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16 pages, 2296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

European Black Elderberry Fruit Extract Inhibits Replication of SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro

by Christian Setz, Maria Fröba, Maximilian Große, Pia Rauch, Janina Auth, Alexander Steinkasserer, Stephan Plattner and Ulrich Schubert

Nutraceuticals 2023, 3(1), 91-106; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals3010007 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 10498

Abstract

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is still affecting the lives of people round the globe and remains a major public health threat. The emergence of new variants more efficiently transmitted, more virulent and more capable of escaping naturally acquired and vaccine-induced immunity creates a long-term [...] Read more.

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is still affecting the lives of people round the globe and remains a major public health threat. The emergence of new variants more efficiently transmitted, more virulent and more capable of escaping naturally acquired and vaccine-induced immunity creates a long-term negative outlook for the management of the pandemic. The development of effective and viable prevention and treatment options to reduce viral transmission is of the utmost importance. The fruits of the European black elderberry and extracts thereof have been traditionally used to treat viral infections such as coughs, cold and flu. Specifically, its efficacy against the Influenza A virus has been shown in vitro as well as in human clinical trials. In the current project, we investigated the antiviral activity of a black elderberry extract, mainly containing anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants of concern and explored the possible mode of action by performing time of addition experiments. The results revealed that the extract displayed a strong anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity against the Wuhan type as well as the variants of concern Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron with a comparable antiviral activity. Based on cytotoxicity data, a 2-log theoretical therapeutic window was established. The data accumulated so far suggest that the viral replication cycle is inhibited at later stages, inasmuch as the replication process was affected after virus entry. Therefore, it would be legitimate to assume that black elderberry extract might have the potential to be an effective treatment option for SARS-CoV-2 infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods as a New Therapeutic Strategy)

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13 pages, 2646 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modulating the Gut Microbiota with Alginate Oligosaccharides In Vitro

by Grégoire Bouillon, Olav Gåserød, Łukasz Krych, Josué L. Castro-Mejía, Witold Kot, Markku T. Saarinen, Arthur C. Ouwehand, Dennis S. Nielsen and Fergal P. Rattray

Nutraceuticals 2023, 3(1), 26-38; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals3010003 - 26 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2970

Abstract

Alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) are non-digestible carbohydrates from brown kelp. As such, they are dietary fibers and may have prebiotic potential. Therefore, we investigated the capacity of gut bacteria to utilize AOS with single-strain cultures and as a complex bacterial community. Bifidobacterium adolescentis, [...] Read more.

Alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) are non-digestible carbohydrates from brown kelp. As such, they are dietary fibers and may have prebiotic potential. Therefore, we investigated the capacity of gut bacteria to utilize AOS with single-strain cultures and as a complex bacterial community. Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Lacticaseibacillus casei and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei showed weak growth (relative to unsupplemented medium; p < 0.05) in the presence of AOS and alginate, while strong growth (p < 0.01) was observed for Bacteroides ovatus when grown with alginate as carbohydrate source. Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus hirae were for the first time reported to be able to grow on AOS. Further, AOS as substrate was investigated in a complex bacterial community with colonic fermentations in an in vitro gut model. The in vitro gut model indicated that AOS increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in donors with a low endogenous SCFA production, but not to the same level as inulin. Bacteroides was found to dominate the bacteria community after in vitro gut simulation with alginate as substrate. Further, stimulation of Bacteroides was observed with AOS in the gut model for two out of three donors with the third donor being more resistant to change. Our results allowed the identification of AOS utilizers among common gut species. The results also demonstrated the capacity of AOS to elevate SCFA levels and positively modulate the gut microbiota during in vitro simulated colon fermentations, although some subjects appear to be resilient to perturbation via substrate changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods as a New Therapeutic Strategy)

