Search Results (1,266)

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.), a nutrient-rich legume beneficial to human health, is valued for its high L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and phenolic content. This study investigated phytochemical diversity and bioactivity across 29 Chinese faba bean varieties. Phenolics were profiled using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) and quantified via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant capacity was evaluated, including DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), along with α-amylase/α-glucosidase inhibitory effects. Twenty-five phenolics were identified, including L-DOPA (11.96–17.93 mg/g, >70% of total content), seven phenolic acids, and seventeen flavonoids. L-DOPA showed potent enzyme inhibition (IC₅₀ values of 22.45 μM for α-amylase and 16.66 μM for α-glucosidase) but demonstrated limited antioxidant effects. Lincan 13 (Gansu) exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH, 16.32 μmol trolox/g; ABTS, 5.85 μmol trolox/g; FRAP, 21.38 mmol Fe²⁺/g), which correlated with it having the highest flavonoid content (40.51 mg rutin/g), while Yican 4 (Yunnan) showed the strongest α-amylase inhibition (43.33%). Correlation analysis confirmed flavonoids as the primary antioxidants, and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed geographical trends (e.g., Jiangsu varieties were particularly phenolic-rich). These findings highlight faba beans’ potential as functional foods and guide genotype selection in targeted breeding programs aimed at enhancing health benefits. Full article

This study investigated the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilization on the yield and grain filling (GF) characteristics of two conventional japonica rice varieties with distinct panicle types: Yangchan 3501 (large-panicle: spikelets per panicle $> 150$) and Nangeng 46 (medium-panicle: $100 <$ spikelets per panicle $< 150$). Field experiments were conducted over two growing seasons (2022–2023) with three N application rates (T1: 225 kg ha⁻¹, T2: 270 kg ha⁻¹, T3: 315 kg ha⁻¹). Key measurements included tiller dynamics, panicle composition, GF parameters modeled using the Richards equation, and enzyme activities related to nitrogen metabolism (Fd-GOGAT, NR) and carbohydrate transport (α-amylase, SPS). Results showed that the yield increased with higher N levels for both varieties, with Yangchan 3501 achieving higher yields primarily through increased grains per panicle (15.65% rise under T3 vs. T1), while Nangeng 46 relied on panicle number (8.83% increase under T3 vs. T1). Nitrogen application enhanced Fd-GOGAT and NR activities, prolonging photosynthesis and improving GF rates, particularly in the inferior grains of Yangchan 3501 during middle and late stages. However, a high N reduced seed-setting rates and 1000-grain weight, with larger panicle types exhibiting a greater sensitivity to N-induced changes in branch structure and assimilate allocation. This study highlights that optimizing N management can improve nitrogen-metabolism enzyme activity and GF efficiency, especially in large-panicle rice, while medium-panicle types require higher N inputs to maximize panicle number. These findings provide actionable insights for achieving high yields and efficient nutrient use in conventional rice cultivation. Full article

