Optimized Conditions for the Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Aeginetia indica L. and Its Potential Biological Applications.

Aeginetia indica L., a parasitic root in the Orobanchaceae family, is used as a food colorant in traditional Thai desserts. However, scant information is available on its food applications as well as medicinal properties, while overharvesting by the local people has severely depleted wild plant populations. This research, thus, aimed to extract optimized total phenolic content (TPC) in varying extraction conditions using response surface methodology (RSM) and the Box-Behnken design (BBD). Results indicated that an extraction temperature of 90 °C, 80% (v/v) aqueous ethanol, and 0.5% (w/v) solid-to-liquid ratio yielded the highest TPC at 129.39 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight (DW). Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) identified the predominant phenolics as apigenin (109.06 mg/100 g extract) and luteolin (35.32 mg/100 g extract) with trace amounts of naringenin and rutin. Under the optimal extraction condition, the plant extract exhibited antioxidant activities of 5620.58 and 641.52 µmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/g DW determined by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, while the scavenging capacity of total radicals at 50% (SC50) was determined to be 135.50 µg/mL using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The plant extract also exhibited inhibitory activities against the key enzymes relevant to type II diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting the potential for medicinal applications.

Box-Behnken Design-Based Optimization of Phytochemical Extraction from Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw. Associated with Its Antioxidant and Anti-Alzheimer's Properties.

A previous study reported that the ethanolic extract of the edible fern, Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw. (DE), obtained from a non-optimized extraction condition exhibited anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) properties through the inhibition of a rate-limiting enzyme in amyloid peptide formation, ß-secretase-1 (BACE-1). Nevertheless, a non-optimized or suboptimal extraction may lead to several issues, such as a reduction in extraction efficiency and increased time and plant materials. In this study, extraction of the DE was optimized to obtain appropriate BACE-1 inhibition using a Box-Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). Data revealed that the optimal extraction condition was 70% (v/v) aqueous ethanol, 50 min extraction time, 30 °C extraction temperature, and 1:30 g/mL solid/liquid ratio, giving BACE-1 inhibition at 56.33%. In addition, the extract also exhibited significant antioxidant activities compared to the non-optimized extraction. Metabolomic phytochemical profiles and targeted phytochemical analyses showed that kaempferol, quercetin, and their derivatives as well as rosmarinic acid were abundant in the extract. The optimized DE extract also acted synergistically with donepezil, an AD drug suppressing BACE-1 activities. Data received from Drosophila-expressing human amyloid precursor proteins (APPs) and BACE-1, representing the amyloid hypothesis, showed that the optimized DE extract penetrated the fly brains, suppressed BACE-1 activities, and improved locomotor functions. The extract quenched the expression of glutathione S transferase D1 (GSTD1), inositol-requiring enzyme (IRE-1), and molecular chaperone-binding immunoglobulin (Bip), while donepezil suppressed these genes and other genes involved in antioxidant and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, including superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF-6), and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK). To sum up, the optimized extraction condition reduced extraction time while resulting in higher phytochemicals, antioxidants, and BACE-1 inhibitors.

Optimization of Phytochemical-Rich Citrus maxima Albedo Extract Using Response Surface Methodology.

In the present study, response surface methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken design (BBD) were employed to optimize the conditions for the extraction of C. maxima albedo from agricultural waste, to obtain notable phytochemicals. Ethanol concentration, extraction temperature, and extraction time were included as key factors contributing to the extraction. The results showed that the optimum extraction condition for C. maxima albedo was 50% (v/v) aqueous ethanol at 30 °C for 4 h, which provided total phenolic contents and total flavonoid contents at 15.79 mg of gallic equivalent/g dry weight (DW) and 4.50 mg of quercetin equivalent/g DW, respectively. Considerable amounts of hesperidin and naringenin at 161.03 and 3430.41 µg/g DW, respectively, were detected in the optimized extract using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). The extract was later subjected to a test for its enzyme-inhibitory activities against key enzymes relevant to Alzheimer's disease (AD), obesity, and diabetes as well as for its mutagenicity potential. Among enzyme inhibitory activities, the extract showed the highest inhibitory strength against ß-secretase (BACE-1), which is a drug target for AD treatment. The extract was also devoid of mutagenicity properties. Overall, this study demonstrated a simple and optimal extraction procedure for C. maxima albedo with a significant quantity of phytochemicals, health benefits, and genome safety.