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11 pages, 1980 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Development of Quercetin-DHA Ester-Based Pectin Conjugates as New Functional Supplement: Effects on Cell Viability and Migration

by Gabriele Carullo, Umile Gianfranco Spizzirri, Rocco Malivindi, Vittoria Rago, Marisa Francesca Motta, Danilo Lofaro, Donatella Restuccia and Francesca Aiello

Nutraceuticals 2022, 2(4), 278-288; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals2040021 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2816

Abstract

A quercetin derivative with remarkable biological performance was successfully synthesized by chemical modification of the flavonoid with docosahexaenoic acid to synthesize 2-(2,2-diphenylbenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-5,7-dihydroxy-4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl-(4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)-docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexaenoate (3), deeply characterized by NMR [...] Read more.

A quercetin derivative with remarkable biological performance was successfully synthesized by chemical modification of the flavonoid with docosahexaenoic acid to synthesize 2-(2,2-diphenylbenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-5,7-dihydroxy-4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl-(4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)-docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexaenoate (3), deeply characterized by NMR spetroscopy. Modified quercetin and pectin were involved in a grafting process by an ecofriendly radical procedure able to preserve the biological features of the quercetin derivative. Antioxidant performances of the conjugate were evaluated both in term of total phenolic amount and scavenger activity in organic and aqueous environments. Additionally, in vitro acute oral toxicity was also tested against Caco-2 cells and 3T3 fibroblasts, confirming that pectin conjugate does not have any effect on cell viability at the dietary use concentrations. Finally, in vitro experiments highlighted the ability of the conjugate to counteract the migratory properties of Caco-2 and HepG2 cells, indicating its feature in the reduction of the migration of tumour cells. These data showed that the covalent binding of the quercetin derivative to the pectin chain represents a very interesting strategy to improve the bioavailability of the quercetin, representing an effective means of protecting and to transporting polyphenol molecules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods as a New Therapeutic Strategy)

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13 pages, 1573 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Apple Puree as a Natural Fructose Source Provides an Effective Alternative to Artificial Fructose Sources for Fuelling Endurance Cycling Performance in Males

by Kirsty M. Reynolds, Loris A. Juett, James Cobb, Carl J. Hulston, Stephen A. Mears and Lewis J. James

Nutraceuticals 2022, 2(3), 205-217; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals2030015 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3376

Abstract

Carbohydrate consumption during exercise enhances endurance performance. A food-focused approach may offer an alternative, ‘healthier’ approach given the potential health concerns associated with artificial fructose sources, but food-based carbohydrate sources may increase gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. This study compared the cycling performance and GI [...] Read more.

Carbohydrate consumption during exercise enhances endurance performance. A food-focused approach may offer an alternative, ‘healthier’ approach given the potential health concerns associated with artificial fructose sources, but food-based carbohydrate sources may increase gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. This study compared the cycling performance and GI comfort of two different fructose sources (fruit and artificial) ingested during exercise. Nine trained male cyclists (age 24 ± 7 years; VO_2peak 65 ± 6 mL/kg/min) completed a familiarisation and two experimental trials (60 g/h carbohydrate, 120 min at 55% W_max and ~15 min time trial). In the two experimental trials, carbohydrate was ingested in a 2:1 glucose-to-fructose ratio, with fructose provided as artificial crystalline fructose (GLU/FRU) or natural apple puree (APPLE PUREE) and maltodextrin added to provide sufficient glucose. Time trial (TT) performance was not different between trials (GLU/FRU 792 ± 68 s, APPLE PUREE 800 ± 65 s; p = 0.313). No GI symptoms were significantly different between trials (p ≥ 0.085). Heart rate, blood glucose/lactate concentrations, and RPE were not different between trials, but all, excluding blood glucose concentration, increased from rest to exercise and further increased post-TT. Apple puree as a natural fructose source provides an alternative to artificial fructose sources without influencing cycling performance or GI symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods as a New Therapeutic Strategy)

