Dietary Polyphenols: Extraction, Identification, Bioavailability, and Role for Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal and Prostate Cancers

Rosmarinic Acid: A Potential Therapeutic Agent in Gastrointestinal Cancer Management-A Review

Gastrointestinal cancers are still the leading cause of death worldwide. This is related, among other things, to the non-specific symptoms, especially in the initial stages, and also to the limited possibilities for treatment. Therefore, research is still being conducted to improve the detection of this type of cancer and increase the effectiveness of therapy. The potential application of natural compounds in cancer management deserves special attention. In the group of such products, there are polyphenolic compounds that reveal, e.g., anti-oxidative, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective properties. One of these polyphenols is rosmarinic acid, commonly found in plants such as the Boraginaceae and Nepetoideae subfamilies of the Lamiaceae (mint) family. A number of studies have considered the positive effects of rosmarinic acid in the treatment of many cancers, including gastrointestinal ones such as oral, stomach, pancreas, colon, and liver cancers. The main aim of this paper was to summarize the mechanisms of action of rosmarinic acid in gastrointestinal cancers.

Association between polyphenol subclasses and prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Background

The effect of polyphenol subclasses on prostate cancer (PCA) is controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between polyphenol subclasses and PCA incidence.

Methods

From the establishment of the database to December 2023, a systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library to identify relevant observational studies. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to assess the association.

Results

A total of 38 studies (11 were cohort studies and 27 were case-control studies), composing 824,933 participants, were included in this meta-analysis after excluding irrelevant records. The findings of the study revealed that men who consumed dietary polyphenols had a significantly higher risk of PCA compared to those who never or rarely consumed dietary polyphenols (OR = 1.01, p = 0.023), especially dietary flavonol (OR = 1.05, p = 0.042), flavanol (OR = 1.03, p = 0.026) and anthocyanin (OR = 1.06, p = 0.001). Neither total nor subclasses of dietary polyphenols have an effect on non-localized or high-grade PCA (OR = 1.01, p = 0.518). Dietary isoflavones tended to reduce the incidence of local or low-grade PCA, although there was no statistically significant difference (OR = 1.00, p = 0.081). Regarding serum/plasma polyphenol, total polyphenol (OR = 0.95, p = 0.002), genistein (OR = 0.92, p = 0.029) and enterolactone (OR = 0.92, p = 0.022) can reduce the incidence of PCA. No association was observed between total/subclasses of urinary polyphenols and PCA risk.

Conclusion

Polyphenols seem to generally increase the risk of PCA in the male population. The effect of polyphenols on PCA is affected by factors such as polyphenol subclasses, their forms (serum/plasma, urinary, dietary), and PCA-related factors (like PCA stage).

Systematic review registration

identifier: CRD42022322699.

Natural polyphenols: A protective approach to reduce colorectal cancer

Background

A form of cancer that affects the rectum or colon (large intestine) is called colorectal cancer (CRC). The main risk factors for CRC include dietary, lifestyle, and environmental variables. Currently natural polyphenols have demonstrated impressive anticarcinogenic capabilities.

Objective

The main objective was to provide an updated, thorough assessment of the defensive mechanism of natural polyphenols for the global suppression of colorectal cancer. More precisely, this study aimed to analyze a set of chosen polyphenols with demonstrated safety, effectiveness, and biochemical defense mechanism on colon cancer models in order to facilitate future research.

Methods

This review was carried out with purposefully attentive and often updated scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science. After selecting approximately 178 potentially relevant papers based just on abstracts, 145 studies were meticulously reviewed and discussed.

Results

The outcomes disclosed that anti-CRC mechanisms of natural polyphenols involved the control of several molecular and signaling pathways. Natural polyphenols have also been shown to have the ability to limit the growth and genesis of tumors via altering the gut microbiota and cancer stem cells. However, the biochemical uses of many natural polyphenols have remained restricted because of their truncated water solubility and low bioavailability. In order to attain synergistic properties it is recommended to combine the use of different natural polyphenols because of their low bioavailability and volatility. However, the use of lipid-based nano- and micro-carriers also may be helpful to solve these problems with efficient distribution system to target sites.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of polyphenols for CRC treatment appears promising. To ascertain their efficacy, more clinical research is anticipated.

