Dietary Supplements Containing Oat Beta-Glucan and/or Green Coffee (Poly)phenols Showed Limited Effect in Modulating Cardiometabolic Risk Biomarkers in Overweight/Obese Patients without a Lifestyle Intervention.

Obesity has reached pandemic proportions and has become a major health concern worldwide. Therefore, it is necessary to find new strategies against this condition and its associated comorbidities. Green coffee polyphenols (GCP) and oat beta-glucans (BGs) have proven their hypolipidaemic and hypoglycaemic effects. This study aimed to examine the effects of the long-term consumption of supplements containing GCP, BG or the novel GCP/BG combination on lipid and glucose metabolism biomarkers in overweight/obese subjects who maintained their dietary habits and physical activity, hence addressing the difficulty that this population faces in adapting to lifestyle changes. A randomised, crossover, blind trial was carried out in 29 volunteers who consumed either GCP (300 mg), BG (2.5 g) or GCP/BG (300 mg + 2.5 g) twice a day for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected, and blood pressure and body composition were measured at the beginning and end of each intervention. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL-C) cholesterol, glycated haemoglobin, fasting glucose, insulin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and different hormones and adipokines were analysed. Only VLDL-C (p = 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.027) decreased after the intervention, especially with the BG supplement. There were no other significant changes in the analysed biomarkers. In conclusion, the regular intake of GCP, BG and GCP/BG without lifestyle changes is not an efficient strategy to improve lipid and glucose homeostasis in overweight/obese subjects.

Olive pomace oil can improve blood lipid profile: a randomized, blind, crossover, controlled clinical trial in healthy and at-risk volunteers.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the effect of dietary consumption of olive pomace oil (OPO) on blood lipids (primary outcome) and other cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (blood pressure, inflammation and endothelial function as secondary outcomes). METHODS: A randomized, controlled, blind, crossover intervention was carried out in healthy and at-risk (hypercholesterolemic) subjects. Participants consumed daily 45 g of OPO or high-oleic acid sunflower oil (HOSO) as control oil during 4 weeks. RESULTS: OPO significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; P = 0.003) and apolipoprotein B (Apo B; P = 0.022) serum concentrations, and LDL/HDL ratio (P = 0.027) in healthy and at-risk volunteers. These effects were not observed with HOSO. Blood pressure, peripheral artery tonometry (PAT), endothelial function and inflammation biomarkers were not affected. CONCLUSIONS: Regular consumption of OPO in the diet could have hypolipidemic actions in subjects at cardiovascular risk as well as in healthy consumers, contributing to CVD prevention. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: NCT04997122, August 8, 2021, retrospectively registered.

Main Colonic Metabolites from Coffee Chlorogenic Acid May Counteract Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in 3T3-L1 Cells.

Obesity is coupled with an altered redox state and low-level inflammation. Oxidative stress may increase pre-adipocyte proliferation, adipocyte differentiation and mature adipocyte size. Regarding inflammation, the dysregulation of cytokine production by adipose tissue takes place in obesity, which is promoted by oxidative stress. Polyphenols may exert a positive effect on obesity, not only by modulating the redox state, but also due to their anti-inflammatory activity. Coffee, which is one of the most consumed beverages, is very rich in phenolic compounds. Bioavailability studies on coffee phenols have shown that the most abundant group of metabolites in plasma and urine are dihydrocaffeic (DHCA), dihydroferulic (DHFA), and hydroxyhippuric (HHA) acids, the three acids of colonic origin. To better understand the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of DHCA, DHFA, and HHA, an inflammation/oxidation model was set up in the pre-adipocyte 3T3-L1 cell line using tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). After the exposure of 3T3-L1 cells to 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 µM of TNF-α at different times, the cell viability, interleukin (IL)-6 secretion, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) were determined. Using the TNF-α prooxidant and proinflammatory conditions established (10 µM, 24 h), it was observed that the physiological concentrations (0.5, 1, 5, and 10 µM) of DHCA, DHFA, and HHA induced dose-dependent antioxidant effects according to the ROS, GSH, and antioxidant enzyme (glutathione peroxidase) results. In addition, reductions in the IL-1ß, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) concentrations were observed to different extents depending on the metabolite (DHFA, HHA, or DHCA) and the concentration used. In conclusion, the main colonic metabolites from coffee chlorogenic acids may counteract TNF-α-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in the 3T3-L1 cell line, and thus, they present antiobesity potential.

