Search Results (792)

This study evaluates the potential of marc, a by-product of clitoria (Clitoria ternatea L.) and borage (Borago officinalis L.) infusions, as a preliminary step toward their subsequent conversion into functional food ingredients. After infusion, the marc was collected and processed by carrier-assisted crushing, aqueous maceration, and subsequent separation into extract and residue fractions. The impact of flower pretreatment by milling and marc matrix modification by inulin and maltodextrin was studied on the physical (dry matter (DM), water activity, color), chemical (total phenolic content (TPC), sum of individual phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity), and solubility of the microencapsulated fractions. Inulin-formulated powders derived from intact flowers’ marc were characterized by higher dry matter, decreased water activity, and improved chemical profiles. Under these conditions, clitoria by-products exhibited mean dry matter 94.17 ± 0.20%, water activity 0.301 ± 0.003, TPC 3.285 ± 0.052 mg GAE/g DM, sum of individual phenolic compounds 6.267 ± 0.103 mg/g DM, and ABTS-determined antioxidant capacity 0.100 ± 0.001 mmol Trolox/g DM. For borage by-products under identical conditions, dry matter content (−1.60%), water activity (−12.62%), TPC (−39.82%), sum of individual phenolic compounds (−67.55%), and antioxidant capacity (−65.00%) were lower compared with clitoria by-products. An efficient extraction and stabilization approach can open opportunities for upcycling post-extraction herbal residues into high-value food ingredients. Full article

To investigate how natural inulin (FI) influences the quality of heat-induced beef myofibrillar protein (BMP) gels, BMP gel systems were prepared with graded FI concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%). Texture analysis (TA), low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR), rheological measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to systematically characterise changes in gel properties, water migration and distribution, microstructure, and protein secondary structure. The results showed that the improvement in gel quality produced by inulin was concentration-dependent. FI at addition levels of 1–2% promoted the ordered intermolecular cross-linking of beef myofibrillar proteins, thereby facilitating the formation of a homogeneous and compact three-dimensional gel network, as confirmed by SEM and CLSM observations. Notably, 2% FI was identified as the optimal addition level for the BMP gel system. Compared with the control group, this treatment produced the highest relative β-sheet content (82%) among all groups, optimised the internal water distribution of the gel by reducing the proportion of free water, enhanced the water-holding capacity of the gels (p < 0.05), and preserved the elasticity-dominated solid-state characteristics of the BMP gel system (tan δ < 1), indicating that FI improved gel strength without changing its fundamental properties. These findings provide an important theoretical basis and practical technical parameters for the development of functional beef products with both desirable texture and high dietary fibre content. Full article

Natural rubber (NR) is essential to the medical, industrial, defense and transportation industries. Alternative rubber crops are needed to supplement increasing rubber demands which cannot be met by the tropical rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis, and to protect supplies in the event of a rubber tree crop collapse, political strife or a pandemic disrupting global rubber supply chains. Taraxacum kok-saghyz, rubber dandelion, has high-molecular-weight NR, substantial rubber content and the ability to grow in temperate regions. It can also grow hydroponically or aeroponically in controlled environments. This work presents a scenario-based cost analysis of requirements to scale up hydroponic rubber dandelion to replace the 1 million metric tons of imported rubber consumed annually by United States manufacturers. Two scale-up scenarios were considered: a single-level, deep water culture greenhouse and an indoor, ten-level hydroponic vertical farm built in a warehouse. Fuel usage, operating costs, electricity consumption, beneficial insect applications, fertilizers, cooling, and more were included for each case. The costs of operation and construction were compared to the value of products to determine potential annual profit. Sensitivity analyses revealed several scenarios which would drastically improve the economics of the hydroponic facilities. A combination of multiple factors may allow economic feasibility. Hydroponic rubber dandelion production can be profitable on a small scale (up to 15 MT of TNR/year) provided leafy greens and inulin are included as coproducts. The validity of scaling up such a system to 100,000 MT TNR/year to meet 10% of US manufacturing requirements depends heavily on successful research-based gains in TNR concentration and root size, the difference in TNR price between a commodity price and a specialty NR, and upon whether or not tropical rubber tree NR is able to continue to provide a stable source of NR for the US. Full article

