Search Results (600)

This study assessed the effect of adding a cranberry polyphenol preparation in powder and microcapsule form to cookies on their physicochemical properties, polyphenol composition, health-promoting activity, and biocompatibility with normal human colonocytes. Cranberry powder was obtained by purifying the polyphenolic compounds, while microcapsules were obtained by encapsulating the powder in a mixture of sodium alginate and soy protein isolate. Cookies were prepared with 0.5, 1, 3 and 5% microcapsules, and 0.04, 0.08, 0.23 and 0.38% powder. The study showed that physicochemical parameters such as moisture, spreadability index, baking loss, hardness, and color significantly depended on the type and amount of the additive. Higher total polyphenol content was observed for cookies with powder (13.22 mg/100 g; P_0.38), analyzed by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The addition of microencapsulated powder increased the degree of anthocyanin preservation by 57.9% (primarily cyanidin 3-O-glucoside). The highest antioxidant activity, measured by cation radical scavenging activity (ABTS), copper ion reduction (CUPRAC), superoxide radical (O₂⁻) and hydroxyl radical (OH˙) scavenging capacity tests, was observed for cookies with a 0.38% addition of polyphenol powder. These cookies also demonstrated the highest antidiabetic activity (α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition of 40.23 and 15.79%, respectively). All tested cookies also demonstrated high biocompatibility with human colonocytes. These findings contribute to the development of innovative functional bakery products with stable anthocyanin forms. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder requiring safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives. This study investigates a novel fucoxanthin derivative isolated from the marine brown alga Chnoospora minima using a comprehensive in silico approach. Molecular docking revealed that the derivative exhibited higher binding affinities toward α-amylase (–9.4 kcal/mol) and α-glucosidase (–8.0 kcal/mol) compared to the reference drug acarbose (–8.5 and –7.4 kcal/mol, respectively). Pharmacokinetic analysis predicted good intestinal absorption and P-gp inhibition (0.894) and moderate plasma clearance (7.864 mL/min/kg), while toxicity predictions classified it in toxicity class 3, with no respiratory or ocular toxicity. Drug-likeness evaluation showed only one Lipinski and one Veber rule violation, common for natural products. Molecular dynamics simulations conducted for 100 ns using NAMD 3.0 confirmed stable protein–ligand complexes with average RMSD values of ~1.3 Å and ~1.8 Å for α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively, and consistent hydrogen bonding profiles. Structural analysis identified a substitution of the allene bond with an unsaturated ketone at the C8′ position as a key contributor to enhanced enzyme interaction. The findings suggest that this fucoxanthin derivative is a promising natural candidate for T2DM therapy and warrants further investigation through lab experiments (in vitro and in vivo). Full article

The development of plant-based synbiotic beverages is gaining increasing attention as consumers seek sustainable, functional alternatives to dairy products. This preliminary study investigated the fortification of tibicos (water kefir) with lemon catnip (Nepeta cataria var. citriodora) hydrolate, an aromatic distillation byproduct rich in bioactive terpenoids. After 72 h-fermentation of tibicos, physicochemical, microbiological, health-promoting and sensory parameters were evaluated. Both control and fortified beverages exhibited typical fermentation kinetics, including a decrease in pH, reduction of soluble solids, and accumulation of organic acids. Lactic acid bacteria count remained stable, while yeast proliferation was slightly reduced in the hydrolate-fortified sample, consistent with the known yeast-sensitive nature of certain hydrolate-derived terpenoids. Importantly, hydrolate fortification significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity (DPPH: +34%; ABTS: +39%; RP: +38%). Enzyme-inhibitory activities also increased significantly in the hydrolate-fortified samples (α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase inhibition rates increased by 9% and 11%, respectively). ACE inhibition similarly increased from 32% to 44%, indicating an enhanced antihypertensive potential. HMG-CoA reductase inhibition increased from 31% to 42%, showing improved hypolipidemic activity. Sensory evaluation indicated improved sensory acceptability, imparting citrus–floral notes that balanced the acidic profile of tibicos. These findings highlight the potential of valorizing lemon catnip hydrolate as a functional fortifier in non-dairy synbiotic beverages. Full article