Reversal of Platinum-based Chemotherapy Resistance in Ovarian Cancer by Naringin Through Modulation of The Gut Microbiota in a Humanized Nude Mouse Model

As a chemotherapy agent, cisplatin (DDP) is often associated with drug resistance and gastrointestinal toxicity, factors that severely limit therapeutic efficacy in patients with ovarian cancer (OC). Naringin has been shown to increase sensitivity to cisplatin, but whether the intestinal microbiota is associated with this effect has not been reported so far. In this study, we applied a humanized mouse model for the first time to evaluate the reversal of cisplatin resistance by naringin, as well as naringin combined with the microbiota in ovarian cancer. The results showed that naringin combined with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NCU-01 had an inhibitory effect on the tumor, significantly reducing tumor size (p<0.05), as well as the concentrations of serum tumor markers CA125 and HE4, increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides, inhibit Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)-induced intestinal inflammation and increase the expression of intestinal permeability-associated proteins ZO-1 (p<0.001) and occludin (p<0.01). In conclusion, the above data demonstrate how naringin combined with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NCU-01 reverses cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer by modulating the intestinal microbiota, inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and modulating the p38MAPK signaling pathway.

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) by-products as a source of bioactive compounds for non-communicable disease prevention: extraction methods and mechanisms of action: a systematic review

Introduction

The review titled Passion fruit by-products as a source of bioactive compounds for non-communicable disease prevention: extraction methods and mechanisms provide valuable insights into the health benefits and industrial applications of passion fruit waste. Passion fruits are a tropical and subtropical vine species, which produces edible fruits. Many food product types can be made from passion fruits. However, during passion fruit processing, large amounts of waste are released in to the environment. This review focuses on extraction methods of bioactive compounds from passion fruit by-products such as leaves, peels, seeds, and bagasse.

Methods

This comprehensive review focuses on the bioactive compounds present in passion fruit by-products, emphasis on their mechanisms of action on non-communicable diseases. It also provides a detailed analysis of the extraction methods used to obtain these bioactive compounds, their potential industrial applications, and the factors that affect extraction efficiency.

Results

This review encourages further research and innovation in utilization of passion fruit waste as a source of bioactive compounds for non- communicable disease prevention and their mechanisms of action. This can advance the circular economy. It also highlights the importance of sustainable and green extraction methods, which have gained attention due to environmental concerns.

Discussion

Unlike previous reviews, this comprehensive article explores the potential health benefits of multiple passion fruit waste products. It also examines the possible applications of these extracts for industrial goods such as food additives, colorants, nutraceuticals, natural antioxidants, and antimicrobial agents. Overall, it contributes new information emphasizing the potential of passion fruit by-products as a source of bioactive, and the findings have implications for the scientific community and industry, promoting a deeper understanding of the health benefits and sustainable practices associated with passion fruit waste utilization.

Dieckol prevents prostate cancer cell proliferation by transcriptionally attenuating JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway

This study delved at how the natural substance dieckol (DCL) prevents prostate cancerous cells from proliferating and migrating by blocking the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway in PC-3 cells. For numerous tests, the cells were treated to DCL at a range of concentrations (0-20 μM) for 24 h. DCL mediated cytotoxicity was analyzed by MTT assay. To evaluate ROS, DCFH-DA staining was employed. Dual (AO/EtBr) staining was utilized to examine apoptotic changes, and MMP levels in PC-3 cells were examined using the appropriate fluorescent staining assays. By using flow cytometry and western blotting, the protein expressions of cell survival, cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis were assessed. The results showed that DCL significantly cytotoxically affects PC-3, and the IC50 was discovered to be 12 μM for 24 h exposure. Furthermore, after DCL treatment in PC-3, considerable ROS generation and increased apoptotic signals were detected. STAT3, JAK1, PCNA, and cyclins D1 and E1 are all suppressed by DCL in PC-3. In addition, DCL therapy in PC-3 dramatically increased pro-apoptotic proteins such Bax, caspase-3, and cytochrome C. Therefore, DCL has been regarded as a chemotherapeutic agent because to its ability to decrease the expression of proteins that control cell proliferation, including STAT3, JAK1, PCNA, and cyclins D1 and E1.