Bioavailability and nutrikinetics of rosemary tea phenolic compounds in humans.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. is a widespread aromatic plant commonly consumed as a tea in traditional cuisine and in folk medicine to treat various illnesses due to its therapeutic properties. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports on the bioavailability and metabolism of R. officinalis tea polyphenols in humans. This study was aimed at assessing the bioavailability and nutrikinetics of R. officinalis phenolic compounds in healthy humans for the first time. Forty-eight compounds were identified in plasma and urine. Few un-metabolized compounds were detected since rosemary polyphenols were extensively metabolized into phase II conjugates, with rapid appearance and clearance in plasma, pointing to small intestinal absorption. Phase II derivatives of caffeic acid showed kinetics compatible with both intestinal and colonic hydrolysis of rosmarinic acid yielding free caffeic and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-lactic acids, which were absorbed and metabolized into phase II derivatives. These metabolites, along with reduced forms of caffeic acid and their phase II metabolites, and those of hydroxyphenylpropionic, hydroxylphenylacetic, benzoic and hippuric acids, highlight the importance of colonic absorption. Total urinary excretion of the phenols added up to 235 µmol, corresponding to 22.3% of the ingested amount (1055 µM). In conclusion, rosemary tea polyphenols are partially bioavailable and extensively metabolized, mainly by the colonic microbiota.

Nutritional and other health properties of olive pomace oil.

Olive-pomace oil is rich in oleic acid, and thus it can be an interesting dietary fat alternative as it can allow reaching the recommendation of consuming 20% of total diet energy in the form of monounsaturated fatty acids. In addition, olive-pomace oil also contains a wide range of minor components that may contribute to its healthy properties. The major components identified with healthy properties are triterpenic dialcohols and acids, squalene, tocopherols, sterols, fatty alcohols and phenolic compounds. The refining process, that the crude pomace-oil must undergo for commercial purposes, significantly reduces the content of phenolic compounds, while the other minor components remain at concentrations which can induce positive health effects, especially on cardiovascular health, outstanding pentacyclic triterpenes and aliphatic fatty alcohols in olive-pomace oil. Numerous in vitro and preclinical studies support that mainly the pure compounds, or extracts isolated from plant sources, play an important role in preventing cardiovascular disease and risk factors. Likewise, tocopherols, squalene and phytosterols, in addition to the minor fraction of phenolic compounds, have shown high biological activity with particular association to the cardiovascular function. In the light of the foregoing, and taking into consideration the absence of clinical studies with olive-pomace oil, it would be of great interest to develop randomized, crossover, controlled, double-blind studies to extend the knowledge and understanding on the health effects of olive-pomace olive.

Bioavailability and metabolism of rosemary infusion polyphenols using Caco-2 and HepG2 cell model systems.

BACKGROUND: Rosmarinus officinalis is an aromatic plant used in folk medicine as a result of the therapeutic properties associated with its phenolic composition, being rich in rosmarinic acid (RA) and caffeic acid (CA). To better understand the bioactivity of these compounds, their absorption and metabolism were assessed in human Caco-2 and HepG2 cells, as small intestine and liver models, respectively, using RA and CA standards, as well as a rosemary infusion and ferulic acid (FA). RESULTS: Test compounds were partially up-taken and metabolized by Caco-2 and HepG2 cells, although a higher metabolization rate was observed after hepatic incubation compared to intestinal incubation. CA was the compound best absorbed followed by RA and FA, showing metabolites percentages of 30.4%, 11.8% and 4.4% in Caco-2 and 34.3%, 10.3% and 3.2% in HepG2 cells, respectively. RA in the rosemary infusion showed improved bioavailability compared to pure RA. Methyl derivatives were the main metabolites detected for CA and RA after intestinal and hepatic metabolism, followed by methyl-glucuronidates and glucuronidates. RA was also minimally hydrolyzed into CA, whereas FA only was glucuronidated. Rosemary polyphenols followed the same biotransformation pathways as the standards. In addition, phase II derivatives of luteolin were observed. CONCLUSION: Rosemary polyphenols are partially metabolized in both the intestine and liver. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Improved LC-MSn characterization of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonols in different commercial mate (Ilex paraguariensis) brands. Quantification of polyphenols, methylxanthines, and antioxidant activity.

