scholarly journals Investigations into Chemical Components from Monascus purpureus with Photoprotective and Anti-Melanogenic Activities

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 619
Author(s):  
Ho-Cheng Wu ◽  
Yih-Fung Chen ◽  
Ming-Jen Cheng ◽  
Ming-Der Wu ◽  
Yen-Lin Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Circulation ◽  
Human Keratinocytes ◽  
Chemical Components ◽  
Red Yeast Rice ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Food Ingredient ◽  
Etoh Extract ◽  
Ergosterol Peroxide ◽  
Skin Photoaging ◽  
Melanin Contents

Monascus species are asexually or sexually reproduced homothallic fungi that can produce a red colorant, specifically the so-called red yeast rice or Anka, which is used as a food ingredient in Asia. Traditional experiences of using Monascus for treating indigestion, enhancing blood circulation, and health remedies motivate us to investigate and repurpose Monascus-fermented products. Here, two new 5H-cyclopenta[c]pyridine type azaphilones, 5S,6S-monaspurpyridine A (1) and 5R,6R-monaspurpyridine A (2), two new xanthonoids, monasxanthones A and B (3 and 4), one new naphthalenone, monasnaphthalenone (5), and one new azaphilone, monapurpurin (6), along with two known compounds were isolated from the 70% EtOH extract of a citrinin-free domesticated strain M. purpureus BCRC 38110. The phytochemical properties of the xanthonoid and naphthalenone components were first identified from Monascus sp. differently from the representative ingredients of polyketide-derived azaphilones. UVB-induced cell viability loss and reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction in human keratinocytes were attenuated by monascuspirolide B (7) and ergosterol peroxide (8), indicating their photoprotective potentials. Ergosterol peroxide (8) decreased the melanin contents and tyrosinase activities of mouse melanocytes, depending on the concentration, suggesting their anti-melanogenic effects. In conclusion, six new and two known compounds were isolated from M. purpureus BCRC 38110, and two of them exhibited dermal protective activities. The results revealed the novel potential of M. purpureus for developing natural cosmeceutics against skin photoaging.

scholarly journals Antioxidant Activity and Main Chemical Components of a Novel Fermented Tea

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (16) ◽  
pp. 2917 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Tong ◽  
Ya-Juan Liu ◽  
Jinhong Kang ◽  
Cheng-Mei Zhang ◽  
Seong-Gook Kang
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Activities ◽  
Reducing Power ◽  
Black Tea ◽  
Chemical Components ◽  
Total Phenolic ◽  
Food Ingredient ◽  
Functional Activities ◽  
Overall Acceptability ◽  
High Level

In the present study, we aimed to develop a novel fermented tea (NFT) product and to evaluate their in vitro antioxidant potential and chemical composition. We found that NFT contained a high level of total phenolic compounds (102.98 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract) and exhibited diverse antioxidant activities, such as scavenging of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radicals, as well as reducing power. The total catechins in NFT were comparable to those of Lipton black tea (LBT), but lower than those of Boseong green tea (BGT) or Tieguanyin oolong tea (TOT). Among all catechins tested, epigallocatechin (EGC) and epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) were the predominant compounds in NFT. In particular, the contents of total theaflavins (TFs), theaflavin (TF), theaflavin-3-gallate (TF3G), and theaflavin-3’-gallate (TF3’G) in NFT were significantly higher than that of BGT, TOT, or LBT. NFT had the highest level of total essential amino acid and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) compared with BGT, TOT and LBT. Furthermore, the sensory evaluation results showed that NFT had satisfactory color, aroma, taste, and overall acceptability scores. Our results highlight the potential usefulness of this novel fermented tea as a nutraceutical food/ingredient with special functional activities.

