scholarly journals Nanotechnological Manipulation of Nutraceuticals and Phytochemicals for Healthy Purposes: Established Advantages vs. Still Undefined Risks

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 2262
Author(s):  
Silvana Alfei ◽  
Anna Maria Schito ◽  
Guendalina Zuccari
Keyword(s):  
Food Packaging ◽  
Water Solubility ◽  
Antioxidant Activities ◽  
Food Additives ◽  
Bioactive Constituents ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Appearance Quality ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Related Compounds

Numerous foods, plants, and their bioactive constituents (BACs), named nutraceuticals and phytochemicals by experts, have shown many beneficial effects including antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiulcer, anti-cholesterol, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant activities. Producers, consumers, and the market of food- and plant-related compounds are increasingly attracted by health-promoting foods and plants, thus requiring a wider and more fruitful exploitation of the healthy properties of their BACs. The demand for new BACs and for the development of novel functional foods and BACs-based food additives is pressing from various sectors. Unfortunately, low stability, poor water solubility, opsonization, and fast metabolism in vivo hinder the effective exploitation of the potential of BACs. To overcome these issues, researchers have engineered nanomaterials, obtaining food-grade delivery systems, and edible food- and plant-related nanoparticles (NPs) acting as color, flavor, and preservative additives and natural therapeutics. Here, we have reviewed the nanotechnological transformations of several BACs implemented to increase their bioavailability, to mask any unpleasant taste and flavors, to be included as active ingredients in food or food packaging, to improve food appearance, quality, and resistance to deterioration due to storage. The pending issue regarding the possible toxic effect of NPs, whose knowledge is still limited, has also been discussed.

Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.): focus on nutraceutical aspects

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amirhossein Nazhand ◽  
Alessandra Durazzo ◽  
Massimo Lucarini ◽  
Amelia M. Silva ◽  
Selma B. Souto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Uncaria Tomentosa ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Microbial Infections ◽  
Health Promoting

: Medicinal plants have been globally exploiting as an alternative to chemical drugs in the treatment of several diseases due to low unwanted side effects, environmentally friendly nature and low production costs, therefore, it is important to analyze the therapeutic properties of various medicinal plants to understand their potential bioactivity. Uncaria tomentosa is one of these medicinal plants with many health-promoting effects. Although the geographical resources of cat's claw go back to the remote tropics of the Amazon, industrialized countries use the plant extensively in trade. Various parts of the plants such as flowers, leaves, Stem, hook, and seed are mainly used medicinally to treat inflammation, asthma, allergies, skin impurities, microbial infections, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, cirrhosis, gastrointestinal disorders, arthritis, heart disease, rheumatism, and fever. The end point of this review article is to prospectively scrutinize in vitro and in vivo the therapeutic potential of this plant, especially in terms of its nutritional applications and health beneficial effects.

scholarly journals A Glycosaminoglycan-Rich Fraction from Sea Cucumber Isostichopus badionotus Has Potent Anti-Inflammatory Properties In Vitro and In Vivo

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1698
Author(s):  
Leticia Olivera-Castillo ◽  
George Grant ◽  
Nuvia Kantún-Moreno ◽  
Hirian A. Barrera-Pérez ◽  
Jorge Montero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Cucumber ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Ethanol Extract ◽  
Inflammatory Activity ◽  
Bioactive Constituents ◽  
Mouse Ear ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Sea cucumber body wall contains several naturally occurring bioactive components that possess health-promoting properties. Isostichopus badionotus from Yucatan, Mexico is heavily fished, but little is known about its bioactive constituents. We previously established that I. badionotus meal had potent anti-inflammatory properties in vivo. We have now screened some of its constituents for anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. Glycosaminoglycan and soluble protein preparations reduced 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced inflammatory responses in HaCaT cells while an ethanol extract had a limited effect. The primary glycosaminoglycan (fucosylated chondroitin sulfate; FCS) was purified and tested for anti-inflammatory activity in vivo. FCS modulated the expression of critical genes, including NF-ĸB, TNFα, iNOS, and COX-2, and attenuated inflammation and tissue damage caused by TPA in a mouse ear inflammation model. It also mitigated colonic colitis caused in mice by dextran sodium sulfate. FCS from I. badionotus of the Yucatan Peninsula thus had strong anti-inflammatory properties in vivo.

Nano-soldiers Ameliorate Silibinin Delivery: A Review Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milad Ashrafizadeh ◽  
Zahra Ahmadi ◽  
Reza Mohammadinejad ◽  
Tahereh Farkhondeh ◽  
Saeed Samarghandian
Keyword(s):  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Bioactive Component ◽  
Daily Diet ◽  
Clinical Disorders ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Therapeutic Activities ◽  
Significant Attention

