistent favorable effects of quercetin on other cardiometabolic risk factors such as MS, obesity, and hypertension, underlying the need for further investigation. Analyzing the reason of this inconsistency, we identified significant drawbacks in the clinical trials’ design, while the absence of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic tests prior to the studies attenuated the power of clinical results. Therefore, additional well-designed preclinical and clinical studies are required to examine the therapeutic mechanisms and clinical efficacy of quercetin in CVDs.

Structural characteristics and immunostimulatory activity of sea cucumber tendon polysaccharides in cyclophosphamide-induced Balb/c mice

Sea cucumber tendon, one of the main parts of sea cucumber viscera, is widely accepted as a waste residue. In this study, a sea cucumber tendon polysaccharide (SCTPII) was purified from sea cucumber tendons and its primary structures and immunomodulatory activity were investigated. SCTPII is a triple-helix conformation homogeneous polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 3.97 × 10⁶ Da that consists of glucose and fucose with molar ratios of 92.09% and 7.91% with high thermostability. In vivo tests on immunosuppressed Balb/c mice revealed that compared with the model group, the proliferation of T cells and B cells in splenic lymphocytes of mice in the high-dose group was significantly improved by 0.92 times and 5.14 times, respectively. Additionally, SCTPII could improve the proliferation ability and phagocytosis of macrophages, as well as promoting the expression of IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ and enhancing the intestinal physical barrier function by increasing the protein expression of claudin-1, occludin, ZO-1 and MUC2. Furthermore, the 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples was performed, and gene count and α-diversity analysis revealed that SCTPs could improve the microbial community richness. In particular, SCTPs could increase the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Bacteroides and Akkermansia and reduce the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group. These results demonstrate that SCPII possesses potential immunoregulatory activities in cyclophosphamide-induced mice by regulating intestinal microbiota diversity and improving immune organs, enhancing the proliferation ability of macrophages and splenocyte proliferation, and enhancing intestinal physical barrier function, which might provide important evidence for the development and utilization of the viscera of sea cucumber.

Polyphenols as Plant-Based Nutraceuticals: Health Effects, Encapsulation, Nano-Delivery, and Application

Plant polyphenols have attracted considerable attention because of their key roles in preventing many diseases, including high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and cancer. A variety of functional foods have been designed and developed with plant polyphenols as the main active ingredients. Polyphenols mainly come from vegetables and fruits and can generally be divided according to their structure into flavonoids, astragalus, phenolic acids, and lignans. Polyphenols are a group of plant-derived functional food ingredients with different molecular structures and various biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, many polyphenolic compounds have low oral bioavailability, which limits the application of polyphenols in nutraceuticals. Fortunately, green bio-based nanocarriers are well suited for encapsulating, protecting, and delivering polyphenols, thereby improving their bioavailability. In this paper, the health benefits of plant polyphenols in the prevention of various diseases are summarized, with a review of the research progress into bio-based nanocarriers for the improvement of the oral bioavailability of polyphenols. Polyphenols have great potential for application as key formulations in health and nutrition products. In the future, the development of food-grade delivery carriers for the encapsulation and delivery of polyphenolic compounds could well solve the limitations of poor water solubility and low bioavailability of polyphenols for practical applications.

Consumption of cricket (Acheta domesticus) flour decreases insulin resistance and fat accumulation in rats fed with high-fat and -fructose diet

