In Ethiopia, wild edible plants (WEPs) are widely consumed. Despite the extensive usage of WEPs in Ethiopia, there have been few investigations on their nutritional composition.This study aimed to investigate the biochemical composition and antioxidants of the most commonly consumed three WEPs, Amaranthus tortuosus, Landolphia buchananii, and Oncoba spinosa in Soro District, Ethiopia. The proximate, mineral, vitamin C, and oxalate of them were determined using the method by AOAC. Anti-nutrients, total phenolic and flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity of the WEPs using standard spectroscopic methods. The highest crude protein content (38 g/100 g) was observed in Amaranthus tortuosus. Other nutrients on dry basis of crude fat, crude fiber, utilizable carbohydrate, gross energy, calcium, iron and zinc, vitamin C were resulted., including anti-nutrients of phytate, oxalate and tannin. O. spinosa has higher anti-nutrient content. The highest phenolic, flavonoid, and vitamin C in L. buchananii fruit. The L. buchananii extract had a comparable IC50 value with ascorbic acid in scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical. At 200 μg/ mL, the highest percentage of DPPH inhibition obtained for ascorbic acid. This study indicated, WEPs had more antioxidants than some common popular crops; it suggests that they can be incorporated to make more nutrient-dense and healthy-balanced diets.
{"title":"Biochemical composition and antioxidant activity of three wild edible plants from Soro District of Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia","authors":"Mulatu Hankiso , Ermias Lulekal , Zemede Asfaw , Bikila Warkineh , Paulos Getachew","doi":"10.1016/j.focha.2026.101220","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focha.2026.101220","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In Ethiopia, wild edible plants (WEPs) are widely consumed. Despite the extensive usage of WEPs in Ethiopia, there have been few investigations on their nutritional composition.This study aimed to investigate the biochemical composition and antioxidants of the most commonly consumed three WEPs, <em>Amaranthus tortuosus, Landolphia buchananii</em>, and <em>Oncoba spinosa</em> in Soro District, Ethiopia<em>.</em> The proximate, mineral, vitamin C, and oxalate of them were determined using the method by AOAC. Anti-nutrients, total phenolic and flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity of the WEPs using standard spectroscopic methods. The highest crude protein content (38 g/100 g) was observed in <em>Amaranthus tortuosus</em>. Other nutrients on dry basis of crude fat, crude fiber, utilizable carbohydrate, gross energy, calcium, iron and zinc, vitamin C were resulted., including anti-nutrients of phytate, oxalate and tannin. <em>O. spinosa</em> has higher anti-nutrient content. The highest phenolic, flavonoid, and vitamin C in <em>L. buchananii</em> fruit. The <em>L. buchananii</em> extract had a comparable IC50 value with ascorbic acid in scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical. At 200 μg/ mL, the highest percentage of DPPH inhibition obtained for ascorbic acid. This study indicated, WEPs had more antioxidants than some common popular crops; it suggests that they can be incorporated to make more nutrient-dense and healthy-balanced diets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73040,"journal":{"name":"Food chemistry advances","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 101220"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-03DOI: 10.1016/j.focha.2026.101240
Deusdélia Teixeira de Almeida , Euzélia Lima Souza , Erislene Silva de Almeida , Simone Monteiro , Wagna Piler Carvalho dos Santos , Agnes Sophia Braga Alves , Camila Duarte Ferreira Ribeiro , Lafaiete Almeida Cardoso
Micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron deficiency anemia and vitamin A deficiency, remain a concern among children in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the flour fortification policies in Brazil, nutrient bioavailability remains a challenge. Using local, nutrient-rich ingredients, such as crude palm olein (CPOL) and cowpea flour (CF), is a sustainable alternative for the nutritional improvement of school foods. This study aimed to develop and evaluate cookies enriched with CPOL and CF as vehicles for iron and provitamin A delivery during school meals. A 2² full factorial design was used, varying CF (60 or 120 g) and CPOL (25 or 50 g), while the control cookies (C0) contained only wheat flour and butter. Nutritional composition, color, texture, and sensory acceptance were also analyzed. High CF levels increased protein content (13.3–14.7 %) and mineral levels, including iron (31.6–41.2 μg/g), zinc, and magnesium. Carotenoid content ranged from 35.14 to 76.68 μg/g, and the reddish-brown color of the cookies likely resulted from both carotenoid pigments and Maillard reaction products formed during baking. The formulation containing 120 g of CF and 31.25 g of CPOL produced cookies with a crispy texture and high acceptance (score: 7.8). A 30-g serving may provide up to 15.5 % of daily iron and 13.9 % of retinol equivalents for children. These cookies have the potential to be accessible and acceptable fortification options for school feeding programs.