: Flavonoids are a large group of naturally occurring compounds, which are of interest due to their great pharmacological effects and health-promoting impacts. These properties have led to their extensive application in a variety of pathological conditions, particularly cancer. Flavonoids are used in large quantities in a human's daily diet and a high amount of flavonoids are found in the intestine after oral usage. However, flavonoid concentrations in tissue/plasma are low because of their low bioavailability, the leading to the low efficacy of flavonoids in different clinical disorders. For this reason, nanotechnology application for delivering flavonoids to tumor sites has recently received significant attention. Silibinin is a key member of flavonoids and a bioactive component of silymarin, which is widely isolated from Silybum marianum. This plant-derived chemical has a number of valuable biological and therapeutic activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-tumor, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective and anti-diabetic. These beneficial effects have been demonstrated in in vivo and in vitro experiments. However, it seems that silibinin has a variety of limitations and poor bioavailability is the most important factor restricting its wide application. Hence, there have been attempts to improve the bioavailability of silibinin and it has been suggested that nano-soldiers are potential candidates for this aim. In the present review, we describe the different drug delivery systems for improving the bioavailability of silibinin.

scholarly journals An in-vitro investigation on the effect of chilling and reheating different starchy meals on resistant starch content

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulrahman Alzaabi ◽  
Barbara Fielding ◽  
Denise Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Resistant Starch ◽  
Starch Content ◽  
Plasma Lipid ◽  
Gut Health ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
In Vitro Investigation ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Future Work

AbstractFood processing has been shown to influence starch digestibility, due to the formation of indigestible starches known as resistant starch (RS). RS has been shown to have similar health promoting properties to those of insoluble dietary fibre. These beneficial effects include lower glycaemic response, improved insulin sensitivity, enhanced overall gut health, and better plasma lipid profile. Additionally, the presence of other nutrients such as proteins or lipids may also impact the amount of RS formed.The present work aimed to measure the effect of cooking and /or additional meal ingredients on the RS content of 5 different starchy meals, 3 made with pasta (one of which had cheese added) and 2 made with potato, using the Megazyme RS kit (K-RSTAR). The cooked meals were tested either freshly cooked, chilled overnight, or chilled overnight and reheated. Moreover, different amounts of fat were used in the test meals (10 g fat per 100 g pasta, 30 g fat per 100 g pasta, 5 g fat per 100 g potato and 10 g fat per 100 g potato) in order to examine the effect of the amount of fat on RS formation. The total number of meals tested was 15.The amount of RS in the 2 pasta meals without cheese were 40% and 44% higher in the chilled and reheated meals compared to the same meals freshly cooked for the 10 g and 30 g of fat meals, respectively. The chilled overnight meals were not different from the freshly cooked meals for both fat amounts. Moreover, the potato meals showed a more substantial difference between the meals for the two fat amounts. The chilled and reheated potato meals were 73% and 85% higher in RS content than the freshly cooked identical meal, in the 5 g and 10 g of fat, respectively. Additionally, the chilled potato meals had higher RS contents compared to freshly cooked potato meals (68% and 83%, respectively). Furthermore, the presence of protein reduced the total amount of digested starch and RS in all pasta meals when compared to the meals without cheese. The findings of this in-vitro investigation suggests that chilling and reheating starchy meals significantly increases their content of RS. Future work will determine if these in vitro findings will translate to health benefits in vivo.

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

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.

scholarly journals Rosehip (Rosa canina) as a Beneficial Dietary Feed in Poultry Nutrition: Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-15
Author(s):  
Alexandru P. Vlaicu ◽  
Raluca P. Turcu ◽  
Dumitra T. Panaite
Keyword(s):  
Essential Fatty Acids ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Rosa Canina ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Nutrition Review ◽  
Cultivation Practice

AbstractToday the aromatic and medicinal plants have gained more recognition as dietary supplements because they are characterized as natural, safe, eco-friendly, and possess many health-promoting properties, making their ongoing usage part of an emerging field at the cutting edge of science. Rosehip (Rosa canina), a medicinal plant, is widely known as a valuable source of various nutrients and biologically active substances, mostly polyphenols and vitamin C. The chemical composition differs depending on the climate, growing region, cultivation practice, maturity, soil type, harvesting and storage conditions. Over the years, significant variations in vitamins (106-967 mg/100 g), minerals (Fe 59.40-72.90 ppm; Zn 3.69-4.51 ppm; Ca 133.30-146.70 ppm), essential fatty acids (33.8% - 49.7% α-linolenic), phenols (9982 GAE - mg/100 g), antioxidants (lutein, zeaxanthin) among other bioactive components and nutrients have been reported by various researchers. Both in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that rosehip used at an appropriate dose in broilers and laying hens dietary feed, could have some beneficial effects.

scholarly journals Antioxidant and Antisenescence Effects of Bergamot Juice

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleonora Da Pozzo ◽  
Marinella De Leo ◽  
Immacolata Faraone ◽  
Luigi Milella ◽  
Chiara Cavallini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Antioxidant Activities ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Natural Antioxidant ◽  
Antioxidant Compounds ◽  
Cellular Models ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Phenolic And Flavonoid

