Search Results (7,207)

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of crude polysaccharide extraction from Thai-cultivated oats (Avena sativa L.) utilizing hot water extraction (HW) and ultrasound-assisted water extraction (UW) methods. Optimal conditions were determined by a response surface methodology (RSM). The influence of solid-to-liquid ratio, temperature or %amplitude, and extraction time on %yield and beta glucan content was investigated. Under optimal conditions, UW produced a superior %yield (82.72 ± 2.19%) and beta glucan content (1.75 ± 0.87 g/100 g extract) compared to HW (41.32 ± 0.98% and 1.25 ± 0.27 g/100 g extract). This finding may occur from acoustic cavitation, which effectively dismantles the cellular wall structure, supported by FTIR analysis finding more distinct β-glycosidic linkage peaks. SEM analyses indicated a greater surface area dispersion and porosity in UW extract relative to HW extract. Analysis of monosaccharide composition supported the properties of both crude extracts, demonstrating glucose as the predominant component. However, the functional and bioactive characterization demonstrated a distinct trade-off between the two extraction methods. HW extract demonstrated superior swelling capacity (6.2 vs. 2.7 g/g at pH 6.5), enhanced antioxidant activity compared to both ABTS (0.67 ± 0.04 vs. 0.58 ± 0.06 μmol TE/g), DPPH (0.53 ± 0.06 vs. 0.35 ± 0.06 μmol TE/g), and FRAP (0.05 ± 0.02 vs. 0.03 ± 0.01 μmol TE/g), total phenolic content (98.33 ± 7.68 vs. 87.79 ± 3.07 mg GAE/g). The crude extracts from the two methods had selective enzyme inhibitory activity, exhibiting considerable inhibition of α-glucosidase and markedly reduced inhibition of α-amylase. UW demonstrated slightly superior inhibitory activity compared to HW for both enzymes. The findings indicate that the determination of crude polysaccharides should principally take into account the purpose of the final product. UW is preferable for optimizing %yield and beta glucan content. Nevertheless, if the emphasis is on functional attributes like water absorption and antioxidant efficacy, HW has advantages that merit a consideration. This research provides a framework for identifying optimal extraction methods aimed at extracting crude polysaccharides from Thai-cultivated oats for use as a functional ingredient in health food products. Full article

Amomum tsaoko Crevost & Lem. (AT) is a representative edible, medicinal spice widely used in Southeast Asia for food seasoning and flavor enhancement. Growing evidence suggests that it is a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals with diverse health-promoting properties, necessitating a systematic synthesis of its functional attributes and underlying mechanisms to better guide future applications. AT has been reported to contain flavonoids, diarylheptanoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, steroids, and volatile oils. These constituents are associated with a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, anti-obesity, gastrointestinal protective, and immunomodulatory effects. Due to its functional properties and economic value, AT shows considerable potential for application in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture. However, despite its extensive utilization, integrated reviews that systematically link bioactivities, toxicological evidence, and industrial applications remain scarce. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in the bioactive compounds, health functions, toxicological evaluation, and industrial applications of AT. Current research progress, key limitations, and future perspectives are critically discussed. Additionally, by providing a comprehensive overview of its multifaceted benefits and applications, this review fills an important gap and offers insights to support further research and multi-sectoral exploitation of AT. Full article