Yerba mate is a beverage rich in bioactive compounds popular in South America. Polyphenols and methylxanthines were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed in four commercial brands of yerba mate, as well as the antioxidant capacity of the beverages. Using LC/MSn analysis, 58 polyphenols were observed of which 4-sinapoylquinic acid, di- and tri-methoxycinnamoylquinic acids, two isomers of trimethoxycinnamoylshikimic acid and four isomers of caffeoyl-2,7-anhydro-3-deoxy-2-octulopyranosonic acid were identified for the first time in mate. Additionally, 46 polyphenols and 2 methylxanthines were quantified by HPLC-DAD. Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonols comprised 90% and 10% of mate phenols, respectively, 3-caffeoylquinic (26.8-28.8%), 5-caffeoylquinic (21.1-22.4%), 4-caffeoylquinic (12.6-14.2%) and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acids (9.5-11.3%) along with rutin (7.1-7.8%) were the most abundant polyphenols, whereas caffeine was the main methylxanthine (90%). Ilex paraguariensis is an important source of polyphenols with moderate methylxanthines content; therefore its high antioxidant capacity was mainly associated to its polyphenolic composition.

Absorption and metabolism of yerba mate phenolic compounds in humans.

Bioavailability of yerba mate phenolic compounds was assessed in healthy humans. More than 34 metabolites were identified in biological fluids, mainly sulfated conjugates of caffeic and ferulic/isoferulic acids, in addition to non-metabolized caffeoyl-, feruloyl- and p-coumaroilquinic acids, with rapid appearance and clearance in plasma indicative of small intestinal absorption. These compounds amounted to 13.1% of the urinary metabolites. Delayed absorption of dihydrocaffeic, dihydroferulic and dihydrocoumaric acids and their phase II metabolites, in addition to feruloylglycine, pointed to their microbial origin and colonic absorption, accounting for 81.0% of excreted metabolites. Phase II flavonol metabolites (0.2%) derived mainly from rutin after colonic transformation and absorption were also detected. Additionally, dihydroferuloyl-, dihydrocaffeoyl- and dihydrocoumaroylquinic acids (5.7%) were identified, showing the most delayed kinetics. Total phenolic excretion (147.6µmol) corresponded to 13.2% of ingested phenols. In conclusion, yerba mate polyphenols are partially bioavailable and extensively metabolized, mainly by the colonic microbiota.

A Comprehensive Characterisation of Rosemary tea Obtained from Rosmarinus officinalis L. Collected in a sub-Humid Area of Tunisia.

INTRODUCTION: Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is an aromatic plant common in Tunisia and it is widely consumed as a tea in traditional cuisine and in folk medicine to treat various illnesses. Currently, most research efforts have been focused on rosemary essential oil, alcoholic and aqueous extracts, however, little is reported on rosemary infusion composition. OBJECTIVE: To investigate compounds present in rosemary tea obtained from Rosmarinus officinalis L. collected in a sub-humid area of Tunisia in order to assess whether the traditional rosemary tea preparation method could be considered as a reference method for rosemary's compounds extraction. METHODOLOGY: Qualitative characterisation of Rosmarinus officinalis tea obtained after rosemary infusion in boiled water was determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionisation quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS). Quantitative analysis relies on high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). RESULTS: Forty-nine compounds belonging to six families, namely flavonoids, phenolic acids, phenolic terpenes, jasmonate, phenolic glycosides, and lignans were identified. To the best of the authors' knowledge eucommin A is characterised for the first time in rosemary. Rosmarinic acid (158.13 µg/g dried rosemary) was the main compound followed then by feruloylnepitrin (100.87 µg/g) and luteolin-3'-O-(2″-O-acetyl)-ß-d-glucuronide (44.04 µg/g). Among quantified compounds, luteolin-7-O-rutinoside was the compound with the lowest concentration. CONCLUSION: The infusion method allows several polyphenols present in rosemary tea to be extracted, therefore it could be a reference method for rosemary's compounds extraction. Moreover, traditional Tunisian Rosmarinus officinalis tea consumption is of interest for its rich phenolic content. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Polyphenol content, in vitro bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity of widely consumed beverages.

