Brazil and cashew nuts intake improve body composition and endothelial health in women at cardiometabolic risk (Brazilian Nuts Study): a randomized controlled trial.

Several mechanisms have been proposed for the beneficial effect of nuts on health. However, Brazil and cashew nuts remain the least studied. We aim to evaluate the effect of these nuts within an energy-restricted diet on body weight, body composition, cardiometabolic markers, and endothelial function in cardiometabolic risk women. Brazilian nuts study is a randomized controlled parallel 8-week dietary intervention trial. Forty women were randomly allocated to 1) Control group: Energy-restricted diet without nuts, n= 19 or, 2) Brazil and cashew nuts group (BN-Group): Energy-restricted diet containing daily 45 g of nuts (15 g of Brazil nuts + 30g of cashew nuts), n= 21. At the beginning and final intervention, anthropometry, body composition, and blood pressure were measured. Fasting blood sampling was obtained to evaluate lipid profile, glucose homeostasis, and endothelial function markers. After 8-week, plasma selenium concentration increased in BN-group (∆ = + 31.5 ± 7.8 µg/L; p= 0.001). Brazil and cashew nuts intake reduced total body fat (-1.3 ± 0.4 %) parallel to improvement of lean mass percentage in BN-group compared to the control. Besides, the soluble adhesion molecule VCAM-1 decreased (24.03 ± 15.7 pg/mL vs. -22.2 ± 10.3 pg/mL; p= 0.019) after Brazil and cashew nuts intake compared to the control. However, lipid and glucose profile markers, apolipoproteins, and blood pressure remained unchanged after the intervention. Thus, the addition of Brazil and cashew nuts to an energy-restricted diet can be a healthy strategy to improve body composition, selenium status, and endothelial inflammation in cardiometabolic risk women.

Cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) extract from a by-product of juice processing: assessment of its toxicity, antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities.

Cashew apple extract (CAE) is a product with intense yellow color obtained from residual fibers of juice processing. Although CAE is known to be rich in carotenoids and anacardic acids, the biological activities of this potential natural food colorant remain unexplored. The present study is the first to investigate the toxicity, antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities of the lyophilized CAE (L-CAE) and its encapsulated products, using maltodextrin (M-CAE) or cashew gum (CG-CAE) as carriers. In addition to their high carotenoid content, the phenolic contents in all materials was determined using UPLC-QTOF-MSE. The acute toxicity was performed using adult zebrafish (Danio rerio); antiproliferative activity was assessed using seven different human tumor cell lines [U-251 (glioblastoma), MCF-7 (breast, adenocarcinoma), NCI-ADR/RES (multidrug-resistant ovarian adenocarcinoma), NCI-H-460 (lung, large cell carcinoma), PC-3 (prostate, adenocarcinoma), OVCAR-3 (ovarian adenocarcinoma), and HT-29 (colon, adenocarcinoma)] and an immortalized human keratinocyte (HaCaT) while the antimicrobioal activity was evaluated on Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 51812 microorganisms. Both lyophilized and encapsulated CAE samples did not exert acute toxicity against zebrafish neither antiproliferative effect against human tumor and non-tumor cell lines. Further, L-CAE showed potential antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, which was confirmed using electron microscopy. The current findings demonstrated that CAE is a potential source of bioactive compounds to use as an additive in the food industry.

Yellow-colored extract from cashew byproduct - Nonclinical safety assessment.

Natural and synthetic dyes are widely used in foodstuff, medicines and cosmetics industries to enhance and/or restore the color of the final products. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of oral consumption of one carotenoids and anacardic acids-enriched extract (CAE), obtained by green extraction from cashew apple residue fibers, a byproduct of the cashew juice industry. Presenting intense yellow color, CAE could be proposed as a new natural dye. Single and repeated-dose oral toxicity (30 days) were evaluated in female Swiss mice at doses ranging from 50 to 1000 mg/kg, while (anti)mutagenic effects were evaluated in CHO-K1 cells (in vitro Cytokinesis-Block Micronucleus assay - CBMN) and in erythrocytes collected from murine bone marrow (in vivo). CAE did not induce toxic or mutagenic effects in female mice even after 30 days of treatment, regardless of the dose used. Considering cyclophosphamide (CPA)-challenged animals treated with CAE, neither antimutagenic effect was observed nor CAE increased CPA-mutagenic effects although in vitro CBMN results indicated that CAE might increase methyl methanesulfonate-induced micronuclei (MN) frequency besides promoting reduction on CPA-induced MN frequency. The obtained results suggest that CAE may be a safe source of carotenoids with potential use as industrial dye.