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cancer drive demand for therapeutic functional foods. This study developed freeze-dried fermented camel milk (FCM) with Ajwa date pulp (ADP), evaluating its physical and functional properties, probiotic survival, and potential benefits for diabetes and cancer. To achieve this target, six FCM formulations were prepared using ABT-5 starter culture (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Streptococcus thermophilus) with or without Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus B-1937 and ADP (12% or 15%). The samples were freeze-dried, and their functional properties, such as water activity, dispersibility, water absorption capacity, water absorption index, water solubility index, insolubility index, and sedimentation, were assessed. Reconstitution properties such as density, flowability, air content, porosity, loose bulk density, packed bulk density, particle density, carrier index, Hausner ratio, porosity, and density were examined. In addition, color and probiotic survivability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions were analyzed. Also, antidiabetic potential was assessed via α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays, while cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay on Caco-2 cells. The results show that ADP supplementation significantly improved dispersibility (up to 72.73% in FCM15D+L). These improvements are attributed to changes in particle size distribution and increased carbohydrate and mineral content, which facilitate powder rehydration and reduce clumping. All FCM variants demonstrated low water activity (0.196–0.226), indicating good potential for shelf stability. The reconstitution properties revealed that FCM powders with ADP had higher bulk and packed densities but lower particle density and porosity than controls. Including ADP reduced interstitial air and increased occluded air within the powders, which may minimize oxidation risks and improve packaging efficiency. ADP incorporation resulted in a significant decrease in lightness (L*) and increases in redness (a*) and yellowness (b*), with greater pigment and phenolic content at higher ADP levels. These changes reflect the natural colorants and browning reactions associated with ADP, leading to a more intense and visually distinct product. Probiotic survivability was higher in ADP-fortified samples, with L. acidophilus and B. bifidum showing resilience in intestinal conditions. The FCM15D+L formulation exhibited potent antidiabetic effects, with IC₅₀ values of 111.43 μg mL⁻¹ for α-amylase and 77.21 μg mL⁻¹ for α-glucosidase activities, though lower than control FCM (8.37 and 10.74 μg mL⁻¹, respectively). Cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells was most potent in non-ADP samples (IC₅₀: 82.22 μg mL⁻¹ for FCM), suggesting ADP and L. rhamnosus may reduce antiproliferative effects due to proteolytic activity. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that ADP-enriched FCM is a promising functional food with enhanced probiotic viability, antidiabetic potential, and desirable physical properties. This work highlights the potential of camel milk and date synergies in combating some NCDs in vitro, suggesting potential for functional food application. Full article

Salivary α-amylase, primarily encoded by the AMY1 gene, initiates the enzymatic digestion of dietary starch in the oral cavity and has recently emerged as a potential biomarker in metabolic research. Variability in salivary amylase activity (SAA), driven largely by copy number variation of AMY1, has been associated with postprandial glycemic responses, insulin secretion dynamics, and susceptibility to obesity. This review critically examines current analytical approaches for quantifying SAA, including enzymatic assays, colorimetric techniques, immunoassays, and emerging biosensor technologies. The methodological limitations related to sample handling, intra-individual variability, assay standardization, and specificity are highlighted in the context of metabolic and clinical studies. Furthermore, the review explores the physiological relevance of SAA in energy homeostasis and its associations with visceral adiposity and insulin resistance. We discuss the potential integration of SAA measurements into obesity risk stratification and personalized dietary interventions, particularly in individuals with altered starch metabolism. Finally, the review identifies key research gaps and future directions necessary to validate SAA as a reliable metabolic biomarker in clinical practice. Understanding the diagnostic and prognostic value of salivary amylase may offer new insights into the prevention and management of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Full article

This study describes the characterization of a novel thermostable α-amylase from a Bacillus licheniformis 104.K strain isolated from the Kashkadarya region of Uzbekistan. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the thermostable α-amylase belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 13 subfamily 5 (GH13_5) and shares high sequence similarity with known α-amylases. Our results demonstrate that the recombinant α-amylase exhibits optimal activity at pH 6.0 and 90 °C, retaining full activity after 30 min at 60 °C. The addition of CaCl₂ significantly enhanced thermostability, with the enzyme retaining more than 95% of its initial activity at 70 °C after 30 min. Our findings indicate that α-amylase from B. licheniformis 104.K is a functional, thermostable enzyme with potential industrial applications. This study highlights the commercial significance of thermostable amylases and the need to identify novel, cost-effective, and sustainable sources. The results of this study will contribute to the fields of enzyme applications, stabilizing additives, and genetic engineering of thermostable genes. Full article

