Search Results (267)

Sesame oil extraction byproduct (SOEB) contains a high percentage of protein (49.81 g/100 g), making it a suitable plant-based source for producing protein hydrolysates with nutraceutical potential. In this study, albumins, globulins, glutelins, and prolamins fractions were extracted and characterized from SOEB. These fractions were then enzymatically hydrolyzed with alcalase, yielding high soluble protein content (>90%) and hydrolysis degrees ranging from 34.66 to 45.10%. The hydrolysates were fractionated by molecular weight (<5 kDa, 3–5 kDa, 1–3 kDa, and <1 kDa). These fractions demonstrated potential for inhibiting the DPPH radical (25.19–95.79%) and the α-glucosidase enzyme (40.14–55.63%), particularly the fractions with molecular weight <1 kDa. We identified 28 peptides, with molecular weights between 332.20 and 1096.63 Da, which showed potent antioxidant activities (IC₅₀ = 90.18 µg/mL), as well as inhibitory effects on key enzymes such as α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 61.48 µg/mL), dipeptidyl peptidase IV (IC₅₀ = 12.12 µg/mL), and pancreatic lipase (IC₅₀ = 6.14 mg/mL). These results demonstrate the antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity potential of SOEB peptides, highlighting their use in the formulation of new functional foods or nutraceuticals. Full article

Due to the limited scientific exploration of Argania spinosa (L.) skeel husk, this study presents the first investigation of the metabolite profile of methanol and acetone extracts analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization and high-resolution multistage mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/HRMSMS). A total of 43 compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acid and flavonoid derivatives, saponins, and triterpenic acids, were identified, some of which have not been previously reported in this species. The total phenols (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) content were spectrophotometrically determined. A multi-target approach was applied to investigate the antioxidant potential using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), β-carotene bleaching, and Ferric Reducing Ability Power (FRAP) tests. Carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes and lipase inhibitory activities were also assessed. The acetone extract exhibited the highest TPC and TFC values, resulting in being the most active in β-carotene bleaching test with IC₅₀ values of 26.68 and 13.82 µg/mL, after 30 and 60 min of incubation, respectively. Moreover, it was the most active against both α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes with IC₅₀ values of 12.37 and 18.93 µg/mL, respectively. These results pointed out that this by-product is a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals potentially useful for prevention of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Full article

Background: Diabetes and cancer are two of the most life-threatening disorders affecting individuals of all ages worldwide. This study aimed to develop a novel Acrocomia aculeata (bocaiuva) fruit pulp oil-loaded nanoemulsion and evaluate its inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase, as well as its antiglycant activity and cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Additionally, this study assessed the impact of both the oil and the nanoemulsion on blood cells. Methods: The pulp oil was extracted by cold pressing. The oil’s physicochemical properties were determined according to the AOAC and the Brazilian Pharmacopeia. The lipid profile was performed by GC-MS. The nanoemulsion was prepared by the phase inversion method using ultrasonic stirring for particle size reduction and for homogenization. Response Surface Methodology was used for optimizing nanoemulsion preparation. Enzyme inhibition tests were conducted using assay kits. Cytotoxicity in cancer cells was evaluated using the Sulforhodamine B assay. Results: Comprehensive physicochemical and chemical characterization of bocaiuva oil was performed, identifying oleic acid (71.25%) as the main component. The oil contains 23.04% saturated fatty acids, 73.79% monounsaturated acids, and 3.0% polyunsaturated fatty acids. The nanoemulsion (particle size 173.6 nm; zeta potential −14.10 mV) inhibited α-glucosidase (IC₅₀: 43.21 µg/mL) and pancreatic lipase (IC₅₀: 41.99 µg/mL), and revealed a potent antiglycation effect (oxidative IC₅0: 18.36 µg/mL; non-oxidative pathway IC₅₀: 16.33 µg/mL). The nanoemulsion demonstrated good cytotoxicity and selectivity against prostate cancer cells (IC₅₀: 19.13 µg/mL) and breast cancer cells (IC₅₀: 27.22 µg/mL), without inducing hemolysis, platelet aggregation, or anticoagulant effects. Conclusions: In this study, a comprehensive physical and chemical characterization of bocaiuva fruit pulp oil was conducted for the first time as a preliminary step toward its future standardization as an active ingredient in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. The resulting nanoemulsion represents a novel alternative for managing diabetes and cancer. Although the nanoemulsion exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to doxorubicin, it remains promising due to its composition of essential fatty acids, phenols, and carotenoids, which offer multiple health benefits. Further studies are needed to validate its efficacy and safety in clinical applications. Full article

