Structural characterization of a novel polysaccharide from Tremella fuciformis and its interaction with gut microbiota.

BACKGROUND: Because of their diverse biological activities, polysaccharides derived from Tremella fuciformis have received growing attention. This study aimed to investigate the structural characterization of a purified polysaccharide (designated as PTP-3a) derived from T. fuciformis and explore its interaction with gut microbiota in vitro. RESULTS: The findings revealed that PTP-3a had a molecular weight of 1.22 × 103 kDa and consisted of fucose, glucose, xylose, mannose and glucuronic acid in a molar ratio of 0.271:0.016:0.275:0.400:0.038. The primary linkage types identified in PTP-3a were 1,3-linked-manp, 1,4-linked-xylp and 1,2,3-linked-fucp, with corresponding ratios of 0.215:0.161:0.15. In addition, PTP-3a demonstrated notable thermal stability and exhibited a triple-helical structure. Moreover, following in vitro fermentation for 48 h, PTP-3a was efficiently utilized, resulting in a reduction in carbohydrate levels, the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and pH adjustment. Furthermore, during in vitro fecal microbial fermentation, PTP-3a decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes while increasing the proportions of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, resulting in a significantly reduced Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Additionally, PTP-3a stimulated the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Parabacteroides merdae, Gordonibacter pamelaeae, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum and Parabacteroides distasonis. Importantly, a strong correlation was observed between the production of SCFAs and specific microorganisms. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that PTP-3a has potential as a prebiotic for modulating the gut microbiota. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Preparation and characterization of starch/PBAT film containing hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin/ethyl lauroyl arginate/cinnamon essential oil microcapsules and its application in the preservation of strawberry.

Cinnamon essential oil (CEO) was emulsified by hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin/ ethyl lauroyl arginate (HPCD/LAE) complex to make nanoemulsions, which were then incorporated into maltodextrin (MD) to prepare HPCD/LAE/CEO/MD microcapsules by spray drying. The starch/polybutylene adipate terephthalate (starch/PBAT, SP) based extrusion-blowing films containing above microcapsules were developed and used as packaging materials for strawberry preservation. The morphology, encapsulation efficiency, thermal and antibacterial properties of microcapsules with different formulations were investigated. The effects of microcapsules on the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of SP films were evaluated. When the formula was 4 % HPCD/LAE-3% CEO-10% MD (HL-3C-MD), the microcapsule had the smallest particle size (3.3 µm), the highest encapsulation efficiency (84.51 %) of CEO and the best antibacterial effect. The mechanical and antimicrobial properties of the SP film were enhanced while the water vapor transmittance and oxygen permeability decreased with the incorporation of HL-3C-MD microcapsules. The films effectively reduced the weight loss rate (49.03 %), decay rate (40.59 %) and the total number of colonies (2.474 log CFU/g) and molds (2.936 log CFU/g), thus extending the shelf life of strawberries. This study revealed that the developed SP films containing HPCD/LAE/CEO microcapsules had potential applications in degradable bioactive food packaging materials.

A quinoa peptide protects impaired mucus barriers in colitis mice by inhibiting NF-κB-TRPV1 signaling and regulating the gut microbiota.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory conditions that lead to the disruption of the colonic mucus barrier. Quinoa has a well-balanced profile of essential amino acids and exhibits excellent anti-inflammatory effects. We recently explored the beneficial effects and relevant mechanisms of a novel quinoa peptide TPGAFF on impaired mucus barriers in mice with chemically induced colitis. Our findings demonstrated that TPGAFF, administered in low and high doses for 28 days, effectively attenuated the pathological phenotype and reduced intestinal permeability in colitis mice. TPGAFF demonstrated its protective abilities by restoring the impaired mucus barrier, inhibiting the activation of inflammatory signaling and reducing inflammatory cytokine levels. Moreover, TPGAFF positively influenced the composition of the gut microbiota by reducing inflammation-related microbes. Additionally, TPGAFF inhibited the activation of TRPV1 nociceptor and decreased the levels of neuropeptides. Conclusively, our results indicated that oral administration of TPGAFF may be an optional approach for the treatment of mucus barrier damage.

Antimicrobial activities of lavandulylated flavonoids in Sophora flavences against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus via membrane disruption.