Unpasteurized fruit juices are prone to microbiological spoilage by bacteria, yeasts, and molds, creating a need for natural preservatives to extend shelf life without compromising quality. Pomegranate peel extract (PPE) exhibits antimicrobial activity primarily against pathogenic microorganisms; however, its effect on spoilage microorganisms in fruit juices has not been previously studied. This work aimed to compare the microbiological stability of unpasteurized apple juice when adding non-encapsulated PPE or PPE microparticles produced by spray drying with inulin (PPE-IN), inulin combined with sodium alginate (PPE-(IN+SA)), or inulin combined with carrageenan (PPE-(IN+CR)) as encapsulating agents. All microparticle systems showed high encapsulation efficiency (>90%), with PPE-IN reaching 94.08%. For the stability study, PPE microparticles (0.018 to 0.023 g/mL) or PPE (0.009 g/mL) were added to 70 mL of juice and stored at 4 °C for 9 days. MAB, molds, and yeasts were then quantified. At 3, 6, and 9 days, the J+PPE-(IN+CR) treatment showed the lowest MAB, molds, and yeast counts in relation to the non-encapsulated PPE and the other microparticle system. These results indicate that PPE-(IN+CR) microparticles provide superior microbiological stability of apple juice up to day 9, suggesting that the combination of encapsulating agents (IN+CR) could control the release of PPE into the juice. Full article

The intestinal epithelial barrier regulates paracellular transport, and its dysfunction is associated with inflammatory and metabolic diseases. Among dietary fibers, inulin has attracted considerable attention due to its beneficial effects on intestinal health. Inulin’s actions have been attributed to protecting the structure and function of gut barrier components against inflammatory-associated damage. This review integrates preclinical and clinical studies evaluating the impact of inulin on intestinal permeability. Evidence from in vitro and in vivo models shows that inulin regulates the expression of tight junction proteins (TJPs), Paneth cell proliferation, and antimicrobial peptides, and modulates inflammatory signaling pathways. In addition, inulin prebiotic activity, via microbiota, stimulates the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as butyrate that reinforces the barrier function. Understanding these pathways highlights the therapeutic potential of inulin as a nutritional strategy for treating barrier dysfunction. Clinical studies in obesity, metabolic disorders and inflammatory intestinal disease have associated inulin supplementation with improvements in biomarkers of intestinal permeability. Future studies are needed to test inulin’s safety in order to prevent potential risks and hazards. Full article

Excessive lipid accumulation, a hallmark characteristic of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, has become a worldwide challenge, necessitating the exploration of secure and efficacious natural products for its intervention. In the present work, a polysaccharide (MCP) was extracted and purified from Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L., a novel halophyte, and its physicochemical properties, in vitro fermentation characteristics, lipid-lowering activity, and underlying mechanisms were systematically investigated. Physicochemical analysis revealed that MCP is an acidic polysaccharide, with galacturonic acid as the predominant monosaccharide component, broad molecular weight distribution, and a porous structural morphology. In vitro fermentation experiments demonstrated that MCP could be effectively utilized by human fecal microbiota, significantly promoting the yield of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate at high concentrations, which outperformed inulin. 16S rDNA sequencing uncovered that MCP optimized microbiota composition by enriching SCFA-producing beneficial bacteria (Prevotella_9, Faecalibacterium) while suppressing opportunistic pathogens (Megamonas, Escherichia-Shigella). Metabolomic analysis of fermentation broth revealed that MCP significantly affected microbial glycerophospholipid metabolic pathways. Experiments in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) confirmed that MCP inhibited HFD-induced lipogenesis, which was linked to the regulation of the nhr-49/sbp-1-mediated lipogenesis pathway. For the first time, using an antibiotic-induced microbiota depletion model in C. elegans, the lipid-lowering effect of MCP was observed to disappear, suggesting a potential role of the gut microbiota in mediating this effect. This investigation establishes a scientific basis for MCP as a novel prebiotic or dietary supplement for managing obesity-related lipid accumulation. Full article