微量营养素缺乏症，如缺铁性贫血和维生素A缺乏症，仍然是低收入和中等收入国家儿童关注的问题。尽管巴西实行面粉强化政策，但营养物质的生物利用度仍然是一个挑战。使用当地营养丰富的原料，如粗棕榈油（CPOL）和豇豆粉（CF），是改善学校食品营养的可持续替代方案。本研究旨在开发和评估富含CPOL和CF的饼干，作为学校膳食中铁和维生素原A输送的载体。采用2²全因子设计，改变CF（60或120 g）和CPOL(25或50 g)，而对照饼干（C0）仅含有小麦粉和黄油。还分析了营养成分、颜色、质地和感官接受度。高CF水平增加了蛋白质含量（13.3 - 14.7%）和矿物质含量，包括铁（31.6-41.2 μg/g）、锌和镁。类胡萝卜素含量在35.14 ~ 76.68 μg/g之间，饼干呈红褐色，可能是类胡萝卜素和烘烤过程中形成的美拉德反应产物共同作用的结果。采用含120 g CF和31.25 g CPOL的配方，饼干口感酥脆，接受度高，得分7.8分。一份30克的份量可以为儿童提供15.5%的每日铁和13.9%的视黄醇当量。这些饼干有可能成为学校供餐计划中可获得和可接受的强化选择。
{"title":"Innovative cookies for school meals: nutritional, technological, and sensory potential of crude palm olein (Elaeis guineensis) and cowpea flour [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]","authors":"Deusdélia Teixeira de Almeida , Euzélia Lima Souza , Erislene Silva de Almeida , Simone Monteiro , Wagna Piler Carvalho dos Santos , Agnes Sophia Braga Alves , Camila Duarte Ferreira Ribeiro , Lafaiete Almeida Cardoso","doi":"10.1016/j.focha.2026.101240","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focha.2026.101240","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron deficiency anemia and vitamin A deficiency, remain a concern among children in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the flour fortification policies in Brazil, nutrient bioavailability remains a challenge. Using local, nutrient-rich ingredients, such as crude palm olein (CPOL) and cowpea flour (CF), is a sustainable alternative for the nutritional improvement of school foods. This study aimed to develop and evaluate cookies enriched with CPOL and CF as vehicles for iron and provitamin A delivery during school meals. A 2² full factorial design was used, varying CF (60 or 120 g) and CPOL (25 or 50 g), while the control cookies (C0) contained only wheat flour and butter. Nutritional composition, color, texture, and sensory acceptance were also analyzed. High CF levels increased protein content (13.3–14.7 %) and mineral levels, including iron (31.6–41.2 μg/g), zinc, and magnesium. Carotenoid content ranged from 35.14 to 76.68 μg/g, and the reddish-brown color of the cookies likely resulted from both carotenoid pigments and Maillard reaction products formed during baking. The formulation containing 120 g of CF and 31.25 g of CPOL produced cookies with a crispy texture and high acceptance (score: 7.8). A 30-g serving may provide up to 15.5 % of daily iron and 13.9 % of retinol equivalents for children. These cookies have the potential to be accessible and acceptable fortification options for school feeding programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73040,"journal":{"name":"Food chemistry advances","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 101240"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dietary phytochemicals, also termed nutritional hormetins, are gaining attention for their ability to induce hormesis. Hormesis describes a biphasic dose-response, where low-to-moderate exposure activates adaptive cellular defenses, while higher doses may be detrimental. Plant-derived compounds such as curcumin, luteolin, allicin, sulforaphane, and tomatidine trigger stress-response pathways mediated by diverse transcription factors and kinases. Notable examples include AMPK-mediated activation of Sirtuin-1, and Nrf2 and FOXO signaling, which regulate antioxidant enzymes, neurotrophic factors, and cytoprotective proteins. Regulation of these pathways offers a promising strategy against both communicable and non-communicable diseases. In infections, hormetic phytochemicals enhance host immunity and restrict pathogen survival. In non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, and neurodegeneration, they strengthen antioxidant defense, modulate glucose metabolism, suppress chronic inflammation, induce apoptosis of abnormal cells, and restore neuronal resilience. Substantial evidence supports their target-specific actions, pathway regulation, systemic protection, and safety for human use. Incorporation of such phytochemicals into fortified and functional foods presents a sustainable, cost-effective approach for prevention and management of global health challenges. Thus, hormetic phytochemicals provide an innovative strategy bridging traditional medicine and modern therapeutics. This review highlights their role in hormetic cellular responses, therapeutic applications, and potential in functional food development.