Daqu, a representative solid-state fermentation product, produces saccharifying enzymes to degrade sorghum starch into fermentable sugars for ethanol synthesis. Spatial heterogeneity in Daqu drives community assembly. However, its regulatory role in enzyme-driven saccharification remains unclear. By integrating metagenomics and PacBio full-length sequencing, this study investigated how microenvironmental gradients across distinct Daqu layers (QP (surface layer), HQ (middle layer), QX (center layer)) shape saccharifying microbiota and activity. Saccharifying activity exhibited a declining surface-to-center gradient (e.g., QP: 870.9 ± 21.2 U/mL > HQ: 631.2 ± 16.4 U/mL > QX: 296.5 ± 16.1 U/mL on day 30, p < 0.05), paralleled by divergence in microenvironments. Metagenomics identified α-amylase and α-glucosidase as key saccharifying enzymes, primarily encoded by fungi; their abundance was inhibited by heat and humidity, yet promoted by acidity. Enzymatic validation confirmed higher saccharifying activity in QP and HQ core microbes (e.g., Lichtheimia ramosa: 43.16 ± 1.97 U/mL) than in QX (e.g., Paecilomyces variotii: 14.27 ± 1.25 U/mL). Network analysis revealed Lactobacillaceae are closely linked with saccharifying communities. This study establishes microenvironmental gradients as critical regulators of spatial saccharification in Daqu, informing strategies to optimize microbial consortia for baijiu production. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and in vitro antidiabetic properties of extracts obtained from ripe, unripe, and fermented (unripe) cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits. Polyphenols were identified using UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS and quantified by HPLC-PDA. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays, while enzyme inhibitory activity was determined for α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Additionally, the effects of C. mas extracts on insulin sensitivity in adipocytes were investigated. The study’s results showed that each of the extracts tested contained varying proportions of substances with proven health-promoting properties. The extract from ripe fruits was characterized by the highest loganic acid content, whereas the extract from fermented unripe fruits contained a high amount of gallic acid, released through the hydrolysis of tannins during fermentation. The extract from unripe fruits exhibited the highest tannin content and the strongest antioxidant activity. All extracts inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase to a similar extent and improved insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes without affecting INSR or SLC2A4 expression. In conclusion, extracts from unripe and fermented C. mas fruits may represent promising agents for alleviating insulin resistance and preventing type 2 diabetes. Full article

This study aimed to obtain extracts concentrated in polyphenolic compounds from Sorbus aucuparia fruits and evaluate their antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic potential. Two modern extraction methods were used, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), to obtain hydroalcoholic extracts (50% EtOH v/v, 15% mass), then the extracts were purified and concentrated by membrane technologies and analyzed spectrophotometrically and chromatographically. HPLC analysis revealed the predominant polyphenolic compounds as chlorogenic acid (526.08 ± 23.35 µg/mL), rutin (36.07 ± 1.23 µg/mL), and caffeic acid (34.41 ± 1.21 µg/mL). The antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential of the extracts was analyzed spectrophotometrically by testing their capacity to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and, respectively, hyaluronidase (HYA) and lipoxygenase (LOX). The cytotoxic potential of the extracts was tested on the mouse fibroblast NCTC clone L929 cell line. The concentrated ASE extracts showed a pronounced inhibitory activity on the tested enzymes: IC₅₀α-glucosidase was 13.50 ± 0.96 µg/mL, (IC₅₀acarbose was 20.19 ± 1.67 µg/mL), IC₅₀α-amylase was 23.74 ± 1.32 µg/mL (IC₅₀acarbose was 22.65 ± 1.27 µg/mL), and IC_50LOX was 24.30 ± 1.54 µg/mL (IC₅₀ibuprofen was 26.91 ± 1.27 µg/mL), IC₅₀HYA was 43.04 ± 2.19 µg/mL (IC₅₀ibuprofen was 51.54 ± 3.67 µg/mL). Also, the concentrated UAE extracts presented inhibitory activity superior to or close to that of the standard used, as follows: IC₅₀HYA was 48.49 ± 3.15 µg/mL (IC₅₀ibuprofen was 51.54 ± 3.67 µg/mL) and IC₅₀α-glucosidase was 21.53 ± 1.25 µg/mL (IC₅₀acarbose was 20.19 ± 1.67 µg/mL). The results obtained showed that Sorbus aucuparia fruits could be used in products for diabetes and inflammatory diseases. Full article