Tropical fruit juice: effect of thermal treatment and storage time on sensory and functional properties.

Tropical fruits rich in polyphenols, ascorbic acid, and high antioxidant capacity can enhance the functional composition, flavor as well as the overall acceptance of their juices. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pasteurization and storage time on the physical, chemical, and sensory quality parameters of two formulations of tropical fruit juice blends with high antioxidant capacity. Two formulations with different concentrations of acai, camu-camu, acerola, cashew apple, yellow mombin, and pineapple were pasteurized at 85 °C for 30 s, hot-filled in glass bottles, and stored in refrigerated conditions (5 °C). Analyses for color, total antioxidant activity, total polyphenols, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and sensory quality were performed before and after pasteurization as well as at 90 and 180 day of storage. Pasteurization did not negatively affect the concentration of functional components and sensory properties. However, the storage time negatively influenced the sensory quality and reduced the ascorbic acid content of both the formulations. Further, the acceptability and the nutritional quality were still high in these products after 180-days of storage, thus, not preventing their consumption.

Stability of a functional beverage composed by tropical fruits and yacon (Smallanthus sonchiyo- lius) under refrigerated storage.

The development of beverages with functional properties must consider the preservation of the bioactive or functional properties during storage. For this reason, the aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of a functional beverage of tropical fruits and yacon, stored under refrigeration. The beverage, composed by 50% of yacon and 50% of a blended tropical fruits (camu-camu, acerola, cashew-apple, yellow mombin, acai and pineapple), was pasteurized (90 seconds/ 85°C) and stored under refrigeration (5°C). After processing and on 45 day intervals until the end of storage, were assayed the bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid and total extractable polyphenols), antioxidant activity, total soluble solids, titratable total acidity, pH, color (L*, a* and b*), total sugar content, sucrose, glucose and fructose, and nd the physical and chemical analyzes were limited by decreased total antioxidant activity and their bioactive components. The beverage showed relative physical and chemical quality during storage period, and in the 225 days of storage, the total extractable polyphenols and total antioxidant activity showed a significantly decline, and thus , these parameters were evaluated only until this period. However, the main limitation for the beverage storage was due to. sensory acceptability and microbiological safety, which although in accordance with Brazilian legislation, limited storage period for 90 days.

Synergistic, additive and antagonistic effects of fruit mixtures on total antioxidant capacities and bioactive compounds in tropical fruit juices.

The objective of this work was investigate the synergistic, additive and antagonistic effects of fruit mixtures on total antioxidant capacities and bioactive compounds in tropical fruit juices, and optimize its formulation by the response surface methodology based on the responses: total polyphenols (TP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), ascorbic acid content and sensorial acceptance. Camu-camu, acerola and acai were the major factors that influenced the antioxidant potential of the juice; and the yellow mombin showed a positive effect on the acceptance of the tropical juice. It was observed an/antagonistic effect between acerola and camu-camu for the TAC response. The optimum formulation obtained was 20% acerola, 10% camu-camu, 10% yellow mombin, 10% cashew apple and 10% acai, which was responsible for a response of 155.46 mg.100 g(-1) of ascorbic acid, 103.01 mg of GAE.100 g-1 of TP, 10.27 µM Trolox g(-1) of TAC and approximately 6.1 of acceptance.

Cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) and cashew nut oil reduce cardiovascular risk factors in adults on weight-loss treatment: a randomized controlled three-arm trial (Brazilian Nuts Study).

