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Advances in Biological Activities of Functional Food (3rd Edition)

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A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2027 | Viewed by 7857

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Maria Luisa Serralheiro

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Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: biochemistry, biomolecules, nutritional biochemistry; bioactive compounds; phenolic compounds; cholesterol intestinal absorption; herbal infusions; macroalga bioactivity; metabolomics; enzyme activity
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Dr. Rita Pacheco

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Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: bioactive compound; functional food
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

There has been a strong increase in the consumption of functional foods during the last decade, as people are becoming increasingly concerned about their health and about the relationship between nutrition and human well-being. Countless researchers have sought to determine the biological effects of several functional foods consumed in human diet, as well as that of their constituents, which differ from the nutritional components. To accept these foods as functional, they must demonstrate proven health benefits, mainly through in vivo studies and with the use of cutting-edge technologies. Research exploring the effect of functional foods and their bioactive molecules at cellular level is welcome.

The aim of this Special Issue is to identify the effect of these food’s entire matrix and bioactive compounds in several biochemical pathways in the cell metabolism of both healthy and laboratory model diseases cells. We endeavour for these studies to provide a better understanding of functional food claims and thus influence their consumption. The findings presented here will also support the development of new functional foods.

Dr. Maria Luisa Serralheiro
Dr. Rita Pacheco
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

bioactive compounds
post-digestion bioactivity
bioactive compounds bioavailability
disease prevention
health benefits
bioactivities
cell proteomic effect
cell metabolomic effect

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 34883 KB

Open AccessArticle

Astragaloside IV Alleviates DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Modulating Host–Gut Tryptophan Metabolism

by Hongxia Yuan, Zhijun Yang, Chunmei Wu, Xinyu Chen, Lili Peng, Yajie Liu, Xinyi Wang, Yuanbiao Qiao, Fan Yang, Rui Ge and Qingshan Li

Foods 2026, 15(10), 1644; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15101644 - 8 May 2026

Viewed by 282

Abstract

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a principal bioactive constituent of the medicinal and edible herb Radix astragali, exerts protective effects against ulcerative colitis (UC). This study investigated its underlying mechanisms in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis using 16S rRNA sequencing, untargeted fecal metabolomics, and label-free proteomics. AS-IV intervention remodeled intestinal microbiota composition by markedly increasing Akkermansia abundance. Fecal metabolomic analysis revealed enhanced tryptophan (Trp) metabolism and elevated levels of kynurenic acid, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and indole-3-acetic acid, which were significantly positively correlated with Akkermansia abundance. Proteomic analysis further identified Trp metabolism as a key pathway. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and dopa decarboxylase (DDC) were recognized as differentially expressed proteins in colonic tissues. AS-IV ameliorated colitis by downregulating IDO1 expression, while upregulating the expression of tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), DDC, monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), as well as inhibiting NF-κB p65 phosphorylation. Collectively, these findings indicate that AS-IV enhances intestinal barrier function and mitigates colonic inflammation in DSS-induced UC. These beneficial effects are associated with the regulation of host–gut Trp metabolism, altered AhR expression, and suppressed NF-κB p65 activation. This study underscores the potential of AS-IV as a candidate functional food ingredient for the management of UC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities of Functional Food (3rd Edition))

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22 pages, 2903 KB

Open AccessArticle

Antidiabetic Effect of Substituting Processed Meat with Reduced-Fat and Diatomaceous Earth-Enriched Pâtés in Middle-Aged Female Wistar Rats

by Rocío Redondo-Castillejo, Claudia Quevedo-Torremocha, María Luisa de la Cruz Conty, Marina Hernández-Martín, Aránzazu Bocanegra, Adrián Macho-González, Susana Cofrades, María Dolores Álvarez, Sara Bastida, María Elvira López-Oliva, Juana Benedí and Alba Garcimartín

Foods 2026, 15(5), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15050878 - 4 Mar 2026

