Search Results (1,705)

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for the human body and plays a vital role in various physiological processes. Plants serve not only as a major dietary source of selenium but also as natural biofactories capable of synthesizing a wide range of organic selenium compounds. The bioavailability and toxicity of selenium are highly dependent on its chemical form, which can exert varying effects on human physiology. Among these, organic selenium species exhibit higher bioavailability, lower toxicity, and greater structural diversity. In recent years, plant-derived selenium-containing compounds—selenium-enriched proteins, peptides, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and nanoselenium—have garnered increasing scientific attention. Through a systematic search of databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, this review provides a comprehensive overview of selenium uptake and transformation in plants, selenium metabolism in humans, and the classification, composition, structural features, and biological activities of plant-derived selenium compounds, thereby providing a theoretical basis for future research on functional foods and nutritional interventions. Full article

Food allergy represents a prevalent immunological disorder, with current clinical management primarily emphasizing allergen avoidance and emergency pharmacological intervention. Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides, the principal bioactive constituents of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Eucommia ulmoides, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; however, their specific effects on food allergies remain inadequately characterized. A total of thirty-six female BALB/c mice were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 12 per group): the control group (CON group, receiving saline treatment), the allergic model group (OVA group, subjected to ovalbumin sensitization), and the intervention group (OVA+PS group, undergoing OVA sensitization followed by Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides administration via gavage). The anti-allergic efficacy of Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides was comprehensively evaluated through clinical allergy symptom scoring, histological and pathological tissue analysis, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) for the assessment of key gene expression, and 16S rDNA sequencing. The findings indicated the following: (1) The allergy scores in the OVA+PS group were significantly lower than those in the OVA group (p < 0.01). Following OVA stimulation, the rectal temperature of mice in the OVA group decreased sharply, whereas the temperature decline in the OVA+PS group was more gradual compared to the model group. (2) The liver, kidney, spleen, and intestinal tissues of mice in the OVA+PS group exhibited normal morphology, consistent with the CON group, which suggests that Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides effectively mitigates the local inflammatory response induced by food allergy. (3) The expression of NICD in the spleen of mice in the OVA+PS group was significantly higher than in the OVA group (p < 0.05), while the expression of the Hes1 gene was significantly elevated in the OVA group compared to both the CON and OVA+PS groups (p < 0.05). In the OVA group, the expression level of Gata-3 was significantly elevated compared to both the CON group and the OVA+PS group (p < 0.05). Similarly, the expression of STAT5 in the OVA group was markedly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05). (4) Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides were found to modulate the intestinal microbiota composition in allergic mice, notably increasing the expression abundance of Enterobacter, Oscillibacter, and Butyricicoccus, while decreasing the expression abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Turicibacter. (5) There was a correlation between alterations in the intestinal microbiota of mice and the expression of key genes. Specifically, the relative abundance of Blautia was negatively correlated with the expression of NICD and Gata-3 genes (p < 0.05), and the relative abundance of the Lachnospiraceae_FCS020_group was negatively correlated with the expression of the Hes1 gene (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides demonstrate potential in alleviating allergic symptoms, providing a scientific foundation for the development of novel natural anti-allergic functional foods. Full article

Twin-screw extrusion is a promising method to transform medicinal herbs into functional food ingredients. However, limited research has focused on the application of this technique to ginseng–astragalus compounds. In this study, the response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extrusion process (screw speed, temperature, and moisture content). The optimal parameters (208 rpm, 128 °C, 29%) significantly increased ginsenoside, polysaccharide, phenolic content, and antioxidant capacities (DPPH•, OH•, O₂⁻•). Furthermore, extrusion improved the aroma profile while reducing bitterness, as revealed by electronic nose and electronic tongue, and PCA. The treated product also exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity. These findings demonstrate that twin-screw extrusion is an effective tool for developing medicinal food products with improved quality and biofunctionality. The response surface methodology model showed high reliability (R² > 0.95) with prediction errors and relative standard deviations below 5%, confirming the robustness of the optimization. Full article

Microbial metabolites offer a multitude of mechanisms for alleviating diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the metabolites of yeasts recognised as safe remain under-explored and are receiving less attention in the treatment of T2D. In addition to the recognised probiotic status of certain yeasts, their genetic feature is responsible for many of the effects observed. Branched and non-branched short-chain fatty acids, bioactive peptides, carotenoids, and polysaccharides (β-glucans, mannans, and peptides derived from them) have vital properties that modulate intestinal permeability, soothe inflammation, and directly influence insulin sensitivity. Their action mechanism ranges from hepatic lipogenesis via the induction of hormone-sensitive lipase and the inhibition of α-glucosidase or DPP-IV to promoting the secretion of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) and GIP (Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide), orchestrating immune modulation, and nourishing the gut microbiota. The richness of the yeast metabolome suggests that a concentrated fermentate could be developed to potentiate the functional effects in vitro in the treatment of T2D. The purpose of this review is to take stock of the current state of knowledge of probiotic yeast metabolites and outline their potential for the treatment of diabetes via the development of food supplements or nutraceuticals. Full article