Mauritia flexuosa, commonly known as “canangucha,” holds significant nutritional and economic value in the Amazon region. While its pulp is widely utilized in local food products, the seed or kernel is largely underutilized. This study investigated the proximal and phytochemical composition of M. flexuosa, alongside its biological properties, specifically focusing on the hypoglycemic activity of an ethanolic extract from M. flexuosa seeds (MFSs). Proximal analysis revealed that MFSs are a notable source of crude fiber (28.4%) and a moderate source of protein (9.1%). Phytochemical screening indicated a high total polyphenol content (123.4 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 mg dry weight) and substantial antiradical capacity against the ABTS radical (IC₅₀ = 171.86 µg/mL). Notably, MFS ethanolic extracts exhibited significant in vitro antihyperglycemic activity via inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, demonstrating comparable inhibition to acarbose at higher concentrations. This hypoglycemic effect was further corroborated in an in vivo rat model with induced diabetes, where the administration of 100 mg/kg of MFS ethanolic extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels compared to the diabetic control group (p < 0.05). A moderate antihypertensive effect was observed at a concentration of 150 mg/kg, correlating with ACE inhibition. High-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-HRMS) analysis of the seed extract identified phenolic compounds including ellagic, p-coumaric, and chlorogenic acids, as well as flavonoids such as quercetin, myricetin, and epicatechin. This study provides the first evidence of the hypoglycemic activity of MFSs, offering valuable insights into their phytochemistry and potential therapeutic applications. Full article

Tanacetum parthenium (Asteraceae) has been traditionally used worldwide for medicinal purposes, and some of its therapeutic uses have been attributed to the pharmacological effects of its secondary metabolites. The root culture of this species might represent a sustainable source of several pharmacologically active compounds. The biomass of a root T. parthenium culture was extracted with methanol and fractionated using column chromatography. Three selected fractions (4TP, 5TP, and 8TP) were analyzed via spectrophotometric, chromatographic, and mass spectrometry techniques and in vitro pharmacological assays. The greatest values for total phenolic and phenolic acid contents and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli were determined for 4TP. The highest values for total flavonoid and sesquiterpene lactone contents, antioxidant potential, and α-amylase inhibitory effect were determined for 8TP. The antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus was not significantly different among the three fractions. The root culture of T. parthenium is a potential source of several metabolites, such as phenolic acids, fatty acids, coumarins, sesquiterpenoids, and triterpenoids, which are capable of exerting α-amylase inhibition and antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic effects. Among eight phenolic compounds detected and quantified in the fractions, chlorogenic acid was the most abundant. Full article

Due to the limited scientific exploration of Argania spinosa (L.) skeel husk, this study presents the first investigation of the metabolite profile of methanol and acetone extracts analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization and high-resolution multistage mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/HRMSMS). A total of 43 compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acid and flavonoid derivatives, saponins, and triterpenic acids, were identified, some of which have not been previously reported in this species. The total phenols (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) content were spectrophotometrically determined. A multi-target approach was applied to investigate the antioxidant potential using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), β-carotene bleaching, and Ferric Reducing Ability Power (FRAP) tests. Carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes and lipase inhibitory activities were also assessed. The acetone extract exhibited the highest TPC and TFC values, resulting in being the most active in β-carotene bleaching test with IC₅₀ values of 26.68 and 13.82 µg/mL, after 30 and 60 min of incubation, respectively. Moreover, it was the most active against both α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes with IC₅₀ values of 12.37 and 18.93 µg/mL, respectively. These results pointed out that this by-product is a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals potentially useful for prevention of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Full article

Thai fermented soybeans (TFSs) contain phytochemicals with anti-diabetic benefits. In this study, an initial non-optimized TFS extract (TFSE) was prepared using a conventional triplicate 80% ethanol extraction method and evaluated for its biological activity. TFSE effectively reversed TNF-α-induced insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by enhancing insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, indicating anti-diabetic potential. TFSE also upregulated the phosphorylation of AKT (a key insulin signaling mediator) and the expression of adipogenic proteins (PPARγ, CEBPα) in TNF-α-exposed 3T3-L1, suggesting the mitigation of adipocyte dysfunction; however, the results did not reach statistical significance. The conventional extraction process was labor-intensive and time-consuming, and to enhance extraction efficiency and bioactivity, the process was subsequently optimized using environmentally friendly microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) in combination with the Box–Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized extract (O-TFSE) was obtained over a significantly shorter extraction time and exhibited higher levels of total flavonoids and antioxidant activity in comparison to TFSE, while showing reduced levels of isoflavones (daidzein, genistein, and glycitein) in relation to TFSE. Interestingly, O-TFSE retained similar efficacy in reversing TNF-α-induced insulin resistance and demonstrated significantly stronger α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities, indicating its enhanced potential for diabetes management. These results support the use of MAE as an efficient method for extracting functional compounds from TFS for functional foods targeting insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Full article

