Plant Foods for Human Nutrition最新文献

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Monech has a diverse range of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, polyphenols, phenolic acids, alkylamides, and terpenoids. Phenolic and flavonoid substances derived from the leaves and flowers have been used for treatment of illness. The aim of this study to evaluate the polyphenolic components of the flowers and leaves of E. purpurea, along with the diurnal variations and the morphological differences. Two-year-old in full bloom flowers and leaves were harvested at different times of the day (6:00 am, 9:00 am, 12:00 am, 03:00 pm, 06:00 pm, 09:00 pm). The water and methanol extracts prepared from these samples to determine total phenolic, total flavonoid and phenolic compound contents. The experiment was established in randomized complete block design with three factors and three replications. The highest total phenolic content was observed in flowers with methanol extract (157.91 ± 0.32 mg QE/g dry extract) at 09.00 a.m. Also the highest total flavonoid content was observed in leaves with methanol extract at 09.00 a.m (80.12 ± 0.16 mg QE/g dry extract). Chlorogenic acid (19.1 ± 0.83 mg/g methanol extract) and caffeic acid (13.2 ± 0.58 mg/g methanol extract) were identified as the predominant phenolic acids. The peak concentrations of these phenolic acids were observed at 6:00 a.m, followed by a gradual decline throughout the subsequent hours of the day. Findings emphasize the importance of harvesting E. purpurea at the optimal time to maximize antioxidant capacity. This study provides valuable new information on morphogenetic and diurnal variation of phenolic and flavonoid content for drug and pharmaceutical raw material production.

Ficus tikoua has high medicinal and edible value. Our previous study had demonstrated its antidiabetic properties, but the specific active molecules and their mechanisms remained unclear. In this study, five active compounds, namely marmesin glycoside (1), quercetin (2), quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucuronide-6''-methyl ester (3), (-)-epicatechin (4), (+)-epicatechin (5), were isolated by bioassay-guided method and identified. Compounds 1-5 displayed varying degrees of efficacy (IC₅₀ = 3.80-79.58 μM) and affinity (6.3-7.7 kcal/mol) on α-glucosidase. This was the first report that compound 1 exhibited the significant inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 3.80 μM) through a mixed inhibition mode, engaging with the residues GLY228 and ASN301. Additionally, compounds 1 and 2 showed the effect on promoting glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Compounds 2-5 all showed potent effects in DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and DNA oxidative damage assays. Among them, compound 5 exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity for DPPH, ABTS, FRAP (10.56 μM, 4.34 mol Trolox/mol and 1.54 mol Trolox/mol, respectively), and compounds 3 and 5 (4 μM) demonstrated potent DNA protective effect. When combined in binary form, compounds 1 and 4 (FICI = 0.23), and compounds 4 and 5 (FICI = 0.47) displayed synergistic effects. This study revealed that Ficus tikoua could be used as a functional food, and the active compounds and combinations could serve as complementary therapeutic strategies for diabetes.

Heliotropium dolosum (Boraginaceae) is traditionally used for its choleretic, antipyretic, and cicatrizing properties. Despite some reports on its traditional uses, this species' cytotoxic and nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory potential and its polyphenolic compounds have not been previously investigated. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and NO inhibitory activities of H. dolosum extracts and to identify polyphenolic compounds that could be contributing to these effects. The antioxidant activity of H. dolosum extracts (ethanol, methanol, chloroform, water) was assessed using six in vitro models. Total phenolics, flavonoids, and saponins were quantified via colorimetric assays, while phenolic compounds were identified using HPLC. Cytotoxicity was evaluated through brine shrimp lethality and cancer cell assays, and NO inhibitory activity was measured in LPS-induced cancer cells. The methanol extract displayed the highest antioxidant activity, with major phenolic compounds identified as caffeic acid, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and ellagic acid with 12.307, 5.710 and 5.061 mg/g, respectively. It showed notable cytotoxicity (LC₅₀ = 18.1 µg/mL) and concentration-dependent effects on cancer cells. The highest NO inhibition was observed in HCC78 cells (15.56 µM nitrite). H. dolosum demonstrates potential as a wild plant source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, cytotoxic, and NO inhibitory properties, highlighting its promise for functional food development and nutraceutical applications.