{"title":"From translational medicine to functional foods: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic applications of hormetic phytochemicals","authors":"Kajal Rana , Sristi Kumari , Garima Chouhan , Dev Sehgal, Praveen Yadav, Abhay Tiwari","doi":"10.1016/j.focha.2025.101204","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focha.2025.101204","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dietary phytochemicals, also termed nutritional hormetins, are gaining attention for their ability to induce hormesis. Hormesis describes a biphasic dose-response, where low-to-moderate exposure activates adaptive cellular defenses, while higher doses may be detrimental. Plant-derived compounds such as curcumin, luteolin, allicin, sulforaphane, and tomatidine trigger stress-response pathways mediated by diverse transcription factors and kinases. Notable examples include AMPK-mediated activation of Sirtuin-1, and Nrf2 and FOXO signaling, which regulate antioxidant enzymes, neurotrophic factors, and cytoprotective proteins. Regulation of these pathways offers a promising strategy against both communicable and non-communicable diseases. In infections, hormetic phytochemicals enhance host immunity and restrict pathogen survival. In non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, and neurodegeneration, they strengthen antioxidant defense, modulate glucose metabolism, suppress chronic inflammation, induce apoptosis of abnormal cells, and restore neuronal resilience. Substantial evidence supports their target-specific actions, pathway regulation, systemic protection, and safety for human use. Incorporation of such phytochemicals into fortified and functional foods presents a sustainable, cost-effective approach for prevention and management of global health challenges. Thus, hormetic phytochemicals provide an innovative strategy bridging traditional medicine and modern therapeutics. This review highlights their role in hormetic cellular responses, therapeutic applications, and potential in functional food development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73040,"journal":{"name":"Food chemistry advances","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 101204"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Globally, the brewing of rice beer is a traditional practice by different ethnic groups through spontaneous fermentation by locally grown starter cultures. These traditional rice beers produced across India remain underexplored, despite their cultural importance and potential functional value. Most of these beverages are prepared through spontaneous fermentation using indigenous starter cultures, yet less is known about how controlled process optimization influences their quality and bioactive profile. This study delineates optimizing fermentation parameters of a traditional red rice beer (RRB) which would lead to a beverage with targeted pH, acidity, TSS, and alcohol content, thereby enhancing its quality and potentially its bioactive metabolite diversity. Using response surface methodology, optimal conditions were identified at 3.05 g starter culture and 104 h fermentation has produced beverage with pH 4.38, TSS 24.82 °Brix, acidity 0.59 g/L, and 8.01% ethanol content. The optimized RRB also showed favourable colour attributes and high sensory acceptability. Untargeted LC-MS metabolomics of RRB has revealed 1,188 differential metabolites, out of which 40 major bioactive compounds were annotated. Fatty acid ethyl esters, PUFA derivatives, monoacylglycerols, sphingolipids, phenolics, terpenoids, ceramides, and oxylipins were covered in the RRB metabolome in the RT range from 25.01 to 28.43 min. These metabolites are known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-CVD, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and skin health-promoting actions. This study has demonstrated that controlled optimization not only standardizes product quality but also enhances the functional potential of traditional beer, as evidenced by the diverse profile of health-relevant metabolites.
