New selective and sustainable ultrasound-assisted extraction procedure to recover carnosic and rosmarinic acids from Rosmarinus officinalis by sequential use of bio-based solvents.

Carnosic (CA) and rosmarinic (RA) acids are the primary phenolic acids in hydrophilic rosemary extracts. Their combination exhibits high antioxidant activity and can be explored in several applications. This study aimed to develop an extraction procedure using bio-based solvents to recover two rosemary extracts, one rich in CA and the other in RA. By using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and a pool of 34 solvents, we evaluated nominal power (W), extraction time (min), and solvent water percentage (% H2O) regarding yield and selectivity. The authors propose a sequential UAE procedure validated by applying ethanol 99.5 % (v/v), 240 W, and 5 min to recover a rich fraction of 24.0 mgCA.gbiomass-1; followed by a second step using AmAc:LA (1:2 M ratio), 20 % H2O (m/m), 320 W, and 5 min that resulted in 8.4 mgRA.gbiomass-1. Our results indicate that modulating the solvent composition and process temperature is critical to increasing extraction yields and selectivity.

Combining eutectic solvents and food-grade silica to recover and stabilize anthocyanins from grape pomace.

Concentrated in the skins of red grapes are the anthocyanins, the primary colorants responsible for the fruits' reddish-purple color. These colorants are recognized for their significant antioxidant properties and potent nutraceutical and pharmaceutical ingredients. Nevertheless, their widespread use is compromised by the (i) need for more efficient yet sustainable downstream processes for their recovery and (ii) by the challenges imposed by their poor stability. In this work, these drawbacks were overcome by applying eutectic solvents and stabilizing agents. Besides, the anthocyanins were successfully loaded into a solid host material (approved in both food and pharmaceutical sectors) based on silicon dioxide (SiO2, loading capacity: 1extract:7silica m/m). Summing up, with the process developed, the extraction yield (21 mganthocyanins.gbiomass-1) and the stability (under 55, 75, and 95 °C) of the recovered anthocyanins were over three times better than with the conventional process. Finally, the raw materials and solvents were recycled, allowing an economical and environmentally friendly downstream process.

Standardization proposal to quality control of propolis extracts commercialized in Brazil : A fingerprinting methodology using a UHPLC-PDA-MS/MS approach.

Propolis is a rich source of known and largely explored bioactive compounds with many pharmacological properties. It is used in several commercialized products, such as propolis-enriched honey, candies, mouth and throat sprays, soaps, toothpaste, and skin creams. However, the great diversity of propolis products and different types make the standardization of realistic quality control procedures challenging. Moreover, the extraction of propolis bioactive compounds depends on the technique and the solvent used. In Brazil, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (MAPA) set standards to establish commercialized propolis extracts' identity and quality. In addition, according to legislation, propolis extracts must present the main classes of phenols at 200 and 400 nm on the UV spectrum. Still, it is not specified which analysis method should be used to guarantee feasible quality control of the commercialized samples. For this, we proposed a new fast UHPLC-PDA-MS/MS method for analysis and quantification of propolis phenolic compounds. Moreover, we hypothesize that there is no efficient monitoring regarding the quality of the propolis extracts sold in Brazilian stores. Therefore, the present study aimed to perform quality control of 17 Brazilian propolis extracts produced in the Southeast region (green or brown - the most representative samples). The dry extract content (% g/mL), oxidation index (seconds), total flavonoids, and phenolics (% m/m) of each sample were compared with legislation. We conclude that using the UHPLC-PDA method and the investigation that allowed the comparison with the current legislation efficiently practical problems in the commercialization of propolis extracts. However, of the 17 analyzed samples, 6 did not meet the desired the recognized standards, denoting a lack of supervision and efficient quality control, which highlights a dangerous situation regarding the commercialization of this critical product used in several industrial fields, mainly in the food and pharmaceutical sector.

Evidence for the Involvement of Cytokines Modulation and Prokinetic Properties in Gastric Ulcer Healing Effects of Helicteres sacarolha A. St.-Hil. A. Juss.

