Plant Foods for Human Nutrition最新文献

Gliomas are the most common malignant brain tumors in adults, characterized by a high proliferation and invasiveness. Treatment remains challenging due to their immunomodulatory properties, which promote immune evasion and tumor progression. Given the substantial consumption of yerba mate in the southern hemisphere, this study evaluated the effects of caffeinated and decaffeinated yerba mate infusion extracts (ECaf and EDCaf, respectively) on glioblastoma cell lines (U87 and U251). Both extracts reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with U87 being more sensitive. ECaf and EDCaf inhibited cell migration and adhesion, particularly in U87 cells. Real-time PCR showed a reduction in CD73 and MMP2 expression in U87, whereas U251 exhibited a slight increase in MMP2 expression. CD73 enzymatic activity was reduced in U87 cells by both extracts but remained unaffected in U251 cells. Overall, the results suggest that caffeine absence does not alter the bioactivity of yerba mate extracts, highlighting their potential to modulate glioblastoma cell behavior.

Background: Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) tubers contain isoflavones and phenolic acids with potential chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory effects. This study analyzed bioactive and toxic compounds in fresh jicama tuber (flesh and peel) and assessed changes during freezing for 3 and 4 months. Antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated on human thyroid cancer (FTC133, 8505 C, TPC1), and normal cells (Nthy-ori 3 - 1), and RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Methods: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) identified active compounds. Antioxidant activity was tested using FRAP and DPPH assays. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay, while anti-inflammatory effects were measured via TNF-α, IL-6 (ELISA), and nitric oxide levels (Griess assay).

Results: Fresh peel contained the highest levels of isoflavones (mg/100 g dry weight) - biochanin A; 52.5, daidzein; 23.0, genistein; 2.6) and phenolic acids (chlorogenic; 61.7, isochlorogenic acids; 95.8), which declined significantly after freezing. No rotenone was detected. Peel extracts exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity against thyroid cancer cells, particularly FTC133, showing dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability. However, they also exhibited cytotoxicity against normal thyroid cells, highlighting potential risks. Flesh extracts showed weaker cytotoxic effects but demonstrated slightly stronger anti-inflammatory activity than peel extracts. Both extracts effectively reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and nitric oxide levels in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Storage time during freezing had no significant impact on anti-inflammatory activity or cytotoxic potency, but it significantly reduced antioxidant activity.

Conclusion: Jicama peel is richer in bioactive compounds than the flesh and exhibits strong cytotoxic effects on thyroid cancer cells, although it also affects normal cells. Freezing reduces phytonutrient content and antioxidant potential but does not alter anti-inflammatory efficacy.

Saffron, a plant flowering in fall and prized for its medicinal red stigmas, has a unique life cycle. After dormancy, the flower formation process starts from late summer to fall. Post-harvest, it enters the vegetative growth stage from winter to spring. The reason behind its growth pattern remains unknown. In our study, we found that overexpressing carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 2 (CsCCD2L, a long transcript of CsCCD2) in Arabidopsis thaliana affected the content of zeaxanthin and light tolerance. In saffron, CsCCD2L varies throughout its life cycle, impacting zeaxanthin content. Saffron flowers indoors with its leaves still enclosed in sheathing cataphylls. The expression of CsCCD2L in saffron leaves reached its peak on the day of anthesis, but significantly decreased in the vegetative stage when leaves extend from the sheathing cataphylls for photosynthesis. Intense light during this stage leads to leaf yellowing, a reduction in CsCCD2L expression, and an increase in zeaxanthin content. These results indicate that CsCCD2L regulates the content of zeaxanthin and light tolerance. Moreover, CsCCD2L exhibited the highest expression in the orange stigmas. Subjecting flower buds at the orange stigma stage to intense light significantly reduced the crocin content in mature stigmas. Collectively, these results not only shed light on the unique growth pattern of saffron but also offer promising avenues for enhancing saffron quality through the precise manipulation of light intensity and the expression of CsCCD2L.