{"title":"Metabolomic profiling of bioactive compounds in traditional indian red rice beer using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS)","authors":"H Lalnunfeli, Laishram Basantarani, Manish Kumar Singh, Ramngaih zuala, Baby Zaithanpuii Hmar","doi":"10.1016/j.focha.2026.101242","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focha.2026.101242","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Globally, the brewing of rice beer is a traditional practice by different ethnic groups through spontaneous fermentation by locally grown starter cultures. These traditional rice beers produced across India remain underexplored, despite their cultural importance and potential functional value. Most of these beverages are prepared through spontaneous fermentation using indigenous starter cultures, yet less is known about how controlled process optimization influences their quality and bioactive profile. This study delineates optimizing fermentation parameters of a traditional red rice beer (RRB) which would lead to a beverage with targeted pH, acidity, TSS, and alcohol content, thereby enhancing its quality and potentially its bioactive metabolite diversity. Using response surface methodology, optimal conditions were identified at 3.05 g starter culture and 104 h fermentation has produced beverage with pH 4.38, TSS 24.82 °Brix, acidity 0.59 g/L, and 8.01% ethanol content. The optimized RRB also showed favourable colour attributes and high sensory acceptability. Untargeted LC-MS metabolomics of RRB has revealed 1,188 differential metabolites, out of which 40 major bioactive compounds were annotated. Fatty acid ethyl esters, PUFA derivatives, monoacylglycerols, sphingolipids, phenolics, terpenoids, ceramides, and oxylipins were covered in the RRB metabolome in the RT range from 25.01 to 28.43 min. These metabolites are known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-CVD, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and skin health-promoting actions. This study has demonstrated that controlled optimization not only standardizes product quality but also enhances the functional potential of traditional beer, as evidenced by the diverse profile of health-relevant metabolites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73040,"journal":{"name":"Food chemistry advances","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 101242"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A novel analytical method was developed for the determination of cadmium in tea samples using a natural deep eutectic solvent-based magnetic nanofluid liquid phase microextraction technique, combined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. In this study, cadmium forms a neutral and hydrophobic complex with dithizone, which is subsequently extracted by the magnetic nanofluid prepared through the dispersion of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles in a natural deep eutectic solvent composed of l-menthol and formic acid. The method demonstrated excellent analytical performance, with limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 0.0060 and 0.018 ng/L, respectively. The linearity range of the NADES-MNF-LPME–GFAAS method was 0.018 to 0.20 ng L. The concentrations of cadmium in the real samples ranged from 0.08 to 1.05 ng/L in tap water samples and from 0.03 to 0.19 ng/L in tea leaf samples, respectively. Cadmium was successfully quantified in real samples with recoveries of 80–120%. Interference from coexisting ions was also evaluated to ensure method selectivity. Finally, statistical comparison of t-values between the proposed method and both Thailand Reference Material and standard reference materials showed no significant differences at the 95% confidence level (df=2), confirming the method’s reliability and suitability for cadmium contamination assessment in food.
{"title":"Natural deep eutectic solvent–based magnetic nanofluid microextraction for sensitive determination of cadmium in tap water and tea leaves by GFAAS","authors":"Patthamaporn Inthamad , Ajchara Imkum Putkham , Sakunna Wongsaipun , Wanwisa Janrungroatsakul , Anchalee Sirikulkajorn , Wipharat Chuachuad Chaiyasith","doi":"10.1016/j.focha.2026.101233","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focha.2026.101233","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A novel analytical method was developed for the determination of cadmium in tea samples using a natural deep eutectic solvent-based magnetic nanofluid liquid phase microextraction technique, combined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. In this study, cadmium forms a neutral and hydrophobic complex with dithizone, which is subsequently extracted by the magnetic nanofluid prepared through the dispersion of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles in a natural deep eutectic solvent composed of <span>l</span>-menthol and formic acid. The method demonstrated excellent analytical performance, with limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 0.0060 and 0.018 ng/L, respectively. The linearity range of the NADES-MNF-LPME–GFAAS method was 0.018 to 0.20 ng L. The concentrations of cadmium in the real samples ranged from 0.08 to 1.05 ng/L in tap water samples and from 0.03 to 0.19 ng/L in tea leaf samples, respectively. Cadmium was successfully quantified in real samples with recoveries of 80–120%. Interference from coexisting ions was also evaluated to ensure method selectivity. Finally, statistical comparison of t-values between the proposed method and both Thailand Reference Material and standard reference materials showed no significant differences at the 95% confidence level (df=2), confirming the method’s reliability and suitability for cadmium contamination assessment in food.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73040,"journal":{"name":"Food chemistry advances","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 101233"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are widely extracted in both fresh and processed forms as a source of antioxidants from the carotenoid group. Lycopene is the most dominant carotenoid compound, accounting for 90 % of the total carotenoids in tomatoes. However, lycopene is thermolabile and begins to degrade rapidly at temperatures above 100 °C. Therefore, selecting an appropriate extraction method is crucial, as factors such as temperature, duration, and solvent type significantly influence the efficiency and recovery of lycopene. In this study, a comparison was made between conventional solvent extraction (Hot & Cold Solvent), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), deep eutectic solvent (DES) extraction, and supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO₂) extraction. The comparative analysis showed that DES solvents offer a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient alternative at the laboratory scale, while SCCO₂ is the most viable technique for industrial-scale production due to its high yield, good product purity, and the use of safe and recyclable solvents.