INTRODUCTION: The continuous emergence and rapid spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria have accelerated the demand for the discovery of alternative antibiotics. Natural plants contain a variety of antibacterial components, which is an important source for the discovery of antimicrobial agents. OBJECTIVE: To explore the antimicrobial activities and related mechanisms of two lavandulylated flavonoids, sophoraflavanone G and kurarinone in Sophora flavescens against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. METHODS: The effects of sophoraflavanone G and kurarinone on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were comprehensively investigated by a combination of proteomics and metabolomics studies. Bacterial morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Membrane fluidity, membrane potential, and membrane integrity were determined using the fluorescent probes Laurdan, DiSC3(5), and propidium iodide, respectively. Adenosine triphosphate and reactive oxygen species levels were determined using the adenosine triphosphate kit and reactive oxygen species kit, respectively. The affinity activity of sophoraflavanone G to the cell membrane was determined by isothermal titration calorimetry assays. RESULTS: Sophoraflavanone G and kurarinone showed significant antibacterial activity and anti-multidrug resistance properties. Mechanistic studies mainly showed that they could target the bacterial membrane and cause the destruction of the membrane integrity and biosynthesis. They could inhibit cell wall synthesis, induce hydrolysis and prevent bacteria from synthesizing biofilms. In addition, they can interfere with the energy metabolism of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and disrupt the normal physiological activities of the bacteria. In vivo studies have shown that they can significantly improve wound infection and promote wound healing. CONCLUSION: Kurarinone and sophoraflavanone G showed promising antimicrobial properties against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, suggesting that they may be potential candidates for the development of new antibiotic agents against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Wheat germ peptide improves glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in HepG2 hepatocytes via regulating SOCS3/IRS1/Akt pathway.

Evidence has demonstrated that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in regulating cellular glucose metabolism. In previous studies, wheat germ peptide (WGP) was found to effectively mitigate oxidative stress induced by high glucose. Based on the information provided, we hypothesized that WGP could exhibit antihyperglycemic and anti-insulin-resistant effects in cells. The insulin-resistant cell model was established by insulin stimulation. The glucose consumption, glycogen content, and the activities of hexokinase and pyruvate kinase following WGP treatment were measured. The protein expression of SOCS3, phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate-1 (p-IRS1), IRS1, phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), Akt, glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), phosphorylated GSK 3ß, GSK 3ß, FOXO1, G6P, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase were assessed by western blot analysis. Our results demonstrated that WGP treatment increased cellular glucose consumption and glycogen synthesis and enhanced hexokinase and pyruvate kinase activities. Additionally, WGP treatment was observed to cause a significant reduction in the expression of SOCS3, FOXO1, G6P, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, as well as in the ratio of p-IRS1/IRS1. Conversely, the expression of GLUT2 and the ratios of p-Akt/Akt and p-GSK3ß/GSK3ß were upregulated by WGP. These findings suggested that WGP can activate the SOCS3/IRS1/Akt signaling pathway, thus promoting the phosphorylation of GSK-3ß and increasing the expression of FOXO1 and GLUT2, which contribute to enhancing glycogen synthesis, inhibiting gluconeogenesis, and promoting glucose transport in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells.

Wheat Germ-Derived Peptide Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice.

This study explores the protective properties and potential mechanisms of wheat-germ-derived peptide APEPEPAF (APE) against ulcerative colitis. Colitis mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) were used as the animal model. The results showed that the APE peptide could alleviate colitis symptoms including weight loss, colon shortening, and histopathological changes. This peptide attenuated the generation of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the phosphorylation of protein kinase PKCζ (Thr410) and NF-κB transcriptional activity in DSS-induced mice, suggesting that APE ameliorates colitis inflammation by regulating the PKCζ/NF-κB signaling pathway. APE also preserved the barrier function of the colon by dose-dependently promoting the expression of tight junction proteins (claudin-1, zonula occluded-1, and occludin). In addition, APE significantly decreased the abundance of Bacteroides and increased the abundance of Dubosiella and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006 to improve the intestinal flora imbalance in DSS-induced colitis mice. Therefore, wheat germ peptide APE can be used as a novel agent and dietary supplement to treat ulcerative colitis..

