Natural Bioactive Compounds Exerting Health Promoting Effects through Ameliorating Oxidative Stress

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Extraction and Industrial Applications of Antioxidants".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2024) | Viewed by 19270

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Food Science and Technology Program, Department of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai 519087, China
Interests: phytochemicals; natural products; functional foods; human health
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Guest Editor
Hebei Key Laboratory of Natural Products Activity Components and Function, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
Interests: anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities; polysaccharides; molecular mechanism; natural product
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Oxidative stress is caused by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. It has been widely accepted that dietary supplement interventions can decrease the levels of oxidative stress. Nautral bioactive compounds (flavonoids, stilbenes, terpenes, alkaloids, saponins, polysaccharide, etc.) have been reported to exhibit multiple health promoting effects, including antioxidant activity. However, the underlying cellular signaling and molecular mechanisms of their effect in ameliorating oxidative stress are not fully understood. In this Special Issue, we will collect and summarize the antioxidant activities of natural bioactive compounds based on studies on cell culture models, animal models, and clinical trials.

Prof. Dr. Baojun Xu
Prof. Dr. Bin Du
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • natural products
  • antioxidant activity
  • molecular pathways
  • cellular signaling
  • animal model

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3660 KiB  
Article
Massa Medicata Fermentata, a Functional Food for Improving the Metabolic Profile via Prominent Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
by Kyung-Mi Jung, Ga-Ram Yu, Da-Hoon Kim, Dong-Woo Lim and Won-Hwan Park
Antioxidants 2024, 13(10), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13101271 - 19 Oct 2024
Viewed by 747
Abstract
Massa Medicata Fermentata (MMF) is a naturally fermented product used to treat indigestion and increase stomach activity in traditional medicine. This study examined the ability of the hydrothermal extract of MMF to scavenge free radicals corresponding to biological oxidative stresses, further protecting essential [...] Read more.
Massa Medicata Fermentata (MMF) is a naturally fermented product used to treat indigestion and increase stomach activity in traditional medicine. This study examined the ability of the hydrothermal extract of MMF to scavenge free radicals corresponding to biological oxidative stresses, further protecting essential biomolecules. The anti-inflammatory effects of MMF were evaluated in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages and zebrafish. In addition, the effects of MMF on the body mass index (BMI) and cholesterol accumulation in adult zebrafish fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for three weeks were examined. MMF prevented the DNA and lipid damage caused by oxidative stress, inhibited LDL oxidation, and reduced the expression of cytokines and related proteins (MAPK and NFκB), with prominent anti-oxidative pathway (NRF2-HO-1) activation properties. LPS-induced NO production was reduced, and the increase in BMI and TC caused by the HCD diet was suppressed by MMF in zebrafish embryos or adult zebrafish. The bioactive aglycone of quercetin may be contributing to the mechanisms of systemic effects. MMF has excellent antioxidant properties and is useful for improving inflammation status and metabolic profile, thus highlighting its potential as a healthy, functional food. Full article
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11 pages, 4414 KiB  
Article
Protective Effect of Ergothioneine against Oxidative Stress-Induced Chondrocyte Death
by Shuzo Sakata, Ryo Kunimatsu and Kotaro Tanimoto
Antioxidants 2024, 13(7), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13070800 - 1 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1483
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce oxidative stress in cells and are associated with various diseases, including autoimmune diseases. Ergothioneine (EGT) is a natural amino acid derivative derived from the ergot fungus and has been reported to exhibit an effective antioxidant function in many [...] Read more.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce oxidative stress in cells and are associated with various diseases, including autoimmune diseases. Ergothioneine (EGT) is a natural amino acid derivative derived from the ergot fungus and has been reported to exhibit an effective antioxidant function in many models of oxidative stress-related diseases. Recently, mutations in OCTN1, a membrane transporter of EGT, have been reported to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, we investigated the chondrocyte-protective function of EGT using a model of oxidative stress-induced injury of chondrocytes by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Human chondrocytes were subjected to oxidative stress induced by H2O2 treatment, and cell viability, the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released into the medium, dead cell ratio, intracellular ROS production, and mitochondrial morphology were assessed. EGT improved chondrocyte viability and LDH activity in the medium and strongly suppressed the dead cell ratio. EGT also exerted protective effects on intracellular ROS production and mitochondrial morphology. These results provide evidence to support the protective effects of EGT on chondrocytes induced by oxidative stress. Full article
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20 pages, 3497 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant and Stress Resistance Properties of Flavonoids from Chinese Sea Buckthorn Leaves from the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
by Jinmei Zhao, Yumei Jiang, Yang Bi and Juan Wei
Antioxidants 2024, 13(7), 763; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13070763 - 25 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1264
Abstract
The unique ecological environment of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau has endowed Chinese sea buckthorn leaves with rich bioactivities. In this study, we investigated the bioactivity and stress resistance mechanisms of flavonoids derived from Chinese sea buckthorn leaves (FCL) native to the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Our [...] Read more.
