Search Results (2,050)

Background: Fermented polysaccharides derived from Morinda citrifolia (noni) have been suggested to modulate innate immune responses, but clinical evidence remains limited. Objectives: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of fermented noni polysaccharides on natural killer (NK) cell activity and immune-related biomarkers in adults with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Methods: A total of 100 adults aged 40 to <75 years with a documented history of ≥2 episodes of upper respiratory tract infection in the prior 12 months were randomly assigned to receive fermented noni polysaccharides (487.5 mg/tablet, two tablets once daily; 975 mg/day of FNP extract) or a matched placebo for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in NK cell activity at effector-to-target (E:T) ratios of 50:1, 25:1, and 12.5:1, assessed using K562 NK-sensitive target cells. Secondary endpoints included circulating cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-1β) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). Eighty-four participants (43 treatment, 41 placebo) were included in the modified intention-to-treat/full analysis set (mITT/FAS); 81 participants (41/40) constituted the per-protocol set (PPS). Primary efficacy was analyzed in the mITT/FAS. This trial was retrospectively registered at CRiS (KCT0011316) after trial completion; the IRB-approved protocol was finalised before enrolment and remained unchanged thereafter. Results: NK cell activity in the treatment group increased from baseline at all three E:T ratios, whereas it slightly decreased in the placebo group. Adjusted between-group LS mean differences (95% CI) were +8.94 (−0.61, 18.50; p = 0.066) at E:T 50:1, +7.68 (−1.14, 16.50; p = 0.087) at 25:1, and +3.29 (−2.95, 9.54; p = 0.145) at 12.5:1, all favouring treatment but not reaching the conventional threshold for significance in the mITT/FAS. Prespecified PPS sensitivity analyses reached significance at E:T 50:1 (+11.03; p = 0.025) and 25:1 (+9.94; p = 0.028). Selected cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β) increased to a greater extent in the treatment group than in the placebo group, whereas TNF-α, IL-12, and IgG were unchanged. URTI incidence at week 4, week 8, and cumulatively did not differ significantly between groups. The intervention was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events and no treatment-related discontinuations. Conclusions: Compared with placebo, fermented noni polysaccharide supplementation showed numerically greater increases in NK cell activity at all three E:T ratios (50:1, 25:1, and 12.5:1) in the primary mITT/FAS analysis, although these between-group differences did not reach statistical significance. Prespecified per-protocol set (PPS) sensitivity analyses showed significant between-group differences at E:T ratios of 50:1 and 25:1. The treatment group also showed greater increases in selected cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10) relative to placebo. No significant between-group differences were observed in URTI incidence, IgG, GARS, WBC, or leukocyte subset proportions. These exploratory biomarker findings, in the absence of safety signals, suggest a possible immunomodulatory profile but do not establish clinical efficacy. Confirmation in larger, prospectively registered trials with clinically adjudicated infection-related endpoints is warranted. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of tamarind seed polysaccharides (TSP) on the quality characteristics and in vitro starch digestibility of steamed buns made from doughs with different freezing storage times (0, 30, and 60 days). The pore structure, specific volume, water distribution, and starch digestibility were analyzed. TSP significantly altered the dough microstructure by increasing pore density and pore volume while reducing the average pore area, forming a more uniform pore network. During freezing storage, the specific volume of control samples decreased, whereas steamed buns with 1–2% TSP maintained a relatively high specific volume (~1.65) after 60 days, indicating improved gas retention and structural stability. TSP also increased bound water and restricted water migration. Additionally, TSP increased resistant starch (RS) from 15.96% to 24% and reduced rapidly digestible starch (RDS). Overall, TSP improved the structural stability of frozen steamed buns by regulating water distribution, strengthening the gluten-starch network, and altering starch digestibility. These findings provide insights into the use of natural polysaccharides to enhance the quality and nutritional function of frozen wheat-based foods. Full article