Introduction: Cashew nut contains bioactive compounds that modulate satiety and food intake, but its effects on body fat during energy restriction remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the effects of cashew nut and cashew nut oil on body fat (primary outcome) as well as adiposity, cardiometabolic and liver function markers (secondary outcomes). Materials and methods: An eight-week (8-wk) randomized controlled-feeding study involved 68 adults with overweight/obesity (40 women, BMI: 33 ± 4 kg/m2). Participants were randomly assigned to one of the energy-restricted (-500 kcal/d) groups: control (CT, free-nuts), cashew nut (CN, 30 g/d), or cashew nut oil (OL, 30 mL/d). Body weight, body composition, and blood collection were assessed at the baseline and endpoint of the study. Results: After 8-wk, all groups reduced significantly body fat (CT: -3.1 ± 2.8 kg; CN: -3.3 ± 2.7 kg; OL: -1.8 ± 2.6 kg), body weight (CT: -4.2 ± 3.8 kg; CN: -3.9 ± 3.1 kg; OL: -3.4 ± 2.4 kg), waist (CT: -5.1 ± 4.6 cm; CN: -3.9 ± 3.9 cm; OL: -3.7 ± 5.3 cm) and hip circumferences (CT: -2.9 ± 3.0 cm; CN: -2.7 ± 3.1 cm; OL: -2.9 ± 2.3 cm). CN-group reduced liver enzymes (AST: -3.1 ± 5.3 U/L; ALT: -6.0 ± 9.9 U/L), while the OL-group reduced LDL-c (-11.5 ± 21.8 mg/dL) and atherogenic index (-0.2 ± 0.5). Both intervention groups decreased neck circumference (CN: -1.0 ± 1.2 cm; OL: -0.5 ± 1.2 cm) and apo B (CN: -6.6 ± 10.7 mg/dL; OL: -7.0 ± 15.3 mg/dL). Conclusion: After an 8-wk energy-restricted intervention, all groups reduced body fat (kg), weight, and some others adiposity indicators, with no different effect of cashew nut or cashew nut oil. However, participants in the intervention groups experienced additional reductions in atherogenic marker, liver function biomarkers, and cardiovascular risk factors (neck circumference and apo B levels), with these effects observed across the OL group, CN group, and both intervention groups, respectively.Clinical trial registration:https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-8xzkyp2, identifier 8xzkyp2.

Effects of Cashew Nuts (Anacardium occidentale L.) and Cashew Nut Oil on Intestinal Permeability and Inflammatory Markers during an Energy-Restricted 8-Week Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Brazilian Nuts Study).

Cashew nuts can contribute to improving intestinal permeability and inflammation as they contain essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, but no clinical trials have evaluated these potential effects. This randomized trial aimed to assess the effects of cashew nuts and their oil on intestinal permeability and inflammatory markers. Sixty-four adults with overweight or obesity were allocated into three groups receiving energy restriction (-500 kcal/day): control (CT, free nuts), cashew nuts (CN, 30 g/day), or cashew nut oil (OL, 30 mL/day). Urine lactulose and mannitol, plasma zonulin and the lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), plasma interleukins (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-1ß, IL-8, and IL-12p70), and C-reactive proteins were analyzed. Energy restriction reduced body fat and other indicators of adiposity without differences between the groups. Only the control group increased LBPs after an 8-week intervention. There were no statistically significant differences found between the groups in terms of intestinal permeability and inflammatory markers. In conclusion, incorporating cashew nuts or cashew nut oil into an energy-restricted 8-week dietary intervention did not change intestinal permeability and inflammatory markers. As studies evaluating cashew nuts on these markers remain scarce, further research is needed, perhaps with a longer study period and a higher concentration of cashew nuts and oil.

UPLC-QTOF-MSE based metabolomics and chemometrics study of the pitaya processing.

The search for knowledge related to the Pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus [F.A.C. Weber] Britton & Rose, family Cactaceae) is commonly due to its beneficial health properties e aesthetic values. But process to obtain pitaya pulp is a first and important step in providing information for the subsequent use of this fruit as colorant, for example. Therefore, the effects of the pulping process on the metabolomic and chemometric profile of non-volatile compounds of pitaya were assessed for the first time. The differences in metabolic fingerprints using UPLC-QTOF-MSE and multivariate modeling (PCA and OPLS-DA) was performed in the following treatments: treatment A, which consists of pelled pitaya and no ascorbic acid addition during pulping; treatment B, use of unpelled pitaya added of ascorbic acid during pulping; and control, unpelled pitaya and no ascorbic acid addition during pulping. For the metabolomic analysis, UPLC-QTOF-MSE shows an efficient method for the simultaneous determination of 35 non-volatile pitaya metabolites, including isorhamnetin glucosyl rhamnosyl isomers, phyllocactin isomers, 2'-O-apiosyl-phylocactin and 4'-O-malonyl-betanin. In addition, the chemometric analysis efficiently distinguished the metabolic compounds of each treatment applied and shows that the use of unpelled pitaya added of ascorbic acid during pulping has an interesting chemical profile due to the preservation or formation of compounds, such as those derived from betalain, and higher yields, which is desirable for the food industry.