The purple sweet potato is an adaptable and fast-growing crop that thrives in various soil conditions, making it efficient and accessible. Its high post-harvest durability and elevated anthocyanin content (≈ 1202.70 mg cya-3-glu/100 g w.b.) make it a promising source of natural pigments. However, anthocyanins are unstable due to physical and environmental factors, limiting their application. This study evaluated the stability of anthocyanins extracted from purple sweet potato using ultrasound for 4, 6, 8, and 10 min and amplitudes of 20, 40, 60, and 80%, and their microencapsulation by spray drying with maltodextrin. The microencapsulation efficiency was 81.93%. The infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the protection of the extract, while calorimetric analysis demonstrated its thermal stability. After two months of storage in the dark at room temperature (22-25 °C), 67.47% retention of anthocyanins was achieved, with a t_1/2 of 99.88 days. Physicochemical and rehydration properties of the microencapsulated were maintained over two months of storage. The results suggest that microencapsulation significantly improves the stability of purple sweet potato anthocyanin extract, offering a natural colorant with potential for the food industry.

Toona sinensis is a traditional plant used in food and medicine, but no reports exist on its antibacterial and antibiofilm effects against Listeria monocytogenes. This study analyzed the chemical components of the ethyl acetate extract of T. sinensis and explored its antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antioxidant effects. (1) A total of 58 compounds were detected, primarily including 12 flavonoids, 10 fatty acids, 6 organic acids, and 3 alkaloids. Linoleic acid, succinic acid, and quercetin may contribute to antibacterial and antibiofilm properties, while polyphenols and flavonoids enhance antioxidant activity. (2) The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract against L. monocytogenes ATCC 19112 was 100 µg/mL. Growth curves showed complete inhibition at 2 MIC, with live/dead staining and scanning electron microscope images confirming bacterial cell destruction at this concentration. (3) Crystal violet staining showed that at 0.5, 1, and 2 MIC, biofilm reduction of L. monocytogenes ATCC 19112 was 62.75, 82.66, and 85.50%, respectively, which was further confirmed by fluorescein isothiocyanate staining. (4) Proteomic analysis suggested the antibacterial mechanism involves disruptions in nucleic acid, protein, carbon, and energy metabolism, as well as cell wall synthesis. (5) At a concentration of 125 µg/mL, the T. sinensis extract exhibited 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging efficiency of 93.98% ± 1.56% and 2,2'-azino-bis (ABTS) free radical scavenging efficiency of 99.85% ± 0.08%. These results demonstrate the potential of T. sinensis extract as an antibacterial and antioxidant agent. This is the first report on the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of T. sinensis extract against L. monocytogenes.

Cubio (Tropaeolum tuberosum) is an undervalued Andean tuber with phytochemicals and antioxidant capacities. This biological material requires conservation technologies such as blanching for its use. However, this technology possibly affects the bioactive potential and color of the tuber. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of pretreatments of blanching with microwaves, ultrasound, and hot water on the bioactive compounds and surface color in cubio. Cubio slices were blanched with microwave (900 W, 25 s), ultrasound (42 kHz at 60 °C, 15 min), with water (90 °C, 3 min), and untreated samples as control. The dehydration process was then carried out in a natural convection oven at 50 °C until a moisture content of 4.7%. The results indicate that microwave pretreatment significantly increased (p < 0.05) the concentration of bioactive compounds compared to water, ultrasound, and untreated samples. Specifically, an increase of 11.59% in phenols, 24.76% in anthocyanins, and 87.42% in carotenoids was observed. However, during the dehydration process, the pretreatments had a negative effect on the variables analyzed (phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins). Nevertheless, the samples treated only with microwaves showed the lowest losses of anthocyanins compared to the fresh untreated samples. The color change in cubio slices was mainly caused by dehydration, but microwave processing (ΔE = 7.46) presented fewer changes in all color parameters to fresh cubio. These results demonstrate that microwave blanching treatment has great potential for the agroindustrial evaluation of this promising material as a source of natural antioxidants with application in the food industry.