Cancer development arises from dynamic interactions between inherited susceptibility and modifiable environmental exposures, among which diet plays a central role. Carotenoids, lipophilic plant-derived pigments including lycopene, α-carotene, and β-carotene, and retinoids, the vitamin A derivatives that regulate gene transcription via retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs), have been extensively investigated for their chemopreventive and therapeutic potential. This review aims to provide an integrated, mechanism-based synthesis of the roles of lycopene, α- and β-carotene, and retinoids in cancer chemoprevention and to clarify the conditions under which they are most likely to be effective. Beyond summarizing established antioxidant and nuclear-receptor mechanisms, we highlight as a novel emphasis the epigenetic actions of these compounds, including effects on DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA regulation, and we integrate these with the well-recognized divergence between dietary and high-dose supplement outcomes. Experimental evidence demonstrates that carotenoids modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis through pathways such as Nrf2/ARE, NF-κB, STAT3, Akt/mTOR, MAPK, and Wnt/β-catenin. Lycopene, in particular, exhibits strong antioxidant capacity and multi-target signaling effects, while provitamin A carotenoids additionally influence retinoid-mediated transcriptional programs. Retinoids exert broader differentiation-inducing and antiproliferative effects through direct nuclear receptor signaling and represent one of the few successful differentiation therapies in oncology, most notably in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Epidemiologic studies generally associate higher dietary carotenoid intake with reduced risk of several malignancies, including prostate, breast, lung, colorectal, and gastric cancers. However, randomized trials of isolated high-dose supplementation, particularly β-carotene in smokers, have demonstrated null or harmful effects, highlighting a critical divergence between whole-food dietary patterns and pharmacologic supplementation. In conclusion, carotenoids and retinoids possess biologically plausible anticancer properties, yet their clinical utility remains context dependent. Future research should prioritize biomarker-guided, precision-based strategies, standardized formulations, and whole-food dietary approaches to clarify their role in cancer prevention and treatment. Full article

Rainbow trout is produced in large quantities worldwide, generating substantial processing by-products, among which collagen-rich skin and bone require high-value utilization. Rainbow trout collagen peptides potentially exhibit antiplatelet activity based on structural similarity to reported antiplatelet fish collagen peptides, while their active peptide sequences and underlying mechanisms require investigation. In this study, rainbow trout skin collagen was hydrolyzed by neutral protease, yielding a hydrolysate with 70.52% inhibition of platelet aggregation at 4 mg/mL. The fraction with high antiplatelet activity, N2-2, was obtained via separation by ODS-C18 and Sephadex LH-20 chromatography, which was enriched in Gly, Pro, and Hyp residues and characterized by mild hydrophilicity and a moderate molecular weight. Peptide sequences in the N2-2 were identified by HPLC-MS/MS, followed by molecular docking-based screening, and the four peptides selected were synthesized and evaluated for antiplatelet activity in vitro. Peptides MTGP and OOGGHG exhibited higher antiplatelet activity, with IC₅₀ values of 0.52 mM and 0.54 mM, respectively. Molecular docking indicated that MTGP and OOGGHG stably bind to the P2Y12 receptor via hydrogen bonding with key residues (Lys280, Arg256, and Asn191), with hydrophobic interactions contributing to complex stability. This study adds support to the feasibility of natural antiplatelet functional foods from rainbow trout collagen. Full article

Pullulan is a microbial exopolysaccharide produced primarily by Aureobasidium spp. It has attracted considerable attention due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and versatility in food-related applications. While its basic chemical structure has long been established, recent advances have significantly improved the understanding of the genetic, enzymatic, and regulatory mechanisms governing its biosynthesis. This review discusses current knowledge on pullulan production, focusing on biosynthetic pathways, regulatory networks, and the influence of fermentation conditions on polymer yield and quality. Particular emphasis is placed on the utilization of agro-industrial residues as renewable feedstocks within a circular bioeconomy framework, as well as on downstream recovery and purification strategies. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of pullulan and its ability to form synergistic assemblies with other biopolymers are evaluated in relation to hydrogels, edible films, active packaging, and bioactive delivery systems. By integrating microbial biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, and material science, this review provides a comprehensive overview of pullulan-based systems for food-related applications. Full article