The consumption of cricket (Acheta domesticus, AD) has recently increased due to its high nutritional and bioactive compound contents. However, limited studies have explored the beneficial effects of AD consumption. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the protective effect of a diet supplemented with AD flour on obesity control and its complications in an in vivo model. The chemical profiling of the AD showed an important protein content, chitin, and polyunsaturated fatty acids contents. For the in vivo study, a high-fructose and saturated fat diet (HFFD) was supplemented with AD (4% and 8%). The 8% AD supplementation reduced body weight gain (19%) and serum triglycerides (37%) in HFFD-fed rats. These benefits were related to a greater lipid excretion in feces (97%) and the partial inhibition of pancreatic lipase in vitro by the aqueous extract and the hydrolyzed proteins obtained from AD. Additionally, the 8% AD supplementation improved insulin resistance measured by the HOMA index (61%). Thus, 8% AD supplementation to HFFD-fed rats was effective in preventing obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Obesity is a risk factor for developing insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in consuming foods rich in bioactive compounds as therapeutic alternatives for managing the development of obesity and its complications. Edible insects, such as crickets, are attractive for treating obesity due to their content of protein, fiber, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Studies have explored the effect of glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-enriched extracts from the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus against obesity. However, GAG content in crickets is low, and crickets are commonly consumed whole instead of extracts. The cricket Acheta domesticus (AD) is among the most rearing cricket species as it is easy to farm and has a better flavor. However, limited studies have explored the beneficial effects of AD consumption. This study demonstrates that AD prevents obesity and ameliorates dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Therefore, AD is a valuable entomotherapeutic strategy to reduce the comorbidities associated with diet-induced obesity.

Allium cepa: A Treasure of Bioactive Phytochemicals with Prospective Health Benefits

As Allium cepa is one of the most important condiment plants grown and consumed all over the world, various therapeutic and pharmacological effects of A. cepa were reviewed. Onion (Allium cepa) is a high dietary fiber-rich perennial herb that is placed under the family Amaryllidaceae. It contains high concentration of folic acid, vitamin B6, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus as well as vitamins and minerals. It is widely used as an antimicrobial agent, but it showed anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiplatelet, antihypertensive, and antidepressant effects and neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic effects and so on. It is said to have beneficial effects on the digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems, as well as on the immune system. This review article was devoted to discussing many health benefits and traditional uses of onions in pharmacological perspectives, as well as the safety/toxicological profile. If more detailed research on this perennial herb is conducted, it will open the door to an infinite number of possibilities.

Glycosaminoglycan from Ostrea rivularis attenuates hyperlipidemia and regulates gut microbiota in high-cholesterol diet-fed zebrafish

Hyperlipidemia an immense group of acquired or genetic metabolic disorders that is characterized by an excess of lipids in the bloodstream. Altogether, they have a high prevalence worldwide and constitute a major threat to human health. Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) are natural biomolecules that have hypolipidemic activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential hypolipidemic effect of glycosaminoglycans extracted from Ostrea rivularis (OGAG) on hyperlipidemic zebrafish, as well as the possible underlying mechanism of such effect. Dietary supplementation with OGAG during 4 weeks significantly reduced the serum and hepatic lipid levels and the hepatosomatic index in hyperlipidemic zebrafish. In addition, histopathological showed that OGAG supplementation decreases the volume and number of lipid droplets in hepatocytes. Transcriptome and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the gene expression levels of PPARγ, SCD, HMGRA, ACAT2, HMGCS, and HMGCR were significantly downregulated by OGAG treatment in hepatocytes, whereas those of CD36, FABP2, FABP6, ABCG5, and CYP7A1 were significantly upregulated. This suggests that the hypolipidemic effect of OGAG relies on increasing the ketogenic metabolism of fatty acids, inhibiting cholesterol synthesis, and enhancing the transformation of cholesterol to bile acid. Furthermore, OGAG treatment improved gut microbiota imbalance by reducing the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, Acidobacteria, and Sphingomonas), and reducing the relative abundance of harmful bacteria (Proteobacteria, Cohaesibacter, Vibrio, and Terrisporobacter). These findings highlight the potential benefit of implementing OGAG as a dietary supplement to prevent and treat hyperlipidemia.

Chamomile decoction mitigates high fat diet-induced anxiety-like behavior, neuroinflammation and cerebral ROS overload