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11 pages, 1353 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Anti-Allergic Effect of Aqueous Extract of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) Leaf in RBL-2H3 Cells and Cedar Pollinosis Model Mice

by Yurika Kitamura, Kosuke Nishi, Momoko Ishida, Sogo Nishimoto and Takuya Sugahara

Nutraceuticals 2022, 2(3), 170-180; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals2030013 - 26 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3455

Abstract

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is classified in the Apiaceae family and used as an herb. Coriander leaf has been reported to possess various health functions. Here, we report the anti-allergic effect of aqueous coriander leaf extract (ACLE). ACLE with 1.0 mg/mL or [...] Read more.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is classified in the Apiaceae family and used as an herb. Coriander leaf has been reported to possess various health functions. Here, we report the anti-allergic effect of aqueous coriander leaf extract (ACLE). ACLE with 1.0 mg/mL or higher concentration significantly inhibited degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells in a concentration-dependent manner with no cytotoxicity. ACLE suppressed the increase in the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration in response to antigen-specific stimulation. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that ACLE significantly downregulates phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and tends to downregulate phosphorylation of Syk kinase in the signaling pathways activated by antigen-mediated stimulation. Oral administration of ACLE did not alter the sneezing frequency of pollinosis model mice stimulated with cedar pollen, but significantly reduced the serum IgE level. Our data show anti-allergic effects of coriander leaf in both cultured cells and pollinosis mice. These results suggest that coriander leaf has the potential to be a functional foodstuff with anti-allergy effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods as a New Therapeutic Strategy)

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12 pages, 2554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Buckwheat, Fava Bean and Hemp Flours Fortified with Anthocyanins and Other Bioactive Phytochemicals as Sustainable Ingredients for Functional Food Development

by Madalina Neacsu, James S. Christie, Gary J. Duncan, Nicholas J. Vaughan and Wendy R. Russell

Nutraceuticals 2022, 2(3), 150-161; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals2030011 - 14 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3584

Abstract

Facing a climate emergency and an increasingly unhealthy population, functional foods should not only address health issues but must be prepared from sustainable ingredients while contributing to our sustainable development goals, such as tackling waste and promoting a healthy environment. High-protein crop flours, [...] Read more.

Facing a climate emergency and an increasingly unhealthy population, functional foods should not only address health issues but must be prepared from sustainable ingredients while contributing to our sustainable development goals, such as tackling waste and promoting a healthy environment. High-protein crop flours, i.e., buckwheat, hemp and fava bean, are investigated as potential matrices to be fortified with key bioactive phytochemicals from soft fruits to explore potential waste valorization and to deliver sustainable functional food ingredients. Hemp flour provided the best matrix for anthocyanin fortification, adsorbing of 88.45 ± 0.88% anthocyanins and 69.77 mg/kg of additional phytochemicals. Buckwheat and fava bean absorbed 78.64 ± 3.15% and 50.46 ± 2.94% of anthocyanins 118.22 mg/kg and 103.88 mg/kg of additional phytochemicals, respectively. During the fortification, there was no detectable adsorption of the berry sugars to the flours, and the quantities of free sugars from the flours were also removed. One gram of fortified hemp flour provides the same amount of anthocyanins found in 20 g of fresh bilberries but has substantially less sugar. The optimum conditions for high protein flour fortification with anthocyanins was established and showed that it is a viable way to reduce and valorize potential agricultural waste, contributing to a circular and greener nutrition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods as a New Therapeutic Strategy)

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16 pages, 3989 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Therapy of Chitosan and Exercise Improves the Lipid Profile, Adipose Tissue and Hepatic Alterations in an In Vivo Model of Induced-Hyperlipidemia

by João P. G. Passos, Carlisson R. Melo, Felipe M. A. Carvalho, Patricia Severino, Juliana C. Cardoso, John L. S. Cunha, Amanda Cano, Eliana B. Souto and Ricardo L. C. de Albuquerque-Júnior

Nutraceuticals 2022, 2(2), 116-131; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals2020009 - 9 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2898

Abstract

Obesity is a prevalent public health concern in several countries, and is closely associated with several pathological disorders, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and increased dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia is an asymptomatic condition characterized by high levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and low levels of [...] Read more.