BACKGROUND: Beverages prepared from antioxidant-rich plants are sources of polyphenols, the bioactivity of which depends on bioaccessibility in the gastrointestinal tract. This work evaluated the polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of widely consumed beverages such as chamomile tea, yerba mate, a coffee blend (65% roasted: 35% green), and coffee-like substitutes such as chicory, malt and a soluble cereal mixture. Additionally, the bioaccessibility of the two beverages with the highest antioxidant capacity was evaluated using an in vitro digestion model. RESULTS: Total phenolic content ranged from 11.15 mg 200 mL-1 in chamomile tea, up to 154.53 mg 200 mL-1 in mate or 215.05 mg 200 mL-1 in the blend. These results correlated with the antioxidant capacity analysed by ferric reducing antioxidant power, oxygen radical scavenging capacity and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid methods. Yerba mate and the coffee blend showed an average polyphenol recovery after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of 57% and 78%, respectively. Although both beverages showed similar phenolic composition, polyphenols in coffee were more stable than in yerba mate. Alkaline pH in the intestinal digestion stage was responsible for the observed reduction in polyphenol stability. CONCLUSION: Regular consumption of the studied beverages provides considerable amounts of antioxidants which are relatively stable after simulated digestion, and thus have the potential to prevent oxidative stress-related disorders. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

The colonic metabolites dihydrocaffeic acid and dihydroferulic acid are more effective inhibitors of in vitro platelet activation than their phenolic precursors.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The consumption of a healthy diet rich in polyphenols has been inversely associated with the development of CVD. This study evaluated the effects of green coffee bean extract (GCBE) and yerba mate phenolic extract (YMPE), the main phenolic and methylxanthine constituents (5-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, caffeine, and theobromine), and their main metabolites (caffeic acid, ferulic acid, dihydrocaffeic acid (DHCA) and dihydroferulic acid (DHFA)) on platelet activation in vitro. Upon incubation with different doses (0.01-100 µg mL-1 or µM) of each compound, adenosine 5'-diphosphate-induced P-selectin expression and fibrinogen binding were determined using whole blood flow cytometry. Platelet P-selectin expression was significantly decreased by YMPE and all phenolic and methylxanthine constituents at physiological concentrations, compared with control, whereas fibrinogen binding on platelets was significantly increased. The colonic metabolites (DHCA and DHFA) had stronger inhibitory effects on P-selectin expression than their phenolic precursors, suggesting an increase in the efficacy to modulate platelet activation with the metabolism of the phenolic compounds.

Effects of in vitro digestion and storage on the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of a red grape pomace.

Red grape pomace (RGP) is a major winery by-product with interesting applications due to its high phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Effects of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and storage on the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of RGP were studied. RGP polyphenols were stable under stomach-mimicking conditions and more sensitive to small intestine conditions, reducing anthocyanins and flavonols. After 3- and 6-month storage, at either 4 or 25 °C, there were no changes in the total phenolic and condensed tannin content, or antioxidant capacity (evaluated by ABTS, FRAP, ORAC assays); however, after 9 months these parameters decreased. Contrarily, chromatic b* values were higher, thus the samples had more intense red color, which may be related to the increased condensed tannin content. Storage time or temperature induced no changes in microbiological load. RGP preserves high antioxidant capacity after storage and in vitro digestion and thus presents potential as a functional ingredient or nutraceutical.

Exhaustive Qualitative LC-DAD-MSn Analysis of Arabica Green Coffee Beans: Cinnamoyl-glycosides and Cinnamoylshikimic Acids as New Polyphenols in Green Coffee.

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, due to its unique aroma and stimulant properties. Although its health effects are controversial, moderate intake seems to be beneficial. The present work deals with the characterization and quantification of polyphenols and methylxanthines in four Arabica green coffee beans from different geographical origins. The antioxidant activity was also evaluated. Forty-three polyphenols (cinnamic acid, cinnamoyl-amide, 5 cinammoyl-glycosides, and 36 cinnamate esters) were identified using LC-MSn. Among these, cinnamate esters of six different chemical groups (including two dimethoxycinnamoylquinic acid isomers, three caffeoyl-feruloylquinic acid isomers, caffeoyl-sinapoylquinic acid, p-coumaroyl-feruloylquinic acid, two caffeoylshikimic acid isomers, and trimethoxycinnamoylshikimic acid) in addition to five isomers of cinnamoyl-glycosides called caffeoyl-2,7-anhydro-3-deoxy-2-octulopyranosic acid (CDOA) are described for the first time in Arabica green coffee beans. Moreover, 38 polyphenols (6-7% w/w) and 2 methylxanthines (1.3% w/w) were quantified by HPLC-DAD. Caffeoylquinic was the most abundant group of compounds (up to 85.5%) followed by dicaffeoylquinic and feruloylquinic acids (up to 8 and 7%, respectively) and the newly identified cinnamoyl-glycosides (CDOA) (up to 2.5%). Caffeine was the main methylxanthine (99.8%), with minimal amounts of theobromine (0.2%). African coffees (from Kenya and Ethiopia) showed higher polyphenolic content than American beans (from Brazil and Colombia), whereas methylxanthine contents varied randomly. Both phenols and methylxanthines contributed to the antioxidant capacity associated with green coffee, with a higher contribution of polyphenols. We conclude that green coffee represents an important source of polyphenols and methylxanthines, with high antioxidant capacity.

Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity of Alkyl Nitroderivatives of Hydroxytyrosol.

A series of alkyl nitrohydroxytyrosyl ether derivatives has been synthesized from free hydroxytyrosol (HT), the natural olive oil phenol, in order to increase the assortment of compounds with potential neuroprotective activity in Parkinson's disease. In this work, the antioxidant activity of these novel compounds has been evaluated using Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), and Oxygen Radical Scavenging Capacity (ORAC) assays compared to that of nitrohydroxytyrosol (NO2HT) and free HT. New compounds showed variable antioxidant activity depending on the alkyl side chain length; compounds with short chains (2-4 carbon atoms) maintained or even improved the antioxidant activity compared to NO2HT and/or HT, whereas those with longer side chains (6-8 carbon atoms) showed lower activity than NO2HT but higher than HT.

Comparative evaluation of the metabolic effects of hydroxytyrosol and its lipophilic derivatives (hydroxytyrosyl acetate and ethyl hydroxytyrosyl ether) in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Hydroxytyrosol (HT), a virgin olive oil phenolic phytochemical with proven health benefits, has been used to generate new lipophilic antioxidants to preserve fats and oils against autoxidation. The aim of this work is to comparatively evaluate the physiological effects of HT and its lipophilic derivatives, hydroxytyrosyl acetate (HT-Ac) and ethyl hydroxytyrosyl ether (HT-Et), in high-cholesterol fed animals. Male Wistar rats (n = 8) were fed a standard diet (C group), a cholesterol-rich diet (Chol group) or a cholesterol-rich diet supplemented with phenolic compounds (HT group, HT-Ac group and HT-Et group) for 8 weeks. Body and tissue weights, the lipid profile, redox status, and biochemical, hormonal, and inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated. Plasma levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, glucose, insulin and leptin, as well as malondialdehyde in serum increased in Chol compared to C (p < 0.05). Rats fed the test diets had improved glucose, insulin, leptin and MDA levels and antioxidant capacity status, with HT-Ac being the most effective compound. The studied phenolic compounds also modulated TNF-α and IL-1ß plasma levels compared to Chol. HT-Ac and HT-Et improved adipose tissue distribution and adipokine production, decreasing MCP-1 and IL-1ß levels. Our results confirm the metabolic effects of HT, which are maintained and even improved by hydrophobic derivatives, particularly HT-Ac.

Hypocholesterolaemic and antioxidant effects of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) in high-cholesterol fed rats.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of mate (Ilex paraguariensis) on serum lipids and antioxidant status in normocholesterolaemic and hypercholesterolaemic rats. METHODS: Triglycerides (TG), total, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol levels, total antioxidant capacity (FRAP and ABTS assays), malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls were analysed in serum, and MDA, glutathione and antioxidant enzyme activity in livers of rats drinking water or mate fed normal or cholesterol-cholic supplemented diets. RESULTS: ABTS, glutathione and antioxidant enzymes were not affected by any treatment. In normocholesterolaemic animals, mate had no effect on serum lipids or antioxidant status, yet it increased serum carbonyls and liver MDA concentrations. In hypercholesterolaemic rats, mate consumption had no effect on HDL-cholesterol or protein carbonyls, yet it showed a marked hypolipidaemic action, decreasing TG, total and LDL-cholesterol, and serum MDA levels that had been increased after consuming the high-cholesterol diet. CONCLUSION: Potential beneficial effect of mate on markers of cardiovascular risk seems to be restricted to hyperlipaemic animals.

Regular consumption of a cocoa product improves the cardiometabolic profile in healthy and moderately hypercholesterolaemic adults.