Long-term storage may induce lipid oxidation in brown rice and impact its utilization in animal diets. One-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens (with an initial body weight of 20 g) were randomly divided into three groups: corn-based diet (Corn), fresh brown rice-based diet (BR1) and stored brown rice-based diet (BR6), with 8 replicates of 10 birds per pen, in a 42-day feeding trial. The results showed that lipid oxidation indexes increased and fatty acid composition changed significantly in BR6 (p < 0.05). The dietary replacement of corn with brown rice showed no effects on growth performance of broilers (p > 0.05). However, palmitic acid and oleic acid increased, and stearic acid, linoleic acid and docosadienoic acid decreased in the broiler breast muscle of the BR1 and BR6 groups (p < 0.05). Ileum antioxidant enzyme activities increased in the BR1 and BR6 groups compared to the Corn group (p < 0.05), and the activities of α-amylase, trypsin, chymotrypsin and lipase decreased in the BR6 group compared to the BR1 and Corn groups (p < 0.05). Also, compared to the BR1 group, the overall expression of metabolites involved in drug metabolism—cytochrome P450, GnRH secretion and the estrogen signaling pathway in broiler ileum were down-regulated in the BR6 group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the lipid oxidation of stored brown rice decreased digestive enzyme activities and changed metabolic characteristics in the ileum of broilers. While replacing corn with brown rice did not affect broiler growth performance, it reduced the contents of unsaturated and essential fatty acids in breast muscle and enhanced the ileal antioxidant functions of broilers. Full article

High-fat diets are commonly used in fish farming due to their protein-sparing effect, contributing to reduced production costs. However, this practice may have adverse effects such as metabolic impairment and inflammation. These problems can be assessed in two ways: by developing functional diets or using food restriction, which leads to compensatory growth. The present study characterized digestion in gilthead sea bream fed a high-fat diet in the presence (HT) or absence (HF) of an olive oil polyphenol as an additive, hydroxytyrosol, under two different dietary regimes: feeding to satiation (ST) or at a 40% restriction (R). Digestive enzyme activities, specifically trypsin-like activities, were mainly upregulated by dietary treatment (HT). In contrast, restriction effects mainly appeared during digestion in the pyloric caeca, where a significant rise in chymotrypsin-like activities was detected. Moreover, those fish tended to have an increased relative intestinal length compared to those fish fed at a standard ration. Feed restriction enhanced the growth of γ-Proteobacteria in pyloric caeca and proximal intestinal regions, without altering their population in the distal intestine. Overall, it is suggested that hydroxytyrosol inclusion at a standard ration could improve digestion processes in gilthead sea bream fed high-fat diets under healthier conditions than without this additive. Full article

This study presents the synthesis and antidiabetic and hematopoietic activity of ionic compounds based on 2-(diphenylmethoxy)-N,N-dimethylethanamine (diphenhydramine). Synthesis is carried out under ultrasonic (US) and microwave (MW) irradiation as well as using a conventional method (thermal activation). The synthesized ionic compounds have been tested for antidiabetic effect according to the inhibitory action against α-glucosidase and α-amylase (in vitro). All the synthesized derivatives of diphenhydramine showed higher inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase than commercially available diphenhydramine hydrochloride. Moreover, two of them, 1m (66.9%) and 1k (64.2%), had a greater inhibitory activity than the reference drug acarbose (51.8%). The hematopoietic activity was studied in albino laboratory female rats (in vivo). The compounds 1b, 1f, and 1k can restore immune blood cells (hematopoietic activity), equal to or exceeding that of the commercially available diphenhydramine hydrochloride and control (methyluracil). Full article

