Search Results (31)

Mussels are nutrient-rich but perishable, resulting in substantial resource loss. A protease-producing strain (Bacillus velezensis Z-1, Mytilus edulis) isolated from marine sludge was used to hydrolyze mussels, producing Y-1, a hydrolysate with antioxidant activity. In this study, ultrafiltration, gel chromatography, and LC-MS/MS were employed to isolate and identify bioactive peptides from the hydrolysate. The results revealed that the hydrolysate exhibited antioxidant activity, pancreatic cholesterol esterase inhibitory activity, pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Molecular docking using AutoDock Tools 1.5.6 was performed to analyze the interactions of peptides with CD38 and Keap1, leading to the identification of five potentially bioactive peptides: VPPFY, IMLFP, LPFLF, FLPF, and FPRIM. These peptides formed hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with CD38 and Keap1, demonstrating strong DPPH radical scavenging and superoxide anion radical scavenging capacities. This study highlights the multifunctional bioactive potential of these peptides, offering insights into their therapeutic applications. The findings provide a novel approach for the effective utilization of mussel resources and highlight their potential application value in the development of functional foods. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lactobacillus johnsonii CRL1231 (Lj CRL1231) is a strain with feruloyl esterase (FE) activity that enhances ferulic acid (FA) release from wheat bran (WB) and has potential as a probiotic for metabolic syndrome (MS). Given the potential health benefits of FA and its microbial metabolites, this study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Lj CRL1231 co-administered with WB in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome (MS) induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Methods: Mice were divided into three groups and fed for 14 weeks as follows: the Control group (standard diet), the MS group (HFD+WB), and the MS+Lj group (HFD+WB and Lj CRL1231-dose 10⁸ cells/day). Specifically, we analyzed the changes in the intestinal microbiota (IM), colonic FE activity, generation of FA-derived and fermentation metabolites, and metabolic and inflammatory parameters. Results: Improvements in the MS+Lj group compared to the MS group included the following: a—a 38% increase in colonic FE activity, leading to elevated levels of FA-derived metabolites (e.g., dihydroferulic, dihydroxyphenylpropionic, and hydroxyphenylpropionic acids); b—a significant shift in the IM composition, with a 3.4-fold decrease in Firmicutes and a 2.9-fold increase in Bacteroidetes; c—a decrease in harmful bacteria (Desulfovibrio) by 93%, and beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium increased significantly (6.58 log cells/g); d—a 33% increase in total SCFAs; e—a 26% reduction in the adiposity index; f—a 12% increase in HDL cholesterol and a 19% reduction in triglycerides; g—normalized glucose and insulin resulting in a 2-fold lower HOMA-IR index; h—an improved inflammatory profile by decreasing TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6 (3-, 5-, and 2-fold, respectively) and increasing IL-10 by 2-fold; i—alleviation of liver damage by normalizing of transaminases AST (19.70 ± 2.97 U/L) and ALT (13.12 ± 0.88 U/L); j—evidence of reduced oxidative damage. Conclusions: The co-administration of L. johnsonii CRL1231 and WB exerts a synergistic effect in mitigating the features of MS in HFD-fed mice. This effect is mediated by modulation of the gut microbiota, increased release of bioactive FA-derived compounds, and restoration of metabolic and inflammatory homeostasis. This strategy represents a promising dietary approach for MS management through targeted microbiota–metabolite interactions. Full article