Ganoderma lucidum spores are widely consumed natural functional materials; however, the influence of sporoderm disruption on the physicochemical characteristics and biological performance of spore polysaccharides remains insufficiently understood. In this study, polysaccharides extracted from intact spores (GLSP-I) and sporoderm-broken spores (GLSP-SB) were systematically compared to clarify how industrial processing affects their physicochemical properties and cytoprotective activity. Chemical characterization demonstrated that sporoderm disruption increased extraction yield and modified molecular weight distribution, monosaccharide composition, and spectroscopic features without fundamentally altering the polysaccharide backbone. Both polysaccharide fractions alleviated TBHP-induced oxidative injury, whereas GLSP-SB exhibited enhanced cytoprotective efficacy. Quantitative proteomic analysis revealed that GLSP-SB regulated a broader set of proteins associated with mitochondrial organization, oxidative stress response, autophagy, and cellular energy metabolism. Functional assays further showed that GLSP-SB promoted mitochondrial biogenesis, restored ATP production, and maintained mitochondrial morphology under oxidative stress conditions. Mechanistic validation demonstrated activation of the SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway, indicating that modulation of this pathway contributes to mitochondrial adaptive responses. These findings suggest that sporoderm disruption reshapes polysaccharide characteristics and is associated with enhanced mitochondrial protective activity, providing mechanistic insight into the rational processing and functional utilization of G. lucidum spore products. Full article

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C and an important source of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and bioactive polysaccharides. Although the fruit can be consumed fresh, it is more commonly processed into juices and frozen pulp, generating substantial amounts of by-products (pomace, peels, and seeds), corresponding to approximately 20–60% of the fruit biomass, with high phytochemical content. These fractions represent underutilized sources of bioactive compounds. This narrative review, supported by a structured literature search, integrates evidence on the phytochemical composition of acerola pulp and its by-products and relates these profiles to biological effects in experimental and human studies, focusing on compound characterization, composition–function relationships, and underlying mechanisms. Key compounds, including ascorbic acid, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, are associated with the modulation of redox homeostasis, inflammatory signaling, and lipid metabolism, particularly under high-fat dietary conditions. Human evidence remains limited but suggests matrix-dependent effects on vitamin C bioavailability and selected cardiometabolic markers. Overall, the evidence is constrained by methodological heterogeneity, limited clinical data, and insufficient characterization of bioactive fractions. Future research should prioritize detailed phytochemical profiling, dose–response relationships, bioavailability assessment, and well-controlled clinical trials incorporating molecular biomarkers, supporting the development of acerola-derived matrices as functional and bioactive-rich ingredients. Full article

Limnospira platensis is a promising sustainable biomass for functional food production. During cultivation, it secretes extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) with underutilized potential as food ingredients. This study aimed to strategically fractionate Spirulina EPS (SEPS) by molecular weight (MW: <30, 30–100, >100 kDa) to elucidate their structure-function relationships for targeted food applications. We found distinct functional diversification: The mid-MW fraction (SEPS-2, 30–100 kDa) was an amphiphilic glycoprotein complex with potential interfacial activity. The high-MW fraction (SEPS-3, >100 kDa) formed a dense, glucose-rich glucan network, suggesting utility as a natural thickener or texturizer. In contrast, the low-MW fraction (SEPS-1, <30 kDa), rich in deoxy-sugars, exhibited superior antioxidant capacity, indicating potential as a bioactive preservative or nutraceutical. Spectroscopic and morphological analyses linked these structural differences to their physicochemical properties. Notably, the 30–100 kDa fraction transitions from a cultivation byproduct to a functional food architect, where its interfacial properties can be leveraged to engineer stable, clean-label emulsion-based food products. This work provides a foundation for the valorization of L. platensis EPS, demonstrating how MW-directed fractionation can unlock tailored functionalities-from bioactive agents to structural polymers-for the development of next-generation foods from circular bioeconomy streams. Full article

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in modern society, and it has become a serious threat to human health. The limitations of existing antidepressant drugs have prompted people to turn to the multi-target, low-toxic side effects of natural products. This article reviews the conventional nutrients (omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, and mineral elements) and functional active ingredients (flavonoids, polysaccharides, saponins, and terpenoids) in medicinal and food homologous substances (MFHs). They show antidepressant potential by regulating neurotransmitters, improving hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function, promoting neuroplasticity, inhibiting neuroinflammation, regulating ferroptosis, and interfering with the gut–brain axis. In addition, this paper discusses the application prospects of modern technologies such as microbial fermentation and nano-delivery in improving the bioavailability of MFHs and product development. In summary, MFHs have potential application value in dietary intervention and adjuvant therapies for depression; in the future, randomized controlled clinical trials should be strengthened, and multi-omics technology should be combined to promote the development of precision products so as to provide a new perspective for the development of new antidepressant drugs. Full article