Aging is one of the main risk factor for the onset of cardiovascular diseases; one of the possible explanations could be linked to the age-associated overproduction of free radicals. This increase of oxidative stress can be overcome with a high intake of food antioxidants. In this context, a number of studies have been addressed to assess the antiaging potential of natural antioxidant compounds. Recently, it has been shown that the juice of bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau), a fruit mostly produced in the Ionian coastal areas of Southern Italy (Calabria), is a valuable source of health-promoting constituents with, among other, antioxidant properties. In order to investigate the potential antiaging effects of this Mediterranean natural antioxidant source, bergamot juices of three different cultivars (“fantastico,” “femminello,” and “castagnaro”) were herein characterized by the mean of high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Then, juices were investigated for the evaluation of total polyphenolic and flavonoid contents, cell-free model antioxidant activities, and in vitro antiaging properties on two different cellular models of induced myocardial senescence. The best performing juice was also assessed in vivo. The phytochemical profiles confirmed that juices were rich in flavonoids, both flavone and flavanone glycosides. In addition, two limonoid glycosides were also identified in all cultivars. Each cultivar showed different phenolic and flavonoid contents. In tube results showed the juice robust antioxidant activities that correlate with their phenolic and flavonoid contents. Moreover, for the first time, the ability of juice to counteract the chemical-induced senescence was here demonstrated in both cellular models. Lastly, the in vivo data obtained from mouse hearts evidenced an increase in transcription of genes involved in antiaging and antioxidant responses. The overall results suggest that bergamot juice exerts antioxidant and antisenescence effects, making it useful for nutraceutical purposes.

scholarly journals Citrus Flavones: An Update on Sources, Biological Functions, and Health Promoting Properties

Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Barreca ◽  
Giuseppina Mandalari ◽  
Antonella Calderaro ◽  
Antonella Smeriglio ◽  
Domenico Trombetta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Properties ◽  
Anticancer Activities ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Biological Potential ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Modulate Signal ◽  
Citrus Spp

Citrus spp. are among the most widespread plants cultivated worldwide and every year millions of tons of fruit, juices, or processed compounds are produced and consumed, representing one of the main sources of nutrients in human diet. Among these, the flavonoids play a key role in providing a wide range of health beneficial effects. Apigenin, diosmetin, luteolin, acacetin, chrysoeriol, and their respective glycosides, that occur in concentrations up to 60 mg/L, are the most common flavones found in Citrus fruits and juices. The unique characteristics of their basic skeleton and the nature and position of the substituents have attracted and stimulated vigorous investigations as a consequence of an enormous biological potential, that manifests itself as (among other properties) antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. This review analyzes the biochemical, pharmacological, and biological properties of Citrus flavones, emphasizing their occurrence in Citrus spp. fruits and juices, on their bioavailability, and their ability to modulate signal cascades and key metabolic enzymes both in vitro and in vivo. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciFinder were used to investigate recent published articles on Citrus spp. in terms of components and bioactivity potentials.

scholarly journals Bioactive Compounds and Bioactivities of Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica Sprouts and Microgreens: An Updated Overview from a Nutraceutical Perspective

Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 946 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thanh Ninh Le ◽  
Chiu-Hsia Chiu ◽  
Pao-Chuan Hsieh
Keyword(s):  
Brassica Oleracea ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Bioactive Constituents ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Brassica Oleracea L

Sprouts and microgreens, the edible seedlings of vegetables and herbs, have received increasing attention in recent years and are considered as functional foods or superfoods owing to their valuable health-promoting properties. In particular, the seedlings of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica) have been highly prized for their substantial amount of bioactive constituents, including glucosinolates, phenolic compounds, vitamins, and essential minerals. These secondary metabolites are positively associated with potential health benefits. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that broccoli seedlings possess various biological properties, including antioxidant, anticancer, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and antidiabetic activities. The present review summarizes the updated knowledge about bioactive compounds and bioactivities of these broccoli products and discusses the relevant mechanisms of action. This review will serve as a potential reference for food selections of consumers and applications in functional food and nutraceutical industries.

scholarly journals Ginsenoside Compound K: Insights into Recent Studies on Pharmacokinetics and Health-Promoting Activities

Biomolecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1028 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anshul Sharma ◽  
Hae-Jeung Lee
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Water Solubility ◽  
Parent Compound ◽  
Clinical Trial Data ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Compound K ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Preclinical And Clinical Studies

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is an herb popular for its medicinal and health properties. Compound K (CK) is a secondary ginsenoside biotransformed from major ginsenosides. Compound K is more bioavailable and soluble than its parent ginsenosides and hence of immense importance. The review summarizes health-promoting in vitro and in vivo studies of CK between 2015 and 2020, including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, anti-aging/skin protective, and others. Clinical trial data are minimal and are primarily based on CK-rich fermented ginseng. Besides, numerous preclinical and clinical studies indicating the pharmacokinetic behavior of CK, its parent compound (Rb1), and processed ginseng extracts are also summarized. With the limited evidence available from animal and clinical studies, it can be stated that CK is safe and well-tolerated. However, lower water solubility, membrane permeability, and efflux significantly diminish the efficacy of CK and restrict its clinical application. We found that the use of nanocarriers and cyclodextrin for CK delivery could overcome these limitations as well as improve the health benefits associated with them. However, these derivatives have not been clinically evaluated, thus requiring a safety assessment for human therapy application. Future studies should be aimed at investigating clinical evidence of CK.

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