Obesity is a prevalent public health concern in several countries, and is closely associated with several pathological disorders, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and increased dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia is an asymptomatic condition characterized by high levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), leading to the increased risk of ischemic heart disease. As lipid disorders are strongly associated with lifestyle and diet, in this work we have evaluated the effect of associating chitosan and exercise on the improvement of the lipid profile of high-fat diet-fed rats. Animals were submitted orally to hypercaloric diets based on liquid butter at 1 mL/100 g to induce a hyperlipidemic state for 8 weeks (as shown by body weight and measures of the Lee obesity index). After 8 weeks, the 40 rats were separated into five groups (n = 8) and adapted to different treatment strategies: physical exercise and/or treatment with chitosan (at a concentration of 2%). The hyperlipidemic group exhibited altered levels of glucose and hepatic enzymes, i.e., aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The treatment with chitosan over 8 weeks significantly reduced the bodyweight of the animals, reaching values lower than the control group. Exercise reduced the Lee obesity index values of all the treated groups compared to non-treated rats. The concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL was significantly reduced at the end of the study to healthy thresholds. The hepatic parenchyma of hyperlipidemic animals was recovered to show normal morphology when treated with chitosan; improved histological features (ca. 20–30% of parenchymal cells) could be achieved with physical exercise. In conclusion, oral administration of chitosan associated with physical exercise had a hypolipidemic effect in a model of dyslipidemia in rodents, showing decreased levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, VLDL-c, glucose, and liver enzymes (AST and ALT). Our results are attributed to the synergism between the administration of chitosan and physical exercise that helps to reduce oxidative stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods as a New Therapeutic Strategy)

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Review

Jump to: Research

34 pages, 1476 KiB

Open AccessReview

Potential of Microalgae as Functional Foods Applied to Mitochondria Protection and Healthy Aging Promotion

by Lorenzo Zanella and Fabio Vianello

Nutraceuticals 2023, 3(1), 119-152; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals3010010 - 6 Feb 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5526

Abstract

The rapid aging of the Western countries’ populations makes increasingly necessary the promotion of healthy lifestyles in order to prevent/delay the onset of age-related diseases. The use of functional foods can significantly help to achieve this aim, thanks to the contribution of biologically [...] Read more.

The rapid aging of the Western countries’ populations makes increasingly necessary the promotion of healthy lifestyles in order to prevent/delay the onset of age-related diseases. The use of functional foods can significantly help to achieve this aim, thanks to the contribution of biologically active compounds suitable to protect cellular and metabolic homeostasis from damage caused by stress factors. Indeed, the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), favored by incorrect eating and behavioral habits, are considered causal elements of oxidative stress, which in turn favors tissue and organism aging. Microalgae represent a convenient and suitable functional food because of their extraordinary ability to concentrate various active compounds, comprising omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, sterols, phenolic compounds, carotenoids and others. Within cells, mitochondria are the cellular organelles most affected by the accumulation of molecular damage produced by oxidative stress. Since, in addition to producing the chemical energy for cellular metabolism, mitochondria control numerous cell cycle regulation processes, including intrinsic apoptosis, responses to inflammatory signals and other biochemical pathways, their dysfunction is considered decisive for many pathologies. Among these, some degenerative diseases of the nervous system, cardiovascular system, kidney function and even cancer are found. From this viewpoint, bioactive compounds of microalgae, in addition to possessing high antioxidant properties, can enhance mitochondrial functionality by modulating the expression of numerous protective factors and enzymes, which in turn regulate some essential biochemical pathways for the preservation of the functional integrity of the cell. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the role played by microalgal compounds in the regulation of the mitochondrial life cycle, expression of protective and reparative enzymes, regulation of intrinsic apoptosis and modulation of some key biochemical pathways. Special attention was paid to the composition of some cultivable microalgae strains selected for their high content of active compounds suitable to protect and improve mitochondrial functions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods as a New Therapeutic Strategy)