Antarctic algae have evolved in extreme environmental conditions, developing unique metabolic adaptations with significant biotechnological potential. In this study, we explored the bioactivity of the sea-ice microalga Microglena antarctica by preparing acetone and methanol extracts from biomass cultivated at 4, 8, and 16 °C. These extracts were screened for their in vitro antioxidant properties and inhibitory activities on enzymes related to Alzheimer’s disease (acetylcholinesterase: AChE, butyrylcholinesterase: BChE), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM, α-glucosidase, α-amylase), obesity (lipase), and hyperpigmentation (tyrosinase). Our screening revealed a high capacity of acetone extracts to scavenge the ABTS•⁺ radical (EC₅₀ ranging from 3.57 to 4.18 mg mL⁻¹), along with strong copper chelating activity in both acetone and methanol extracts (EC₅₀ values of 6.31 and 6.41 mg mL⁻¹). Relevant inhibition towards α-amylase (IC₅₀ values of 3.34 and 4.53 mg mL⁻¹) and tyrosinase (with IC₅₀ ranging from 3.82 to 5.47 mg mL⁻¹) was reported for acetone and methanol extracts, respectively. UHPLC-HRMS-based profiling revealed the presence of lipidic molecules, such as glycolipids, phospholipids, and betaine lipids with polyunsaturated carbon chains, together with carotenoids, including canthaxanthin and adonixanthin, which are likely responsible for the observed bioactivities. Full article

Background: Tribulus terrestris is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine to treat certain illnesses. Though past efforts mostly focused on the fruits and roots, current research examined the phytochemical composition and bioactivity of leaf extract (LE) and seed extract (SE). Methods: GC-MS compared phytochemical profiles, and total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined. The extracts were tested for antibacterial activity (disc diffusion, MIC/MBC), antioxidant potential (DPPH, ABTS⁺), cytotoxicity (MTT assay in MCF-7 and HepG2 cells), and anti-diabetic activity (α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition). Expression of apoptotic genes was also investigated. Results: The LE had a superior phytochemical composition, with greater phenolic and flavonoid levels. Compared to SE, it exhibited considerably higher antibacterial activity (MIC = 6.25–25 μg/mL), antioxidant potential (IC₅₀ = 90.71–113.41 μg/mL), cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 105.12–126.14 μg/mL), and enzyme inhibition (IC₅₀ = 84–96.62 μg/mL). The LE also drastically reduced the expression of anti-apoptotic genes Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL in cancer cells. T. terrestris LE has significantly higher bioactive potential than SE in a range of pharmacological arenas due to its superior phytochemically complete profile. Conclusions: The findings indicate the LE as a promising candidate for the development of standardized phytotherapeutically active compounds. Full article

Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz (TMHM), a primary source of dandelion, is a globally recognized edible and medicinal plant with significant potential in food, medicine, daily chemical products, and animal husbandry. Although hypoglycemic effects have been reported in other Taraxacum species, the specific hypoglycemic constituents and mechanisms of TMHM are not well understood. The absence of comprehensive multi-target screening methodologies has hindered the elucidation of TMHM’s dual inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, as well as its associated molecular mechanisms. In this study, a multi-target screening strategy was developed to concurrently evaluate α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, integrating multi-target affinity ultrafiltration coupled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (MTAUF-UPLC-MS/MS), molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Using this approach, 13 dual-target inhibitors were identified from TMHM. Moreover, at least 5 of these compounds exhibited anti-diabetic activities comparable to the positive control drug acarbose, suggesting that they are principal bioactive constituents responsible for its hypoglycemic effects. Subsequent investigation of the antioxidant capacities of 7 out of the 13 bioactive compounds revealed that most exhibited more potent antioxidant activities than vitamin C (Vc). Based on these findings, molecular docking and MD simulations further validated that quercetin (8) and kaempferol (15), which demonstrated significant hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities, exhibited particularly strong affinities and stable interactions with α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. In conclusion, these findings underscored the considerable potential of TMHM as a natural source of multifunctional bioactive compounds for nutraceutical, functional, and pharmaceutical applications. This study provided a critical foundation for elucidating the mechanisms underlying TMHM’s anti-diabetic effects and its therapeutic potential in mitigating diabetes-related complications, thereby facilitating future development and utilization. Full article