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

This study investigated the natural bioactive compounds in Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. (P. cuspidatum) by fractionating a 70% ethanol extract using n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of each fraction were determined, and their antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Additionally, the anti-diabetic potential was assessed via α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, while anti-obesity activity was evaluated using lipase inhibitory activity. The fractions were also tested for tyrosinase and elastase inhibitory activities to assess their skin-whitening and anti-wrinkle potential, and their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was determined using the agar diffusion method. Finally, bioactive compounds were identified and quantified using HPLC and GC–MSD. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction possessed the highest total polyphenol content (0.53 ± 0.01 g GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (0.19 ± 0.02 g QE/g). It also exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with the lowest DPPH radical scavenging IC₅₀ (0.01 ± 0.00 mg/mL), ABTS radical scavenging IC₅₀ (0.06 ± 0.00 mg/mL), and the highest FRAP value (6.02 ± 0.30 mM Fe²⁺/mg). Moreover, it demonstrated potent enzyme inhibitory activities, including tyrosinase inhibitory activity (67.78 ± 2.50%), elastase inhibitory activity (83.84 ± 1.64%), α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (65.14 ± 10.29%), and lipase inhibitory activity (85.79 ± 1.04%). In the antibacterial activity, the ethyl acetate fraction produced a clear inhibitory zone of 19.50 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, indicating notable antibacterial activity. HPLC-PDA and GC–MSD analyses identified tannic acid and emodin as the major bioactive constituents. These findings suggest that the ethyl acetate fraction of P. cuspidatum extract, rich in polyphenol and flavonoid compounds, is a promising natural source of bioactive ingredients for applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Further research is needed to explore its mechanisms and therapeutic applications. Full article

Edible flowers are gaining recognition as rich sources of nutrients and phytochemicals. In Mexico, the flower of Agave inaequidens has been traditionally consumed since pre-Hispanic times. This study investigated its nutritional profile and the in vitro gastrointestinal bioaccessibility of its phenolic fraction. During in vitro digestion (oral, gastric, and intestinal), the total phenolic content of A. inaequidens significantly decreased from 138 to 21 mg GAE/100 g DW (15.22% bioaccessibility), while total flavonoid content dropped from 8 to 4.6 mg CE/100 g DW (57.5% bioaccessibility). Consequently, antioxidant activity, assessed by ABTS, DPPH, and hemolysis inhibition assays, also declined post-digestion. Interestingly, the digestive process modulated the flower’s inhibitory activity against digestive enzymes before and after in vitro digestion: α-amylase inhibition slightly decreased (IC₅₀ 1.8 to 2.1 mg/mL), but α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ 2.7 to 1.6 mg/mL) and lipase (IC₅₀ > 3 to 1.4 mg/mL) inhibition increased. The A. inaequidens flower is a good source of fiber and low in fat. These findings underscore its potential as a functional food ingredient, offering bioaccessible phenolic compounds with antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties. Full article