This study investigated the functional potential of Campomanesia xanthocarpa leaf and fruit infusions through phytochemical profiling, simulated gastrointestinal digestion, enzyme inhibition assays, and in vivo evaluation of glycemic markers. Leaf infusions exhibited a more diverse phenolic profile, higher total phenolic content, and greater antioxidant capacity compared to fruit infusions. Simulated digestion confirmed the bioaccessibility of key phenolic compounds, particularly glycosylated flavonoids such as quercetin-3-glucoside and kaempferol derivatives, with leaf extracts showing superior gastrointestinal stability. In vitro assays revealed a strong inhibitory activity of leaf infusions against α-amylase and β-glucosidase. In a 32-day trial with healthy dogs, the consumption of biscuits enriched with leaf infusion did not alter fasting glucose or amylase levels but resulted in a significant treatment × time interaction for serum fructosamine, indicating a delayed modulation of glycemic control, potentially associated with antioxidant or anti-glycation activity. These findings highlight the potential of C. xanthocarpa leaves as a functional ingredient in foods aimed at supporting glycemic regulation and metabolic health. Full article

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that has a significant impact on public health and is becoming more and more common worldwide. Although effective, conventional therapies are often limited by high cost, adverse effects, and issues with patient compliance. As a result, there is growing interest in complementary and alternative therapies. Medicinal plants have played an essential role in diabetes treatment, especially in regions such as Romania, where biodiversity is high and traditional knowledge is well preserved. The pathophysiology, risk factors, and worldwide burden of diabetes are examined in this review, with an emphasis on the traditional use of medicinal plants for glycemic control. A total of 47 plant species were identified based on ethnopharmacological records and recent biomedical research, including both native flora and widely cultivated species. The bioactive compounds identified, such as flavonoids, triterpenic saponins, polyphenols, and alkaloids, have hypoglycemic effects through diverse mechanisms, including β-cell regeneration, insulin-mimetic action, inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and oxidative stress reduction. A systematic literature search was conducted, including in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies relevant to antidiabetic activity. Among the species reviewed, Urtica dioica, Silybum marianum, and Momordica charantia exhibited the most promising antidiabetic activity based on both preclinical and clinical evidence. Despite promising preclinical results, clinical evidence remains limited, and variability in phytochemical content poses challenges to reproducibility. This review highlights the potential of Romanian medicinal flora as a source of adjunctive therapies in diabetes care and underscores the need for standardization and clinical validation. Full article

Fruit yield and quality improvement are challenges for researchers and farmers. This study reveals that the main fruit traits of blueberry (Vaccinium ashei ‘Bluegem’) were significantly improved after hydrogen (H₂)-based irrigation, assessed by the increased single fruit weight (14.59 ± 6.66%) and fruit equatorial diameter (4.19 ± 2.39%), decreased titratable acidity, increased solid–acid and sugar–acid ratios. The enhancement of fruit quality was confirmed by the increased total volatiles, vitamin C contents, and antioxidant capacity. Using weighted protein co-expression network analysis (WPCNA), proteomic interrogation revealed that serine carboxypeptidase-like proteins I/II (SCPLI/II), ADP ribosylation factor 1/2 (ARF1/2), and UDP-glucosyltransferase 85A (UGT85A) might be functionally associated with the increased fruit weight and size driven by H₂. Reduced organic acid accumulation was caused by the regulation of the specific enzymes involved in sucrose metabolism (e.g., α-amylase, endoglucanase, β-glucosidase, etc.). H₂ regulation of fatty acid degradation (e.g., acyl CoA oxidase 1 (ACX1), acetyl CoA acyltransferase 1 (ACAA1), etc.) and phenylpropanoid metabolism were used to explain the improved fruit aroma and anthocyanin accumulation. Meanwhile, the upregulated heat shock protein 20/70 matched with the enhanced antioxidant activity. Together, this study provides a novel approach for yield and quality improvement in horticultural crops. Full article