Molecular Engineering of E. coli Bacterioferritin: A Versatile Nanodimensional Protein Cage.

Currently, intense interest is focused on the discovery and application of new multisubunit cage proteins and spherical virus capsids to the fields of bionanotechnology, drug delivery, and diagnostic imaging as their internal cavities can serve as hosts for fluorophores or bioactive molecular cargo. Bacterioferritin is unusual in the ferritin protein superfamily of iron-storage cage proteins in that it contains twelve heme cofactors and is homomeric. The goal of the present study is to expand the capabilities of ferritins by developing new approaches to molecular cargo encapsulation employing bacterioferritin. Two strategies were explored to control the encapsulation of a diverse range of molecular guests compared to random entrapment, a predominant strategy employed in this area. The first was the inclusion of histidine-tag peptide fusion sequences within the internal cavity of bacterioferritin. This approach allowed for the successful and controlled encapsulation of a fluorescent dye, a protein (fluorescently labeled streptavidin), or a 5 nm gold nanoparticle. The second strategy, termed the heme-dependent cassette strategy, involved the substitution of the native heme with heme analogs attached to (i) fluorescent dyes or (ii) nickel-nitrilotriacetate (NTA) groups (which allowed for controllable encapsulation of a histidine-tagged green fluorescent protein). An in silico docking approach identified several small molecules able to replace the heme and capable of controlling the quaternary structure of the protein. A transglutaminase-based chemoenzymatic approach to surface modification of this cage protein was also accomplished, allowing for future nanoparticle targeting. This research presents novel strategies to control a diverse set of molecular encapsulations and adds a further level of sophistication to internal protein cavity engineering.

Road to The Red Carpet of Edible Crickets through Integration into the Human Food Chain with Biofunctions and Sustainability: A Review.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that more than 500 million people, especially in Asia and Africa, are suffering from malnutrition. Recently, livestock farming has increased to supply high-quality protein, with consequent impact on the global environment. Alternative food sources with high nutritive values that can substitute livestock demands are urgently required. Recently, edible crickets have been promoted by the FAO to ameliorate the food crisis. In this review, the distribution, nutritive values, health-promoting properties (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-obesity), safety, allergenicity as well as the potential hazards and risks for human consumption are summarized. Cricket farming may help to realize the United Nations sustainable development goal No. 2 Zero Hunger. The sustainability of cricket farming is also discussed in comparison with other livestock. The findings imply that edible crickets are safe for daily intake as a healthy alternative diet due to their high protein content and health-promoting properties. Appropriate use of edible crickets in the food and nutraceutical industries represents a global business potential. However, people who are allergic to shellfish should pay attention on cricket allergy. Thus, the objective of this review was to present in-depth and up-to-date information on edible crickets to advocate and enhance public perception of cricket-based food.

A Comparison of the Nutritional and Biochemical Quality of Date Palm Fruits Obtained Using Different Planting Techniques.