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a pressing global health challenge, underscoring the urgency of developing effective dietary interventions derived from natural resources. Zaojiaomi polysaccharide (ZJMP) from the endosperm of Gleditsia sinensis seeds (zaojiaomi), a traditional edible product, exhibits largely underexplored potential in T2DM management. Methods: In the present study, the antidiabetic effects and underlying mechanisms of ZJMP were investigated using a rat model of T2DM induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) combined with streptozotocin (STZ). Relevant biochemical indicators were detected, and histopathological examination was performed. The expression levels of key components of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β in renal tissues, were further analyzed. Additionally, gut microbiota composition and the levels of short-chain fatty acids were determined. Results: ZJMP treatment significantly ameliorated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, elevated serum insulin levels, reduced intestinal mucosal permeability, and attenuated histopathological lesions in the heart, kidney, and pancreas of T2DM rats. Meanwhile, ZJMP notably alleviated renal inflammation by suppressing the production of IL-1β and IL-6, as well as inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, ZJMP administration effectively modulated gut microbiota composition and increased fecal concentrations of acetic acid and propionic acid. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings elucidate the novel bioactivity of ZJMP and highlight its potential as a promising functional food ingredient or dietary supplement for T2DM management. Full article

Background: This study aimed to investigate the anti-aging mechanisms of Alpinia oxyphylla polysaccharides (AOFs) through integrated in vivo experiments, network pharmacology, and molecular docking. Methods: Three purified fractions (AOF1, AOF2, and AOF3) were structurally characterized for monosaccharide composition and molecular weight. Anti-aging and antioxidant activities were evaluated using Caenorhabditis elegans, followed by gene expression analysis, network pharmacology target identification, and molecular docking validation. Results: All AOFs significantly extended lifespan, enhanced resistance to oxidative and heat stress, reduced reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, and upregulated superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Gene expression analysis revealed activation of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway through upregulation of daf 16, skn 1, sod 3, ctl 1, and hsp 16.2. Network pharmacology identified 254, 85, and 119 core targets for AOF1, AOF2, and AOF3 respectively, enriched in PI3K/AKT, MAPK, hypoxia, and xenobiotic response pathways. KEGG analysis further implicated lipid and atherosclerosis, HIF 1, FoxO, and PI3K Akt signaling. Molecular docking showed that critical monosaccharides and metformin formed stable hydrogen-bonded complexes with AKT1, INS, SRC, and STAT3. Among the fractions, AOF1 and AOF3 exhibited superior activities. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the multi-target, multi-pathway anti-aging actions of AOFs and support their potential as natural antioxidants and functional food ingredients for anti-aging therapeutics. Full article

The marine benthic invertebrate Urechis unicinctus exhibits extraordinary tolerance to hypoxic environments, making its coelomic fluid a unique and promising biological source for discovering novel stress-adapting macromolecules. Polysaccharides derived from the coelomic fluid of U. unicinctus were systematically extracted, fractionated, and characterized to investigate their structural features and associated biological activities. Gradient ethanol precipitation (30–80%) combined with DEAE-52 ion exchange chromatography yielded twelve fractions with distinct physicochemical properties. Significant variations were observed in molecular weight (10³–10⁵ Da), sulfate content (3.77–24.26%), and monosaccharide composition. High-ethanol fractions, particularly U68P and U18P (extracted at 60 °C and 100 °C, respectively, and both precipitated with 80% ethanol), were enriched in low-molecular-weight, highly sulfated heteropolysaccharides composed of galactose, fucose, glucosamine, and ribose. These fractions exhibited superior antioxidant activities, including strong scavenging effects against DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radicals. Moreover, they demonstrated pronounced neuroprotective effects in the oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model using SH-SY5Y cells, significantly improving cell viability. Structure–activity relationship analysis revealed that reduced molecular weight, increased sulfation degree, and more diverse monosaccharide composition (e.g., more diverse monosaccharide composition) synergistically contribute to improved bioactivity by facilitating cellular uptake and exposing functional groups. In contrast, high-molecular-weight homoglucan fractions showed relatively weak effects. Overall, this study identifies U. unicinctus coelomic fluid as a promising source of bioactive polysaccharides and provides a theoretical basis for the development of marine-derived anti-hypoxic and antioxidant agents. Full article