Effects of different content of EGCG or caffeic acid addition on the structure, cooking, antioxidant characteristics and in vitro starch digestibility of extruded buckwheat noodles.

The effects of different types and content of polyphenol addition on the structure, cooking, antioxidant characteristics and in vitro starch digestibility of extruded buckwheat noodles were investigated in this study. The result showed epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) was more easily combined with starch to form complex than caffeic acid, and amylose tended to be combined with polyphenols to form more complex. Amylose had a protective effect on polyphenols during extrusion process, which led to a significant increase of polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of extruded noodles. The addition of polyphenol and high amylose corn starch (HACS) improved the cooking quality of extruded buckwheat noodles. The extruded buckwheat noodles with 20 % HACS and 1 % EGCG had the lowest cooking loss of 6.08 %. The addition of EGCG and HACS increased the content of resistant starch and reduced predicted glycemic index (pGI). The noodles with 20 % HACS and 3 % EGCG had the lowest pGI (63.38) and the highest resistant starch (RS) content (61.60 %). This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of low pGI extruded buckwheat noodles.

Emulsifying properties of wheat germ protein: Effect of different ultrasonic treatment.

The effect of ultrasonic treatment on emulsifying properties of wheat germ protein (WGP) was studied in this paper. WGP was subjected to low frequency (20 kHz), high intensity ultrasonic treatment at different power (200, 400, 600, 800 W) for 10 min, or different time (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20 min) at 400 W. The emulsifying activity index and emulsion stability index of WGP were significantly improved, and the emulsion droplet was smaller and more uniform after ultrasound treatment. Ultrasound increased the adsorbed WGP concentration at the oil-water interface and reduced the interfacial tension, which explained the improved emulsifying properties of WGP. The investigation on molecular properties and protein conformation showed that ultrasound processing increased solubility, but decreased particle size and surface charge of WGP. Ultrasound processing resulted in the unfolding of the protein molecular structure indicated by the increase of surface hydrophobicity and surface free sulfhydryl group levels, and the decrease of intrinsic fluorescence intensity. Correlation analysis showed that the changes in WGP solubility, particle size, and surface hydrophobicity were the main driven factors for the improved emulsifying properties of WGP.

A nexus of dietary restriction and gut microbiota: Recent insights into metabolic health.

In recent times, dietary restriction (DR) has received considerable attention for its promising effects on metabolism and longevity. Previous studies on DR have mainly focused on the health benefits produced by different restriction patterns, whereas comprehensive reviews of the role of gut microbiota during DR are limited. In this review, we discuss the effects of caloric restriction, fasting, protein restriction, and amino acid restriction from a microbiome perspective. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms by which DR affects metabolic health by regulating intestinal homeostasis are summarized. Specifically, we reviewed the impacts of different DRs on specific gut microbiota. Additionally, we put forward the limitations of the current research and suggest the development of personalized microbes-directed DR for different populations and corresponding next-generation sequencing technologies for accurate microbiological analysis. DR effectively modulates the composition of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites. In particular, DR markedly affects the rhythmic oscillation of microbes which may be related to the circadian clock system. Moreover, increasing evidence supports that DR profoundly improves metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and cognitive impairment. To summarize, DR may be an effective and executable dietary manipulation strategy for maintaining metabolic health, however, further investigation is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Advances in Plant Polysaccharides as Antiaging Agents: Effects and Signaling Mechanisms.

Aging refers to the gradual physiological changes that occur in an organism after reaching adulthood, resulting in senescence and a decline in biological functions, ultimately leading to death. Epidemiological evidence shows that aging is a driving factor in the developing of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, immune system disorders, cancer, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Natural plant polysaccharides have emerged as crucial food components in delaying the aging process. Therefore, it is essential to continuously investigate plant polysaccharides as potential sources of new pharmaceuticals for aging. Modern pharmacological research indicates that plant polysaccharides can exert antiaging effects by scavenging free radicals, increasing telomerase activity, regulating apoptosis, enhancing immunity, inhibiting glycosylation, improving mitochondrial dysfunction regulating gene expression, activating autophagy, and modulating gut microbiota. Moreover, the antiaging activity of plant polysaccharides is mediated by one or more signaling pathways, including IIS, mTOR, Nrf2, NF-κB, Sirtuin, p53, MAPK, and UPR signaling pathways. This review summarizes the antiaging properties of plant polysaccharides and signaling pathways participating in the polysaccharide-regulating aging process. Finally, we discuss the structure-activity relationships of antiaging polysaccharides.