Cocoa products present great health potential due to their high content of polyphenols, mainly of flavanols. However, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other health effects of regularly consuming cocoa products seem to depend on the intake and health status of the consumer, etc. and need to be further clarified. A randomised, controlled, cross-over, free-living study was carried out in healthy (n 24) and moderately hypercholesterolaemic (>2000 mg/l, n 20) subjects to assess the influence of regularly consuming (4 weeks) two servings (15 g each) of a cocoa product rich in fibre (containing 33·9 % of total dietary fibre (TDF) and 13·9 mg/g of soluble polyphenols) in milk v. consuming only milk (control) on (1) serum lipid and lipoprotein profile, (2) serum malondialdehyde levels, carbonyl groups, ferric reducing/antioxidant power, oxygen radical absorbance capacity and free radical-scavenging capacity, (3) IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and vascular and intracellular cell adhesion molecule levels, and (4) systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. Throughout the study, the diet and physical activity of the volunteers, as well as any possible changes in weight or other anthropometric parameters, were also evaluated. The intake of TDF increased (P< 0·001) to the recommended levels. Serum HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were increased (P< 0·001), whereas glucose (P= 0·029), IL-1ß (P= 0·001) and IL-10 (P= 0·001) levels were decreased. The rest of the studied cardiovascular parameters, as well as the anthropometric ones, remained similar. In conclusion, regularly consuming a cocoa product with milk improves cardiovascular health by increasing HDL-C levels and inducing hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory effects in healthy and hypercholesterolaemic individuals without causing weight gain.

Effects of consuming diets containing Agave tequilana dietary fibre and jamaica calyces on body weight gain and redox status in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Dietary fibre (DF) obtained from Agave tequilana, which is rich in fructans and insoluble DF, and jamaica calyces (Hibiscus sabdariffa), which is rich in DF and phenolic compounds, were assessed as new potential functional ingredients using the hypercholesterolemic animal model. Wistar rats (200-250 g) were divided into 3 groups (n=8) and fed with cholesterol-rich diets supplemented with cellulose (CC, control), agave DF (ADF) or ADF with jamaica calyces (ADF-JC). After consuming the test diets for 5 weeks, weight gain in the ADF-JC group was significantly lower than in the other groups. The ADF and ADF-JC groups had a reduced concentration of cholesterol transporters in the caecum tissue, although no changes were observed in the plasma lipid profile. Both treatments improved the redox status by reducing the malondialdehyde serum levels and protein oxidative damage, compared to the CC group. DF from A. tequilana alone, or in combination with jamaica calyces, shows promising potential as a bioactive ingredient.

An aqueous pomegranate seed extract ameliorates oxidative stress of human hepatoma HepG2 cells.

BACKGROUND: Aqueous pomegranate seed extract (PSE), a by-product of the pomegranate juice industry, was recently identified as a potential antiglycative ingredient. Ellagic acid was proposed as the major polyphenol responsible for the antiglycative activity as exerted in in vitro models. However, there is no information on safety aspects of this extract in biological systems before its application as ingredient. The cytotoxicity of PSE (1-100 µg mL(-1) ) was evaluated by determining its effect on cell viability and redox status of cultured HepG2 cells. The protective effect of the PSE against oxidative stress induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH) was also investigated. RESULTS: No changes in cell integrity or intrinsic antioxidant status resulted from a direct treatment with aqueous PSE, even at high dosage. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by t-BOOH were reduced by 21% when cells were pretreated with 100 µg mL(-1) of aqueous PSE at 180 min. The range of concentrations investigated was effective in decreasing the ROS formation but not in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Aqueous pomegranate seed extract enhances human hepatoma cells integrity and resistance to cope with a stressful situation at concentration up to 100 µg mL(-1) .

Cocoa phenolic extract protects pancreatic beta cells against oxidative stress.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with reductions in glutathione, supporting the critical role of oxidative stress in its pathogenesis. Antioxidant food components such as flavonoids have a protective role against oxidative stress-induced degenerative and age-related diseases. Flavonoids constitute an important part of the human diet; they can be found in most plant foods, including green tea, grapes or cocoa and possess multiple biological activities. This study investigates the chemo-protective effect of a cocoa phenolic extract (CPE) containing mainly flavonoids against oxidative stress induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BOOH) on Ins-1E pancreatic beta cells. Cell viability and oxidative status were evaluated. Ins-1E cells treatment with 5-20 µg/mL CPE for 20 h evoked no cell damage and did not alter ROS production. Addition of 50 µM t-BOOH for 2 h increased ROS and carbonyl groups content and decreased reduced glutathione level. Pre-treatment of cells with CPE significantly prevented the t-BOOH-induced ROS and carbonyl groups and returned antioxidant defences to adequate levels. Thus, Ins-1E cells treated with CPE showed a remarkable recovery of cell viability damaged by t-BOOH, indicating that integrity of surviving machineries in the CPE-treated cells was notably protected against the oxidative insult.