Helicobacter pylori is a highly prevalent pathogen associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Treatment is increasingly challenging due to antibiotic resistance and adverse effects that can reduce adherence. These limitations have encouraged the exploration of complementary strategies. This study evaluated the in vitro antibacterial activity of selected probiotic strains and synbiotic formulations containing inulin against clinical isolates of H. pylori. Isolates obtained from gastric biopsies were identified by MALDI-TOF. Four probiotic strains (Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and Streptococcus thermophilus) were tested individually and as a mixed culture, both alone and combined with inulin. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method under microaerophilic conditions after 72 h of incubation at 37 °C. Variable inhibitory effects were observed, with L. fermentum (8.08 ± 1.98 mm) and the probiotic mixture (7.92 ± 0.90 mm) showing greater activity, while S. thermophilus exhibited limited inhibition. The addition of low-dose inulin (3 mg/mL) was associated with increased inhibition by the probiotic mixture (9.58 ± 1.51 mm), whereas higher concentrations did not enhance this effect. These findings indicate that certain probiotic and synbiotic formulations exhibit in vitro activity against H. pylori and warrant further investigation as complementary approaches. Full article

Agro-industrial waste impacts populations worldwide. Food waste, in turn, is a major source of complex lipids, carbohydrates, and other substances. Therefore, it is crucial to convert food waste into products that reduce environmental problems. Enzymatic hydrolysis has advantages over chemical hydrolysis. Examples include the enzymatic hydrolysis of starch by α-amylase and the hydrolysis of inulin by inulinase, which occur under milder environmental and temperature conditions than acid hydrolysis of starch or inulin. Despite these milder temperature conditions, during substate hydrolysis, enzyme deactivation occurs under exposure to temperature. As temperature increases above $T_{opt}$ (which maximizes catalytic activity), enzyme deactivation becomes more pronounced, leading to a decrease in enzyme activity. Therefore, determining the rate constant of deactivation $k_d$, during biotransformation is an important aspect in understanding enzyme kinetics. Most experimental studies focus on changes in enzyme activity with time and temperature. However, enzyme deactivation also occurs during enzymatic reactions conducted at different temperatures, and this process is characterized by specific deactivation parameters. The study is to present the rate constants of deactivation $k_d$, for selected biotransformation processes. The selected biotransformation processes are hydrolysis of olive oil by lipase, hydrolysis of inulin by inulinase, and hydrolysis of starch by α-amylase. Given the widespread use of enzymes in industry, the information on enzyme deactivation presented in this study can be used by engineers involved in modeling and optimizing enzymatic processes. This knowledge is also essential for the effective and sustainable use of enzymes in industrial applications. It is important to emphasize that the deactivation parameters discussed in this study also carry significant economic, social, and environmental implications. Full article

This study investigated the development of a sugar-free prebiotic and probiotic dark chocolate formulated with 39.76% cocoa mass, 41.856% cocoa butter, 14.8% inulin, and 1.6% stevioside. To enhance the stability of the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, a microencapsulation technique using a cocoa powder, Na-alginate, and fructooligosaccharides (10:1:1 ratio) matrix was employed. The physicochemical properties and probiotic viability were monitored over a 120-day storage period at 25 °C. A significant increase in pH values was observed during storage (p < 0.05), while water activity (a_w) values significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Encapsulation provided superior protection, with encapsulated samples retaining 2.51 log CFU/g more probiotics than unencapsulated samples after 120 days. Furthermore, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion assays conducted after one day of storage demonstrated the protective efficacy of the matrix; while unencapsulated probiotics suffered a drastic reduction of 6.42 log CFU/g under gastric conditions (pH 3, 2 h), the encapsulated probiotics showed a significantly lower reduction of only 3.99 log CFU/g. These results confirm that the Na-alginate/FOS-based encapsulation significantly improves the resilience of S. boulardii against both storage conditions and gastrointestinal stress, making this sugar-free prebiotic chocolate an effective delivery vehicle for probiotic yeasts. Full article

Salt reduction is an important strategy for healthy diets. Our previous study developed low-sodium chickpea nang (LCHN) using potassium chloride, wheat gluten, inulin and L-lysine. However, consumers also value taste. The impact of this reformulation on oral processing characteristics remains unclear. This study collected chewing samples from 12 volunteers at five mastication stages (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of regular chickpea nang (CHN) and LCHN, measuring chewing parameters, bolus moisture content, saliva addition amount, and flow rate. Results indicated that LCHN had a significantly shorter swallowing time (24.22 ± 3.63 s vs. 27.84 ± 6.01 s, p < 0.05, Cohen’s d = 0.73), while the number of chews (Nc), chewing frequency (Fc), bolus moisture content, and saliva flow rate showed no inter-group differences across all mastication stages (p > 0.05). Bolus moisture content increased significantly with mastication progression in both groups (p < 0.05), whereas saliva addition amount and flow rate decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Additionally, higher chewing frequency correlated with increased saliva addition amount and reduced flow rate (p < 0.05). In CHN, the Nc positively correlated with chewing time (r = 0.452, p < 0.01) and frequency (r = 0.458, p < 0.01), whereas in LCHN it negatively correlated with time (r = −0.329, p < 0.05) and positively with frequency (r = 0.884, p < 0.01). These findings provide theoretical basis for low-sodium baked product development. Full article