Calsyntenin-1 (Clst1) is a sensitive indicator of lead (Pb) toxicity in neural tissue. This study was designed to investigate the impact of lead exposure on Clst1 expression in PC12 cells and the mitigating effect of pea peptide 4 (PP4) on lead-induced neurotoxicity. Data showed that lead exposure, at varying doses and durations, disrupted the mRNA expression and protein levels of Clstn1 in PC12 cells. However, immunofluorescence results showed that treatment with PP4 significantly increased Clstn1 protein expression in the Pb + PP4 and PP4 groups compared to the Pb groups (P < 0.05). Lead exposure activates the JNK and p38 pathways; at the same time, PP4 treatment enhances ERK pathway activation and reduces JNK and p38 activation.

This study aimed to investigate the enzymatic hydrolysis of sunflower, olive, and flaxseed oils and its impact on starch complexation and properties. Enzymatic treatment significantly increased free fatty acid content to 45% without any significant change in fatty acid composition and oxidation precursors. The complexation of high amylose maize starch with hydrolysed flaxseed oil was effective in limiting starch digestion. The highest resistant starch content and expected glycemic index value were determined in starch lipid complex formed by hydrolysed flaxseed oil to be 69.11% and 56.44, respectively. According to XRD patterns, V-type formation was obtained only in complexes formed by hydrolysed oils. Overall, it is concluded that enzymatic hydrolysis of polyunsaturated triglyceride fatty acids to free fatty acids and subsequent complexation with starch can be effective in the production of RS5.

The total soluble phenolic content (TSPC), decomposition profiles and kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of hydrophilic bioactive extracts from Randia monantha (RME), Coccoloba uvifera (CUE) and Vaccinium corymbosum (VCE) fruits were investigated. The TSPC was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The decomposition profiles of the extracts were obtained via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Then, the kinetic parameters (preexponential factor, A, and activation energy, E_a) and thermodynamic parameters (enthalpy, ΔH; entropy, ΔS; and free Gibbs energy, ΔG) of each stage of decomposition were obtained via the Coats-Redfern method. The highest TSPC was shown for RME extract, followed by VCE and CUE extracts due to the plant material. The thermal analyses showed that RME and VCE extracts had three mass loss events, and the CUE extract had only two. Moreover, RME exhibits higher decomposition temperatures. These differences in the thermal profile were attributed to the TSPC concentration in the extracts. Compared with the RME and VCE extracts, the CUE extract presented the lowest values of E_a, A, ΔH, and ΔS due to the low TSPC. On the contrary, all extracts presented high ΔG values in the final stage of the thermal process. Notably, the RME extract demonstrated the highest values, followed by the VCE and CUE extracts. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters revealed that the thermal decomposition of the extracts was an endothermic process. This would allow for adaptation processing conditions or the implementation of encapsulation technologies that avoid the degradation of the extracts.

The objective of this study was to produce fiber-enriched crackers by substitution of corn flour and whole wheat flour with oleaster powder (OP) at levels of 0% (C-0), 10% (C-10), 20% (C-20), 30% (C-30), and 50% (C-50) and to determine their sensory, textural, color, and bioactive properties, as well as revealing their dietary fiber and glycemic index values. The results showed that the L* values of the samples were found to range from 62.39 (C-30) to 67.31 (C-0), a* values from 4.43 (C-10) to 8.30 (C-50), and b* values from 21.32 (C-10) to 27.40 (C-50). The hardness and fracturability of the samples decreased with increasing OP concentration, with hardness values ranging from 77.45 to 363.35 N and fracturabilitiy values ranging from 23.30 to 33.90 mm. The total phenolic content (TPC) of the cracker samples ranged from 7.39 to 15.06 mg GAE/100 g, while DPPH radical scavenging activity, CUPRAC antioxidant activity, and FRAP assay values increased with the elevating OP concentration, spanning 4.76 to 93.09 mg TE/100 g, 191.03 to 557.4 mg TE/100 g, and 35.70 to 129.90 mg TE/100 g, respectively. The total dietary fiber content also increased in parallel with the OP level (from 6.83 to 15.15%). The Hydrolysis index values ranged from 109.00 to 74.49%. Although all cracker samples were classified as high glycemic index foods, OP incorporation also decreased the glycemic values up to ⁓19% with values ranging from 80.60 (C-50) to 99.55 (C-0). In conclusion, the addition of OP significantly improved the nutritional properties of the crackers by increasing their dietary fiber, TPC and antioxidant activities as well as decreasing their glycemic index without affecting the sensory attributes. Achieving a balance between nutritional improvement and desirable sensory attributes remains key for optimizing cracker formulations.