Biopreservative and Anti-Mycotoxigenic Potentials of Lactobacillus paracasei MG847589 and Its Bacteriocin in Soft White Cheese

Probiotics and their bacteriocins have increasingly attracted interest for their use as safe food preservatives. This study aimed to produce soft white cheese fortified with Lacticaseibacillus MG847589 (Lb. paracasei MG847589) and/or its bacteriocin; cheese with Lacticaseibacillus (CP), cheese with bacteriocin (CB), and cheese with both Lacticaseibacillus and bacteriocin (CPB) were compared to control cheese (CS) to evaluate their biopreservative and anti-mycotoxigenic potentials for prolonged shelf life and safe food applications. The effects of these fortifications on physiochemical, microbial, texture, microstructure, and sensory properties were studied. Fortification with Lacticaseibacillus (CP) increased acidity (0.61%) and microbial counts, which may make the microstructure porous, while CPB showed intact microstructure. The CPB showed the highest hardness value (3988.03 g), while the lowest was observed with CB (2525.73 g). Consequently, the sensory assessment reflected the panelists' preference for CPB, which gained higher scores than the control (CS). Fortification with Lb. paracasei MG847589 and bacteriocin (CPB) showed inhibition effects against S. aureus from 6.52 log10 CFU/g at time zero to 2.10 log10 CFU/g at the end of storage, A. parasiticus (from 5.06 to 3.03 log10 CFU/g), and P. chrysogenum counts (from 5.11 to 2.86 log10 CFU/g). Additionally, CPB showed an anti-mycotoxigenic effect against aflatoxins AFB1 and AFM1, causing them to be decreased (69.63 ± 0.44% and 71.38 ± 0.75%, respectively). These potentials can extend shelf life and pave the way for more suggested food applications of safe food production by fortification with both Lb. paracasei MG847589 and its bacteriocin as biopreservatives and anti-mycotoxigenic.

Combined effects of naringin and doxorubicin on the JAK/STAT signaling pathway reduce the development and spread of breast cancer cells

Breast cancer therapy options are limited due to its late diagnosis and poor prognosis. Doxorubicin is the fundamental therapy approach for this disease. Because chemotherapy has numerous adverse effects, the scope of the existing research was to appraise the synergetic effect of doxorubicin and naringin and explore the underlying mechanism. The cytotoxicity of doxorubicin and naringin on MCF-7 was monitored. Furthermore, the expression of STAT3 and JAK1 as well as the apoptotic and metastatic related genes (Bax, Bcl-2, Survivin, and VEGF) were conducted by immunoblotting assay and qRT-PCR. In addition, a wound healing test was utilized to appraise the migration and metastasis of MCF-7. Our results revealed that naringin and doxorubicin had a synergetic inhibitory influence on MCF-7 cells growth and migration. The synergetic action of doxorubicin and naringin effectively hindered the expression of STAT3, JAK1, Bcl-2, Survivin, and VEGF, with a boost in the level of Bax compared to cells treated with either doxorubicin or naringin. In conclusion, our findings imply that combining doxorubicin with naringin may be a favorable strategy for inhibiting the growth of breast cancer.

