Exploring the halophyte Cistanche phelypaea (L.) Cout as a source of health promoting products: In vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties, metabolomic profile and computational studies

The genus Minthostachys belonging to the Lamiaceae family, and is an important South American mint genus used commonly in folk medicine as an aroma in cooking. The phytochemical-rich samples of the aerial parts of Minthostachys diffusa Epling. were tested for pharmacological and health-promoting bioactivities using in vitro chemical and enzymatic assays. A range of radical scavenging activities of the samples against biological radicals such as nitric oxide and superoxide anion and against synthetic 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radicals, the ferric reducing antioxidant power and the lipid peroxidation inhibition were determined and ranked using the ‘relative antioxidant capacity index’ (RACI). The ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest RACI of +1.12. Analysis of the various fractions’ inhibitory ability against enzymes involved in diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), and against enzymes associated with Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s diseases (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase) also suggested that the ethyl acetate fraction was the most active. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction showed more than 30 polyphenolic compounds, including triterpenes. The inhibitory cholinesterase effects of the triterpenes identified from M. diffusa were further analysed by in silico docking of these compounds into 3D-structures of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. This is the first study on pharmacological activities and phytochemical profiling of the aerial parts of M. diffusa, showing that this plant, normally used as food in South America, is also rich in health-promoting phytochemicals.

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In vitro and computational studies on the antiglycation activity of compounds isolated from antidiabetic Tetracera alnifolia stem bark

Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics ◽

10.1080/07391102.2021.1934542 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Kelly Oriakhi ◽

Collins U. Ibeji ◽

Emmanuel E. Essien ◽

Nkeiruka Eluehike ◽

Kissinger Orumwensodia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Bark ◽

Computational Studies ◽

Tetracera Alnifolia

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In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds from Citrus Pomaces and Orange Pomace Biscuits

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26123480 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (12) ◽

pp. 3480

Author(s):

Adriana Maite Fernández-Fernández ◽

Eduardo Dellacassa ◽

Tiziana Nardin ◽

Roberto Larcher ◽

Adriana Gámbaro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Total Phenol Content ◽

No Production ◽

Food Ingredient ◽

Potential Health ◽

Raw264.7 Macrophages ◽

In Vitro Bioaccessibility ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Orange Pomace

The present investigation aimed to provide novel information on the chemical composition and in vitro bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds from raw citrus pomaces (mandarin varieties Clemenule and Ortanique and orange varieties Navel and Valencia). The effects of the baking process on their bioaccessibility was also assessed. Samples of pomaces and biscuits containing them as an ingredient were digested, mimicking the human enzymatic oral gastrointestinal digestion process, and the composition of the digests were analyzed. UHPLC-MS/MS results of the citrus pomaces flavonoid composition showed nobiletin, hesperidin/neohesperidin, tangeretin, heptamethoxyflavone, tetramethylscutellarein, and naringin/narirutin. The analysis of the digests indicated the bioaccessibility of compounds possessing antioxidant [6.6–11.0 mg GAE/g digest, 65.5–97.1 µmol Trolox Equivalents (TE)/g digest, and 135.5–214.8 µmol TE/g digest for total phenol content (TPC), ABTS, and ORAC-FL methods, respectively; significant reduction (p < 0.05) in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) formation under tert-butyl hydroperoxide (1 mM)-induced conditions in IEC-6 and CCD-18Co cells when pre-treated with concentrations 5–25 µg/mL of the digests], anti-inflammatory [significant reduction (p < 0.05) in nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages], and antidiabetic (IC50 3.97–11.42 mg/mL and 58.04–105.68 mg/mL for α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition capacities) properties in the citrus pomaces under study. In addition, orange pomace biscuits with the nutrition claims “no-added sugars” and “source of fiber”, as well as those with good sensory quality (6.9–6.7, scale 1–9) and potential health promoting properties, were obtained. In conclusion, the results supported the feasibility of citrus pomace as a natural sustainable source of health-promoting compounds such as flavonoids. Unfractionated orange pomace may be employed as a functional food ingredient for reducing the risk of pathophysiological processes linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and carbohydrate metabolism, such as diabetes, among others.

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Lignans of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.): A Comprehensive Review

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26040883 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 883

Author(s):

Mebeaselassie Andargie ◽

Maria Vinas ◽

Anna Rathgeb ◽

Evelyn Möller ◽

Petr Karlovsky

Keyword(s):

Biological Activities ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Transformation Products ◽

Extensive Literature ◽

Controversial Issues ◽

Sesame Seeds ◽

Historical Texts ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Processed Products

Major lignans of sesame sesamin and sesamolin are benzodioxol--substituted furofurans. Sesamol, sesaminol, its epimers, and episesamin are transformation products found in processed products. Synthetic routes to all lignans are known but only sesamol is synthesized industrially. Biosynthesis of furofuran lignans begins with the dimerization of coniferyl alcohol, followed by the formation of dioxoles, oxidation, and glycosylation. Most genes of the lignan pathway in sesame have been identified but the inheritance of lignan content is poorly understood. Health-promoting properties make lignans attractive components of functional food. Lignans enhance the efficiency of insecticides and possess antifeedant activity, but their biological function in plants remains hypothetical. In this work, extensive literature including historical texts is reviewed, controversial issues are critically examined, and errors perpetuated in literature are corrected. The following aspects are covered: chemical properties and transformations of lignans; analysis, purification, and total synthesis; occurrence in Seseamum indicum and related plants; biosynthesis and genetics; biological activities; health-promoting properties; and biological functions. Finally, the improvement of lignan content in sesame seeds by breeding and biotechnology and the potential of hairy roots for manufacturing lignans in vitro are outlined.