Preparations of Helicteres sacarolha (Malvaceae) leaves and roots are used in the form of decoction, infusion or maceration, to treat gastrointestinal disturbances, among others. Studies supporting some of its ethnomedicinal uses are still incipient. The present study aimed to investigate it potential effect on chronic ulcer, ulcerative colitis and possible prokinetic activities as part of its mechanism of action. The powdered leaves of Helicteres sacarolha (HEHs) was prepared by maceration in 70 % hydroethanolic solution. Its qualitative phytochemical constituents were investigated by direct flow injection analysis coupled to atmospheric pressure chemical ionization ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (FIA-APCI-IT-MSn ). The gastric ulcer healing effect was evaluated in acetic acid induced chronic ulcer in mice and the lesions were evaluated, including analysis of blood plasma cytokine levels. The prokinetic properties (gastric emptying and intestinal transit) were carried out in mice. Potential anti-ulcerative colitis activity was evaluated in rats using 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (5 % TNBS) -induced colitis. All animal experiments were carried out at the doses of 20, 50 and 250 mg/kg (p.o.). Eight compounds were putatively identified, specifically lariciresinol, and its derivatives, kaempferol derivatives and Tricin-O-Glc. The extract promoted increased gastric ulcer healing at all doses tested. Modulation of the cytokines involved inhibition of some key pro-inflammatory cytokines with maximum effect on IL-1ß (70 %, 50 mg/kg, p<0.05), TNF-α (79 %, 20 mg/kg, p<0.01), and in the anti-inflammatory cytokines, namely IL-10 (57 %, 50 mg/kg, p<0.05) and IL-17 (79 %, only at 50 mg/kg, p<0.05). Histological findings demonstrated a mitigated inflammatory activity, and tissues undergoing regeneration. HEHs treatment caused delayed gastric emptying, and increased intestinal transit, but had no effect in the experimentally induced ulcerative colitis. We report for the first time putatively the presence of Lariciresinol and tricin derivatives from the hydroethanolic leaves extract of H. sacarolha. Its possible mechanism of actions of gastric ulcer healing involves cytokines modulation, mitigation of inflammatory response and tissue regeneration and provoked opposing effect in the gastrointestinal system. The present study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of H. sacarolha leaves used in Brazilian ethnomedicine in the treatment of chronic gastric ulcer.

Supplementation of carotenoids from peach palm waste (Bactris gasipaes) obtained with an ionic liquid mediated process displays kidney anti-inflammatory and antioxidant outcomes.

Sustainable extraction processes based on alternative solvents to recover bioactive compounds of different raw materials have been highlighted as excellent alternatives to supply the needs of society towards a bioeconomy strategy. Little is known about the safety and biological effect of compounds extracted by these processes. In this work, carotenoids from Bactris gasipaes wastes obtained by an IL-based process were investigated in terms of safety, anti-inflammatory and, antioxidant activity in a high-fat-diet animal model on the kidney. Wistar rats were supplemented or not by carotenoids extracted with IL or VOS. The animals supplemented with carotenoids had lower weight than control and high-fat diets. In the animals supplemented with carotenoids, the group IL improved anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity compared with carotenoids obtained by VOS. Also, the group HFD-VOS showed moderate-severe injuries on the kidney. Then, ILs could represent a novel tool for natural pigments safely applied to food industry.

Bioaccessibility and Cellular Uptake of Carotenoids Extracted from Bactris gasipaes Fruit: Differences between Conventional and Ionic Liquid-Mediated Extraction.

Currently, on an industrial scale, synthetic colorants are used in many fields, as well as those extracted with conventional organic solvents (COSs), leading to several environmental issues. Therefore, we developed a sustainable extraction and purification method mediated by ionic liquids (IL), which is considered an alternative high-performance replacement for COSs. Carotenoids are natural pigments with low bioaccessibility (BCT) and bioavailability (BV) but with huge importance to health. To investigate if the BCT and cellular uptake of the carotenoids are modified by the extraction method, we conducted a comparison assay between both extraction procedures (IL vs. COS). For this, we used the Amazonian fruit Bactris gasipaes, a rich source of pro-vitamin A carotenoids, to obtain the extract, which was emulsified and subjected to an in vitro digestion model followed by the Caco-2 cell absorption assay. The bioaccessibility of carotenoids using IL was better than those using COS (33.25%, and 26.84%, respectively). The cellular uptake of the carotenoids extracted with IL was 1.4-fold higher than those extracted using COS. Thus, IL may be a feasible alternative as extraction solvent in the food industry, replacing COS, since, in this study, no IL was present in the final extract.

Carotenoids obtained from an ionic liquid-mediated process display anti-inflammatory response in the adipose tissue-liver axis.