{"title":"Lycopene from tomatoes: A comparative review of extraction technologies","authors":"Luthfiyyah Mutmainah , Avika Widyapuspita , Sandya Amelia Febriliani , Zelika Mega Ramadhania","doi":"10.1016/j.focha.2026.101229","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focha.2026.101229","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tomatoes (<em>Solanum lycopersicum</em> L.) are widely extracted in both fresh and processed forms as a source of antioxidants from the carotenoid group. Lycopene is the most dominant carotenoid compound, accounting for 90 % of the total carotenoids in tomatoes. However, lycopene is thermolabile and begins to degrade rapidly at temperatures above 100 °C. Therefore, selecting an appropriate extraction method is crucial, as factors such as temperature, duration, and solvent type significantly influence the efficiency and recovery of lycopene. In this study, a comparison was made between conventional solvent extraction (Hot & Cold Solvent), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), deep eutectic solvent (DES) extraction, and supercritical carbon dioxide (SC<img>CO₂) extraction. The comparative analysis showed that DES solvents offer a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient alternative at the laboratory scale, while SC<img>CO₂ is the most viable technique for industrial-scale production due to its high yield, good product purity, and the use of safe and recyclable solvents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73040,"journal":{"name":"Food chemistry advances","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 101229"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-11DOI: 10.1016/j.focha.2026.101226
Yogi Simanjuntak , Princella Halim , Nurpudji Astuti Taslim , Fahrul Nurkolis , Arya Tjipta Prananda , Aminah Dalimunthe , Satirah Zainalabidin , Nur Aira Juwita , Alexander Patera Nugraha , Raymond Rubianto Tjandrawinata , Sony Eka Nugraha , Pipit Pitriani , Amer Ahmed , Bonglee Kim , Rony Abdi Syahputra
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a growing global health problem characterized by central obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. It poses a major burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where lifestyle changes and limited healthcare access accelerate its rise. This review highlights advances from 2014–2024 in understanding MetS, with a focus on the therapeutic promise of natural phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Evidence was drawn from preclinical, clinical, and population-based studies retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using search terms including combinations of "metabolic syndrome," "phytochemicals," "polyphenols," "flavonoids," "alkaloids," and related metabolic markers, with inclusion criteria focusing on original research articles, systematic reviews, and clinical trials published between 2014 and 2024. Across 152 studies, phytochemicals consistently improved markers of MetS. They lowered triglycerides, raised high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), reduced fasting glucose and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and improved blood pressure regulation. Mechanistic data show polyphenols like resveratrol and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) enhance AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) activity; flavonoids such as quercetin reduce nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-driven inflammation; and alkaloids like berberine modulate gut microbiota and insulin receptor signaling. These compounds act on overlapping molecular pathways including AMPK, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), NF-κB, and microbial communities, giving them broad protective potential. Despite promising results, issues of bioavailability, dosage, and inconsistent study designs limit translation. Safety profiles remain favorable, but large-scale, long-term clinical trials are needed. Phytochemicals represent a cost-effective and complementary approach to managing MetS and reducing its cardiovascular and diabetic complications.