Over a decade of research on media for cultured meat and seafood production has resulted in multiple highly efficient serum-free and chemically defined formulations for some species, but it has also identified challenges yet to be solved—especially for aquatic cell lines. Depending on the product and cell type, the approach to develop highly efficient, sustainable, and low-priced media can diverge greatly. In this review, we provide an in-depth overview of this complex research area to facilitate strategic decision-making for stakeholders. We evaluate the advantages and limitations of utilizing hydrolysates, growth factor mutants, growth factor alternatives, and stabilizers in serum-free media formulations published for cultured meat production, as well as ongoing research efforts on developing adequate media for cultured seafood. We critically analyze strategies aimed at reducing medium costs and enhancing sustainability of cultured meat and seafood production, including their food-compatibility assessment. We summarize topics that require further exploration, such as identification of species-specific growth factors—particularly for aquatic species; exploration of hydrolysates as a substitute for basal medium; waste medium recycling strategies; and the potential application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies to enhance these areas. Additionally, we consider possible emerging regulatory issues and their impact on media formulation development. Finally, key performance indicators for media formulations are proposed to guide future strategic and operational improvements regarding an economical and sustainable production process. Full article

Background: Diet and the gut microbiota are each associated with hepatic steatosis, but their joint variation and shared explanatory contribution are rarely quantified in older Asian community-dwelling populations. Methods: In 701 non-heavy-drinking Kyotango longevity cohort adults, habitual diet (BDHQ; 31 food groups) and stool 16S rRNA microbiome (47 genera; CLR-transformed) were related to the fatty liver index (FLI) by canonical correlation analysis (CCA), reduced-rank regression (RRR), and bootstrap mediation; FIB-4 was a secondary exploratory outcome. Results: Four dietary patterns and four microbial clusters emerged. CCA revealed multivariate diet-microbiota co-variation (four significant canonical correlations; r = 0.40–0.46; all p < 0.05). Combined RRR (n = 697 with complete FLI data) explained 11.1% of FLI variance in-sample (permutation p = 0.006), although cross-validated R² was negative, reframing the model as hypothesis-generating rather than predictive. Bootstrap mediation suggested that 12.6% of the diet-on-FLI effect was carried by the microbiota (95% bootstrap CI excluding zero). Of 1457 FDR-corrected food-genus pairs, one was significant (fruits × Eubacterium eligens; r = +0.202, q = 1.0 × 10⁻⁴). Conclusions: In this cross-sectional, hypothesis-generating analysis with no individual-level predictive utility, dietary patterns and gut microbial composition co-vary and jointly relate to FLI. The findings describe population-level covariance patterns for future prospective diet-microbiome intervention testing; external validation in independent cohorts is essential. Full article

Rice protein peptides, abundant byproducts of rice processing, represent a sustainable source for developing novel nutritional delivery systems. To address the low bioavailability of traditional calcium supplements, this study aimed to fabricate a high-performance calcium-chelating complex (RPP-Ca) and elucidate its functional mechanism. The synthesis process was systematically optimized, yielding a maximum calcium-binding capacity of 93.98 ± 1.99 mg/g under optimal conditions (pH 10, 70 °C, 50 min reaction time, peptide-to-calcium mass ratio of 2:1). Physicochemical characterization utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed successful chelation, revealing significant microstructural reorganization and enhanced thermal stability compared to native peptides. Functional validation via in vitro Caco-2 cell models and in vivo calcium-deficient mouse models demonstrated that RPP-Ca significantly promotes intestinal calcium absorption and osteogenesis. Mechanistically, these effects were mediated through the activation of the TRPV6-Calbindin9k signaling axis. These findings underscore the potential of industrial rice protein peptides as an effective and bioavailable calcium fortification ingredient, providing a theoretical basis for the high-value utilization of rice byproducts in functional foods. Full article

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the core functional microbes in strong-flavor Baijiu brewing. Through lactate metabolism, they maintain the ecological balance of the fermentation pit, regulate the synthesis of organic acids and esters, and thus critically influence flavor compound formation and quality stability. Current research focuses on screening functional LAB strains and analyzing fermentation mechanisms and metabolic networks, yet challenges remain regarding complex species lineage, unclear ecological interaction mechanisms, and difficulties in dynamic regulation. This review summarizes LAB diversity in the brewing system, their metabolites and regulation, community interaction networks, niche advantages, and diversified applications. Specifically, it investigates LAB species in distinct ecological niches such as fermented grains (Jiupei), pit mud, and Daqu; clarifies metabolic pathways and products and their associations with flavor substances; and evaluates dynamic changes in LAB during brewing and interactive mechanisms with other fermentative microorganisms. In addition, the review presents findings on probiotic functions of LAB, their applications in food preservation, and their roles in environmental protection, and proposes future research directions. The aim is to provide novel insights for functional utilization of LAB in the brewing system and quality enhancement of Baijiu, as well as a reference for broader and diversified applications. Full article