Effect of low temperature extrusion-modified potato starch addition on properties of whole wheat dough and texture of whole wheat youtiao.

In this study, low temperature extrusion-modified potato starch (MPS) was added to improve properties of whole wheat dough and textural quality of resulted youtiao. Extrusion temperature (60, 90 ℃) and barrel moisture content (30, 42 and 54%) were set as test variables. The results suggested that the low temperature extrusion processing caused moderate gelatinization and improved gel-forming properties of potato starch. MPS addition decreased the setback by up to 46%, and enhanced the viscoelasticity of whole wheat dough significantly. Compared to the whole wheat-based youtiao, the addition of 10% MPS decreased the hardness by up to 72%, and increased the springiness and specific volume by 32% and 22%, respectively. The addition of MPS prepared at lower extrusion temperature (60 ℃) and moderate moisture content (42%) resulted in the optimum textural qualities of whole wheat youtiao. This study will help better understand the role of MPS in whole wheat-based food product.

A review on processing methods and functions of wheat germ-derived bioactive peptides.

Wheat germ protein is a potential resource to produce bioactive peptides. As a cheap, safe, and healthy nutritional factor, wheat germ-derived bioactive peptides (WGBPs) provide benefits and great potential for biomedical applications. The objective of this review is to reveal the current research status of WGBPs, including their preparation methods and biological functions, such as antibacterial, anti-tumor, immune regulation, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, etc. We also reviewed the information in terms of the preventive ability of WGBPs to treat serious infectious diseases, to offer their reference to further research and application. Opinions on future research directions are also discussed. Through the review of previous research, we find that there are still some scientific issues in the basic research and industrialization process of WGBPs that deserve further exploration. Firstly, based on current complex enzymolysis, the preparation and production of WGBPs need to be combined with other advanced technology to achieve efficient and large-scale production. Secondly, studies on the bioavailability, biosafety, and mechanism against different diseases of WGBPs need to be carried out in different in vitro and in vivo models. More human experimental evidence is also required to support its industrial application as a functional food and nutritional supplement.HighlightsThe purification and identification of wheat germ-derived bioactive peptides.The main biological activities and potential mechanisms of wheat germ hydrolysates/peptides.Possible absorption and transport pathways of wheat germ hydrolysate/peptide.Wheat germ peptide shows a variety of health benefits according to its amino acid sequence.Current food applications and future perspectives of wheat germ protein hydrolysates/peptide.

A peptide from wheat germ abolishes the senile osteoporosis by regulating OPG/RANKL/RANK/TRAF6 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress played a key role in the development of bone brittleness and is an important pathogenic factor of senile osteoporosis. A variety of animal and plant-derived peptides have been shown to have significant anti-osteoporosis effects in vivo and in vitro. PURPOSE: In this study, we aim to explore the possible mechanism of wheat germ peptide ADWGGPLPH on senile osteoporosis. STUDY DESIGN: Naturally, aged rats were used as animal models of senile osteoporosis. METHODS: Wheat germ peptide ADWGGPLPH was administered from 9-months-old to 21-months-old, and the effect of ADWGGPLPH on preventing senile osteoporosis was evaluated by measuring serum biochemical indexes, bone histomorphometry, bone biomechanics, and other indexes to elucidate the mechanism of ADWGGPLPH in delaying senile osteoporosis by detecting the expression of osteoporosis-related proteins. RESULTS: The results showed that ADWGGPLPH could effectively reduce the level of oxidative stress and improve the microstructure and bone mineral density in senile osteoporosis rats. In addition, ADWGGPLPH could improve the proliferation and differentiation activity of osteoblasts and effectively inhibit osteoclasts' differentiation by regulating the OPG/RANKL/RANK/TRAF6 pathway. CONCLUSION: ADWGGPLPH from wheat germ exhibited a notably effect on senile osteoporosis and has a high potential in the development of the nutrient regimen to against senile osteoporosis.

Encapsulation of selenium-containing peptides in xanthan gum-lysozyme nanoparticles as a powerful gastrointestinal delivery system.

