scholarly journals Anthocyanins from Purple Tomatoes as Novel Antioxidants to Promote Human Health

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1017
Author(s):  
Silvia Gonzali ◽  
Pierdomenico Perata

Anthocyanins are plant secondary metabolites belonging to the class of polyphenols, whose beneficial roles in the prevention and treatment of several important human diseases have been demonstrated in many epidemiological studies. Their intake through diet strictly depends on the eating habits, as anthocyanins are contained in red and purple fruit and vegetables as well as in some processed foods and beverages, such as red wine. Genetic engineering and breeding programs have been recently carried out to increase the content of anthocyanins in candidate plant species which cannot offer satisfactory levels of these precious compounds. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a vegetable commodity where these strategies have resulted in success, leading to the production of new anthocyanin-rich fruit varieties, some of which are already marketed. These varieties produce purple fruits with a high nutraceutical value, combining the health benefits of the anthocyanins to the other classical tomato phytochemicals, particularly carotenoids. The antioxidant capacity in tomato purple fruits is higher than in non-anthocyanin tomatoes and their healthy role has already been demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Recent evidence has indicated a particular capacity of tomato fruit anthocyanins to act as scavengers of harmful reactive chemical species and inhibitors of proliferating cancer cells, as well as anti-inflammatory molecules.

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 991
Author(s):  
Melanie S. Matos ◽  
José D. Anastácio ◽  
Cláudia Nunes dos Santos

Inflammation is a crucial and complex process that reestablishes the physiological state after a noxious stimulus. In pathological conditions the inflammatory state may persist, leading to chronic inflammation and causing tissue damage. Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are composed of a large and diverse group of highly bioactive plant secondary metabolites, characterized by a 15-carbon backbone structure. In recent years, the interest in SLs has risen due to their vast array of biological activities beneficial for human health. The anti-inflammatory potential of these compounds results from their ability to target and inhibit various key pro-inflammatory molecules enrolled in diverse inflammatory pathways, and prevent or reduce the inflammatory damage on tissues. Research on the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of SLs has thrived over the last years, and numerous compounds from diverse plants have been studied, using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo assays. Besides their anti-inflammatory potential, their cytotoxicity, structure–activity relationships, and pharmacokinetics have been investigated. This review aims to gather the most relevant results and insights concerning the anti-inflammatory potential of SL-rich extracts and pure SLs, focusing on their effects in different inflammatory pathways and on different molecular players.


Foods ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenico Cautela ◽  
Filomena Monica Vella ◽  
Bruna Laratta

Experimental and epidemiological studies show a positive relation between consumption of citrus juices and reduction of risk for some chronic disorders, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In particular, the bergamot juice is characterized by noticeable amounts of phytochemicals such as flavanone glycosides, limonoids, and quaternary ammonium compounds, all health-beneficial biomolecules. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-diabetic activities attributed to these compounds depending on their chemical structure. However, nutritional content of bergamot juice may vary as consequence of different processing techniques, thus needing to address this claim. For this reason, the objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of different processing systems on the proximate constituents, the composition, and the antioxidant activity of the correspondent juices. Overall, the results indicate that the process employed may influence the chemical composition and the functional properties of the ended juice. Screw press method produced a juice with greater content of flavanone glycosides (ranged from 37 to 402 mg/L) and limonoid aglycones (ranged from 65 to 67 mg/L) than the other processes (p < 0.001). However, the process used for extraction of bergamot juice did not affect significantly the N,N-dimethyl-L-proline content (p < 0.5). Moreover, the screw press juice showed the highest antioxidant activity with EC50 value of 9.35 µg/mL, thus suggesting that this method maintains for health the nutritional quality of a fresh-pressed juice.


2001 ◽  
pp. 129-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
P This ◽  
A De La Rochefordi√®re ◽  
K Clough ◽  
A Fourquet ◽  
H Magdelenat ◽  
...  