Golden thistle (Scolymus hispanicus L.) hydromethanolic extracts ameliorated glucose absorption and inflammatory markers in vitro

Golden thistle (GT, Scolymus hispanicus L.) is an edible plant native to the Mediterranean. Several activities have been reported for the GT, as it is used for traditional medicinal purposes in some cultures. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of GT crude extract on phenolic bioavailability, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities by using colonic epithelium (CaCo-2) and murine macrophage (RAW 264.7) cell lines. The CaCo-2 cells were grown on the bicameral membrane system for intestinal bioavailability and glucose efflux. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.5 μg/mL) was used to induce systemic inflammation on RAW 264.7. The inflammatory medium of RAW 264.7 cells was given to Caco-2 cells to mimic colonic inflammation. Our results showed that 5-o-caffeoylquinic acid had an apparent permeability of (1.82 ± 0.07) × 10-6 cm/s after 6 h. The extract lowered the glucose efflux by 39.4%-42.6%, in addition to the reductions in relative GLUT2 mRNA expressions by 49%-66% in pre- and co-treatments (p < .05). Decreases in systemic inflammation markers of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were also detected in 30%-45% range after pre-treatments with the GT extract (p < .05). Lastly, colonic inflammation markers of IL-6 and IL-8 were reduced by 8.7%-19.5% as a result of GT pre-treatments (p < .05). Thus, an in vitro investigation of GT extract revealed promising results on antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Anti-MRSA and Biological Activities of Propolis Concentrations Loaded to Chitosan Nanoemulsion for Pharmaceutics Applications

Propolis is a naturally occurring substance with beneficial properties; bees produce it from various plant sources, and it is an anti-inflammatory and therapeutic resinous substance. This study aimed to enhance the biological features of propolis extract by loading it onto active film. Firstly, extraction was performed using three solvent systems, and their total phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity was measured. Propolis ethanol extract (EEP) was evaluated for phenolic fraction content and then chosen to prepare a chitosan-loaded emulsion with several concentrations. The antibacterial, anti-mycotic, and anti-mycotoxigenic properties of the extract and nanoemulsion were assessed. PPE's cytotoxicity and nanoemulsion were evaluated using brine shrimp and cell line assays. Results indicate higher phenolic (322.57 ± 4.28 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoid (257.64 ± 5.27 mg QE/g DW), and antioxidant activity of the EEP. The phenolic fraction is distinguished by 18 phenolic acids with high p-hydroxybenzoic content (171.75 ± 1.64 µg/g) and 12 flavonoid compounds with high pinocembrin and quercetin content (695.91 ± 1.76 and 532.35 ± 1.88 µg/g, respectively). Phenolic acid derivatives (3,4-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde, 3,4-Dihydroxyphenol acetate, and di-methoxy cinnamic) are also found. Concentrations of 50, 100, 150, and 200 ng EEP loaded on chitosan nanoemulsion reflect significant antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and toxigenic fungi, particularly Fusarium. Among the four EEP-loaded concentrations, the nanoemulsion with 150 ng showed outstanding features. Using a simulated medium, 150 and 200 ng of EEP-loaded chitosan nanoemulsion concentrations can stop zearalenone production in Fusarium media with complete fungi inhibition. Also, it reduced aflatoxins production in Aspergillus media, with fungal inhibition (up to 47.18%). These results recommended the EEP-chitosan application for pharmaceutics and medical use as a comprehensive wound healing agent.

Effect of Growth Stages and Lactic Acid Fermentation on Anti-Nutrients and Nutritional Attributes of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a winter-season green, leafy vegetable grown all over the world, belonging to the family Amaranthus, sub-family Chenopodiaceae. Spinach is a low-caloric food and an enormous source of micronutrients, e.g., calcium, folates, zinc, retinol, iron, ascorbic acid and magnesium. Contrarily, it also contains a variety of anti-nutritional factors, e.g., alkaloids, phytates, saponins, oxalates, tannins and many other natural toxicants which may hinder nutrient-absorption. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of fermentation on improving the nutrient-delivering potential of spinach and mitigating its burden of antinutrients and toxicants at three growth stages: the 1st growth stage as baby leaves, the 2nd growth stage at the coarse stage, and the 3rd growth stage at maturation. The results revealed the significant (p < 0.05) effect of fermentation on increasing the protein and fiber content of spinach powder from 2.53 to 3.53% and 19.33 to 22.03%, respectively, and on reducing total carbohydrate content from 52.92 to 40.52%; the effect was consistent in all three growth stages. A significant decline in alkaloids (6.45 to 2.20 mg/100 g), oxalates (0.07 mg/100 g to 0.02 mg/100 g), phytates (1.97 to 0.43 mg/100 g) and glucosinolates (201 to 10.50 µmol/g) was observed as a result of fermentation using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. Fermentation had no impact on total phenolic content and the antioxidant potential of spinach, as evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. This study proposes fermentation as a safer bioprocess for improving the nutrient-delivering potential of spinach, and suggests processed powders made from spinach as a cost-effective complement to existing plant proteins.

