Amaranth Sprouts: A Potential Health Promoting and Nutritive Natural Food

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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The Potential Effects of Phytoestrogens: The Role in Neuroprotection

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26102954 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (10) ◽

pp. 2954

Author(s):

Justyna Gorzkiewicz ◽

Grzegorz Bartosz ◽

Izabela Sadowska-Bartosz

Keyword(s):

Neuroprotective Effect ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Estrogen Therapy ◽

Neuroprotective Effects ◽

Potential Health ◽

Naturally Occurring ◽

Epigenetic Effects ◽

Estrogen Synthesis ◽

Health Promoting ◽

The Brain

Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring non-steroidal phenolic plant compounds. Their structure is similar to 17-β-estradiol, the main female sex hormone. This review offers a concise summary of the current literature on several potential health benefits of phytoestrogens, mainly their neuroprotective effect. Phytoestrogens lower the risk of menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis, as well as cardiovascular disease. They also reduce the risk of brain disease. The effects of phytoestrogens and their derivatives on cancer are mainly due to the inhibition of estrogen synthesis and metabolism, leading to antiangiogenic, antimetastatic, and epigenetic effects. The brain controls the secretion of estrogen (hypothalamus-pituitary-gonads axis). However, it has not been unequivocally established whether estrogen therapy has a neuroprotective effect on brain function. The neuroprotective effects of phytoestrogens seem to be related to both their antioxidant properties and interaction with the estrogen receptor. The possible effects of phytoestrogens on the thyroid cause some concern; nevertheless, generally, no serious side effects have been reported, and these compounds can be recommended as health-promoting food components or supplements.

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Dietary nitrate and population health: a narrative review of the translational potential of existing laboratory studies

BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1186/s13102-021-00292-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Oliver M. Shannon ◽

Chris Easton ◽

Anthony I. Shepherd ◽

Mario Siervo ◽

Stephen J. Bailey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Population Health ◽

Leafy Vegetables ◽

Future Research ◽

Research Approach ◽

Valuable Insight ◽

Main Body ◽

Laboratory Studies ◽

Potential Health ◽

Health Promoting

Abstract Background Dietary inorganic nitrate (NO3−) is a polyatomic ion, which is present in large quantities in green leafy vegetables and beetroot, and has attracted considerable attention in recent years as a potential health-promoting dietary compound. Numerous small, well-controlled laboratory studies have reported beneficial health effects of inorganic NO3− consumption on blood pressure, endothelial function, cerebrovascular blood flow, cognitive function, and exercise performance. Translating the findings from small laboratory studies into ‘real-world’ applications requires careful consideration. Main body This article provides a brief overview of the existing empirical evidence basis for the purported health-promoting effects of dietary NO3− consumption. Key areas for future research are then proposed to evaluate whether promising findings observed in small animal and human laboratory studies can effectively translate into clinically relevant improvements in population health. These proposals include: 1) conducting large-scale, longer duration trials with hard clinical endpoints (e.g. cardiovascular disease incidence); 2) exploring the feasibility and acceptability of different strategies to facilitate a prolonged increase in dietary NO3− intake; 3) exploitation of existing cohort studies to explore associations between NO3− intake and health outcomes, a research approach allowing larger samples sizes and longer duration follow up than is feasible in randomised controlled trials; 4) identifying factors which might account for individual differences in the response to inorganic NO3− (e.g. sex, genetics, habitual diet) and could assist with targeted/personalised nutritional interventions; 5) exploring the influence of oral health and medication on the therapeutic potential of NO3− supplementation; and 6) examining potential risk of adverse events with long term high- NO3− diets. Conclusion The salutary effects of dietary NO3− are well established in small, well-controlled laboratory studies. Much less is known about the feasibility and efficacy of long-term dietary NO3− enrichment for promoting health, and the factors which might explain the variable responsiveness to dietary NO3− supplementation between individuals. Future research focussing on the translation of laboratory data will provide valuable insight into the potential applications of dietary NO3− supplementation to improve population health.