Date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is commonly consumed around the world and has recently become an economical crop in Eastern Thailand, especially the Barhi cultivar that can be consumed as fresh fruit. To maintain genetic qualities, date palm is populated through cell culture. This leads to high production costs, while access to this technique is limited. Increasing date palm population by simple seed planting is currently of interest as an alternative for local farmers. Nevertheless, information on nutritive values, bioactive compounds, and health-promoting bioactivities of seed originating from date palm fruit is unavailable. Effects of different planting origins (cell culture origin (CO) and seed origin (SO)) of date palm fruits at the Khalal stage of Barhi cultivar were investigated for nutritive values, bioactive compounds, and in vitro health-promoting properties via key enzyme inhibitions against obesity (lipase), diabetes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV), Alzheimer's disease (cholinesterases and ß-secretase), and hypertension (angiotensin-converting enzyme). Waste seeds as a by-product from date palm production were also examined regarding these properties to increase seed marketing opportunities for future food applications and other health-related products. CO and SO exhibited insignificant differences in energy, fat, and carbohydrate contents. SO had higher protein, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, and calcium contents than CO, while CO contained higher contents of fructose, glucose and maltose. Higher phenolic contents in SO led to greater enzyme inhibitory activities than CO. Interestingly, seeds of date palm fruits mostly contained higher nutritive values than the flesh. No carotenoids were detected in seeds but higher phenolic contents resulted in greater enzyme inhibitory activities than recorded for fruit flesh. Results suggest that appropriate planting of date palm can support the development of novel date palm fruit products, leading to expansion of economic opportunities and investment in date palm fruit agriculture.

In Vitro Phytotherapeutic Properties of Aqueous Extracted Adenia viridiflora Craib. towards Civilization Diseases.

Adenia viridiflora Craib. is an indigenous edible plant that became an endangered species due to limited consumption of the local population with unknown reproduction and growth conditions. The plant is used as a traditional herb; however, its health applications lack scientific-based evidence. A. viridiflora Craib. plant parts (old leaves and young shoots) from four areas as Kamphaeng Phet (KP), Muang Nakhon Ratchasima (MN), Pakchong Nakhon Ratchasima (PN), and Uthai Thani (UT) origins were investigated for phenolic compositions and in vitro health properties through the inhibition of key enzymes relevant to obesity (lipase), diabetes (α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV), Alzheimer's disease (cholinesterases and ß-secretase), and hypertension (angiotensin-converting enzyme). Phenolics including p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, naringenin, and apigenin were detected in old leaves and young shoots in all plant origins. Old leaves exhibited higher total phenolic contents (TPCs) and total flavonoid contents (TFCs), leading to higher enzyme inhibitory activities than young shoots. Besides, PN and MN with higher TPCs and TFCs tended to exhibit greater enzyme inhibitory activities than others. These results will be useful to promote this plant as a healthy food with valuable medicinal capacities to support its consumption and agricultural stimulation, leading to sustainable conservation of this endangered species.

Mulberry Fruit Cultivar 'Chiang Mai' Prevents Beta-Amyloid Toxicity in PC12 Neuronal Cells and in a Drosophila Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, characterized by chronic neuron loss and cognitive problems. Aggregated amyloid beta (Aß) peptides, a product of cleaved amyloid precursor protein (APP) by beta-secretase 1 (BACE-1), have been indicated for the progressive pathogenesis of AD. Currently, screening for anti-AD compounds in foodstuffs is increasing, with promising results. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the extraction conditions, phytochemical contents, and anti-AD properties, targeting Aß peptides of Morus cf. nigra 'Chiang Mai' (MNCM) both in vitro and in vivo. Data showed that the aqueous extract of MNCM contained high amounts of cyanidin, keracyanin, and kuromanin as anthocyanidin and anthocyanins. The extract also strongly inhibited cholinesterases and BACE-1 in vitro. Moreover, MNCM extract prevented Aß-induced neurotoxicity and promoted neurite outgrowth in neuronal cells. Interestingly, MNCM extract reduced Aß1-42 peptides and improved locomotory coordination of Drosophila co-expressing human APP and BACE-1, specifically in the brain. These findings suggest that MNCM may be useful as an AD preventive agent by targeting Aß formation.

The Effect of Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) and Its Mixtures on Phenolic Profiles, Antioxidant Activities, and Inhibitions of the Key Enzymes Relevant to Alzheimer's Disease.

Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) has long been used as a food source and ingredient for traditional herbal remedies. Plant parts contain neuroprotective agents that interact with specific targets to inhibit Alzheimer's disease (AD). Organic solvents including methanol, ethyl acetate, hexane, and n-butanol, are widely employed for extraction of sacred lotus but impact food safety. Seed embryo, flower stalk, stamen, old leaf, petal, and leaf stalk of sacred lotus were extracted using hot water (aqueous extraction). The extractions were analyzed for their bioactive constituents, antioxidant and anti-AD properties as key enzyme inhibitory activities toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and ß-secretase 1 (BACE-1). Results showed that the sacred lotus stamen exhibited significant amounts of phenolics, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, that contributed to high antioxidant activity via both single electron transfer (SET) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanisms, with anti-AChE, anti-BChE, and anti-BACE-1 activities. To enhance utilization of other sacred lotus parts, a combination of stamen, old leaf and petal as the three sacred lotus plant components with the highest phenolic contents, antioxidant activities, and enzyme inhibitory properties was analyzed. Antagonist interaction was observed, possibly from flavonoids-flavonoids interaction. Further in-depth elucidation of this issue is required. Findings demonstrated that an aqueous extract of the stamen has potential for application as a functional food to mitigate the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Comparison of Phytochemicals, Antioxidant, and In Vitro Anti-Alzheimer Properties of Twenty-Seven Morus spp. Cultivated in Thailand.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. To fight the disease, natural products, including mulberry, with antioxidant activities and inhibitory activities against key enzymes (acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and beta-secretase 1 (BACE-1)) are of interest. However, even in the same cultivars, mulberry trees grown in different populated locations might possess disparate amounts of phytochemical profiles, leading to dissimilar health properties, which cause problems when comparing different cultivars of mulberry. Therefore, this study aimed to comparatively investigate the phytochemicals, antioxidant activities, and inhibitory activities against AChE, BChE, and BACE-1, of twenty-seven Morus spp. cultivated in the same planting area in Thailand. The results suggested that Morus fruit samples were rich in phenolics, especially cyanidin, kuromanin, and keracyanin. Besides, the aqueous Morus fruit extracts exhibited antioxidant activities, both in single electron transfer (SET) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanisms, while strong inhibitory activities against AD key enzymes were observed. Interestingly, among the twenty-seven Morus spp., Morus sp. code SKSM 810191 with high phytochemicals, antioxidant activities and in vitro anti-AD properties is a promising cultivar for further developed as a potential mulberry resource with health benefits against AD.

Impact of Genetic Polymorphism on LDL-C Response to Plant Stanol Ester Intake.

Background: The high blood cholesterol level could be prevented by plant stanol ester (Staest) consumption. In addition, the genetic polymorphism of cholesterol transporters might be related with lipid profile and subsequently response to Staest intake. Objective: To investigate the effect of single nucleotide polymorphism in ATP-binding cassette hetero-dimeric G5/G8 (ABCG5/G8) and Niemann-Pick C1 Like1 protein (NPC1L1) gene on LDL-C response subsequent to plant Staest intake in Thai Subjects. Material and Method: The blood samples were collected from 113 subjects for genotyping. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ABCG5/G8 positions; rs6720173 (Q604E), rs4148211 (C54Y), rs4148217 (T400K), rs3806471 (5'UTR-145), and NPC1L1; positon; rs2072183 (L272L) were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Results: After Staest intake, the subjects with QE genotype (Q604E of ABCG5) showed a 4-fold significant decrease in LDL-C level (14.17±10.67%) compared to subjects with QQ genotype (3.50±10.65%) (p = 0.003). Moreover, the pronounced effect of Q604E polymorphism was observed in subjects after intake of Staest with meal. However, no significant difference in these markers was observed in subjects carrying other mutations. Conclusion: Thus, it could be suggested that non-synonymous gene polymorphism resulted substitution of uncharged glutamine (Q) with negatively charged glutamic acid (E) at position 604, thereby possibly alter the function of transporter proteins. Besides, the genetic variation in these genes might be related with serum lipid profiles. Moreover, Q604E mutation of ABCG5 in each individual with meal effect could lead to particular response towards LDL-C level after Staest intervention.