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11 pages, 1589 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Almond, Hazelnut, and Pistachio Skin: An Opportunity for Nutraceuticals

by Tariq A. Alalwan, Duha Mohammed, Mariam Hasan, Domenico Sergi, Cinzia Ferraris, Clara Gasparri, Mariangela Rondanelli and Simone Perna

Nutraceuticals 2022, 2(4), 300-310; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals2040023 - 17 Oct 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4698

Abstract

Nuts are dry, single-seeded fruits, with a combination of beneficial compounds that aid in disease prevention and treatment. This review aims to summarize the antioxidant components and the nutraceutical properties and applications of hazelnut, almond, and pistachio skins, as well as discuss their [...] Read more.

Nuts are dry, single-seeded fruits, with a combination of beneficial compounds that aid in disease prevention and treatment. This review aims to summarize the antioxidant components and the nutraceutical properties and applications of hazelnut, almond, and pistachio skins, as well as discuss their ability to prevent and treat specific diseases based on in vitro and in vivo studies. The search strategy included searching PubMed database and Google Scholar for relevant articles published in English. Research articles focusing on hazelnut, pistachio, and almond were included. The nut skin extracts were considered and other by-products were excluded from this search. Pistachio and almond skin hydroalcoholic extracts have antibacterial effects and decrease the risk of liver cancer by eliminating reactive oxygen species. Moreover, hazelnut skin can lower plasma against low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of colon cancer, and its polyphenolic extract can also decrease the formation of advanced glycation end products in vitro with multidimensional effects. Overall, hazelnut, pistachio, and almond skins are a great source of antioxidants, making them suitable for nutraceuticals’ development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods as a New Therapeutic Strategy)

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17 pages, 1044 KiB

Open AccessReview

Plant Seed Mucilage—Great Potential for Sticky Matter

by Matúš Kučka, Katarína Ražná, Ľubomír Harenčár and Terézia Kolarovičová

Nutraceuticals 2022, 2(4), 253-269; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals2040019 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 7645

Abstract

Some seeds of flowering plants can differentiate their seed coat epidermis into the specialized cell layer producing a hydrophilic mucilage with several ecological functions, such as seed hydration, protection, spatial fixation, stimulation of metabolic activity and development of seed. Due to the species- [...] Read more.

Some seeds of flowering plants can differentiate their seed coat epidermis into the specialized cell layer producing a hydrophilic mucilage with several ecological functions, such as seed hydration, protection, spatial fixation, stimulation of metabolic activity and development of seed. Due to the species- and genotype-dependent variabilities in the chemical composition of mucilage, mucilage does not display the same functional properties and its role depends on the respective species and environment. Mucilaginous substances, depending on their composition, exhibit many preventive and curative effects for human and animal health, which has significant potential in the agricultural, food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. This paper summarizes the ecological, biological, and functional properties of mucilaginous plant substances and highlights their significant nutritional potential in terms of the development of functional foods, and nutraceuticals and dietary supplements. A paragraph describing the gene regulation of seed mucilage synthesis is included, and some recommendations for the direction of further research on mucilaginous substances are outlined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods as a New Therapeutic Strategy)

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24 pages, 1236 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Food Antioxidants and Aging: Theory, Current Evidence and Perspectives

by Taiki Miyazawa, Chizumi Abe, Gregor Carpentero Burdeos, Akira Matsumoto and Masako Toda

Nutraceuticals 2022, 2(3), 181-204; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals2030014 - 3 Aug 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 12757

Abstract

The concept of food and aging is of great concern to humans. So far, more than 300 theories of aging have been suggested, and approaches based on these principles have been investigated. It has been reported that antioxidants in foods might play a [...] Read more.

