Research

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17 pages, 693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Red Arils of Taxus baccata L.—A New Source of Valuable Fatty Acids and Nutrients

by Małgorzata Tabaszewska, Jaroslawa Rutkowska, Łukasz Skoczylas, Jacek Słupski, Agata Antoniewska, Sylwester Smoleń, Marcin Łukasiewicz, Damian Baranowski, Iwona Duda and Jörg Pietsch

Molecules 2021, 26(3), 723; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26030723 - 30 Jan 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3433

Abstract

The aim of this study, focused on the nutritional value of wild berries, was to determine the contents of macronutrients, profiles of fatty (FAs) and amino acids (AAs), and the contents of selected elements in red arils (RA) of Taxus baccata L., grown [...] Read more.

The aim of this study, focused on the nutritional value of wild berries, was to determine the contents of macronutrients, profiles of fatty (FAs) and amino acids (AAs), and the contents of selected elements in red arils (RA) of Taxus baccata L., grown in diverse locations in Poland. Protein (1.79–3.80 g/100 g) and carbohydrate (18.43–19.30 g/100 g) contents of RAs were higher than in many cultivated berries. RAs proved to be a source of lipids (1.39–3.55 g/100 g). Ten out of 18 AAs detected in RAs, mostly branched-chain AAs, were essential AAs (EAAs). The EAAs/total AAs ratio approximating were found in animal foods. Lipids of RA contained seven PUFAs, including those from n-3 family (19.20–28.20 g/100 g FA). Polymethylene-interrupted FAs (PMI-FAs), pinolenic 18:3Δ5,9,12; sciadonic 20:3Δ5,11,14, and juniperonic 20:4Δ5,11,14,17, known as unique for seeds of gymnosperms, were found in RAs. RAs may represent a novel dietary source of valuable n-3 PUFAs and the unique PMI-FAs. The established composition of RAs suggests it to become a new source of functional foods, dietary supplements, and valuable ingredients. Because of the tendency to accumulate toxic metals, RAs may be regarded as a valuable indicator of environmental contamination. Thus, the levels of toxic trace elements (Al, Ni, Cd) have to be determined before collecting fruits from natural habitats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Molecules with Healthy Features to Food and Non-food Applications)

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18 pages, 3559 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Bioactive Peptides Identified from a Tilapia Byproduct Hydrolysate Exerting Effects on DPP-IV Activity and Intestinal Hormones Regulation after Canine Gastrointestinal Simulated Digestion

by Sandy Theysgeur, Benoit Cudennec, Barbara Deracinois, Claire Perrin, Isabelle Guiller, Anne Lepoudère, Christophe Flahaut and Rozenn Ravallec

Molecules 2021, 26(1), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26010136 - 30 Dec 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3204

Abstract

Like their owners, dogs and cats are more and more affected by overweight and obesity-related problems and interest in functional pet foods is growing sharply. Through numerous studies, fish protein hydrolysates have proved their worth to prevent and manage obesity-related comorbidities like diabetes. [...] Read more.

Like their owners, dogs and cats are more and more affected by overweight and obesity-related problems and interest in functional pet foods is growing sharply. Through numerous studies, fish protein hydrolysates have proved their worth to prevent and manage obesity-related comorbidities like diabetes. In this work, a human in vitro static simulated gastrointestinal digestion model was adapted to the dog which allowed us to demonstrate the promising effects of a tilapia byproduct hydrolysate on the regulation of food intake and glucose metabolism. Promising effects on intestinal hormones secretion and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activity were evidenced. We identify new bioactive peptides able to stimulate cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secretions, and to inhibit the DPP-IV activity after a transport study through a Caco-2 cell monolayer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Molecules with Healthy Features to Food and Non-food Applications)

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13 pages, 1152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydration and Barrier Potential of Cosmetic Matrices with Bee Products

by Jana Pavlačková, Pavlína Egner, Roman Slavík, Pavel Mokrejš and Robert Gál

Molecules 2020, 25(11), 2510; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25112510 - 28 May 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5926

Abstract

Honey, honey extracts, and bee products belong to traditionally used bioactive molecules in many areas. The aim of the study was primarily to evaluate the effect of cosmetic matrices containing honey and bee products on the skin. The study is complemented by a [...] Read more.