The Malaysian Apis cerana honey (ACH) was analysed for its physicochemical characteristics, including moisture, Baume, Brix analysis (total soluble solids and total soluble sugars), sugar profiling (fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, and lactose), total ash, pH, free acidity, electrical conductivity, colour analysis, and choline content. The inhibitory effects of pancreatic lipase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase activities were also assessed. Results indicated that the sum of fructose and glucose, sucrose, and electrical conductivity were all within the recommended range following the requirements of international standards. The maximum levels were, nevertheless, exceeded by moisture, free acidity and total ash. The ACH showed potential as an anti-obesity and anti-diabetic agent by inhibiting pancreatic lipase by up to 43.4% at 0.063 mg/mL, α-amylase by up to 70% at 7.0 mg/mL and α-glucosidase by up to 67.6% at 100 mg/mL, respectively. The percentage inhibition of α-glucosidase by undiluted ACH and deionised water extract at different temperatures (4.8 ± 0.5 °C, 27 ± 0.5 °C, and 40 ± 0.5 °C) was comparable, suggesting that temperatures had little effect on the degree of inhibition. Full article

Digestive enzymes play a crucial role in carbohydrate hydrolysis and subsequent glucose absorption, and their inhibition can contribute to improved glycemic regulation. Legumes, with their inherent enzyme-inhibitory properties, offer a natural approach for achieving this. In this study, accessions of M. uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc, an underutilized legume, were evaluated in vitro for their α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, as well as their protein, amylose, and resistant starch contents. The results revealed significant variation among the accessions. PI 174827 01 SD (IC₅₀ = 23.29 ± 0.01 µg/mL) and PI 173901 01 SD (IC₅₀ = 24.60 ± 0.01 µg/mL) demonstrated strong inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. Protein content ranged from 13.81 to 27.08%w/w d.w., with PI 180437 01 SD showing the highest percentage. Total starch content ranged from 27.48 to 54.70%w/w d.w., amylose from 27.05 to 48.13%w/w d.w., and resistant starch from 5.89% to 7.09%w/w d.w., with PI 174827 01 SD exhibiting both higher amylose and resistant starch contents. These findings suggest that M. uniflorum accessions possess enzyme-inhibitory and nutritional components that could be harnessed to develop functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals for the management of diabetes and obesity. Full article

This study characterized leaf extracts of Cymbopogon flexuosus (Ryukyu Lemongrass Corporation, Okinawa, Japan) and evaluated the bioaccessibility and bioactivities of phenolic compounds following a simulated in vitro gastrointestinal model of digestion (in vitro GID) of plant material. Undigested (controls, AqC, EtC) and digested aqueous (AqD) and ethanolic (EtD) extracts were analyzed. Control extracts contained higher total phenolics and flavonoids than digested ones, with EtC showing the highest values. UHPLC-QToF-MS (ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography system coupled to a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer) identified 32 compounds, including phenolic acids, flavone aglycones, C-glycosides, and derivatives. Hydroxybenzoic acids, coumaric acid, caffeic esters, flavones, tricin derivatives, vitexin, and isoorientin exhibited reduced recovery, while coumaric acid hexoside, ferulic acid hexoside, and isoschaftoside/schaftoside exceeded 100% recovery, suggesting release from the matrix. Some compounds were absent from AqD, and many were found in the pellet, indicating potential colonic metabolism. Antioxidant activity (DPPH, reducing power, β-carotene/linoleic acid) was stronger in controls but always weaker than BHT/ascorbic acid. Extracts mildly inhibited α-amylase but more strongly inhibited α-glucosidase as shown with applied enzyme inhibition assays, especially EtD (76.93% at a concentration of 10 mg/mL), which showed stronger activity than controls but remained below acarbose (87.74% at 1 mg/mL). All extracts promoted HaCaT keratinocyte growth and reduced HCT-116 colon cancer cell viability at 250 µg/mL, with the strongest effects in AqC and AqD. Overall, GID decreased antioxidant activity but enhanced antidiabetic potential, confirming the safety and selective anticancer effects of C. flexuosus extracts. Full article