The current extension of the indications for adjuvant chemotherapy, which predisposes to early menopause, and the media coverage of the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have led patients with a history of breast cancer to seek treatments for estrogen deprivation. In breast cancer survivors, most physicians avoid HRT because of concern regarding the potential promotion of growth of occult malignant cells by estrogens, due to the estrogen dependence of breast cancer. Soy phytoestrogens are being promoted as the 'natural alternative' to HRT and have been available without restrictions for several years as nutritional supplements. In this paper, data on the complex mammary effects of phytoestrogens in epidemiological studies, in in vitro studies, as well as in in vivo studies on animal carcinogenesis are reviewed. The potential benefits and risks of phytoestrogens are analyzed, and the prescription of phytoestrogens to postmenopausal women after breast cancer and the coprescription with the anti-estrogen tamoxifen are discussed. The absence of controlled trials and technical checking of extraction and titration in these preparations on 'free sale' raise a new problem in terms of public health and justify close reasoning and a cautious attitude of physicians, as well as straight information given to women, especially after breast cancer.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1624 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danja J. Den Hartogh ◽  
Evangelia Tsiani

Different diseases and disorders that affect the kidneys include, but are not limited to, glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease, kidney stones, renal fibrosis, sepsis, and renal cell carcinoma. Kidney disease tends to develop over many years, making it difficult to identify until much later when kidney function is severely impaired and undergoing kidney failure. Although conservative care, symptom management, medication, dialysis, transplantation, and aggressive renal cancer therapy are some of the current strategies/approaches to kidney disease treatment, new preventative targeted therapies are needed. Epidemiological studies have suggested that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with health benefits including protection against kidney disease and renal cancer. Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes and berries, has been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer properties. The current review summarizes the existing in vitro and in vivo animal and human studies examining the nephroprotective effects of resveratrol.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (19) ◽  
pp. 4772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Øvrevik

Background and Objectives: The oxidative potential (OP) of particulate matter (PM) in cell-free/abiotic systems have been suggested as a possible measure of their biological reactivity and a relevant exposure metric for ambient air PM in epidemiological studies. The present review examined whether the OP of particles correlate with their biological effects, to determine the relevance of these cell-free assays as predictors of particle toxicity. Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant studies published up to May 2019. The main inclusion criteria used for the selection of studies were that they should contain (1) multiple PM types or samples, (2) assessment of oxidative potential in cell-free systems and (3) assessment of biological effects in cells, animals or humans. Results: In total, 50 independent studies were identified assessing both OP and biological effects of ambient air PM or combustion particles such as diesel exhaust and wood smoke particles: 32 in vitro or in vivo studies exploring effects in cells or animals, and 18 clinical or epidemiological studies exploring effects in humans. Of these, 29 studies assessed the association between OP and biological effects by statistical analysis: 10 studies reported that at least one OP measure was statistically significantly associated with all endpoints examined, 12 studies reported that at least one OP measure was significantly associated with at least one effect outcome, while seven studies reported no significant correlation/association between any OP measures and any biological effects. The overall assessment revealed considerable variability in reported association between individual OP assays and specific outcomes, but evidence of positive association between intracellular ROS, oxidative damage and antioxidant response in vitro, and between OP assessed by the dithiothreitol (DDT) assay and asthma/wheeze in humans. There was little support for consistent association between OP and any other outcome assessed, either due to repeated lack of statistical association, variability in reported findings or limited numbers of available studies. Conclusions: Current assays for OP in cell-free/abiotic systems appear to have limited value in predicting PM toxicity. Clarifying the underlying causes may be important for further advancement in the field.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 4025
Author(s):  
Linda Nezbedova ◽  
Tony McGhie ◽  
Mark Christensen ◽  
Julian Heyes ◽  
Noha Ahmed Nasef ◽  
...  

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. Epidemiological studies have strongly linked a diet high in fruits to a lower incidence of cancer. Furthermore, extensive research shows that secondary plant metabolites known as phytochemicals, which are commonly found in fruits, have onco-preventive and chemo-protective effects. Apple is a commonly consumed fruit worldwide that is available all year round and is a rich source of phytochemicals. In this review, we summarize the association of apple consumption with cancer incidence based on findings from epidemiological and cohort studies. We further provide a comprehensive review of the main phytochemical patterns observed in apples and their bioavailability after consumption. Finally, we report on the latest findings from in vitro and in vivo studies highlighting some of the key molecular mechanisms targeted by apple phytochemicals in relation to inhibiting multiple ‘hallmarks of cancer’ that are important in the progression of cancer.