A review of the role of liposome-encapsulated phytochemicals targeting PPAR Ɣ and associated pathways to combat obesity

A limited number of studies have directly examined the effects of liposomal encapsulated phytochemicals and their anti-obesity effects in adults. This study aimed to summarize the evidence on the effect of liposomal encapsulated phytochemicals and their role in regulating major pathways involved in the anti-obesity mechanism. A systematic search was performed using several search engines like Science Direct, Google Scholar, and other online journals, focusing on laboratory research, systematic reviews, clinical trials, and meta-analysis that focused on liposomal encapsulated phytochemicals with anti-obesity properties, and followed the preferred reporting terms for this systematic review. An initial search provided a result of 1810 articles, and 93 papers were selected after the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Very few studies have been conducted on the liposomal encapsulation of phytochemicals or its synergistic study to combat obesity; hence this review paves the way for future obesity research and is mainly helpful for the pediatric obesity population. Liposomal encapsulation of phytochemicals has improved the efficiency of freely administered phytochemicals. Targeted delivery improved drug utilization and regulated the anti-obesity pathways. PPARƔ is a major therapeutic target for obesity as it inhibits adipocyte differentiation and maintains energy homeostasis.

Calebin A targets the HIF-1α/NF-κB pathway to suppress colorectal cancer cell migration

Background: Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is one of the major tumor-associated transcription factors modulating numerous tumor properties such as tumor cell metabolism, survival, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Calebin A (CA), a compound derived from turmeric, is known for its anti-cancer activity through modulation of the NF-κB pathway. However, its impact on HIF-1α in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell migration is unknown. Methods: Human CRC cells (HCT-116) in 3D alginate and monolayer multicellular TME (fibroblasts/T lymphocytes) were subjected to CA or the HIF-1α inhibitor to explore the efficacy of CA on TME-induced inflammation, migration, and tumor malignancy. Results: CA significantly inhibited TME-promoted proliferation and migration of HCT-116 cells, similar to the HIF-1α inhibitor. Colony formation, toluidine blue staining, and immunolabeling showed that CA inhibited the migration of HCT-116 cells partly by inhibiting HIF-1α, which is critical for CRC cell viability, and these observations were confirmed by electron microscopy. In addition, Western blot analysis confirmed that CA inhibited TME-initiated expression of HIF-1α and biomarkers of metastatic factors (such as NF-κB, β1-integrin, and VEGF), and promoted apoptosis (caspase-3), in a manner comparable to the HIF-1α inhibitor. Finally, TME induced a purposeful pairing between HIF-1α and NF-κB, suggesting that the synergistic interplay between the two tumor-associated transcription factors is essential for CRC cell malignancy and migration and that CA silences these factors in tandem. Conclusion: These results shed light on a novel regulatory modulation of CA signaling in CRC cell migration, partially via HIF-1α/NF-κB with potentially relevant implications for cancer therapy.

The Biochemistry and Effectiveness of Antioxidants in Food, Fruits, and Marine Algae

It is more effective to maintain good health than to regain it after losing it. This work focuses on the biochemical defense mechanisms against free radicals and their role in building and maintaining antioxidant shields, aiming to show how to balance, as much as possible, the situations in which we are exposed to free radicals. To achieve this aim, foods, fruits, and marine algae with a high antioxidant content should constitute the basis of nutritional elements, since natural products are known to have significantly greater assimilation efficiency. This review also gives the perspective in which the use of antioxidants can extend the life of food products, by protecting them from damage caused by oxidation as well as their use as food additives.

