Search Results (954)

This study examined whether co-fermentation with Lactobacillus casei CGMCC 15956 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii CGMCC 21287 could enhance the bioactivity of peptides derived from pecan nut cake (PNC) and clarify the underlying mechanisms. The fermented hydrolysate (PNCH) was compared with an unfermented control. PNCH showed higher antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Total antioxidant capacity increased from 3.17 to 4.81 mM Trolox, and DPPH radical scavenging activity increased from 62.69% to 84.12%. In addition, the IC₅₀ value for α-glucosidase inhibition decreased from 7.549 to 4.509 mg/mL. In a mouse model of acute alcohol-induced liver injury, PNCH significantly alleviated liver damage through the synergistic enhancement of antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Peptidomic analysis identified two representative bioactive peptides, FAGDDAPR (from actin) and LAGNPDDEFRPQ (from cupin domain–containing protein 1), both of which exhibited antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Additionally, these peptides alleviated H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in Caco-2 cells, significantly improving GSH and MDA levels, as well as SOD activity. Molecular docking suggested potential interactions of these peptides with superoxide dismutase, Keap1, and α-glucosidase. These findings support the high-value utilization of PNC and the development of functional peptide-based ingredients. Full article

This study provides the first comparative analysis of the physicochemical and functional properties of oil body suspensions derived from different parts—entire fruit (EOB), peel (POB), and seed (SOB)—of Idesia polycarpa Maxim (IPM) during in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Results demonstrated that the properties of the different suspensions exhibited significant difference during digestion stages. The average particle size of all suspensions decreased, with the most significant reduction observed in POB (91.50%), which was attributable to its lower interfacial protein content and inferior stability. The absolute ζ-potential decreased in the model of gastric digestion (MGD) due to interface disruption but increased in the model of intestinal digestion (MID) following the adsorption of bile salts. Throughout the simulated digestion process, the protein hydrolysis degree, free fatty acid (FFA) release rate, reducing power, and inhibition rates against α-amylase and α-glucosidase all increased, concurrently with a decrease in DPPH radical scavenging activity. Notably, the POB suspension exhibited the highest extent of lipid digestion, with the highest cumulative FFA release rate (27.83%). In contrast, the SOB suspension showed the most significant enhancement in total reducing power (increased by 199.32% after intestinal digestion) and the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. These findings clarify that the part source is a critical factor influencing the digestive properties and functional activities of IPM oil bodies, providing a theoretical foundation for the targeted application in functional foods. Full article

Polysaccharides from baobab (Adansonia suarezensis) fruit pulp (ASPs) hold significant potential for pharmaceutical and functional food applications due to their bioactivities. This study systematically evaluated the effects of six extraction methods—hot water (ASP-HW), acid (ASP-AC), alkaline (ASP-AL), and their ultrasound-assisted counterparts (ASP-HWU, ASP-ACU, ASP-ALU)—on the yield, chemical composition, structural properties, and biological activities of ASPs. The results demonstrated that the extraction solvent critically influenced key properties: alkaline-based methods (ASP-AL, ASP-ALU) achieved the highest yields (up to 62.47%) and yielded polysaccharides with lower molecular weights (approximately 19,600–19,813 Da) and smaller particle sizes (around 140–147 nm). All ASPs were identified as acidic pectic polysaccharides, composed of galacturonic acid, xylose, galactose, and arabinose. Notably, ASP-AC, ASP-ACU, ASP-AL, and ASP-ALU exhibited a triple-helix conformation, which was absent in hot water-extracted polysaccharides. Bioactivity assessments revealed that ASP-AL and ASP-ALU possessed superior antioxidant capacities, demonstrating the lowest IC₅₀ values for DPPH radical scavenging (113.67–116.67 μg/mL) and ABTS radical scavenging (79.33–79.67 μg/mL), as well as potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀: 0.146–0.206 mg/mL), outperforming other extracts and the positive control acarbose. Correlation analysis indicated that enhanced bioactivity was associated with lower molecular weight and reduced uronic acid content. These findings underscore that alkaline extraction is an efficient strategy for obtaining highly bioactive polysaccharides from Adansonia suarezensis fruit pulp, providing a valuable theoretical foundation for their utilization in developing nutraceuticals and functional foods. Full article

Plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.) is a tropical monocotyledonous, succulent plant of the Musaceae family commonly grown for food in the tropical regions of the African, Asian, and South American continents, where its parts are also sought for ethnomedicinal purposes in the treatment of burns, inflammation, and diabetes, among others. In the present preliminary exploratory study, the ethanol extract of the underutilized Musa paradisiaca peel (MPE) was evaluated for its in vitro inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, as well as its in vivo hypoglycemic activity and potential biochemical toxicity. MPE (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) was orally administered to normal experimental rats for 30 days, following which the lipid profile, antioxidant status, and serum/tissue indices of hepatic, renal, and cardiac functions were evaluated. MPE produced significant inhibition (p < 0.05) of α-amylase (37%) and α-glucosidase (46%) at 120 µg/mL in vitro. The effect was lower than that of acarbose (IC₅₀ = 44.4 ± 1.14 and 15.60 ± 0.01 µg/mL, respectively). A modest blood glucose-lowering effect of MPE was observed at the highest tested dose (400 mg/kg) following subacute oral administration. During this treatment period, no biochemical alterations of toxicological importance were caused by MPE, as the organ–body weight ratio and serum/tissue indicators of organ function/damage were not adversely altered. In conclusion, MPE demonstrated inhibitory activity against both α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which may contribute to its potential hypoglycemic effects. Additionally, the findings indicate that the peel extract is non-toxic in rats following sub-acute administration at doses up to 400 mg/kg body weight. Further studies involving diabetic models and chronic exposure will substantiate and extend these preliminary observations. Full article

Native to the western Atlantic, the Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus (CS) has spread to the Mediterranean, affecting local ecosystems and mussel aquaculture and leading to severe ecological and financial losses in Italy and other areas. Given its rapid spread and socio-economic impacts, several countries have begun to exploit CS commercially, but the consumers’ interest is still limited. In this study, we analysed both nutrient and nutraceutical profiles of CS meats, evaluating potential differences related to sex and meat typology. We found that CS meats are rich in high quality proteins and contain all the essential amino acids required for a correct diet. The fat of CS is not only rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) but also displays remarkably low atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices, highlighting its strong potential in promoting cardiovascular health. In addition, CS is rich in nutraceutical compounds, in particular polyphenols and astaxanthin, revealing a good antioxidant activity maintained after simulated gastrointestinal hydrolysis. Last but not least, CS has remarkable α-glucosidase and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity, highlighting potential benefits in controlling glycaemic peaks and hypertension. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses a critical global health burden, necessitating safer multi-target therapies. We pioneer the exploration of novel bioactive peptides from Tenebrio molitor larvae—an underexplored, sustainable, and edible insect protein—through proteomics-guided screening and bioassays. Six unique peptides (DK-7, WK-6, GR-7, FK-8, SK-6, and DK-8) demonstrated significant α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory effects, and significant glucose consumption enhancement in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Molecular docking revealed a binding topology where peptides interacted with α-glucosidase at its active sites (Glu271, Arg643, Arg647, Arg653, Tyr733, Lys765, and Glu767) and with DPP-IV at active residues (Phe357, Tyr547, Trp629, Asp729, and Gln731) through dual hydrogen-bond networks and hydrophobic interactions, establishing a novel inhibition mechanism. We wish to propose that insect-derived biopeptides have potential value as next-generation therapeutics, simultaneously advancing sustainable drug discovery and approximating functional food bioresources to biomedicine. Full article

Seaweeds are emerging renewable biomass resources rich in valuable phytochemicals; however, effective stabilization strategies are required to enable their incorporation into sustainable food and bioprocessing applications. This study investigated the effects of convective drying (40–80 °C) and freeze-drying on the chemical composition and functional properties of the underexplored red seaweed Sarcodiotheca gaudichaudii. The drying method significantly modulated nutrient retention, pigment stability, and bioactivity. Freeze-drying and high-temperature convective drying (≥70 °C) resulted in higher protein and saturated fatty acid contents but led to substantial losses of pigments and antioxidant capacity. In contrast, moderate convective drying (40–60 °C) favored the retention of minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential amino acids, and pigments, while enhancing total phenolic and flavonoid contents and improving antioxidant performance (DPPH and ORAC). All extracts exhibited dose-dependent α-glucosidase inhibition (25–58%) within a concentration range of 0.10–40.0 mg/mL, with freeze-dried samples showing the strongest inhibitory effect. Similarly, cytotoxicity assays conducted on A549 and AGS cancer cell lines at concentrations of 1.25–40.0 mg/mL revealed that freeze-dried extracts consistently displayed the lowest IC₅₀ values. Overall, convective drying better preserved nutritional quality, whereas freeze-drying maintained higher biological functionality, revealing a process-dependent trade-off relevant to industrial biomass stabilization and functional ingredient development. Full article