In this study, nanoparticles (NPs) prepared with xanthan gum and lysozyme were established as a powerful delivery system for two Se-containing peptides: TSeMMM (STP) and SeMDPGQQ (SHP). NPs-STP and NPs-SHP had relatively small particle sizes (145 nm and 148 nm) and negative zeta potentials (-47 mV and -49 mV). The encapsulation efficiency of NPs-STP and NPs-SHP was determined to be 34.35% and 41.35%, respectively. The stability and antioxidant activity of Se-containing peptides were greatly enhanced due to encapsulation. NPs-STP and NPs-SHP exhibited controlled release of Se-containing peptides under in vitro gastrointestinal conditions. NPs-STP and NPs-SHP showed low toxicity and entered Caco-2 cells through clathrin-mediated endocytosis, contributing to a significant increase in the apparent permeability coefficient of STP (2.19 × 10-6 cm/s) and SHP (2.21 × 10-6 cm/s). Thus, NPs-STP and NPs-SHP are considered promising delivery systems for Se-containing peptides and have good potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Coffee consumption is not associated with the risk of gastric cancer: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

The results from epidemiological studies on the relationship between coffee consumption and gastric cancer risk are inconsistent and inconclusive. Based on the previous studies, we hypothesized that coffee consumption was not associated with the risk of gastric cancer. We aimed to test this hypothesis by conducting a meta-analysis to systematically review and quantify the relationship between coffee consumption and the risk of gastric cancer. Relevant prospective cohort studies were identified by a search of PubMed and Embase up to March 2021. A total of 18 independent prospective cohorts from 15 studies involving 1,608,760 participants and 3898 gastric cancer cases were included in this meta-analysis. A nonsignificant association with a pooled relative risk (RR) of 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99-1.25) was shown between coffee intake and the risk of gastric cancer. The dose-response analysis also suggested no significant effect on the risk of gastric cancer per 1 cup/d increment in coffee consumption (RR = 1.00; 95% CI, 0.99-1.01). No nonlinear association of gastric cancer risk with coffee consumption was found (P for nonlinearity = .17). In the subgroup analyses, significantly increased risk of gastric cancer was detected in the studies conducted in the United States (RR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.03-1.58). In conclusion, coffee consumption had no effect on the risk of gastric cancer. However, the effect of coffee intake on persons in the United States must be further evaluated by additional high-quality and large-scale cohort studies.

A Review of Bile Acid Metabolism and Signaling in Cognitive Dysfunction-Related Diseases.

Bile acids are commonly known as one of the vital metabolites derived from cholesterol. The role of bile acids in glycolipid metabolism and their mechanisms in liver and cholestatic diseases have been well studied. In addition, bile acids also serve as ligands of signal molecules such as FXR, TGR5, and S1PR2 to regulate some physiological processes in vivo. Recent studies have found that bile acids signaling may also play a critical role in the central nervous system. Evidence showed that some bile acids have exhibited neuroprotective effects in experimental animal models and clinical trials of many cognitive dysfunction-related diseases. Besides, alterations in bile acid metabolisms well as the expression of different bile acid receptors have been discovered as possible biomarkers for prognosis tools in multiple cognitive dysfunction-related diseases. This review summarizes biosynthesis and regulation of bile acids, receptor classification and characteristics, receptor agonists and signaling transduction, and recent findings in cognitive dysfunction-related diseases.

Pomegranate peel anthocyanins prevent diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in association with modulation of the gut microbiota in mice.

PURPOSE: Pomegranate peels are rich in anthocyanins. The present study aimed to explore the beneficial effects of pomegranate peel anthocyanins (PPA) on obesity and gut microbiota in mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. METHODS: Specific pathogen-free (SPF) male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into three groups and fed with low-fat diet (LFD, 10% fat energy), HFD (45% fat energy), or HFD supplemented with PPA by intragastric administration for 15 weeks. Body weight and food intake were monitored weekly. The obesity-related biochemical indexes and hepatic gene expression levels were determined. The compositions of the gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and the association between the gut microbiota and obesity-related indicators was investigated by Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that the body weight gain, steatosis scores and insulin resistance index in the PPA group decreased by 27.46%, 56.25%, and 46.07%, respectively, compared to the HFD group. Gene expression analysis indicated that PPA supplement improved the genes expression profiles involved in glucose and lipid metabolism compared with the mice fed HFD alone. Meanwhile, PPA significantly changed the composition of the gut microbiota, which were closely correlated with the obesity-related biomarkers. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that PPA could be a beneficial treatment option for alleviating HFD-induced obesity and related metabolic disorders by targeting microbiota and lipid metabolism.