Microfiltered red-purple pitaya concentrate: A promising multifunctional food-derived colorant.

Red pitaya fruit has become a source of natural colorant, because it is rich in betalains, a pigment that imparts a red-purple color that interests the food and cosmetics industries. This fruit also possesses high nutritional value, with a range of bioactive compounds known to confer potential health benefits and prevent chronic diseases, such as diabetes, which makes it useful for use as pharmaceutical agents and dietary supplements. In order to improve its technological and biological effects, a concentration will be required. Thus, the microfiltration, followed by vacuum concentration, can be an interesting strategy for this purpose. This study aimed to explore tangential microfiltration to produce microfiltered material, which is an important step to obtain the microfiltered red-purple pitaya concentrate. Therefore, physicochemical and chemical characterization (including 1H NMR analysis) and biological properties (toxicity and diabetes) of this concentrate were assessed, using adult zebrafish as a model. The results show that microfiltration was carried out efficiently, with an average consumption of 95.75 ± 3.13 and 74.12 ± 3.58 kW h m-3, varying according to the material used ("unpeeled pitaya pulp" or "pitaya pulp with peel," respectively). The in vivo tests indicated non-toxicity and hypoglycemic effect of the concentrate, since the blood glucose levels were significantly lower in the zebrafish groups treated with this concentrate in comparison with that of control group. Thus, this study suggests the potential of microfiltered red-purple pitaya concentrate as a promising multifunctional food-derived colorant, exhibiting beneficial biological effects far beyond its attractive color. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Hylocereus polyrhizus (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose has attracted attention as a potential source of natural colorants because of its red-purple skin and flesh color. In addition, this fruit has a range of bioactive compounds, which make it a valuable resource for providing potential health benefits and preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes. In this paper, the microfiltered red-purple pitaya concentrate showed beneficial biological effects far beyond its attractive color. Thus, this product can be considered a promising multifunctional food-derived colorant to use in the food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetics industries.

Evaluation of a Standardized Extract Obtained from Cashew Apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) Bagasse in DSS-Induced Mouse Colitis.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Several studies relate eating habits to different aspects of IBD, such as progression and worsening of the clinical condition. Therefore, many natural products (NPs) such as polyphenols and carotenoids have been identified as promising agents in supporting IBD. An interesting source for obtaining bioactive NPs is the by-products of the food industry. The present study evaluated the potential beneficial effect of a standardized extract (CAE) obtained from cashew apple bagasse in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis model in mice. This was the first time that CAE had been evaluated in this experimental model. Chemical evaluation of CAE identified carotenoids (96.28 ± 0.15 mg/100 g), phenolic compounds (37.49 ± 0.64 mg/100 g), and a mixture of anacardic acids (C15:3 = 94.2 ± 0.6 mg/100 g; C15:2 = 108.4 ± 0.1 mg/100 g; C15:1 = 214.8 ± 0.2 mg/100 g). Administration of CAE (500 mg/kg, 4 days, p.o.) after DSS challenge was more effective in delaying disease progression compared with prior treatment (500 mg/kg, 30 days, p.o.), according to the disease activity index. However, no treatment strategy with CAE was able to prevent or inhibit disease progression, since all parameters evaluated (macroscopic, biochemical, and histopathological) in CAE-treated animals were similar to those observed in DSS-challenged animals. Despite the high dose (500 mg/kg), the standardized extract (CAE) did not result in an effective concentration of carotenoids. Furthermore, as some anacardic acids have been reported as histone acetyltransferases inhibitors, there could be a possible antagonistic relationship between carotenoids and anacardic acids. Complementary research will be necessary to test the hypothesis of antagonism. Thus, an optimized extract, with an even higher concentration of carotenoids, obtained from cashew apple bagasse, can be developed as a possible adjuvant food supplement for inflammatory bowel diseases.