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key periodontal pathogen whose cysteine proteases, gingipains (Rgp and KGP), are essential for nutrient acquisition and virulence. Targeting gingipains may attenuate bacterial pathogenicity and prevent related systemic diseases. This paper aimed to review advances in food-derived natural products that inhibit P. gingivalis or gingipains, with emphasis on mechanisms, potency, and translational potential. A literature search of several databases identified 64 studies on food-derived compounds demonstrating in vitro, in vivo, or clinical effects against P. gingivalis or gingipains. The results showed that tea polyphenols and dihydrochalcones (e.g., phloretin and phlorizin) inhibited gingipain activity, and a variety of food-derived natural products (especially polyphenols and polysaccharides) suppressed the growth, survival, biofilm formation, and virulence of P. gingivalis. Structure–activity relationships suggest galloyl moieties and dihydrochalcone scaffolds enhance gingipain inhibition. Polysaccharides and alkaloids exhibited anti-adhesion or protease inhibition, though with limited potency data. In summary, food-derived natural products represent promising gingipain inhibitors. These inhibitors have potential structure–activity relationships, indicating that food-derived natural products have considerable research prospects. Future research should prioritize structure-based discovery and structure optimization to realize their therapeutic potential. Full article

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) represent copper-dependent enzymes pivotal in breaking down resilient polysaccharides like cellulose and chitin by means of oxidation, creating more accessible sites for glycoside hydrolases. To elevate the conversion efficiency of chitin, an AA10 LPMO was identified from the genome of Saccharophagus degradans 2-40^T and heterologously expressed. The optimal pH for the activity of recombinant SdLPMO10A is 9.0, and the optimal temperature is 60 °C. Assessment of SdLPMO10A’s synergism with commercial chitinase indicated that when comparing the enzyme combination’s activity to the activity of chitinase alone, the synergistic effect was significant, and a one-pot reaction appeared superior to a two-step reaction. This discovery of a functional AA10 family LPMO presents a promising avenue for developing highly efficient catalysts for biomass conversion of chitin-rich food processing waste (e.g., shrimp shells) into bioactive chitooligosaccharides with applications in functional foods, such as prebiotics and antioxidants. Full article

In embedding systems, protein–polysaccharide complexes can be utilized as wall materials to improve the bioavailability and activity of bioactive substances during delivery. This study used the antisolvent precipitation method to manufacture gliadin from highland barley distillers’ grains (HBDGG)–chitosan (Cs) nanoparticles. Using a variety of characterization techniques, the microstructure and interaction mechanism of HBDGG-Cs nanoparticles were examined, and their stability was assessed. In comparison to HBDGG, the results indicated that the addition of Cs enhanced the intensity of UV absorption and reduced the intensity of fluorescence. The content of α-helix dropped, while β-sheet, β-turn, and irregularly coiled content rose in the complexes. Hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and electrostatic interactions were the primary forces that formed the nanoparticles. The contact force between HBDGG and Cs enhanced the stability of the nanoparticles. The particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential were 526.10 ± 11.78 nm, 0.20 ± 0.06, and 51.31 ± 0.66 mV, respectively, at a mass ratio of 1:1 between HBDGG and Cs. The nanoparticles exhibited good ionic, acid-base, and storage stability in addition to being widely distributed. This work offers a theoretical foundation for employing HBDGG-Cs nanoparticles to deliver bioactive components in food as well as a novel method for the comprehensive usage of HBDGG and Cs. Full article