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Abstract

This study evaluates a non-invasive and feasible nutritional strategy as a realistic intervention to prevent or mitigate T2DM in one-year-old female Wistar rats. This strategy is based on replacing a commercial pâté (CP) with a functional one, either a silicon-enriched commercial pâté (Si-CP), a reduced-fat pâté formulated with a biopolymeric emulsion (BP), or a silicon-enriched and reduced-fat biopolymeric pâté (Si-BP). After consumption of a high-saturated fat high-cholesterol diet, CP rats exhibited elevated fecal excretion, fasting serum glucose, insulin, and LDL cholesterol, and altered islet morphology. Versus the CP group, the Si-CP consumption group exhibited significantly reduced fecal output (1.17 ± 0.02 vs. 2.09 ± 0.44) and serum insulin (12.06 ± 7.89 vs. 20.74 ± 7.44), triglycerides (47.51 ± 4.46 vs. 58.24 ± 9.97), LDL cholesterol (34.63 ± 5.14 vs. 42.20 ± 4.98), and ghrelin (32.49 ± 24.66 vs. 78.35 ± 22.85). Although BP rats also exhibited some positive effects, Si-BP animals presented the most promising results. Compared to the CP group, Si-BP consumption significantly reduced fecal excretion (1.44 ± 0.24) and serum glucose (129.1 ± 10.40 vs. 154.9 ± 15.76), insulin (9.49 ± 6.06), triglycerides (46.91 ± 5.13), and estradiol (528.2 ± 45.00 vs. 634.4 ± 98.87), preserved islet circularity (0.88 ± 0.02 vs. 0.82 ± 0.01), and significantly increased tibia length (4.09 ± 0.12 vs. 3.95 ± 0.09) and wet weight (0.65 ± 0.07 vs. 0.56 ± 0.06). This study demonstrates the antidiabetic effects of silicon from diatomaceous earth (4 mg Si/kg body/day) incorporated into pâté in middle-aged female rats. Replacing CP with a functional alternative improved the health status of diabetic female rats, supporting its potential as an effective nutritional adjuvant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities of Functional Food (3rd Edition))

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16 pages, 737 KB

Open AccessArticle

Nutraceutical and Antitumoral Potential of Scenedesmus sp. in In Vitro and In Vivo Models

by Diego Fonseca-Rivera, Diana Elia Caballero-Hernández, Patricia Tamez-Guerra, Ricardo Romero-Arguelles, Joel Horacio Elizondo-Luevano, Diana Laura Clark-Perez, Celia Maria Quiñones-Flores, Alva Rocio Castillo-Gonzalez, Ricardo Gomez-Flores and César Iván Romo-Sáenz

Foods 2026, 15(2), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15020186 - 6 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 724

Abstract

Microalgae are increasingly recognized as valuable dietary supplements due to their rich nutritional composition and the presence of bioactive metabolites with antioxidant, antitumor, and metabolism-modulating activities. This study evaluated the nutraceutical potential of a methanolic extract of Scenedesmus sp. using an integrated in vitro, in vivo, and metabolomic approach. The extract exhibited selective cytotoxicity against L5178Y-R murine lymphoma cells while showing low toxicity toward human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, indicating a favorable safety and selectivity profile. Additionally, it demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity, a significant antihemolytic effect, and no hemolytic activity even at high concentrations, supporting its hematological safety. In vivo assays showed that oral administration of doses up to 1000 mg/kg was well tolerated, with no adverse effects on body weight or hepatic biochemical markers. Treated animals displayed improved systemic antioxidant responses and enhanced glucose tolerance. Metabolomic analysis revealed a profile enriched in essential amino acids, osmolytes, organic acids, and bioactive metabolites such as β-hydroxybutyrate and betaine, compounds associated with metabolic regulation, redox balance, and epigenetic modulation. Overall, these findings highlight Scenedesmus sp. as a promising nutraceutical source with potential application as a complementary strategy for cancer prevention or treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities of Functional Food (3rd Edition))

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19 pages, 1002 KB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Modulation of Cancer Cell Proliferation by Fermented Plant-Based Beverages: A Comparative Study of Tiger Nut, Carob and Rice Beverages in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells

by Matteo Vitali, Mussa Makran, Mónica Gandía, Antonio Cilla and Amparo Gamero

Foods 2025, 14(17), 3072; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14173072 - 30 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1713

Abstract

Fermentation represents a sustainable biotechnological approach for enhancing bioactive properties of plant-based foods, yet its anticancer effects remain underexplored. We evaluated the antiproliferative activity of fermented (with commercial probiotic lactic acid bacteria consortium) and unfermented plant-based beverages derived from tiger nut, carob, and rice using an in vitro model. Following INFOGEST 2.0 gastrointestinal digestion, bioaccessible fractions were applied to Caco-2 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells at 1:15 v/v dilution for 24 h. Analyses included cell viability, apoptosis detection, cell cycle distribution, reactive oxygen species production, glutathione content, mitochondrial membrane potential, and intracellular calcium levels. Fermented tiger nut achieved superior (p < 0.05) cytotoxicity compared to unfermented counterpart (39.6% vs. 77.4% cell viability) through dual mechanisms: depleting cellular antioxidant defenses (glutathione reduced to 55.9%) while inducing oxidative stress (180.3% ROS overproduction). This evoked irreversible apoptosis (76.9% early apoptosis) and extensive DNA fragmentation (84.8% SubG₁ population) via calcium-independent pathways. Fermented carob operated through cytostatic mechanisms, inducing G₀/G₁ cell cycle arrest (74.7% vs. 44.2% in blank digestion cells) without oxidative stress. Fermentation reduced (p < 0.05) rice beverage antiproliferative activity (90.2% vs. 71.9% unfermented beverage cell viability). These findings establish lactic acid fermentation as effective for developing plant-based beverages with anticancer mechanisms, offering dietary strategies for colorectal cancer prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities of Functional Food (3rd Edition))