Previous gut microbiota has an effect on postprandial insulin response after intervention with yacon syrup as a source of fructooligosaccharides: a randomized, crossover, double-blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The use of prebiotics has an effect on postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations; however, the interaction between the previous profile of the intestinal microbiota and the effect of supplementation with prebiotics is not clear. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of previous intestinal microbiota profile on the postprandial insulin response to yacon syrup, used as a source of fructooligosaccharides (FOSs), in young women. The product presents high levels of FOS. METHODS: In this double-blind, crossover, randomized clinical trial, 40 adult women were allocated to receive a breakfast containing 40 g of yacon syrup (14 g FOS, intervention A) or a breakfast containing 40 g of placebo (intervention B). On each intervention day, after 12 h of fasting, an aliquot of blood was collected for insulin analysis at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min. The fecal sample was collected before the beginning of the interventions, and the DNA was extracted and quantified, with subsequent amplification of the 16S region, next-generation sequencing, and analysis of sequencing data. RESULTS: The glucose and insulin concentrations were reduced after ingestion of yacon syrup compared with placebo, specifically at the 30 min to insulin. After the receiver operating characteristic analysis, six volunteers who did not respond to the yacon consumption intervention were identified. The abundance of the phylum Actinobacteria (P = 0.021) and the order Bifidobacteriales (P = 0.013) were positively associated with better insulin response. Other main phyla were not associated with intervention response. CONCLUSIONS: The previous profile of the intestinal microbiota has an effect on the postprandial insulin response to FOSs, mainly in the phylum Actinobacteria and Bifidobacteriales order.

Assessment of metabolic, mineral, and cytotoxic profile in pineapple leaves of different commercial varieties: A new eco-friendly and inexpensive source of bioactive compounds.

Pineapple is among the most produced and consumed fruits worldwide, and consequently, its agroindustrial production/processing generates high amounts of agricultural waste, which are routinely discarded. Thus, it is crucial to seek alternatives to reuse this agricultural waste that are in high availability. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the chemical composition of a specific residue (leaves) of seven commercial varieties of pineapples, to attribute high added value uses, and to evaluate its potential as a source of secondary metabolites and minerals. Thereby, twenty-eight metabolites were annotated by UPLC-QTOF-MSE, including amino acids, organic acids, and phenolic compounds. The following minerals were quantitatively assessed by ICP-OES: Zn (5.30-19.77 mg kg-1), Cr, Cd, Mn (50.80-113.98 mg kg-1), Cu (1.05-4.01 mg kg-1), P (1030.77-6163.63 mg kg-1) and Fe (9.06-70.17 mg kg-1). In addition, Cr and Cd (toxic materials) present concentration levels below the limit of quantification of the analytical method (LOQCr and LOQCd = 0.02 mg kg-1) for all samples. The multivariate analysis was conceived from the chemical profile, through the tools of PCA (principal component analysis) and HCA (hierarchical cluster analysis). The results show that pineapple leaves have similarities and differences concerning their chemical composition. In addition, the cytotoxicity assays of the extracts against tumor and non-tumor strains shows that the extracts were non-toxic. This fact can corroborate and enhance the prospection of new uses and applications of agroindustrial co-products from pineapple, enabling the evaluation and use in different types of industries, such as pharmacological, cosmetic, and food, in addition to the possibility of being a potential source of bioactive compounds.

Intra-Amniotic Administration of Cashew Nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) Soluble Extract Improved Gut Functionality and Morphology In Vivo (Gallus gallus).

Cashew nuts are rich in dietary fibers, monounsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, tocopherols, flavonoids, catechins, amino acids, and minerals that offer benefits for health. However, the knowledge of its effect on gut health is lacking. In this way, cashew nut soluble extract (CNSE) was assessed in vivo via intra-amniotic administration in intestinal brush border membrane (BBM) morphology, functionality, and gut microbiota. Four groups were evaluated: (1) no injection (control); (2) H2O injection (control); (3) 10 mg/mL CNSE (1%); and (4) 50 mg/mL CNSE (5%). Results related to CNSE on duodenal morphological parameters showed higher Paneth cell numbers, goblet cell (GC) diameter in crypt and villi, depth crypt, mixed GC per villi, and villi surface area. Further, it decreased GC number and acid and neutral GC. In the gut microbiota, treatment with CNSE showed a lower abundance of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and E. coli. Further, in intestinal functionality, CNSE upregulated aminopeptidase (AP) gene expression at 5% compared to 1% CNSE. In conclusion, CNSE had beneficial effects on gut health by improving duodenal BBM functionality, as it upregulated AP gene expression, and by modifying morphological parameters ameliorating digestive and absorptive capacity. For intestinal microbiota, higher concentrations of CNSE or long-term intervention may be necessary.