代谢综合征（MetS）是一个日益严重的全球性健康问题，其特征是中枢性肥胖、血脂异常、高血压和胰岛素抵抗。它构成了一个重大负担，特别是在生活方式改变和有限的医疗保健机会加速其上升的低收入和中等收入国家。本文回顾了2014-2024年在理解MetS方面的进展，重点关注天然植物化学物质如多酚、类黄酮和生物碱的治疗前景。证据来自临床前、临床和基于人群的研究，检索自PubMed、Scopus和Web of Science数据库，检索词包括“代谢综合征”、“植物化学物质”、“多酚”、“类黄酮”、“生物碱”和相关代谢标志物的组合，纳入标准侧重于2014年至2024年间发表的原创研究文章、系统综述和临床试验。在152项研究中，植物化学物质持续改善MetS标记物。他们降低了甘油三酯，提高了高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（HDL-C），降低了空腹血糖和胰岛素抵抗的稳态模型评估（HOMA-IR），并改善了血压调节。机制数据显示，白藜芦醇和表没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯（EGCG）等多酚增强amp活化蛋白激酶（AMPK）信号传导和葡萄糖转运蛋白4型（GLUT4）活性；槲皮素等类黄酮可减少核因子κB （NF-κB）引起的炎症；像小檗碱这样的生物碱可以调节肠道微生物群和胰岛素受体信号。这些化合物作用于重叠的分子通路，包括AMPK、过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ (PPAR-γ)、NF-κB和微生物群落，赋予它们广泛的保护潜力。尽管结果令人鼓舞，但生物利用度、剂量和不一致的研究设计等问题限制了翻译。安全性仍然良好，但需要大规模、长期的临床试验。植物化学物质代表了一种具有成本效益和补充性的方法来管理MetS并减少其心血管和糖尿病并发症。
{"title":"Dietary phytochemicals as multitarget strategies against metabolic syndrome: Mechanistic basis and translational outlook","authors":"Yogi Simanjuntak , Princella Halim , Nurpudji Astuti Taslim , Fahrul Nurkolis , Arya Tjipta Prananda , Aminah Dalimunthe , Satirah Zainalabidin , Nur Aira Juwita , Alexander Patera Nugraha , Raymond Rubianto Tjandrawinata , Sony Eka Nugraha , Pipit Pitriani , Amer Ahmed , Bonglee Kim , Rony Abdi Syahputra","doi":"10.1016/j.focha.2026.101226","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focha.2026.101226","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a growing global health problem characterized by central obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. It poses a major burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where lifestyle changes and limited healthcare access accelerate its rise. This review highlights advances from 2014–2024 in understanding MetS, with a focus on the therapeutic promise of natural phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Evidence was drawn from preclinical, clinical, and population-based studies retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using search terms including combinations of \"metabolic syndrome,\" \"phytochemicals,\" \"polyphenols,\" \"flavonoids,\" \"alkaloids,\" and related metabolic markers, with inclusion criteria focusing on original research articles, systematic reviews, and clinical trials published between 2014 and 2024. Across 152 studies, phytochemicals consistently improved markers of MetS. They lowered triglycerides, raised high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), reduced fasting glucose and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and improved blood pressure regulation. Mechanistic data show polyphenols like resveratrol and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) enhance AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) activity; flavonoids such as quercetin reduce nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-driven inflammation; and alkaloids like berberine modulate gut microbiota and insulin receptor signaling. These compounds act on overlapping molecular pathways including AMPK, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), NF-κB, and microbial communities, giving them broad protective potential. Despite promising results, issues of bioavailability, dosage, and inconsistent study designs limit translation. Safety profiles remain favorable, but large-scale, long-term clinical trials are needed. Phytochemicals represent a cost-effective and complementary approach to managing MetS and reducing its cardiovascular and diabetic complications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73040,"journal":{"name":"Food chemistry advances","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 101226"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173445","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.focha.2025.101210
Laura Anindita , Jonathan Chang , Gabriel Adhitya Pormarejo Haroen Al-Rasjid , Endang Rahmat
Dadih is a traditional fermented buffalo milk from West Sumatra, Indonesia, reflecting the cultural heritage of the Minangkabau ethnic group while serving as a functional dish with underappreciated scientific potential. Characterized by a thick texture and sour flavor, the fermentation occurs spontaneously through native microbial communities dominated by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which coagulate the milk into dadih. In this review, the microbial composition, functional biomolecules, and nutritional properties of dadih are comprehensively elaborated based on existing data. The compiled studies demonstrate that LAB play a critical role in producing functional compounds, including short-chain fatty acids, exopolysaccharides, bacteriocins, and ACE-inhibitory peptides. These compounds contribute to the production of beneficial effects, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic activities. Alongside the buffalo milk base, the diverse findings of indigenous LAB are determined by regional specificity, driven by environmental factors such as bamboo type and fermentation conditions. Consequently, dadih consists of promising health functions comparable to commonly used mammal milk, unique for its microbial activity and natural fermentation. Future research is recommended to discover more about unvalidated compounds, improve fermentation standardization, and explore potential applications in probiotic and nutraceutical development.