Honey, honey extracts, and bee products belong to traditionally used bioactive molecules in many areas. The aim of the study was primarily to evaluate the effect of cosmetic matrices containing honey and bee products on the skin. The study is complemented by a questionnaire survey on the knowledge and awareness of the effects and potential uses of bee products. The effect of bee molecules at various concentrations was observed by applying 12 formulations to the skin of the volar side of the forearm by non-invasive bioengineering methods on a set of 24 volunteers for 48 h. Very good moisturizing properties have been found in matrices with the glycerin extract of honey. Matrices containing forest honey had better moisturizing effects than those containing flower honey. Barrier properties were enhanced by gradual absorption, especially in formulations with both glycerin and aqueous honey extract. The observed organoleptic properties of the matrices assessed by sensory analysis through 12 evaluators did not show statistically significant differences except for color and spreadability. There are differences in the ability to hydrate the skin, reduce the loss of epidermal water, and affect the pH of the skin surface, including the organoleptic properties between honey and bee product matrices according to their type and concentration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Molecules with Healthy Features to Food and Non-food Applications)

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22 pages, 3366 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Microwave Hydrodiffusion and Gravity (MHG) Extraction from Different Raw Materials with Cosmetic Applications

by Lucía López-Hortas, Elena Falqué, Herminia Domínguez and María Dolores Torres

Molecules 2020, 25(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25010092 - 25 Dec 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3613

Abstract

Microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) and ethanolic solid-liquid extraction were compared using selected plant sources. Their bioactive profile, color features, and proximate chemical characterization were determined. MHG extracts, commercial antioxidants, and three distinct types of thermal spring water were used in a sunscreen [...] Read more.

Microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) and ethanolic solid-liquid extraction were compared using selected plant sources. Their bioactive profile, color features, and proximate chemical characterization were determined. MHG extracts, commercial antioxidants, and three distinct types of thermal spring water were used in a sunscreen cream formulation. Their bioactive capacity, chemical and rheological properties were evaluated. MHG Cytisus scoparius flower extract provided the highest bioactive properties. Pleurotus ostreatus MHG liquor exhibited the highest total solid extraction yield. The Brassica rapa MHG sample stood out for its total protein content and its monosaccharide and oligosaccharide concentration. Quercus robur acorns divided into quarters supplied MHG extract with the lowest energy requirements, highest DPPH inhibition percentage, total lipid content and the highest enzyme inhibition. The chemical and bioactive capacities stability of the sunscreen creams elaborated with the selected MHG extracts and the thermal spring waters showed a similar behavior than the samples containing commercial antioxidants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Molecules with Healthy Features to Food and Non-food Applications)

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12 pages, 4725 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immunomodulatory Effects of the Meretrix Meretrix Oligopeptide (QLNWD) on Immune-Deficient Mice

by Wen Zhang, Lei Ye, Fenglei Wang, Jiawen Zheng, Xiaoxiao Tian, Yan Chen, Guofang Ding and Zuisu Yang

Molecules 2019, 24(24), 4452; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24244452 - 05 Dec 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2908

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the immunomodulatory effects of the Meretrix meretrix oligopeptide (MMO, QLNWD) in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immune-deficient mice. Compared to untreated, CTX-induced immune-deficient mice, the spleen and thymus indexes of mice given moderate (100 mg/kg) and high (200 [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to explore the immunomodulatory effects of the Meretrix meretrix oligopeptide (MMO, QLNWD) in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immune-deficient mice. Compared to untreated, CTX-induced immune-deficient mice, the spleen and thymus indexes of mice given moderate (100 mg/kg) and high (200 mg/kg) doses of MMO were significantly higher (p < 0.05), and body weight loss was alleviated. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining revealed that MMO reduced spleen injury, thymus injury, and liver injury induced by CTX in mice. Furthermore, MMO boosted the production of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and hemolysin in the serum and promoted the proliferation and differentiation of spleen T-lymphocytes. Taken together, our findings suggest that MMO plays a vital role in protection against immunosuppression in CTX-induced immune-deficient mice and could be a potential immunomodulatory candidate for use in functional foods or immunologic adjuvants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Molecules with Healthy Features to Food and Non-food Applications)

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11 pages, 2236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Marine Collagen Peptides Promote Cell Proliferation of NIH-3T3 Fibroblasts via NF-κB Signaling Pathway

by Fei Yang, Shujie Jin and Yunping Tang

Molecules 2019, 24(22), 4201; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24224201 - 19 Nov 2019

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4972

Abstract

Marine collagen peptides (MCPs) with the ability to promote cell proliferation and migration were obtained from the skin of Nibea japonica. The purpose of MCPs isolation was an attempt to convert the by-products of the marine product processing industry to high value-added [...] Read more.