Short-term host discrimination in the parasitoid wasp Trissolcus basalis Wollaston (Hymenoptera : Scelionidae)

1999 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Field ◽  
M. A. Keller
Keyword(s):  
Monte Carlo Simulation ◽  
Monte Carlo ◽  
Simulation Model ◽  
Parasitoid Wasp ◽  
Chemical Components ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Host Discrimination ◽  
Trissolcus Basalis ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Monte Carlo Simulation Model

The ability of host discrimination allows insect parasitoids to avoid superparasitism (oviposition in a previously attacked host). However, superparasitism can sometimes be adaptive, so attempts to identify host discrimination must be made under appropriate ecological conditions. We tested the ability of the parasitoid wasp Trissolcus basalis to discriminate between self- and conspecific-parasitised hosts (conspecific discrimination) under ecologically realistic conditions, in which conspecific discrimination should be adaptive. Data were analysed using a Monte Carlo simulation model that permitted testing of several different ways in which conspecific discrimination could be achieved. We obtained the novel result that females avoided self-superparasitism on a patch consisting of a mixture of self- and conspecific-parasitised hosts, but that this avoidance was not due to true conspecific discrimination. Instead, it was due to short- term discrimination between newly and previously parasitised hosts. Two likely mechanisms for such discrimination are proposed: a short-lived host-derived volatile; and the presence of two or more chemical components in the marking pheromone.

scholarly journals Scutellaria barbata: A Review on Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological Activities and Clinical Applications

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 160-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiong Chen ◽  
Khalid Rahman ◽  
Su-Juan Wang ◽  
Shuang Zhou ◽  
Hong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Blood Circulation ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Blood Stasis ◽  
Clinical Applications ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Chemical Components ◽  
Pharmacological Activities ◽  
Scutellaria Barbata ◽  
Pharmacologically Active

Scutellaria barbata has a long history of medical use in Traditional Chinese Medicine for removing heat and toxic material, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, and inducing diuresis to reduce edema. Recent pharmacology investigations have provided evidence for its anti-cancer, bacteriostasis, anti-virus, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and immunity enhancement properties. The efficacy of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis has unique advantages in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. A total of 84 compounds have been isolated from S. barbata and are characterized mainly as flavonoids, diterpenoids, followed by polysaccharide, volatile oil and steroids. Peer-reviewed articles published over the last few years were gathered by consulting the databases PubMed, Elsevier, Springer, and Chinese Herbal Classics. This review mainly focuses on the pharmacologically active constituents isolated from S. barbata，which have been subjected to in vitro and/or in vivo studies. Although, the chemical components, pharmacological activities, toxicology, clinical applications and mechanisms of action of S. barbata have been investigated, many constituents remain unknown. Further investigations are required to investigate the medicinal properties of S. barbata.

β-Carotene interference with UVA-induced gene expression by multiple pathways

2006 ◽  
Vol 78 (8) ◽  
pp. 1539-1550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Wertz ◽  
Nicole Seifert ◽  
Petra Buchwald Hunziker ◽  
Georges Riss ◽  
Adrian Wyss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Regulation ◽  
Human Keratinocytes ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteases ◽  
Growth Factor Signaling ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Hacat Cells ◽  
Retinoid Receptor ◽  
Uva Irradiation ◽  
Skin Photoaging ◽  
Β Carotene

UVA exposure causes skin photoaging by singlet oxygen (1O2)-mediated induction of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). We assessed whether β-carotene, a carotenoid known as 1O2 quencher and retinoic acid (RA) precursor, interferes with UVA-induced gene regulation and prevents UVA-induced gene regulation in HaCaT human keratinocytes. HaCaT cells accumulated β-carotene in a time- and dose-dependent manner. UVA irradiation massively reduced the cellular β-carotene contents. β-Carotene suppressed UVA induction of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-10 - three major MMPs involved in photoaging. HaCaT cells produced weak retinoid activity from β-carotene, as demonstrated by mild up-regulation of retinoid receptor RARβ and activation of an RARE-dependent reporter gene. Of the 568 UVA-regulated genes, β-carotene reduced the UVA effect for 143, enhanced it for 180, and did not interact with UVA for 245 genes. The pathways regulated β-carotene in interaction with UVA were characterized by genes involved in growth factor signaling, stress response, apoptosis, cell cycle, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, tanning, and inflammation. In conclusion, β-carotene at physiological concentrations interacted with UVA effects by multiple mechanisms that included, but were not restricted to, 1O2 quenching. With our results, we provide a mechanistic basis for the long-known and clinically established photoprotective effects of β-carotene in human skin.

scholarly journals Multifunctional nanoplatforms as cascade-responsive drug-delivery carriers for effective synergistic chemo-photodynamic cancer treatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fan Li ◽  
Yan Liang ◽  
Miaochen Wang ◽  
Xing Xu ◽  
Fen Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Photodynamic Therapy ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Blood Circulation ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Hydrophobic Core ◽  
Cancer Suppression ◽  
532 Nm