An electrochemical method for determination of amaranth in drinks using functionalized graphene oxide/chitosan/ionic liquid nanocomposite supported nanoporous gold.

An electrochemical sensor was fabricated by modifying nanoporous gold (NPG)-coated glassy carbon electrode (NPG/GCE) with functionalized graphene oxide /chitosan/ionic liquid nanocomposites (fGO/CS/IL). The introduction of ionic liquid (IL) and chitosan (CS) induced higher dispersibility of functionalized graphene oxide (fGO), and was beneficial for the combination of fGO/CS/IL with NPG/GCE. As a result of the synergistic effect of NPG and fGO/CS/IL, the resulted functionalized graphene oxide/chitosan/ionic liquid nanocomposites/nanoporous gold /glassy carbon electrode (fGO/CS/IL/NPG/GCE) showed the highest redox peak current response signal of Amaranth (E123) due to ultrahigh surface area, electronic conductivity as well as the improvement of the surface structure. Under optimized conditions, the enhanced peak currents represented excellent analytical performance for detection of Amaranth in the concentration range from 8.0 to 1200.0 nM. Meanwhile, the fGO/CS/IL/NPG/GCE presented satisfactory sensitivity and selectivity, excellent reproducibility, and long-time stability. For practical applications, the fGO/CS/IL/NPG/GCE was validated for the determination of Amaranth in three types of drinks with satisfactory results.

Bioactive components and anti-diabetic properties of Moringa oleifera Lam.

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a perennial tropical deciduous tree with high economic and pharmaceutical value. As an edible plant, M. oleifera Lam. is rich in nutrients, such as proteins, amino acids, mineral elements and vitamins. Besides, it also contains an important number of bioactive phytochemicals, such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids, glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. M. oleifera for long has been used as a natural anti-diabetic herb in India and other Asian countries. Thus, the anti-diabetic properties of Moringa plant have evolved highly attention to the researchers. In the last twenty years, a huge number of new chemical structures and their pharmacological activities have been reported in particularly the anti-diabetic properties. The current review highlighted the bioactive phytochemicals from M. Oleifera. Moreover, evidence regarding the therapeutic potential of M. oleifera for diabetes including experimental and clinical data was presented and the underlying mechanisms were revealed in order to provide insights for the development of novel drugs.

Pomegranate fruit pulp polyphenols reduce diet-induced obesity with modulation of gut microbiota in mice.

BACKGROUND: Pomegranate is a rich source of polyphenols and has been used as a dietary supplement and pharmaceutical ingredient. This study aimed to investigate the pomegranate fruit pulp polyphenols (PFP) with regard to their anti-obesity activity and gut microbiota-modulating effect in mice. Thirty-six 4-week-old specific pathogen-free C57BL/6J mice (weight: 17.7-20.8 g) were randomly divided into three groups and fed with low-fat diet (10% fat energy), high-fat diet (HFD) (45% fat energy), or HFD supplemented with PFP by intragastric administration for 14 weeks. The obesity-related clinical indicators were investigated, and the composition of fecal microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. RESULTS: Our results showed that PFP treatment reduced HFD-induced body weight gain by 35.23% (P < 0.05), steatosis scores by 50% (P < 0.05) and insulin resistance by 56.84% (P < 0.05), compared with the mice fed HFD alone. Moreover, compared with the mice in the HFD group, PFP supplement changed the composition of the gut microbiota, and enriched Akkermansia muciniphila, Parabacteroides distasonis, Bacteroides acidifaciens, Mucispirillum schaedleri and Lachnospiraceae bacterium 28-4, which were negatively correlated with physical biomarkers, including body weight, glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol. CONCLUSION: PFP alleviated HFD-induced obesity, insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in mice, and the changes in the gut microbiota might be one of the potential mechanisms through which PFP improved obesity and obesity-related disorders, eventually benefiting the recipient. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.