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Anti-virus and Anti-microbial Activity of Food Ingredients
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Anti-virus and Anti-microbial Activity of Food Ingredients

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 December 2023) | Viewed by 10759

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Yuji Isegawa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Mukogawa Women’s University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
Interests: functional foods; antiviral agents; phytomedicine; antifungal agents; antimicrobial agents; medicinal plants; food function; food ingredients; LC–MS; GC–MS; infectious disease control; dietary treatment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Food has always been a source of useful molecules for humans, and besides the three major nutrients, it is still helping to discover new therapeutic agents. Originally, it was believed that drugs and food have identical origins, and to date, various extracts and natural compounds isolated from food have been widely evaluated against viral and microbial infections affecting human health. However, the emergence of drug resistance and the lack of vaccines have prompted the search for new antiviral and antimicrobial agents. The journal invites original papers, review articles, and short reports on recent advances in this field, ranging from basic science to clinical research. Topics include but are not limited to in vitro and in vivo evaluation of antiviral and antimicrobial activities of compounds isolated from extracts of food and other natural products.

Prof. Dr. Yuji Isegawa
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • antiviral agents
  • antifungal agents
  • antimicrobial agents
  • functional foods
  • phytomedicine
  • natural compounds
  • medicinal plants

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1606 KiB  
Article
Prunin Laurate Derived from Natural Substances Shows Antibacterial Activity against the Periodontal Pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis
by Erika Wada, Chiharu Ito, Mai Shinohara, Satoshi Handa, Miki Maetani, Mayo Yasugi, Masami Miyake, Tatsuji Sakamoto, Ayaka Yazawa and Shigeki Kamitani
Foods 2024, 13(12), 1917; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13121917 - 18 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1962
Abstract
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease caused by infection with periodontopathogenic bacteria. Oral care is essential to prevent and control periodontal disease, which affects oral and systemic health. However, many oral hygiene products currently on the market were developed as disinfectants, and their [...] Read more.
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease caused by infection with periodontopathogenic bacteria. Oral care is essential to prevent and control periodontal disease, which affects oral and systemic health. However, many oral hygiene products currently on the market were developed as disinfectants, and their intense irritation makes their use difficult for young children and older people. This study investigated the antibacterial effects of prunin laurate (Pru-C12) and its analogs on periodontopathogenic bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). Pru-C12 and its analogs inhibited in vitro bacterial growth at more than 10 μM and biofilm formation at 50 µM. Among its analogs, only Pru-C12 showed no cytotoxicity at 100 µM. Three of the most potent inhibitors also inhibited the formation of biofilms. Furthermore, Pru-C12 inhibited alveolar bone resorption in a mouse experimental periodontitis model by P. gingivalis infection. These findings may be helpful in the development of oral hygiene products for the prevention and control of periodontal disease and related disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-virus and Anti-microbial Activity of Food Ingredients)
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15 pages, 6769 KiB  
Article
Studies on the Inhibition Mechanism of Linalyl Alcohol against the Spoilage Microorganism Brochothrix thermosphacta
by Longteng Wang, Xing Liu, Wenxue Chen and Zhichang Sun
Foods 2024, 13(2), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13020244 - 12 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1221
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the bacterial inhibitory ability and mechanism of action of linalyl alcohol against B. thermosphacta. Linalyl alcohol causes the leakage of intracellular material by disrupting the cell wall and exposing the hydrophobic phospholipid bilayer, which [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to investigate the bacterial inhibitory ability and mechanism of action of linalyl alcohol against B. thermosphacta. Linalyl alcohol causes the leakage of intracellular material by disrupting the cell wall and exposing the hydrophobic phospholipid bilayer, which binds to bacterial membrane proteins and alters their structure. In addition, linalyl alcohol causes cell membrane damage by affecting fatty acids and proteins in the cell membrane. By inhibiting the synthesis of macromolecular proteins, the normal physiological functions of the bacteria are altered. Linalyl alcohol binds to DNA in both grooved and embedded modes, affecting the normal functioning of B. thermosphacta, as demonstrated through a DNA interaction analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-virus and Anti-microbial Activity of Food Ingredients)