Curcumin is a natural active ingredient with various health benefits but suffers from poor water solubility, chemical instability, and rapid metabolism. This study developed a novel composite gel, blueberry leaf polysaccharide–xanthan gum (BLP-XG), for the protection and delivery of curcumin. The experimental results demonstrate that the formation of stable composite gel networks is predominantly facilitated by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions between BLP and XG components. In comparison with single-component systems, composite gels exhibit superior structural homogeneity and density, as well as higher thermal stability, viscoelasticity, and predominantly elastic solid behavior. The BLP-XG composite gel achieved the highest curcumin encapsulation rate of 84.23% when the BLP concentration was 2.0%. The composite gel system effectively retained curcumin in the gastric juice and released it in the small intestine. Furthermore, the presence of BLP in the composite gel inhibited curcumin degradation under UV irradiation. This study establishes the research foundation for the development of efficient and stable delivery systems to protect and deliver curcumin and extends the use of blueberry leaf polysaccharides in food and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Chirality is a prevalent characteristic of natural systems that plays a significant role in the biological activities of living organisms, and the enantiomers typically exhibit different pharmacological activities. Consequently, developing methods with high selectivity and sensitivity for chiral analysis is of great importance for pharmaceutical engineering, biomedicine, and food safety. Electrochemical chiral recognition has garnered significant attention owing to its unique advantages, including simplicity of operation, rapid response, and cost-effectiveness. The biomaterials, such as amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides, possess inherent chiral sites, excellent biocompatibility, and abundant modifiable groups, rendering them ideal candidates for constructing electrochemical chiral sensors. This review focuses on the research progress of electrochemical chiral recognition based on different biomaterials from 2019 to 2024. In addition, the distinct chiral recognition mechanisms and electrochemical analysis methods, as well as the research challenges and prospects of electrochemical chiral sensors based on biomaterials in enantiomer recognition are discussed. This review can provide a reference for further study in related fields. Full article

Male infertility, as a globally significant reproductive health issue, remains idiopathic in over 40% of cases. Reproductive disorders in males induced by environmental pollutants, such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), have garnered considerable attention in recent years. DEHP induces testicular oxidative stress and ferroptosis via its active metabolite MEHP, thereby leading to spermatogenic dysfunction. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), a traditional food and medicine homologous substance, exhibits potential antioxidant and reproductive protective properties. However, the underlying mechanism by which LBP intervenes in the toxicity induced by DEHP remains to be elucidated. This study explored the protective effect and molecular mechanism of LBP on DEHP-induced testicular injury through in vivo and in vitro experiments. The result showed that DEHP exposure (150 mg/L in free drinking water for 6 weeks) significantly decreased testicular weight, sperm concentration, and sperm motility in mice, while DEHP exposure induced pathological damage to testicular tissue, as evidenced by cavitation of seminiferous tubules, reduced numbers of spermatocytes, and vacuolar degeneration of Sertoli cells. However, LBP (450 mg/L) treatment significantly reversed testicular damage and sperm parameters. In vitro, MEHP reduced the viability of GC2 cells (spermatocyte cell line) and TM4 cells (Sertoli cell line), and LBP significantly restored cell activity. Mechanistically, exposure to DEHP/MEHP results in iron overload (elevated levels of free Fe²⁺), lipid peroxidation (increased MDA and reduced GSH), and dysregulated expression of key proteins involved in ferroptosis and iron homeostasis within the testis and cells. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that when NRF2 was specifically inhibited by ML385 or silenced via siRNA, the protective effects of LBP were abrogated, thereby validating the critical role of NRF2 in the regulation of iron homeostasis by LBP. In conclusion, LBP mitigates DEHP-induced testicular injury by activating NRF2 to regulate iron homeostasis in Sertoli cells and spermatocytes cells. This study not only offers a potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of male reproductive disorders caused by DEHP exposure, but also underscores the reproductive protective effects and application prospects of LBP in this context. Full article

Background: Uterine leiomyomas, commonly known as fibroids, are the most prevalent benign tumors in women of reproductive age and a major contributor to gynecological morbidity. Although surgery and hormonal therapies are standard treatments, their associated side effects have prompted the search for safer, non-hormonal alternatives. Oligo-fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed, has demonstrated anti-fibrotic and estrogen-regulating effects in preclinical models, but its clinical potential remains largely unexplored. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial, 16 women diagnosed with uterine leiomyomas by ultrasound were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either oligo-fucoidan (4 g/day) or placebo for six months (n = 8 per group). The primary endpoints were changes in the number of leiomyomas and quality of life, assessed using the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) and Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ). Hormonal and safety parameters were also monitored. Results: Compared with the placebo group, participants receiving oligo-fucoidan exhibited a statistically significant reduction in fibroid number and reported improvements in quality-of-life domains. No serious adverse events occurred, and no clinically significant changes were noted in safety-related laboratory parameters. Conclusions: This pilot study provides preliminary clinical evidence that oligo-fucoidan may be a safe, well-tolerated, and potentially effective functional food-based approach for managing uterine fibroids. Larger trials are warranted to confirm these findings. Full article