Hyperlipidemia, marked by high levels of fats in the blood, is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. It has been linked to the action of reactive oxygen species and the formation of advanced glycation end products. Current treatments for hyperlipidemia, like orlistat, simvastatin, and atorvastatin, often present undesirable side effects, prompting the need for new therapeutic agents that are safer, more effective, cost-efficient, and have fewer side effects. In this context, new compounds, specifically propano- and butanosulfonic acids with 9-substituted quinobenzothiazinyl substituents, were synthesized through reactions with 9-substituted quinobenzothiazines and propane sultone or butane sultone. These novel quinobenzothiazine derivatives were verified using ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and HR-MS techniques. The research focused on assessing these compounds for their toxicity, ability to prevent glycation, antioxidant properties, and their potential to combat hyperlipidemia. Toxicity was evaluated on the 3T3 L1 fibroblast cell line using the MTT assay. The capacity to prevent glycation was tested with bovine serum albumin–methylglyoxal and bovine serum albumin–glucose systems. This study measured total reactive oxygen species in the 3T3 L1 cell line using 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining, and antioxidant capacity was assessed through DPPH scavenging and metal ion chelation tests. The effectiveness against hyperlipidemia was determined by targeting cholesterol esterase and pancreatic lipase activities, with concentrations of the compounds 5 to 12 ranging from 0.0245 to 0.268 μM. Standard drugs such as orlistat, simvastatin, statins, and aminoguanidine were used as positive controls in various assays. Additionally, computational docking studies with AutoDock Vina were performed. The resulting findings indicated that the compounds were non-toxic to cells, effectively inhibited key enzymes related to hyperlipidemia, and showed significant antioxidant properties, including the prevention of advanced glycation end-product formation. Compounds 11 and 12 demonstrated the highest activity levels. These promising results highlight the potential of new quinobenzothiazine derivatives as lead compounds for the development of antihyperlipidemic drugs, although further research is necessary to confirm their efficacy and safety. Full article

Despite the many current cholesterol-lowering drugs on the market, the persistent surge of hypercholesterolemic-related complications ignites a fascinating search for the discovery of novel therapeutics. This study aimed at investigating the anti-hypercholesterolemic effect of Bauhinia bowkeri extracts. The plant material was sequentially extracted with n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and 70% ethanol. The phytochemical constituents of the extracts were analyzed through GC-MS and the antioxidant activity of the extracts was screened against a wide range of free radicals (ABTS, DPPH, hydroxyl radical, and nitric oxide). The extracts were also screened for the metal iron chelating and reducing power potential. The enzyme inhibitory activity of the extracts on pancreatic lipase, cholesterol esterase, and HMG-CoA reductase as well as the bile acid binding capacity were evaluated. Among the total of 122 compounds detected in the three extracts, only 7 compounds (E-15-Heptadecenal, Diethyl Phthalate, 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid ethyl ester, (Z,Z) Tetradecane 5-methyl, and Octadecane 5-methyl) were found to be common in all the extracts. The extract displayed a varying degree of efficiency on free radicals with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.07 mg/mL to 0.41 mg/mL. A concentration-dependent inhibition of pancreatic lipase and cholesterol esterase activities, along with a reduction in the bile-binding capacity exhibited by the extracts, was noted. In silico investigations of some of the phytoconstituent revealed significant inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, cyclooxygenase, and hormone-sensitive lipase with a binding affinity that ranged between −5.1 and −7.0 kcal/mol. These findings suggest that Bauhinia bowkeri extracts possess potential antioxidant and anti-hypercholesterolemic properties. Full article

In this work, the hypolipidemic and antioxidative capacity of FSGLR (S7) and GIEWA (S10) from miiuy croaker swim bladders was explored systematically in an oleic acid (OA)-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) model of HepG2 cells. Moreover, the hypolipidemic activity of S7 and S10 and their antioxidative abilities were preliminarily investigated in combination with molecular docking technology. The results indicated that S7 and S10 could decrease the amount of lipid accumulation and the content of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in the OA-induced NAFLD cell model in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, S7 and S10 exhibited better bile salt binding, pancreatic lipase (PL) inhibition, and cholesterol esterase (CE) inhibition capacities. The hypolipidemic mechanisms of S7 and S10 were connected with the downregulation of the mRNA expression levels of adipogenic factors, including sterol-regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), sterol-regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-2, hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) (p < 0.01), and the upregulation of the mRNA expression of β-oxidation-related factors, including carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1), acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX-1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). Moreover, FSGLR (S7) and GIEWA (S10) could significantly protect HepG2 cells against OA-induced oxidative damage, and their antioxidant mechanisms were related to the increased activity of intracellular antioxidant proteases (superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione peroxidase, GSH-PX; catalase, CAT) to remove excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decrease the production of malondialdehyde (MDA). The presented findings indicate that the hypolipidemic and antioxidant functions and mechanisms of S7 and S10 could make them potential hypolipidemic and antioxidant candidates for the treatment of NAFLD. Full article