Impact of different kernel grades on volatile compounds profile, fatty acids and oxidative quality of cashew nut oil.

In this study, the impact of kernel grade on the physicochemical quality, fatty acids, and volatile compounds of cashew nut oil was assessed. The oil samples were obtained from different classifications of nuts and analyzed for acid and peroxide values, color, fatty acids and volatile compounds. The broken kernel oils showed similar or superior quality to the whole kernel oil (LW3), especially samples B3 (batoque) and P3 (large piece), with acid, peroxide and color values equal to the one in LW3. The oils from less intact nuts showed high proportions of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), with acid ratios higher than the ones in LW3 (64.47 to 65.28 %, while the latter displayed 63.33 %). Sample P3 showed higher proportions of volatile compounds not derived from oxidation. This study expands the possibility of valorizing lower commercial value cashew nuts by producing oil with adequate quality for consumption.

Cashew apple byproduct: Gastroprotective effects of standardized extract.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The incidence of gastric mucosa lesions in the adult population has increased mainly due to the continued use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is a tropical tree, cultivated in several countries, whose barks, leaves and pseudofruit (cashew apple) are popularly used in traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases, including gastric ulcer. AIM: Our study evaluated the potential gastroprotective effect of the carotenoid and anacardic acids-enriched aqueous extract (CAE), prepared from cashew apple pomace, in the dose-repeated acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-induced gastric lesions model in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After randomly distribution into five group (G1 - G5, n = 8 animals/group), male Wistar rats were daily treated with ASA solution (200 mg/kg, 5 ml/kg, G2 - G5) or potable water (Satellite group, G1) during 14 days. From 8th to 14th experimental day, rats in G3 - G5 groups were orally treated with CAE (50, 100 and 500 mg/kg, 5 ml/kg, respectively). Body weight was measured on 0, 7th and 14th day. On the 14th experimental day, all surviving animals were euthanized for macroscopic evaluation of the inner organs and stomach removal. After weighting, each stomach was properly prepared for biochemical analysis [myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), reduced glutathione analysis (GSH), IL-1ß, CXCL2/MIP-2, TNF-α and IL-10 levels]. RESULTS: At the most efficient dose (100 mg/kg, p.o.), CAE-treated animals showed a slight improvement in the macroscopic aspect of gastric mucosa associated with significant (p < 0.05) reduced levels of IL-1ß, CXCL2/MIP-2, and MPO activity besides increased levels of GSH (partially), and IL-10 in stomach tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that the carotenoid and anacardic acids-enriched extract obtained from cashew apple pomace is a promising raw material for the development of herbal medicine and/or functional food supplements for the adjuvant treatment of NSAIDs-induced gastric ulcers.

Acute postprandial effect of yacon syrup ingestion on appetite: A double blind randomized crossover clinical trial.

Yacon syrup is a rich source of fructooligosaccharides (FOS); however, its diet supplementation effect on subjective sensation and appetite biomarkers in human is still unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the acute postprandial effect of yacon syrup ingestion on appetite. The double-blind crossover clinical trial was carried out with 40 adult women: 20 eutrophic and 20 obese grade I. On each day, the first blood collection was performed after a 12-h fast. Then, the volunteers ingested either intervention A (breakfast + 40 g of placebo) or intervention B (breakfast + 40 g of yacon syrup, containing 14 g of FOS). New aliquots of blood were collected at 45, 60, 90, 120, and 180 min. Appetite was assessed by estimating ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels and by assessing subjective appetite sensation. Analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni's multiple comparison test. No effect of yacon syrup was observed on postprandial ghrelin and GLP-1 levels at all times evaluated. Similar observations were made after stratifying the analysis by BMI (body mass index) (eutrophic and obese). The effect of yacon syrup on postprandial subjective sensations of hunger, satiety, fullness, and desire to eat was not evident in the total group of women evaluated and even after BMI stratification. We concluded that yacon syrup had no effect on postprandial ghrelin and GLP-1 levels and on the subjective appetite sensation in young adult women.