Potential Role of Natural Antioxidant Products in Oncological Diseases

Nutrition has a significant effect and a crucial role in disease prevention. Low consumption of fruit and vegetables and a sedentary lifestyle are closely related with the onset and development of many types of cancer. Recently, nutraceuticals have gained much attention in cancer research due to their pleiotropic effects and relatively non-toxic behavior. In fact, although in the past there have been conflicting results on the role of some antioxidant compounds as allies against cancer, numerous recent clinical studies highlight the efficacy of dietary phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of cancer. However, further investigation is necessary to gain a deeper understanding of the potential anticancer capacities of dietary phytochemicals as well as the mechanisms of their action. Therefore, this review examined the current literature on the key properties of the bioactive components present in the diet, such as carotenoids, polyphenols, and antioxidant compounds, as well as their use in cancer therapy. The review focused on potential chemopreventive properties, evaluating their synergistic effects with anticancer drugs and, consequently, the side effects associated with current cancer treatments.

Naringin’s Prooxidant Effect on Tumor Cells: Copper’s Role and Therapeutic Implications

Plant-derived polyphenolic chemicals are important components of human nutrition and have been found to have chemotherapeutic effects against a variety of cancers. Several studies in animal models have proven polyphenols’ potential to promote apoptosis and tumor regression. However, the method by which polyphenols show their anticancer effects on malignant cells is not well understood. It is generally known that cellular copper rises within malignant cells and in the serum of cancer patients. In this communication, investigations reveal that naringin (a polyphenol found in citrus fruits) can strongly suppress cell proliferation and trigger apoptosis in various cancer cell lines in the presence of copper ions. The cuprous chelator neocuproine, which confirms copper-mediated DNA damage, prevents such cell death to a large extent. The studies further show that the cellular copper transporters CTR1 and ATP7A have a role in the survival dynamics of malignant cells after naringin exposure. The findings emphasize the crucial function of copper dynamics and mobilization in cancer cells and pave the path for a better understanding of polyphenols as nutraceutical supplements for cancer prevention and treatment.

Recent advances in the extraction, chemical composition, therapeutic potential, and delivery of cardamom phytochemicals

Dietary phytochemicals including plant-derived alkaloids, carotenoids, organosulfur compounds, phenolics, and phytosterols, are health-promoting bioactive compounds that help in the prevention and mitigation of chronic diseases and microbial infections beyond basic nutrition supply. This article covers recent advances in the extraction, chemical composition, therapeutic potential (nutraceutical and antimicrobial), and delivery of black and green cardamom-derived phytochemicals. In recent years, advance extraction techniques (e.g., enzyme- assisted-, instant controlled pressure drop-, microwave- assisted-, pressurized liquid-, sub- critical-, supercritical fluid-, and ultrasound-assisted extractions) have been applied to obtain phytochemicals from cardamom. The bioactive constituents identification techniques, specifically GC-MS analysis revealed that 1,8-cineole and α-terpinyl acetate were the principle bioactive components in black and green cardamom. Regarding therapeutic potential, research findings have indicated desirable health properties of cardamom phytochemicals, including antioxidant-, anti-hypercholesterolemic, anti-platelet aggregation, anti-hypertensive, and gastro-protective effects. Moreover, antimicrobial investigations revealed that cardamom phytochemicals effectively inhibited growth of pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria and fungi), biofilm formation inhibition (Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria) and bacterial quorum sensing inhibition. Encapsulation and delivery vehicles, including microcapsules, nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and nanoliposomes were effective strategies to enhance their stability, bioavailability and bioefficacy. In conclusion, cardamom phytochemicals had promising therapeutic potentials (antioxidant and antimicrobial) due to polyphenols, thus could be used as functional additive to increase shelf life, inhibit oxidative rancidity and confer pleasant aroma to commercial edibles as well as mitigate oxidative stress and lifestyle related chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases). A future perspective concerning the fabrication of functional foods, nutraceuticals and antibiotics to promote cardamom phytochemicals applications as biotherapeutic agents at large-scale requires thorough investigations, e.g., optimum dose and physical form of supplementation to obtain maximum health benefits.