The unique ecological environment of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau has endowed Chinese sea buckthorn leaves with rich bioactivities. In this study, we investigated the bioactivity and stress resistance mechanisms of flavonoids derived from Chinese sea buckthorn leaves (FCL) native to the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Our analysis identified a total of 57 flavonoids, mainly flavonol glycosides, from FCL, of which 6 were novel flavonoids. Isorhamnetin glycosides, quercetin glycosides and kaempferol glycosides were the three most dominant classes of compounds in FCL. In particular, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside-7-O-rhamnoside emerged as the most abundant compound. Our results showed that FCL possesses potent antioxidant properties, as evidenced by its ability to effectively scavenge DPPH free radicals and demonstrate ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) levels comparable to Trolox, a well-known antioxidant standard. Furthermore, FCL showed remarkable efficacy in reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while enhancing the activities of key antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), in Caenorhabditis elegans, a widely used model organism. Mechanistically, we elucidated that FCL exerts its stress resistance effects by modulating of transcription factors DAF-16 and HSF-1 within the insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling pathway (IIS). Activation of these transcription factors orchestrates the expression of downstream target genes including sod-3, ctl-1, hsp16.2, and hsp12.6, thus enhancing the organism’s ability to cope with stressors. Overall, our study highlights the rich reservoir of flavonoids in Chinese sea buckthorn leaves as promising candidates for natural medicines, due to their robust antioxidant properties and ability to enhance stress resistance. Full article
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18 pages, 2897 KiB  
Article
Inhibition of Lipid Accumulation and Oxidation in Hepatocytes by Bioactive Bean Extracts
by Dya Fita Dibwe, Emi Kitayama, Saki Oba, Nire Takeishi, Hitoshi Chiba and Shu-Ping Hui
Antioxidants 2024, 13(5), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13050513 - 25 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1701
Abstract
During our search for natural resources that can inhibit lipid droplet accumulation (LDA) and potentially prevent metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and its progressive stages, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), eight bean extracts (BE1–BE8) were tested for their ability to inhibit [...] Read more.
During our search for natural resources that can inhibit lipid droplet accumulation (LDA) and potentially prevent metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and its progressive stages, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), eight bean extracts (BE1–BE8) were tested for their ability to inhibit lipid accumulation and oxidation in hepatocytes. Substantial inhibitory effects on LDA with bean extracts (BEs) BE2, BE4, BE5, and BE8 were demonstrated. An advanced lipidomic approach was used to quantify the accumulation and inhibition of intracellular triacylglycerol (TAG) and its oxidized species, TAG hydroperoxide (TGOOH), in hepatocytes under fatty acid-loading conditions. The results show that the antioxidants BE2 and BE8 are potential candidates for regulating TAG and TGOOH accumulation in fatty acid-induced lipid droplets (LDs). This study suggests that bean-based foods inhibit LDs formation by decreasing intracellular lipids and lipid hydroperoxides in the hepatocytes. The metabolic profiling of BEs revealed that BE2 and BE8 contained polyphenolic compounds. These may be potential resources for the development of functional foods and drug discovery targeting MAFLD/MASH. Full article
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14 pages, 3204 KiB  
Article
Taurine Chloramine-Mediated Nrf2 Activation and HO-1 Induction Confer Protective Effects in Astrocytes
by Song-I Seol, In Soon Kang, Ji Seok Lee, Ja-Kyeong Lee and Chaekyun Kim
Antioxidants 2024, 13(2), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13020169 - 29 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1822
Abstract
Taurine is ubiquitously distributed in mammalian tissues, with the highest levels in the brain, heart, and leukocytes. Taurine reacts with hypochlorous acid (HOCl) to produce taurine chloramine (Tau-Cl) via the myeloperoxidase (MPO) system. In this study, we elucidated the antioxidative and protective effects [...] Read more.