Elionurus muticus (Spreng) Kuntze, commonly known as "espartillo", is a South American plant with a rich history of traditional use as an aromatic and medicinal infusion. The essential oil (EO) composition of E. muticus has garnered significant attention in recent decades due to its citrus aroma and antimicrobial properties. However, comprehensive investigations into its nutritional profile, bioactivity, and moisture behavior have been scarce. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize espartillo leaves, uncovering valuable insights for potential agro-industrial applications. Our findings revealed a rich nutritional profile. Espartillo leaves demonstrated a high dietary fiber content (29.5%), alongside moderate levels of carbohydrates (6.2%), and a low-calorie profile (49 kcal/100 g). The essential oil yield was 0.97%, predominantly composed of neral (35.3%) and geranial (43.8%). Furthermore, the leaves extracts exhibited significant levels of total phenolic compounds (42.9-65.0 mgAGE/g), and flavonoids (11.8-13.1 mgQE/g), demonstrating potent antioxidant activity comparable to the synthetic antioxidant BHT. The equilibrium moisture content of espartillo leaves was accurately described by the Oswin equation at lower temperatures (25 and 30 °C) and the Henderson model at higher temperatures (40 and 50 °C). These findings position espartillo as a promising natural source of aromatics, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds with potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. Further research exploring the incorporation of espartillo leaf extracts into functional foods and nutraceuticals is warranted.

Sacha Inchi oil (SIO), derived from seeds of Plukenetia volubilis L., is a novel plant source of unsaturated fatty acids, highly regarded for its health benefits. The rich fractions of polyunsaturated fatty acids have shown potential in improving or reducing the impact of hyperglycaemia, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia (3Hs) for both in vivo and preliminary human studies. This study aimed to investigate the effects of SIO supplementation on glycaemic, lipid and blood pressures outcomes of patients with 3Hs. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trial was conducted to investigate the effects of SIO supplementation in fifty-four (n = 54) 3Hs patients. Assessments of glycaemic control, blood pressure and lipid profiles were conducted and compared at baseline and week-12 after 3Hs patients were randomised into SIO group (n = 27) (received 1000 mg of SIO soft gel per day) or the placebo group (n = 27) (received 1000 mg of corn oil), with prescribed medications. The compliancy and tolerability of supplementation were assessed concurrently. The SIO group demonstrated lower systolic (-8.6 mmHg, p = 0.004) and diastolic blood pressure (BP) (-7.0 mmHg, p = 0.004), total cholesterol (TC) (-0.6 mmol/L, p = 0.024), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (-0.3 mmol/L, p = 0.036) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (p = 0.048) but no effect on glycaemic markers. No clinical adverse events were reported, and the side effects of SIO supplementation were self-limiting and minimal. SIO supplementation showed the potential to alleviate BPs, reduced both TC and LDL-C, and improved HDL-C levels. SIO may offer a simple, novel complementary medicine for the management of 3Hs.

The wild plants Borago officinalis L. (Boraginaceae) and Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae) are known to have both food and medicinal uses. The aim of the work was to evaluate the bioaccessibility of potentially bioactive phytochemicals in organ-specific infusions and decoctions pre- and post- simulated in vitro oro-gastrointestinal human digestion aiming at both oral intake and topical applications. (Poly)phenols, reducing sugars, and proteins were analysed by spectroscopic and spectrometry techniques (NMR and HPLC-DAD) as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities pre- and post-digestion. As expected, in vitro digestion altered the composition of the extracts. Specifically, the total amount of (poly)phenols as well as the largely correlated antioxidant activity decreased post-digestion, while reducing sugars and proteins increased. Catechins and rutin were detected in both plants. Rosmarinic acid was the most abundant compound in B. officinalis (on average 90% in infusions), while rutin and hyperoside in H. perforatum (up to 100% in stem digested extracts). Hypericum extracts exhibited similar activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while the Borago extracts showed higher activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Overall, the minimal inhibitory concentrations ranged from 0.47 to 0.94 mg/ml. In conclusion, the studied herbal preparations may provide significant amounts of bioactive compounds both pre- and post-digestion able to potentially mitigate oxidative stress-related disorders after ingestion and/or to treat skin infection diseases when applied topically.