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

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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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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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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Broad bean (Vicia faba L.) pods: a rich source of bioactive ingredients with antimicrobial, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, anti-diabetic and health-promoting properties

Food & Function ◽

10.1039/c8fo00055g ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 2051-2069 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Faiza Mejri ◽

Slimen Selmi ◽

Alice Martins ◽

Haifa benkhoud ◽

Tarek Baati ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antioxidant Enzyme ◽

Vicia Faba ◽

Functional Food ◽

Broad Bean ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Vicia Faba L ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Bioactive Ingredients

Broad bean pods have been proven to be a functional food with promising in vitro and in vivo biological activities.

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Sapogenol is a Major Microbial Metabolite in Human Plasma Associated with High Protein Soy-Based Diets: The Relevance for Functional Food Formulations

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods9040422 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 422

Author(s):

Madalina Neacsu ◽

Vassilios Raikos ◽

Yara Benavides-Paz ◽

Sylvia H. Duncan ◽

Gary J. Duncan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Functional Foods ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

High Protein ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Soya Meal ◽

Human Volunteers ◽

Faecal Samples ◽

Health Promoting

Legumes are a source of health-promoting macro- and micronutrients, but also contain numerous phytochemicals with useful biological activities, an example of which are saponins. Epidemiological studies suggest that saponins may play a role in protection from cancer and benefit human health by lowering cholesterol. Therefore, they could represent good candidates for specialised functional foods. Following the consumption of a soya-rich high-protein weight-loss diet (SOYA HP WL), the concentrations of Soyasaponin I (SSI) and soyasapogenol B (SSB) were determined in faecal samples from human volunteers (n = 10) and found to be between 1.4 and 17.5 mg per 100 g fresh faecal sample. SSB was the major metabolite identified in volunteers’ plasma (n = 10) after consumption of the soya test meal (SOYA MEAL); the postprandial (3 h after meal) plasma concentration for SSB varied between 48.5 ng/mL to 103.2 ng/mL. The metabolism of SSI by the gut microbiota (in vitro) was also confirmed. This study shows that the main systemic metabolites of soyasaponin are absorbed from the gut and that they are bioavailable in plasma predominantly as conjugates of sapogenol. The metabolism and bioavailability of biologically active molecules represent key information necessary for the efficient development of functional foods.

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An In Vitro and In Vivo Investigation of the Diverse Biological Activities of Bovine Placental Lactogen

10.32747/1993.7568087.bard ◽

1993 ◽

Author(s):

Donald Spiers ◽

Arieh Gertler ◽

Harold Johnson ◽

James Spain

Keyword(s):

Binding Capacity ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Age Groups ◽

Experimental Models ◽

Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽

Placental Lactogen ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Thermal Environments

In order to understand the structure-function relationship of bovine placental lactogen (bPL) and initiate production of material for in vivo testing, 28 different bPL analogues were prepared by either truncation or site-directed mutagenesis. The effect of these mutations was determined by measuring binding capacity, ability to homodimerize extracellular domains (ECDs) of several lactogenic and somatogenic receptors, and by in vitro bioassays. Two analogues were prepared in large amounts for in vivo studies. These studies (a) identified the residues responsible for the somatogenic activity of bPL (K73, G133, T188) and for both lactogenic and somatogenic activity (N-terminus, K185, Y190); (b) allowed preparation of bPL analogues with selectively abolished or reduced somatogenic activity; and (c) provided a tool to understand the kinetic difference between lactogenic and somatogenic receptors. In vivo studies using rodent and dairy models showed that bovine growth hormone (bGH) is superior to bPL in stimulating growth and lactation. Likewise, bGH has greater somatogenic activity in different age groups and thermal environments. Initial studies of bPL analog T188 suggest that its lactogenic potential is superior to bGH. Effective experimental models have now been developed and tested for analysis of new bPL analogs.