Background: Green tea catechins and inulin may improve metabolic health and modulate the gut microbiota; however, double-blind trials evaluating visceral fat, insulin resistance, and microbiota concurrently are limited. Methods: We conducted a double-blind, parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in Japanese adults aged 20–75 years with visceral fat area (VFA) ≥ 80 cm² and BMI ≥ 23 kg/m² (trial registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT), jRCTs021230004 (registered 16 May 2023)). Participants were randomized to a catechin + inulin beverage (catechins 400 mg/day; inulin 2.3 g/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in VFA (bioelectrical impedance). Secondary outcomes included HOMA-IR, metabolic markers, liver fat assessed by the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), and genus-level gut microbiota. Results: Ninety-six participants were randomized (catechin + inulin, n = 49; placebo, n = 47); 47 and 44, respectively, were included in the full analysis set for the primary outcome. The 12-week change in VFA did not differ between groups (mean change: +0.91 vs. +4.61 cm²; p = 0.243). HOMA-IR decreased in the catechin + inulin group and increased in the placebo group, yielding a significant between-group difference (mean change: −0.32 vs. +0.18; p = 0.020). No other secondary outcomes showed significant between-group differences. In exploratory microbiota analyses, no genus remained significant after false discovery rate correction; however, Coprococcus and Bifidobacterium showed nominal between-group differences (unadjusted p < 0.05). Changes in Coprococcus were inversely correlated with changes in HOMA-IR (r = −0.28; p = 0.010). Conclusions: Catechin plus inulin for 12 weeks did not reduce visceral fat but was associated with improved insulin resistance. Exploratory analyses suggest a potential association between increased Coprococcus and improved HOMA-IR, warranting further investigation. Full article

Vaccinium myrtillus L. (bilberry) leaves have traditionally been used to manage hyperglycaemia in folk medicine. The combination of plant polyphenols with dietary fibres such as inulin may offer enhanced metabolic benefits; however, their combined effects remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the antihyperglycaemic effects of bilberry leaf extract (VME) and its inulin-enriched formulation (VMEI), and to investigate their potential as functional food components for managing type 2 diabetes. VME and VMEI were assessed using in vitro enzyme inhibition and an in vivo Caenorhabditis elegans model to evaluate toxicity. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to profile major compounds. A three-month dietary intervention was conducted in mice fed a high-fat, high-sucrose (HFHS) diet to examine the glucose-lowering effects of the extracts. HPLC analysis identified chlorogenic acid as the major constituent, followed by quercetin derivatives. VMEI exhibited stronger α-glucosidase inhibition than VME, indicating synergistic activity. Rutin and hyperoside showed the highest inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. In C. elegans, VME displayed moderate toxicity at higher doses, and both extracts reduced locomotion. In the mouse model, both VME and VMEI significantly reduced blood glucose levels in HFHS-fed mice, with effects comparable to healthy control. VMEI showed more pronounced improvements, still not statistically significant. Overall, the combination of bilberry leaf polyphenols with inulin demonstrated enhanced in vitro enzyme inhibition, while in vivo findings indicate potential antihyperglycaemic effects that warrant further investigation. These results support the continued exploration of VMEI as a functional food candidate for metabolic health management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) are increasingly explored as food and feed additives, there is still limited evidence on how the commonly consumed dietary fibre matrix modulates their effects on the gut microbiota. This study evaluated whether different dietary fibres (cellulose, pectin, inulin, psyllium) modulate Cu-NP–driven changes in caecal microbiota activity, composition, and bile acid metabolism in rats in a multifactorial design accounting for fibre type, copper dose, and copper form. Methods: Wistar male rats (n = 10 per group, 10 groups) were fed semi-purified diets for 6 weeks. Cu-NPs were provided at 6.5 or 13 mg Cu/kg diet and combined with cellulose (control fibre) or with pectin, inulin, or psyllium. Caecal digesta parameters, microbial enzyme activities, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids, and 16S rRNA sequencing were used to assess microbial diversity. Results: Final body weight did not differ among groups, whereas feed intake decreased most consistently with inulin and psyllium. Inulin and psyllium increased caecal digesta and tissue mass, while pectin increased caecal ammonia. Higher Cu-NPs dose reduced several microbial enzyme activities and lowered major SCFAs across most treatments; pectin most strongly preserved/enhanced glycosidase activities and was associated with increased SCFA levels vs. control, with a 32% rise in acetate, a 47% rise in propionate, and a 61% rise in butyrate. Fibre type dominated bile acid outcomes: psyllium reduced total bile acids by 11.8% vs. control, while inulin increased muricholic acids by 216% vs. control. Microbiota alpha and beta diversity separated primarily by fibre type, with distinct clustering particularly in pectin-fed groups. Across comparisons, Mucispirillum was consistently reduced in fibre-supplemented groups vs. cellulose, alongside recurrent changes in selected genera; functional profiling highlighted shared shifts in carbohydrate, fermentation, transport, and stress-response features under Cu-NPs exposure. Conclusions: The gastrointestinal and microbiota responses to Cu-NPs are strongly fibre-dependent; thus, Cu-NP safety and functionality should be evaluated together with the accompanying dietary fibre matrix, not as a standalone exposure. Implications for humans remain indirect and require confirmation in human-relevant models and clinical settings. Full article