An abundant literature suggests that obesity-associated with taking a high fat diet is related to an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. However, metabolic disorders may be involved in the induction of the anxiogenic-like symptoms. The current study was designed to elucidate the mechanisms by which a high fat diet (HFD) can cause several complications in the WISTAR rats (Rattus norvegicus) brain. Oxidative stress and inflammation as well as the putative protection afforded by chamomile decoction extract (CDE) were also studied.The results demonstrated that the increased body and brain weight, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities as well as hypercholezterolaemia in response to HFD taking were correlated with anxiogenic-like symptoms. Moreover, HFD feed caused a brain oxidative stress characterized by increased lipoperoxidation, inhibition of antioxidant enzyme activities such as SOD, CAT and GPx, depletion of a non-enzymatic antioxidant such as sulfhydryl groups and GSH. Importantly, the results also show that HFD also provoked a cerebral overload in reactive oxygen species such as OH^•, H₂O₂ and O2∙- as well as brain inflammation assessed by the overproduction of cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-6.Interestingly, all neurobehavioral changes and all the biochemical and molecular disturbances were abolished in HFD-fed rats treated with CDE.Our results provide clear evidence that obesity and depression as well as anxiety are finely correlated and that M. recutita's decoction may prove to be a potential therapeutic agent to mitigate the behavioral disorders, the biochemical alterations and the neuroinflammation associated to the obesity.

Mechanisms of action for the anti-obesogenic activities of phytochemicals

The prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly globally and has recently reached pandemic proportions. It is a multifactorial disorder linked to a number of non-communicable diseases such as type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Over-nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle are considered the most significant causes of obesity; a healthy lifestyle and behavioural interventions are the most powerful ways to achieve successful weight loss, but to maintain this in the long term can prove difficult for many individuals, without medical intervention. Various pharmacological anti-obesogenic drugs have been tested and marketed in the past and have been moderately successful in the management of obesity, but their adverse effects on human health often outweigh the benefits. Natural products from plants, either in the form of crude extracts or purified phytochemicals, have been shown to have anti-obesogenic properties and are generally considered as nontoxic and cost-effective compared to synthetic alternatives. These plant products combat obesity by targeting the various pathways and/or regulatory functions intricately linked to obesity. Their mechanisms of action include inhibition of pancreatic lipase activities, an increase in energy expenditure, appetite regulation, lipolytic effects, and inhibition of white adipose tissue development. In this review, we discuss the distinct anti-obesogenic properties of recently reported plant extracts and specific bioactive compounds, along with their molecular mechanisms of action. This review will provide a common platform for understanding the different causes of obesity and the possible approaches to using plant products in tackling this worldwide health issue.

The effects of six months Persicaria minor extract supplement among older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Persicaria minor extract exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has potential effects on cognitive function and mood. However, the effects of P.minor on brain activation and biomarkers have not been studied among older adults. This multicentre, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study aimed to investigate the effect of 6 months P.minor extract supplement (Biokesum®) on cognition, mood, biomarkers, and brain activation among older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

METHOD

A total of 36 Malaysian community-dwelling older adults with MCI (60-75-year-old) were randomized into Biokesum® (n = 18) and placebo group (n = 18). Each subject consumed one capsule of Biokesum® (250 mg/capsule) or placebo (maltodextrin, 280 mg/capsule) twice daily for 6 months. Cognitive function and mood were assessed at baseline, 3rd, and 6th-month using neuropsychological tests (MMSE, Digit Span, RAVLT, Digit Symbol, and Visual Reproduction) and Profile of Mood State (POMS) questionnaire. Blood lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and biomarkers (MDA, LPO, COX-2, iNOS, and BDNF) were measured at baseline and 6th month. By the end of the intervention, there were 30 compliers (Biokesum®: N = 15; Placebo: N = 15) and 6 dropouts. For brain activation assessment, 15 subsamples (Biokesum®: N = 8; Placebo: N = 7) completed N-back and Stroop tasks during fMRI scanning at baseline and 6th month. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann's area 9 and 46) was identified as a region of interest (ROI) for brain activation analysis using SPM software.

RESULTS

Two-way mixed ANOVA analysis showed significant improvements in Visual Reproduction II (p = 0.012, partial η2 = 0.470), tension (p = 0.042, partial η2 = 0.147), anger (p = 0.010, partial η2 = 0.207), confusion (p = 0.041, partial η2 = 0.148), total negative subscales (p = 0.043, partial η2 = 0.145), BDNF (p = 0.020, partial η2 = 0.179) and triglyceride (p = 0.029, partial η2 = 0.237) following 6 months of Biokesum® supplementation. Preliminary finding also demonstrated significant improvement at 0-back task-induced right DLPFC activation (p = 0.028, partial η2 = 0.652) among subsamples in Biokesum® group. No adverse events were reported at the end of the study.