Obesity and its associated complications, including oxidative stress, pose significant global health challenges. Natural products offer a promising avenue for developing novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, we investigated the potential of Panax japonicus (T. Nees) C.A. Meyer, a traditional medicinal plant known for its antioxidant and anti-obesity properties. A methanol extract of Panax japonicus and its fractions were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activities (tested using DPPH and reducing power assays), pancreatic lipase (PL) inhibitory capacities, and underlying mechanisms of action. The results indicated that the ethyl acetate fraction of P. japonicus (PJEA) exhibited the greatest potency, demonstrating strong antioxidant activity and significantly inhibiting digestive enzyme activity (pancreatic lipase). Mechanistic studies revealed that the PL inhibition was of a mixed type, combining both competitive and non-competitive mechanisms. Furthermore, PJEA demonstrated the ability to inhibit the differentiation of preadipocytes, primarily exerting its anti-adipogenic effects by downregulating the mRNA expression of PPARγ and the gene expression of C/EBPα. In addition, the extract suppressed the gene expression of FAS and ACC in adipose tissue. Isolation of the bioactive compounds from PJEA identified kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnoside and catechin, which potentially contribute to the observed anti-obesity effects. Overall, this study highlights P. japonicus as a promising natural ingredient for scavenging free radicals and managing obesity, suggesting its potential for development into functional foods or therapeutic agents. Full article

Obesity is a chronic epidemic caused by abnormal fat metabolism. As a key digestive enzyme, pancreatic lipase (PL) is an important target for regulating fat metabolism. The inhibitory potential of 5,10,15,20-Tetrakis (4-aminophenyl) porphyrin (TAPP), 5,10,15,20-Tetrakis (4-hydroxyphenyl) porphyrin (THPP), meso-Tetra (4-carboxyphenyl) porphine (TCPP), Cu (II) meso-Tetra (4-carboxyphenyl) porphine (Cu-TCPP) on PL was studied by enzymatic kinetics, multi-spectral, and molecular simulation technology. THPP, TCPP, TAPP, and Cu-TCPP all had good PL inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ range: 97.49–248.70 μM) and were uncompetitive inhibitors. The order of inhibitory ability was: THPP > TCPP > TAPP > Cu-TCPP. The fluorescence quenching mechanism of THPP to PL was a mixed quenching dominated by static quenching, while TCPP, TAPP, and Cu-TCPP were static quenching. The binding of THPP, TCPP and TAPP to PL was mainly driven by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces, while Cu-TCPP was mainly driven by a hydrophobic interaction. Four porphyrin compounds changed the conformation of PL, affected the microenvironment of Tyr and Trp residues, and induced changes in the secondary structure of PL, thereby reducing the stability and catalytic activity of PL. Hydrogen bonds played an important role in the binding stability of THPP, TCPP, TAPP, and PL. Full article

This research is designed to explore the effect of roasting on the release, bioaccessibility, and bioactivity of polyphenols in highland barley (HB). The findings of in vitro digestion indicated that roasting significantly improved the bioaccessibility of polyphenols in HB flour (gastrointestinal digestion stage: raw HB: 187.28%, roasted HB: 285.65%; colonic fermentation stage: raw HB: 188.13%, roasted HB: 255.36%) and enhanced its antioxidant activity. Moreover, the inhibitory impacts of polyphenols on the activities of α -amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase mainly occur in the small intestine. Roasting increased inhibitory activities of polyphenols on α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase in the small intestine (p < 0.05), with IC50 values of 71.31 ± 1.35 μg FAE/mL, 60.44 ± 1.35 μg FAE/mL, and 52.94 ± 2.51 μg FAE/mL, respectively. HepG2 cells, a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, are commonly employed in oxidative stress and antioxidant studies due to their ability to mirror the protective effects of bioactive compounds against oxidative damage in liver cells. This study aimed to establish a model of H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress injury in HepG2 cells and to evaluate the protective effect of digested HB polyphenol extract against oxidative injury. It was found that the polyphenols extracted from roasted HB help reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) through increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), thereby providing enhanced defense against oxidative damage in HepG2 cells. The findings of this research pave the way for the development of new functional foods utilizing roasted HB. Full article

