Journal of Food Biochemistry最新文献

An innovative flavored wine was developed by macerating six different edible flowers into Chardonnay wine, where the physicochemical characteristics (titratable acidity, pH), antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP) and volatile profile were modulated. Bottle aging of the flower-flavored wines were performed for 9 months where a significant (p < 0.05) increases of total phenolic content and an opposite trend in antioxidant power (assessed by DPPH and FRAP assays) were observed. A total of 37 volatile substances were characterized in the aged flower-flavored wines. The aging process led to a decline in fruity and floral odors. Among the 12 month-aged wines, 1% (w/v) O. fragrans-flavored Chardonnay wine aged for 12 months was perceived as the most-liked product in human sensory analysis. This study manifested a bright future of edible flowers as a novel additive in the development of flavored wine with desirable sensory attributes.

Myrciariatenella O.Berg, a native plant species of Brazil, exhibits pharmacological applications, including antitumor activity. In this study, we isolated the essential oil (EO) of M. tenella and identified its phytochemical profile. In addition, we determined the in vitro and in silico cytotoxic activities of EO in nontumor and tumor cell lines (gingival fibroblasts and oral squamous cell carcinoma, respectively) and its free radical scavenging activity (i.e., antioxidant activity) using ABTS and DPPH assays. The EO of M. tenella primarily constitutes hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenes, with (E)-caryophyllene (33.95%), δ-cadinene (7.4%), caryophyllene oxide (4.74%), and viridiflorene (4.49%) as its four major components. EO effectively suppressed the cell viability of CAL-27 tumor cells to below 70% at concentrations of 125 and 250 μg/mL and exhibited a free radical inhibition potential of 75.63 ± 0.41% and 28.46 ± 0.36%, respectively, in the DPPH and ABTS assays. This chemical and biological potential may be attributed to the major compounds present in EO, as well as the molecular coupling simulations conducted, which revealed the anticancer mechanism of EO in the sesquiterpenes (E)-caryophyllene, δ-cadinene, caryophyllene oxide, and viridiflorene.

A growing interest in more sustainable and alternative food sources has brought seaweed and macroalgae to the spotlight for the general worldwide cuisine. Algae are often praised for their high nutritional value and are rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Abundant in base precursors, algae are particularly interesting from an acid-base perspective. Their unique biochemical composition suggests a low potential renal acid load (PRAL), which is a commonly used estimate for the amount of acid or base a certain food produces in humans. Here, we analyzed the PRAL value of n = 106 macroalgae. Results suggested a strong alkalizing potential, with a mean PRAL value of −86.76 mEq/100 g. The lowest PRAL values were found for Laminaria ochroleuca (−286.78 mEq/100 g), Gelidium micropterum (−268.46 mEq/100 g), and Palmaria palmata (−259.16 mEq/100 g). We observed a strong inverse relationship of PRAL with algae’s potassium content (Spearman’s rho = −0.79, p < 0.001) and a moderate relationship with algae’s calcium content (Spearmen’s rho: −0.34, p < 0.001). Our data point at a potential role for several macroalgae as potent alkalizing marine drugs and suggest that a 10 g edible portion of some algae alone could contribute to a substantial PRAL reduction of up to −28.68 mEq. This might be of particular importance for individuals who benefit from a more alkaline diet and warrants further investigation in future studies.