CONCLUSION

Six months Biokesum® supplementation potentially improved visual memory, negative mood, BDNF, and triglyceride levels among older adults with MCI. Significant findings on brain activation at the right DPLFC must be considered as preliminary.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered on 30th August 2019 [ ISRC TN12417552 ].

Quercetin attenuates cisplatin-induced fat loss

PURPOSE

The major aim of the present study was to determine the effects of quercetin, a well-known flavonoid, on attenuating cisplatin (CDDP)-induced fat loss and the possible mechanisms.

METHODS

Tumor-bearing nude mice and tumor-free BALB/c mice were administrated with CDDP alone or in combination with quercetin by a diet containing 0.1% or 1% quercetin (LQ or HQ) or by intraperitoneal injection (IQ) to determine the effects of quercetin on the anticancer effect of CDDP or CDDP-induced fat loss. The effects of quercetin on fat accumulation in CDDP-exposed 3T3-L1 cells were also determined.

RESULTS

We first showed that HQ and IQ significantly enhanced the anticancer effect of CDDP by upregulating p53- and p21-associated pathways, while tended to attenuate CDDP-induced fat loss in tumor-bearing nude mice. The study in 3T3-L1 cells showed that CDDP decreased the fat accumulation accompanied by strong upregulation of the expression of six genes which are associated with fat metabolism, while quercetin completely suppressed such an effect. The tumor-free BALB/c mice study consistently showed a protective effect of HQ on CDDP-induced body weight and epididymal fat loss. HQ also increased the fat levels in liver and muscle tissues. In epididymal fat tissues, HQ consistently attenuated CDDP-induced changes in fat metabolism-associated gene expression. However, CDDP alone or in combination with HQ did not affect the food intake.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that quercetin possesses the potential to suppress CDDP-induced fat loss may partly through the regulation of the fat metabolism-associated gene expression.

Metabolic Impact of Flavonoids Consumption in Obesity: From Central to Peripheral

The prevention and treatment of obesity is primary based on the follow-up of a healthy lifestyle, which includes a healthy diet with an important presence of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. For many years, the health benefits of polyphenols have been attributed to their anti-oxidant capacity as free radical scavengers. More recently it has been described that polyphenols activate other cell-signaling pathways that are not related to ROS production but rather involved in metabolic regulation. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge in this field by focusing on the metabolic effects of flavonoids. Flavonoids are widely distributed in the plant kingdom where they are used for growing and defensing. They are structurally characterized by two benzene rings and a heterocyclic pyrone ring and based on the oxidation and saturation status of the heterocyclic ring flavonoids are grouped in seven different subclasses. The present work is focused on describing the molecular mechanisms underlying the metabolic impact of flavonoids in obesity and obesity-related diseases. We described the effects of each group of flavonoids in liver, white and brown adipose tissue and central nervous system and the metabolic and signaling pathways involved on them.

Changes in the Content and Bioavailability of Onion Quercetin and Grape Resveratrol During In Vitro Human Digestion

We investigated the effects of in vitro human digestion on the content and bioavailability of onion quercetin and grape resveratrol caused by the composition of saliva or gastric, duodenal, or bile juice. We observed the digestibility of extracted onion quercetin and grape resveratrol, respectively, in the small intestine of the in vitro human digestion system. By liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy, we found that the degradation of quercetin and resveratrol was influenced by small intestine digestion. Before and after in vitro human digestion, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities of homogenized water- and ethanol-extracted grapes were higher than those of onion extracts. DPPH radical scavenging activity in both quercetin and resveratrol was decreased by in vitro digestion. These results will improve our understanding of how human digestion influences the contents and free radical scavenging activities of quercetin and resveratrol.

The Ability of Quercetin and Ferulic Acid to Lower Stored Fat is Dependent on the Metabolic Background of Human Adipocytes

SCOPE

Dietary flavonoids and phenolic acids can modulate lipid metabolism, but effects on mature human adipocytes are not well characterized.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human adipocytes are differentiated, and contain accumulated lipids, mimicking white adipocytes. They are then cultured either under conditions of actively synthesizing and accumulating additional lipids through lipogenesis ("ongoing lipogenic state") or under conditions of maintaining but not increasing stored lipids ("lipid storage state"). Total lipid, lipidomic and transcriptomics analyses are employed to assess changes after treatment with quercetin and/or ferulic acid.