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Are Supplements Safe? Effects of Gallic and Ferulic Acids on In Vitro Cell Models

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12061591 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 1591 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Francesca Truzzi ◽

Maria Chiara Valerii ◽

Camilla Tibaldi ◽

Yanxin Zhang ◽

Veronika Abduazizova ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Activities ◽

Intestinal Wall ◽

Cell Models ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Mucosal Layer ◽

Health Promoting ◽

High Concentrations ◽

And Migration ◽

Ferulic Acids

Polyphenols display health-promoting properties linked to their biological activities. They are initially absorbed in the small intestine, then they are largely metabolized in the colon, whereupon they are able to exert systemic effects. The health-promoting properties of polyphenols have led to the development of food supplements, which are also largely consumed by healthy people, even if data on their safety are still yet lacking. In the present paper, the content of gallic acid and ferulic acid was analyzed in two supplements, and shown to be higher than the relative contents found in fruit and flour. To evaluate the effects of these phenolic compounds on epithelial intestinal tissue, gallic and ferulic acids were added to a new in vitro model of the intestinal wall at different concentrations. The effects on viability, proliferation and migration of these compounds were respectively tested on three different cell lines (Caco2, L929 and U937), as well as on a tridimensional intestinal model, composed of a mucosal layer and a submucosa with fibroblasts and monocytes. Results indicated that gallic and ferulic acids can exert toxic effects on in vitro cell models at high concentrations, suggesting that an excessive and uncontrolled consumption of polyphenols may induce negative effects on the intestinal wall.

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Aspects of anthocyanin absorption, metabolism and pharmacokinetics in humans

Nutrition Research Reviews ◽

10.1079/nrr2005116 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 137-146 ◽

Cited By ~ 109

Author(s):

Colin D Kay

Keyword(s):

Biological Activities ◽

Plasma Concentrations ◽

Biological Significance ◽

Future Research ◽

Maximum Plasma ◽

Elimination Half ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Clearance Kinetics ◽

Berry Anthocyanins

AbstractInterest in the health-promoting properties of berry anthocyanins is intensifying; however, findings are primarily based onin vitrocharacteristics, leaving mechanisms associated with absorption, metabolism and pharmacokinetics largely unexplored. The present review integrates the available anthocyanin literature with that of similar flavonoids or polyphenols in order to form hypotheses regarding absorption, metabolism and clearance in humans. Of the limited available literature regarding the absorption and clearance kinetics of anthocyanins, maximum plasma concentrations are reported anywhere between 1·4 and 592 nmol/l and occur at 0·5–4 h post-consumption (doses; 68–1300 mg). Average urinary excretion is reported between 0·03 and 4 % of the ingested dose, having elimination half-lives of 1·5–3 h. In addition, much is unknown regarding the metabolism of anthocyanins. The most commonly cited conjugation reactions involved in the metabolism of other flavonoids include glucuronidation, methylation and sulfation. It is reasonable to suspect that anthocyanins are metabolised in much the same manner; however, until recently, there was little evidence to suggest that anthocyanins were metabolised to any significant extent. New evidence now suggests that anthocyanins are absorbed and transported in human serum and urine primarily as metabolites, with recent studies documenting as much as 68–80 % of anthocyanins as metabolised derivatives in human urine. Further research is required to resolve mechanisms associated with the absorption, metabolism and clearance of anthocyanins in order to establish their true biological activities and health effects. The presented evidence will hopefully focus future research, refining study design and propagating a more complete understanding of anthocyanins' biological significance in humans.

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Lead Absorption and Excretion in Rats Given Insoluble Salts of Pectin and Alginate

International Journal of Toxicology ◽

10.1080/10915810600683291 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 195-203 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Maxim Khotimchenko ◽

Irina Serguschenko ◽

Yuri Khotimchenko

Keyword(s):