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Strawberry-Derived Exosome-Like Nanoparticles Prevent Oxidative Stress in Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Biomolecules ◽

10.3390/biom11010087 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 87

Author(s):

Francesca Perut ◽

Laura Roncuzzi ◽

Sofia Avnet ◽

Annamaria Massa ◽

Nicoletta Zini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Vitamin C ◽

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ◽

Stromal Cells ◽

Mammalian Cells ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Potential Health ◽

Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Size And Morphology

Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (EPDENs) have recently been isolated and evaluated as potential bioactive nutraceutical biomolecules. It has been hypothesized that EPDENs may exert their activity on mammalian cells through their specific cargo. In this study, we isolated and purified EPDENs from the strawberry juice of Fragaria x ananassa (cv. Romina), a new cultivar characterized by a high content of anthocyanins, folic acid, flavonols, and vitamin C and an elevated antioxidant capacity. Fragaria-derived EPDENs were purified by a series of centrifugation and filtration steps. EPDENs showed size and morphology similar to mammalian extracellular nanovesicles. The internalization of Fragaria-derived EPDENs by human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) did not negatively affect their viability, and the pretreatment of MSCs with Fragaria-derived EPDENs prevented oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. This is possibly due to the presence of vitamin C inside the nanovesicle membrane. The analysis of EPDEN cargo also revealed the presence of small RNAs and miRNAs. These findings suggest that Fragaria-derived EPDENs may be considered nanoshuttles contained in food, with potential health-promoting activity.

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Detailed peptide profiling of “Scotta”: from a dairy waste to a source of potential health-promoting compounds

Dairy Science and Technology ◽

10.1007/s13594-016-0297-y ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 96 (5) ◽

pp. 763-771 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Eduardo Sommella ◽

Giacomo Pepe ◽

Giovanni Ventre ◽

Francesco Pagano ◽

Giulio Maria Conte ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Potential Health ◽

Dairy Waste ◽

Health Promoting

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Phytochemical Molecules from the Decarboxylation of Gomphrenins in Violet Gomphrena globosa L.—Floral Infusions from Functional Food

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms21228834 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (22) ◽

pp. 8834

Author(s):

Natalia Drobnicka ◽

Katarzyna Sutor ◽

Agnieszka Kumorkiewicz-Jamro ◽

Aneta Spórna-Kucab ◽

Michał Antonik ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Citric Acid ◽

High Resolution Mass Spectrometry ◽

Potential Health ◽

Gomphrena Globosa ◽

Brewing Process ◽

Health Promoting ◽

The Stability ◽

Kinetics Of ◽

Derivatives Of

Herein, the generation of decarboxylated derivatives of gomphrenin pigments exhibiting potential health-promoting properties and the kinetics of their extraction during tea brewing from the purple flowers of Gomphrena globosa L. in aqueous and aqueous citric acid solutions were investigated. Time-dependent concentration monitoring of natural gomphrenins and their tentative identification was carried out by LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. The high content of acylated gomphrenins and their principal decarboxylation products, 2-, 15-, 17-decarboxy-gomphrenins, along with minor levels of their bidecarboxylated derivatives, were reported in the infusions. The identification was supported by the determination of molecular formulas of the extracted pigments by liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LCMS-IT-TOF). The influence of plant matrix on gomphrenins’ stability and generation of their derivatives, including the extraction kinetics, was determined by studying the concentration profiles in the primary and diluted infusions. Isolated and purified acylated gomphrenins from the same plant material were used for the preliminary determination of their decarboxylated derivatives. The acylated gomphrenins were found to be more stable than nonacylated ones. Citric acid addition had a degradative influence on natural gomphrenins mainly during the longer tea brewing process (above 15 min); however, the presence of plant matrix significantly increased the stability for betacyanins’ identification.

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Potential Health Benefits of Ropy Exopolysaccharides Produced by Lactobacillus plantarum

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules25143293 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (14) ◽

pp. 3293 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Tülin Yılmaz ◽

Ömer Şimşek

Keyword(s):

Lactobacillus Plantarum ◽

Immune Modulation ◽

Radical Scavenging ◽

Fermentation Medium ◽

Potential Health ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Medium Level ◽

Probiotic Strains ◽

Health Promoting

The ability of Lactobacillus plantarum to produce exopolysaccharides (EPS) of various structures and properties is effective in showing both starter and probiotic culture qualification. In this study, the potential health promoting functions of the ropy EPS produced by Lactobacillus plantarum strains isolated from tarhana were tested. A stimulation of the pro-inflammatory IL-12 and TNF-α cytokines was observed in the presence of the ropy EPS suggesting an in vitro immune modulation. Similarly, the tested EPS demonstrated promoted the growth of the probiotic strains in fermentation medium. A medium level of radical scavenging activities of ropy EPS was observed whereas the superoxide and hydroxyl scavenging activities were more effective. The ropy EPS also showed α-glucosidase inhibition and cholesterol removal characteristics depending on their concentration. These findings revealed the potential health-promoting functions of ropy EPS from L. plantarum strains and EPS from L. plantarum PFC311 and PFC310 strains demonstrated multiple health-improving effects that can be further evaluated in food and other industries.