{"title":"Characterization and health effects of functional bioactives from West Sumatra’s fermented buffalo milk (dadih)","authors":"Laura Anindita , Jonathan Chang , Gabriel Adhitya Pormarejo Haroen Al-Rasjid , Endang Rahmat","doi":"10.1016/j.focha.2025.101210","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focha.2025.101210","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dadih is a traditional fermented buffalo milk from West Sumatra, Indonesia, reflecting the cultural heritage of the Minangkabau ethnic group while serving as a functional dish with underappreciated scientific potential. Characterized by a thick texture and sour flavor, the fermentation occurs spontaneously through native microbial communities dominated by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which coagulate the milk into dadih. In this review, the microbial composition, functional biomolecules, and nutritional properties of dadih are comprehensively elaborated based on existing data. The compiled studies demonstrate that LAB play a critical role in producing functional compounds, including short-chain fatty acids, exopolysaccharides, bacteriocins, and ACE-inhibitory peptides. These compounds contribute to the production of beneficial effects, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic activities. Alongside the buffalo milk base, the diverse findings of indigenous LAB are determined by regional specificity, driven by environmental factors such as bamboo type and fermentation conditions. Consequently, dadih consists of promising health functions comparable to commonly used mammal milk, unique for its microbial activity and natural fermentation. Future research is recommended to discover more about unvalidated compounds, improve fermentation standardization, and explore potential applications in probiotic and nutraceutical development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73040,"journal":{"name":"Food chemistry advances","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 101210"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-20DOI: 10.1016/j.focha.2025.101211
Md. Ashraful Islam , Md. Samrat Mohay Menul Islam , Farhana Jahan , Md. Samsul Hoque Dany , Md. Jahidul Islam , Md. Nuruzzaman
This study used ion chromatography (IC) to evaluate the concentrations of the six major anions: fluoride, chloride, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, and sulphate, from different fruits and vegetables obtained from the markets in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. The leafy vegetables had a greater proportion of phosphates, chloride and sulphate than any other type of vegetables. Bitter melon, radish and cabbage had the greatest levels of nitrite and nitrate. Orange, Bitter melon and Pumpkin were the fruit/vegetable products with the highest levels of fluoride with multiple samples exceeding the International Safety Standards. Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) and Hazard Risk Index (HRI) evaluations through health risk assessments indicated that the majority of fruits pose a low risk to all ages (Children and Adults), whereas Bitter melons and Radishes, and Pumpkins posed a non-carcinogenic health hazard for young children. Multivariate statistical analyses including Pearson Correlation, Principal Component and Hierarchical Cluster Analyze have indicated significant relationships between the level of nitrates, phosphate and sulphate due to common anthropogenic sources. The findings indicate a strong need for regulatory agencies to engage in targeted monitoring of the level of anions within agricultural products and to protect against potential health hazards within the most vulnerable groups of Bangladeshi consumers.