Guaranteeing food security and improving resource use efficiency are core objectives of winter wheat production. Single agronomic measures, such as simply increasing seeding rate or fertilizer application alone, fail to simultaneously raise grain yield and resource utilization efficiency. In this study, the dense–tolerant wheat cultivar Yunong 804 was used as the experimental material. Three seeding rates (187.5, 225, and 262.5 kg·ha⁻¹) and two fertilization regimes (conventional split fertilization and a one-time basal application of urea–formaldehyde controlled-release fertilizer) were used to explore their independent and interactive effects on the canopy structure; photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) interception, utilization efficiency, and conversion efficiency; and dry matter accumulation and grain yield of winter wheat. The results show that under the same fertilization mode, leaf area index (LAI) and intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) increased first and then decreased with the rise in seeding rate, reaching maximum values at a seeding rate of 225 kg·ha⁻¹. Compared with conventional fertilization, the one-time basal application of controlled-release fertilizer significantly improved LAI, canopy PAR interception rate (CAR), PAR utilization efficiency (PUE), and PAR conversion efficiency (PCE), as well as remarkably boosting dry matter accumulation (DMA), elevating the allocation proportion of dry matter to spikes, and increasing grain yield by 5–23.69% under the seeding rate of 225 kg·ha⁻¹. The correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) results indicate that grain yield had a closer correlation with PUE, PCE, and DMA, while its correlation with CAR was relatively weak. Under the experimental conditions set in this research, the combined cultivation strategy of a 225 kg·ha⁻¹ seeding rate matched with the one-time basal application of urea–formaldehyde controlled-release fertilizer was confirmed as the optimal management scheme. Full article

Skin diseases represent a growing global health challenge and continue to stimulate interest in safe, sustainable, and evidence-based dermatological interventions. In the present review, Cabo Verde is used as an ethnobotanical and biogeographical framework rather than as a source of strictly endemic dermatological plants. We focused on selected edible plant species occurring in and utilized throughout Cabo Verde, including native, naturalized, and cultivated taxa that are integrated into local food systems and traditional healthcare practices. Species were included only when they fulfilled the following criteria: a documented occurrence in Cabo Verde, recognized edible use, available phytochemical characterization, and at least one peer-reviewed study reporting dermatologically relevant biological activity. Literature identified through structured searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were critically evaluated, with emphasis placed on phytochemistry, biological activity, safety considerations, evidence level, and translational relevance. The reviewed species, mainly from the genera Psidium, Syzygium, Eugenia, Artocarpus, Ficus, Morus, and Passiflora, have been associated with wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, photoprotective, anti-aging, and skin-regenerative effects. Nevertheless, the available evidence remains dominated by in vitro and animal studies, whereas controlled human investigations are scarce. Accordingly, these species should be regarded as promising sources of dermatologically relevant compounds rather than as clinically validated dermatological therapies. Full article

Background: Perishable agri-food supply chains require logistics networks that remain economically viable despite fluctuations in demand, transportation costs, and market prices. This study develops and evaluates a two-echelon logistics network for the banana supply chain in Magdalena, Colombia. Methods: A mixed-integer linear programming model was formulated to maximise daily profit by jointly determining collection-centre activation and product flows among 14 producers, five candidate collection centres, and two commercial buyers. The deterministic solution was complemented by sensitivity analysis and 1000 Monte Carlo optimisation scenarios incorporating variability in demand, transportation costs, and selling prices. Results: Under nominal conditions, all five collection centres were activated, the full demand of 42,000 kg/day was served, and the optimal profit was USD 3093/day. Centres C1–C4 operated at full capacity, whereas C5 reached 42.9% utilization. Under uncertainty, the mean profit decreased to USD 1955.70/day, the mean unmet demand was 954.03 kg/day, and shortages occurred in 72.3% of scenarios. C1–C4 remained the network core, while C5 acted as a flexible contingency facility. Conclusions: The proposed framework reveals an efficiency–resilience trade-off overlooked by deterministic optimisation. Demand growth and capacity reductions are the principal operational risks, supporting investment in collection capacity and proactive demand management. Full article