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is a widely used nutritional and medicinal plant, whose roots are an important commercial source of inulin, while the aerial parts are often discarded during industrial processing. This study systematically compared chicory polysaccharides (CPs) extracted from aerial parts (CP-A) and roots (CP-R) with respect to their compositional features and cytoprotective effects in an oxygen–glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced H9c2 cell injury model. CP-A and CP-R differed in molecular weight distribution and monosaccharide composition, with CP-R exhibiting a higher molecular weight and fructose content. Despite these differences, both fractions significantly improved cell viability and reduced oxidative and biochemical injury markers. Integrated proteomic and transcriptomic analyses indicated that CP-A and CP-R were associated with the modulation of stress-responsive signaling networks, prominently involving oxidative stress-linked MAPK/NF-κB pathways. These findings demonstrate comparable cytoprotective activities of polysaccharide-rich fractions from roots and aerial parts and support the valorization of chicory aerial biomass as a potential source of functional ingredients for cardiovascular health. Full article

The gut microbiota’s (GM) regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress is supported by existing evidence, and its dysregulation relates to brain disease. Indeed, probiotics and prebiotics have been shown to improve cognitive function. This is associated with a stronger gut and blood–brain barrier and less gut inflammation. Oligofructose-enriched inulin alters the GM, reduces body fat, and lowers interleukin-6 (IL-6) in obese patients. Moreover, by increasing glutathione (GSH), the ketogenic diet (KD) prevents seizures and also benefits the intestinal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile. Given the evidence on managing epileptic conditions, the aim of this review is to assess how changing the gut microbiota (GM) can be a therapeutic method for preventing neurodegenerative dysfunctions associated with epileptic seizure onset and progression, with a focus on innovative supplement strategies, including endogenous and exogenous antioxidants, nutrition, and new phyto-therapies. Indeed, though drugs are the main treatment for epilepsy, the KD and other supplements are increasingly being considered. These compounds affect neuronal excitability, neurotransmitter release, and neuroinflammation, thus providing an anticonvulsant effect. Specifically, the KD prevents seizures by increasing GSH levels, which represents a crucial endogenous antioxidant that plays a key role in counteracting neuroinflammation and gut microbiota dysfunction. Furthermore, due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, plant extract derivatives may be new agents that could reduce neuroinflammation in seizures, affecting the gut–brain axis (GBA) through the intestinal microbiota. In conclusion, data suggest that further clinical studies are needed to explore how the GM impacts epilepsy, and how specific nutraceuticals might offer probiotic benefits. Thus, a combined effect of nutraceuticals and functional food might be appealing, potentially resulting in a more beneficial therapeutic outcome. Full article