Plant and fruit extracts exhibit fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals and can display therapeutic qualities. Consequently, they have attracted increased attention among health-conscious individuals, and many studies related to their health-promoting effects are being actively conducted. Vitis coignetiae is well-known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, the immune-enhancing effects of Vitis coignetiae have not yet been studied. In this study, Vitis coignetiae extract (VCE) increased immune-related activity in Wistar rat splenocytes and cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppressed rats. In splenocytes, VCE was nontoxic up to 300 μg/mL and increased cell viability in the presence of Cy. VCE also recovered Cy-induced decreases in cytokine (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and IL-12) levels and natural killer (NK) cell activity in splenocytes. In Cy-induced immunosuppressed rats, VCE protected against Cy-induced spleen tissue damage and decreases in body and spleen weight, cytokine (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12) levels, and NK cell activity. We also observed recovery of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM levels following VCE treatment. In conclusion, the ability of VCE to restore immune activity from an immunosuppressive state to normal levels suggests its immune-enhancing efficacy. Therefore, VCE may have the potential for application in the development of immune-enhancing functional foods and medicines.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an endocrine-metabolic disorder that has limited approaches to treat effectively. Morus alba L., also known as mulberry, is a well-known medicinal plant, and its branch bark has shown hypoglycemic activity. It is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients. In this study, we used metabolomics combined with network pharmacology to investigate the molecular mechanism and potential key targets of mulberry branch bark powder (MBBP) for treating DM. Serum metabolomics was performed to analyze the differences in metabolites and enrich metabolic pathways. Network pharmacology, based on systems biology tools, was applied to generate the pathway-target-compound network. Integrated analyses were then used to screen for key targets. To verify the obtained key targets, we used a molecular docking method and experimental validation. Our findings revealed that thirty-five endogenous metabolites contributed to the therapeutic impact of MBBP against DM. The analysis of 10 hub genes in the compound-target network partially supported the enrichment of metabolic pathways. Further analysis focused on two compounds (eugenol and mulberrofuran A) and three key targets (NOS2, MAOA, and CYP1A1). This study explores the active compounds of MBBP against DM and provides a novel perspective for improving DM treatment based on key targets.

In order to predict the freshness of grass carp, a novel data preprocessing method was proposed for electronic nose (E-nose) signals. The signal sequences from six sensors were selected and subsequently normalized. The direct signal sequence merging (DSSM) and reversed signal sequence merging (RSSM) modes were used for signal sequence merging. Subsequently, the genetic algorithm (GA) was used to evaluate the contribution of diverse sensors, and the merged data sequence was compressed using wavelet transform (WT). Using approximation coefficient and detail coefficient based on different scales and different signal sequence merging modes, principal component analysis (PCA) discriminated successfully storage time of chilled fish fillet. The PCA plots clearly demonstrated that all extracted feature data fully retain the signal characters. The partial least squares (PLS) and artificial neural network (ANN) models were used to establish prediction models for the freshness of grass carp during storage. The DSSM-ANN-A₅ and DSSM-PLS-D₄ models were chosen as the TVB-N content prediction models, while the DSSM-ANN-D₅ and RSSM-PLS-A₀ models were selected as the K value prediction models. The R² values of these models are higher than 0.9, and they have a good coefficient of determination. The results of this study suggest that it using E-nose signals to predict TVB-N content and K value is an effective method for assessing the freshness of grass carp during storage.

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, is a growing concern as the global population continues to age. It is associated with physical disability, decreased quality of life, and increased risk of falls and fractures. Nutritional interventions have been suggested to be effective in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. According to cross-sectional studies, the prevalence of sarcopenia in people with heart failure (HF) is 38% for men and 32% for women, contributing to cardiac fragility, a lower quality of life, and an increased risk of death. A rising number of research studies have been performed to investigate the role of certain nutrients on muscle mass or function, as appropriate nutrition is crucial for muscle maintenance. The goal of this systematic review is to outline the present evidence for exercise and nutritional interventions as potential contributors to the treatment of sarcopenia and frailty (decreased muscle mass and physical function), as well as the threat of underlying cardiac metabolic comorbidity in individuals who have heart failure (HF), cancer, CVDs, and other health problems. The biochemical properties of natural foods play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. This review explores the effectiveness of nutritional interventions for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.