Lycium barbarum L. (abbreviated to L. barbarum), a traditional dual-use plant as food and medicine, contains polysaccharides from Lycium barbarum L. (LBPs) as its key bioactive component. This study aimed to examine the phenotypic characteristics, polysaccharide content, and their correlation with activity across various commercial grades of L. barbarum. Five commercial grades of L. barbarum were selected for analysis to determine their phenotypic characteristics and polysaccharide content. High-performance liquid chromatogram-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and ¹H NMR were employed to analyze the monosaccharide composition of LBPs, of which their hypoglycemic activity was further valuated. Results revealed significant differences in fruit weight and diameter among different grades (p < 0.05), while floating rate and bulk density remained unaffected by grades. Variations were observed in the chromaticity coordinates, with the c values showing notable differences (p < 0.01). Polysaccharide content tended to increase with higher grades and smaller fruit sizes, ranging from 1.94% to 5.69%. The polysaccharides in different contained monosaccharides of Man, Rha, Ara, Gal, Glc, GalA, GlcA and Xyl, with Ara and Gal being predominant. Identified through ¹H NMR spectra, the peak intensity of Ara increased from lower to higher grades, and the arrangement of the chemical shifts reflected distinct commercial grade characteristics. The inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) against α-amylase and α-glucosidase ranged from 0.418 to 1.345 mg/mL, and 0.474 to 1.052 mg/mL, respectively, indicating good hypoglycemic activity within this range. The main monosaccharide groups Ara, Gal, and GalA were identified as key contributors to enzyme inhibition. Collectively interpreting the phenotypic features, polysaccharide content, monosaccharide composition, NMR data and activity profiles, Ara, Gal and GalA emerge as signature monosaccharide components of LBPs. These results provide novel theoretical insights for L. barbarum quality assessment. Full article

The objective of this work was to evaluate the antidiabetes potential of protein hydrolysates derived from “vaina morada” black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Bioactive peptide sequences were identified after in silico digestion. The biological activities and molecular interactions of peptides with targeted enzymes were assayed. The degree of hydrolysis and protein profile were evaluated throughout the processing stages, including protein extraction, hydrolysis, and dialysis. Biological potential assays, including antioxidant potential (DPPH and ABTS•+), and inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, were performed. Identified bioactive peptides showed potential for inhibiting ACE and DPP-IV, as well as exhibiting antioxidant potential. Molecular docking indicated that several peptide sequences showed equal or stronger binding affinities compared to acarbose. Notably, sequence VNDNGEPTL exhibited binding energies of −10.0 kcal/mol (α-amylase) and −11.8 kcal/mol (α-glucosidase). Protein hydrolysates showed the lowest IC₅₀ (113.16 µM TE/mg for ABTS•+), while dialyzed protein hydrolysates demonstrated the strongest activity for DPPH (IC₂₅ of 38.83 µM TE/mg). Also, the dialyzed hydrolysate demonstrated the highest enzyme inhibition, with IC₅₀ values of 0.78 mg/mL for α-amylase and 0.60 mg/mL for α-glucosidase. “Vaina morada” black bean protein hydrolysates are a rich source of multifunctional peptides, supporting their potential application in functional food formulations aimed at preventing or managing type 2 diabetes. Full article

The need for new medications to treat diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health concern due to the cost and impact on patients and their families, health systems, and society. Recent approaches in drug development have focused on multitarget therapy for DM, considering its multifactorial and complex pathophysiology. The present work contributes to the review of the plant species Schinus molle L. (pirul), a tropical tree native to South America but now widespread worldwide, which has demonstrated anticancer, analgesic, antibacterial, and insecticidal properties. According to traditional uses, pirul has been employed as a food condiment, in the preparation of beverages and chewing gums, and in the treatment of DM. The antidiabetic effects of pirul appear to act through several mechanisms involved in DM. The methanolic extract of S. molle fruits collected in Tunisia exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition on both α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes (77.49% and 86.45%, respectively). A dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect was also observed at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h, in the carrageenan-induced rats’ paw edema model. Furthermore, in both the H₂O₂ and the superoxide radical assays, the pirul extract demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 0.22 mg/mL). Isomasticadienonic acid and Masazino-flavanone, the major components of active fractions and extracts of S. molle represent promising antidiabetic agents. Although pirul appears to be safe in in vivo acute and subchronic administrations, toxicological studies and clinical trials in individuals with DM are still pending. Full article