AbstractSynergistic chemo-photodynamic therapy has garnered attention in the field of cancer treatment. Here, a pH cascade-responsive micellar nanoplatform with nucleus-targeted ability, for effective synergistic chemo-photodynamic cancer treatment, was fabricated. In this micellar nanoplatform, 5-(4-carboxyphenyl)-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin (Por), a photodynamic therapy (PDT) agent was utilized for carrying the novel anticancer drug GNA002 to construct a hydrophobic core, and cyclic RGD peptide (cRGD)-modified polyethylene glycol (PEG) (cRGD-PEG) connected the cell-penetrating peptide hexaarginine (R6) through a pH-responsive hydrazone bond (cRGD-PEG-N = CH-R6) to serve as a hydrophilic shell for increasing blood circulation time. After passively accumulating in tumor sites, the self-assembled GNA002-loaded nanoparticles were actively internalized into cancer cells via the cRGD ligands. Once phagocytosed by lysosomes, the acidity-triggered detachment of the cRGD-PEG shell led to the formation of R6-coated secondary nanoparticles and subsequent R6-mediated nucleus-targeted drug delivery. Combined with GNA002-induced nucleus-specific chemotherapy, reactive oxygen species produced by Por under 532-nm laser irradiation achieved a potent synergistic chemo-photodynamic cancer treatment. Moreover, our in vitro and in vivo anticancer investigations revealed high cancer-suppression efficacy of this ideal multifunctional nanoplatform, indicating that it could be a promising candidate for synergistic anticancer therapy.

scholarly journals Immunomodulation Effect of Nypa fruticans Palm Vinegar

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 1200-1210
Author(s):  
Sa-ngob LAKLAENG ◽  
Wiyada KWANHIAN
Keyword(s):  
Phagocytic Activity ◽  
Saline Water ◽  
Chemical Components ◽  
Immunomodulatory Effects ◽  
Food Ingredient ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Nypa Fruticans ◽  
Acetic Acid Water ◽  
Immunomodulation Effect

Vinegars are aqueous products of fermentation that are composed of acetic acid, water and other trace chemical components. Previous studies have shown that they have several beneficial effects for humans, such as anti-diabetic, anti-bacteria, antioxidant, anti-tumor or the enhancement of immune function. Nypa fruticans palm vinegar (NPV) is 1 of the vinegars that is usually used as a food ingredient. However, there are limited studies that have provided results to support its proposed immunomodulatory properties. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of NPV. Locally produced NPV from 3 different planting areas (fresh, brackish and saline water) of the Nakhon Si Thammarat province in Thailand were administered to rats, and the enhancement of the in vitro phagocytic activity was assessed. The results showed that NPV potently enhanced antibody production and the phagocytic activity. Moreover, NPV-treated rats showed a reduction of edema in type 4 hypersensitivity reactions. The results indicated that NPV had immunomodulatory effects, and therefore, NPV could be considered a functional food.

scholarly journals Tectorigenin, a Flavonoid-Based Compound of Leopard Lily Rhizome, Attenuates UV-B-Induced Apoptosis and Collagen Degradation by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress in Human Keratinocytes

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongjin Noh ◽  
Jin Choi ◽  
Eugene Huh ◽  
Myung Oh
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Human Keratinocytes ◽  
Collagen Degradation ◽  
Oxidative Enzymes ◽  
Skin Damage ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 ◽  
Skin Photoaging ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

Ultraviolet (UV) light, a major risk factor for external skin photoaging, induces oxidative stress in skin. UV causes a breakdown of skin homeostasis by impairing the extracellular matrix and inducing cell death. Tectorigenin, a constituent of leopard lily (Belamcanda chinensis L.) rhizome, has been reported to possess antioxidant, hair-darkening, and anti-inflammatory activities; however, the effect of tectorigenin on UV-B-induced skin damage is unknown. Here, we investigated the anti-skin-damage effects of tectorigenin against UV-B-stimulated oxidative stress in human keratinocytes. We irradiated HaCaT cells with UV-B (25 mJ/cm2), followed by treatment with tectorigenin for 24 h. We found that tectorigenin decreased the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species by increasing the expression of anti-oxidative enzymes, such as glutathione and catalase. Furthermore, tectorigenin inhibited apoptosis by reducing caspase-3- and Bcl-2-associated protein-X levels, and increasing Bcl-2 protein levels. Tectorigenin also decreased matrix metalloproteinase-1 levels and increased type 1 collagen levels, thus preventing collagen degradation. These data demonstrate that tectorigenin exerts anti-skin-damage effects in human keratinocytes by attenuating UV-B-induced hyper-oxidation, apoptosis, and collagen degradation.