The concept of food and aging is of great concern to humans. So far, more than 300 theories of aging have been suggested, and approaches based on these principles have been investigated. It has been reported that antioxidants in foods might play a role in human aging. To clarify the current recognition and positioning of the relationship between these food antioxidants and aging, this review is presented in the following order: (1) aging theories, (2) food and aging, and (3) individual food antioxidants and aging. Clarifying the significance of food antioxidants in the field of aging will lead to the development of strategies to achieve healthy human aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods as a New Therapeutic Strategy)

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18 pages, 2627 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mushrooms as a Resource for Mibyou-Care Functional Food; The Role of Basidiomycetes-X (Shirayukidake) and Its Major Components

by Seiichi Matsugo, Toshio Sakamoto, Koji Wakame, Yutaka Nakamura, Kenichi Watanabe and Tetsuya Konishi

Nutraceuticals 2022, 2(3), 132-149; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals2030010 - 27 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3773

Abstract

Mibyou has been defined in traditional oriental medicine as a certain physiological condition whereby an individual is not ill but not healthy; it is also often referred to as a sub-healthy condition. In a society focused on longevity, “Mibyou-care” becomes of primary importance [...] Read more.

Mibyou has been defined in traditional oriental medicine as a certain physiological condition whereby an individual is not ill but not healthy; it is also often referred to as a sub-healthy condition. In a society focused on longevity, “Mibyou-care” becomes of primary importance for healthy lifespan expenditure. Functional foods can play crucial roles in Mibyou-care; thus, the search for novel resources of functional food is an important and attractive research field. Mushrooms are the target of such studies because of their wide variety of biological functions, such as immune modulation and anti-obesity and anticancer activities, in addition to their nutritional importance. Basidiomycetes-X (BDM-X; Shirayukidake in Japanese) is a mushroom which has several attractive beneficial health functions. A metabolome analysis revealed more than 470 components of both nutritional and functional interest in BDM-X. Further isolation and purification studies on its components using radical scavenging activity and UV absorbance identified ergosterol, (10E,12Z)-octadeca-10,12-dienoic acid (CLA), 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one (DDMP), formyl pyrrole analogues (FPA), including 4-[2-foemyl-5-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-pyrrole-1-yl] butanamide (FPAII), adenosine and uridine as major components. Biological activities attributed to these components were related to the observed biological functions of BDM-X, which suggest that this novel mushroom is a useful resource for Mibyou-care functional foods and medicines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods as a New Therapeutic Strategy)

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17 pages, 1205 KiB

Open AccessReview

Goji Berry: Health Promoting Properties

by Prodromos Skenderidis, Stefanos Leontopoulos and Dimitrios Lampakis

Nutraceuticals 2022, 2(1), 32-48; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals2010003 - 14 Mar 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 10213

Abstract

Since ancient times, it has been noticed that Goji berry fruit juice, roots and leaves consist of ingredients that contain a wide variety of bioactive substances. The consumption of goji berry fruits results in properties which improve the subjective feeling of general well-being. [...] Read more.

Since ancient times, it has been noticed that Goji berry fruit juice, roots and leaves consist of ingredients that contain a wide variety of bioactive substances. The consumption of goji berry fruits results in properties which improve the subjective feeling of general well-being. The aim of this work is to present the information from the existing literature on the possible role of goji berry plant parts and their extracts as a functional food. Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides (LBP) and polyphenols are the most researched aspects of fruits associated with the promotion of human health. Goji berry fruits demonstrated anti-oxidative properties that are associated with age-related diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis and antitumor and immunoregulatory activities. Bioactive secondary metabolites contained in fruit lead to positive effects for human vision, while other biochemicals contained in the root bark have shown hepatoprotective and inhibitory actions on the rennin/angiotensin system. The results presented so far in the literature verify their use in traditional medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods as a New Therapeutic Strategy)

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