Taurine is ubiquitously distributed in mammalian tissues, with the highest levels in the brain, heart, and leukocytes. Taurine reacts with hypochlorous acid (HOCl) to produce taurine chloramine (Tau-Cl) via the myeloperoxidase (MPO) system. In this study, we elucidated the antioxidative and protective effects of Tau-Cl in astrocytes. Tau-Cl increased the expression and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor (Nrf2) and the expression of Nrf2-regulated antioxidant genes, including heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). Nrf2 activity is negatively regulated by Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Tau-Cl decreased the level of the reduced thiol groups of Keap1, resulting in the disruption of the Keap1-Nrf2 complex. Consequently, Tau-Cl rescued the H2O2-induced cell death by enhancing HO-1 expression and suppressing reactive oxygen species. In conclusion, Tau-Cl confers protective effects in astrocytes by disrupting the Keap1-Nrf2 complex, thereby promoting Nrf2 translocation to the nucleus, wherein it binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE) and accelerates the transcription of antioxidant genes. Therefore, in astrocytes, the activation of the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway by Tau-Cl may increase antioxidants and anti-inflammatory mediators as well as other cytoprotective proteins, conferring protection against brain infection and injury. Full article
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13 pages, 2208 KiB  
Article
Changes in Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Jackfruit) Pulp during In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion
by Ming Cheng, Jiali He, Yu Gu, Gang Wu, Lehe Tan, Chuan Li, Fei Xu and Kexue Zhu
Antioxidants 2024, 13(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13010037 - 23 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2468
Abstract
An in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model was applied to investigate the effect of digestion on the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (jackfruit) pulp. The total phenol content (TPC) was determined using Folin–Ciocalteu method, and the antioxidant activities were evaluated [...] Read more.
An in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model was applied to investigate the effect of digestion on the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (jackfruit) pulp. The total phenol content (TPC) was determined using Folin–Ciocalteu method, and the antioxidant activities were evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assays. Phenolic compounds were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization, followed by quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS). The results showed that TPC was significantly higher after gastric digestion. Thirty phenolic compounds (hydroxybenzoic acids and derivatives, hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives, and flavonoids) were identified. The antioxidant activities of the digested samples varied with the TPC, and there was a correlation between antioxidant activity and TPC. The present study implies that gastrointestinal digestion may improve TPC and increase the amount of free phenolic compounds, mainly related to changes in pH value and digestive enzymes. Full article
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20 pages, 2640 KiB  
Article
Elevating Cereal-Based Nutrition: Moringa oleifera Supplemented Bread and Biscuits
by Teresa Ferreira, Sandra M. Gomes and Lúcia Santos
Antioxidants 2023, 12(12), 2069; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12122069 - 1 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1903
Abstract
Enhancing the nutritional value of commonly consumed, cost-effective staple foods, such as bread and biscuits, by fortifying them with Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) and its phenolic-rich extract holds substantial potential for addressing malnutrition. This study evaluated the phenolic extract from MOLP obtained [...] Read more.
Enhancing the nutritional value of commonly consumed, cost-effective staple foods, such as bread and biscuits, by fortifying them with Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) and its phenolic-rich extract holds substantial potential for addressing malnutrition. This study evaluated the phenolic extract from MOLP obtained through Soxhlet extraction, focusing on its antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic properties. The resulting extract exhibited a total phenolic content (TPC) of 138.2 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g. The ABTS and DPPH assays presented IC50 values of 115.2 mg/L and 544.0 mg/L, respectively. Furthermore, the extract displayed notable α-amylase inhibition and no cytotoxicity towards human fibroblasts. The primary phenolic compounds identified were catechin, epicatechin, and caffeic acid. Subsequently, MOLP and its extract were incorporated into bread and biscuits, replacing 5% of wheat flour, resulting in fortified functional foods. The fortified products exhibited improved TPC and antioxidant activity compared to the non-fortified foods. Furthermore, they displayed the ability to inhibit microbial growth, leading to an extended shelf life. Sensory analysis indicated that the products incorporated with the extract were preferred over those with MOLP. These results have demonstrated the viability of using MOLP and its phenolic-rich extract as an environmentally sustainable strategy for enhancing the quality of cereal-based products. Full article
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17 pages, 8839 KiB  
Article
Chlorogenic Acid Alleviated AFB1-Induced Hepatotoxicity by Regulating Mitochondrial Function, Activating Nrf2/HO-1, and Inhibiting Noncanonical NF-κB Signaling Pathway
by Qianqian Wang, Tianxu Liu, Matthew Koci, Yanan Wang, Yutong Fu, Mingxin Ma, Qiugang Ma and Lihong Zhao
Antioxidants 2023, 12(12), 2027; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12122027 - 22 Nov 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1604
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a kind of mycotoxin, imposes acute or chronic toxicity on humans and causes great public health concerns. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a natural phenolic substance, shows a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. This study was conducted to investigate the effect and [...] Read more.