RESULTS

In the "lipid storage state," a longer-term treatment (3 doses over 72 h) with low concentrations of quercetin and ferulic acid together significantly lowered stored lipid content, modified lipid composition, and modulated genes related to lipid metabolism with a strong implication of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARα)/retinoid X receptor (RXRα) involvement. In the "ongoing lipogenic state," the effect of quercetin and ferulic acid is markedly different, with fewer changes in gene expression and lipid composition, and no detectable involvement of PPARα/RXRα, with a tenfold higher concentration required to attenuate stored lipid content.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple low-dose treatment of quercetin and ferulic acid modulates lipid metabolism in adipocytes, but the effect is dramatically dependent on the metabolic state of the cell.

Feeding brown fat: dietary phytochemicals targeting non-shivering thermogenesis to control body weight

Excessive adipose accumulation, which is the main driver for the development of secondary metabolic complications, has reached epidemic proportions and combined pharmaceutical, educational and nutritional approaches are required to reverse the current rise in global obesity prevalence rates. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a unique organ able to dissipate energy and thus a promising target to enhance BMR to counteract a positive energy balance. In addition, active BAT might support body weight maintenance after weight loss to prevent/reduce relapse. Natural products deliver valuable bioactive compounds that have historically helped to alleviate disease symptoms. Interest in recent years has focused on identifying nutritional constituents that are able to induce BAT activity and thereby enhance energy expenditure. This review provides a summary of selected dietary phytochemicals, including isoflavones, catechins, stilbenes, the flavonoids quercetin, luteolin and resveratrol as well as the alkaloids berberine and capsaicin. Most of the discussed phytochemicals act through distinct molecular pathways e.g. sympathetic nerve activation, AMP-kinase signalling, SIRT1 activity or stimulation of oestrogen receptors. Thus, it might be possible to utilise this multitude of pathways to co-activate BAT using a fine-tuned combination of foods or combined nutritional supplements.

Polysaccharide from Rosa roxburghii Tratt Fruit Attenuates Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia and Regulates Colon Microbiota in Diabetic db/db Mice

This study was aimed at investigating the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of a polysaccharide (RTFP) isolated from Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit on type-2 diabetic db/db mice. The results indicated that the oral administration of RTFP could significantly decrease the body weight, fat, and liver hypertrophy and the levels of fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, and serum lipids of the db/db mice. Histopathological observation showed that RTFP could effectively protect the pancreas, liver, and epididymal fat against damage and dysfunction. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed that the gene expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-γ (PPAR-γ), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1c), acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1 (ACC-1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6 Pase) were significantly down-regulated in the liver of db/db mice after treatment with RTFP. Moreover, RTFP treatment reversed gut dysbiosis by lowering the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio and enhancing the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria including Bacteroidaceae, Bacteroidaceae S24-7 group, and Lactobacillaceae. These findings suggest that RTFP can be used as a promising functional supplement for the prevention and treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus.

Wild Italian Prunus spinosa L. Fruit Exerts In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity and Protects Against In Vitro and In Vivo Oxidative Stress

Polyphenol-rich foods could have a pivotal function in the prevention of oxidative stress-based pathologies and antibacterial action. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial activity, as well as the in vitro and In Vivo antioxidant capacities of wild Prunus spinosa L. fruit (PSF) from the southeast regions of Italy. The total phenolic content (TPC) was quantified, and the single polyphenols were analyzed by HPLC-DAD, showing high rutin and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid levels, followed by gallic and trans-sinapic acids. PSF extract demonstrated antimicrobial activity against some potentially pathogenic Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Besides, we investigated the cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) and the hemolysis inhibition of PSF extract on human erythrocytes, evidencing both a good antioxidant power and a marked hemolysis inhibition. Furthermore, an In Vivo experiment with oxidative stress-induced rats treated with a high-fat diet (HFD) and a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ) demonstrated that PSF has a dose-dependent antioxidant capacity both in liver and in brain. In conclusion, the wild Italian Prunus spinosa L. fruit could be considered a potentially useful material for both nutraceutical and food industries because of its antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.