The crystal structure of a homodimeric Pseudomonas glyoxalase†I enzyme reveals asymmetric metallation commensurate with half-of-sites activity.

The Zn inactive class of glyoxalase I (Glo1) metalloenzymes are typically homodimeric with two metal-dependent active sites. While the two active sites share identical amino acid composition, this class of enzyme is optimally active with only one metal per homodimer. We have determined the X-ray crystal structure of GloA2, a Zn inactive Glo1 enzyme from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The presented structures exhibit an unprecedented metal-binding arrangement consistent with half-of-sites activity: one active site contains a single activating Ni(2+) ion, whereas the other contains two inactivating Zn(2+) ions. Enzymological experiments prompted by the binuclear Zn(2+) site identified a novel catalytic property of GloA2. The enzyme can function as a Zn(2+) /Co(2+) -dependent hydrolase, in addition to its previously determined glyoxalase I activity. The presented findings demonstrate that GloA2 can accommodate two distinct metal-binding arrangements simultaneously, each of which catalyzes a different reaction.

Relationship of phytochemicals and antioxidant activities in Gymnema inodorum leaf extracts.

Gynmena inodorum (GI) is a green leafy vegetable used in the Northern Thai cuisine which has antioxidant activities and may be applicable for preventing oxidative stress and aging-related disease. However, understanding the relationship between GI phytonutrients and their antioxidant properties has been unclear. The aims of this study were to identify the GI leaf phytochemicals and to study their antioxidant activities. A chromatogram of LC-ESI-MS/QTOF-MS showed that the GI leaves were potentially composed of phenolics, quinic acids, flavonoids, and triterpenoid saponins. This study was able to authenticate quercetin, kaempferol, and triterpenoid GIA1 in the samples. The GI materials with high contents of phenolics, flavonoids, quercetin, and kaempferol showed significant relation to antioxidation and protection in endothelial cell death suppressed by reactive nitrogen species. Meanwhile, triterpenoids had a low antioxidant impact. Ultimately, GI leaves with high phenolic compounds are a promising raw material to develop as an antioxidant functional food.

Phenolic content of Thai Bao mango peel and its in-vitro antioxidant, anti-cholinesterase, and antidiabetic activities.

Plant phenolics have been known for various biological activities. This study aims to extract and examine the presence of phenolics in Bao mango (Mangifera indica L. var.) peel ethanolic extract (MPE). Further, antioxidant, anti-diabetic (α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity), and anti- Alzheimer's disease (AD) (acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and ß-secretase (BACE-1) inhibitory activity) efficacy of MPE were determined. The results indicated that mangiferin (8755.89 mg/ 100 g extract) was the major phenolic compound in MPE. An antioxidant mechanism revealed that MPE had a higher radical scavenging ability (4266.70 µmol TE/g extract) compared to reducing power (FRAP) or oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC). Further in-vitro enzyme inhibitory assay against diabetic and AD involved enzymes showed that MPE had stronger inhibitory action against an enzyme involved in diabetes compared to their standard drug (Acarbose) (P < 0.05). While a lower IC50 value was observed against AD-involved enzymes compared to their standard drug (donepezil) (P < 0.05). The results show that Thai Bao mango peel byproduct can be a potential source of nutraceuticals to lower diabetes and improve cognitive health.