The bioactive peptides derived from yak milk cheese exhibited cholesterol-lowering properties. However, there was limited research on their inhibitory effects on cholesterol esterase (CE) and elucidation of their potential inhibitory mechanisms. In this study, we identified CE-inhibiting peptides through virtual screening and in vitro assays. Additionally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies were conducted to explore the mechanisms. The results indicated that peptides RK7 (RPKHPIK), KQ7 (KVLPVPQ), QP13 (QEPVLGPVRGPFP), TL9 (TPVVVPPFL), VN10 (VYPFPGPIPN), LQ10 (LPPTVMFPPQ), and SN12 (SLVYPFPGPIPN) possessed molecular weights of less than 1.5 kDa and a high proportion of hydrophobic amino acids, demonstrating notable inhibitory effects on CE. Molecular docking and dynamics revealed that peptides RK7, KQ7, QP13, and VN10 bound to key amino acid residues Arg423, His435, and Ser422 of CE through hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, salt bridges, and π–π stacking, occupying the substrate-binding site and exerting inhibitory effects on CE. The four peptides were further synthesized to verify their CE-inhibitory effects in vitro. RK7, KQ7, QP13, and VN10 exhibited inhibitory activity on CE with IC₅₀ values of 8.16 × 10⁻⁷ mol/L, 8.10 × 10⁻⁷ mol/L, 4.63 × 10⁻⁷ mol/L, and 7.97 × 10⁻⁷ mol/L; RK7, KQ7, QP13, and VN10 were effective in inhibiting CE after simulated gastrointestinal digestion, especially with a significant increase in the inhibitory activity of KQ7 and RK7, respectively. Our findings suggested that bioactive peptides from yak milk cheese represented a novel class of potential CE inhibitors. Full article

Hypericum perforatum transformed shoot lines (TSL) regenerated from corresponding hairy roots and non-transformed shoots (NTS) were comparatively evaluated for their phenolic compound contents and in vitro inhibitory capacity against target enzymes (monoamine oxidase-A, cholinesterases, tyrosinase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipase, and cholesterol esterase). Molecular docking was conducted to assess the contribution of dominant phenolic compounds to the enzyme-inhibitory properties of TSL samples. The TSL extracts represent a rich source of chlorogenic acid, epicatechin and procyanidins, quercetin aglycone and glycosides, anthocyanins, naphthodianthrones, acyl-phloroglucinols, and xanthones. Concerning in vitro bioactivity assays, TSL displayed significantly higher acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-amylase, pancreatic lipase, and cholesterol esterase inhibitory properties compared to NTS, implying their neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and antiobesity potential. The docking data revealed that pseudohypericin, hyperforin, cadensin G, epicatechin, and chlorogenic acid are superior inhibitors of selected enzymes, exhibiting the lowest binding energy of ligand–receptor complexes. Present data indicate that H. perforatum transformed shoots might be recognized as an excellent biotechnological system for producing phenolic compounds with multiple health benefits. Full article