Diabetes mellitus represents one of the main health challenges worldwide, characterized by hyperglycemia and long-term serious microvascular and macrovascular complications. Marine organisms are a promising reservoir of bioactive metabolites for developing effective antidiabetic therapies with fewer side effects. The sea urchin Tripneustes gratilla (T. gratilla) is widely distributed in the Red Sea, with limited reports of its pharmacological activities and chemical characterization. In this study, a nanosuspension formulation of T. gratilla extract (T. gratilla-NS) was developed to enhance the bioavailability of its bioactive constituents. This study investigated the antidiabetic potential of T. gratilla extract through an integrated approach encompassing chemical profiling of the extract, assessment of its alcoholic extract for in vitro inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and in vivo evaluation of T. gratilla-NS in an alloxan-induced diabetic rat model. We found that the alcoholic extract showed potent inhibitory action toward α-amylase with IC₅₀ 5.31 ± 0.05 µg/mL and moderate inhibitory activity toward α-glucosidase with IC₅₀ 21.36 ± 0.06 µg/mL. T. gratilla-NS significantly increased insulin levels, reduced blood glucose levels, and restored pancreatic damage. Furthermore, it enhanced the levels of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity with a concomitant decrease in malondialdehyde concentration in pancreatic tissue. The observed activities could be attributed to a wide array of diverse compounds, terpenes, mainly sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, steroids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids detected by GC-MS, compounds with a phenolic nucleus equal to 54.26 ± 1.27 mg. GAE/g of extract. This research highlights the dual role of T. gratilla-NS in combating diabetes and subsequently attenuating its associated complications. Full article

This study aimed to develop and evaluate new hybrid strains of Pleurotus cystidiosus with enhanced functional and physiological characteristics. Hybridization between the parental strains KMCC01257 and KMCC05164 yielded four promising hybrid lines (PA-054, PA-104, PA-122, and PA-132), which were selected based on superior mycelial growth and yield performance. Morphological traits and productivity were evaluated across three developmental stages: primordium formation (C1), fruiting body development (C2), and maturation (C3). As cultivation progressed, the number of fruiting bodies decreased, whereas total yield per cultivation bag increased, indicating that late-stage management plays a critical role in maximizing productivity. Chemical analyses revealed that water extracts contained higher levels of polysaccharides, ergothioneine, and total phenolics than EtOAc extracts. Among the tested strains, PA-132 exhibited the highest phenolic content and strongest antioxidant activity, while PA-104 showed greater polysaccharide and ergothioneine accumulation than the parental strains. Antioxidant activity increased over developmental stages and was consistently higher in water extracts, whereas α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was detected primarily in EtOAc extracts with minimal variation among strains or stages. Overall, the results demonstrate that hybridization effectively enhanced the biosynthesis of bioactive metabolites and the functional properties of P. cystidiosus. The selected hybrid strains, particularly PA-132 and PA-054, represent promising candidates for the development of high-value functional mushroom cultivars and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Natural products derived from plants have been extensively developed as alternative medicines due to their relatively minimal side effects. Here we present the purification and characteristics of parasitic acid, a novel trinorditerpene from Dysoxylum parasiticum leaf extract, and investigate various bioactivities. The structure of this compound was elucidated using extensive spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR, and high-resolution mass spectrometry, which revealed a unique trinorditerpene skeleton featuring a 3-carboxyfuran moiety. The purified trinorditerpene exhibited cytotoxicity against MCF-7 (IC₅₀ 29.0 ± 0.8 μg/mL), antioxidant effects in the DPPH radical scavenging assay (IC₅₀ 10.91 ± 0.04 μg/mL), and inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme (IC₅₀ 36 ± 1 μg/mL). Docking studies were also undertaken to explore the binding activities. This is the first report of a trinorditerpene-type diterpene from D. parasiticum with this unique combination of biological activities. 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

To functionally enhance Tartary buckwheat and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of change, solid-state fermentation (SSF) was conducted using three edible-medicinal fungi—Auricularia auricula (A. auricula), Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum), and Hericium erinaceus (H. erinaceus). The in vitro antioxidant (DPPH/ABTS) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were quantitatively evaluated. Notably, SSF with H. erinaceus specifically elevated α-glucosidase inhibitory activity by 50% under the tested conditions. Non-targeted metabolomics further profiled metabolite alterations to identify key up-regulated bioactive compounds. Epicatechin gallate (ECG) was significantly up-regulated in all three samples, and the fold change in quercetin 3′-O-sulfate in GFTB was significantly higher than that in the other two samples. Metabolic pathway analysis identified the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and the metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides as the most prominently affected pathways. This study demonstrates that SSF with edible-medicinal fungi is an effective bioprocessing strategy to boost the bioactivity and value of Tartary buckwheat. 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