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a kind of mycotoxin, imposes acute or chronic toxicity on humans and causes great public health concerns. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a natural phenolic substance, shows a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. This study was conducted to investigate the effect and mechanism of CGA on alleviating cytotoxicity induced by AFB1 in L-02 cells. The results showed that CGA (160 μM) significantly recovered cell viability and cell membrane integrity in AFB1-treated (8 μM) cells. Furthermore, it was found that CGA reduced AFB1-induced oxidative injury by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. In addition, CGA showed anti-inflammatory effects as it suppressed the expression of inflammation-related genes (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and AFB1-induced noncanonical nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) activation. Moreover, CGA mitigated AFB1-induced apoptosis by maintaining the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and inhibiting mRNA expressions of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Bax, and Bax/Bcl-2. These findings revealed a possible mechanism: CGA prevents AFB1-induced cytotoxicity by maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential, activating Nrf2/HO-1, and inhibiting the noncanonical NF-κB signaling pathway, which may provide a new direction for the application of CGA. Full article
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14 pages, 2707 KiB  
Article
Goji-Berry-Mediated Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles and Their Promising Effect on Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Experimental Hyperglycemia
by Luminita David, Valentina Morosan, Bianca Moldovan, Gabriela Adriana Filip and Ioana Baldea
Antioxidants 2023, 12(8), 1489; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12081489 - 25 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1710
Abstract
The present report focuses on a rapid and convenient method applicable in the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using goji berry (Lycium barbarum—LB) extracts rich in antioxidant compounds, as well as on the structural analysis and evaluation of the induced [...] Read more.
The present report focuses on a rapid and convenient method applicable in the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using goji berry (Lycium barbarum—LB) extracts rich in antioxidant compounds, as well as on the structural analysis and evaluation of the induced antioxidant protection and anti-inflammatory effects of the synthesized gold nanoparticles upon endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to hyperglycemia. The synthesized AuNPs were characterized using ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), whereas the presence of bioactive compounds from the L. barbarum fruit extract on the surface of the nanoparticles was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The antioxidant activity of the biosynthesized gold nanoparticles was evaluated on the HUVEC cell line. The results reveal that AuNPs with a predominantly spherical shape and an average size of 30 nm were obtained. The UV-Vis spectrum showed a characteristic absorption band at λmax = 536 nm of AuNPs. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids and carotenoids acting as capping and stabilizing agents of AuNPs. Both the L. barbarum extract and AuNPs were well tolerated by HUVECs, increased the antioxidant defense and decreased the production of inflammatory cytokines induced via hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative damage. Full article
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20 pages, 3359 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effects of Dietary Nitrate Supplementation on Performance during Single and Repeated Bouts of Short-Duration High-Intensity Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
by Nehal S. Alsharif, Tom Clifford, Abrar Alhebshi, Samantha N. Rowland and Stephen J. Bailey
Antioxidants 2023, 12(6), 1194; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12061194 - 31 May 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3038
Abstract
Inorganic nitrate (NO3) has emerged as a potential ergogenic aid over the last couple of decades. While recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have suggested some small positive effects of NO3 supplementation on performance across a range of exercise [...] Read more.
Inorganic nitrate (NO3) has emerged as a potential ergogenic aid over the last couple of decades. While recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have suggested some small positive effects of NO3 supplementation on performance across a range of exercise tasks, the effect of NO3 supplementation on performance during single and repeated bouts of short-duration, high-intensity exercise is unclear. This review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE and SPORTDiscus were searched from inception to January 2023. A paired analysis model for cross-over trials was incorporated to perform a random effects meta-analysis for each performance outcome and to generate standardized mean differences (SMD) between the NO3 and placebo supplementation conditions. The systematic review and meta-analysis included 27 and 23 studies, respectively. Time to reach peak power (SMD: 0.75, p = 0.02), mean power output (SMD: 0.20, p = 0.02), and total distance covered in the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 test (SMD: 0.17, p < 0.0001) were all improved after NO3 supplementation. Dietary NO3 supplementation had small positive effects on some performance outcomes during single and repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise. Therefore, athletes competing in sports requiring single or repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise may benefit from NO3 supplementation. Full article
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