Nutraceuticals, Volume 4, Issue 4 (December 2024) – 13 articles

Fruits and vegetables are sources of natural nutraceuticals. They contain a variety of bioactive compounds such as vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers and other phytochemicals that contribute to their health-promoting properties and disease prevention. A wide variety of fruits and vegetables should be eaten to ensure that an individual’s diet includes a combination of phytonutraceuticals and to obtain all their health benefits. This study aimed to compare the antioxidant potential and cardiovascular benefits within a restricted sample of ten fruits and ten vegetables, previously reported as largely consumed in Portugal. With data available from the literature, antioxidant potential scales were established. Additionally, a set of seven criteria, including high antioxidant capacity (FRAP values above 1), presence of n-3 fatty acids, saturated fat, cholesterol, trans fatty acids, fiber and sodium was used to create comparative scales of their potential cardiovascular benefits. The main results showed that the fruits that simultaneously exhibited the highest antioxidant potential values and the highest cardiovascular potential benefit were lemon, grapes, and melon; among vegetables, the top rankings were found to be tomato and onion. These products have been recognized as interesting sources of natural nutraceuticals for the food and pharmaceutical industries. In the future, similar approaches are desirable to translate complex scientific data into practical, simple and user-friendly information for food literacy initiatives, including nutrition education materials, about the relative level of the potential cardiovascular benefits of a wide diversity of food products. Full article

Skin aging is intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic, or chronological, skin aging is an inevitable process of chronological and physiological alterations. The factors contributing to extrinsic skin aging involve sunlight, nutrients, and stress. Thus, extrinsic aging is thought to be superimposed over intrinsic aging and depends on the intensity and duration of environmental exposure and skin type (e.g., dry skin, oily skin, or eczema). The most significant extrinsic aging factor is UV radiation, which causes cellular senescence in a process known as photoaging. This study aimed to illuminate the mechanism whereby solubilized elastin peptide lotion (EL) from the bulbus arteriosus of yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata) prevents skin photoaging in hairless mice. EL reduced wrinkle formation, epidermal skin thickness, and Ki67 (cell growth marker) mRNA expression in skin tissues from ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated mice. EL treatment also reduced glyoxalase-1 (key enzyme of glucose metabolism) levels in skin tissue. Although no significant differences in collagen and elastin contents were found in dermal areas, matrix metalloproteinase-12 (wrinkle-related marker) expression was reduced following EL application. Furthermore, skin DPP-IV/CD26 (new senescence marker) levels decreased following EL treatment in photoaging model mice. These results suggest that EL moderates skin damage caused by UVB irradiation by regulating senescence-related molecule expression. Full article

This study aimed to investigate whether beta-alanine supplementation (BA) improves performance and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and reduces the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) during a CrossFit^® workout. Fourteen participants were randomized in a double-blind design to either BA or placebo, with 12 participants (7 males, 5 females, 32 ± 9.2 y) completing the study. Participants performed two tests, separated by three weeks of supplementing with either 6.4 g/day of BA or placebo. Performance tests involved time to complete an adapted CrossFit^® “Fran” Workout of the Day: 21-15-9 repetition scheme alternating between dumbbell thrusters and kipping pull-ups. No significant differences between the BA group and the placebo group were observed for performance time improvement (−13.4 s vs. −12.9 s, p = 0.97), change in mean RER (0.06 vs. 0.05, p = 0.84), or change in RPE (10-point scale) (−0.4 vs. −0.07, p = 0.56). There was a group × time × time during test interaction for RER (p = 0.021). Compared to pre-testing, post-testing RER was higher at the 25% time point of the test for the BA group and at the 75% and 100% time points in the placebo group (p < 0.05). Beta-alanine did not show significant ergogenic effects during an adapted version of the CrossFit^® workout “Fran”, although it might have helped with the buffering of acidity later in the test, based on RER. Full article

Several studies have explored the effects of single or binary mixtures of sweeteners on both healthy individuals and those with diabetes. However, there is limited research on the impact of a combination of four sweeteners supplemented with dietary minerals. Steviol glycosides, extracted from Stevia rebaudiana, offer a zero-calorie sweetness that exerts minimal influence on blood glucose levels. When combined with other sweeteners, they can reduce the required quantity of each component thus mitigating the potential side effects. Furthermore, the incorporation of chromium picolinate into sweeteners may enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism and diminish insulin resistance in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of commercial mixed sweeteners (acesulfame-K, sucralose, sorbitol, and steviol glycoside) supplemented with chromium picolinate (MSSC) on diabetes-related markers and complications in healthy and type 2 diabetic rats (T2D). Over six weeks, diabetic rats received daily oral administration of MSSC at a standard dosage. The results demonstrated that MSSC significantly reduced weight loss in diabetic rats, lowered fasting blood glucose levels, enhanced hexokinase activity, and improved pancreatic antioxidative capacities. Additionally, MSSC treatment led to notable reductions in serum triglycerides, cholesterol, malondialdehyde (MDA), and LDL cholesterol levels. The treatment also modulated specific renal function parameters, and moderately reversed the necrotic architectures of the liver and pancreatic β cells. These results indicate that long-term administration of MSSC may alleviate certain diabetic complications without adverse effects on non-diabetic individuals. Further clinical studies are strongly recommended to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MSSC in diverse populations. Full article