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15 pages, 3616 KiB  
Article
Partial Characterization and Immunomodulatory Effects of Exopolysaccharides from Streptococcus thermophilus SBC8781 during Soy Milk and Cow Milk Fermentation
by Hajime Nakata, Yoshiya Imamura, Sudeb Saha, René Emanuel Lobo, Shugo Kitahara, Shota Araki, Mikado Tomokiyo, Fu Namai, Masanori Hiramitsu, Takashi Inoue, Keita Nishiyama, Julio Villena and Haruki Kitazawa
Foods 2023, 12(12), 2374; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12122374 - 15 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1974
Abstract
The immunomodulatory properties of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) produced by Streptococcus thermophilus have not been explored in depth. In addition, there are no comparative studies of the functional properties of EPSs produced by streptococci in different food matrices. In this work, EPSs from S. thermophilus [...] Read more.
The immunomodulatory properties of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) produced by Streptococcus thermophilus have not been explored in depth. In addition, there are no comparative studies of the functional properties of EPSs produced by streptococci in different food matrices. In this work, EPSs from S. thermophilus SBC8781 were isolated after soy milk (EPS-s) or cow milk (EPS-m) fermentation, identified, and characterized in their abilities to modulate immunity in porcine intestinal epithelial cells. Fresh soy milk and cow milk were inoculated with S. thermophilus SBC8781 (7 log CFU/mL) and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. The extraction of EPSs was performed by the ethanol precipitation method. Analytical techniques, including NMR, UV-vis spectroscopy, and chromatography, identified and characterized both biopolymer samples as polysaccharides with high purity levels and similar Mw. EPS-s and EPS-m had heteropolysaccharide structures formed by galactose, glucose, rhamnose, ribose, and mannose, although with different monomer proportions. On the other hand, EPS-s had higher quantities of acidic polymer than EPS-m. The biopolymer production of the SBC8781 strain from the vegetable culture broth was 200–240 mg/L, which was higher than that produced in milk, which reached concentrations of 50–70 mg/L. For immunomodulatory assays, intestinal epithelial cells were stimulated with 100 µg/mL of EPS-s or EPS-m for 48 h and then stimulated with the Toll-like receptor 3 agonist poly(I:C). EPS-s significantly reduced the expression of IL-6, IFN-β, IL-8, and MCP-1 and increased the negative regulator A20 in intestinal epithelial cells. Similarly, EPS-m induced a significant reduction of IL-6 and IL-8 expressions, but its effect was less remarkable than that caused by EPS-s. Results indicate that the structure and the immunomodulatory activity of EPSs produced by the SBC8781 strain vary according to the fermentation substrate. Soy milk fermented with S. thermophilus SBC8781 could be a new immunomodulatory functional food, which should be further evaluated in preclinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-virus and Anti-microbial Activity of Food Ingredients)
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14 pages, 2624 KiB  
Article
Mode of Antifungal Action of Daito-Gettou (Alpinia zerumbet var. exelsa) Essential Oil against Aspergillus brasiliensis
by Kiyo Okazaki, Hidenobu Sumitani, Katsutada Takahashi and Yuji Isegawa
Foods 2023, 12(6), 1298; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12061298 - 18 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1849
Abstract
Plant-derived essential oils (EOs) are used in medicines, disinfectants, and aromatherapy products. Information on the antifungal activity of EO of Alpinia zerumbet var. exelsa (known as Daito-gettou) found in Kitadaito Island, Okinawa, is limited. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the antifungal [...] Read more.
Plant-derived essential oils (EOs) are used in medicines, disinfectants, and aromatherapy products. Information on the antifungal activity of EO of Alpinia zerumbet var. exelsa (known as Daito-gettou) found in Kitadaito Island, Okinawa, is limited. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of EOs obtained via steam distillation of leaves of Daito-gettou, which is a hybrid of A. zerumbet and A. uraiensis. Daito-gettou EO showed antifungal activity (minimum inhibitory concentration = 0.4%) against Aspergillus brasiliensis NBRC 9455, which was comparable to that of A. zerumbet found in the Okinawa main island. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed that the main components of Daito-gettou EOs are γ-terpinene, terpinen-4-ol, 1,8-cineole, 3-carene, and p-cymene. Terpinen-4-ol content (MIC = 0.075%) was 17.24%, suggesting that the antifungal activity of Daito-gettou EO was mainly attributable to this component. Daito-gettou EO and terpinen-4-ol inhibited mycelial growth. Moreover, calorimetric observations of fungal growth in the presence of Daito-gettou EO showed a characteristic pattern with no change in the initial growth rate and only a delay in growth. As this pattern is similar to that of amphotericin B, it implies that the action mode of Daito-gettou EO and terpinen-4-ol may be fungicidal. Further studies on the molecular mechanisms of action are needed for validation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-virus and Anti-microbial Activity of Food Ingredients)
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Review