scholarly journals Effect of Coffee Cascara Dietary Fiber on the Physicochemical, Nutritional and Sensory Properties of a Gluten-Free Bread Formulation

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 1358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Belen Rios ◽  
Amaia Iriondo-DeHond ◽  
Maite Iriondo-DeHond ◽  
Teresa Herrera ◽  
Diego Velasco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Fiber ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Sensory Properties ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
Food Ingredient ◽  
Quantitative Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Nutritional Profile ◽  
Nutrition Claims ◽  
Quantitative Descriptive

This study aimed to assess the physicochemical, nutritional and sensory properties of gluten-free breads containing isolated coffee cascara dietary fiber (ICCDF) as a food ingredient. ICCDF was obtained by aqueous extraction. The oil and water holding capacity and the nutritional profile of the novel ingredient were determined. Its safety was certificated by analysis of ochratoxin A, caffeine and gluten. Gluten-free bread formulations were prepared enriching a commercial bakery premix in rice protein (8%) and ICCDF (3% and 4.5%). Nutritional profile of the novel gluten-free breads (dietary fiber, protein, amino acids, lipids, fatty acid profile and resistant starch), as well as bread volume, crumb density, moisture, firmness, elasticity and color intensity were determined. A sensory quantitative descriptive analysis of the breads was conducted using eight trained panelists. New breads showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) content of dietary fiber and protein than the control bread. The addition of ICCDF allowed increasing dough yield, a less crumb firmness and a higher crumb elasticity. The nutrition claims “source of protein and high in dietary fiber” were assigned to the new formulations. In conclusion, a certificated gluten-free bread with improved nutritional and physicochemical properties and good sensorial profile was obtained.

scholarly journals Multifunctional Nanoplatforms as Cascade-Responsive Drug-Delivery Carriers for Effective Synergistic Chemo-Photodynamic Cancer Treatment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fan Li ◽  
Yan Liang ◽  
Miaochen Wang ◽  
Xing Xu ◽  
Fen Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Photodynamic Therapy ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Blood Circulation ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Hydrophobic Core ◽  
Cancer Suppression ◽  
532 Nm

Abstract Synergistic chemo-photodynamic therapy has attracted increasing attention in the field of cancer treatment. Herein, a pH cascade-responsive micellar nanoplatform with nucleus-targeted ability was fabricated, which could implement effective synergistic chemo-photodynamic cancer treatment. In this micellar nanoplatform, 5-(4-carboxyphenyl)-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin (Por), a photodynamic therapy (PDT) agent, was utilized to carry the novel anticancer drug GNA002 to construct a hydrophobic core, and cyclic RGD peptide (cRGD)-modified polyethylene glycol (PEG) (cRGD-PEG) connected the cell-penetrating peptide hexaarginine (R6) through a pH-responsive hydrazone bond (cRGD-PEG-N=CH-R6) to serve as a hydrophilic shell for increasing blood circulation time. After passively accumulating in tumor sites, the self-assembled GNA002-loaded nanoparticles were actively internalized into cancer cells via cRGD ligands. Once phagocytosed by lysosomes, the acidity-triggered detachment of the cRGD-PEG shell led to the formation of R6-coated secondary nanoparticles and subsequent R6-mediated nucleus-targeted drug delivery. Combined with GNA002-induced nucleus-specific chemotherapy, reactive oxygen species produced by Por under 532-nm laser irradiation achieved a potent synergistic chemo-photodynamic cancer treatment. Moreover, our in vitro and in vivo anticancer investigations proved this ideal multifunctional nanoplatform showed a high cancer-suppression efficacy and could be a promising candidate for synergistic anticancer therapy.

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