The intestinal microbiome is important for synthesising nutrients, breaking down polysaccharides, protecting against foreign microbes, and aiding immune system development by producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are formed through the interaction between the gut microbiota and the diet in the gut lumen. This study aims to extract exopolysaccharide (EPS) from the gut isolate Proteus mirabilis DMTMMR-11, a probiotic species which was optimised to improvise the yield of EPS through one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) and response surface methodology. The central composite design (CCD) increased the yield up to 2.32 ± 0.4 g/L, abd characterization was performed to study the structural and functional moieties of EPS by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for proton and carbon (¹H and C¹³-NMR). The EPS was subjected to artificial simulated gastrointestinal digestion by mimicking the gut conditions of healthy humans. These data reveal the higher concentrations of SCFA derivatives such as propionate, acetate, and other bioactive metabolites. The in vitro experiments in IBD (irritable bowel syndrome) patients’ gut homogenates were treated with EPS digest with SCFA, revealing that dysbiosis is reinstated, by improvising the colonisation of probiotic and gut symbionts by inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria, which was studied by the metagenomic sequencing (V₃–V₄) region of the 16S rRNA gene. The EPS digest with SCFA was subjected to biological activities such as scavenging and reducing power, which showed 32.03 ± 0.21 and 13.04 ± 0.3 µg/mL. The anti-diabetic activity, like α-amylase, α-glucosidase and DPP-IV, was studied, expressing reduced IC₅₀ values at (9.21 ± 0.3, 4.43 ± 0.4, 21.4 ± 0.33) µg/mL. Anti-inflammatory activity was higher up to 75%, and the anti-lipidemic inhibition property expressed inhibition up to 40% in cholesterol esterase and pancreatic lipase. These results indicate that EPS digest with SCFA is a beneficial substrate and can be administered for combinational IBD therapies. Full article

Chlorella oil nanoliposomes (CO-NLP) were synthesized through ultrasonic injection with ethanol, and their physicochemical properties and hypolipidemic efficacy were systematically investigated. The results revealed that the mean particle size of CO-NLP was 86.90 nm and the encapsulation efficiency (EE) was 92.84%. Storage conditions at 4 °C were conducive to the stability of CO-NLP, maintaining an EE of approximately 90% even after 10 days of storage. The release profile of CO-NLP adhered more closely to the first-order kinetic model during in vitro assessments, exhibiting a slower release rate compared to free microalgae oil. In simulated in vitro digestion experiments, lipolytic reactions of CO-NLP were observed during intestinal digestion subsequent to nanoliposome administration. Notably, the inhibitory effect of CO-NLP on cholesterol esterase activity was measured at 85.42%. Additionally, the average fluorescence intensity of nematodes in the CO-NLP group was 52.17% lower than in the control group at a CO-NLP concentration of 500 μg/mL, which suggests a pronounced lipid-lowering effect of CO-NLP. Therefore, the CO-NLP exhibited characteristics of small and uniform particle size, elevated storage stability, gradual release during intestinal digestion, and a noteworthy hypolipidemic effect. These findings designate CO-NLP as a novel lipid-lowering active product, demonstrating potential for the development of functional foods. Full article

In this paper we produced a bio-based polyether-polyurethane foam PU1 through the prepolymer method. The prepolymer was obtained by the reaction of PEG 400 with _L-Lysine ethyl ester diisocyanate (L-LDI). The freshly prepared prepolymer was extended with 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) to produce the final polyurethane. The renewable chemical BHMF was produced through the chemical reduction of HMF by sodium borohydride. HMF was produced by a previously reported procedure from fructose using choline chloride and ytterbium triflate. To evaluate the degradation rate of the foam PU1, we tested the chemical stability by soaking it in a 10% sodium hydroxide solution. The weight loss was only 12% after 30 days. After that, we proved that enzymatic hydrolysis after 30 days using cholesterol esterase was more favoured than hydrolysis with NaOH, with a weight loss of 24%, probably due to the hydrophobic character of the PU1 and a better adhesion of the enzyme on the surface with respect to water. BHMF was proved to be of crucial importance for the enzymatic degradation assay at 37 °C in phosphate buffer solution, because it represents the breaking point inside the polyurethane chain. Soil burial degradation test was monitored for three months to evaluate whether the joint activity of sunlight, climate changes and microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, could further increase the biodegradation. The unexpected weight loss after soil burial degradation test was 45% after three months. This paper highlights the potential of using sustainable resources to produce new biodegradable materials. Full article