Quercetin administration post-weaning attenuates high-fructose, high-cholesterol diet-induced hepatic steatosis in growing, female, Sprague Dawley rat pups

BACKGROUND

Fructose and cholesterol-rich diets have been implicated in the upsurge of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Phytochemicals are being explored as alternatives for the prevention and management of MetS. Thirty-six 21-day-old, female Sprague Dawley rats fed a high-fructose, high-cholesterol diet post-weaning were used to investigate the prophylactic potential of quercetin. Group 1 was given standard rat chow (SRC); Group 2: SRC and quercetin (75 mg kg^-1 daily); Group 3: SRC and fenofibrate (100 mg kg^-1 daily); Group 4 was given a high cholesterol diet (HCD) (2% added dietary cholesterol in SRC), 20% fructose drinking solution (FS); Group 5 was given HCD, 20% FS and quercetin (75 mg kg^-1 daily); Group 6: HCD, 20% FS and fenofibrate (100 mg kg^-1 daily). Rats were fed ad libitum for 8 weeks, euthanized, and blood and liver samples were collected.

RESULTS

The HCD and FS significantly increased (P < 0.05) absolute and relative liver masses and serum cholesterol. Fasting blood glucose, serum triglycerides, alanine transaminase, creatinine, and urea were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between groups. The HCD and FS significantly increased liver lipid yield compared to the SRC and rats receiving SRC with fenofibrate (P < 0.05). Quercetin or fenofibrate together with HCD and FS attenuated the diet-induced increase in liver lipids by approximately 50%, although this was not statistically significant. Liver macro- and micro-steatosis scores were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in rats receiving HCD and FS. Quercetin or fenofibrate administration together with HCD and FS significantly decreased (P < 0.05) liver macro-steatosis scores.

CONCLUSION

The prophylactic effect of quercetin on fructose and cholesterol diet-induced liver lipid accumulation may be exploited in the fight against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Preparation and Characterization of Quercetin-Loaded Zein Nanoparticles by Electrospraying and Study of In Vitro Bioavailability

Quercetin is a hydrophobic flavonoid with high antioxidant activity. However, for biological applications, the bioavailability of quercetin is low due to physiological barriers. For this reason, an alternative is the protection of quercetin in matrices of biopolymers as zein. The objective of this work was to prepare and characterize quercetin-loaded zein nanoparticles by electrospraying and its study of in vitro bioavailability. The physicochemical parameters such as viscosity, density, and electrical conductivity of zein solutions showed a dependence of the ethanol concentration. In addition, rheological parameters demonstrated that solutions of zein in aqueous ethanol present Newtonian behavior, rebounding in the formation of nanoparticles by electrospraying, providing spherical, homogeneous, and compact morphologies, mainly at a concentration of 80% (v/v) of ethanol and of 5% (w/v) of zein. The size and shape of quercetin-loaded zein nanoparticles were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), observing that it was entrapped, distributed throughout the nanoparticle of zein. Analysis by Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) of zein nanoparticles loaded with quercetin revealed interactions via hydrogen bonds. The efficacy of zein nanoparticles to entrap quercetin was particularly high for all quercetin concentration evaluated in this work (87.9 ± 1.5% to 93.0 ± 2.6%). The in vitro gastrointestinal release of trapped quercetin after 240 min was 79.1%, while that for free quercetin was 99.2%. The in vitro bioavailability was higher for trapped quercetin (5.9%) compared to free quercetin (1.9%), than of gastrointestinal digestion. It is concluded, that the electrospraying technique made possible the obtention of quercitin-loaded zein nanoparticles increasing their bioavailability. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This type of nanosystems can be used in the food and pharmaceutical industry. Quercetin-loaded zein nanoparticles for its improvement compared to free quercetin can be used to decrease the prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases by increasing of the bioavailability of quercetin in the bloodstream. Other application can be as an antioxidant system in functional foods or oils to increase shelf life.