{"title":"Anionic profiles of fruits and vegetables in Rajshahi, Bangladesh: Insights into food safety and human health risks","authors":"Md. Ashraful Islam , Md. Samrat Mohay Menul Islam , Farhana Jahan , Md. Samsul Hoque Dany , Md. Jahidul Islam , Md. Nuruzzaman","doi":"10.1016/j.focha.2025.101211","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focha.2025.101211","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study used ion chromatography (IC) to evaluate the concentrations of the six major anions: fluoride, chloride, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, and sulphate, from different fruits and vegetables obtained from the markets in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. The leafy vegetables had a greater proportion of phosphates, chloride and sulphate than any other type of vegetables. Bitter melon, radish and cabbage had the greatest levels of nitrite and nitrate. Orange, Bitter melon and Pumpkin were the fruit/vegetable products with the highest levels of fluoride with multiple samples exceeding the International Safety Standards. Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) and Hazard Risk Index (HRI) evaluations through health risk assessments indicated that the majority of fruits pose a low risk to all ages (Children and Adults), whereas Bitter melons and Radishes, and Pumpkins posed a non-carcinogenic health hazard for young children. Multivariate statistical analyses including Pearson Correlation, Principal Component and Hierarchical Cluster Analyze have indicated significant relationships between the level of nitrates, phosphate and sulphate due to common anthropogenic sources. The findings indicate a strong need for regulatory agencies to engage in targeted monitoring of the level of anions within agricultural products and to protect against potential health hazards within the most vulnerable groups of Bangladeshi consumers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73040,"journal":{"name":"Food chemistry advances","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 101211"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-03-04DOI: 10.1016/j.focha.2026.101264
Jie Guo, Ghulam Murtaza, Marko Mäkinen, Janne Jänis
Berry pomace represents an underutilized source of bioactive polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, polyphenol-rich extracts were obtained from the pomaces of four wild and eight cultivated berry species, and their total phenolic content (TPC) was determined. Wild berries generally exhibited higher TPC than cultivated species. Bilberry and lingonberry showed the highest values (6979 and 4261 mg GAE, respectively), followed by cloudberry (2633 mg GAE) and rowanberry (2001 mg GAE). Among cultivated currants, black currant had the highest TPC (2585 mg GAE), followed by green (1706 mg GAE), white (1264 mg GAE), and red (1208 mg GAE) currants. Raspberry showed higher TPC (1970 mg GAE) than gooseberries (1452–1778 mg GAE). High-resolution direct-infusion mass spectrometry enabled the identification of over 250 phenolic compounds. Flavanols predominated in currants, gooseberries, lingonberry, and bilberry, whereas phenolic acids were more abundant in raspberry and lighter-colored currants. Raspberry pomace was particularly rich in proanthocyanidins, while cloudberry and rowanberry were characterized by ellagic and chlorogenic acids, respectively. Lingonberry exhibited the greatest polyphenolic diversity. Statistical analyses revealed species-specific chemical profiles, supporting the valorization of berry pomace as a high-value food industry by-product.
{"title":"Preparation and ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry-based profiling of phenolic extracts from the pomace of cultivated and wild berries","authors":"Jie Guo, Ghulam Murtaza, Marko Mäkinen, Janne Jänis","doi":"10.1016/j.focha.2026.101264","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focha.2026.101264","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Berry pomace represents an underutilized source of bioactive polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, polyphenol-rich extracts were obtained from the pomaces of four wild and eight cultivated berry species, and their total phenolic content (TPC) was determined. Wild berries generally exhibited higher TPC than cultivated species. Bilberry and lingonberry showed the highest values (6979 and 4261 mg GAE, respectively), followed by cloudberry (2633 mg GAE) and rowanberry (2001 mg GAE). Among cultivated currants, black currant had the highest TPC (2585 mg GAE), followed by green (1706 mg GAE), white (1264 mg GAE), and red (1208 mg GAE) currants. Raspberry showed higher TPC (1970 mg GAE) than gooseberries (1452–1778 mg GAE). High-resolution direct-infusion mass spectrometry enabled the identification of over 250 phenolic compounds. Flavanols predominated in currants, gooseberries, lingonberry, and bilberry, whereas phenolic acids were more abundant in raspberry and lighter-colored currants. Raspberry pomace was particularly rich in proanthocyanidins, while cloudberry and rowanberry were characterized by ellagic and chlorogenic acids, respectively. Lingonberry exhibited the greatest polyphenolic diversity. Statistical analyses revealed species-specific chemical profiles, supporting the valorization of berry pomace as a high-value food industry by-product.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73040,"journal":{"name":"Food chemistry advances","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 101264"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147385085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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