Diabetes mellitus and obesity are prevalent lifestyle-related diseases worldwide. Salicornia brachiata, a halophytic plant usually found in salt marshes with a succulent stem portion comprising seeds and roots beneath the ground. Tender succulent stem part has been consumed as a salad, and vegetable traditionally with reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic biological activities. Previous reports described a presence of oil content and fatty acid composition in the seeds of Salicornia brachiata without highlighting its pharmacological effects. Since the fatty acids are ascribes to the anti-diabetic and lipid lowering potential, the current study aims to analyse the seed oil of edible halophyte Salicornia brachiata to explore its potential in managing diabetes and obesity through in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methodologies. Soxhlet extracted seed oil was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry which revealed significant presence of linoleic acid. The in silico analysis of linoleic acid with α-glucosidase enzyme, indicated a promising binding affinity to amino acid residues of enzyme, suggesting the formation of a stable protein-ligand complex. Subsequently, the in vitro studies demonstrated that the extracted oil inhibited α-glucosidase enzyme, corroborating the in silico findings. In vivo experiments conducted on two months old C57BL/6J male mice (n = 6) with 20-25 g body weight provided with a normal diet at a dosage of 10 mg/kg body weight described significant reductions in blood parameters, such as glucose, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides, highlighting the oil's anti-hyperglycaemic and anti-hyperlipidaemic properties. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report paving the way for further research into its health benefits.

Blackberries, underexploited wild fruits, are not widely recognized by the general population. Maturation in berries (Rubus ulmifolius) modifies their quality attributes, hence, this study aimed to examine the variations in physicochemical, phytochemical, antioxidant properties and minerals of the berries at the three maturity stages viz., unripe, half-ripe and full ripe. The results indicated an increase in TSS from 7.0 to 10.5 °B, moisture content from 80 to 86%, vitamin C from 19.0 to 27.50 (mg/100 g FW), sugars from 5.40 to 9.30% and anthocyanins from 69.72 to 139.44 (mg/100 g FW), while acidity from 1.21 to 0.33% citric acid, ash from 1.68 to 0.84%, total phenolic content 1021.0 to 875.0 (mgGAE/100 g FW), total flavonoid content from 372.30 to 274.30 (mgQE/100 g FW), decreased with the advancement of maturity from unripe to full ripe. Antioxidant activity measured through DPPH and FRAP assays, increased from 86.3 to 92% inhibition and 172.30 to 226.06 µmol Fe²⁺/g (FW), respectively. Gallic acid, quercetin decreased from 737.14 to 107.14, 953.35 to 364.80 (mg/kg FW), respectively, while cyanidin-3-glucoside and 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid values increased from 3.67 to 27.27, 43.46 to 101.70 (mg/kg FW), respectively. Rutin and vanillic acid, were not detected in the early stages of maturation but were later detected in the full ripe stage of Rubus, with concentrations of 16.82, 2.66 (mg/kg FW), respectively. The study highlights ripening induced changes in physicochemical properties and bioactive compounds of blackberries with half ripe stage possessing better quality attributes to be further used for food applications.

Cancer is a multifaceted disease that occurs when cells proliferate and migrate in an uncontrolled and unregulated manner. The development of cancer is the result of the interaction of a number of factors, including genetic mutations, environmental factors and lifestyle habits. There are many pharmacological and natural compounds that can be used to prevent and/or treat cancer. Piperine, a naturally occurring compound with multiple therapeutic properties, is the primary bioactive component of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), a member of the Piperaceae plant family. In recent years, it has attracted much interest as a potentially useful agent for the preventive and curative management of cancer. Results from studies of human cancer cell lines and advanced animal tumour models suggest that there are multiple pathways by which piperine may affect cancer development and metastasis. This review examines the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which piperine exerts its effects on cancer formation and progression, as well as its potential effects on various types of cancer.