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15 pages, 2362 KiB  
Review
Activation of Immune and Antiviral Effects by Euglena Extracts: A Review
by Yuji Isegawa
Foods 2023, 12(24), 4438; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12244438 - 11 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1697
Abstract
Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza virus infection, which is managed using vaccines and antiviral drugs. Recently, the antiviral effects of plants and foods have gained attention. Euglena is a motile unicellular alga and eukaryotic photosynthetic microorganism. It has secondary [...] Read more.
Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza virus infection, which is managed using vaccines and antiviral drugs. Recently, the antiviral effects of plants and foods have gained attention. Euglena is a motile unicellular alga and eukaryotic photosynthetic microorganism. It has secondary chloroplasts and is a mixotroph able to feed by photosynthesis or phagocytosis. This review summarizes the influenza treatment effects of Euglena from the perspective of a functional food that is attracting attention. While it has been reported that Euglena contributes to suppressing blood sugar levels and ameliorates symptoms caused by stress by acting on the autonomic nervous system, the immunostimulatory and antiviral activities of Euglena have also been reported. In this review, I focused on the immunostimulation of antiviral activity via the intestinal environment and the suppression of viral replication in infected cells. The functions of specific components of Euglena, which also serves as the source of a wide range of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and β-1,3-glucan (paramylon), are also reviewed. Euglena has animal and plant properties and natural compounds with a wide range of functions, providing crucial information for improved antiviral strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-virus and Anti-microbial Activity of Food Ingredients)
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12 pages, 2085 KiB  
Review
Anti-Influenza Virus Activity of Citrullus lanatus var. citroides as a Functional Food: A Review
by Ryosuke Morimoto and Yuji Isegawa
Foods 2023, 12(20), 3866; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12203866 - 22 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1488
Abstract
Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus, in response to which vaccines and antiviral drugs are administered. In recent years, the antiviral effects of plants and foods have garnered attention. This review is the first to summarize the therapeutic [...] Read more.
Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus, in response to which vaccines and antiviral drugs are administered. In recent years, the antiviral effects of plants and foods have garnered attention. This review is the first to summarize the therapeutic properties of wild watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) against influenza from a phytochemical viewpoint. Wild watermelon is a wild plant with significant potential as a therapeutic candidate in antiviral strategies, when focused on its multiple anti-influenza functionalities. Wild watermelon juice inhibits viral growth, entry, and replication. Hence, we highlight the possibility of utilizing wild watermelon for the prevention and treatment of influenza with stronger antiviral activity. Phytochemicals and phytoestrogen (polyphenol, flavonoids, and prenylated compounds) in wild watermelon juice contribute to this activity and inhibit various stages of viral replication, depending on the molecular structure. Wild plants and foods closely related to the original species contain many natural compounds such as phytochemicals, and exhibit various viral growth inhibitory effects. These natural products provide useful information for future antiviral strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-virus and Anti-microbial Activity of Food Ingredients)
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