To understand the biological roles of Pediococcus pentosaceus strains as probiotics isolated from the traditional Korean fermented food, Jangajji, Pediococcus pentosaceus was selected based on its high cinnamoyl esterase (CE) and antioxidant activities. The acid and bile stability, intestinal adhesion, antagonistic activity against human pathogens, cholesterol-lowering effects, and immune system stimulation without inflammatory effects were evaluated. Nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured in co-culture with various bacterial stimulants. Fermentation ability was measured by using a broccoli matrix and the sulforaphane levels were measured. Resistance to acidic and bilious conditions and 8% adherence to Caco-2 cells were observed. Cholesterol levels were lowered by 51% by assimilation. Moreover, these strains exhibited immunomodulatory properties with induction of macrophage TNF-α and IL-6 and had microstatic effects on various pathogens. Co-culture with various bacterial stimulants resulted in increased NO production. Fermentation activity was increased with the strains, and higher sulforaphane levels were observed. Therefore, in the future, the applicability of the selected strain to broccoli matrix-based fermented functional foods should be confirmed. Full article

The presence of a pro-oxidant state in patients with schizophrenia may account for the increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in this group and supports the potential utility of circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress for risk stratification and management. We investigated this issue by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between the circulating concentrations of paraoxonase-1, an antioxidant calcium-dependent high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated esterase, with paraoxonase and arylesterase activity in schizophrenia. We searched electronic databases from inception to 31 May 2023 for studies investigating paraoxonase-1 in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls and assessed the risk of bias and the certainty of evidence (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023435442). Thirteen studies were identified for analysis. There were no significant between-group differences in paraoxonase (standard mean difference, SMD = 0.12, 95% CI −0.23 to 0.48, p = 0.50; extremely low certainty of evidence) or arylesterase activity (SMD = −0.08, 95% CI −0.39 to 0.23, p = 0.61; very low certainty of evidence). However, in meta-regression and subgroup analysis we observed significant associations between the SMD of paraoxonase and age (p = 0.003), HDL–cholesterol (p = 0.029), and study country (p = 0.04), and the SMD of arylesterase and age (p = 0.007), body mass index (p = 0.012), HDL–cholesterol (p = 0.002), and pharmacological treatment for schizophrenia (p < 0.001). In the absence of overall between-group differences, our systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that alterations in paraoxonase-1 may reflect a pro-oxidant state in specific subgroups of patients with schizophrenia that require further assessment in appropriately designed studies. Full article

Hypercholesterolemia remains a serious global public health concern. Previously, synthetic anti-hypercholesterolemic drugs were used for ameliorating this condition; however, long-term usage presented several side-effects. In this regard, natural products as an adjunct therapy has emerged in recent times. This study aimed to produce novel bioactive peptides with anti-hypercholesterolemic activity (cholesterol esterase (CEase) and pancreatic lipase (PL)) from quinoa protein hydrolysates (QPHs) using three enzymatic hydrolysis methods (chymotrypsin, protease and bromelain) at 2-h hydrolysis intervals (2, 4, and 6 h). Chymotrypsin-generated hydrolysates showed higher CEase (IC₅₀: 0.51 mg/mL at 2 h) and PL (IC₅₀: 0.78 mg/mL at 6 h) inhibitory potential in comparison to other derived hydrolysates and intact quinoa proteins. Peptide profiling by LC-MS QTOF and in silico interaction with target enzymes showed that only four derived bioactive peptides from QPHs could bind in the active site of CEase, whereas twelve peptides could bind in the active site of PL. Peptides QHPHGLGALCAAPPST, HVQGHPALPGVPAHW, and ASNLDNPSPEGTVM were identified to be potential CEase inhibitors, and FSAGGLP, QHPHGLGALCAAPPST, KIVLDSDDPLFGGF, MFVPVPH, and HVQGHPALPGVPAHW were identified as potential PL inhibitors on the basis of the maximum number of reactive residues in these bioactive peptides. In conclusion, QPHs can be considered as an alternative therapy for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Full article