Plantago ovata has been utilized as an effective natural remedy with minimal side effects, offering a promising alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals. The supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of Plantago ovata leaves yielded 0.417 g and 0.532 g at 40 °C and 80 °C, respectively. The 40 °C extract exhibited stronger antimicrobial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) as low as 15.62 µg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) as low as 31.25 µg/mL against Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans. In contrast, the 80 °C extract demonstrated reduced activity, with MICs and MBCs up to 250 and 500 µg/mL, respectively. The 40 °C extract also showed superior lipase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 17.21 µg/mL) compared to the 80 °C extract (IC₅₀ = 26.42 µg/mL), although orlistat remained the most potent (IC₅₀ = 6.02 µg/mL). In addition, cytotoxicity assays revealed stronger effects of the 40 °C extract on Caco-2 colon cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 109.47 µg/mL) compared to the 80 °C extract (IC₅₀ = 174.81 µg/mL). These results suggest that the lower-temperature SFE of P. ovata yields extracts with enhanced antimicrobial, anti-obesity, and anticancer activities, supporting its potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Full article

The advancement of modern lifestyles has precipitated excessive consumption of energy-dense foods, driving the escalating global burden of lipid metabolism dysregulation-related pathologies—including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular disorders—which collectively pose a formidable challenge to global public health systems. The almond hull, as a by-product of almond processing, is rich in polyphenolic compounds with demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering potential, though its precise hypo-lipidemic mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, polyphenols were extracted from almond hulls using 50% ethanol with ultrasound-assisted extraction, followed by preliminary purification via solvent partitioning. The ethyl acetate fraction was analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to investigate the interactions between key bioactive constituents (e.g., quercetin, baicalein, and kaempferol) and targets in lipid metabolism-related pathways. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations further evaluated the stability of the lowest-energy complexes. Results revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited potent pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 204.2 µg/mL). At 0.1 mg/mL after 24 h treatment, it significantly reduced free fatty acids (FFAs)-induced intracellular triglyceride accumulation (p < 0.01) and enhanced cellular antioxidant capacity. Network pharmacology and in vitro studies suggest almond hull extract modulates PI3K-AKT signaling and improves insulin resistance, demonstrating lipid-lowering effects. These findings support its potential in functional foods and pharmaceuticals, though further in vivo validation and mechanistic investigations are required. Full article

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a plant grown for its roots, which are used to obtain sugar, feed animals, and for human use. Beetroot skin, a by-product of food processing, is a significant source of bioactive compounds, including dietary fiber and antioxidants. The primary objective of this work was to utilize beetroot skin powder to produce value-added nougat. Analytical methods, like antioxidant activity tests, proximate analysis, and sensory assessments, are used to determine the impact of beetroot skin powder on the final product. The beetroot skin powder extract had a remarkable content of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. The inhibitory effect of the extract was tested on enzymes linked to metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The beetroot skin powder extract inhibited α-glucosidase, α-amylase, lipase, and lipoxygenase enzymes. The characterization of value-added nougat illustrates the multifunctionality of beetroot peel powder within its composition, serving as a significant source of natural compounds with antioxidant, coloring, and flavoring properties. This enhances sensory attributes, including color, aroma, and texture, augmenting product diversity and consumer appeal. This is evidenced by the increase in the total content of betalains (3.77 ± 0.09 mg/g DW.) and polyphenols (69.48 ± 2.88 mg GAE/100 g DW.), which lead to high antioxidant activity (73.89 ± 3.65 mM Trolox/100 g DW.) for the nougat sample with 6% added beetroot powder. Thus, beetroot skin powder replaced chemically synthesized additives with antioxidants and natural pigments, improving life quality and implicitly capitalizing on beetroot processing by-products, supporting circular economy principles at the global level. Full article