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune pathology that follows a chronic course characterized by the involvement of the synovial membrane of joints all over the body. Clinically, the disease is characterized by persistent and painful immune-mediated inflammation, which culminates in bone deformations and joint movement limitation. Alternative therapies, such as garlic, ginger, curcumin, and resveratrol, are beneficial given their anti-inflammatory properties. These alternative therapies are a secondary option for treating the clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis, helping to improve the patient’s quality of life further and preventing future complications. Full article

The bioavailability of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, depends on limiting transport mechanisms that may be bypassed by liposome-encapsulation. The goal for this study was to evaluate the uptake, antioxidant, and immune-modulating effects of liposome-encapsulated vitamin C (LEC) using Lypo-Spheric^® technology, compared to three controls: ascorbic acid (AA), the phospholipid fraction composing the liposome, and placebo. A double-blinded placebo-controlled cross-over study design involved twelve healthy participants attending four clinic visits. At each visit, a baseline blood draw was performed, followed by consumption of 1 g LEC, 1 g AA, the phospholipid component of LEC, or placebo. Additional blood draws were performed at 2, 4, and 6 h. Consuming LEC and AA increased blood levels of vitamin C; the levels were significantly higher after consuming LEC at all timepoints when compared to AA (p < 0.01). LEC consumption increased serum antioxidant capacity (p < 0.01 at 2 h) and protection. Consuming LEC increased IFN-γ levels at 6 h, while consuming the phospholipid fraction rapidly decreased inflammatory cytokines IL-6, MCP-1, and MIP-1α at 2 h. Consuming LEC provided enhanced vitamin C bioavailability and antioxidant protection compared to AA. Consuming the phospholipids had anti-inflammatory effects. The results suggest that LEC provides antioxidant and immune benefits above AA, useful in preventive medicine. Full article

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a combined L-arginine and L-citrulline beverage can enhance total nitric oxide (NOx), as well as physiological (cardiopulmonary metrics) and perceptual (rate of perceived exertion) responses to a repeated bout of high-intensity exercise among university soccer players. Thirty male soccer players were included in a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design. Participants performed two bouts of high-intensity running, spaced two hours apart. Forty minutes before the second bout only, participants consumed a 500 mL beverage containing 6 g L-arginine and 6 g L-citrulline (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15). Blood NOx concentration was measured immediately before and after both bouts. There was no significant increase in NOx or significant interaction effects for physiological, performance, or perceptual variables between the L-arginine/L-citrulline and placebo groups. The peak volume of oxygen uptake of the L-arginine/L-citrulline group was significantly higher in the second compared with the first exercise bout (54.92 ± 4.81 vs. 50.54 ± 9.22 mL/kg/min; p = 0.01). In the second bout of exercise, time to exhaustion in the L-arginine/L-citrulline group increased by 8.5% (~60 s) compared to the first. In conclusion, these results suggest that a single dose of L-arginine/L-citrulline beverage did not increase NOx yet seemed to impact aerobic metabolism in university soccer players. Full article

There is increasing interest in Australian finger lime (Citrus australasica) due to its nutritional and bioactive potential. In this study, polar extracts from five finger lime cultivars were investigated for their potential bioactivity using a range of assays: antioxidant capacity (total phenolic content (TPC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC)), total monomeric anthocyanin content (TMAC), anti-diabetic activity (α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition), anti-Alzheimer activity (acetylcholinesterase inhibition), Skin-whitening activity skin-brightening activity (tyrosinase inhibition), and anti-inflammatory activity (COX-2 inhibition). Commercial Tahitian lime was used as a “control” (comparison). The TPC ranged from 328 to 779 mg GAE/100 g dry weight (DW) in the pulp (compared to 1043 mg GAE/100 g for Tahitian lime) and from 755 to 1048 mg GAE/100 g in the peel (1704 mg GAE/100 g for Tahitian lime). A similar range of variation was seen for FRAP, ranging from 114 to 436 mg TE/100 g DW in the pulp (422 mg TE/100 g for Tahitian lime) and 259 to 495 mg TE/100 g DW in the peel (491 mg TE/100 g for Tahitian lime). Similarly, the TFC was generally lower in finger lime pulp (100–392 mg QE/100 g DW) compared to Tahitian lime (312 mg QE/100 g). The polar extracts did not show any significant inhibition of α-glucosidase, α-amylase, tyrosinase, or COX-2. One finger lime variety showed moderate (>50%) inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at the highest concentration screened (~1500 mg/L), as did Tahitian lime. Additionally, in silico docking against acetylcholinesterase suggested that some of the polyphenols present, including catechin, quercetin-3-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-glucoside, could potentially dock to AChE and inhibit it. This is the first time the species has been investigated for many of these bioactive properties, and also the first time in silico docking has been performed to explore which potential compounds from this species could provide its bioactivity. Although little bioactivity was generally found across the applied bioassays, these findings nevertheless provide important basic data for future research and any claims about the potential health benefits of Australian finger lime. Full article