Enhancing Therapeutic Efficacy of Donepezil, an Alzheimer's Disease Drug, by Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw. and Its Phytochemicals.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia and a significant concern to global public health due to the prevalence of aging populations. Donepezil is one of only a few medications approved for use as an anti-AD agent but all have adverse side effects. Reducing the dosage of AD drugs with plant extracts (phytotherapy) while maintaining efficacy is one strategy to minimize adverse side effects. We previously reported the anti-AD properties of an edible fern, Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw. (DE), which inhibited key enzymes involved in AD pathogenesis including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and ß-secretase 1 (BACE-1). This study aimed to determine whether DE exhibited a synergistic effect with donepezil. The enzyme inhibitory assay showed that DE extract and its bioactive compounds, kaempferol, and quercetin, slightly impeded AChE inhibition with donepezil, while DE extract and quercetin showed synergistic or additive effects with donepezil against BChE and BACE-1, respectively. DE extract combined with donepezil also improved eye phenotypes in a Drosophila model of AD by preventing ommatidia atrophia and bristle breakages. Furthermore, the DE extract exhibited no genotoxic activities, as determined by the Ames test. Our data revealed that DE extract showed promise when combined with donepezil during AD treatment by targeting BChE and BACE-1.

Multi-Endpoint Toxicological Assessment of Chrysin Loaded Oil-in-Water Emulsion System in Different Biological Models.

Chrysin is hypothesized to possess the ability to prevent different illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Nonetheless, chrysin has a low solubility under physiological conditions, resulting in limited bioavailability. In a previous study, we utilized an oil-in-water emulsion system (chrysin-ES or chrysin-NE) to encapsulate chrysin, thereby increasing its bioaccessibility and preserving its antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer's properties. To promote the chrysin-ES as a supplementary and functional food, it was obligatory to carry out a safety assessment. Cytotoxicity testing showed that chrysin-ES was harmless, with no killing effect on 3T3-L1 (adipocytes), RAW 264.7 (macrophages), HEK293 (kidney cells), and LX-2 (hepatic stellate cells). The acute toxicity evaluation demonstrated that the 50% lethal dose (LD50) for chrysin-ES was greater than 2000 mg/kg BW. Genotoxicity assessments found that chrysin-ES did not induce DNA mutations in vitro or in vivo. Furthermore, chrysin and chrysin-ES exhibited anti-mutagenic properties against PhIP-induced and IQ-induced mutagenesis in the Ames test, while they inhibited urethane-, ethyl methanesulfonate-, mitomycin C-, and N-nitrosomethylurea-mediated mutations in Drosophila. The present study illustrates the safety and anti-genotoxicity properties of chrysin-ES, allowing for the further development of chrysin-based food supplements and nutraceuticals.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Adipocyte Dysfunction Effects of Ficus lindsayana Latex and Root Extracts.

Low-grade chronic inflammation and adipocyte dysfunction are prominent risk factors of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in obesity. Thus, prevention of inflammation and adipocyte dysfunction could be one possible approach to mitigate T2DM development. Several Ficus species have been used in traditional medicine for ameliorating inflammation and T2DM. Our previous studies reported biological effects of Ficus lindsayana including antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-α-glucosidase activities. Further, this study therefore investigated whether F. lindsayana latex (FLLE) and root (FLRE) extracts inhibit inflammation-stimulated insulin resistance in adipocytes and inflammation in macrophages. FLLE and FLRE (200 µg/mL) had no significant cytotoxicity for macrophages, adipocytes, and blood cells (PBMCs and RBCs). FLRE had a total flavonoid content about three times higher than FLLE, while both had similar levels of total phenolic content. FLRE showed higher abilities than FLLE in suppressing inflammation in both macrophages and adipocytes and reversing the inflammation-induced insulin resistance in adipocytes. In TNF-α-induced adipocytes, FLRE significantly improved insulin-induced glucose uptake and insulin-suppressed lipolysis, while FLLE only significantly improved glucose uptake. Moreover, FLRE and FLLE remarkably reduced chemoattractant (MCP-1) but improved adipogenic (PPARγ and CEBPα) gene expression, leading to the promotion of adipogenesis and the suppression of insulin resistance. In LPS-induced macrophages, FLRE, but not FLLE, significantly inhibited LPS-induced NO production. Moreover, FLRE significantly reduced LPS-stimulated iNOS, COX-2, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α gene expression. These results may provide the potential data for the development of this plant, especially the root part, as an alternative medicine, functional ingredient, or food supplement for the prevention of inflammation and obesity-associated insulin resistance, as well as T2DM.