Author(s):  
Francesca Gorini ◽  
Elisa Bustaffa ◽  
Alessio Coi ◽  
Giorgio Iervasi ◽  
Fabrizio Bianchi

Bisphenols (BPs), and especially bisphenol A (BPA), are known endocrine disruptors (EDCs), capable of interfering with estrogen and androgen activities, as well as being suspected of other health outcomes. Given the crucial role of thyroid hormones and the increasing incidence of thyroid carcinoma in the last few decades, this review analyzes the effects of BPS on the thyroid, considering original research in vitro, in vivo, and in humans published from January 2000 to October 2019. Both in vitro and in vivo studies reported the ability of BPs to disrupt thyroid function through multiple mechanisms. The antagonism with thyroid receptors (TRs), which affects TR-mediated transcriptional activity, the direct action of BPs on gene expression at the thyroid and the pituitary level, the competitive binding with thyroid transport proteins, and the induction of toxicity in several cell lines are likely the main mechanisms leading to thyroid dysfunction. In humans, results are more contradictory, though some evidence suggests the potential of BPs in increasing the risk of thyroid nodules. A standardized methodology in toxicological studies and prospective epidemiological studies with individual exposure assessments are warranted to evaluate the pathophysiology resulting in the damage and to establish the temporal relationship between markers of exposure and long-term effects.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liwen Wang ◽  
Jinhan Wang ◽  
Lianying Fang ◽  
Zuliang Zheng ◽  
Dexian Zhi ◽  
...  

Citrus is a kind of common fruit and contains multiple beneficial nutrients for human beings. Flavonoids, as a class of plant secondary metabolites, exist in citrus fruits abundantly. Due to their broad range of pharmacological properties, citrus flavonoids have gained increased attention. Accumulative in vitro and in vivo studies indicate protective effects of polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) against the occurrence of cancer. PMFs inhibit carcinogenesis by mechanisms like blocking the metastasis cascade, inhibition of cancer cell mobility in circulatory systems, proapoptosis, and antiangiogenesis. This review systematically summarized anticarcinogenic effect of citrus flavonoids in cancer therapy, together with the underlying important molecular mechanisms, in purpose of further exploring more effective use of citrus peel flavonoids.


2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiwen Guo ◽  
Ying Xu ◽  
Tao Zhang ◽  
Yandan Wang ◽  
Ruijie Liu ◽  
...  

Vitamin D (VitD) is an essential fat-soluble micronutrient required for maintaining and regulating calcium homeostasis. Although sunlight can provide VitD, epidemiological studies indicate that VitD deficiency and insufficiency are widespread....


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 1860-1874 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arpit Bhargava ◽  
Neelam Pathak ◽  
Sriram Seshadri ◽  
Neha Bunkar ◽  
Dinesh K. Mishra ◽  
...  

Background: Novel bioactive plant secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, offer a spectrum of chemo-protective responses against a range of human tumor models. However, the clinical translation of these promising anti-cancer agents has been hindered largely by their poor solubility, rapid metabolism, or a combination of both, ultimately resulting in poor bioavailability upon oral administration. Objective: To circumvent the challenges associated with herbal drug development and for effective integration into clinical setting, nano-engineering is one of the emerging pragmatic strategies which has promise to deliver therapeutic concentrations of bio-actives upon oral administration. Method: We assessed the nano-encapsulated flavonoid-rich fraction isolated from a traditional Indian herb Selaginella bryopteris (Sanjeevani) (NP.SB). Both in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to evidence the epigenetic protection mechanisms of NP.SB through a mitochondrial-targeted pre-clinical validation strategy. Results: The mito-protective activity of NP.SB revealed a dose-dependent effect when tested in GC-1 spg (mouse spermatogonial epithelial) and B/CMBA.Ov (mouse ovarian epithelial) following exposure to Nsuccinimidyl N-methylcarbamate, a potential human carcinogen. Smaller size, rapid internalization, faster mobility and site specific delivery conferred significant cancer protection in cultured cells. Notably, this encapsulated flavonoid supplementation; prevented emergence of neoplastic daughter clones from senescent mother phenotypes in pro-oxidant treated GC-1 spg and B/CMBA.Ov cells by selective abrogation of mitochondrial oxidative stress-induced aberrant epigenetic modifications. In vivo studies using a diethylnitrosamine and 2- acetylaminofluorene mouse model demonstrated that NP.SB has a significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth which clearly substantiated our in vitro findings. Conclusion: Anti-carcinogenic property in conjunction with low toxicity of NP.SB, underscores the translational significance of dietary flavonoids as cancer-protective agents for preferential application in clinical settings.


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