The major constituent of turmeric, curcumin, is a bioactive phenolic compound that has been studied for its potential health benefits and therapeutic properties. Within this article, the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antithrombotic properties and mechanisms of action of curcumin are thoroughly reviewed and the main focus is shifted to its associated health-promoting effects against inflammation-related chronic disorders. An overview of the cardio-protective, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-microbial and neuro–protective health-promoting properties of curcumin are thoroughly reviewed, while relative outcomes obtained from clinical trials are also presented. Emphasis is given to the wound-healing properties of curcumin, as presented by several studies and clinical trials, which further promote the application of curcumin as a bioactive ingredient in several functional products, including functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics and drugs. Limitations and future perspectives of such uses of curcumin as a bio-functional ingredient are also discussed. Full article

Inflammation and thrombosis are implicated in several non-communicable chronic disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, renal and neurodegenerative disorders, skin diseases, and especially in cancer. Natural bioactives and especially phytochemicals like phenolic compounds have been proposed to reduce the inflammatory burden with several health benefits against these disorders. Vanillin is a phenolic compound found in the seeds of various species of vanilla plants. It has been known since ancient times for its aromatic and soothing properties; however, recent outcomes have outlined several other pleiotropic actions for this phenolic bioactive compound. Within this article, the potent anti-inflammatory activities of vanillin and its derivatives are thoroughly reviewed, with emphasis on their anti-cancer, anti-infective, wound-healing, and neuroprotective health-promoting properties. The mechanisms of their action(s), along with recent outcomes from in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical trials, on the benefits of these vanillin-based phenolic bioactives against each of these disorders, and especially against specific types of cancer, are also outlined. Limitations and future perspectives of their use solely as bioactive ingredients, as ingredients in several functional products—such as functional foods, supplements, nutraceuticals, or even cosmetics and drugs—and even as adjuvant therapies are also discussed. Full article

The increasing protein demand driven by global population growth necessitates the search for an alternative protein source. Soybean meal (SM), with approximately 47–49% proteins, is a viable option. Soymeal protein isolate (SMPI) is a cost-efficient protein source with a well-balanced amino acid profile, making it suitable for addressing this demand. This study attempts to address the lack of information regarding the extractability and nutritional potential of SMPI obtained utilizing a weak base and recoverable solvent. In this work, the structural and compositional studies of SMPI, as well as the aqueous extractability of ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH), are investigated. Furthermore, we examined the effects of heat treatment during oil extraction, where a comparison between protein isolates from soymeal and whole soybeans was carried out. The maximum extraction yield of 24.1% was achieved by increasing the concentration of NH₄OH from 0.25–1%. In comparison to the soy protein isolate from whole soybeans (SPI), the compositional analysis report revealed that SMPI had higher levels of crude protein, moisture, and ash content, but lower levels of fat and carbohydrates. Furthermore, the examination of the amino acid composition confirms the existence of vital amino acids in SMPI. The amino acid score indicates that methionine, lysine, and threonine are the limiting amino acids. SMPI and SPI share structural and functional group similarities, as demonstrated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Gel electrophoresis using sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide shows that the protein molecular weight distributions of SPI and SMPI are similar. This in-depth evaluation emphasizes the advantages of SM by advocating its application in other sectors beyond conventional animal feed, such as nutritional supplements and bio-based products, and by improving the environmental sustainability and global food chains. Full article

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been proposed to provide cardio-protective properties through the functionality of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant enzymatic machinery. Within this article, the beneficial effects of several functional foods on HDL levels and functionality for cardio-protection are thoroughly reviewed. Emphasis is given to functional foods and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health-promoting effects for the cardiovascular system through their benefits on HDL, which act either solely or synergistically as an adjuvant approach with well-established anti-atherogenic therapies. Promising outcomes from both in vitro and in vivo studies in animal models and clinical trials, which outline the beneficial effects of such functional foods on HDL levels and functionality, are thoroughly discussed. The mechanisms of the obtained antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and cardio-protective effects on HDL activities of functional foods containing natural bioactives are also outlined. Limitations and future perspectives on the overall benefits that these natural bioactive compounds exert as important ingredients in functional foods to induce HDL-related benefits and to strengthen cardiovascular health are also discussed. Full article

Angiogenesis, the process of forming new blood vessels from existing ones, is crucial in both physiological and pathological conditions, such as tumor growth, metastasis, and inflammatory disorders. Targeting angiogenesis has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. Recent research has increasingly focused on the role of bioactive components found in food in regulating angiogenesis, although there are certain limitations. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the origins, composition, pharmacological activities, and mechanisms of action of these components in medicinal foods, reflecting the growing intersection of medicine and nutrition. The goal is to aid in preventing angiogenesis-related complications and fostering healthier habits. The insights offered in this review aim to advance the development of effective, low-toxicity antiangiogenic drugs. Additionally, there has been a notable rise in interest in plant-derived compounds with antiangiogenic properties. This review investigates the potential of phytoconstituents from plants as drug candidates targeting angiogenesis, exploring their mechanisms of action, the research conducted thus far, and the challenges associated with transitioning these compounds into clinical applications. Full article