Bacterial glyoxalase enzymes.

The glyoxalase system is composed of two metalloenzymes, Glyoxalase I and Glyoxalase II. This system is important in the detoxification of methylglyoxal, among other roles. Detailed studies have determined that a number of bacterial Glyoxalase I enzymes are maximally activated by Ni(2+) and Co(2+) ions, but are inactive in the presence of Zn(2+). This is in contrast to the Glyoxalase I enzyme from humans, which is catalytically active with Zn(2+) as well as a number of other metal ions. The structure-activity relationships between these two classes of Glyoxalase I are serving as important clues to how the molecular structures of these proteins control metal activation profiles as well as to clarify the mechanistic chemistry of these catalysts. In addition, the possibility of targeting inhibitors against the bacterial versus human enzyme has the potential to lead to new approaches to combat bacterial infections.

Effect of Thermal Processes on S-Allyl Cysteine Content in Black Garlic.

As a key component of black garlic (BG) products, S-allyl cysteine (SAC) is useful in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Several BG products with a high SAC content have been developed by thermal processing; however, the optimum conditions for thermal treatment for producing Thai garlic (multicloves) with a high SAC content compared to Chinese garlic (single clove) are still unknown. Moreover, the mechanism underlying the increase in SAC content in BG is unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the optimum thermal condition for developing Thai BG with high SAC content base on methods A (70 °C and 80% RH) and B (60-75 °C and 80-85% RH). The total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of Thai fresh garlic, Thai BG, and their powder forms were also compared. Method A worked the best for both types of garlic. The results indicated that the SAC content increased significantly after 7 days of fermentation and decreased drastically afterward with prolonged heat treatment. The optimum thermal condition for producing Thai fresh garlic and Chinese fresh garlic with high SAC content was 70 °C and a relative humidity of 80% for 12 days in an industrial fermentation chamber. The SAC content of Thai BG and Chinese BG increased approximately 139- and 122-fold, respectively. Furthermore, significant antioxidant capabilities determined by ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assays were 34-, 6-, and 3-fold higher, respectively, than those of fresh garlic.

The Effects of Different Roasting Methods on the Phenolic Contents, Antioxidant Potential, and In Vitro Inhibitory Activities of Sacha Inchi Seeds.

Roasted sacha inchi seeds are now commercialized as a health food product, but the influence of roasting methods on their proclaimed health effects has yet to be explored. This study investigated the total phenolic contents (TPCs), antioxidant potential, and inhibitory activities of raw and roasted sacha inchi seeds in vitro. Individual phenolics in raw seeds were also identified in an attempt to explain the bioactivities of the seeds. The results suggested that roasting in a cooking pan, vacuum oven, and tray dryer had distinct impact on TPC in sacha inchi seeds, and thus differentially altered their antioxidant and inhibitory properties. Seeds that underwent roasting exhibited 1.5-2.7-fold higher antioxidant potentials than raw seeds. Certain roasting methods provided the products with anti-α-amylase and anti-cholinesterase activities, while inhibitions of these enzymes were not detected in raw seeds. Roasted seeds also possessed superior anti-lipase and anti-glycation activities when compared with raw seeds (up to 1.7- and 4.8-fold, respectively). The inhibitory properties observed in the seed samples might be attributed to their p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and quercetin, as these potential enzyme inhibitors were predominant in raw seeds. The overall results showed that pan-roasting could be used to obtain relatively high health benefits from the antioxidant and inhibitory activities of sacha inchi seeds. The information obtained from this study may serve as the basis for the proper processing of sacha inchi seeds to optimize their functional food and nutraceutical applications.