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Evaluation of Innovative Dried Purée from Jerusalem Artichoke—In Vitro Studies of Its Physicochemical and Health-Promoting Properties

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26092644 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (9) ◽

pp. 2644

Author(s):

Jan Oszmiański ◽

Sabina Lachowicz ◽

Paulina Nowicka ◽

Paweł Rubiński ◽

Tomasz Cebulak

Keyword(s):

Freeze Drying ◽

Jerusalem Artichoke ◽

Polyphenolic Compounds ◽

Raw Material ◽

Vacuum Drying ◽

Drying Methods ◽

Drying Method ◽

Activity Inhibition ◽

Health Promoting

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Jerusalem artichoke processing methods and drying methods (freeze drying, sublimation drying, vacuum drying) on the basic physicochemical parameters, profiles and contents of sugars and polyphenolic compounds, and health-promoting properties (antioxidant activity, inhibition of the activities of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase) of the produced purée. A total of 25 polyphenolic compounds belonging to hydroxycinnamic phenolic acids (LC-PDA-MS-QTof) were detected in Jerusalem artichoke purée. Their average content in the raw material was at 820 mg/100 g dm (UPLC-PDA-FL) and was 2.7 times higher than in the cooked material. The chemical composition and the health-promoting value of the purées were affected by the drying method, with the most beneficial values of the evaluated parameters obtained upon freeze drying. Vacuum drying could offer an alternative to freeze drying, as both methods ensured relatively comparable values of the assessed parameters.

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Synthesis, in vitro and computational studies of novel glycosyl-1, 2, 3-1H-triazolyl methyl benzamide derivatives as potential α-glucosidase inhibitory activity

Bioorganic Chemistry ◽

10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104687 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 109 ◽

pp. 104687

Author(s):

Akhilesh Kumar Shukla ◽

Manoj Kumar Shrivash ◽

Anwesh Pandey ◽

Jyoti Pandey

Keyword(s):

Inhibitory Activity ◽

Computational Studies ◽

Benzamide Derivatives

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Chromatography-Independent Fractionation and Newly Identified Molecular Features of the Adzuki Bean (Vigna angularis Willd.) β-vignin Protein

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22063018 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (6) ◽

pp. 3018

Author(s):

Biane Philadelpho ◽

Victória Souza ◽

Fabiani Souza ◽

Johnnie Santos ◽

Fabiana Batista ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Metal Binding ◽

Cardiovascular Health ◽

Binding Capacity ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Electrophoretic Analysis ◽

Adzuki Bean ◽

Molecular Features ◽

Health Promoting ◽

High Degree

Adzuki seed β-vignin, a vicilin-like globulin, has proven to exert various health-promoting biological activities, notably in cardiovascular health. A simple scalable enrichment procedure of this protein for further nutritional and functional studies is crucial. In this study, a simplified chromatography-independent protein fractionation procedure has been optimized and described. The electrophoretic analysis showed a high degree of homogeneity of β-vignin isolate. Furthermore, the molecular features of the purified protein were investigated. The adzuki bean β-vignin was found to have a native size of 146 kDa, and the molecular weight determined was consistent with a trimeric structure. These were identified in two main polypeptide chains (masses of 56–54 kDa) that are glycosylated polypeptides with metal binding capacity, and one minor polypeptide chain with a mass 37 kDa, wherein these features are absent. The in vitro analysis showed a high degree of digestibility of the protein (92%) and potential anti-inflammatory capacity. The results lay the basis not only for further investigation of the health-promoting properties of the adzuki bean β-vignin protein, but also for a possible application as nutraceutical molecule.

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Custard Apple (Annona squamosa L.) Leaves: Nutritional Composition, Phytochemical Profile, and Health-Promoting Biological Activities

Biomolecules ◽

10.3390/biom11050614 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 614

Author(s):

Manoj Kumar ◽

Sushil Changan ◽

Maharishi Tomar ◽

Uma Prajapati ◽

Vivek Saurabh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Activities ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

Pharmaceutical Drugs ◽

Annona Squamosa ◽

Tropical Fruit ◽

Custard Apple ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Phytochemical Profile

Annona squamosa L. (custard apple) belongs to the family Annonaceae and is an important tropical fruit cultivated in the West Indies, South and Central America, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, India, Mexico, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Egypt. Leaves of custard apple plants have been studied for their health benefits, which are attributed to a considerable diversity of phytochemicals. These compounds include phenol-based compounds, e.g., proanthocyanidins, comprising 18 different phenolic compounds, mainly alkaloids and flavonoids. Extracts from Annona squamosa leaves (ASLs) have been studied for their biological activities, including anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiobesity, lipid-lowering, and hepatoprotective functions. In the current article, we discussed the nutritional and phytochemical diversity of ASLs. Additionally, ASL extracts were discussed with respect to their biological activities, which were established by in vivo and in vitro experiments. A survey of the literature based on the phytochemical profile and health-promoting effects of ASLs showed that they can be used as potential ingredients for the development of pharmaceutical drugs and functional foods. Although there are sufficient findings available from in vitro and in vivo investigations, clinical trials are still needed to determine the exact effects of ASL extracts on human health.

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