Garlic passion fruit (Passiflora tenuifila Killip): Assessment of eventual acute toxicity, anxiolytic, sedative, and anticonvulsant effects using in vivo assays.

Several Passiflora species are known for their sedative and anxiolytic properties. However, the functional properties of Passiflora tenuifila Killip are still unexplored. The objective of this work was to evaluate the phenolic composition and acute toxicity, anxiolytic, sedative, and anticonvulsant effects using in vivo assays. The whole fruit (peel, pulp, and seed) was lyophilized and used for all assays. LC-MS showed 19 phenolic compounds, tentatively identified as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Acute treatment with single doses of up to 2000 mg kg-1 in Wistar rats showed no signs of mortality or toxicity over 14 days. The assay of functional effects was performed with Swiss mice, four groups, received by gavage, doses of P. tenuifila (200 or 400 mg kg-1 body weight), water, and diazepam (as negative and positive control), and behavior tests were performed after 60 min of the treatments. The animals treated with P. tenuifila fruit showed a significant decrease in locomotor activity, indicating a sedative and anxiolytic activity. No significant changes were observed in the rotarod apparatus, suggesting that the P. tenuifila fruit did not cause muscle relaxation. The 400 mg kg-1 dose of P. tenuifila exerted a protective effect against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures, decreasing the severity and not causing the death of the animals. In conclusion, P. tenuifila showed no acute toxicity and had a promising effect as an anxiolytic agent, hypnotic-sedative and anticonvulsant, which could be related to its composition of flavonoids and phenolic acids.

Effects of processing on the chemical, physicochemical, enzymatic, and volatile metabolic composition of pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose).

The effects of processing on the chemical, physicochemical, enzymatic, and volatile metabolic composition of pitaya pulp were assessed for the first time. To this end, the following treatments to obtain pitaya pulp were evaluated: Treatment A (TA, pulp processing without ascorbic acid), Treatment B (TB, whole fruit processing with ascorbic acid), and Control (whole fruit processing without ascorbic acid). The treatment employed in TB resulted in low polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity, and no significant chemical or physicochemical alterations in most parameters evaluated. In addition, TB presents high yields and fiber content compared to the TA or Control. For metabolic analysis, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was effective for the simultaneous determination of 80 volatile metabolites in pitaya. Chemometric analyses was used to efficiently distinguish the volatile compounds of each treatment, and demonstrated that TB presents an interesting volatile profile due the conservation or agregation of compounds.

Metabolic profile of pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose) by UPLC-QTOF-MSE and assessment of its toxicity and anxiolytic-like effect in adult zebrafish.

Pitaya is a Cactacea with potential for economic exploitation, due to its high commercial value and its functional components - such betalains, oligosaccharides and phenolic compounds. Although the biological activities of pitaya have been studied using in vivo and in vitro models (anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities, as example), its anxiolytic-like effect is still unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this work was to perform a characterization of pulp and peel of pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose) using UPLC-QTOF-MSE, and to assess its toxicity and anxiolytic-like effect in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). The results showed 16 and 15 compounds (in pulp and peel, respectively), including maltotriose, quercetin-3-O-hexoside, and betalains, putatively identified by UPLC-QTOF-MSE. Thus, pitaya pulp and peel showed no toxicity in both models tested (Vero cell lines and zebrafish model, LC50 ˃ 1 mg/mL); and a significant anxiolytic activity, since the treated fish reduced the permanence in the clear zone (Light & Dark Test) compared to that in the control, exhibiting anxiolytic-simile effect of diazepam. However, these effects were reduced by pre-treatment with the flumazenil suggesting that the pulp and peel of pitaya are anxiolytics agents mediated via the GABAergic system. These findings suggested that H. polyrizhus has the potential of developing an alternative plant-derived anxiolytic therapy. In addition, pitaya peel (which is a waste in the food industry) should be regarded as a valuable product, which has the potential as an economic value-added ingredient for anxiety disorders.