Guizhou is one of the most important black tea producing areas in China. The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristic flavor compounds of Guizhou black tea and investigate the influence of environmental factors on the formation of black tea flavor components. In this study, HS-GC-IMS was used to identify 143 compounds from black tea samples. OPLS-DA was employed to analyze the data, effectively distinguishing black tea from different origins. A total of 83 significant flavor compounds were selected as potential markers using the VIP variable selection method and OAV screening. Cluster analysis was used to identify the characteristic flavor compounds in black tea samples from different origins. In addition, by investigating the climate environment of various production regions and analyzing the volatile components along with stable C and N isotope ratios of samples, it was discovered that the development of volatile components in black tea could be significantly influenced by ambient temperature and light. In regions with higher temperatures, the concentration of volatile components with floral, fruity, and sweet aromas is higher, resulting in a more intense aroma in black tea. In regions with low ambient temperatures but strong sunlight, black tea contains higher levels of components that give it a fresh and nutty aroma. As a result, the aroma of black tea is relatively elegant and fresh. At the same time, it was found that the stable isotope ratios of C and N in black tea were also significantly affected by ambient temperature and were positively correlated. This study introduces a fresh perspective for the comprehensive examination of Guizhou black tea, offering theoretical guidance for optimizing planting conditions and enhancing product quality. Its positive influence on promoting the development of the Guizhou black tea industry is noteworthy.

Background. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated the multiple effects of the individual phenolic antioxidants of grapes. However, it is not clear whether grape and its derivatives exert anti-inflammatory effects. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we sought to examine the effects of grape/grape products on inflammation and oxidative stress in adults. Methods. This study has been conducted based on the PRISMA checklist. A systematic literature search in PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was conducted, from inception until January 2022, to identify eligible trials. Mean differences and standard deviations were pooled using random-effects models. Results. Twenty-nine eligible trials were included. Grape and its products significantly increased the catalase activity (n = 3 studies, 64 participants; WMD = 5.49 U/mg protein, 95% CI: 4.76, 6.22; P < 0.001; I² = 0%; P-heterogeneity = 0.98), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (n = 5 studies, 206 participants; WMD = 90.06 µmol/l TE, 95% CI: 35.97, 144.15; P = 0.001; I² = 35.6%; P-heterogeneity = 0.18), and total antioxidant capacity (n = 4 studies, 224 participants; WMD = 62.48 µmol/l, 95% CI: 31.62, 93.33; P < 0.001; I² = 55.2%; P-heterogeneity = 0.08) and decreased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels (n = 5 studies, 153 participants; WMD = −0.17 nmol/mg, 95% CI: −0.31, −0.03; P = 0.02; I² = 34.2%; P-heterogeneity = 0.19). No significant change was observed for inflammatory markers. Conclusion. Although grape/grape products elicited increases in antioxidant agents, they had no significant effect on inflammatory factors. This may be related to the low levels of baseline inflammatory factors, as none of the included studies enrolled patients with acute inflammation. Further well-designed studies are warranted to examine grape’s efficacy on inflammation and oxidative stress.

Background. Medicinal plants have been remarkable sources of current chemotherapeutic agents. Ethnobotanical utilization of Bryonia species goes back to the old era, and contemporary but preliminary studies have evidenced the anticancer effects of this kind of plant. Methods. The MTT assay was used to investigate the cytotoxicity of a range of concentrations from different extracts of Bryonia aspera root in cancer and noncancer cells. The apoptosis was assessed using annexinV-FITC/PI flow cytometry assay. The expression of selected hallmark genes from different cell death modalities, including apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis, was investigated using the qPCR method. The ROS production was also measured by the fluorescence technique. Results. Compared to the normal cells, all three extracts could induce significant cell death in lower doses in breast, ovarian, and glioblastoma cancer cells. Flow cytometry and gene expression studies revealed that different extracts of Bryonia aspera tend to induce different types of cell death in the selective cancer cell lines. ROS production was not impacted significantly by any of those three extracts in none of the cancer cells. Conclusion. The findings showed that all three extracts of Bryonia aspera root contain biologically active compounds that induce different types of programmed cell death in the investigated breast, ovarian, and glioblastoma cancer cells in concentrations significantly less than the doses affecting normal cells.