Background: Biyang flower shiitake mushrooms are valuable edible and medicinal fungi. However, the effects of macromolecules from fresh and dried flower shiitake mushrooms on the structural characteristics and their subsequent impact on gut health remain poorly understood. Methods: This study systematically investigated the physicochemical properties, microstructure, and thermal stability of macromolecules extracted from fresh (XG-PPC) and dried (GG-PPC) Biyang flower shiitake mushrooms. Furthermore, the differential regulatory effects of these supplements on the gut microbiota and fecal metabolome of mice were evaluated using 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. Kendall’s rank correlation analysis was used to elucidate the intrinsic relationships among the physicochemical properties of macromolecules, key intestinal genera, and differential metabolites. Results: These structural differences conferred distinct biological effects on macromolecules. Protein and uronic acid contents act as key drivers governing the differentiation of gut microbiota and metabolic pathways, with opposing regulatory trends. Total carbohydrates, monosaccharide profiles, and molecular weight characteristics differentially regulate specific bacterial genera and multiple classes of metabolites, thereby establishing distinct gut microecological regulatory patterns between XG-PPC and GG-PPC. Conclusions: This study explores the structure-activity relationships of fresh and dried Biyang shiitake mushroom macromolecules, providing a theoretical foundation and empirical data to support the high-value utilization of Biyang shiitake mushrooms and the targeted development of corresponding functional foods. Full article

Fermentation is a foundational process that has historically underpinned the development of global civilizations. By extending the shelf life of perishable ingredients while enhancing flavor, nutrition, and bioactive properties, fermentation has provided the food security necessary for societies to flourish. Traditionally, these processes utilized locally available raw materials—such as milk, cereals, fruits, and vegetables—to produce a diverse array of non-alcoholic, alcoholic, and functional foods. This review explores the evolution of prominent ancient fermentation products and the contemporary movement to revive their authentic sensory profiles, including unique aromas and textures. Furthermore, it examines the transition from traditional artisanal methods to modern industrial production, where the use of standardized starter cultures and precise process parameters ensures product uniformity for the global market while employing precision fermentation to improve traditional fermentation products. By bridging ancestral wisdom with modern food science, this review highlights the enduring relevance of fermentation in the current food landscape. Full article

Dyslipidemia in adolescents represents an early and potentially modifiable stage in the lifelong trajectory of cardiovascular disease. However, optimal lipid screening strategies in this age group remain controversial, particularly regarding feasibility, biological relevance, and reliance on family history. Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL cholesterol) has emerged as a promising screening marker because it reflects the total burden of atherogenic lipoproteins and can be reliably assessed even without fasting, making it particularly suitable for large-scale pediatric screening settings. A recent nationwide population-based study of Korean adolescents provides robust real-world evidence supporting the utility of non-HDL cholesterol in dyslipidemia screening, across both sexes and independent of familial lipid risk. From a nutritional and public health perspective, non-HDL cholesterol is closely related to dietary habits, postprandial hyperlipidemia, and metabolic stress, and is particularly important in the modern food environment characterized by increased consumption of ultra-processed foods. This Opinion discusses the biological rationale, clinical feasibility, and population-level implications of non-HDL cholesterol-based screening in adolescents. By linking lipid biology with nutrition-focused prevention and lifelong cardiovascular health, non-HDL cholesterol may serve as a practical gatekeeper for early risk identification and upstream intervention. Full article