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus (loach) is a widely distributed benthic fish in Asia. In this study, the alkaline protease was used to hydrolyze loach, and the hydrolysate products of different molecular weights were obtained by membrane separation. In vitro antioxidant assays showed that the <3 kDa fraction (SLH-1) exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH, hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical scavenging ability, and reducing power), while SLH-1 was purified by gel filtration chromatography, and peptide sequences were identified by LC-MS/MS. A total of six peptides with antioxidant activity were identified, namely SERDPSNIKWGDAGAQ (D-1), TVDGPSGKLWR (D-2), NDHFVKL (D-3), AFRVPTP (D-4), DAGAGIAL (D-5), and VSVVDLTVR (D-6). In vitro angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition assay and pancreatic cholesterol esterase (CE) inhibition assay, peptide D-4 (IC50 95.07 μg/mL, 0.12 mM) and D-2 inhibited ACE, and peptide D-2 (IC50 3.19 mg/mL, 2.62 mM), D-3, and D-6 acted as pancreatic CE inhibitors. The inhibitory mechanisms of these peptides were investigated by molecular docking. The results showed that the peptides acted by binding to the key amino acids of the catalytic domain of enzymes. These results could provide the basis for the nutritional value and promote the type of healthy products from hydrolyzed loach. Full article

Fatty liver (FL) is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, characterized by insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia, which consequently lead to neurodegenerative disorders through the induction of oxidative stress-inflammatory axis, which alters the neurotransmitters’ levels. Calluna vulgaris (CV), also known as heather, has anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties, making it a promising candidate for treating steatosis and brain lesions. This study aimed to assess the prophylactic and therapeutic effect of CV extract on brain dysfunction associated with steatosis. FL was induced in rats by CCl₄ oral administration (50 µL/Kg in olive oil three times/week) for six weeks. The protection group received 200 mg/kg CV extract orally for two weeks before and two weeks during FL induction, while the treatment group was orally administered CV extract after FL induction for one month. The biochemical parameters revealed that CCl₄ administration induced hepatotoxicity as blood-liver function parameters (AST, ALT, ALP, protein, and LDH) were increased by 1.8, 1.4, 2, 2.4, and 1.2-fold, respectively. Moreover, insulin resistance was characterized by a two-fold increase in the glucose, insulin, and lipid profile when compared to control one, at p < 0.05. Steatosis liver demonstrated a two-fold increase in all following parameters— acetaldehyde (AC), prooxidant (TBARS), acetylcholine esterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), hyaluronidase, and ATPase—when compared to control one, at p < 0.05. CCl₄ administration led to brain lesions where the brain level of TBARS, insulin, cholesterol, AChE, and MAO was progressively increased by 2, 1.6, 2.2, 4, and 1.6-fold, respectively, that was associated with reduced glucose (8-fold) and GSH (2-fold) than that of control level, at p < 0.05. CV extract as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent increased GSH and decreased TBARS of both the liver and brain than that of induced group, at p < 0.05, normalized the activities of AChE and MAO, and increased insulin sensitivity where they successfully decreased the HOMA-IR, glucose, TG, and cholesterol compared to than that of induced group, at p < 0.05. This positive effect of CV extract contributed to the presence of polyphenolic compounds such as catechins (5.501 ± 0.056 µg/g extract), gallic (3.525 ± 0.143 µg/g) extract, and protocatechuic acid (2.719 ± 0.132 µg/g extract). Therefore, we concluded that FL induced brain dysfunction through the formation of ROS and elevation of insulin and lipid inside the brain tissue, which alter the amount of neurotransmitter and cellular energy production. Rich in polyphenolic compounds, CV extract functions as an antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, inhibitor of neurotransmitter catabolizing enzymes, and a regulator for energy production. Therefore, it can be used as a preventative or treatment for NAFLD and brain damage. Full article