Erica spiculifolia Salisb. (formerly Bruckenthalia spiculifolia Benth.) (Balkan heath) is renowned for its traditional usage as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. For the first time, acylquinic acids, flavonoids and numerous proanthocyanidin oligomers were annotated/dereplicated by liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry in methanol–aqueous extracts from E. spiculifolia aerial parts harvested at the early and full flowering stage. Chlorogenic acid and proanthocyanidin tetra- and trimer A, B-type together with quercitrin and (+) catechin were the predominant compounds in the semi-quantitative analysis. Neutral triterpenoids, triterpenoid acids and phytosterols were determined in apolar extracts by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Triterpenoid acids accounted for 80% of the total triterpenoid content, dominated by ursolic and oleanolic acid, reaching up to 32.2 and 6.1 mg/g dw, respectively. Ursa/olean-2,12-dien-28-oic acids and 3-keto-derivatives together with α-amyrin acetate as a chemotaxonomic marker, α-amyrenone, α- and β-amyrin were evaluated. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 83.85 ± 0.89 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and 78.91 ± 0.41 mg rutin equivalents/g, respectively. The extract actively scavenged DPPH and ABTS radicals (540.01 and 639.11 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/g), possessed high potential to reduce copper and iron ions (660.32 and 869.22 mg TE/g, respectively), and demonstrated high metal chelating capacity (15.57 Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid equivalents/g). It exhibited prominent anti-lipase (18.32 mg orlistat equivalents/g) and anti-tyrosinase (71.90 mg kojic acid equivalents/g) activity. The extract inhibited α-glucoside (1.35 mmol acarbose equivalents/g) and acetylcholinesterase (2.56 mg galanthamin equivalents/g), and had moderate effects on α-amylase, elastase, collagenase and hyaluronidase. Balkan heath could be recommended for raw material production with antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties. Full article

Sesquiterpenoid hormones are widely present in arthropods and play crucial roles in growth, molting and reproduction. Methyl farnesoate (MF) functions similarly to juvenile hormone (JH) in crustaceans, playing a broad regulatory role in their growth and development. However, compared to insects, systematic studies on the mechanisms of sesquiterpenoid hormones in crustaceans are still lacking. Neocaridina denticulata, a small freshwater shrimp known for its fast growth, high reproductive capacity and ease of maintenance, is an ideal model organism for crustacean research. To investigate the effects of MF on the growth and development of juvenile N. denticulata, MF feeding experiments were conducted and the changes at the phenotypic and molecular levels were examined. In this experiment, the basal diet was used as a control, with 40 μg/kg, 4 μg/kg and 0.4 μg/kg of MF added to the feed. The MF-enriched diets were fed to juvenile N. denticulata and the growth in body length was measured every 10 days. After 40 days of feeding experiment, the activities of amylase (AMS), lipase (LPS), trypsin (Try), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) were assessed, and transcriptome analysis was performed. We found that MF showed an initial inhibitory effect on body length (day 30), but by day 40, the low-concentration group exhibited significantly enhanced growth compared to the control, indicating a dose- and time-dependent effect. Activities of AMS, LPS, Try and SOD generally decreased, whereas MDA levels and GSH-PX activity increased after 40 days of MF exposure. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis revealed that MF regulated various biological processes including growth, metabolism and immune responses. High concentration group appeared to restrict growth via modulation of exoskeleton-related and cellular stress genes. Medium concentration group enhanced growth by optimizing metabolic and signaling pathways. Low concentration group preferentially up-regulated genes related to muscle function, potentially supporting locomotion and competitive ability. This study provides new insights into the regulatory mechanism of sesquiterpenoid hormones in crustaceans and their potential applications in aquaculture in the future. Full article

The rising interest in functional fermented beverages, such as kombucha and water kefir, has stimulated research into their health benefits. This study aimed to investigate the combined bioactive potential of kombucha and water kefir by fermenting a novel medium prepared by mixing them in a 1:1 v/v ratio. The fermentation process involved using both SCOBY and water kefir grains (WKGs) separately, as well as co-cultivation, to explore the bioactive properties of the three fermented beverages. Samples were analyzed at 24, 48, and 72 h for changes in pH, microorganism growth, and concentrations of flavonoids and phenolics. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP tests, alongside colorimetric analysis and enzyme inhibition assays against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase. The results demonstrated that longer fermentation times increased both bioactive compound content and antioxidant capacity. The highest phenolic concentration was found in the WKG-fermented mixture (47.58 ± 2.13 mg GAE/100 mL), while the highest iron-reducing capacity was observed in the product fermented with both WKGs and the co-culture of SCOBY-WKGs. Additionally, SCOBY fermentation showed significant inhibitory activity (over 70%) against digestive enzymes. These findings suggest that co-fermenting kombucha and water kefir represents a promising alternative to traditional water kefir, with improved bioactive compound profiles. Full article