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been proposed as more efficient and sustainable solvents to replace volatile organic solvents (VOSs). However, the drawbacks associated with their use are still limiting the regular application of bioactive compounds obtained from the processes they mediate as food ingredients. It is true that the number of ILs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for food applications is still low and mainly focused on the ones from the quaternary ammonium family. However, this trend is changing, judging from the evidence that industries are surpassing overgeneralization about ILs (on price and toxicity) and starting to consider the potential and performance of ILs as solvents. Despite the examples of industries applying ILs in their processes, the use of bioactive compounds obtained from IL-based processes as ingredients in food formulations is still a big challenge. The positive influence of carotenoids on diseases associated or originating from the inflammatory scenario including, among others, obesity, is not new. Moreover, it is also well known that the poorest population worldwide does not have the recommended intake of carotenoids, especially those pro-vitaminic A. In an attempt to help answer this issue, dietary supplements containing adequate doses of natural carotenoids are expected to be the solution, or at least, part of the solution for a healthier life, but also, to reduce hunger. Thus, complete studies evaluating the toxicological potential and the real viability of adding these bioactive compounds in food formulations proving (or not!) their safety to consumers and handlers are highly demanded. This work proposes to investigate the potential of carotenoids extracted from Bactris gasipaes feedstocks mediated by an ethanolic solution of an imidazolium-based IL. Thus, male Wistar rats were randomized in six different groups, supplemented or not by carotenoids extracted by IL or VOS, and fed by control- and/or high-fat-diets (HFD). The adipose tissue-liver axis was studied as a model to investigate the influence of the carotenoids on the levels of inflammation and oxidative stress markers. The main results showed that animals supplemented with carotenoids extracted with IL displayed improvements in serum parameters, besides lower metabolic efficiency, and antioxidant response on the liver, even when fed with HFD. However, animals supplemented with carotenoids extracted by VOS showed higher levels of pro-inflammatory markers and huge oxidative stress on the liver.

Bioaccessibility and cellular uptake by Caco-2 cells of carotenoids and chlorophylls from orange peels: A comparison between conventional and ionic liquid mediated extractions.

Native extracts from orange peels were obtained by a conventional method using acetone and, an alternative method using ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C4mim]Cl)). The bioaccessibilities and cellular uptakes of carotenoids, esters and chlorophylls were evaluated, since the influence of esterification on bioaccessibility and bioavailability is not well established. For this, the extracts were emulsified, submitted to in vitro simulated digestion model according to the INFOGEST protocol, followed by uptake by Caco-2 cells. Compounds were separated, identified and quantified by HPLC-PDA-MS/MS. After digestion, 22.0% and 26.2% of the total carotenoids and 45.9% and 68.7% of the chlorophylls were bioaccessible from the acetone and [C4mim]Cl extracts, respectively. The bioaccessibilities of xanthophylls and carotenes were significantly higher than those of the mono- and diesters. The uptake by Caco-2 cells varied from 130.2 to 131.9 ng/mg cell protein for total carotenoids and from 243.8 to 234.2 ng/mg cell protein for chlorophylls in the acetone and [C4mim]Cl extracts, respectively. In general, xanthophylls and esters were better absorbed than carotenes.

The role of vitamin A and its pro-vitamin carotenoids in fetal and neonatal programming: gaps in knowledge and metabolic pathways.

Vitamin A (VA) and its pro-vitamin carotenoids are naturally occurring lipophilic compounds involved in several cellular processes and metabolic pathways. Despite their broad spectrum of activities in the general population, dietary deficiencies of these compounds can potentially affect pregnancy outcomes. Since maternal nutritional status and diet composition during pregnancy and lactation can have long-lasting effects in offspring until adulthood, this study presents an overview of VA and the role of pro-VA carotenoids during pregnancy and lactation - the nutrition, metabolism, and biological effects in the offspring. The review aimed to discuss the pro-VA carotenoids and VA-associated pathways and summarize the results with reference to gestational disorders, and VA and pro-VA carotenoids as preventive agents. Also, considering that obesity, overweight, and metabolic diseases are major public health concerns worldwide, fetal and neonatal development is discussed, highlighting the physiological role of these molecules in obesity prevention. This review comprehensively summarizes the current data and shows the potential impact of these compounds on nutritional status in pregnancy and lactation.