Extraction of Polyphenols and Valorization of Fibers from Istrian-Grown Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

Harnessing Helix aspersa mucins as an innovative gelling agent for the synthesis of Punica granatum peel extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs-M) with enhanced biological properties

Valorizing natural waste materials is crucial for sustainable biomedical innovation. This study explores a nanomedicine approach using waste from shrimp shells, pomegranate peels, and snail mucus to produce mucin-stabilized chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs-M) as delivery systems for Punica granatum peel extract (PgPE). Chitosan was derived from shrimp shells, while mucins from Helix aspersa snail slime served as a bio-stabilizer and crosslinking agent, creating CSNPs-M through an eco-friendly synthesis. Characterization confirmed CSNPs-M are spherical (54-98 nm) with a zeta potential of -35.5 mV. The encapsulation efficiency is about 79 %, indicating effective loading of the Punica granatum peel extract within the CSNPs-M nanoparticles. Antioxidant capacity, tested by ABTS scavenging activity, showed that CSNPs-M achieved 89 % inhibition, close to free PgPE (93 %), indicating preserved extract activity. CSNPs-M also exhibited antimicrobial activity against several bacteria and fungi. The antiproliferative activity was evaluated by monitoring cell growth after 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation with CSNPs-M in human colon adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2), showing that CSNPs-M at a 1: 50 dilution significantly reduced cell proliferation (p 〈0,0001) without any cytotoxic effects. This study addresses a critical need for eco-friendly nanocarriers with preserved bioactivity, presenting CSNPs-M as a promising platform for delivering therapeutic compounds in biomedical applications.

Analyzing Tear Fluid Composition by Synchronous Fluorescence for Diagnosing Dry Eye Disease and the Role of Phytotherapy Intervention

PURPOSE

Tear fluid gained attention as a representative biological fluid. Its simple and non-invasive collection methods as well as richness of candidate biomarkers made it a potential diagnostic tool for different diseases such as dry eye. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy is a highly sensitive analytical tool that results in narrowing and enhanced peak resolution, and has a potential role in disease diagnosis, biomarker identification, and therapeutic monitoring. We applied synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy to monitor variations of tear fluid composition during the development of dry eye disease and to evaluate the potential effects of phytotherapy.

METHODS

Dry eye model was induced in Chinchilla rabbits by instillation of 1% atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution. Then, the tear fluid was collected at 3, 7, and 14 days and subjected to synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. Phytotherapy was achieved by topical instillation of 20 µl of water extracts of pomegranate peel or green tea powders.

RESULTS

The fluorescence results revealed changes in the structure of tear fluid over time and the eye is subjected to toxification due to oxidative stress. In addition, dry eye disease was found to affect the metabolic/energetic state of the eye. On the other hand, phytotherapy led to enhancement of the metabolic/biosynthesis state due to activation of flavin adenine dinucleotide-associated proteins.

CONCLUSION

There was change in the electrical conductivity of tear fluid proteins. In the case of dry eyes, they became electrical insulators, while in the case of treatment with extracts, their electrical conductivity properties improved. The effects of phytotherapy can be related to the high content of ellagic acid and anthocyanin of pomegranate extract, while in green tea, they are related to catechins and phenolic compounds.

Investigation of Pharmacologically Important Polyphenolic Secondary Metabolites in Plant-based Food Samples Using HPLC-DAD

Polyphenolic compounds are vital components of plants. However, their analysis is particularly difficult and challenging due to their similar chemical and structural properties. In this study, we developed a simple and reproducible HPLC-DAD protocol for determining nineteen pharmacologically important polyphenols in plant-based food samples, including fruits (apple, banana, grapefruit, peach, grapes, plum, and pear), vegetables (onion, cabbage, capsicum, garlic, lemon, tomato, potato, and spinach), and other edible items (corn, kidney beans, green tea, black tea, and turmeric). The reference standards were pooled into four different groups based on logP values and expected retention time to avoid compound co-elution. These developed methods will be useful for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of biologically important polyphenolic compounds in various food samples and botanicals.

Pulsed electric field technology in vegetable and fruit juice processing: A review

The worldwide market for vegetable and fruit juices stands as a thriving sector with projected revenues reaching to $81.4 billion by 2024 and an anticipated annual growth rate of 5.27% until 2028. Juices offer a convenient means of consuming bioactive compounds and essential nutrients crucial for human health. However, conventional thermal treatments employed in the juice and beverage industry to inactivate spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, as well as endogenous enzymes, can lead to the degradation of bioactive compounds and vitamins. In response, non-thermal technologies have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional heat processing, with pulsed electric field (PEF) technology standing out as an innovative and sustainable choice. In this context, this comprehensive review investigated the impact of PEF on the microbiological, physicochemical, functional, nutritional, and sensory qualities of vegetable and fruit juices. PEF induces electroporation phenomena in cell membranes, resulting in reversible or irreversible changes. Consequently, a detailed examination of the effects of PEF process variables on juice properties is essential. Monitoring factors such as electric field strength, frequency, pulse width, total treatment time, and specific energy is important to ensure the production of a safe and chemically/kinetically stable product. PEF technology proves effective in microbial and enzymatic inactivation within vegetable and fruit juices, mitigating factors contributing to deterioration while maintaining the physicochemical characteristics of these products. Furthermore, PEF treatment does not compromise the content of substances with functional, nutritional, and sensory properties, such as phenolic compounds and vitamins. When compared to alternative processing methods, such as mild thermal treatments and other non-thermal technologies, PEF treatment consistently demonstrates comparable outcomes in terms of physicochemical attributes, functional properties, nutritional quality, and overall safety.