Lycopene and Tomato Sauce Improve Hepatic and Cardiac Cell Biomarkers in Rats

This study evaluated the effects of tomato sauce and lycopene on hepatic and cardiac cell biomarkers in rats fed a high-fat diet. Animals were split into five groups: control group, high-fat group (HG), high-fat tomato sauce group, high-fat lycopene 2 mg, and high-fat lycopene 4 mg. Food and water were offered ad libitum, whereas tomato sauce and lycopene (2 and 4 mg/day) were offered daily for 60 days. Body, heart, and liver weights, cardiosomatic and hepatosomatic indices, and serum parameters were also analyzed in rats. The animals' hearts and liver were processed, and cells were examined by flow cytometry. Results showed that the groups receiving tomato sauce and lycopene had lower glycemia. The serum concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hepatic enzymes, and tumor necrosis factor-α did not change upon treatment. Tomato sauce and lycopene supplementation did not increase interleukin-1β in response to a high-fat diet. Cell cycle analysis of cardiac and liver cells showed a lower percentage of cells in the G₀/G₁ phase and an increase in the G₂/M phase in HG. Both lycopene and tomato sauce reversed this effect. Both lycopene and tomato sauce reversed this effect and prevented high-fat diet-stimulated cardiac and liver cell death. Supplementation of tomato sauce and lycopene showed beneficial effects on cardiac and liver cell metabolism; therefore, it is suggested as a nutritional approach for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis.

The Inhibitory Effects of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) and Its Bioactive Compounds on Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

The aim of this study was to provide new insights into the role of the ethanolic extracts of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum, EECF) and its bioactive compounds in preventing adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The results demonstrated EECF significantly inhibited oil red O-stained material (OROSM), triglyceride levels and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The expression of the critical molecules involved in lipid synthesis such as PPARγ, C/EBPα and SREBP-1c was attenuated in EECF-treated cells. According to HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS/MS analysis, rutin, kaempferol, betanin and another nine compounds were present in EECF. The suppression of lipid accumulation by rutin, kaempferol and betanin occurred by decreasing the gene expression of PPARγ, C/EBPα and SREBP-1c. Taken together, these findings suggest the presence of bioactive compounds in EECF may partly account for the anti-adipogenesis of EECF and EECF is therefore a potentially lipid lowering functional food.

Consumption of Black Legumes Glycine soja and Glycine max Lowers Serum Lipids and Alters the Gut Microbiome Profile in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

This study investigated the potential health benefits of two different species of black legume [ Glycine soja Sieb. et Zucc. and Glycine max (L.) Merr.] on diet-induced obesity. C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) supplemented with 20% (w/w) black legume for 12 weeks, and the effects on weight gain, serum lipid levels, liver histology, gut fermentation, and microbiome profile were examined. Consumption of black legumes improved the blood lipid profile and increased fecal propionate and butyrate contents; this was accompanied by a reduction in hepatic steatosis and adipocyte size. High-throughput pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA revealed that black legumes prevented the loss of fecal microbiota diversity and richness caused by a HFD and decreased the relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia while increasing that of Bacteroidetes. Collectively, dietary supplementation with black legumes was found to have attenuated many of the adverse health consequences associated with a HFD and modulated gut microbiota in a positive way.

Quercetin enhances stress resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae tel1 mutant cells to different stressors

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae TEL1 gene is an ortholog of the human ATM (Ataxia telangiectasia mutated) gene. S. cerevisiae tel1 mutant (tel1∆) lacking Tel1p, share some of the cellular defects with ATM mutation that includes prevention of oxidative damage repair, premature aging and apoptosis. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of quercetin on the sensitivity of yeast S. cerevisiae tel1∆ cells exposed to oxidative, apoptotic and DNA damaging stress and viability of tel1∆ cells during chronological aging. Quercetin improved the stress resistance of tel1∆ cells when challenged with oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), menadine bisulphite (MBS) and tertiary butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Quercetin protected the tel1∆ cells from acetic acid-induced apoptotic cell death and sensitivity against hydroxyurea. We found that quercetin attenuated ROS accumulation and apoptotic markers in tel1∆ cells and therefore an increase in cell viability during chronological aging. Our results from the S. cerevisiae model, suggest that use of quercetin as a food supplement might alleviate oxidative stress mediated DNA damage, apoptosis and age related damaging effects in AT patients and also improve health beneficial effects in humans.