Marine collagen peptides (MCPs) with the ability to promote cell proliferation and migration were obtained from the skin of Nibea japonica. The purpose of MCPs isolation was an attempt to convert the by-products of the marine product processing industry to high value-added items. MCPs were observed to contain many polypeptides with molecular weights ≤ 10 kDa and most amino acid residues were hydrophilic. MCPs (0.25–10 mg/mL) also exhibited 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl, superoxide anion, and 2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activities. Furthermore, MCPs promoted the proliferation of NIH-3T3 cells. In vitro scratch assays indicated that MCPs significantly enhanced the scratch closure rate and promoted the migration of NIH-3T3 cells. To further determine the signaling mechanism of MCPs, western blotting was used to study the expression levels of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65, IκB kinase α (IKKα), and IκB kinase β (IKKβ) proteins of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Our results indicated protein levels of NF-κB p65, IKKα and IKKβ increased in MCPs-treated NIH-3T3 cells. In addition, MCPs increased the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) in NIH-3T3 cells. Therefore, MCPs, a by-product of N. japonica, exhibited potential wound healing abilities in vitro. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Molecules with Healthy Features to Food and Non-food Applications)

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Review

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19 pages, 936 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Fermentation on the Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Whole Cereal Grains: A Mini Review

by Oluwafemi Ayodeji Adebo and Ilce Gabriela Medina-Meza

Molecules 2020, 25(4), 927; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25040927 - 19 Feb 2020

Cited by 231 | Viewed by 12160

Abstract

Urbanization, emergence, and prominence of diseases and ailments have led to conscious and deliberate consumption of health beneficial foods. Whole grain (WG) cereals are one type of food with an array of nutritionally important and healthy constituents, including carotenoids, inulin, β-glucan, lignans, vitamin [...] Read more.

Urbanization, emergence, and prominence of diseases and ailments have led to conscious and deliberate consumption of health beneficial foods. Whole grain (WG) cereals are one type of food with an array of nutritionally important and healthy constituents, including carotenoids, inulin, β-glucan, lignans, vitamin E-related compounds, tocols, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds, which are beneficial for human consumption. They not only provide nutrition, but also confer health promoting effects in food, such as anti-carcinogenic, anti-microbial, and antioxidant properties. Fermentation is a viable processing technique to transform whole grains in edible foods since it is an affordable, less complicated technique, which not only transforms whole grains but also increases nutrient bioavailability and positively alters the levels of health-promoting components (particularly antioxidants) in derived whole grain products. This review addresses the impact of fermentation on phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities with most available studies indicating an increase in these health beneficial constituents. Such increases are mostly due to breakdown of the cereal cell wall and subsequent activities of enzymes that lead to the liberation of bound phenolic compounds, which increase antioxidant activities. In addition to the improvement of these valuable constituents, increasing the consumption of fermented whole grain cereals would be vital for the world’s ever-growing population. Concerted efforts and adequate strategic synergy between concerned stakeholders (researchers, food industry, and government/policy makers) are still required in this regard to encourage consumption and dispel negative presumptions about whole grain foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Molecules with Healthy Features to Food and Non-food Applications)

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23 pages, 1556 KiB

Open AccessReview

An Updated Review on Pharmaceutical Properties of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

by Dai-Hung Ngo and Thanh Sang Vo

Molecules 2019, 24(15), 2678; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24152678 - 24 Jul 2019

Cited by 229 | Viewed by 22504

Abstract

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (Gaba) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid that is widely present in microorganisms, plants, and vertebrates. So far, Gaba is well known as a main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Its physiological roles are related to the modulation of synaptic [...] Read more.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (Gaba) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid that is widely present in microorganisms, plants, and vertebrates. So far, Gaba is well known as a main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Its physiological roles are related to the modulation of synaptic transmission, the promotion of neuronal development and relaxation, and the prevention of sleeplessness and depression. Besides, various pharmaceutical properties of Gaba on non-neuronal peripheral tissues and organs were also reported due to anti-hypertension, anti-diabetes, anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-microbial, anti-allergy, hepato-protection, reno-protection, and intestinal protection. Therefore, Gaba may be considered as potential alternative therapeutics for prevention and treatment of various diseases. Accordingly, this updated review was mainly focused to describe the pharmaceutical properties of Gaba as well as emphasize its important role regarding human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Molecules with Healthy Features to Food and Non-food Applications)

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