Antioxidant Effect of Ocimum basilicum Essential Oil and Its Effect on Cooking Qualities of Supplemented Chicken Nuggets

A commonly observed chicken meat issue is its lipid oxidation that leads to deterioration of its organoleptic and nutritional properties and its further-processed products. Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is one of the traditional culinary herbs exhibiting food preservation properties. The current study investigated the essential oil composition, antioxidant activity and in vitro cytotoxic capacity of the essential oil of basil indigenous to Pakistan. GC-MS analysis of the essential oil revealed the presence of 59 compounds that constituted 98.6% of the essential oil. O. basilicum essential oil (OB-EO) exhibited excellent antioxidant activity, i.e., IC50 5.92 ± 0.15 µg/mL as assayed by the DPPH assay, 23.4 ± 0.02 µmoL Fe/g by FRAP, and 14.6 ± 0.59% inhibition by H2O2. The brine shrimp lethality assay identified an average mortality of ~18% with OB-EO at 10-1000 µg/mL, while that of the same concentration range of the standard drug (etoposide) was 72%. OB-EO was found to be non-toxic to HeLa and PC-3 cell lines. TBARS contents were significantly decreased with increase of OB-EO in chicken nuggets. The lowest TBARS contents were recorded in nuggets supplemented with 0.3% OB-EO, whereas the highest overall acceptability score was marked to the treatments carrying 0.2% OB-EO. The results suggest OB-EO as a promising carrier of bioactive compounds with a broad range of food preservation properties, and which has a sensory acceptability threshold level for chicken nuggets falling between 0.2-0.3% supplementation. Future research must investigate the antibacterial impact of OB-EO on meat products preserved with natural rather than synthetic preservatives.

Dryopteris juxtapostia Root and Shoot: Determination of Phytochemicals; Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Hepatoprotective Effects; and Toxicity Assessment

An estimated 450 species of Dryopteris in the Dryoperidaceae family grow in Japan, North and South Korea, China, Pakistan, and Kashmir. This genus has been reported to have biological capabilities; however, research has been conducted on Dryopteris juxtapostia. Therefore, with the present study, we aimed to exploring the biological potential of D. juxtapostia root and shoot extracts. We extracted dichloromethane and methanol separately from the roots and shoots of D. juxtapostia. Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH, FRAP, and H2O2 assays, and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using both in vitro (antiurease activity) and in vivo (carrageenan- and formaldehyde-induced paw edema) studies. Toxicity was evaluated by adopting a brine shrimp lethality assay followed by determination of cytotoxic activity using an MTT assay. Hepatoprotective effects of active crude extracts were examined in rats. Activity-bearing compounds were tentatively identified using LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. Results suggested that D. juxtapostia root dichloromethane extract exhibited better antioxidant (DPPH, IC50 of 42.0 µg/mL; FRAP, 46.2 mmol/g; H2O2, 71% inhibition), anti-inflammatory (urease inhibition, 56.7% at 50 µg/mL; carrageenan-induced edema inhibition, 61.7% at 200 µg/mL; formaldehyde-induced edema inhibition, 67.3% at 200 µg/mL), brine shrimp % mortality (100% at 1000 µg/mL), and cytotoxic (HeLa cancer, IC50 of 17.1 µg/mL; prostate cancer (PC3), IC50 of 45.2 µg/mL) effects than D. juxtapostia root methanol extract. D. juxtapostia shoot dichloromethane and methanol extracts exhibited non-influential activity in all biological assays and were not selected for hepatoprotective study. D. juxtapostia root methanol extract showed improvement in hepatic cell structure and low cellular infiltration but, in contrast the dichloromethane extract, did not show any significant improvement in hepatocyte morphology, cellular infiltration, or necrosis of hepatocytes in comparison to the positive control, i.e., paracetamol. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis showed the presence of albaspidin PP, 3-methylbutyryl-phloroglucinol, flavaspidic acid AB and BB, filixic acid ABA and ABB, tris-desaspidin BBB, tris-paraaspidin BBB, tetra-flavaspidic BBBB, tetra-albaspidin BBBB, and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside in the dichloromethane extract, whereas kaempferol, catechin, epicatechin, quinic acid, liquitrigenin, and quercetin 7-O-galactoside in were detected in the methanol extract, along with all the compounds detected in the dichloromethane extract. Hence, D. juxtapostia is safe, alongside other species of this genus, although detailed safety assessment of each isolated compound is obligatory during drug discovery.