Metal Binding ◽

Calcium Alginate ◽

Binding Capacity ◽

Laboratory Animals ◽

Lead Removal ◽

Lead Absorption ◽

Calcium Pectate ◽

Inner Organs ◽

Metal Binding Capacity

Exposure to environmental lead remains a widespread problem in most industrialized countries. Usage of modern agents purposed for elimination of heavy metals as well as for therapy and prevention of chronic poisoning does frequently result in toxic signs. Dietary nonstarch polysaccharides were suggested to be effective when used for this purpose. The present study was conducted to estimate metal binding capacity and effects of calcium salts of pectate and alginate on lead absorption, distribution, and removal with feces. Under in vitro conditions calcium alginate showed the highest lead-binding capacity in comparison with other agents studied. Metal binding capacity of calcium pectate was slightly lower. In rats simultaneous administration of lead acetate and suspensions containing calcium alginate or calcium pectate prevented metal absorption and significantly reduced lead accumulation in inner organs and femur. In experiments estimating lead removal from inner organs and femur in rats preliminary exposed to the heavy metal, calcium alginate and calcium pectate were the most effective agents studied in comparison with others, as indicated by reduced lead concentration in organs and femur as well as increased metal content in feces of laboratory animals. The results suggest that calcium pectate and calcium alginate may be considered perspective dietary compounds purposed for prevention and treatment of chronic lead poisoning.

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Underutilised fruits: a review of phytochemistry and biological properties

Journal of Food Bioactives ◽

10.31665/jfb.2018.1124 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 1 ◽

Author(s):

Ahmad Hasan Salahuddin Mirfat ◽

Ismail Amin ◽

Kassim Nur Kartinee ◽

Hamid Muhajir ◽

Mat Ali Mohd Shukri

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Sustainable Use ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Fruit Species ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Health Significance ◽

Canarium Odontophyllum

Underutilised fruits are not only important sources of food and nutrition, but also secure household income especially for rural and farm communities. However, some of the underutilised fruits have not received much attention as compared to commercial fruits. This could be due to their lack of knowledge of their potential values. Hence, information about their health promoting properties is critical to increase the value of underutilised fruit species to enhance their preservation and sustainable use in strengthening food, nutrition, health and livelihood security. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review on the phytochemical properties and biological activities of underutilised fruit species grown in Malaysia focussing on health promoting aspects. With regard to phytochemistry, only 21 species of underutilised fruits have been identified and quantified. Phytochemical investigations of various parts of the fruits have revealed the presence of over 100 phytochemicals which are phenolics, terpenoids, carotenoids and other miscellaneous compounds. About 51 underutilised fruit species have been explored for interesting biological activities (antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticholinesterase, cytotoxicity, antiatherosclerotic, antihyperlipidemia, antidiabetic, cytoprotective, cardioprotective and antiplatelet activities) supporting their diverse traditional uses. Different parts of the fruits have been analysed mainly in vitro and barely in vivo, with pulp being the most dominant. Of all the underutilised fruits studied, Mangifera species and Canarium odontophyllum have been the major focus for researchers. The gaps obtained from this review create further research opportunities to add to the current knowledge of health promoting properties of underutilised fruits in Malaysia. More studies are needed to confirm the health significance and explain their mechanisms of action in order to fully understand the real potential of this underutilised fruit species.

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Phytochemical Constituents, Biological Activities, and Health-Promoting Effects of the Melissa officinalis

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity ◽

10.1155/2021/6584693 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-20

Author(s):

Javad Sharifi-Rad ◽

Cristina Quispe ◽

Jesús Herrera-Bravo ◽

Muhammad Akram ◽

Wafa Abbaass ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medicinal Plants ◽

Quantitative Research ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Phenolic Antioxidants ◽

Special Focus ◽

Melissa Officinalis ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Health Promoting

Medicinal plants are being used worldwide for centuries for their beneficial properties. Some of the most popular medicinal plants belong to the Melissa genus, and different health beneficial effects have already been identified for this genus. Among these species, in particular, the Melissa officinalis L. has been reported as having many biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumour, antiviral, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, and also flatulence inhibiting effects. The beneficial properties of the Melissa officinalis, also known as “lemon balm herb”, can be related to the bioactive compounds such as terpenoids, alcohols, rosmarinic acid, and phenolic antioxidants which are present in the plant. In this updated review, the botanical, geographical, nutritional, phytochemical, and traditional medical aspects of M. officinalis have been considered as well as in vitro and in vivo and clinically proven therapeutic properties have been reviewed with a special focus on health-promoting effects and possible perspective nutraceutical applications. To evidence the relevance of this plant in the research and completely assess the context, a literature quantitative research analysis has been performed indicating the great interest towards this plant for its beneficial properties.

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