Starch is the main source of carbohydrates in human and animal diets. The extraction of this polysaccharide from unconventional residues of minimally processed foods represents an innovation in the production chain and promotes an appropriate destination for organic waste. Kabocha pumpkin produces minimally processed products, but the discarded peel is not processed and becomes organic waste. In this study, starch was obtained from kabocha pumpkin residues and characterized according to its physicochemical composition, morphology, and thermal properties. Kabocha pumpkin peel starch (KPPS) showed variations in granule morphology. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed about 22% crystallinity. The pasting temperature of KPPS was 69.1 °C and the peak, trough, breakdown, final, and setback viscosities were 5293 cP, 2804 cP, 2849 cP, 3550 cP, and 746 cP, respectively. The stability (120 and 260 °C) observed on the thermogravimetric analysis of KPPS allows it to be used as an interesting ingredient in the production of new foods and non-food products, such as packaging. Moreover, using a product that would otherwise be discarded minimizes residue generation, reducing environmental impact and promoting an alternative source of income for the minimal processing food industry. Full article

Almond skin (AS) from industrial almond peeling is considered an agri-food waste with adequate composition to obtain composite films for food packaging due to its richness in polysaccharides, proteins, and phenolic compounds. Composite films based on amorphous polylactic acid (PLA) or partially acetylated polyvinilalcohol (PVA) were obtained by melt blending and compression moulding, incorporating different ratios of defatted AS powder (0, 5, 10, and 15 wt.%). The filler was better integrated in the polar PVA matrix, where more interactions were detected with the filler compounds, affecting glass transition and crystallization of the polymer. The AS particles provided the films with the characteristic colour of the powder and strong UV light-blocking effect, while improving the oxygen barrier capacity of both polymeric matrices (24% in PLA with 15% AS and 42% in PVA with 10% AS). The water vapour permeability increased in PLA (by 192% at 15% AS), but decreased in PVA films, especially with low AS content (by 19% with 5% particles). The filler also provided the PLA and PVA films with antioxidant properties due to its phenolic richness, improving the oxygen barrier capacity of the materials and delaying the unsaturated oil oxidation. This was reflected in the lower peroxide and conjugated dienes and trienes values of the sunflower oil packaged in single-dose bags of the different materials. The high oxygen barrier capacity of the PVA bags mainly controlled the preservation of the oil, which made the effect of the antioxidant AS powder less noticeable. Full article

Approximately 20–30% of cultivated oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are classified as low grade due to morphological and visual imperfections or mechanical damage, representing significant waste in mushroom production systems. This review examines the structural and biochemical properties of P. ostreatus, particularly focusing on cell wall components including chitin, β-glucans, and mannogalactans, which provide crucial rheological characteristics for 3D printing. The literature results demonstrate that these natural polysaccharides contribute essential viscosity, water-binding capacity, and mechanical stability required for printable edible inks. Notably, the mushroom stipe contains significantly higher concentrations of glucans compared to the cap, with 57% more α-glucans and 33% more β-glucans. The unique combination of rigidity from chitin, elasticity from β-glucans, and water retention capabilities creates printable structures that maintain shape fidelity while delivering nutritional benefits. This approach addresses dual challenges in sustainable food systems by reducing agricultural waste streams while advancing eco-friendly food innovation. The integration of mushroom-derived biomaterials into 3D printing technologies offers a promising pathway toward developing nutrient-rich, functional foods within a regenerative production model. Full article

Macroalgae are valuable natural sources for bioprospection and the development of raw materials applicable to the nutrition, health, and agriculture industries. To build a basis for the sustainable use of marine organisms from the Colombian Caribbean, a preliminary study was conducted focusing on known functional compounds in two genera of macroalgae, including the species Acanthophora spicifera (Rhodophyta), Sargassum ramifolium, and Sargassum fluitans (Ochrophyta). This study included the extraction and identification of polysaccharides using ultrafiltration, nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC); fatty acids by gas chromatographic (GC) profiling; and phenolic composition and antioxidant activity by complementary semi-quantitative methods (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC assays). Carrageenan-type polysaccharides were detected in A. spicifera, while alginate and fucoidan types were found in S. ramifolium and S. fluitans; palmitic acid was the predominant fatty acid in A. spicifera and S. ramifolium, but it was not detected in S. fluitans. S. ramifolium showed the highest ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC activities and phenolic compounds, while S. fluitans exhibited the highest FRAP activity. This study contributes to the chemical knowledge on Colombian macroalgae to establish potential applications in various fields, including biomedicine, cosmetics, functional foods, and nutraceutical ingredients. Full article