Naringin and Naringenin: Their Mechanisms of Action and the Potential Anticancer Activities

Naringin and naringenin are the main bioactive polyphenols in citrus fruits, the consumption of which is beneficial for human health and has been practiced since ancient times. Numerous studies have reported these substances’ antioxidant and antiandrogenic properties, as well as their ability to protect from inflammation and cancer, in various in vitro and in vivo experimental models in animals and humans. Naringin and naringenin can suppress cancer development in various body parts, alleviating the conditions of cancer patients by acting as effective alternative supplementary remedies. Their anticancer activities are pleiotropic, and they can modulate different cellular signaling pathways, suppress cytokine and growth factor production and arrest the cell cycle. In this narrative review, we discuss the effects of naringin and naringenin on inflammation, apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis and invasion processes and their potential to become innovative and safe anticancer drugs.

Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Cancer, and Toxicity Assessment of Tribulus terrestris-In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Tribulus terrestris L. belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae and integral part of various ancient medicinal systems including Chinese, Indian, and European to combat various health ailments. The aim of the present study was to assess the phytochemical constituents, in vitro antioxidant activity using DPPH, FRAP, and H2O2 assays, in vitro anticancer activity using MTT assay, and in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties of T. terrestris. The acute and sub-acute toxicity of extracts exhibiting most biological potential was examined using murine models. Liquid-liquid partitioning followed by RP-HPLC sub-fraction of crude extract was performed. After that, ESI-MS/MS analysis was done for the timid identification of bioactive metabolites responsible for bioactivities of sub-fractions and HPLC analysis to quantify the compounds using external standards. Among all extracts, T. terrestris methanol extract was noted to hold maximum phenolic (341.3 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (209 mg QE/g) contents, antioxidant activity in DPPH (IC50 71.4 µg/mL), FRAP (35.3 mmol/g), and H2O2 (65.3% inhibition) assays, anti-inflammatory activities in vitro at 400 µg/mL (heat-induced hemolysis, % inhibition 68.5; egg albumin denaturation, % inhibition 75.6%; serum albumin denaturation, % inhibition 80.2), and in vivo at 200 mg/kg (carrageenan-induced paw edema, % inhibition 69.3%; formaldehyde-induced paw edema, % inhibition 71.3%) and anticancer activity against breast cancer cell (MCF-7) proliferation (IC50 74.1 µg/mL). Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies recorded with no change in body weight, behavior, hematological, serum, and histopathological parameters in treated rats with T. terrestris methanol extracts when compared to control group. Fraction B obtained through liquid-liquid partitioning resulted in more bioactive potential as compared to the parent methanol extract. RP-HPLC analysis of fraction B resulted with four sub-fractions (TBTMF1-TBTMF4), wherein TBTMF3 delineated notable bioactive capabilities as compared to other fractions and parent methanol extract. ESI-MS/MS analysis of TBTMF3 resulted with tentative identification of myricetin, rutin, liquitrigenin, physcion, and protodioscin. It can be stated that T. terrestris is a potential bearing herb and findings of current study further verify the claims made in ancient medicinal systems. However, after investigation of each identified compound, it must be considered for drug discovery.