Lupenone improves type 2 diabetic nephropathy by regulating NF-κB pathway-mediated inflammation and TGF-β1/Smad/CTGF-associated fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetic nephropathy is a common diabetic complication and the main cause of death in patients with diabetes. Research has aimed to find an ideal drug with minimal side effects for treating this disease. Banana peel has been shown to be anti-diabetic, with lupenone isolated from banana peel exhibiting antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities; However, the effects of lupenone on type 2 diabetic nephropathy are largely unknown.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of lupenone on type 2 diabetic nephropathy, and its mechanism from both anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic perspectives.

METHODS

Spontaneous type 2 diabetic nephropathy db/db mouse models were given three levels of lupenone (24 or 12 or 6 mg/kg/d) via intragastric administration for six weeks, and irbesartan treatment was used for the positive control group. We explored the effects and mechanism of lupenone action using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, automatic biochemical analyzer, hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining, real time-PCR, and western blotting. Concurrently, a high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with a low-dose streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic nephropathy rat model was used for confirmatory research.

RESULTS

Lupenone administration maintained the fasting blood glucose; reduced glycosylated hemoglobin, insulin, and 24 h proteinuria levels; and markedly regulated changes in biochemical indicators associated with kidney injury in serum and urine (including 24 h proteinuria, micro-albumin, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase, α1-micro-globulin, creatinine, urea nitrogen, uric acid, total protein, and albumin) of type 2 diabetic nephropathy mice and rats. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining as well as molecular biology tests revealed that inflammation and fibrosis are the two key processes affected by lupenone treatment. Lupenone protected type 2 diabetic nephropathy kidneys by regulating the NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response and TGF-β1/Smad/CTGF pathway-associated fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

Lupenone has potential as an innovative drug for preventing and treating diabetic nephropathy. Additionally, it has great value for the utilization of banana peel resources.

Preparation and Characterization of Polycaprolactone (PCL) Antimicrobial Wound Dressing Loaded with Pomegranate Peel Extract

In recent years, medicinal plant extracts have received remarkable attention due to their wound-healing properties. In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun nanofiber membranes incorporated with different concentrations of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) were prepared. The results of the SEM and FTIR experiments demonstrated that the morphology of nanofiber is smooth, fine, and bead-free, and the PPE was well introduced into the nanofiber membranes. Moreover, the outcomes of the mechanical property tests demonstrated that the nanofiber membrane made of PCL and loaded with PPE exhibited remarkable mechanical characteristics, indicating that it could fulfill the essential mechanical requisites for wound dressings. The findings of the in vitro drug release investigations indicated that PPE was instantly released within 20 h and subsequently released gradually over an extended period by the composite nanofiber membranes. Meanwhile, the DPPH radical scavenging test confirmed that the nanofiber membranes loaded with PPE exhibited significant antioxidant properties. Antimicrobial experiments showed higher PPE loading, and the nanofiber membranes showed higher antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. The results of the cellular experiments showed that the composite nanofiber membranes were nontoxic and promoted the proliferation of L929 cells. In summary, electrospun nanofiber membranes loaded with PPE can be used as a wound dressing.

The Role of Isoflavones in the Prevention of Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer

This narrative review summarizes epidemiological studies on breast cancer and prostate cancer with an overview of their global incidence distribution to investigate the relationship between these diseases and diet. The biological properties, mechanisms of action, and available data supporting the potential role of isoflavones in the prevention of breast cancer and prostate cancer are discussed. Studies evaluating the effects of isoflavones in tissue cultures of normal and malignant breast and prostate cells, as well as the current body of research regarding the effects of isoflavones attained through multiple modifications of cellular molecular signaling pathways and control of oxidative stress, are summarized. Furthermore, this review compiles literature sources reporting on the following: (1) levels of estrogen in breast and prostate tissue; (2) levels of isoflavones in the normal and malignant tissue of these organs in European and Asian populations; (3) average concentrations of isoflavones in the secretion of these organs (milk and semen). Finally, particular emphasis is placed on studies investigating the effect of isoflavones on tissues via estrogen receptors (ER).

Potential Anticancer Activity of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Fruits of Different Color: In Vitro and In Silico Evidence

Pomegranate (PMG; Punica granatum L.) fruits possess a well-balanced nutrient/phytochemical composition, with proven adjuvant benefits in experimental cancer chemotherapy; however, such bioactivity could be affected by PMG's phenogenotype (varietal). Here, the chemical and phytochemical (UPLC-DAD-MS2) composition, antioxidant capacity and anticancer potential [in vitro (MTT assay) and in silico (foodinformatics)] of three PMG fruits of different aryl color [red (cv. Wonderful), pink (cv. Molar de Elche), and white (cv. Indian)] were evaluated. The macro/micronutrient (ascorbic acid, tocols, carotenoids), organic acid (citric/malic), and polyphenol content were changed by PMG's varietal and total antioxidant activity (ABTS, alcoholic > hexane extract) in the order of red > pink > white. However, their in vitro cytotoxicity was the same (IC50 > 200 μg.mL-1) against normal (retinal) and cancer (breast, lung, colorectal) cell lines. Sixteen major phytochemicals were tentatively identified, four of them with a high GI absorption/bioavailability score [Ellagic (pink), vanillic (red), gallic (white) acids, D-(+)-catechin (white)] and three of them with multiple molecular targets [Ellagic (52) > vanillic (32) > gallic (23)] associated with anticancer (at initiation and promotion stages) activity. The anticancer potential of the PMG fruit is phenogenotype-specific, although it could be more effective in nutraceutical formulations (concentrates).