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16 pages, 614 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Bioactive Properties of Persea americana Peel Extract and Their Role in Hypercholesterolemia Management and Cardiovascular Health

by Laura M. Teixeira, Catarina P. Reis and Rita Pacheco

Foods 2025, 14(14), 2482; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14142482 - 16 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1332

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, with hypercholesterolemia being a major contributing risk factor. Although cholesterol-lowering drugs are widely available, concerns about several adverse side effects have increased the demand for natural alternatives, with the most common approaches involving the incorporation of foods rich in bioactive compounds into the diet. To explore this growing interest in food-based strategies for cardiovascular health, this study formulated and evaluated an aqueous peel extract of Persea americana to assess its potential role as a complementary approach to managing hypercholesterolemia. The extract was characterized, revealing the presence of various bioactive compounds, including pyridoxine-O-Hex, which was identified for the first time in a P. americana extract component. The safety profile of the extract was confirmed through in vivo assessment. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated protective effects against oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. Additionally, permeability studies using Caco-2 cells, as a model of the gastrointestinal barrier, indicated that the extract effectively reduced cholesterol’s permeation. In summary, these findings suggest that P. americana peel extract may serve as a promising natural product for functional foods for cardiovascular health and hypercholesterolemia management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities of Functional Food (3rd Edition))

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31 pages, 921 KB

Open AccessReview

Prospects of Bioactive Compounds in Designing Functional Foods: Challenges and Solutions

by Hadeel Edkaidek, Divakar Dahiya and Poonam Singh Nigam

Foods 2026, 15(8), 1291; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15081291 - 9 Apr 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1511

Abstract

There is an increasing interest in functional food formulations with added bioactive compounds, such as vitamins, probiotics, polyphenols and bioactive peptides, specifically in dairy and plant-based foods, bakery, and beverages. However, their stability in the food system, release rates and biological activity after consumption/digestion play an important role in the effectiveness of functional foods. There are technical challenges in maintaining the stability and acceptability of added compounds in the formulation design of food items. A novel approach to delivering bioactive compounds in functional foods is their microencapsulation, where stability-sensitive compounds are protected against their degradation during processing and physiological digestion, with targeted release in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and elicited cellular responses. Microencapsulation of bioactive compounds has been proven to be beneficial in in vitro models for the stability, antioxidant and immunomodulatory action, and acceptability compared to free (non-capsulated) forms. This technology is worth considering relative to the protection of health benefits of compounds used in food products, with their necessary bioactivity after physiological digestion in GIT. This article reviews important bioactive compounds, challenges, and strategies in the development of functional foods to ensure the required stability for the bioavailability of added compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities of Functional Food (3rd Edition))

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29 pages, 1440 KB

Open AccessReview

Research Progress, Safety Regulation and Application Prospects in Health Food Development of Red Yeast Rice-Derived Bioactive Compounds: A Critical Narrative Review

by Xuan Chen, Meie Zheng, Qin Chen, Shun Wang, Xiwu Jia, Wangyang Shen, Mengzhou Zhou and Dongsheng Li

Foods 2026, 15(7), 1146; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15071146 - 27 Mar 2026

Viewed by 973

Abstract

Red yeast rice (RYR), a traditional fermented product obtained via rice fermentation with Monascus purpureus, has a millennia-long history of culinary and medicinal use in East Asia and has gained global attention as a prominent functional food ingredient for its well-recognized cholesterol-lowering properties. This review is driven by one core question: How can the dual challenges of standardizing key bioactive constituents, particularly monacolin K (MK), while eliminating the mycotoxin citrinin be addressed through biotechnological and analytical advances? This narrative review consolidates the latest research progress on RYR-derived bioactive compounds, with a specific focus on their production optimization, multifaceted health-promoting potentials, safety regulation, and application prospects in health food development. We elaborate on key advances in fermentation biotechnology and strain engineering for enhancing the yield of the core lipid-lowering component MK while eliminating the nephrotoxic mycotoxin citrinin, and comprehensively summarize the synergistic bioactivities of RYR metabolites beyond MK. The current applications of RYR in functional foods, dietary supplements, and traditional fermented products are detailed, alongside a comparison of the divergent regulatory frameworks for RYR across major global markets. Finally, we identify critical bottlenecks restricting RYR industrialization, including extreme inter-product heterogeneity and global regulatory fragmentation, and propose evidence-based future research directions to facilitate the development of safe, standardized, and effective RYR-based health foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities of Functional Food (3rd Edition))

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