This study comparatively investigates the efficacy of two natural, plant- and microbe-derived polysaccharides—xanthan gum (XG) and guar gum (GG)—in enhancing the water stability and shear strength of granite residual soil (GRS). GRS specimens treated with varying dosages of XG and GG were cured for 14 days and subsequently evaluated through direct shear and static-water disintegration tests. Concurrently, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) were employed to elucidate the underlying microstructural and pore-scale mechanisms. Direct shear test results indicate that the peak shear strength reached 295.9 kPa (2.0% GG) and 221.0 kPa (1.5% XG), representing increases of 58.2% and 35.7%, respectively. Quantitatively, GG and XG treatments yielded maximum internal friction angle improvements of 52.96% and 39.37%, with peak cohesion increases of 55.27% and 35.7%, respectively. During static-water immersion, the untreated GRS suffered complete disintegration within 200 s. In contrast, the 2.0% GG- and XG-treated specimens preserved overall structural integrity for 24 h. SEM observations revealed that XG and GG reconstruct the soil fabric by forming encapsulating films and interparticle bridging structures. Finally, LF-NMR analysis provided definitive quantitative proof of a “pore refinement” effect, where biopolymer treatment shifted the primary $T_2$ peaks from 4.64 ms to 3.51 ms. Notably, at a 2.0% dosage, dramatic NMR signal surges (up to 747.5 a.u. for XG and 704.3 a.u. for GG) revealed that excessive biopolymers tend to form localized ‘gel lumps’ rather than uniform films. These blobs weaken the biting force between soil particles, thereby accounting for the observed degradation in shear strength. Full article

Chardonnay (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most widely cultivated white grape varieties in Chile, yet integrated studies addressing phenolic composition, polysaccharides, and color in commercial wines remain limited. This study characterized 30 commercial Chardonnay wines from major Chilean regions through a comprehensive analysis of phenolic composition, polysaccharide fractions, and CIELab color parameters, considering multiple sources of variability including vintage (2023–2024), closure type, geographic location, and valley of origin. Basic oenological parameters showed low variability, confirming their strong technological regulation in commercial wines. In contrast, total tannins, selected chromatic coordinates (particularly a* and hue angle), polysaccharide fractions, and several low-molecular-mass phenolics exhibited significant differences mainly associated with geographic origin and closure type. Among phenolic families, hydroxycinnamates, phenolic alcohols, and flavonols emerged as the most discriminant compositional domains. Multivariate analysis revealed that wine differentiation was structured by overlapping compositional gradients involving phenolic evolution, color expression, and polysaccharide composition rather than by vintage alone. Overall, the results highlight the multifactorial nature of Chardonnay wine composition and the combined contribution of grape origin, closure-associated bottle evolution, and winemaking factors. Nevertheless, because wines were commercially sourced and bottle age and storage conditions were not standardized, closure-associated differences should be interpreted cautiously as associations rather than causal effects. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) is a persistent environmental pollutant that poses a significant health risk to humans and animals, with acute exposure known to induce kidney injury. Fucoidan (Fc), a natural bioactive polysaccharide derived from brown algae, exhibits diverse biological activities; however, its potential to protect against Cd-induced kidney damage and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of Fc on Cd-induced renal injury in vitro and further explored the role of transcription factor EB (TFEB) in regulating autophagy in its protective mechanism. Our results demonstrate that in Cd-exposed porcine kidney cells (PK-15), Fc suppressed the expression of renal inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β) and kidney injury markers (NGAL, NTN-1, KIM-1), reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and downregulated apoptosis-related proteins (cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9). Mechanistically, Fc upregulated TFEB protein expression, enhanced the levels of lysosomal function-related proteins (Cathepsin B, CTSB; Cathepsin D, CTSD), and reversed Cd-induced autophagic flux blockade. Importantly, TFEB silencing abolished the protective effects of Fc. Collectively, these findings suggest that Fc exerts renoprotective effects against Cd-induced injury by restoring autophagic flux, a process that involves TFEB. Full article

Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP), a bioactive glucomannan derived from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Bletilla striata, has garnered increasing attention in both the biomedical and food sectors due to its unique physicochemical properties and diverse biological activities. While existing reviews have partially covered BSP’s structural features or single-field applications, a systematic review integrating its structure–activity relationship, full-spectrum chemical modification strategies, and parallel advances in the dual core fields of biomedicine and the food industry remains lacking. This review systematically consolidates recent advances in BSP research, focusing on three interconnected aspects: (1) the structure–activity relationships of BSP, highlighting how molecular weight (10⁴–10⁵ Da), monosaccharide composition (mainly glucose and mannose with variable ratios), glycosidic linkages, and higher-order self-assembled structures (e.g., triple-helix conformation) dictate its functionality in biological systems and food matrices; (2) chemical modification strategies—including carboxymethylation, graft copolymerization, cross-linking, polysaccharide–trace element complexation, phosphorylation, acetylation, and cholesterylation—that overcome intrinsic limitations of native BSP to enhance solubility, targeting, bioactivity, and food-related functional properties; and (3) the expanding applications of BSP and its derivatives in biomedicine (hemostatic materials, tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems, immunomodulation, and antitumor effects) and in the food industry (as natural stabilizers, emulsifiers, functional additives, and bio-based packaging components). Compared with previously published reviews, this work establishes a complete closed-loop logical system from structural characterization to rational modification and cross-field application and provides the most up-to-date systematic summary of BSP research. Key challenges—such as an incomplete understanding of structure-function correlations, insufficient pharmacokinetic data, and a lack of standardized quality control—are discussed, and future research directions are proposed. This review aims to provide a systematic theoretical basis for advancing BSP as a versatile multifunctional material for applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and biomedical fields. Full article

Plant pathogens can result in massive crop destruction globally, thereby increasing starvation, while conventional or synthetic pesticides are harmful to the environment and human health. The urgent need for sustainable and eco-friendly disease management strategies has driven interest in natural biocontrol agents. Ulva sp. produce a sulfated polysaccharide named ulvan, which serves as a multifunctional biostimulant with pronounced antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties against a broad spectrum of phytopathogens. Its complex anionic structure plays a dual role by directly inhibiting pathogen growth through cell membrane disruption and biofilm suppression, while simultaneously inducing plant defense mechanisms through reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling and activation of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins. Recent advances in ulvan extraction, purification, structural analysis, and inhibitory mechanisms of phytopathogens are discussed in this review. Furthermore, the biodegradability and biocompatibility of ulvan highlight its potential applications beyond agriculture, including biomedical and sustainable biomaterial development. By comprehensively analyzing the bioactivity spectrum and mechanistic pathways of ulvan, this review proposes strategic approaches for integrating ulvan into environmentally friendly plant disease management systems, supporting its role in advancing a circular bioeconomy. Full article

In recent years, Marine Natural Products (MNPs) have emerged as a significant source for anticancer drug discovery, as many natural products can offer structural diversity, unique mechanisms of action, and relatively low toxicity. This article provides a systematic review of MNPs with reported anticancer activities from 2020 to 2024. These compounds are classified into seven major categories: terpenoids, alkaloids, sterols, polyketides, peptides and proteins, polysaccharides, and macrolides. For each category, we elaborate on the marine sources, structural identification, in vitro anticancer activity, and preliminary structure–activity relationships. We found that sponges and marine-derived fungi are the most abundant sources of highly active compounds. Furthermore, knowledge graph-based analysis reveals that oxygen- and nitrogen-containing heterocycles constitute the core pharmacophores, and target prediction further indicates that MNPs exert anticancer effects through coordinated modulation of a multi-target network involving kinases, proteasomes, and nuclear receptors. This review contributes significantly to a deeper understanding of recent advances (2020–2024) in MNPs and provides critical guidance for promoting the development of innovative anticancer drugs derived from marine resources. Full article