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Health Promoting Effects of Red Ginseng Intake: A Systematic Review (P23-008-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz043.p23-008-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Ji-Yun Hwang ◽

Bo-young Lee ◽

Sung-Min Yook

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Blood Circulation ◽

Menopausal Symptom ◽

Symptom Relief ◽

Postprandial Blood Glucose ◽

Red Ginseng ◽

Potential Health ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Prevention Of Hypertension

Abstract Objectives Although red ginseng is one of the bestselling herbal medicines, little studies have evaluated and summarized the effects of red ginseng intake on human health using a systematic review. Methods We systematically searched for epidemiological studies from 1997 to 2018 regarding red ginseng intake and health in the PubMed, DBPIA, and EMBASE databases. A total of 41 related studies were qualitatively reviewed under the four functionalities of red ginseng: immunity enhancement, prevention of metabolic syndrome and diabetes, blood circulation and prevention of hypertension, and menopausal symptom relief. Results We identified thirteen studies for immunity enhancement, ten prevention of metabolic syndrome and diabetes (reduced postprandial blood glucose levels), nine for blood circulation and prevention of hypertension, and five for menopausal symptom relief. Functional effects of red ginseng may be related to antioxidant effects via fermentation, although some studies have reported inconsistent effects such as insulin sensitivity. Conclusions Red ginseng may have potential health promoting effects based on this systematic review. Further meta-analysis study is needed to identify and evaluate whether these potential effects of red ginseng exist. Funding Sources This study was supported by the Korea Ginseng Corp.

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Quality Evaluation and Functional Properties of Reduced Sugar Jellies Formulated from Citrus Fruits

Journal of Chemistry ◽

10.1155/2020/5476872 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Ines Ben Rejeb ◽

Nahla Dhen ◽

Salma Kassebi ◽

Mohamed Gargouri

Keyword(s):

Antioxidant Activity ◽

Sensory Evaluation ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Total Phenolic ◽

Potential Health ◽

Phenolic Contents ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Citrus Varieties ◽

Hedonic Scale ◽

Blood Orange

In Tunisia, despite the large annual production and the numerous citrus varieties under cultivation, citrus processing industries lack product diversity. Products based on dietary properties are a new trend aiming to develop innovative foods and to meet the requirements of the new customer class. In the present study, formulations of reduced sugar jelly products using antioxidant rich-fruit, citrus, were carried out. The effects of citrus juices on the jelly’s antioxidant properties, colour, consistency, and sensory evaluation were also investigated. Results showed that all citrus jellies maintain their antioxidant activity, correlated with phenolic content presence. In fact, total phenolic contents ranged between 123.16 and 192.76 mg GAE/100 g, while flavonoid content varied between 1.54 and 9.06 mg QE/100 g for grapefruit jelly and blood orange jelly, respectively. Results illustrated that antioxidant activity varies according to the variety. A sensory evaluation employing hedonic scale technique exhibited satisfactory acceptance of the reduced sugar blood orange and blond maltase jellies. These results highlight and promote the potential use of these citrus varieties in jelly industry as they present a rich source of phenolic compounds and may generate numerous phytochemicals with potential health promoting properties.

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Anthocyanins—Nature’s Bold, Beautiful, and Health-Promoting Colors

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods8110550 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (11) ◽

pp. 550 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Wallace ◽

Giusti

Keyword(s):

Scientific Evidence ◽

Value Added ◽

Complex Compounds ◽

Original Research ◽

Potential Health ◽

Food Ingredients ◽

Research Activities ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Food Processing Waste ◽

Vegetables And Fruits

Anthocyanins are among the most interesting and vigorously studied plant compounds, representing a large class of over 700 polyphenolic pigments within the flavonoid family that exist ubiquitously in the human diet. They are “nature’s colors,” responsible for providing the beautiful red-orange to blue-violet hues present in many leaves, flowers, vegetables, and fruits, especially berries. The beginning of the 21st century has witnessed a renaissance in research activities on anthocyanins in several areas, mainly related to their potential health-promoting properties and their increased use as alternatives to synthetic food colors. There is increasingly convincing scientific evidence that supports both a preventative and therapeutic role of anthocyanins towards certain chronic disease states. Many anthocyanin-based extracts and juice concentrates from crop and/or food processing waste have become commercially available as colorants and/or value-added food ingredients. There is a large and evolving peer-reviewed literature on how anthocyanin chemistry and concentration may affect their coloring properties in food. Equally as important is the food matrix, which can have large impacts on anthocyanin color expression, stability and degradation, particularly regarding the applications of anthocyanins as food colorants and their health-promoting properties. This Special Edition of Foods, titled “Anthocyanins in Foods,” presents original research that extends our understanding of these exciting and complex compounds.

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